We are registered for the best of Germany, Austria and Switzerland in 14 days tour and debating whether to stay an extra day in Vienna or if there's enough time to see the extras we want to explore. We'd like to go to the Schonbrunn Palace and also go to the Vienna State Opera performance one evening. If you've been on this tour, what is your advice? Can we fit this in during the day and a half in Vienna or should we stay an extra day? Thank you.
Posted by
Minneapolis
1349 posts
Hi Sue. I haven't been on the tour, but from the itinerary, it looks like in Vienna your only free time is one afternoon. I like Vienna, and I would say, yes, as long as you are there, definitely add another day. Or two! Search for Emily's posts on this website for list of fun things to do in Vienna. Have great trip!
Posted by
Arizona, USA
112 posts
We took the GAS tour in 2014 and stayed two extra nights in town. We went to the Opera for the low cost sro seats on the top rings. Saw a few of our RS alumni doing the same. Get in the que early and hustle upstairs for the best angles. But if your into Opera and want to truly enjoy the experience purchase reserved seats online. On the added full day we took their metro out to a river walk and park area across the main river. A beautiful city with lots of options, well worth an extra night.
Posted by
69 posts
We did the tour in 2019 and did add one day so we could see Schonbrunn Palace. We toured the palace and got stuck behind a large Asian group which was so large you couldn't get by them and so a back log occurred behind them. Eventually we got by them with some effort. Otherwise worth while. We spent the rest of the morning walking the grounds and gardens all the way up to the Gloriette with great views.
Afterwards on the way back to the central city we stopped at the naschtmarkt for lunch and "window shopping". We spent the rest of the day shopping in the central area for gifts to bring home.
You could spend a whole day at Schonbrunn, so if you really want to see the palace and the opera at least one day extra would make things more possible and especially less stressful.
Posted by
Puyallup, WA
142 posts
Stay after the tour as long as you can. We stayed a week in an apartment rental. Vienna is an easy city to get around in on the metro and there is an enormous amount of art, music and history to see. RS tours do touch the high points but we found they missed a lot that we wanted to see. Whatever your particular interests there is plenty to see. Also, it is nice to slow down a bit after the pace of the tour.
Posted by
Southern Oregon
690 posts
Definitely add at least another day! We took the tour and were so disappointed that we had scheduled to leave the day the tour ended. Schonbrun palace still calls out to us but there was no time during the tour.