New Year in Vienna

DURATION
5 Days
DESTINATIONS
VIENNA – MELK ABBEY AND THE WACHAU VALLEY – VIENNA

Vienna is ancient, Vienna is modern, Vienna cannot be described in simple terms. At once austere and graceful, serene and intoxicating, modest and intriguing, it is profoundly ambivalent, much like the waltz that symbolizes it so perfectly. This timeless dance is a living echo of Vienna’s heritage, embodying both the city’s enduring elegance and its layered contrasts.

A visitor’s first impression might be that of a city frozen in time, its pulse seemingly paused a century ago. Yet Vienna, both fresh and eternal, comes alive to the rhythm of melodies, filled with dreams of bygone eras. While the most sophisticated gather at the Staatsoper, a jovial crowd heads to the wine taverns of Grinzing to enjoy the beloved Heuriger. The city’s cafés, cherished institutions, invite you to embrace Viennese life by spending leisurely afternoons within their walls.

Vienna’s architecture mirrors its charm. A stroll along the grand Ringstrasse reveals monumental avenues and iconic landmarks: the Staatsoper, Parliament, the Burgtheater, and the Hofburg. Today, Vienna stands as a "museum city," steeped in a unique atmosphere, its cobblestone streets haunted by the spirits of Gustav Mahler, Egon Schiele, and Freud. With a graceful air of waltz drifting through its squares, Vienna is a stage for history, culture, and beauty.

Day 1: HOME – VIENNA

Departure from your home. Arrival in Vienna followed by a warm welcome and transfer to your hotel, ideally located in Vienna's historic quarter, just steps away from the Opera House. After settling in, enjoy a 40-minute carriage ride through Vienna’s enchanting streets and avenues. Dinner and overnight at the Ambassador 5*.

Day 2: VIENNA

After breakfast, meet your guide for a walking tour of the city center, including an interior visit of the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, nestled amidst baroque surroundings. Marvel at the Haas Haus, a modern architectural contrast that reflects the cathedral’s spire in its glass façade. Stroll through the elegant pedestrian streets of Graben and Kärntnerstrasse, brimming with charming cafés.

Following lunch, visit Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburgs’ opulent summer residence, and enjoy a panoramic drive along the Ringstrasse, lined with majestic landmarks like the Fine Arts Museum, the Rathaus, and the Belvedere Palace. Conclude the day with a stop at the Belvedere for a breathtaking view of Vienna.

Day 3: VIENNA

This morning, your guide will lead you through the Upper Belvedere to explore Klimt and Kokoschka’s masterpieces and the Museum of Fine Arts. Lunch will feature a unique culinary tour, sampling Viennese specialties. Enjoy some free time before preparing for an unforgettable evening.

Dinner will be served at the Bristol Hotel, followed by a magical carriage ride to the Musikverein to attend the world-renowned New Year’s Concert—a splendid way to ring in the year 2016.

Day 4: MELK ABBEY AND THE WACHAU VALLEY

After breakfast, embark on a guided excursion through the picturesque Wachau Valley, where the Danube winds past quaint villages and steep vineyards. Explore the historic Melk Abbey, perched proudly above the river and home to an extraordinary library with 80,000 volumes.

Enjoy lunch and continue to the romantic village of Dürnstein, famous for its castle ruins linked to the legend of Richard the Lionheart. On the return to Vienna, pass through Krems, a historical center of wine and trade. Dinner in Vienna concludes this enchanting day.

Day 5: VIENNA – HOME

On your final morning, enjoy a musical-themed walking tour. Admire the Johann Strauss statue and visit Vienna’s renowned Opera House, a cultural gem since 1869. Proceed to Pasqualati House, Beethoven’s baroque residence, where he composed iconic symphonies. End the tour at Mozart’s House near St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Land at home —and one year—later, carrying memories of an exquisite celebration filled with art, music, and timeless elegance.

YOUR HOTEL:

Ambassador Hotel 5* : For over a century, the Ambassador Hotel has epitomized timeless elegance and luxury in Vienna. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel blends history and modernity. Its restaurant, "Mörwald im Ambassador," offers classic culinary delights with a twist, served in an atrium bar overlooking the Donnerbrunnen Fountain. Steps away from Kärntner Straße, the Neuer Markt, and iconic landmarks like the Staatsoper and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Ambassador ensures an exceptional stay steeped in Vienna’s rich heritage.