Vienna in December is usually clear and bright, fur coats can be worn without embarrassment, and the warm interiors of coffee houses, restaurants and galleries are never more inviting. The crowds have left and tickets can be obtained for concerts and the opera without too much trouble. There are traditional Christkindl markets in city centre open spaces and hand-carved decorations make ideal gifts, bought by candlelight with warming sips of Glühwein and hot punch that is an essential part of the tradition. This trip offers an opportunity to visit the recently-opened Liechtenstein Museum, the Albertina and the MuseumsQuartier including the Leopoldsmuseum with its outstanding Schiele collection, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum. We shall also spend a day at the Schönbrunn Palace and view the tombs of almost all the Habsburgs from Emperor Matthias (died 1619) to Empress Zita (1989) on a special tour of the Imperial vaults. Also included is a ticket for the Volksoper. Tickets for the Staatsoper and concerts are additionally available.

We stay at a 4 Star hotel in the very heart of the old city.

Cost : £ 640 to include return Austrian Airlines flights (6 December dep Heathrow 09.35; 10 December return 18.40) - 4 nights accommodation with buffet breakfast - transfers and full programme of walks and visits. Single supplement £60. Insurance £22/£33. Deposit £200

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