At one time, marvelous Vienna was capital of the powerful
Hapsburg empire. The slow decline of the Hapsburgs, capped
by World War I, brought an end to Vienna's robust political prominence. The city's famed artistic expression, developed over centuries, has survived. With a melange of architecture reflecting Roman, Medieval, Gothic, Baroque, Rococo and Art Deco influences, always with the intent to impress, Vienna both inspires and delights its welcomed visitors. Winter and summer palaces, impressive monuments, circling boulevards and specific architectural treasures are interspersed with genteel gardens, innumerable fountains and nearby woodland parks.

Optional Tours Are Available:

Vienna City Tour & Schonbrunn
Today's tour takes you into the cultural heart of Vienna with a drive along the famous Ringstrasse, the city's main boulevard. On this relaxing drive, you'll see many splendid buildings of the Austrian Baroque, including the Vienna State Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Natural History Museum, the Museumsquartier, the former winter residence of the Habsburg royal family, the Hofburg Palace, Parliament, City Hall and the Burgtheatre, Europe's second-oldest theatre after the Comйdie Francaise. A visit to the beautiful staterooms of the UNESCO World Heritage Schцnbrunn Palace is included as well. Afterwards, return to the Vienna State Opera House, passing Belvedere Palace, the former summer residence of Prince Eugen, which houses the most precious Gustav Klimt collection in the world.

Mozart/Strauss Concert with Dinner
After a typical Viennese meal, arrive at the concert hall for an evening performance by Vienna's leading instrumentalists. If you are attending the concert on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday, the popular Vienna Orchestras will render the everlasting melodies by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. If you are attending the Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday concert, or any day from April 1 - April 30, you will enjoy the equally entertaining works of Johann Strauss and other composers of his time.

Full Day Salzburg from Vienna
Traveling for Mozart's town of birth, become acquainted with the beautiful Salzkammergut landscape, where the Emperor Franz Joseph and his family used to spend their holidays. Skirting Lake Fuschl and Lake Wolfgang, arrive in Salzburg where you will have time for lunch. This afternoon, enjoy a leisurely walk through the old city to see the sights of the Old Bishop's Seat, the Cathedral, the Festvall Hall, and St. Peter's Abbey Church and graveyard, where lies the tomb of Mozart's sister. The tour continues to Mozart's birthplace in the Getreidegasse, passing the famous horse-pond along the way. From the gardens of Mirabella Palace, as filmed in the "Sound of Music," enjoy charming views of the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Vienna Woods & Mayerling Tour
Today you'll see the "Green Lungs" of Austria, the southern Vienna Woods. Venturing into a region of dense conifers, pines and firs, pass the Roman city of Baden, famous for its thermal springs. Continue through Helenental Valley to the former Mayerling hunting lodge, today a commemorative chapel, where Crown Prince Rudolph, together with Baroness Vetsera, died tragically in 1889. Visit the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz with its medieval cloister and grave of the last Babenberger, the family that ruled before the Habsburgs. The tour continues to the Seegrotte, passing along the way the site where Franz Schubert composed "The Linden Tree." Here you will enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Europe's largest subterranean lake before returning to Vienna.