A Viennese Ball 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Brussels, travelling in Standard Premier Class, with a complimentary light meal and refreshments served on board. We continue by train in First Class to Cologne, where we overnight at the Four Points Hotel or Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre. We enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening. (E,D)

We leave this morning for Vienna, travelling by ICE service. Our journey takes us along the spectacular Rhine Gorge, with its many fairytale castles nestled amongst lush vineyards, through Bavaria and into Upper Austria. Upon our arrival in Vienna we check into the Hotel Savoyen, our home for the next four nights. The capital and largest city of Austria, Vienna's streets are lined with monumental edifices, world-class museums and galleries, plenty of charming cafés and the famous Spanish Riding School. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage in the form of opera, theatre, and classical music, Vienna houses several opera and concert houses. The brilliance of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Strauss still resonates. It is no wonder Vienna has long been heralded the 'Music Capital' of the world. (B,D)

Today we take a morning sightseeing tour of the city which includes the beautiful Vienna State Opera*. We also see the famous Ringstrasse, Parliament Building and the fabulous Hofburg Palace. After some free time for lunch, we have a short tour of the famous Café Demel bakery, after which we are served with delicious coffee and cakes. Demel is a famous Viennese chocolatier, once known as the Imperial Hapsburg's confectioner of choice, which has been producing some of Austria's finest chocolate since 1786. The elegant café was designed in the beautiful Rococo Period style and is renowned for its hot chocolate, fine pastries and legendary Sachertorte. This cake is so highly regarded, Demel took another chocolatier to court over the recipe. 'Let's have a coffee' is a common Viennese phrase. One is likely to witness scores of coffee lovers lingering for hours in a coffeehouse with an ever-present newspaper. The Viennese even denote literature and poetry to be of the 'Kaffeehaus' variety when it is primarily written in a café. (B)

*During rehearsals we will visit St Stephen's Cathedral instead, with its impressive 450 feet (137m) high spire

This morning you are free to explore Vienna at leisure, before it is time to get ready for the ball! During your time you could climb the Danube Tower, affectionately known as the "concrete needle", which offers spectacular views over the city, and the Prater Gardens for a ride on the giant Ferris wheel. Built in 1897, the wheel is a Viennese landmark and not to be missed. Tonight, dressed in our smartest evening wear, we enjoy this beloved Viennese tradition. Johann Garber oversaw the construction of the Kursalon Wien between 1865 and 1867 in the Italian Renaissance style. Nowadays, the Kursalon still sparkles with splendour. One of the most beautiful concert venues in the city, the Kursalon Wien will open its doors for the Johann Strauss Ball, taking place in four elegant rooms. After dinner, novices may take dancing lessons so everyone is comfortable on the dance floor, then, to the delightful harmonies of a formal Viennese Waltz, the ball is opened. The first dance is always a waltz, performed by a select group of professionals. After this, the dance master calls out 'Alles Walzer!' or 'Everybody Waltz!' In addition to formal waltz music, 'pop' music that spans from the swinging 60s to more modern hits are featured. You are free to return to your hotel individually, after dancing as much or as little as you wish. (B,D)

You are free to sleep in late this morning though do not miss your Katerfrühstück, or 'hangover breakfast' - a true post-ball tradition! Vienna is home to many renowned museums and art galleries. Your options for this morning include visits to the Museum of Arts History, the Museum of Natural History, the Hofburg, Parliament and Burgtheater. Other possibilities include a visit to Sigmund Freud's former apartment, a walk along the 'Blue' Danube, a visit to the famous Naschmarkt and shopping opportunities available in the Ringstrassen Galleries. We meet again to enjoy an afternoon guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace. One of the most important cultural monuments in Europe, this lavish palace has been a tourist attraction since 1860. The palace features several dozen rooms decorated in period style according to the tastes of its Hapsburg occupants. We get a glimpse of imperial life and Baroque culture as it was over the centuries. Schönbrunn translates as 'beautiful well' since the palace is named after the natural spring underneath the building which provided its inhabitants with a daily supply of fresh water. (B,D)

Today we return to Cologne, travelling on the ICE service. We stay a second night at the Four Points Hotel or Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre. Both hotels are located within walking distance of the station and the city's magnificent Gothic cathedral. (B,D)

We leave Cologne in the afternoon by train for Brussels, travelling in First Class. Arriving in Brussels, we connect with the Eurostar to London, travelling in Standard Premier Class with a complimentary light meal and drinks served on board before our arrival at St Pancras International. (B,E)

E=Eurostar Meal, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown are included in the price of your holiday

One of the most beautiful concert venues in the city, the Kursalon Wien will open its doors for the Johann Strauss Ball, taking place in four elegant rooms. After dinner, novices may take dancing lessons so everyone is comfortable on the dance fl oor, then, to the delightful harmonies of a formal Viennese Waltz, the ball is opened. The fi rst dance is always a waltz, performed by a select group of professionals. After this, the dance master calls out 'Alles Walzer!' or 'Everybody Waltz!' In addition to formal waltz music, 'pop' music that spans from the swinging 60s to more modern hits are featured.