There is nowhere quite like Vienna during Advent. The Christmas markets are full of life, the atmosphere in the streets is festive in a way that doesn't exist in most other capital cities and the concerts & operetta season is in full swing. Vienna’s prettiest squares transform into magical Christmas markets with the aroma of hot punch and Christmas biscuits creating a wonderful atmosphere. Get your Christmas off to an early start and join us for six nights in this wonderful city.
This year we have included three definitively Viennese performances in our programme –Richard Strauss’ masterpiece Der Rosenkavalier at the Vienna State Opera; the exquisitely scored Hansel und Gretel at the Volksoper and a gala concert ‘Christmas in Vienna’ at the Konzerthaus including Juan-Diego Florez and the Vienna Boys Choir. We have also applied for tickets (at additional cost) for a performance by Cecilia Bartoli & cellist Sol Gabetta at the Musikverein. Get your Christmas off to an early start and join us for six nights in this wonderful city!
We stay at the 4* Hotel am Konzerthaus just one block from the famous 'Ringstrasse' and five minutes walk to either the Konzerthaus or the Musikverein and less than ten minutes walk from the Wiener Staatsoper (State Opera). The hotel style is inspired by the art nouveau era represented by works of art and sketches by influential Viennese artists. Each room of this hotel has been given a touch of Gustav Klimt, whilst ensuring 21st century comforts with double or twin beds. All rooms have tea & coffee making facilities, safe, flat-screen TV, minibar and a selection of C.O.Bigelow toiletries in the bathroom. The hotel bar pays homage to the Orient Express while in 'Oskars' restaurant you can enjoy breakfast (included) each morning until 10.30am. Oskars is also open for lunch and dinner each day.
The historic 'Ringstrasse' was laid out on the line of the old city walls in the mid to late 19th century. The 'Ring' echos the days of the Habsburg Empire and is home to almost all of the important buildings of the city including the Austrian Parliament, the Vienna Rathaus (Town Hall), the Staatsoper, the Burgtheater, Natural History Museum and the magnificent Hofburg Palace. It encircles the historic heart of 'Old Vienna' where many of the streets and squares are pedestrianised and St Stephens Cathedral marks the centrepoint.
Perhaps the most important Christmas Market of the city is created in the 'Rathausplatz' in front of the Town Hall. This becomes a shining fairytale land with around 150 stalls offering Christmas gifts, Christmas tree decorations, sweets and gluhwein! The trees of the surrounding Rathauspark are festively decorated and radiate in a sea of lights.
During your stay we have included:
- • Return scheduled flights with Austrian Airlines from Manchester
• Welcome dinner with wines at an excellent local restaurant in the heart of the city
• Two further pre-performance dinners with wine included
• ‘Café & kuchen’ at a traditional Viennese café
• Farewell dinner in a traditional heuriger in the Vienna Woods
• The classic Otto Schenk production of Richard Strauss’ wonderfully romantic Der Rosenkavalier at the Vienna State Opera (stalls rows 15 – 18 included – these seats have proved more popular than higher priced seats further forward because of the excellent ‘rake’ and resulting sight-lines)
• Engelbert Humperdinck’s (the original one!) exquisitely scored Hänsel und Gretel at the Volksoper (centre stalls seats)
• First balcony (3rd & 4th row) seats at the Konzerthaus for the gala spectacular ‘Vienna at Christmas’ concert with the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Vienna Boys Choir and opera stars Juan Diego Florez, Anne-Sophie Von Otter and Olga Peretyatko. Upgrade to 9th row stalls £45.
• A full programme of sightseeing in ‘Old Vienna’ visiting the Christmas Markets at the Rathausplatz, Schoenbrunn and the Belvedere Palace
Flights are with Austrian Airlines from Manchester and confirmed times are:
Monday 11 December Manchester Terminal 1 – Vienna 1300 – 1635 OS 464
Sunday 17 December Vienna – Manchester Terminal 1 1255 – 1435 OS 463
Flights are also available from Heathrow & Gatwick (other airports on request basis).
