200 Years of Johann Strauss Tour

After breakfast, meet a classical music historian in the hotel lobby for an enriching exploration of Vienna. Wander through grand Baroque squares like Stephansplatz to admire the Stephansdom Cathedral, one of the tallest churches in the world at 446 feet tall. As you explore the hidden alleys that encircle it, uncover the tales of opulence and intrigue that surrounded the Habsburg Empire, including the massive Pummerin bell, which is Europe's second-largest free-swinging chimed church bell and symbolizes the Habsburg power. Delve into Vienna’s musical legacy with a visit to the Imperial State Rooms in the Neue Burg before continuing to Schönbrunn Palace. Pause at Café Frauenhuber for a Viennese mélange, similar to a cappuccino, and a pastry, like Strauss is said to have done, before spending a leisurely afternoon at your hotel.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Vienna's Interactive Sound Museum. Immerse yourself in a world where classical music meets the cutting edge, composing personalized Mozart-style melodies in a virtual reality sound lab, blending centuries of musical innovation into a single, captivating experience. Try your hand at conducting the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra through a virtual exhibit featuring Strauss’s iconic The Blue Danube. As you step onto the stage, feel the grandeur of the concert hall envelop you as strings, brass, and percussion await your command. As you raise your baton, the first notes of the waltz fill the air, evoking images of elegant Viennese balls and the shimmering Danube River. In the afternoon, walk in the footsteps of the composer to admire the Vienna City Hall and the Volksgarten. The former is a stunning neo-Gothic structure designed by Friedrich von Schmidt and completed between 1872 and 1883. The Volksgarten is a public park that was opened in 1823. It is part of the Hofburg Palace and features beautiful rose gardens and notable monuments, including the Theseus Temple. Your tour ends at St. Charles Church, a magnificent Baroque landmark that offers breathtaking views of Vienna.

Enjoy breakfast before taking a stroll with your expert guide through Vienna’s Stadtpark, home to the iconic Johann Strauss Monument. Step into his world by visiting the residence where he composed The Blue Danube. As you wander through its elegantly preserved rooms, you can almost hear the echoes of instruments that once filled the walls. Adorned with personal artifacts and musical instruments that reveal the life of the "waltz king,” each space tells a story of creativity. It is easy to imagine Strauss conducting an invisible orchestra, his hands gracefully guiding the rhythm of his beloved waltzes. In the afternoon, embrace Vienna’s dance heritage with a private ballroom dancing class. As you take your place on the polished wooden floor, feel the anticipation as the gentle strains of an orchestra fill the air. With every turn, visualize the swirling gowns and dapper suits of dancers from a bygone era. If visiting in ball season from November 11 to Shrove Tuesday, step out in style to show off your newly acquired dance skills. Before heading back to your hotel, join others in their finery at a UNESCO-recognized Vienna sausage stand for sustenance and a beer as the aromas from the grill fill the night air.

Your expert guide will reveal the intriguing story of a composer who defied his father’s wishes to pursue music as you explore the House of Strauss in the beautifully restored Zögernitz Casino, a venue Strauss frequented. This multimedia museum celebrates Strauss’s legacy with original rooms that bring his dynasty to life. As you wander through elegant halls surrounded by the atmosphere that inspired his genius, feel the energy of Strauss composing his masterpieces. Admire the elegant Strauss Hall, where he performed and which now hosts top-tier classical concerts. After lunch, step into the Vienna State Opera for a tour that will unveil the secrets behind this prestigious venue, where ornate architecture and rich history converge. As you traverse the grand staircase, the sound of your footsteps reverberates against the high ceilings, creating an echo that feels almost cathedral-like as it invites you to speak in hushed tones. In contrast, imagine the opulent salons buzzing with the energy of Strauss’s time as laughter and conversations filled the air. Think of the countless performances that have graced the stage, each note echoing through the majestic halls as you conclude your day with a concert or operetta that brings Vienna's musical legacy to life.

Head for Austria’s oldest winery, where echoes of history resonate in every corner. Meet your private guide for a captivating tour of Stift Klosterneuburg Abbey. As you approach it, you can follow in the footsteps of Margrave Leopold III, who initiated the winery’s founding in the 1400s, setting in motion a legacy that has thrived through generations. Once inside, discover the extensive cellar complex that extends five floors deep into the earth. The air grows cooler and mustier as you descend into this subterranean cellar, where thick stone walls cradle centuries-old barrels, each holding stories of triumph and tradition. The dim lighting casts shadows that dance along the bottles lining the shelves and the earthy scent of aged wine fills your senses. As your guide shares tales of winemaking techniques passed down through the ages, feel the passion and dedication that shaped this remarkable venue. End this tour with a tasting of some of the abbey’s most prized wines. Savor a refreshing Grüner Veltliner or an aromatic riesling as the cool air of the ancient cellar enhances your experience.

After breakfast, head for Vienna’s enchanting Central Cemetery, where the atmosphere is alive with the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft sounds of nature. As you stroll through the expansive grounds with your private guide, you might encounter locals walking their dogs or the footsteps of joggers echoing softly on the cobblestones. Stunning Art Nouveau architecture and a wealth of greenery transform the cemetery into a beloved sanctuary for reflection and recreation. Opened in 1874, this 500-acre oasis presents a diverse parallel world. Marvel at impressive features like St. Karl Borromäus Church, one of Vienna's most exquisite Art Nouveau ecclesiastical buildings, as you wander past the graves of renowned musicians such as Johannes Brahms, Franz Schubert, and Strauss. The air is filled with a sense of history and reverence, inviting you to pause and appreciate the artistry of nature and human creation in this tranquil haven.

As you transfer to Vienna airport for your journey home after breakfast, reflect on your unforgettable musical week. With the city's stunning architecture and rich history still fresh in your mind, you may find yourself humming The Blue Danube. Gaze out the window as you pass grand palaces adorned with intricate details, their Baroque facades glowing softly in the morning light as cobblestone streets evoke memories of leisurely strolls. Each landmark you pass holds a piece of Vienna's classical legacy, from the echoing notes of Beethoven to the lively rhythms of Strauss, ensuring this enchanting city will remain etched in your heart and provide a lifetime of musical memories.