Musical Performances

Musical Performances

Luxury Hotels

Luxury Hotels

Gourmet Meals

Gourmet Meals

English Speaking Guides

English Speaking Guides

Overview

A Week of Masterworks at the Staatsoper – A Celebration of Voice, Art & Imperial Splendor

Vienna, the undisputed capital of classical music, HAT Tours welcomes you to an extraordinary week of opera and concert performances featuring some of the most celebrated voices and conductors of our time . Four evenings unfold with opera performances at the legendary Vienna Staatsoper, complemented by an exclusive gala concert with Jonas Kaufmann at the magnificent Wiener Konzerthaus , forming a musical journey that spans Rossini's sparkling wit, Wagner's transcendent grandeur, Puccini's searing passion, and the enduring genius of Verdi.

The journey commences at the Staatsoper with Rossini’s seminal Il barbiere di Siviglia, a paragon of opera buffa rendered with distinction by Nicola Alaimo’s authoritative Figaro, Dave Monaco’s agile Count Almaviva, Maria Kataeva’s nuanced Rosina, Marco Filippo Romano’s droll Bartolo, and the commanding Erwin Schrott as Don Basilio.

The program accompanies Wagner’s Parsifal, conducted by the acclaimed maestra Simone Young in Kirill Serebrennikov's visionary staging. The great Piotr Beczała takes the title role, joined by Ludovic Tézier as the tormented Amfortas, Christof Fischesser as the noble Gurnemanz, Matheus França as Titurel, Simone Schneider as the enigmatic Kundry, and Jochen Schmeckenbecher as the sorcerer Klingsor.

The immersion in Wagner continues with Tristan und Isolde, featuring Andreas Schager’s heroic Tristan and Miina-Liisa Värelä’s radiant Isolde, conducted by Alexander Soddy. Kwangchul Youn imparts gravitas as King Marke, supported by Adrian Eröd’s steadfast Kurwenal and Tanja Ariane Baumgartner’s evocative Brangäne, all within the conceptual boldness of Calixto Bieito’s production.

At the journey’s apex, the exclusive Tutto Verdi gala is headlined by the renowned tenor Jonas Kaufmann in the storied Großer Saal of the Wiener Konzerthaus, celebrated for its superlative acoustics and architectural distinction. The program traverses Verdi’s dramatic spectrum, affording connoisseurs an unparalleled opportunity to experience Kaufmann’s interpretive mastery.

The itinerary culminates at the Staatsoper with Puccini’s emotionally charged Manon Lescaut, starring Elena Stikhina’s impassioned Manon opposite Vittorio Grigolo’s ardent Des Grieux. Maestro Giacomo Sagripanti presides over the Staatsoper orchestra in Robert Carsen’s critically acclaimed staging.

Between performances, Vienna itself becomes your stage. Walk the marble halls of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, home to one of the world's finest collections of Bruegel, Vermeer, Caravaggio, and Velázquez. Stand before Gustav Klimt's iconic The Kiss at the Upper Belvedere, and descend into the gilded intimacy of the Secession Building to witness Klimt's extraordinary Beethoven Frieze. Trace the footsteps of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Strauss through the grand boulevards of the Ringstrasse, and experience the imperial majesty of Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Linger in the legendary Viennese coffee houses where artists, writers, and composers once debated the future of music — a tradition so cherished, it carries UNESCO heritage status.

Indulge in seven luxurious nights at the iconic Hotel Sacher Vienna, a true Viennese institution where imperial elegance meets world-renowned hospitality, perfectly positioned steps from the Staatsoper itself. This adventure also includes a captivating excursion into the romantic Vienna Woods, visiting the serene Heiligenkreuz Abbey, the Mayerling, and the elegant spa town of Baden, with a scenic drive along the wine route among the vineyards.

✦Wish to extend your journey? Continue the enchantment with our optional three-night Budapest Extension - two additional evenings of Puccini, including a spectacular Turandot at the Hungarian State Opera and a Best of Puccini concert. If you are interested to extend Please let us know when you reserve the Vienna tour.

Opera Performances Opera Performances

VIENNA

April 2 – The Barber of Seville by Rossini
April 3 – Parsifal by Wagner with Simone Young, Piotr Beczała
April 4 – Tristen and Isolde by Wagner with Alexander Soddy, Andreas Schager
April 5 – Tutto Verdi concert with Jonas Kaufmann
April 7 – Manon Lescaut by Puccini with Elena Stikhina

Itinerary

Wednesday, March 31. (D)*. DEPART FOR VIENNA

Depart this evening aboard any airline of your choice to Vienna, Austria. Enjoy dinner and a light breakfast on the plane.

Thursday, April 1. (B,D). VIENNA

Arrival at Vienna International Airport is independent. Take a taxi to the centrally located luxury Hotel Sacher, where we will stay for seven nights. Enjoy a cocktail and Gala Welcome Dinner at the famous Sacher Restaurant.

Friday, April 2. (B). VIENNA

Morning sightseeing in this cultural capital of Europe. Among the sights will be the Hofburg, the former Imperial Palace, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Walk through the charming courtyards and see some of the homes of famous composers such as Beethoven and Mozart.This evening we will see the opera the Barber di Siviglia by Rossini at the Vienna Staatsoper.

VIENNA: Since the Romans selected the site of a Celtic settlement for the location of one of its most important Central European forts, Vindobona, the city that grew up in the Vienna Basin of the Danube, has played a vital role in European history. Austria grew up around the city and developed into a mighty empire. Still, the Viennese character formed during the long history of the country is a rich amalgam of the blending of cultures that have made Vienna what it is today. a city whose people devote themselves to the enjoyment of the good life - music, art, literature, theatre, architecture, education, food, and drink - all are part of the gemütlichkeit of Vienna. Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven, the Strausses (all of them), Gluck, Mahler, Brahms, Liszt, Haydn, Weber, and Schönberg - in the music world alone, these are some of the outstanding names which are a part of the soul of Vienna.

Saturday, April 3. (B). VIENNA

Today, we will embark on a comprehensive bus tour of Vienna. The tour will cover the Ring Road, showcasing the grandeur of the State Opera House, the majestic Parliament, and the City Hall. We will stroll through the Naschmarkt, Vienna's most famous market, and visit the Museums Quartier, a vibrant cultural district. The tour will also include stops at the Prater to see the iconic Ferris wheel, the Danube, the U.N. Building and Danube City, the historic Old Danube area, and the picturesque Belvedere Palace. We will also visit the Hundertwasserhaus, a unique residential building designed by the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. This evening, we will see the opera Parsifal by Wagner at the Vienna Staatsoper.

Sunday, April 4. (B,L). VIENNA

This morning exploring the Fine Arts Museum with our local guide, known for its extensive collection of European art. Lunch is included. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the museum's Picture Gallery, admiring works from the Renaissance to the Baroque period. This evening, we will see the opera Tristen and Isolde by Wagner at the Vienna Staatsoper.

Monday, April 5. (B). VIENNA

Today is free to visit some of the other artistic treasures of this city, such as taking a bus ride from near our hotel to the Belvedere Palace, built by Prince Eugene of Savoy, and Schönbrunn Palace, built by Empress Maria Theresa. This evening we will attend a concert Tutto Verdi with Jonas Kaufmann at Wiener Konzerthaus.

Tuesday, April 6. (B,D). VIENNA

Today, we will take a day trip to the Vienna Woods, a scenic region offering a retreat from the city. Our visit will include a stop at Heiligenkreuz Abbey, a medieval monastery still active today. We will drive past Mayerling, the former hunting lodge's tragic history, and take a walking tour in Baden, known for its thermal springs and beautiful parks. We will also drive along the scenic wine route, enjoying the picturesque vineyards. Late afternoon return to Vienna. Evening is at leisure. This evening we will have our Gala Farewell dinner in a gourmet restaurant.

Wednesday, April 7. (B). VIENNA

Today, we are taking a walking tour of the "Hidden Streets and Courtyards of Vienna," covering the Mozarthaus (no inside visit), Deutschordenshaus (Mozart and Brahms lived there), Blutgassen Quarters, Old University Quarters, Ballgasse, and Franziskaner Square.This evening, we will see the opera Manon Lescaut by Puccini at the Vienna Staatsoper.

Thursday, April 8. (B). VIENNA - BACK HOME

The Concierge will assist you in organizing your transport to the Vienna International Airport, for your departure back home, arriving the same afternoon. If you are joining us in Budapest, we will take you by luxury coach and continue our trip to Budapest through beautiful contryside. Auf Wiedersehn. See you again on another HAT TOUR.

* B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner (including wine)

Land Cost

  • Double:$13,950 PER PERSON
  • Single Supplement:$2,950 PER PERSON
  • Deposit:$3,000 PER PERSON
  • Balance due:January 5, 2027

AirFare

Airfare is not included. Please make sure that your airline ticket reads from home to Vienna and from Vienna back home. We urge you to check airline cancellation penalties before purchasing airline tickets since international departure times and flights can change. We can assist you at no cost to find the most convenient flights from home to Vienna and return from Vienna back home.

*Guests who choose the optional Budapest extension should arrange their return flight from Budapest instead of Vienna, according to their Budapest itinerary dates. 

Insurance

Trip cancellation is highly recommended. Some policies wave pre-existing medical conditions if purchased within 15 days of receiving the deposit.

VISA

Starting in 2026, travel to Europe has changed. The European Commission has rolled out an updated travel system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. ETIAS is the new travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers, to enter 30 European countries.
It is still expected to be in operation by the fourth quarter of 2026. Learn more about the ETIAS implementation by visiting the ETIAS website. www.etias.com Or www.travel-europe.europa.eu for various new aspects of traveling to Europe.

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Guests Comments

We've done close to a dozen trips with The Aranis and I think I've seen enough to say it: they make it look easy. They've got the energy and sense of purpose to make it so the pieces all click together at the joints, and the tact to make you think they're having fun doing it, which means you have fun; perhaps they do too. We've got many fond memories of our trips with them and we look forward to more.

Doug and Marty Brown, United States