We start the day with a 5-star breakfast followed by Craig informing us about the incredible concentration of music in Vienna. Buckle up for his much-anticipated talk entitled: Napoleon and Beethoven Invade Vienna.  Napoleon's cannons fired on the city in May 1809, terrifying Beethoven and causing him to race over to his brother's house and hide in the cellar—more on this later in the day!

Armed with knowledge, we set off on a walking tour of the city with a musical bent, including a visit to the cathedral; the Mozart Museum where the brilliant young composer lived for 3 years in the late 18th century; and Beethoven’s Pasquilati House to see how he lived—apparently  he was quite the slob.   To tie these two legends together, we will pause for a coffee and a confection at Fauenhuber Cafe where Mozart and Beethoven used to hang out (but not together!).

This evening we’re off to an extraordinary event – a privatized visit to Schönbrunn Palace.  This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a spectacular example of Baroque architecture at its most glamorous and powerful, painted that distinctive imperial custard color and glittering with windows. Yes, Napoleon was here too!  We will enjoy an exclusive after-hours tour of the palace.  Be ready for a time warp placing us firmly back in era of the Imperial monarchy, when Maria Theresa made this her summer residence.

In the neighbourhood of Schönbrunn Palace we discover the Lieblingsküche Atelier, the destination for our private soirée (in the true sense) this evening. Prepared with love by owner and chef Florian Mükisch, our reception and dinner party promises to wow with the most authentic of Viennese recipes.  Enjoy passing classic hearty dishes around the table family style as well as sharing bottles of wine procured from the best nearby vineyards.   

PARK HYATT VIENNA (B,R,D)