Getting on/off public transportation with minimal riding. Walking about 3.5 miles total throughout group activities on mostly paved surfaces, generally flat, with some cobblestones, approximately 4 hours. Stairs to the subway; most stops have elevators.
In the hotel dining room, the breakfast buffet offers choices such as cold cuts, cheeses, cereals, yogurt, fruit, and breads, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.
We will enjoy a lecture at the hotel entitled "Understanding Austria." Until the fall of the Habsburg dynasty after the WWI, Austria was a major power in Central Europe in various state guises. Contemporary Austria has become one of the most prosperous and stable member states of the European Union. We’ll learn about the development of Austria into a highly industrialized country. Setting out from the hotel by subway, we’ll discover the Old Town of Vienna during our first city walk, witnessing the millennia of history here, from Roman times through the height of Habsburg power and post-war rebirth. From Albertinaplatz, we will walk to the Imperial Palace, still the government center of Austria; stroll along the exclusive shops of Kohlmarkt and Graben to reach the very heart of Vienna: St. Stephen's Cathedral, where we will enjoy an expert-led visit. Next, we’ll take a coffee break at the Demel coffeehouse, which opened in 1786 and was a meeting point for aristocrats and Vienna’s bourgeoisie. On site, we will also explore the Demel Museum as a group. Continuing on, we’ll go to Hoher Markt, Vienna's oldest square and the center of the Roman camp Vindobona. Next, we will cross Rotenturmstrasse to enter the quarter of the Old University, where the department of science is located, as well as the great Baroque Jesuit Church.
At a local restaurant, we will have a 2-course plated meal, with coffee, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
At leisure.