What better place to spend Christmas than Imperial Vienna? Unashamedly beautiful Vienna has everything you would want for the perfect seasonal break: an incomparably rich history, opulent architecture, engaging museums, vibrant Christmas markets and a people who celebrate with vivacity and style. You can also enjoy a coffee in a historic cafe or a warming Glühwein amongst Baroque splendour. Join us for a convivial and cultured Christmas in the heart of Europe.

From its origins in the Roman camp of Vindobona, to the seat of power of the massive Austro-Hungarian Empire and capital of the modern Republic of Austria, Vienna has had a long and varied history. Benefitting from its strong trading location on the banks of the Danube and a crossing point between Europe and the Balkans, from 976 AD Vienna became the politically powerful capital of the Babenberg dynasty. In the late thirteenth century the Hapsburgs took over the lands of Austria and Vienna entered its heyday as the centre of power of one of the most powerful dynasties ever to rule Europe, and by the 1400s capital of the Holy Roman Empire. As the Ottoman Empire expanded northwards Vienna became something of a border city and succeeded in withstanding Turkish sieges in 1529 and, most famously, 1683. As the Ottoman threat waned the city grew in size and prestige with architecture befitting an Imperial capital. The renowned Baroque architects Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt left their imprimatur on the capital and enormous palaces were built standing as bold statements of Hapsburg power. Despite being occupied by Napoleon’s forces in 1805 and 1809 Vienna’s glory continued to shine and the nineteenth century was its political and cultural apogee. A centre of art, music and literature Vienna became Europe’s cultural jewel and had a population of over 2 million by 1910. The downfall of the Hapsburgs after the First World War led to the city’s role as a republican city, although it was briefly dominated by the Nazis.

Vienna’s long history is represented spectacularly by an outstanding cityscape and it remains a truly compelling destination.

Day 1
Fly London to Vienna to arrive in the afternoon or make your own arrangements to join the tour at the hotel. After checking in to our comfortable hotel we spend the rest of the afternoon in the majestic centre of the city soaking up its lively ambience. Visit the Christmas markets, the most popular of which is the Christkindlmarkt. (D).

Day 2
Today is Heiligabend or Christmas Eve which is the most important day in the Austrian festive season. To start we have a guided tour of Imperial Vienna to include the amazing sites of St Stephen’s, Karlskirche, the Imperial Crypt (Kapuzinergruft) and the Heldenplatz. Then in the evening we enjoy a fabulous Christmas buffet and warm Austrian hospitality (B, D).

Day 3
We enjoy a rewarding morning visiting the Kunsthistorisches Museum which houses one of the most important art collections in Europe including works by Van Eyck, Raphael, Dürer, Titian and Rembrandt. After lunch we move on to the Hofburg, seat of Hapsburg government since 1279, and today seat of the Austrian head of state. We will marvel at the magnificent Imperial Apartments, winter residence of the Emperors, and furnished as they would have been under the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph (r. 1848-1916) and his wife Elisabeth (Sisi). In the Sisi museum we learn about this much-loved Empress, sometimes called Austria’s Princess Diana, and her tragic life. (B, D).

Day 4
Today we visit the magnificent dual Baroque palaces of the Oberes and Unteres Belvedere, built as summer palaces for Eugene Prince of Savoy (1663-1736). Reflecting the sheer power and opulence of Imperial Vienna the interior of these palaces are simply stunning and include the unchanged Marble Gallery, Golden Room, Carlone Hall and Hall of Grotesques. The buildings now house over 800 years of art. More free time this afternoon to enjoy the city when you could visit the Christmas markets, enjoy a coffee in a historic café, or a warming Glühwein. (B, D).

Day 5
Our final day in beautiful Vienna when we visit the marvellous UNESCO World Heritage site of the Schönbrunn Palace. This was built at the end of the seventeenth century by the Emperor Leopold I as an imperial hunting lodge for his son, Crown Prince Joseph, later to become Emperor Joseph I. This lavish building became the focus of court life and Hapsburg statesmanship under the reign of Maria Theresa (r. 1740-80).

After lunch we travel to the airport for a late afternoon flight back to London. Or perhaps extend your stay in Austria. (B).