Uncover the legendary culture of Austria, where a wealth of fine art, music and culture sweeps through this picturesque nation. Experience an unforgettable journey through magnificent royal palaces, illustrious art museums and acoustically perfect concert halls.

From the opulent palaces of Vienna to the charming storybook city of Salzburg, explore the birthplace and home of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss, and enjoy evening concerts of classical symphonies by these revered composers.

Tour some of the most eminent fine art museums in the world, featuring masterpieces by Viennese Expressionist artists such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.

Art is life, life is life, but to lead life artistically is the art of life.

Peter Altenberg, famous Viennese poet

Be granted exclusive access to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Spanish Riding School, home of the famed Lipizzan stallion and the only institution in the world that continues to cultivate classic Renaissance equitation.

Finally, travel to the verdant Lake District in the Austrian Alps, once the summer residence for Austrian Emperor Franz Josef and his family that offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

On this six-day journey, be inspired by the distinctive artistic culture of this glorious and sophisticated European nation.

• 6 Day Itinerary: Vienna and Salzburg
• Day 1: Vienna

  Hofburg Palace, St. Stephan's Cathedral

  

  Be welcomed to Vienna with a private guided walking tour of the city. This two-hour tour, adapted to your special interests, offers an initial overview of the imperial history and architecture of Vienna. Visit the Hofburg Palace Complex, the grand residence of the imperial Habsburgs for almost 650 years, along with the city's landmark St. Stephan's Cathedral with its iconic diamond roof and Pummerin Bell.

  In the evening, be introduced to the centuries-old Austrian tradition of an evening concert where chamber orchestras perform classic works by composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss.  Enjoy a concert of your choosing, whether at the Vienna Residence Orchestra, Schönbrunn Palace or one of the Johann Strauss concerts at Kursalon.
• Day 2: Vienna

  Half-Day City Tour, Vienna Boys Choir Performance

  

  By private car, be transported on a tour of the major historical sights along the Ringstrasse, including the State Opera House, the National Museums, The Imperial Palace, the Parliament, the City Hall, the Burghtheater and the University. Highlights include a guided tour through the majestic state rooms of Schönbrunn Palace, the opulent summer residence of the Habsburg Family.
  
  By evening, enjoy a performance from the legendary Vienna Boys Choir. In 1498, when Emperor Maximillian I decreed that there were to be six boys among his court musicians, he unwittingly laid the foundations for the Vienna Boys Choir. More than five hundred years later, they continue to sing Sunday services in the chapel and perform around the world. For their Vienna concerts, they sing a blend of old and new works of music by the likes of Haydn, Schubert and Mozart, alongside international folk songs and Strauss waltzes and polkas.
• Day 3: Burgenland

  Full-Day Burgenland Tour

  

  Explore the region of Burgenland on a full-day tour through the region. Beyond a princely yellow facade lies the baroque Esterházy Palace, once the residence of Hungarian Princes and the home of the composer Joseph Haydn. Be received in courtly tradition by the castle staff and tour through the palace, including its Haydnsaal, believed to be one of the most acoustically perfect concert halls in the world.

  After a short walk through the old town of Eisenstadt, drive through the Lake Neusiedl countryside, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lunch in Rust, the City of Storks, where your meal will be accompanied by a spirited performance of gypsy music. Then board a boat and cruise down Lake Neusiedl, Europe's largest steppe lake and renowned as a bird paradise.
• Day 4: Vienna

  Spanish Riding School

  

  For almost five hundred years, Vienna's Spanish Riding School has cultivated the Renaissance tradition of classical equitation to create unparalleled harmony between rider and horse. Every day (except for Monday), the white Lipizzan stallions are put through their paces by their riders.  The primary objective is to maintain the horses' athleticism and health, as well as to build up various muscle groups that are necessary for performing the exercises of the haute école. Set in the baroque ambiance of Vienna's Imperial Palace, witness a morning exercise where horses gracefully pirouette and dance to music. In the afternoon, be invited on an exclusive guided tour to the various locations inside the Riding School, including the Stallburg, with its glorious arcade courtyard and historical stables.

  Evening at leisure, except during winter, when it is suggested to visit one of Vienna's legendary Christmas markets.
• Day 5: Salzburg

  Half-Day Salzburg City Tour, Mozart Dinner Concert

  

  Transfer by your choice of private car or rail to Salzburg where after check-in, enjoy a half-day City tour of this breathtaking festival city. Nestled against the spectacular mountain ranges, Salzburg is often compared to a storybook village.  On the City Tour, visit destination highlights including Hohensalzburg Fortress, Europe's largest fortification, along with Mirabell Castle, Mozart's birthplace, Salzburg Cathedral, The Horse Fountain and St. Peter's Cathedral. 

  By evening, be transported to another time in the candlelit Baroque Hall for a Mozart Dinner concert. The Amadeus Consort performs arias, duets and overtures from "Don Giovanni," "The Marriage of Figaro" and "The Magic Flute" as well as "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik."
• Day 6: Lake District

  Day-long tour of Lake District

  

  With its natural beauty and exceptional landscape, Austria's verdant Lake District hosted the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef and his family for this summer vacations. On this day-long tour, experience the breathtaking beauty of one of Austria's most beautiful regions. Visit the most scenic and historical landmarks including the Fuschl Hunting Castle and the charming town of St. Wolfgang.