Vienna

From its ancient origins as a castrum and canaba in the Roman period, Vienna grew to dizzying heights after becoming the capital of the Holy Roman Empire in the 15th century, developing into one of the most important imperial centres of Europe. Situated on both the Danube and the Wien rivers, the city developed enormously when it became the capital of the Habsburg empire in the end of the 17th century and particularly in the 18th century when a multiplicity of grand palaces was constructed. The city was further aggrandized in the 19th century when Franz Josef demolished the city’s fortifications and developed the awe inspiring Ringstrasse which encircles the city, uniting a series of grandiose buildings, including the Rathaus and the Kunsthistoriches Museum.  

This tour will guide you through this masterpiece of Baroque architecture, exploring the gems that Habsburg wealth was responsible for generating and collecting. Apart from the sumptuous palaces, we explore the city’s many world class museums, starting with the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Naturhistoriches Museum but also including lesser-known jewels, such as the Secession Building and the Albertina Museum. We will also be considering the city’s interesting ancient period. We will be doing all of this in the festive season as there is, perhaps, no better time to visit this city of music and culture than when it is bedecked in its traditional Christmas markets and a possible layering of snow.