High Society Vienna, AUSTRIA
Airing Date: Nov 3rd, 2003
Vienna stands imperiously in the Danube Valley, with the rolling hills of the Wienerwald (Vienna Woods) gently sloping beyond the suburbs in the north and west. The Danube River divides the city, with the old city centre and most tourist sites south of the river. For 700 years one family ruled most of Europe from Vienna. This extraordinary dynasty left behind a city full of music, art and beauty.
At the top of the hill stands Schloss Schonbrunn, the palace of Emperor Franz Joseph the first. This sumptuous Baroque palace is one of Vienna's most popular attractions. Napoleon lived in the palace in 1805 and 1809. In 1918, the last Hapsburg Emperor, Charles I, abdicated in the Blue Chinese Salon, after which the palace became the property of the new republic. In 1992 the palace administration was transferred to private hands and is now open daily to visitors.
The majestic interior features frescoed ceilings, tapestries, crystal chandeliers and gilded ornaments. The Spiegelsaal (Mirror Room) is where Mozart, aged six, played his first royal concert in 1762 in the presence of Empress Maria Theresa. Afterwards, young Wolfgang leapt onto her lap. Although this was against court rules, the Empress was delighted.
One of the most magnificent rooms in the palace was the imperial dining room. It was considered a great honour to be invited to dine there, but visitors often left feeling hungry - once the Emperor had stopped eating, everyone else had to stop too!
Because the table was more than 30 metres long, not everyone had a chance to eat. History has it that some guests would go to the Sacher Caf for their meal. This classic and stylish cafe is a true institution in Vienna, classic, stylish and the home of the original Sacher Torte. Every guest who checks into the Sacher Hotel gets a complimentary piece.
The Sacher Hotel is as much a part of Vienna as the State Opera. It exudes style and taste and each room is individually furnished with antiquities and decorated with original oil paintings.
The best way to explore the city is on foot. Walking around town is easy, and every street and almost every building has a story. However, the Viennese save their most beautiful buildings for their music. Everywhere you go, you feel the music, but seeing it is an experience not to be missed. One of the city's finest musical treasures is The Vienna Boys Choir. Having started as a private choir for the Emperor, these days you can catch them at the Hofburg Imperial Chapel, and if you don't mind standing it's free.
Whether you're a lover of food, music or history, Vienna truly is the shining jewel in Europe's crown.
The facts:
Thai Airways International will fly you to Frankfurt or Munich. Their UK/Europe dollar deals start at $2006. From there, jump on a connecting flight to Vienna.
Thai Airways International
Tel: 1300 651 960
Jetset and Tempo Holidays have Vienna packages starting at $295 twin share. This includes two nights' accommodation, breakfasts, transfers, a city tour and the beautiful Mozart concert.
Jetset
Tel: 13 63 83
If you want to splurge, stay at the Sacher Hotel for $758 per person for two nights with breakfasts, transfers, a tour and the concert included.
Sacher Hotel
