Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

There simply is no way to tour Europe & not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history & dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. Once you have ticked off the great Museums, panoramic vistas & energetic Nightlife, what is left? A chance to indulge in a Culinary adventure to beat all others, that's what. From soaring mountains to golden sands, a tapestry of quaint & contemporary cultures - always with enough rough edges to keep you intrigued. Natural & refined, folksy & cultured: the combination of mountain rusticity with old-world style captivates.

More specifically,Central Europe is at once natural & refined, folksy & cultured: the combination of mountain rusticity with old-world style captivates. Teutonic half-timbered villages, graffiti-decorated Renaissance Squares, medieval walled towns…if you are looking for old-world appeal, this is the right place. Nourishing yourself is more fun in a great atmosphere & Central Europe's abundance of outdoor Cafes & Coffee Houses offer just that. When the temperatures rise in spring, outdoor tables proliferate along with the daffodils & tulips.

And Austria is a landlocked East Alpine Central European country in the south, famous for its Castles, palatial Palaces like Schloss Schonnbrunn, wedding-cake-like baroque Churches dripping with lavish detail, Gothic crowning glories like the Stephansdom, among other architectural works created during the Habsburg reign.

Welcome to Austria. Arrive in the Capital Vienna, the beating heart of Europe, offering a unique blend of imperial traditions & stunning modern architecture, famous for its Cultural events, imperial sights, Coffee Houses, cozy Wine Taverns & the very special Viennese charm.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Vienna International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & also discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel, unless advised.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day is at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options *There is no “Guided” sightseeing or any services envisaged in Vienna today. However, we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements for Optional activities, if required. 

Vienna offers a blend of humongous history, imperial traditions, cultural richness, music & endearing Viennese charm, world-renowned honing of music & art and a captivating character of the city’s coffee culture (recently added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage). A city that inspires with the old & new alike & always has a cosy place available in a coffee house or wine tavern.

Baroque streetscapes & imperial Palaces set the stage for Vienna's artistic & musical masterpieces alongside its coffee-house culture & vibrant epicurean & design scenes. It is the country's Artistic, Cultural, Economic & Political centre, known for its high living standards, relaxed yet elegant lifestyle & rich musical life.

Vienna lies in the country’s east on the Danube River & supposedly had a human population since at least the late Paleolithic age as one of the city's most famous artifacts, the 24,000 year old Venus of Willendorf, now in Vienna's Natural History Museum, was found nearby. 

Vienna's own recorded history began with the Romans, who founded the city called Vindobona in the 1^st century CE as one of a line of defensive outposts against Germanic tribes. Vindobona's central Garrison was on the site of what is now the Hoher Markt (the "High Market" so-called because of its relative height over the Danube) in the City Centre & you can still see astounding excavations of its foundations there today.

Given its prestige, Vienna hosted the Habsburg Court for several centuries, first as the Imperial Seat of the Holy Roman Empire, then the Capital of the Austrian Empire & later of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The Empires also served to make Vienna a very metropolitan city at an early time & especially so through the years of industrialization & fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the turn of the 20^th century, with the abdication of the last Emperor Karl I.

Imperial Austria & Austro-Hungary were multi-lingual, multi-ethnic Empires & although the German speakers normally played the dominant role in Vienna, there has long been ethnic & linguistic diversity in the city.  It was long the largest German-speaking city in the world before being surpassed by Berlin. Proof of Jews in the city dates back to 10^th century.

After World War II, many of the City's minorities had been exiled or killed & much of the city lay in ruin. When Austria was given sovereignty by the Americans post World War II occupation, it was eventually established that the country would be neutral & not join the Eastern Bloc. So, Vienna became more isolated from its previous ties to its Slavic & Hungarian neighbors as the East of Austria was surrounded by the Iron Curtain.

But when the Iron Curtain came down in the early 1990s an influx of immigrants & refugees came to Vienna. In 1995, Austria joined the EU & Vienna became a business hub between Eastern & Western Europe due to its imperial past & location, with many multi-national Companies setting up offices & factories in the city & many Austrian Companies investing in Eastern Europe. These events enabled the city to rise from the ashes. Vienna once more sits at the heart rather than at the edge of Central Europe, with severed connections slowly but surely being re-established.

The Habsburg Empire, with its seat in Vienna, spanned a territory from modern Spain to Romania & left the country with iconic cultural treasures. Imperial Palaces, grand Opera Houses, courtly Churches, collections of Crown Jewels & Fine Art & Concert Halls are just some of the highlights of their grand legacy. You will still feel their cultural reverberations even today.

The Royal Court tremendously influenced the culture that exists here even today: Vienna's residents are often overly formal, with small doses of courtliness, polite forms of address & formal dress attire. One distinguishable paradox of the quirky city is that its residents can be equally modern & progressive as they are extremely old-fashioned.

Today’s cityscape is characterised by the abundance of Baroque buildings created mostly under the rule of Empress Maria Theresia (1740 - 1780) & Franz Joseph (1848 - 1916), who was largely responsible for the monumental architecture round the Ringstrase.

Few cities can boast the imperial grandeur of Vienna, once the centre of the powerful Habsburg Monarchy. Their home for more than 6 centuries, the monumental Hofburg Palace complex, incorporates the Burgkapelle (Imperial Chapel), where the angelic tones of Vienna Boys' Choir drifts across a Courtyard as they sing Sunday Mass & the famed Spanish Riding School, where Lipizzaner stallions perform elegant equine Ballet.

Other immense Palaces include the baroque outrageously opulent Schloss Belvedere & the Habsburgs' 1441 room summer residence, Schloss Schonbrunn, while 19^th century splendours such as the neo-Gothic Rathaus (City Hall) line the magnificent Ringstrasse encircling the Innere Stadt (inner city). You can literally feel grandeur everywhere in Vienna. The large historic UNESCO World Heritage listed City Centre is filled with monuments to its imperial past.

Over centuries, the Habsburgs channelled immense wealth into the fine Arts & Music, collecting Palaces & Castles the way others do Stamps, as an example.

Vienna is a city where post-modernist & contemporary architectural designs contrast & fuse with the monumental & historic. The innovative Museums Quartier district behind the Hofburg, is a perfect example, with modern Museum architecture integrated into a public space created around the former imperial Stables that have been transformed into a diverse ensemble of exciting contemporary masterpiece-filled Museums in historic & contemporary buildings including in the chandeliered Kaiserappartements (Imperial Apartments) showcasing 19^th & 20^th century Austrian art at the Leopold Museum to often-shocking avant-garde works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt & other Artists at the contemporary MUMOK. Meteorites, fossils & prehistoric finds fill the Naturhistorisches Museum, while exquisite furnishings at the applied-arts Museum fur Angewandte Kunst are also among the artistic feasts in store.

In one of Habsburgs' most dazzling Palaces is the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which houses the imperial Art Collection, packed with priceless works by Old Masters like Ruben, Klimt, Schiele & other treasures including one of the world's richest Coin Collections.

A large city, it has always housed a large population & enjoyed a privileged position, being home to many Artists & Intellectuals. It was home to the world's first Psycho-analyst, Sigmund Freud.

Located in the country’s east on the Danube River, Vienna is also a dynamic young city, famous for its (electronic) music scene with independent Labels, cult-status underground Record Stores, a vibrant Monday through Sunday Club scene, multitudes of Street Performers & a government that seems overly obsessed with complicated paperwork.

Vienna boasts of Baroque streetscapes & imperial Palaces, setting the stage for the City’s artistic, musical & intellectual legacy shaped by residents including Composers like Johann Strauss (father & son), Johannes Brahms, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, Ludwig van Beethoven, Joseph Haydn, Gustav Mahler among countless others.

Vienna has established itself as a great musical Metropolis & owes much of its international fame to the many celebrated Composers who lived & worked here. Known as the City of Music. Its cache of incredible venues where you can catch Performances today include the acoustically renowned Musikverein, used by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the gold & crystal main Opera House, the Staatsoper & the multi-stage Konzerthaus, as well as the dedicated home of the Vienna Boys' Choir, MuTh.

The music of Bach & Handel continues to be performed in Vienna's historic Churches today. The Collection of Ancient Musical Instruments, paired with a visit to the captivating Haus der Musik Museum with its interactive exhibits, takes you deeper into the texture of Music & how it is created. Venues for classical music are augmented by some great Clubs & live Rock & Jazz places. The work of classical pop stars such as Mozart, Strauss, Mahler, Haydn & Schubert echo as loudly as ever at lavishly gilded Concert Halls & iconic Music Festivals are staged against uplifting lakeside or mountain backdrops.

Vienna is packed with imperial history; at the same time, lively eating & nightlife scenes and many quiet corners to explore. 20^th century designs such as Loos American Bar are little short of inspiring, while contemporary Vienna is constantly being given new & exciting infrastructural designs such as the new Twin City Liners boat landing (with the Restaurant, Bar & Cafe Motto am Fluss) & the enormous Hauptbahnhof (main Train Station).

It is hard to imagine a more livable city than Vienna. The Viennese appreciation of the finer things in life extends to its opulent coffee-house 'living rooms' serving spectacular cakes. Pubs & elegant Restaurants. 

The Viennese appreciation of the finer things in life extends to regulars sitting in  its opulent Coffee-house 'living rooms' serving spectacular cakes & offering credible solutions to world chaos over the noble bean; its beloved pub-like Beisln (Bistro Pubs) dishing up delicious brews, wines & hearty portions of traditional Wiener schnitzel, Tafelspitz (prime boiled beef) & goulash in elegant restaurants; its fine Austrian wines served in vaulted Vinothek (Wine Bar) cellars & in rustic vine-draped Heurigen (Wine Taverns) in the Vineyards fringing the city. Local & international delicacies fill the heady Naschmarkt Stalls & creative Chefs are taking the Capital in new culinary directions as they experiment with local produce & fresh new flavour combinations in innovative, often repurposed venues.

Time-honoured events, such as the Vienna Ball season create a unique & very special ambiance. Another special feature of Vienna is its many green spaces & recreational areas such as the Wienerwald, the Prater, & the Donauinsel.

The journey really is the destination in Austria. Perhaps yours will be a meandering one through deeply carved valleys, on railways that unzip the Alps to thread improbably along sheer mountain flanks, past glaciers & through flower-freckled meadows

Visiting Europe during the Advent season & not experiencing the magical holiday scene in Vienna is like being in Paris & not stopping by the Eiffel Tower. The Austrian Capital is a dreamy location for holiday hiatus & from mid-November until Christmas, its most beautiful Squares & charming streets are once again transformed into magical Christkindlmarkts. Whether chic, small, loud or contemplative, Viennese Markets are all about the lights, sights, smells & sounds.

The aroma of Christmas baking, hot punch & toasted almonds wafts through the air. The Old City & shopping streets are decorated with festive lights that spread the Christmas cheer. The Weihnachtsmarkts are not so much for shopping as for eating & drinking. From midday until the late hours of the night, locals gather to drink mulled wine, punch & chat. While Vienna can be a delightful place to visit during the Christmas season, on December 25 & 26 the city is largely shut down.

A tall arched gateway with candles welcomes visitors at the entrance to the Christkindlmarkt on City Hall Square. The traditional Market offers Christmas gifts, tree decorations, handicrafts, culinary treats, confectionery & warming drinks.

At the Vienna Ice World at the Market, ice skaters can put on their skates & make rounds through the romantically illuminated City Hall Park. A special attraction for couples in love is the tree of hearts. For kids, there's a 12 meters high multi-level Carousel & a Reindeer Train, Nativity Scene Trail, Children's Chalet & a designated Skating Rink.

And an efficient Transport system will ferry you across town from a restaurant to a post-dinner drink in no time at all. And it is safe, has lots of bicycle tracks & even has its own droll sense of humour.

If you want to explore on your own, we suggest taking a Trolley ride on the Tram that circles the inner city via the 150 year old Ringstrasse the wide boulevard built to replace the city's 13^th century walls & gates (of course, we will be happy to offer more suggestions & make arrangements, if required).

Morning at 08.30 am, you will proceed (on your own -we will guide you to on how to reach) to the Pick-up point near Vienna State Opera before 09.30 am when the 3 hour sightseeing tour of this imperial City (all monuments from outside only - no Entrance tickets included) which will give you an overall impression of the most significant historical sights.

Drive along the 5.3 km long Ringstrasse - one of the world’s most beautiful Boulevard showcasing some of Vienna’s most famous sights - Museums, grand Palaces, spacious Parks & numerous monumental buildings. The construction was a masterpiece in terms of urban planning & took over 50 years.

Once completed, the Ringstrasse fulfilled different purposes & continues to do to this day. It is one of Vienna’s most important traffic arteries, a promenade for flaneurs, a place to meet people, a shopping street & a testament to historical events. Numerous demonstrations & events take place even today on Vienna’s most famous street - from the Rainbow Parade to the Vienna City Marathon.

Countless myths & legends surround it. Here, you can stroll in the footsteps of greats like Gustav Mahler, Sigmund Freud, Michael Jackson, Grace Jones & Wes Anderson. Discover the most important Museums, Coffee-houses, Parks & Palaces. You will also learn about the pop-cultural, contemporary & queer side of the Ringstrasse.

You will pass by the impressive Vienna Opera House constructed in the neo-Renaissance style by Architects August Sicard von Sicardsburg & Eduard van der Null between 1861 & 1869. It opened on 25 May 1869 with Mozart’s "Don Giovanni". After the destruction of the 2^nd World War, the House reopened in 1955 with Beethoven’s "Fidelio". Hear the rich history behind the annual ‘Opera Ball’. 

Marvel at a host of other fine architectural examples including the Parliament, considered to be one of the most attractive Ringstrasse buildings, with its famous Greek style Pallas Athene Fountain.

Rathaus (City Hall), the seat of Vienna’s Mayor was erected in the Neo-Gothic style by Friedrich Schmidt who had also been the Architect of the Cathedral of Cologne, from 1872 to 1883. The Events held on the Square in front, throughout the year attracting thousands of visitors & Vienna’s legendary Life Ball takes place. Starting in November, the Advent market in front of City Hall creates the right atmosphere in the run-up to Christmas. And from January to March, the Square & Park transform into the most beautiful Skating Rink in the world.

The Burgtheater (National Theater of Austria), the most important German language Theater in the world, was designed & built by Architects Gottfried Semper & Karl von Hasenauer from 1874 to 1888.  Gustav Klimt created the ceiling paintings above the Staircase together with Franz Matsch & Ernst Klimt. On the stage of the National Theater can be seen the best actors of the German-speaking world.

The imposing University building was constructed in the Italian High Renaissance style by Heinrich von Ferstel between 1877 & 1884.

Vienna 2^nd highest neo-Gothic style Votivkirche Church was constructed by the Emperor's brother Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian to thank God for saving the life of Emperor Franz Joseph following an assassination attempt in 1853. The Church was consecrated in 1879 on the occasion of the imperial couple’s silver wedding anniversary.

You will see the Vienna Stock Exchange designed & built by Theophil Hansen in 1877. Today, it also houses Event venues & in the Basement, there is one of Vienna’s finest & most famous Flower Shop & a Restaurant.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum built by Gottfried Semper & Carl von Hasenauer in 1891, is one of the most famous in the world. It holds the art treasures of the Habsburgs, including the world’s largest Brueghel Collection & one of the most valuable Chamber of Art & Wonders.

Next door Museum of Natural History was opened in 1889 in a building virtually identical to the Kunsthistorisches Museum & contains one of the largest natural Science Collections in the world. The Stone Age "Venus of Willendorf" is one of the Museum’s prize pieces.

MAK - Museum of Applied Arts on Stubenring was opened in 1871 after 3 years of construction. Heinrich von Ferstel designed the Renaissance style building.

Post Office Savings Bank is one of the most important buildings of Vienna Modernism, constructed by Otto Wagner, a brilliant Architect. The main Banking Hall is an Art Nouveau jewel.

Nothing symbolises Austria's resplendent cultural heritage more than the Habsburg imperial complex, located at the heart of Vienna. The Palace now houses the preserved Kaiserappartements & a raft of Museums.

There are also many important buildings in the “2^nd row" of Ringstrasse - Secession, Palace of Justice, Musikverein, Kunstlerhaus & many smaller Palaces.

Finally, you will have the opportunity to explore Schloss Schonbrunn on a 90 minutes Grand Tour (with an Audio- guide)

Austria’s most popular tourist attraction, the UNESCO World Heritage listed imperial Summer Residence attracts millions from all over the world. See the historic state-rooms & imagine how the royal family once lived. You will also have time to take a stroll through the palace Gardens or enjoy a cup of original Viennese coffee & a piece of delicious apple strudel (direct payment - not included).

The Habsburgs' opulent Palace features 1441 rooms, out of which 40 are open to the public. The Imperial Tour takes you into 22 of these, including the private apartments of Franz Joseph & Sisi.  The Grand Tour supplements the Imperial Tour & covers all 40 rooms including the exquisite 18^th century apartments from the time of Maria Theresia.

You will first explore the Apartments of Franz Joseph, whose private rooms were furnished with an astonishing lack of pomp while the Suite occupied by his famous wife Sisi features beautiful textile wall hangings & upholstery. The private Apartments of the last imperial couple to reside at Schonbrunn allow you an insight into their lives & offers an opportunity to admire the 18^th & 19^th century interiors.

The Tour takes you into the royal Apartments & the south-facing Reception Rooms looking out onto the Gardens.

Immerse yourself in the extravagant grandeur of the State Apartments that include the Great & Small Galleries with their magnificent stuccowork & frescos. Both Rooms formed the festive setting for ceremonial Events, Balls & private family celebrations from the time of Maria Theresa to the early 20^th century. The exotic ‘Chinese Cabinets’ are an impressive example of Empress’ love of precious items from East Asia. Large-format Paintings on the Cabinets, provide an impressive record of important events in the reign of the Monarch that influenced the course of European politics & were intended to be commemorated for posterity. For reasons of conservation, both of these precious Cabinets can only be viewed through glass doors.

The tour ends with a stroll in the Gardens within the sprawling, partially forested Schlosspark.

The beautifully tended formal Gardens, arranged in the French style, are a symphony of colour in summer & a combination of greys & browns in winter; all seasons are appealing in their own right. The grounds, which were opened to the public by Joseph II in 1779, hide a number of attractions in the tree-lined avenues (arranged according to a grid & star-shaped system between 1750 - 1755).

From 1772 to 1780 Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf added some of the final touches to the Park under the instructions of the Emperor - fake Roman ruins in 1778; the Neptunbrunnen (Neptune Fountain), a riotous ensemble from Greek mythology, in 1781 & the crowning glory, the Gloriette in 1775.

The original Schoner Brunnen Fountain gushes near the Roman ruins while the baroque Irrgarten - a Maze complex - is a late 20^th century recreation with classical labyrinthine Hedges, a Viewing Platform, Games, Puzzles & a contemporary Playground devised by famous designer Gunter Beltzig. To the east of the Palace is the Kronprinzengarten, planted with citrus & flush with pergolas, a pond & a tripartite parterre based on embroidery patterns.

The Tour ends & balance of the day is free for you to explore on your own (we will be happy to offer suggestions & / or make arrangements).

As mentioned, from 18 November 2023, to 4 January 2024, the Parade Court in front of Schloss Schonbrunn transforms into a winter wonderland for young & old alike. Amidst soul-stirring melodies & the scent of roasted almonds & punch, visitors will experience an unforgettable Christmas Market extravaganza. Around 80 Stalls featuring a variety of Exhibitors from Austria & neighboring countries offer traditional & high-quality Arts & Crafts, unique Christmas decorations, nostalgic toys & more. Long-standing Exhibitors & exciting new Artisans come together at Schonbrunn to showcase their products.

As a tradition, the Christmas Market features a splendidly adorned, 18 meters tall Christmas Tree - a gift from the Osterreichische Bundesforste - adorned with 1,000 sparkling LED lights that will make the eyes of both children & adults gleam. Moreover, visitors can embark on a culinary journey, indulging in savory dishes like stuffed dumplings, oven-baked & spiral-cut potatoes, soups, cheesy spatzle, old Hungarian kettle goulash & sweet treats like Kaiserschmarrn, freshly baked waffles & fragrant Germknodel. Vegetarian & vegan foodies can also look forward to delightful vegetable soups, lentil stews, rosemary potatoes, spinach, feta cheese spatzle & much more.

The New Year’s Market Schloss Schonbrunn also promises a magical atmosphere to welcome the New Year in style. From 26 - 27 December, the Christmas Market will transform overnight into the New Year’s Market. The assortment will be expanded until 4 January with lucky charms like chimney sweeps, horseshoes, fly agarics & little pigs. Diaries & Calendars for 2024, as well as specially designed bath bombs with New Year's decorations & hand-blown Champagne glasses, herald the upcoming year. Dixie, Swing & Jazz ensembles will provide the musical accompaniment into the New Year.

Return to the hotel (on your own).

Morning at 10.30 am, you will meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & proceed for a 4 hour tour to explore some of the City’s Christkindlmarkets.  

The first stop will be at Am Hof Square, one of the oldest historical Square, right in the centre of town & where one of the oldest Christmas Markets has been held since 1842.

The large central Square is rich in historical atmosphere. The 76 Stalls are surrounded by a few older sites. The balcony of the imposing 14^th century Kirche am Hof Church on the Square, was from where Pope Benedict XVI gave an address in 2007. In fact, 3 Popes have spoken from the balcony. Mozart’s first performance in the City was at Palais Collalto, here.

The Square was initially part of the Roman military camp “Vindobona” & from 1165 AD, a traditional place for Tournaments & Events among the Babenbergs. Around 1280 it developed into a Market Square after the Habsburgs exchanged the Babenberg residence that had been built here for the newly built seat, today's Hofburg. Henry II, the Babenberg Duke of Austria resided here in the 12^th century, which hints at the age of this part of the city.

While the adjacent Farm & Market was still a Fish & Crab Market in the 14^th century, other goods were also traded here from 1418 onwards. Fruit, Vegetables & baked goods found their way here from Farmers or Traders to Citizens. In 1768, the Fish Market was moved to the Danube Canal. The baked goods & Fruit Market remained there until the interwar period.

From 1842-1922 & 1938-1942, a Christmas Market here, enjoyed great popularity & this tradition continues to this day with the traditional “Christmas Market at the Court” & “Easter Market at the Farm“ continued. The first Christmas Market here appeared just as Charles Dickens began work on a story about a miserly old fellow named Scrooge (a tale you can see come to life each year in Vienna in English courtesy of Open House Theatre).

The Art & Antique Market was & still is held every Friday & Saturday from March to November. In the 1990s, due to customer requests, the Market was temporarily expanded to include the Advent weekends in December & the “Christmas Art & Antique Market” was born.

In recent years, more & more emphasis has been placed on high-quality & sophisticated commercial goods, especially from the Far East & conventional consumer goods are gradually being removed. Craftsmanship & commercial goods have priority on the market!

From the very beginning, the regional radio station “Radio Wien”, which repeatedly reported on the Market & its guests, played a very important role. Directly under the Mariensaule Column that outshines everything, Presenters at the “Radio Wien Stand” serve punch for “Light in the Dark”. Not only the net proceeds, but the entire “total amount” collected is donated by the Market community. The Check is always handed over shortly before Christmas on the TV Show “Wien Today”.

The Mariensaule Column at the centre of the Market gives thanks to Virgin Mary for the Swedish Army’s decision to do a detour around Vienna back in 1645. which was good news for the city, because the Swedes carried swords rather than selfie sticks.

Today’s Am Hof Christmas Market is ideal for those who like their sights & activities packed together, being close to Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral) in the city centre & a short walk from the Freyung Christmas Market as well.

Made up of 2 Sections, the 1^st part is the Kunsthandwerkmarkt (Arts & Crafts Market), which features just over 20 Huts selling, well, “Arts & Crafts”. Unlike most Stands, you can actually go into the Huts which have a wide aisle of miniature Shops (handy for lifting your spirits if the weather turns grim). The items on sale also possess a certain level of artistic quality. If you are looking for unique gifts, consider this a decent place to start with plenty of variety. In 2023, this means everything from art deco Candle Holders & original Drawings to Beer Bottle Clocks, stained glass Cats & turnery wood items.

The 2^nd section consists of the more traditional Christmas Market featuring the seasonal classics, like Decorations, Punch, Honeys, Jams, Gingerbread, Ceramics, Jewellery, Accessories, Wax or Wool clothing specialities & Textiles, wooden Toys & handmade, artistic gift ideas & various Antiques.

And you certainly won’t go hungry. Am Hof feels as if it offers a wider range of food & drink than at many of the other Viennese Markets. The Restaurants provide culinary classics, specialties & hot drinks. The Market also boasts a Champagne Bar. This year’s Market has stands selling langos, roast nuts, chocolate-coated fruits, Lebkuchen, soups, Alpine cheeses, Baumkuchen (cakes baked on a spit), French nougat, Tyrolean specialties like Grostl (fried potatoes & mincemeat), open cured ham sandwiches, raclette (releasing the mouthwatering scent of melted cheese), sausages, oven potatoes, bubble waffles, churros & more.

Enjoy the pre Christmas atmosphere in front of the beautiful backdrop at the Courtyard in the City Center. Before or after your visit, head toward the very centre of the city from here to see the Christmas lights in the pedestrianised zone along the Graben & Kohlmarkt.

Next, proceed to the adjacent Freyungplatz, also a famous one in downtown, with several important Palaces & the Bank Austria Kunstforum.  

Freyung is the name given to an open area in the heart of Vienna ringed by both the ancient Schottenstift Abbey (whose origins date back to the middle of the 12^th century) & the Townhouses of the former Nobility.

You can imagine that the Irish Monks that founded the Abbey would roll their eyes in disappointment (or perhaps not?) at the vast quantities of Punch & Sausages that disappear here through Advent, but the modern Viennese certainly seem to approve.

At Christmas, the historical Square hosts the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt, a smaller gentler alternative to the larger Markets elsewhere in the City.

The Altwiener Christkindlmarkt stretches across the front of the Church & other Abbey buildings, down to the Austriabrunnen, a mid 19^th century Fountain that used names of rivers as metaphors for the reach of the Austrian Empire.

The locality feels a touch less frantic & the surrounding historical buildings give everything a tucked away feeling with the aisles of Stalls creating a jolly atmosphere. A particularly good alternative for those searching for decorations (look for the large Cabin that occupies the centre). Otherwise, expect a solid mix of gifts & craft items, Christmas decoration, wicker baskets, ceramics, textiles, wax products & candles, soaps, cosmetics. little gourmet items & delicatessen products.

The Market features Events programme that changed daily. So, you might find live music charming visitors, catch a kids show, or watch a craftsperson demonstrating their skills on the central Stage.

A particular highlight is the huge 46 meters Nativity scene (based on an 1830 Painting by Josef Ritter von Fuhrich) that runs along the backs of one row of Huts.

Cross the road, too, to browse more Stalls at the Farmer’s Market, selling regional & organic farm produce: usually a great place to get specialty Cheese.  At the far end, there are a handful of Booths forming a standalone charity Christmas Market offering a wide variety of Jams.

Those who have the time & inclination, can visit the Schottenstift Museum with its famous 15^th century Altar Panels. For something a little more 21^st century, the Kunstforum Wien opposite the Market hosts a solo exhibition for the US abstract expressionist Robert Motherwell.

After spending 30 minutes here, walk down to yet another Christkindlmarkt.

Continue on to Karlsplatz is one of the most frequented & best connected transportation hub in Vienna. The largest area of the Square on the south side, Resselpark, is named after the inventor Josef Ressel. To the east is the Karlskirche Church, located in front of a water pool with a Sculpture by Henry Moore with the building of the Vienna Museum (formerly the Historical Museum of Vienna) & the Winterthur Insurance building.

On the west side of it, is the main building of the Technische Universitat Wien (Vienna Technical University) & the Protestant School. In Resselpark, monuments & busts are of famous people such as the Inventor Siegfried Marcus & Josef Madersperger, as well as the Composer Johannes Brahms. On the north side of the Otto Wagner in art nouveau style building is the former station Karlsplatz Vienna Stadtbahn.

Separated from the Plaza to the north are the buildings of the Wiener Musikverein (Vienna Music Society), the Kunstlerhaus (Art House) & the Handelsakademie (Business School).

Lots of Christmas Markets in Vienna have great settings. The Karlsplatz version is no exception, nestled in front of the imposing baroque Karlskirche (St. Charles’ Church). However, this Market differs from its city siblings in significant ways. Its formal title is Art Advent - Kunst & Handwerk am Karlsplatz Christmas Market, which gives you a decent clue as to where the emphasis lies. The Market offers visitors creative Arts & Crafts, muscle-powered Vehicles, spectacular Street Theater, organic Cuisine & many live Acts on a mobile Stage. It is the only Advent Market in the whole of Austria whose Gastronomy is fully certified organic.

The Divina Art & Crafts Association organises the Advent Market. Among the requirements for those wishing to run a Stand: they must be Austrian-based & the products on sale must be created & produced by the applicant themselves (no traded goods). Those products must also gain the approval of a qualified Jury. This selection process ensures quality, but also much more originality & diversity than at Christmas Markets elsewhere in Vienna.

The range of items available covers fine Art, Clothing, Jewellery & accessories, Decorations & Ornaments, Ceramics & Glass creations, Crockery, natural Cosmetics & Soaps, wooden Toys & a wide range of handcrafted products from local Artists, gourmet items & much more. And all tend to have a particular flair or uniqueness to them. As a bonus, the Artist or Craftsperson might run the Stand themselves, perhaps making new items as you watch & happy to discuss their Craft & processes with you.

A generous sprinkling of Food & Drink Booths also means you won’t miss your mug of Christmas punch or mulled wine. And several covered areas with Bar tables offer shelter should the weather turn nasty. As with the Arts & Crafts, the fare on sale differs a little from the normal seasonal market offerings.

Almost everything is organic & you won’t find many of the populist Christmas snacks here - no Pretzels, Langos or chocolate-coated fruit though you will see Sausages & roast Chestnuts. Booths offer such delights as Fladenbrot (flat breads), Kiachl (a kind of flat doughnut), potato goulash, Blunzengrostl (a dish involving blood sausage), buckwheat Crepes & more. So, instead of the usual, expect a more adventurous gastronomic selection drawn from Austrian & European tradition.

Karlsplatz Market is the Montmartre of the Viennese Christmas landscape & an excellent location for seeking high quality & unique gifts. Enjoy the most artistic Market for an hour.

If time permits, consider nipping into the Karlskirche Church for a dose of Baroque finery & perhaps a classical Concert after an early-evening browse of the Market. Alternatively, one can go up the Church’s spiral staircase to get a lovely aerial view over the Market from the panorama terrace.

For more contemporary art, pop over the road to the Albertina Modern Art Museum in the gorgeous Kunstlerhaus (which has its own Exhibitions, too). Keep an eye out for the Otto Wagner Station Pavilions, with their Jugendstil white, gold & green designs.

This area is also music territory. Brahms, for example, lived one street away & his Statue guards the Market. Vivaldi is buried on one side of the Park in the Technical University.

Last stop will be at Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz, considered one of the most beautiful & largest Christmas Markets in Europe.  When Vienna's many shopping streets & Advent Markets light up in the run-up to Christmas, this one shines particularly beautifully.

There are those who argue in favour of more cultured alternatives elsewhere, but the Christmas Market that garners the most attention in Vienna is the Rathausplatz version.

This is the home of the Wiener Christkindlmarkt. The roots of this Yuletide Market go back to the late 18^th century, though it only moved to its present location in 1975. Who knows how many visitors it normally attracts, but estimates put the number at 3 million in 2022.

A famous Christmas carol says “Santa Claus is coming to town”, but in Vienna the Christ child is coming to town. The Viennese Christkindl is just one of the many highlights of this traditional Market on Rathausplatz. 

The Christkindlmarkt’s Organisers once declared the location an area of respite from commercial Christmas stress. But don’t imagine this implies to you as you take a gentle stroll around the Stalls. At peak times, the place can get remarkably busy.

If there is one thing the Christmas Market can do, it is shorten the time before Christmas & heighten the anticipation of the big festive season - because here, every day is Christmas Day. Whether you are strolling across Rathausplatz & sampling the wide range of delicacies or buying Presents, ambling leisurely through the Park, enjoying the wonderful sea of lights while gliding across the ice with your loved ones, or taking a photo at the Bussiplatz (“kissing spot”). There is so much to discover! One day at the Vienna Christmas Market is usually not enough to fully experience the enormous variety of activities & atmospheric attractions that appeal to young & old alike.

With the imposing partly-illuminated Rathaus as a backdrop, it is the main meeting point for locals & visitors. The Christkindlmarkt has blossomed in recent years, thanks to higher-quality Stands & an improved decorative ambience. The imposing Adventkranz with its 4 Candles (one per Advent weekend) welcomes visitors.

Falling in love at the Christmas Market? Oh yes, it is possible. The charmingly arranged Park, which gleams with brilliant colourful lights & surrounds the entire Christmas Market, touches the hearts.

What would the Vienna Christmas Market be without its famous Heart Tree? The attractions nestled within it are the perfect setting for this - such as the legendary the maple-leaved plane Heart Tree, decorated in a particularly spectacular way with around 200 illuminated Hearts that light up every half hour from dusk till 21:00, as the Christkind sends a huge Heart along a cable from a 13 metres tall Tower straight over Rathausplatz to the Heart Tree, gradually lighting up the Tree on its 75 metres flight there. The hearts are a symbol of love, which is what we all come back to, in the Christmas season. There is plenty of space for emotions here!

Whether as a photo opportunity or meeting point for couples in love. And for anyone who isn’t attending with their soulmate, perhaps you will be struck by Cupid’s arrow - at the very least, you will fall in love with the Vienna Christmas Market. After all, Christmas is the celebration of love. Undoubtedly, many romantics have wished they could take one of these Hearts back home with them & give their sweethearts a very special gift. Now, they can. Herzerl Standl (Heart Stall) right next to the Tree offers Hearts at € 36 apiece, on which visitors can digitally record their own heartbeat & give this gift with the words “My heartbeat. From Vienna for you”.

“Yours is my heart alone” or “Two Hearts in Waltz Time” are just 2 of the hits from the era of Viennese Operetta, that are played in the Park. In addition to the special souvenir Hearts, lovingly designed Mugs with Christmas motifs from Vienna are also available to purchase - a unique gift that is only available at the Vienna Christmas Market.

Before Catholic families had Christmas Trees, the Nativity scene with the Manger was the centrepiece of the Christmas celebrations. In Austria, the building of Nativity scenes goes back a long way. One of the most famous “crib builders” was an Austrian. Alexander Schaffer’s works of art were a hot commodity the world over - from Germany to Canada. Schaffer even had the honour of building a Nativity scene for the Summer Olympics in Mexico City in 1968, as a representative showpiece for Austria.

The Nativity trail in the Rathauspark has been paying tribute to this lovely tradition since 2018. This year, the Nativity figures play the leading role, artfully & creatively set on display by the Viennese Nativity Association in a whole range of different Cribs.

The Nativity scenes are built by the members of the Association that has existed since 2001 or as part of regular courses under the guidance of Master Crib Builders. Want to become part of a Nativity scene? Even this is possible - in the life-sized, walkable Nativity scene that is the culmination of the Nativity Trail.

The Prater isn’t the only place you will find a giant Ferris Wheel. Because Vienna Christkindl also boasts an attraction that provides glorious views of Rathaus, the Park & the Christkindl. The romantically lit nostalgic Wheel is an unforgettable delight for all ages. Even Emperor Franz Josef & Empress Sisi are watching.

A countdown full of possibilities: in cooperation with the Austrian Lotteries, visitors to the Christkindl Rathauspark have the opportunity to win prizes with the giant Scratch-card Advent Calendar. 3 Prizes per day await guests behind the Calendar’s doors. Come & try your luck!

Throughout the Park, there are numerous Art & Craft Stalls offer handmade Decorations, figures of Bethlehem, Scarves & Hats, Music & various gifts, gourmet Honeys & also cuddly Toys & more standard items with a stronger focus on Artisan & unusual offerings.

The Rathaus Christmas Tree dominates the Market vista & has a large Nativity scene at its feet. Each year, a different Austrian province gifts the giant tree to Vienna in a traditional gesture of friendship (possibly through gritted teeth, depending on the current state of domestic politics).

On the culinary front, there is an extensive range of traditional seasonal cuisine with various places selling everything from Pastries to baked Potatoes, Buchteln to Baumkuchen & Sausages to Spatzle, with Soups in bread, baked Apples, Buns with cream, as well as hot spiced Wine or Punsch. And never more than a short throw of a chocolate-coated Strawberry away from somewhere offering mugs of Christmas Punch or bags of roast Chestnuts. Gastronomy at the Market has a focus on regional & organic food: look for the word Bio on menu boards, which means organic in German. There is an indoor Coffee House also.

Though the Market itself delights with its mix of traditional Christmas sights & smells, visitors should make sure they also wander through the surrounds. Best time to go is inevitably, after dark, when the lights & sights combine to give the true Christmas Market experience you read about in leather-bound tomes of travel.

And finally, the Tour concludes & you will be transferred back to the Hotel. Or, you can continue strolling & reach the hotel (on your own) at your preference.

Alas, like all good things, your short glimpse of this enchanting country comes to an end & it is time to say au revoir.

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & leave the luggage at the Bell Desk if you have the time to walk out). 

Traveling to Austria gives you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the charms of the Old World. Beyond the imperial elegance of the Habsburgs, medieval Castles & remote Alpine villages defied cultivation & offer another layer of great European history waiting to be explored.

With so much culture to explore & cuisine to taste in Vienna & beyond, spending 4 days here is bound to be a fantastic glimpse / experience but certainly not enough do justice to the city or the country.

So, you see, you have much more to discover when you come back to mesmerizing Austria ‘again’ & we will of course, look forward to be able to facilitate that.

“Travel is a new experience that can transport you out of your everyday routine to create memories with the ones you love” - Brian Chesky

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? -  Vienna International Airport, for your onward journey.  B

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