Experience Austria
- A Viennese Whirl!

After breakfast, we will depart this morning from our resort in Schladming to Vienna, Austria's capital. We will drive part of the route along the course of the mighty River Danube. One of Europe's most important rivers, it has the unique status of being the only river to run through 4 capital cities - Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgade!

En route, we will stop for a visit and tour of the historic Melk Abbey. Situated on a This Baroque-style building is situated on a rock overlooking the Danube and Wachau Valley, the abbey boasts splendid architecture and is a renowned UNESCO's World Heritage Site. After the tour we enjoy lunch together before we continue on to Vienna.

The evening will be at leisure in Vienna. There are plenty of cafes/bars and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel if you feel like getting out and about for your own exploration.

Today, it's all about Vienna. Vienna boasts a long and varied history, though it came to international renown under the rule of the Habsburgs and most of what you see in modern Vienna was shaped by them. On a tour of the city, we will pass highlights includin the Hofburg Palace complex, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Museum Quarter, Belvedere Palace and much more before we stop for lunch.

The rest of the day, enjoy time to explore the city at leisure. Vienna is famous for its world class musuems - tour behind the scenes at the Opera House, visit the Spanish Riding School or head to the Museum Quarter, housed in old barracks in the centre of the city houses some great exhibits and musuems, and the Fine Arts and Natural History Museums across the road at the Hofburg complex are a joy to discover.

This evening, we will enjoy a dinner together in Vienna, sampling some of the local produce. 

This morning we will visit probably Vienna's most popular attraction - Schönbrunn Palace. The main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers, the 1,441-room Rococo palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historic monuments in the country. The tour will highlight the different eras of the imperial monarchy and the lives of the palace's inhabitants. See the state rooms and private apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Sisi, as well as enojoy time to discover the magnificent park, gardens and other museums on the vast site. 

After the tour, our coach will depart back to city centre for an afternoon at leisure in Vienna. Alternatively, anyone wishing to stay at Schönbrunn palace to further enjoy the park, gardens and attractions is welcome to do so, making your own way back at lesirue. There are many wonderful museums to explore, including the Natural History Museum, the Albertina or the Leopold Art Museums, or even the Prater fairground. 

This evening, we will join for a farewell dinner. We will travel to Vienna's northern suburbs to a Heuriger, a traditional wine tavern on the edge the city for some traditional Austrian fayre. Return transfers from the hotel are included.

It's time to bid farewell to Austria. There will be three complimentary scheduled transfers to Vienna Airport [VIE].