This morning your guide will meet you at your port at 9AM. Vienna is a wonderful city to see on foot, as most major sights are located very close together. First, your driver and guide will take you to see the soaring St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its unusual colored ceramic tile roof. Your guide will take you through the interior of the cathedral and, if you have the energy, you can climb to the top of the steeple for a spectacular view over central Vienna!
Before visiting the Hofburg Palace, you’ll have a quick visit of the Hapsburg Imperial Crypt in the Capuchin Church. You’ll have a quick introduction to the entire Hapsburg ruling family before continuing.
Afterwards, you can continue your tour of the Hofburg Palace complex. Your guide will take you into the lavish private living quarters of Empress Elizabeth and Emperor Franz Joseph from the 18th and 19th centuries. Empress Elizabeth (Sisi) was the Austrians’ Princess Di and prior to entering the Imperial Apartments, there is an exhibition of her life, which is quite interesting.
When you exit the Hofburg, your guide will show you some of the most famous coffeehouses of Vienna. For sheer beauty of the adjacent gift shop, Demel is perhaps the best choice. For an opulent atmosphere, you could visit Café Central, former haunt of Freud, Trotsky, Tito and more. Alternatively, for a truly local experience, head to Café Braunerhof instead. This old-fashioned café is located just behind the Spanish Riding School and was a famous haunt of writers from the 19th century. It has a more local than tourist clientele.
Note: All touring today is on foot in largely pedestrian only areas.
Exeter Services: Vehicle, Driver & Guide (4 Hours)