Vienna would prove to be one of our best days yet, and a busy one. We started the morning with an excursion to Schönbrunn Palace at 8:00am. We caught our first glimpses of Vienna as we passed through on our way to the palace. All of it was curated by another excellent guide who had grown up in Vienna, and acquired her love of history from her father. We had time before our tour entrance time to learn about the building of the Baroque palace by the Habsburg monarchs and to learn a little about Empress Maria Theresa and her family (Marie Antoinette was one of her daughters). We toured several of the opulent rooms (no photos allowed) before we were let out to tour the gardens on this beautiful sunny day. We took advantage of some spare time to also visit the carriage house museum, where many of the rococo carriages from that era were on display.
On our way back, we chose to be dropped off in town for the afternoon, and did our best to see as much as we could. Some terrific shopping streets (though we didn’t do any shopping), and lots of beautiful buildings. All too soon it was time to head back to the ship – we had an early dinner this night, because it was the night for another of Scenic’s signature events – a “Scenic° Enrich” private concert. After dinner we were taken to the Palais Liechtenstein for a exclusive performance of Mozart and Strauss music featuring a small orchestra, singers and dancers. The room was beautiful, and the performance was thrilling. Everyone agreed it was a delightful highlight of the cruise, and the perfect end to our day in Vienna.
Our first glimpse of the Schönbrunn Palace.
There were 2 of these interesting statues in the large entryway – we learned they were actually heating vents, with warm air coming out of the lion’s open mouths.
Out in the massive gardens of the castle. This statue of a soldier seems to be thinking “Why the hell am I standing like this?”
A picture of the back of the palace, with it’s gardens, and in the background is the extended city of Vienna. At the time the palace was built, this was all forested land.
At the end of the property, on a hill stood a “Gloriette”, kind of a viewing platform. Destroyed in WWII it has been completely restored now.
The opulent royal carriages of the Habsburg family.
And of course – you couldn’t go out in winter in just a regular sleigh. The horses’ jackets are covered in bells.
The Vienna opera house. Vienna is all about music, and Mozart lived here for most of his life.
At first a green house, then replaced by this Art Nouveau palm house, it now houses butterflies and a café.
We stepped in to check out a church, and found this trumpet quartet performing.
A figure in the church that seemed to be listening to the concert.
And…a statue of Mozart. I waited about 15 minutes to get a shot without people standing in front of it for a selfie.
We came across these huge bunnies on our tour. I think they’re public art.
A street, through a building, with statues on either side that make you think “What the heck is this all about?” I wonder which came first - the building or the roadway?
In the middle of a roundabout, there are some roman ruins unearthed between 1989 and 1991.
The beautiful buildings of Vienna.
And yup - there was a McDonald's too. (NOT the reason I took the picture.)
One of Vienna’s oldest restaurants (from 1618), Zum Schwarzen Kameel was having no problem still attracting people, despite the cool temperatures.
Our concert hall for the night.
A beautiful, stately building. Our concert was held in the room above the entranceway.
Lobby of Palais Liechtenstein where we enjoyed some bubbly before the concert.
Another of the opulent carriages, on display in the lobby.
Our concert hall. Yeah, we were all pretty impressed.
Beautifully maintained (or restored) ceiling.
Our orchestra getting seated. They sounded like a much larger orchestra when they played. I put the camera away after that, and enjoyed the concert. What a great way to end this memorable day.
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Danube River Cruise - Oct 2017