Visit the city of the arts Vienna, experience 18th-century charm, 19th-century grandeur, and 21st-century zeitgeist – all at the same time. Continue your trip to one of Europe’s most beautiful cities Salzburg.
Tour coordinated between Richard Engle and Boutique Journeys.
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Itinerary
Day
1
Welcome to Vienna!
Upon arrival, you will be met by your VIP Greeter at your arrival gate and taken through security and baggage claim to meet your driver. You will then be taken by private transfer to your hotel for check in.
Afternoon: Historic City Center
Meet with your guide in the hotel lobby and together depart for a walking tour in the heart of the Old Town. As in other European capitals, numerous important places to visit are situated in the “Old Town” of Vienna, encircled within the Ring Boulevard, built along the ancient city walls.
Twelve emperors, 18 empresses, and 113 other members of the royal Habsburg family are interred in the Imperial Crypt in Vienna. The Crypt, also known in German as Kaisergruft, or Kapuzinergruft, 'Capuchins' Crypt,' holds 105 metal sarcophagi, the most elaborate of them designed by the royal sculptor Balthasar Ferdinand Moll.
From here continue along the Graben to the Hofburg, a complex of palaces and churches from where the famous House of Habsburg ruled their empire from 1278 to 1918. Here you can visit the amazing Imperial Treasury, the most important treasury in the world. Then, pop into Demel for some of their take -away mini Sacher tortes and delicious apple strudels.
St. Stephen's Cathedral Secret Rooftops
Next visit St. Stephen's Cathedral in the heart of the city. The most important religious building in Austria's capital, St. Stephen's Cathedral has borne witness too many momentous events in that nation's history and has, with its multi-colored tile roof, become one of the city's most recognizable symbols.
Here we arrange for a secret rooftops tour, beginning with an elevator ride to the top level where you then make your way to the viewing platforms to see the special tiled rooftop of the cathedral, the bell and to take in the views over the city. In the South Tower, you can also climb the 343 steps of a tight spiral staircase leading up to the watchman's lookout 246 feet above street level; it was once used as a fire warden's station but now serves as an observation point.
Evening: Viennese Delicacies in a horse-drawn carriage
Enjoy a Fiaker riding dinner this evening, which combines a sightseeing tour in a horse-drawn carriage with the culinary delights of Viennese cuisine. During this sightseeing tour in a horse-drawn carriage through the 1st district, enjoy selected culinary treats from fixed stops along the way. Food and drinks from partner establishments are served directly in the horse-drawn carriage, which has been specially equipped with a table for this purpose. The culinary offering ranges from the legendary bread rolls from the Zum Schwarzen Kameel, a traditional Viennese restaurant, to Wiener schnitzel from Bitzinger’s Augustinerkeller, to an Old Viennese apple strudel from Café Landtmann.
As soon as it gets colder, a winter-proof horse-drawn carriage is used.
Day
2
The Ringstrasse & Schönbrunn Palaces
Morning: The Ringstrasse & Palaces
Meet with your guide in the hotel lobby and continue your exploration of Vienna. Enjoy a panoramic drive along Vienna's Ringstrasse, which is 5.3 kilometers long, long enough to provide space for numerous monumental buildings built during the period of Historicism in the 1860s to 1890s. One of the most beautiful boulevards in the world is home to many of Vienna's best-known sights, such as the Imperial Palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Natural History Museum, the Vienna State Opera, the gothic City Hall and Parliament. Magnificent palaces, extensive parks and important monuments also line the 'display window' of the former Danube monarchy. Admire the Secession, with its stunning art nouveau floral sphere design and home to Klimt's famous Beethoven Frieze.
Spittelberg
The revitalized Biedermeier district near the MuseumsQuartier has countless restaurants, cafés and bars with idyllic gardens - often slightly hidden in romantic courtyards. The Vienna Spittelberg, with its small, romantic lanes and the charming Biedermeier buildings is right next to the MuseumsQuartier. Between Breite Gasse and Sigmundsgasse there is a lively bar area, from rustic beer bistros to trendy bars, from fancy restaurants to popular student hang-outs. Most of them entice guests in the summertime with Schanigärten, as the Viennese call their outdoor dining areas.
Afternoon: Schönbrunn Palace
Visit the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace, situated only 20minutes from the city center. Schönbrunn Palace is one of Europe's most beautiful Baroque complexes and has been in the possession of the Habsburgs since 1569. Over 40 rooms are open for viewing in the Palace and Schönbrunn Palace park is open to visitors all year round and is home to impressive fountains, statues, monuments, trees and flowers as well as the magnificent Gloriette.
Picture Perfect Moments at Schönbrunn
Experience the royal feeling in the unique ambience of the Schönbrunn Palace in a world full of splendor and glory. Slip into the clothes of Sisi, Franz and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in historical costumes and relive their times. Dress up in the dreamlike robes of Empress Elisabeth, imperial uniforms of Franz Josef I and historical costumes for the little ones who will bring the history of the royal era to life in the imperial rooms under the Blue Salon in Schönbrunn Palace. A professional photographer and stylist will help you dress and get into the appropriate poses in the historical setting so you can take the perfect picture home with you in just ten minutes and share it with your friends via social media!
Day
3
Spanish Riding School - Serviten Quarter
Morning: Spanish Riding School Backstage Tour
The Spanish Riding School in Vienna is the only institution in the world which has practiced for over 430 years and continues to cultivate classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition of the haute école. The objective of classical equitation is to study the way the horse naturally moves and to cultivate the highest levels of haute école elegance the horse is capable of through systematic training. The result creates an unparalleled harmony between rider and horse, as only Vienna's Spanish Riding School achieves.
Take a privately guided tour of the baroque Riding School with one of the world’s largest oval horse walkers as well as the stables of the Lipizzaner stallions, which have been housed in the Stallburg, one of Vienna’s most prominent Renaissance buildings, for over 450 years. See the various locations that make up the special charm of this historic institution and you will learn about the history, equestrian traditions of these special stallions. Meet the horses in their stables and hear stories from the riders themselves.
Afternoon: Serviten Quarter
Named after a catholic fraternity, the Serviten Quarter is the centerpiece of the Alsergrund, which Vienna’s 9th district. Around the Serviten church you will find small boutiques, bars, cafés and delis. They create an original and at the same time relaxed atmosphere. A sight for cultural insiders is the Strudelhofstiege, built in Viennese art nouveau style, it became famous through the novel of the same title written by the Austrian author Heimito von Doderer.
Other nearby sights include the Votive Church, the Volksoper Vienna, the University, the Rossauer Kaserne and the Vienna Stock Exchange (Wiener Börse). Probably Vienna’s most famous address in this neighborhood is where Sigmund Freud lived for 47 years at Berggasse 19. The former apartment and practice of Sigmund Freud are now furnished as a museum. Also in this neighborhood, you will find the Palais Liechtenstein, owned by the Princely family of Liechtenstein and the first important building of the high baroque age.
Liechtenstein City Palace Exclusive visit
Enjoy an exclusive guided tour of the Liechtenstein Stadt Palais, Vienna’s first major building of the High Baroque and private home of His Serene Highness Prince Hans-Adam II. von und zu Liechtenstein and his family; enjoy the result of extensive renovations of its opulent Rococo interiors, original furnishings and exquisite parquet flooring by Michael Thonet.
Evening: Prater Private Riesenrad Experience
Visit the Wiener Prater amusement park, a true Viennese institution and the largest public park in Vienna's 2nd district Leopoldstadt. Take a walk through the park followed by a leisurely ride on the Riesenrad, or nostalgic Ferris Wheel. You can board your private Riesenrad 'Cocktail Cabins' where we arrange refreshments and snacks. The Ferris Wheel takes approximately 12-15 minutes to make one full circle and we recommend at least 2 full rounds.
Day
4
Vienna Woods & Wine Tour
Morning: Vienna Woods
Meet with your guide in the hotel lobby and together visit the beautiful Vienna Woods. Make a stop at Hoeldrichsmuehle, known as the place, where Schubert composed Der Lindenbaum. Viewing Lichtenstein Castle from the distance, continue on to the Cisterican Abbey of Heiligenkreuz.
Afterwards, visit the Mayerling hunting lodge where the Crown Prince Rudolph, the only son of Emperor Franz Joseph, committed suicide with Baroness Vetsera. Drive through the beautiful Helenental, passing through the Roman City of Baden, known for its thermal springs. You will also enjoy lunch at one of the many wonderful Heurigen in the area of Grinzing on the outskirt Vienna, before returning to the city in the afternoon.
Afternoon: Vienna Wine Tour
Next continue to the famous wine region in Vienna. Vienna and wine are inextricably linked as Vienna is the only metropolis in the world to cultivate an appreciable wine-growing industry within its city limits. A walk on the Vienna Wine Trail reveals the beauty of the vineyards, with plenty of opportunities for a quick tipple and beautiful views of the city. Vienna’s 700 hectares of vineyards and 320 vintners in the areas around Kahlenberg, Nussberg, Bisamberg, and Mauer, where the Danube and the proximity of the Vienna Woods provide optimal climatic conditions, are unique among major cities. The Vienna Wine Trail leads from Neustift am Walde to Nussdorf. In between are Sievering, the Wien Cobenzl winery, and Grinzing, all legendary locations in the Viennese wine and Heuriger tavern traditions. Drive to Kahlenberg Mountain in the Vienna Forest to enjoy views of Vienna below.
Day
5
Vienna - Salzburg
Morning: Travel Vienna – Wachau Valley - Salzburg
After check out from your hotel, meet with your driver and you will be taken by private transfer to Salzburg via the Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey.
Wachau Valley
Gently rolling hills, almost completely striped with vineyards, the medieval character of its villages and the picturesque banks of the Danube combine to make the Wachau region the most scenic stretch of the Danube. The mild climate, influenced by the river valley, sunny wine slopes and the special geology mean that excellent wines are produced here, appreciated by wine connoisseurs the world over.
Make a stop at the Castle at Dürnstein where Richard the Lionhearted stayed, and enjoy the scenery of the orchards, vineyards and medieval ruins along the way. Enjoy lunch and local wines at Richard Löwenherz Restaurant.
Melk Abbey Private Tour
Afterwards, enjoy a ferry ride on the Danube from Spitz to Melk and take a privately guided tour of the Melk Abbey. Melk Abbey is the symbol of the Wachau Valley and its steep, terraced vineyards overlooking the Danube. When the rising sun illuminates Melk Abbey, a colossal and wonderfully beautiful monument is brought to life.
Afterwards, continue the drive to Salzburg.
Welcome to Salzburg!
Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel for check in.
Afternoon: Salzburg Highlights
Meet with your guide in the lobby of the hotel to enjoy a walking tour of the center Salzburg. Take a stroll along Getreidegasse, the heart of Austria's most beautiful shopping center. Artistic portals, picturesque arcaded courtyards, high, narrow houses tightly nestled together, and enticing shops and wrought iron guild signs line this centuries old street.
Formerly the official apartments of the Salzburg prince archbishops, the Baroque style Residenz is located in the heart of the city and is well worth a visit. The Salzburg Cathedral where Mozart was baptized is probably the city's most significant piece of church architecture and its ecclesiastical center. St. Peter's District is really the oldest part of Salzburg. The first monks, headed by Saint Rupert, settled here. The rest of the city started to spread out slowly around the monastery. Today you can still see catacombs cut in the rock of the Mönchsberg and originating from 215 A.D.
Autograph Vault Exclusive visit
Since the middle of the nineteenth century the Mozarteum Foundation’s most valuable holdings have been letters and documents as well as autograph scores relating to the Mozart family. The library holds more than half of all known documents associated with the family, including around 200 of Mozart’s original letters, around 300 letters written by his father Leopold and more than 100 autograph music manuscripts, most of them sketches and drafts of Mozart’s works in addition to autographs in the hand of Franz Xaver Wolfgang Mozart. The collection also includes scores, letters and other documents relating to numerous other figures from the eighteenth to the twentieth centuries.
Fürst Confectionary
Make a stop at Fürst Confectionary to sample some original Mozartkugel. In 1890 the Salzburg confectioner Paul Fürst created the “Original Salzburger Mozartkugel” which is known today all over the world. In the 21st century, Martin Fürst, Paul’s great-great grandson, is still producing the sweet and delicious hand-made 'Original Salzburg Mozartkugels' using the same complex procedures and the same recipe, and also offers a large range of chocolates and truffle specialties, delicious sweet pastries and classic coffee creations.
Evening: Exclusive Mozart House Private Tour & Concert
Take a privately guided after hours tour of Mozart’s Birth House on Getreidegasse. The tour lasts about one hour and takes you through original rooms as well as a middle-class apartment reconstructed as authentically as possible. Discover items of everyday life as well as furniture from the 18th century. Then enjoy a private 20-minute concert performed on the Mozart's original piano. Only a handful of people in the world are allowed to play on this instrument.
Day
6
Music Biking Tour
Morning: Sound of Music Biking Tour
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby to begin your tour. Being big fans of the musical, the story, and Salzburg itself, our guides love showing other fans the places where the movie was filmed. They will share behind the scene stories and the truth about the von Trapp Family. During this, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the places that you have seen in the movie, while frolicking through the meadows, skipping down the alley or singing along on your bike while enjoying the beautiful city and countryside. Here is a taste of some the sights you will enjoy during this private biking tour:
- The Nonnberg Abbey
- Mozart Bridge – Mozartsteg
- Residence Square - Residenz Platz and Residence Fountain
- Rock Riding School – Felsenreitschule
- Horse Pond – Pferdeschwemme
- Frohnburg Palace
- The Gazebo
- Schloss Leopoldskron - Leopoldskron Palace and Lake
Afternoon: Schloss Hellbrunn
In the afternoon, take a guided tour of Hellbrunn Palace, which for more than 400 years, has enchanted and amazed its visitors with its trick fountains. In 1612 the Prince Archbishop commissioned a country residence to be built at the foot of the well-watered Hellbrunn Mountain and an architectural masterpiece was created that remains one of the most magnificent Renaissance buildings north of the Alps: the Lustschloss or 'pleasure palace' of Hellbrunn with its spacious park and its unique Wasserspiele or trick fountains. The fountains once used by Markus Sittikus to entertain his guests are every bit as fun now as they were back then. Mysterious grottos, water-powered figures and hidden water jets waiting to surprise unsuspecting visitors promise splashingly good times for big and small. In the gardens, the glass pavilion was reconstructed for the pleasure of Sound of Music fans still returning after 30 years.
Day
7
Werfen - Hohenwerfen Fortress
Morning: Werfen Ice Caves
Meet with your driver and guide in the lobby of the hotel and make your way to Werfen. Navigate the World of Ice Giants, the largest ice cave in the world, which stretches across a staggering 26 miles and contains a display of unique structures formed of ice and limestone. Take the steepest gondola lift in Austria carry you up to the cave entrance. Stepping through the imposing cave entrance, 20 meters wide and 18 high, you enter a mysterious world of ice. Winding passageways and galleries with evocative names such “Diamond Kingdom” lead you deeper and deeper into the mountain. Total approximate visit time including cable car ride is 3hours.
Afternoon: Hohenwerfen Fortress
Next, visit the town of Werfen with its’ mighty castle of Hohenwerfen which has towered over the 155 meter high rock pillar above the Salzachtal valley for more than 900 years. The powerful fortifications were built at the same time as Hohensalzburg Fortress and are some of the best preserved late medieval defenses and rooms on the continent. Over the centuries they have seen countless attacks and sieges, and several great rulers and lords, such as Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, were held prisoner in the castle.
Hohenwerfen Fortress was used by the archbishops of Salzburg as a hunting base. One obvious sign is the existence of the falconry center. As well as the ‘Landesfalkenhof’ the castle is also home to Austria’s very first museum of falconry featuring a special educational trail for those interested in learning about birds of prey. Enjoy a Falcon demonstration while visiting Hohenwerfen.
Day
8
Departing Flight
Today you will be met in the lobby of your hotel and taken by private transfer to the airport in time for your departing flight.
VIP Airport Departure services to be confirmed. Upon arrival at the private air terminal, you will be met by your greeter, assisted with luggage, check in and security, and escorted to the lounge. At time of boarding you will be escorted to your plane.