Europe
Monday, June 23
We meet at Malta International Airport at 07:00 for the KM514 flight, departing at 09:15 and arriving in Vienna at 11:30. Transfer by coach to the centre of this city of waltzes, where we will check in and stay at the 4-star Hotel Ananas. For those who have paid for Half Board, dinner will always be in the evening. After check-in, we will have an outing with the leader.
Tuesday, June 24
Breakfast and city tour with a local guide to discover the beauty of many historical sites such as Belvedere Palace, Rathaus, the Parliament, the majestic buildings of the Ringstraße, Hofburg Palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. After lunch, we will have free time to continue enjoying this beautiful city. Those interested can visit Hofburg Palace – the imperial palace in the city centre – or do some shopping on the beautiful streets of Mariahilfer Straße and Kärntner Straße. In the evening, we will go to the famous Prater (extra transport) – where you can ride the Giant Ferris Wheel (extra cost) and enjoy the stunning view of the illuminated city.
Wednesday, June 25
After buffet breakfast, we offer one of the most impressive excursions around the Vienna Woods. We depart by coach towards the Helental Valley and visit Mayerling, where we see the hunting lodge, now a chapel, of Prince Rudolph, the only son of Emperor Franz Joseph. It is said that here the prince and Baroness Vetsera committed suicide in 1889. We then continue to Heiligenkreuz, where we will visit a 12th-century Cistercian monastery. Afterward, we pass by Höldrichsmühle and reach Seegrotte (extra entrance). In Seegrotte, which was once a gypsum mine, you can take a boat trip on the largest underground lake in Europe. Not to be missed! In the evening, we go for a drink.
Thursday, June 26
Buffet breakfast and after, a fascinating full-day excursion to the Wachau Valley where we will see several small, historic, and traditional villages. We will also visit castles and fantastic scenery of small mountains and the Danube River. We will visit Krems, which has a history of over 1000 years, Dürnstein with its old houses and streets, and Melk with the famous Benedictine monastery built in the Baroque style (extra entrance).
Friday, June 27
After buffet breakfast, you will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Salzburg, known for Mozart’s house, Mirabell Palace, and its beautiful gardens. During our journey, we will enjoy the stunning views of the Austrian Alps and several beautiful lakes. Upon arrival in Salzburg, we will visit the Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site) where we will see historical buildings such as Old Bishop Seat, the Salzburg Cathedral, Festival Hall, and St. Peter’s Abbey. We will also pass through Getreidegasse, the street where Mozart was born and lived until he was 17 years old. There will be free time for lunch (extra) and souvenir shopping. Later, we will visit Mirabelle Gardens, where among other things, you can see the statue of Pegasus, the winged horse that will surely remind you of the famous film The Sound of Music. We will return to the hotel afterward.
Saturday, June 28
Today, we will go to the capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava. Together, we will explore this city along the Danube River. We will start by visiting the castle that dominates the city, offering spectacular panoramic views. Then, we will head to the historic city centre, filled with majestic buildings such as Main Square, Michael’s Gate, St. Martin’s Cathedral, and Primate’s Palace. There will be free time for shopping or sightseeing. Afterward, we will visit the commercial centre in Bratislava. Before returning to the hotel, we will visit the Vienna Shopping City Süd, one of the largest shopping centres in Europe.
Sunday, June 29
After breakfast, we will meet with the tour leader and visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens (extra entrance). This was the summer residence of the Habsburg royal family. Those interested can visit the palace gardens and enjoy the spectacular scenery they offer.
Afterward, we will have breakfast and transfer by coach to Vienna Airport for the KM515 flight, departing at 12:25 and arriving back in Malta at 14:45.
