Operetta Heaven Holidays
from C and H Travel Ltd

VIENNA

Opera, Operetta and Classical Concerts in Vienna - Capital City of Music

Independent holidays and short breaks available all year round.

Music is Everywhere in Vienna...

Vienna is a city of romance, history, culture, art and of course music. Wander along historic alleyways, across imperial squares or superb gardens. Visit the amazing Palace of Schonbrunn or the Imperial State Apartments in the Hofburg. Browse elegant shops or relax in a Viennese coffee house or a traditional wine tavern. Stroll around one of the many parks and gardens or visit one of the fascinating street markets. There are numerous museums and art galleries to visit. A tour of St Stephen's Cathedral and a performance by the elegant Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish Riding School should not be missed.

Most importantly of all, Vienna is the Capital City of Music. Mozart, Beethoven, Johann Strauss and Schubert all lived in Vienna. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the top orchestras in the world.

There are concerts and performances every day, music is everywhere in Vienna. Attend a concert in the Golden Hall in the Musikverein (Pictured), venue for the fabulous New Years Day Concert that is broadcast around the world. Experience world class Opera or Ballet at the Vienna State Opera House. The Vienna Volksoper is the Viennese home of Opera, Operetta and Musicals.

Opera, Ballet, Operetta and Classical Concerts in Vienna

With three Opera Houses, two Concert Halls and regular concerts held in many of the opulent Palaces and Churches there is never a shortage of wonderful music to be enjoyed.

Vienna State Opera House

A performance at the world famous Vienna State Opera House should not be missed. Around 50 operas and 20 Ballets are performed each year featuring world class singers, dancers, musicians and conductors. Tickets can be expensive, but the standard of performance is outstanding. A truly unforgettable experience.

Some performances are exceptionally popular and sell out very quickly. Using our many years of experience we do all we can to obtain the best tickets available at the most reasonable prices.

The Opera season runs from September to June with a daily changing programme. In July and August the Opera house is often used for concerts by the Vienna Mozart Orchestra.

For details of the current repertoire click here or
contact us for more information

Vienna Volksoper

The Vienna Volksoper is Europe's leading Operetta House and Vienna's largest theatre for opera, musicals and dance. The repertoire includes operas from the 18th, 19th and 20th century along with more than 100 performances of operettas every year. The season runs from September to July and consists of 300 performances from around 35 different productions.

After the Second World War the Volksoper provided the alternative venue for the Vienna State Opera whilst the Opera House was being restored following bomb damage.

Everything about the productions at the Volksoper is first rate. The principal artistes, the chorus and the orchestra are of an excellent standard, as is to be expected from one of the world's leading theatres.

For details of the current repertoire click here
or contact us for further information.

Theater an der Wien

This historic theatre dates back to 1801. It was built by Emmanuel Schikaneder, librettist of The Magic Flute. The theatre was the venue for many notable world premieres including Beethoven's only opera, Fidelio, and several of his symphonies and other orchestral works.

Die Fledermaus, The Gypsy Baron, The Bird Seller, The Beggar Student, The Merry Widow and The Land of Smiles (amongst many others) all received their premiere performances here.

In the 1980's the Theatre was the home for large scale musicals such as Cats.

In 2006 the Theatre was re-inaugurated as an Opera House, as part of the Mozart bi-centenary celebrations, and is now known as Vienna's "New" Opera House. The house specialises in producing rarely performed Operas.

For for details of the current season please contact us.

The Musikverein (Golden Hall)

The Wiener Musikverein dates from 1870 and is one of the greatest Concert Halls in the world. It is renowned for having superb acoustics. The Musikverein is the home of one of the world's greatest orchestras - The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Golden Hall (the largest and grandest of the one of three concert halls in the Musikverein) is the venue for the world famous New Year's Day Concert that is broadcast across the world. A concert at the Musikverein is highly recommended - a truly memorable experience.

For full details of the current programme please contact us.

The Court Theatre at Schonbrunn Palace

The magnificent Court Theatre at Schonbrunn Palace dates from 1747. Situated in the western wing of the Palace it was originally used by the Empress Maria Theresia for private Court performances. The theatre was refurbished by Napoleon in 1809 and electric lighting was installed in 1898.

The theatre is frequently used for summer Opera and Operetta performances and special events.

Please contact us for full details of current performances.

The Karlskirche and other Churches in Vienna

Vienna boasts many magnificent churches where concerts can be enjoyed. One of the finest is the Karlskirche, widely considered to be the most outstanding Baroque church in Vienna.

Whether sacred or secular, choral, chamber, organ and orchestral concerts can be enjoyed in churches throughout the city. These magnificent churches provide wonderful settings for superb memorable musical experiences.

Please contact us for details of current schedules.

Schonbrunn Palace and Concerts in the Orangerie

A visit to the spectacular Schonbrunn Palace is a full day out in itself. The palace has over 1100 rooms and contains the Imperial Apartments of the Empress Maria-Theresia and Kaiser Franz Josef. Apart from the superb Baroque architecture the surrounding park and gardens are magnificent. Guided tours are available daily.

Concerts take place almost every day in the Orangerie (Mozart himself performed here in 1786). These concerts are extremely popular and feature a chamber orchestra performing works by Mozart and the Strauss Family. The concerts also feature vocal soloists and dancers.

It is possible to combine a Palace Tour and Dinner package with the Concert if desired. There is also a VIP option available.

Vienna Orchestras

The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is considered to be one of the greatest orchestras in the world. To hear them play in their home city, and especially in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein is an unforgettable experience.

There are many other orchestras, chamber orchestras and ensembles offering concerts and recitals throughout the year.

We can provide you with details of all concerts and events taking place during your stay, and will do our utmost to obtain the best available tickets for you for any event.

Other Attractions in Vienna

Vienna is a cosmopolitan city, Capital of Austria and one of the most visited cities in Europe. It has a very rich cultural history. We can only mention some of the highlights and "must see" places to visit here, but please contact us with your own particular interests for more information.

The Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg Palace covers a huge area in the centre of Vienna and it is Vienna's most important palace. Its main attractions are the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Silver Collection, the Imperial Chapel and the Hofburg Treasury.

St Stephen's Cathedral and the Shopping District

Situated at the historic heart of the City St Stephen's Cathedral is Vienna's most important Gothic building. Visits can be taken to the North Tower for spectacular views over the city. A fast lift can be taken to view the great Pommerin Bell. The Catacombs and Treasury are also well worth a visit.

Surrounding the Cathedral are the exclusive shopping streets of the centre of Vienna, the Kartnerstrasse and Graben. Many attractions are within a short walk from the Cathedral.

The Spanish Riding School

One of Vienna's top attractions, the world famous Spanish Riding School is one of the top riding schools in the world. The perfectly synchronised performances by the Lipizzanner horses and ther riders are extremely popular and sell out quickly.

It is also possible to attend rehearsals and morning exercises, as well as take a tour of the stables.

The Belvedere Palace and Gallery

This magnificent Baroque Palace is actually two buildings - Upper and Lower Belvedere. The Belvedere Gallery has a superb collection of sculptures and paintings, the most famous is Gustav Klimt's The Kiss, which has become an iconic symbol of Vienna. Other attractions include the gardens and ornamental fountains, stables, orangerie and treasury.

The Stadt Park and Kursalon

The Stadtpark is an expansive and beautiful park where you can watch the world go by. It has statues and memorials to many famous composers. The Kursalon is where Johann Strauss used to conduct his orchestra. It has four ballrooms and a restaurant. Some 500 classical Concerts are still held here every year. It is home to the Alt-Wien orchestra. Programmes include works by the Strauss Family, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, with dancers and vocal soloists.

More Museums and Galleries

Vienna has a wide selection of museums and galleries, from the vast Kunsthistorisches Museum, Natural History Museum, Augustina Gallery, Science Museum to the specialist museums such as the Haus Der Musik, Musical Instruments Museum, Freud Museum, The Third Man Museum and many more.

There are many museums dedicated to composers who lived and worked in Vienna. Many of them are former residences. These include The Mozart House; The Beethoven Museum; The Beethoven Pasqualitihaus; Schubert's Birthplace; Schubert's Last House; Johann Strauss Apartment; and The Haydn House.

Vienna Rathaus

The Cellars of the Vienna Rathaus (town hall) is the venue for Austrian dinner shows featuring traditional Austrian music.

The square in front of the Rathaus (Rathausplatz) is used for magical Christmas markets in December and during the summer months there is a hugely popular outdoor cinema with nightly films (free entry). The films are usually of cultural events such as concerts (all genres), jazz, opera and operetta.

The area in front of the cinema is crammed with food and drink stalls offering cuisine and street food from around the world. The atmosphere is very convivial.

Viennese Coffee Houses

The Coffee House and coffee culture has a long history and tradition in Vienna. They are places to relax, read, meet friends and linger for as long as you wish over coffee. Exquisite pastries, cakes and light meals are served and some coffee houses have live music in the evenings. A visit to the Coffee House is a Viennese tradition that should be savoured and enjoyed at leisure.

You should not miss sampling the authentic Sacher Torte at Hotel Sacher and the delights of Demels, one of oldest and finest cafés in Vienna.

Dining Out

As with any capital city there are countless restaurants and cafés offering dining experiences and cuisine from around the world. From the grandest and most exclusive hotels and restaurants to pavement cafés, simple snack bars and fast food restaurants.

Whatever your taste or pocket you will, find a bewildering choice of places to eat and drink in Vienna. If you want to sample traditional Austrian cuisine there are many, many places to choose from. One of our favourites is Figlmuller near the Cathedral where the Wiener Schnitzels are renowned as some of the best in Vienna.

Where to Stay in Vienna

As with any large city, there is a very large selection of places to stay in Vienna, from very traditional to ultra modern; 5 Star luxury to simple budget accommodation, fully serviced hotels or self-catering apartments. Depending on your own tastes, requirements and budget we can book any style and type of accommodation for you.

Our Specially Selected Hotels in Vienna

We have a few favourite hotels that we have chosen for their central location, their warmth of welcome and their high quality standards. These hotels have proved popular with our guests over recent years.

**Hotel Kaiserin Elizabeth (4*)**

If you want to stay right at the heart of the City Centre then the 4 star Hotel Kaiserin Elizabeth is an ideal choice. It is situated just 3 minutes walk from St. Stephen's Cathedral, just off Kartnerstrasse, the main pedestrianised central shopping street. Public transport links (Metro, Trams & Buses), the Vienna State Opera the Hofburg and many of the most popular attractions are a few minutes walk from the hotel. The hotel is traditional in style, with very comfortable and well appointed bedrooms and bathrooms. Staff are very welcoming, friendly and helpful.

At the heart of the City

The spacious, comfortable and well appointed bedrooms are equipped with flat-screen satellite TV, telephone, radio, minibar, room safe, hairdryer, free WLAN and air conditioning. For a truly imperial stay, book a superior double room or the additional comfort package with coffee and tea set, slippers, cozy bathrobe and espresso machine. Bathrooms are modern and well appointed.

A sumptuous buffet breakfast is served each morning.

**Hotel Erzherzog Rainer (4*)**

This traditional Viennese hotel has been welcoming guests for over 100 years and it is our most popular hotel in Vienna for excellent value and comfort.

It is situated on Wiednerhauptstrasse near to the Karlsplatz, just 8 minutes walk from Vienna State Opera, the Musikverein and the Ringstrasse. Public transport stops are just outside the main entrance. Bedrooms, bathrooms and public areas are recently refurbished and individually decorated.

Room facilities include Satellite TV, Wifi, a choice of pillow and duvet options, individually controlled air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities.

An extensive buffet breakfast is served daily.

The Hotel Restaurant and bar is informal, light and airy and specialises in traditional Viennese and Hungarian Cuisine.

Hotel staff are welcoming, friendly and helpful.

**Hotel Kaiserhof (4* Superior)**

Viennese charm and tradition with all modern comforts are offered at the Kaiserhof. The hotel is just a few minutes walk from the Vienna State Opera, Karlsplatz, The Musikverein and the attractions of the Ringstrasse.

All bedrooms are appointed to a very high standard with a choice of standard, superior, junior suites and suites. All rooms have satellite TV, air-conditioning and WiFi. A choice of bedding is available, including allergy-friendly options.

An extensive buffet breakfast is served daily offering local and regional specialities using the highest quality ingredients.

The hotel offers a small fitness area and a cosy lounge bar. The Kaiserhof is entirely non-smoking.

Our Holiday Package - What is included?

Our holidays and short-breaks in Vienna can be taken at any time of year and are individually tailored to your own preferences and requirements.

Single travellers, couples and small groups are all catered for.
Dates of travel and length of stay is entirely flexible.
The hotels listed above have been specially selected by us, but if you prefer something different we will book any accommodation style or type of your choice, whether hotel, guest-house or self-catering apartment (subject to availability).
We will book tickets to any concerts, performances and similar events of your choice. We will inform you of available performances, concerts and other cultural events taking place during your stay. We will always strive to book the very best tickets available, according to your seating preferences and budget (subject to availability).
We will arrange and book private transport to concerts and events, airport transfers, rail tickets, excursions and sight-seeing trips, according to your wishes.
It is possible to combine your visit to Vienna with a stay in another destination. We will make all transfer arrangements for you between destinations.

Holiday Prices
As all of our holidays are tailor-made to your own requirements your holiday price will be calculated according to your chosen options. We will put together proposals and quotations for you based on your own preferences. All proposals can be amended as often as you wish (and prices adjusted accordingly) until you are fully satisfied with the proposed arrangements.

All quotations are offered entirely without any obligation on your part.

Flights and European Rail Travel
In order to give you maximum flexibility, we do not include flights in our holiday packages. Flights may be booked separately with our Flights Agent, or you can book or arrange your own flights if you prefer.

If you prefer not to fly, we can book European rail travel for you.