We have finalized the agenda for Spousetivities in conjunction with HP Discover Vienna, November 29 – December 1, 2011!
As in the past, we have researched and planned the best activities each destination has to offer, and this event is no different. We have some fun things in store for you, and the fact that the conference is being held in Vienna offers Spousetivities the chance to offer activities that are not only fun but are also rich in history and heritage.
The first event of the week is the “Getting to Know You” Breakfast. This is a Spousetivities tradition! It gives the participants a chance to put faces with names, and to meet your travel companions for the week. We will enjoy food, fun, goody bags, and chances to win cool prizes before embarking on our first adventure.
And what is that first adventure? Our first tour will be a trip to Viennese wine country. Did you know that Vienna is the only metropolis in the world to cultivate an appreciable wine-growing industry within its city limits? You can imagine that the whole region is one big vineyard, and we will take a bus tour to visit the most famous wine growing area in Vienna, Grinzing. We will enjoy the beautiful scenery, lunch, and—if you choose—wine on this 5-hour excursion.
Our next offering is a trip to the world-famous Christmas Markets. No place in the world decks the halls at Christmastime quite like Vienna. These romantic street markets enjoy a long tradition, with a history in Austria (as well as the rest of German speaking Europe) dating back to the Middle Ages. We will not only enjoy the sights, but also shop for one-of-a-kind Christmas presents and enjoy local food and drink. Bring your camera and your appetite, because you will not want to miss a thing!
Another event you don’t want to miss out on is a trip to the Melk Abbey, one of the most famous monasteries in the world. It was founded in the year 1089, so if you are interested in historic monuments with rich heritages, this is a must-see. Even if you are not impressed with antiquity, the beauty of this place will blow you away. We will tour the interior and the gardens of the Abbey, so bring your camera as well as a coat. After the tour, we will enjoy lunch on the River Danube. Eating lunch on the River Danube is a “bucket list” item—not many people besides us will have that as part of their life story!
We are also offering the opportunity to visit Schönbrunn Palace, which I believe is on par with the splendor and spatial presence of Versailles. The history of the site dates back to the Middle Ages, and the grounds were used primarily for hunting excursions over many hundreds of years. It wasn’t until the 18th century that the grounds became known as a hub of court and political life. The transformation from hunting lodge to grand palace was fascinating, and worth seeing first-hand.
Does this sound like something you don’t want to miss out on? Register now so you don’t get left out! We look forward to exploring Vienna with you.
***I’d like to thank Nikki Glasgow for being the main writer of this post.***