Vienna - For many, today’s visit to Vienna will be one of the highlights of the cruise. The city’s very name provokes images of elegance, fine music, wide boulevards, Baroque architecture and a rich tapestry of peoples who were drawn here from all corners of Europe.For 200 years until the First World War, Vienna was the cultural centre of Europe and many of the showpiece buildings, galleries, aristocratic palaces and magnificent churches you see today were built to reflect its imperial status. The city’s most iconic monument is the breathtaking Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, whose striking multi-coloured roof and huge Gothic South Tower dominate the skyline.There’s also the colossal Hofburg, the former royal court that is now home to a collection of museums, the Crown Jewels and the Spanish Riding School, and where the Vienna Boys’ Choir performs. Then there are the lavish Imperial Apartments and an outstanding collection of relics of the Holy Roman Empire, including, allegedly, the sabre of Charlemagne himself. The Kunsthistorisches Museum, which contains the world’s fourth largest collection of paintings, is just across the road.This morning we have a tour with a local guide offering insights into why Vienna is one of Europe’s great capitals – the seat of the Habsburg emperors and home to some of the world’s finest classical composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and, of course, a whole family of Strausses. After the panoramic tour on coach along the Ringstrasse, the famous boulevard, built where the city walls once stood and lined with many of the most important sights, you can choose to continue your tour on foot through the old town or explore independently.During the afternoon you’re free to explore as you wish. Take a stroll in the Prater, notable for the huge Ferris wheel that features in several Cold War spy thrillers. Or, for something quite different, visit the Schönbrunn Palace, a former royal residence now housing a range of world-class museums and galleries. Perhaps, though, just take a stroll through Vienna’s atmospheric side streets, or enjoy a coffee and a slice of delicious Sachertorte in one of the lovely coffee houses.This evening we have something special in store. Not only do we have our indulgent Chef's Dinner, but we've also organised for a live musical experience on board. So after this special dinner, sit back and enjoy an intimate classical recital. To hear this exquisite music in Vienna - where it was created - is truly the icing on the cake.Personalise your holiday -Visit the Spanish Riding School in ViennaDuration: 1hrPrice: £33pp (2026) and £35pp (2027)Enjoy a visit to the Spanish Riding School, the only institution in the world that has practiced classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition of the haute école for over 440 years and continues to do so. On this guided tour you will get a glimpse behind the scenes, see the stables of the Lippizaner horses, the training grounds and learn about the history, equestrian traditions and horses. Please note for 6 weeks in summer, the horses are on their holiday, therefore you won’t see any during the tour.This optional excursion can be done during your free afternoon in Vienna.This guided tour doesn’t include a performance of horses. Other available events like the morning training sessions and performances vary depending on the day of the week of your visit and season. Details can be found on www.srs.at/en/tickets-events/ where we recommend you book your tickets directly prior to travel.Please contact us at least three weeks before your departure to add this experience to your booking. Minimum and maximum numbers apply. If not enough guests opt for this extra, the experience may not run.Please note: Private transport is not included. City shuttles are available or a private transfers can be arranged via the Cruise Director.Personalise your holiday -Guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace & gardens in ViennaDuration: 4hrsPrice: £65pp (2026) and £74pp (2027)Join us for a tour of Schönbrunn Palace with a local guide. Once a summer residence in the countryside, Schönbrunn now serves as an oasis of architectural beauty and tranquillity in the heart of 21st-century Vienna, thanks to the city's expansion. On our guided tour we’ll see the palace’s highlights, including the state rooms and private apartments of the Habsburg emperors.Besides the tour of the palace, you will also see the impressive grounds, walking along the main avenue to the aptly named "beautiful" fountain. You will have some free time to explore at leisure, before returning to the ship.This optional excursion can be done during your free afternoon in Vienna.Please contact us at least three weeks before your departure to add this experience to your booking. Minimum and maximum numbers apply. If not enough guests opt for this extra, the experience may not run.

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.