Embark on a magical journey through Austria and delight in the grandeur of Vienna and natural beauty of Salzburg! Walk in the footsteps of legendary empresses and musicians as we visit the palaces and hillsides they called home. Don’t miss your chance to explore this breathtaking corner of Europe with your favorite podcasters, Susan and Beckett from The History Chicks podcast and a group of like-minded travelers!
June 20- Willkommen! Arrive in Vienna and relax before the festivities begin! We kick off this field trip with a lively cocktail party where you will meet your fellow travelers and collect your The History Chicks swag. We’ll move the party to a double-decker open air bus for a guided city highlights tour. Sit back, enjoy the summer breeze and let the city come to you on this once in a lifetime summer solstice!
June 21- A delicious breakfast buffet awaits you each morning to fuel up for the day ahead. Our first full day begins at the massive Hofburg Palace. With nearly 1,000 years of history within its walls it is the blockbuster site of Vienna. We will explore the opulent Imperial Apartments with an audio guided tour. Dive into the lavish lifestyle of the Habsburgs as you wander through the stunning rooms, adorned with intricate tapestries, grand chandeliers, and sumptuous furnishings. We continue our tour of this massive palace with a visit to the Sisi Museum dedicated to the life of the incredibly popular Empress Elisabeth. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Empress Elisabeth with personal artifacts, dresses, and possessions of this enigmatic figure and gain insight into the life of one of Austria’s most beloved and unconventional empresses.
Lunch is on your own today so take a stroll down Karntner Strasse a pedestrian friendly boulevard and the perfect place to find eateries and lots of shops!
Meet us in the ballroom for this lighthearted optional activity at Tanzschule Elmayer. Nestled in the heart of Vienna, this renowned dance school has been teaching the art of dance for generations. Learn the elegance of the Viennese waltz as your experienced instructor introduces you to the basic steps, posture, and the timeless charm of this classic dance. Feel the rhythm of the music and embrace the grace that defines the Viennese waltz. Two left feet welcome!
The evening is yours to discover all this city has to offer. Check out one of the many word class art museums or stroll the picturesque historic center.
June 22- After waltzing the night away you will relish a later start time! Enjoy a relaxing morning on your own before we meet up for an afternoon visit to Schonbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburgs. Our visit begins with a self guided visit of the extensive gardens, before gathering for a closer look at the most delicious Austrian specialty- the apple strudel! We join a palace chef for a strudel making demonstration to learn the fine art of making the perfect apple strudel- and yes, the demo would not be complete without a slice of freshly baked strudel paired with Viennese coffee!
We continue our time at Schonbrunn with a very exclusive after hours visit of the palace. With no crowds you will be able to soak in the magnificent interiors of this legendary palace as you walk the halls once inhabited by Maria- Theresa, Marie- Antoinette, and Sisi.
Our night doesn’t end there! We will gather as a group for a traditional Austrian dinner before taking in the sounds of Vienna at a concert in Schonbrunn’s Orangerie. Revel in the music of the Schonbrunn Orchestra as they serenade us with hits from the hometown stars, Mozart and Strauss! A beautiful end to an unforgettable day.
June 23- Our day starts with a journey through history during our guided tour of the Imperial Treasury. Marvel at the dazzling collection of imperial regalia, including the Crown of the Holy Roman Empire and the Imperial Crown of the Austrian Empire. Explore the rich tapestries, ornate jewelry, and precious artifacts that once adorned emperors and empresses.
Next up immerse yourself in the solemn atmosphere of the Imperial Crypt, the final resting place of the Habsburgs. Witness the opulent tombs and sarcophagi of emperors, empresses, and other members of the imperial family. Gain insights into the dynastic history and traditions of this illustrious lineage with a guided tour of the crypt.
It is time for a little break to enjoy the authentic Viennese café experience with a stop at a traditional café where the air is infused with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the atmosphere exudes timeless charm. Indulge in a piece of Sachertorte, paired with a cup of rich Viennese coffee and savor this time getting to know your fellow travelers the way the Viennese have for over a century!
The evening is yours to explore- check out Prater Park with its famous ferris wheel or attend an opera at the world famous Vienna Opera House!
June 24- We begin our day with a scenic journey to Melk Abbey, a masterpiece of Austrian Baroque architecture. Our guided tour will lead us through the abbey’s rich history, captivating stories, and stunning architectural details including the awe-inspiring library. After the tour take a leisurely stroll through the abbey’s beautifully landscaped gardens. Absorb the peaceful atmosphere and admire the views of the Danube Valley before we meet once again at the café for a delicious group lunch.
After lunch we will embark on a leisurely 90-minute cruise through the enchanting Wachau Valley on our privately charted vessel, Kaiserin Elisabeth. Allow the stunning landscapes of terraced vineyards, historic castles, and charming riverside villages to unfold before your eyes. As you sail, indulge in the serene ambiance while sipping on local wines and enjoying a curated selection of fine cheeses. Let the wine, the views, and the company create an unforgettable experience.
Upon our return to Vienna the time is yours to relax and prepare your luggage for the next leg of our Austrian journey!
June 25- Today we check out of our grand Vienna hotel and board a private motor coach to travel to Salzburg. On the way to Salzburg we will visit the Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial Site. Our self guided visit of this sobering place will allow us to gain a deeper understanding of the challenging conditions faced by those interned during World War II. We will reflect on our experiences over a group lunch at the Mauthausen bistro before continuing on to Salzburg.
After checking into our centrally located host hotel the evening is yours to rest, relax, and recharge. Can’t get enough of the Austrian music? Book a concert at the Hohensalzburg Fortress!
June 26- The hills are alive with the sound of music! Today we meet a local guide for the Sound of Music tour! Begin by exploring iconic locations featured in the film, such as Mirabell Gardens, where the von Trapp children sang “Do-Re-Mi,” and the Gazebo at Hellbrunn Palace where we can all be “16 going on 17” if only for a moment! Not only will we hear the stories of the fictional family, but we will get an understanding of the real Maria von Trapp while visiting these sites. To get that hills-are-alive feeling we head to Hallstatt, a fairytale-like village nestled between the Dachstein Alps and the Hallstätter See. Our time here is on our own- stroll through the picturesque streets, visit the iconic Hallstatt Lutheran Church, and capture breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. If you are inspired to break into song… we won’t blame you! We return to Salzburg in the evening and it is at your leisure. Savor the long summer nights with a walk through the historic old town or gather your new best friends and join the locals at one of the many beer gardens!
June 27- Salzburg’s hometown hero is none other than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart! Today we visit the home where he and his equally talented sister, Nannerl, were born. We will join a knowledgeable guide through the carefully preserved rooms where Mozart spent his early years. Learn about his family, his childhood, and the influences that shaped the prodigious composer. Admire the original instruments, family portraits, and personal belongings that provide a glimpse into Mozart’s life. A special treat awaits us in the birthplace as a skilled pianist will showcase some of Mozart’s most renowned compositions, allowing you to appreciate the genius of the composer in the very place where he took his first musical steps.
With our hearts and heads full of music we will gather for a group lunch in Salzburg’s historic center to savor regional specialties and reflect on our time in Salzburg before parting ways to check off those must see sites from our lists. Perhaps you will enjoy visiting St. Peter’s Abbey to pay respects to Mozart’s sister, Maria Anna “Nannerl” Mozart.
June 28- Today we check out of our charming Salzburg hotel and board our motor coach once again for our return trip to Vienna. We’ll enjoy a picturesque drive through the Austrian countryside. Relax and take in the scenic landscapes as we make our way towards Vienna.
Let’s gather one last time so say “so long, farewell” over dinner at the famed Viennese Heurigen. These are casual wineries just outside of Vienna that offer traditional Austrian cuisine, music, and conviviality! The perfect place for our group to have one last party!
June 29- Savor your final breakfast before checking out of the hotel and making your way to the airport. Perhaps you need another day or two to check off your Austrian bucket list? Please contact Laura Hart at laurahart@likemindstravel.com for any assistance with extra nights at the hotel. Otherwise you’ll head back home today with stories of courageous women that have come before us and many new life-long friendships.
Package Inclusions:
- 9 nights accomodations at 4 and 5 star centrally located hotels
- Awesome “The History Chicks” swag
- Private motor coach transportation between cities
- Evening double decker city bus tour
- Visit to the Hofburg Imperial Rooms
- Visit the The Sisi Museum
- Private evening tour of Schonbrunn Palace
- Schonbrunn Orchestra concert at the Orangerie
- Guided tour of the Imperial Crypt
- Guided tour of the Imperial Treasury
- Guide tour of Melk Abbey
- Private Wachau Valley cruise
- Visit to Mauthausen Concentration Camp
- Sound of Music tour
- Visit to Hallstatt
- Guided tour of Mozart Birthplace with piano demonstration
- Breakfast buffet each day
- Welcome cocktail party
- Apple Strudel demonstration
- Dinner at Schonbrunn Palace
- Afternoon café break with dessert and coffee
- Lunch at Melk Abbey
- Lunch at Mauthhausen
- Lunch in the Salzburg historic center
- Farewell dinner at a Viennese Heurigen
Package Price:
The price of a single occupancy room is $5,345. The price for a double occupancy room is $4,130 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $750 per person is due at the time of registration. The final balance shall be paid by invoice on April 20, 2024 and is non-refundable at that time.
The Waltz experience at the Tanzschule Elmayer ballroom is an optional excursion. Details for this will be provided after registration. Gratuity for the various guides we encounter is not included. A small gratuity of a few Euros is appreciated for a job well done.
Airfare and airport transfers are not included in the tour package. Like Minds Travel recommends flying into Vienna International Airport (VIE). Rideshares and Taxis are the recommended method for getting in to the city.
This tour is for guests 16 years and older. Guests can expect a lot of walking in this itinerary. Most of the attractions in Vienna and Salzburg are within walking distance of the hotels.
