Europe
We assemble at Malta International Airport at 11:30 for flight KM514 departing at 13:50, arriving in Vienna at 16:10. Upon arrival, we transfer by coach to the center of Vienna where we check into Hotel Ananas, a 4-star accommodation. For those with Half Board, dinner is provided at the hotel. Later, there's an outing with the tour leader to explore the city.
After breakfast, we embark on a city tour led by a local guide, marveling at historical landmarks like Belvedere Palace, Rathaus, Parliament, Ringstraße's majestic buildings, Hofburg Palace, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. The afternoon is free for personal exploration or optional visits to Hofburg Palace or shopping along Mariahilfer Straße and Kärntner Straße. In the evening, there's an optional trip to the renowned Prater, where one can enjoy a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel for a panoramic view of the illuminated city (transport extra).
A buffet breakfast precedes an impressive excursion to the Vienna Woods. We venture to the Helental valley and visit Mayerling, the former hunting lodge turned chapel of Prince Rudolph. Then, we proceed to Heiligenkreuz to explore a twelfth-century Cistercian monastery. Next, we visit the Seegrotte (extra entrance), a former gypsum mine featuring the largest underground lake in Europe, where a boat trip is offered. In the evening, there's time for a relaxing drink.
Following a buffet breakfast, we embark on an intriguing day trip to the Wachau Valley, renowned for its historical villages, castles, and picturesque scenery along the Danube River. Highlights include visits to Krems, Dürnstein, and Melk, where the Benedictine monastery in Baroque style stands (entrance extra).
After breakfast, we have the opportunity to visit Salzburg, famed for Mozart's birthplace, Mirabell Palace, and its gardens. En route, we enjoy the scenic views of the Austrian Alps and lakes. In Salzburg's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, we explore historic landmarks like the Salzburg Cathedral, Festival Hall, and St. Peter's Abbey. Free time allows for lunch (extra) and souvenir shopping. Later, we visit the Mirabelle Gardens before returning to the hotel.
Today, we venture to Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, exploring its castle and historic center. Free time is provided for shopping or further sightseeing. We then visit the Vienna Shopping City Sud, one of Europe's largest shopping centers, before returning to the hotel.
After breakfast, we join the tour leader to visit the majestic Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens (extra entry), the former summer residence of the Habsburg royal family. Following the visit, we transfer to Vienna airport for flight KM515 departing at 17:00, arriving back in Malta at 19:20.
