Views of buildings in Vienna and a photo of Beethoven

Vienna’s Musical & Holiday Splendor

November 28–December 4, 2026

Pricing: $7,250 per person; For a single room add $1,140

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For more information, please contact ATA at 855-395-6100 or CHQtravels@academic-travel.com.

Overview

Join Chautauqua Travels for an enchanting week-long journey to Vienna, where the festive season comes alive with the dazzling Christmas markets and melodies of the city’s rich musical heritage. Guided by the expertise of renowned music historian and longtime Chautauqua guest speaker Professor David Levy, delve into the lives and legacies of Mozart and Beethoven in the city they called home.  Wander the charming holiday markets, savoring warming glühwein, traditional treats like Sacher Torte, and classic Austrian dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel. Enjoy intimate musical experiences, including a performance by the Vienna Boys’ Choir and a private recital at the Mozarthaus, immersing yourself in Vienna’s enduring legacy of music. Explore iconic landmarks such as Schönbrunn Palace, the Imperial Hofburg Palace, and Stephansdom, while embracing the festive atmosphere of Vienna’s Christmas markets. From historical sites to musical masterpieces, and the unforgettable holiday cheer, this tour promises a magical blend of culture, cuisine, and celebration, providing a magical musical interlude post-Thanksgiving and fast-tracking your holiday gifts and decorations. 

Questions?

Please contact ATA at:
Toll-Free Number: 855-395-6100
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Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy Musical Experiences including High Mass performance by the renowned Vienna Boys’ Choir, a private piano recital at the Mozarthaus, and the opportunity for additional optional performances, immersing yourself in Vienna’s rich musical heritage. 
  • Explore iconic historic sites from the grandeur of the Schönbrunn Palace and the Imperial Hofburg Palace to Vienna’s Gothic masterpiece, Stephansdom.
  • Immerse yourself in the numerous magical and enchanting Christmas Markets in Vienna, discovering handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and a magical winter atmosphere. 
  • Delve into the lives of the great musical masters Mozart and Beethoven with visits to their homes to learn about their lives, compositions, and enduring musical legacy. 
  • Savor culinary delights as you wander the city bedecked for the holidays, grab a glass of warming glühwein while wandering the Christmas markets, pause for kaffee and Sacher Torte and dine on an Austrian classic, Wiener Schnitzel.

Trip Expert: David B. Levy

David Levy is professor emeritus of music at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC, where he taught for forty-five years and served as Chair of the Department of Music (1994-2006) and Associate Dean of the College. He also directed graduate seminars at the Eastman school of music, the school from which he earned his BM and MA degrees. Levy received his Ph.D. In musicology from the University of Rochester in 1980. In addition to his lectures throughout the US and Europe, he is a founder of the new Beethoven research conferences that bring Beethoven scholars together from around the world. Levy is the author of Beethoven: the ninth symphony and has written articles and reviews for several prestigious journals, including 19th century music, Beethoven forum, Historical Performance, Music Library Association Notes, and Schriften zur Beethoven-forschung.  He also was a contributor to Berlioz Studies, Dictionnaire Berlioz, the new Beethoven, the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. He is the co-editor of Music, a connected art/die illusion der abosluten musik. A festschrift for jürgen thym on his 80th birthday. Levy remains active in musicological research and is the author of program notes for the Winston-Salem and Chautauqua Symphony Orchestras and the New Mexico Philharmonic. 

David Levy

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 1

Welcome to Vienna 

Welcome to Vienna! Upon arrival at the airport, make your way independently to the city center and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour exploring Vienna’s rich musical history. Later, gather in the hotel meeting room for an engaging presentation by Dr Levy. Conclude the day with a delightful welcome dinner at a charming local restaurant near the hotel. 

Included Meals: Dinner 

Accommodation: Le Meridien 

Day 2

Vienna Boys’ Choir & Christmas Markets in Vienna and Melk
Head to the Imperial Hofburg Palace this morning, on foot. Listen to the exquisite voices of the Vienna Boys’ Choir during High Mass at the Hofburg Chapel and then tour the Palace. Explore the stunning Staterooms and private apartments before walking to the Spittelberg Christmas Market, where narrow streets and cozy courtyards offer a festive shopping experience. After lunch at leisure, board a private bus and drive to Melk, a picturesque village overlooking the Danube river, where you can explore its enchanting Christmas Market. Return to Vienna for dinner and a restful evening. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Accommodation: Le Meridien 

Day 3

Musikverein, Karlsplatz Christmas Market 

Begin today’s musical discoveries with a guided tour of the Musikverein, home of the Vienna Philharmonic. Pause for a warm coffee and Sacher Torte before visiting Doblinger, an historic and renowned music shop for musicians, scholars, and enthusiasts alike. Savor lunch at a local restaurant. Explore the Kunsthistorisches Museum’s musical instrument collection, a fascinating glimpse into rare and historic instruments before visiting the baroque Karlskirche and its unique Christmas Market, featuring handcrafted gifts, unique artisan stalls. Stroll back to the hotel at your leisure or linger at the market seeking out some festive gifts and decorations. You may choose to attend an optional concert this evening. Full details will be provided later.  

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodation: Le Meridien 

Day 4

Mozart 

Today is dedicated to music maestro Mozart. Begin with an exploration of Mozart’s only surviving residence in the city, the Mozarthaus, featuring exhibits on his life, work, and time in Vienna, along with original manuscripts, period furnishings, interactive displays. Enjoy a light lunch at Café Frauenhuber, where Mozart and Beethoven once performed, and engage in conversation about these music masters with Dr Levy. Walk to Vienna’s Gothic masterpiece, Stephansdom for a tour. Take some time at leisure to wander through the Christmas Village at Stephansplatz, soaking in the festive atmosphere. The day culminates with an enchanting piano recital by the Mozart Ensemble Piano Trio at the Mozarthaus, an intimate concert space offering the perfect blend of history and music. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodation: Le Meridien 

Day 5

Beethoven 

Today focus on the life and works of Beethoven. Visit the Beethoven Museum in Heiligenstadt, where the composer spent pivotal years of his life and learn about his struggles with hearing loss and musical genius. Here he wrote his famous Heiligenstadt Testament. Lunch today is at the historic Griechenbeisl Restaurant, a favorite among musicians. The afternoon is free for personal exploration or relaxation in Vienna. For those interested, an optional evening opera performance offers the perfect opportunity to experience the city’s world-renowned musical heritage in a stunning venue. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodation: Le Meridien 

Day 6

Schonbrunn 

After breakfast, visit Schönbrunn Palace, the stunning former summer residence of the Habsburgs, and explore its beautiful Baroque architecture. Wander through the magical holiday fair set against the grand imperial backdrop, featuring handcrafted gifts, traditional Austrian treats, and festive music in an elegant Baroque setting of the palace’s courtyard. The afternoon is free to enjoy more Christmas Markets or shop along the vibrant Mariahilferstrasse. In the evening, gather for a farewell reception followed by a delightful dinner. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Accommodation: Le Meridien 

Day 7

Auf Wiedersehen  

Depart hotel for individual flights home 

Included Meals: None 

Accommodations

Le Meridien, Vienna (6 nights) 

Le Méridien Vienna offers a luxurious and centrally located stay in the heart of the city, just steps from the famous Ringstrasse and major attractions like the State Opera and Kunsthistorisches Museum. This elegant hotel combines contemporary design with classic comfort, featuring spacious rooms, modern amenities, and a relaxing atmosphere. With exceptional service and a vibrant ambiance, Le Méridien ensures a memorable experience for both leisure and business travelers in Vienna.