A Long Weekend in Graz in Europe

Brochure

Click here to download our Escorted Tours 2010.

Dates

24th - 28th June 2010

Tour Leader

Harriet Landseer lives in Prague (with occasional stints in Ireland and Andalucia) and, having led tours for Specialtours since 1996, now concentrates on Central Europe as her main area of expertise.  Fluent in Czech, with she is also at ease in German, French and Spanish.  She studied History of Art at Yale University.

Costs

Per person: £1,695

Single supplement: £130

Airport taxes per person: Currently £81.80
(Please note that airport taxes include fuel surcharges and security fees and are liable to change without notice)

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The attractive city of Graz in south-east Austria, whilst relatively unknown, is remarkable for its fine and eclectic architecture. It has over 50 Renaissance palaces, and its Old Town is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contrasting with its many stylish modern restaurants and galleries. It is also the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful Styrian countryside with its splendid castles and country houses.

We begin by exploring the city itself including the late-Gothic Cathedral, the 17th century Arsenal, the futuristic Kunsthaus (Museum of Modern Art), the Landhaus with its Italianate arcades, and the shell-like Mur Island, designed by New York artist Vito Acconci as a bridge and performance area straddling the river.  We also venture into the rolling countryside and vineyards to visit the Lippizaner stables at Piber, Hundertwasser's church at Bärnbach, the Cistercian Abbey at Rein and a number of magnificent castles, some by special arrangement. 

These include the Baroque Schloss Eggenberg, which houses Graz's fine collection of medieval and Baroque art; the Renaissance Schloss Hollenegg (subject to permission); Schloss Gamlitz and its winery; and Schloss Herberstein with its romantic setting and delightful garden.  We also visit the mausoleum at Schloss Ehrenhausen.  Our visit coincides with the start of the Styriarte, a music festival with a rich and varied programme, and we have secured tickets for the opening night.

Day 1: Thursday, 24th June

London / Vienna/ Graz
Depart London Heathrow on a British Airways morning flight to Vienna.

Transfer to the Palais-Hotel Erzherhog Johann, a traditional family-run hotel on the main square.  Brief orientation tour of Graz.  Drinks at the hotel, followed by dinner at Upstairs on the Schlossberg.

Day 2: Friday, 25th June

Graz & Piber
Guided tour of Graz, to include the 17th-century Arsenal, the late Gothic Catheral, the futuristic Kunsthaus and the shell-shaped Mur Island, designed by the New York artist Vito Acconci as a bridge between the two banks of the river.

Lunch at a typical restaurant.  Pass rolling meadows and vineyards on the way to the church by Hundertwasser at Bärnbach and the Lipizzaner stables at Piber.  Dinner at Iohan Restaurant.  Attend the  opening night of the Styriarte Festival.

Day 3: Saturday, 26th June

Graz & Rein Abbey
Morning visit to Schloss Eggenberg, one of the greatest Renaissance buildings in central Europe, a princely Baroque residence set in parkland on the edge of Graz.  It has fine interiors and houses the city's fine collection of medieval and Baroque art. 

After lunch in a restaurant, drive north to the old Cistercian abbey at Rein.  Return to Graz and dinner under own arrangements.

Day 4: Sunday, 27th June

Graz
Visit the Renaissance Schloss Hollenegg (subject to permission), with its richly-furnished state apartments and frescoed Great Hall, dating from the 18th century.  The castle, private home of Prince von und zu Lichtenstein, is set in a park with views over the West Styrian Hills.

Wine-tasting and lunch at Schloss Gamlitz, a charming country house dating from the 12th century.  Continue to Schloss Ehrenhausen to admire the Eggenberg Mausoleum, by Pietro de Pomis, dating from 1610.  Dinner at a private castle above Graz.

Day 5: Monday, 28th June

Vienna / London
On the way back to Vienna, pause at the beautifully-restored Schloss Herberstein, known for its romantic setting and Italianate arcaded courtyard.

After lunch, continue to Vienna airport for a British Airways flight to London, arriving Heathrow Airport in the evening. 

NB: During our stay there will be opportunities to attend concerts as part of the Styriarte Festival.  Further details and prices will be provided nearer the time.