VIENNA & SALZBURG - A MUSICAL ODYSSEY

Day 1 Fly to Vienna

There’s hardly a more fitting way to start your Austrian sojourn than by settling in at Hotel Sacher Wien, right opposite the impressive State Opera House. Matching Vienna’s opulent Habsburg history, this Belle Époque grande dame opened its doors in 1876, and much like the city itself, is unapologetically lavish. Wonderful antiques and artworks line the walls, and crisp modern bedrooms are trimmed with silk, marble and gilt accents. The hotel’s namesake, the indulgent Sachertorte chocolate cake, can be sampled in two vast cafés.

Overnight: Hotel Sacher Wien

Day 2 Habsburg's Vienna

With your private driver guide, discover Vienna’s landmarks, including the stunning Imperial Palace and majestic Burgtheater. Explore the pristine gardens and some of the 1,400 rooms at the Habsburgs’ Baroque Schönbrunn Palace – with innumerable gilded ballrooms, exquisitely themed salons and intricate chinoiserie – before learning the art of making the perfect apple strudel in the former court bakery. Vienna is a city of historical and architectural wonders that rewards wandering feet, so spend this afternoon exploring at leisure. Fascinated hours can – and should – be spent soaking up centuries of noble lineage in its awe-inspiring churches and world-class array of museums like the Kunsthistorisches, filled with incredible fine arts.

Overnight: Hotel Sacher Wien

Day 3 Mozart's Vienna

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart spent the last few years of his life in Vienna, dying in 1791 at the age of 35. Retrace the streets of the composer’s final days with a walking tour that takes in the Gothic masterpiece of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where he was married in 1782; and learn about his musical genius at his only surviving Viennese residence, the Mozarthaus. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps fuelled by a little more Sachertorte. In the evening, perhaps continue your musical voyage of discovery at the State Opera, for world-class singing or ballet.

Overnight: Hotel Sacher Wien

Day 4 Wachau Valley and the Danube

Take the scenic route to Salzburg, travelling through the Wachau Valley, famed for its white wines and fortresses. In the summer, sail along the winding Danube and admire its steep, hilly vineyards, apricot orchards and ruined castles. Stop at Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned at the end of the 12th century, and explore the old merchant town of Krems. Marvel at the inspiring Baroque Benedictine abbey at Melk, before heading west to Salzburg. Antiques and crystal chandeliers characterise the otherwise modern rooms at your 150-year-old Hotel Sacher Salzburg. A glass ceiling crowns the lobby and an 1860s mosaic floor lies well preserved – this is a central hotel with distinguished provenance, on the bank of the river Salzach and the edge of the Baroque Old Town.

Overnight: Hotel Sacher Salzburg

Day 5 Salzburg

Salzburg’s strong musical heritage is right on your doorstep, where your private guide will meet you to illuminate the city’s classical history. Visit Mozart’s birthplace and residence, before making your way to the towering Hohensalzburg Fortress. This medieval hilltop complex is vast and atmospheric, with a recent history as a prison for Italian prisoners during the First World War, and for Nazi activists.  Spend the afternoon at leisure before perhaps enjoying an evening performance at the Felsenreitschule riding school opera house – dramatically lit all year round, but open air in the summer. In August, Salzburg’s annual music festival sees more than 150 performances of classical and operatic works, and the Felsenreitschule is a key venue.

Overnight: Hotel Sacher Salzburg

Day 6 The Sound of Music

Much of the 1965 film sensation The Sound of Music was filmed in Salzburg and its surroundings. Visit the locations used for favourite scenes – the children’s boating catastrophe and where they learned the notes to sing; the spot where Maria summoned up her confidence before entering the von Trapp house; the nuns’ quiet abbey – combined with a tour of the town’s architectural prowess and scenic landscapes that offer unrivalled Austrian natural beauty. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure (or recreating a few favourite von Trapp moments).

Overnight: Hotel Sacher Salzburg

Day 7 Depart Salzburg

Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.