Vienna is considered one of Europe’s greatest cultural hubs. Its art scene has long been established with the Hapsburg’s collection of fine art, now housed at the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Today, Vienna’s modern side showcases street art murals that don the side of buildings along the banks of the Danube. Ingrained in local life is the long-embraced tradition of coffeehouses; UNESCO includes Viennese coffeehouse culture on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritages. It is considered one of life’s pleasures to while away an afternoon over an Einspänner coffee and a pastry.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.Panoramic Vienna
See the magnificent architectural highlights of one of Europe’s most elegant and romantic cultural capitals.
Schönbrunn Palace
Tour the magnificent home of the Hapsburg Dynasty, built to rival the sprawling Château de Versailles.
Behind the Scenes at the Lipizzaner Stallions
Step backstage at the elegant Spanish Riding School, home to the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions.
Behind the Scenes at the Vienna Boys’ Choir
Tour the boarding school of the Wiener Sängerknaben, the Vienna Boys’ Choir, and meet some of the singers.
Heurigen Dinner
Participate in a high-spirited Heurigen dinner and toast this year’s wine at a local vineyard.
Vienna’s Countryside by E-Bike
Explore nature along the Danube River and pedal at ease by electric bike, or e-bike.
Viennese Waltz & Mozart
Don your dancing shoes as you learn the steps of the Viennese waltz and visit Mozart’s Vienna apartment.
Videos
Learn the Iconic Viennese Waltz
Learn the iconic Viennese waltz at Vienna’s oldest and most famous dance school, Tanzschule Elmayer. Watch Professor Elmayer teach Karine the basic steps in just a few minutes.
Lipizzaner Stallions
Go behind the scenes at Vienna’s Spanish Riding School to meet the “dancing horses,” the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions. Seeing these magnificent white horses perform is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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Meet the Vienna Residence Orchestra
Go behind the scenes of the Vienna Residence Orchestra and hear from its talented musicians during a special program hosted by the orchestra’s cofounder, Sylvia Moser. Performing the music of Mozart and Strauss in historic buildings and opulent palaces throughout Vienna, the orchestra allows guests to experience live classical music in an authentic setting. Explore the history of this engaging ensemble and listen to short musical pieces you can experience in person when you join us on a river voyage to Vienna.
Alma Deutscher Performs in Vienna
Once the home of Strauss and Mozart, Vienna is renowned as the music capital of Europe. Now, guests who join us in this elegant city have the chance to enjoy an exclusive performance featuring Alma Deutscher, a young musical prodigy who will conduct classic pieces from great composers—including a few, destined-to-become-classics, of her own. View sailing dates for Viking river cruises during which you may attend Alma Deutscher’s performances in Vienna by visiting almadeutscher.com/viking-dates.
Vienna Coffeehouses
Relax and enjoy a cup of Viennese coffee with an exquisite pastry at Café Demel, one of Vienna’s oldest coffeehouses. Established in 1786, it has satisfied the cravings of Austrians for more than 220 years.
Master Chef & Author Toni Mörwald
Watch the world-famous master chef and author Toni Mörwald and Karine prepare the traditional wiener schnitzel dish. In Austria, you might visit Chef Mörwald’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Bon appétit!
Vienna Boys’ Choir
Go behind the scenes with the world-renowned Vienna Boys’ Choir. Join Karine as she meets some of these talented youngsters and sits in as they prepare for an evening performance.
Austria’s Hotel Sacher and Torte
Join Karine (and her beloved dog Finse) and step into the spirit of old Europe at Vienna’s iconic Hotel Sacher to learn the story behind the Sachertorte, its legendary handmade cake.