Private Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens Tour
Explore the house and gardens of the jewel in Vienna’s crown on this private half-day Schönbrunn Palace tour. Choose a morning or afternoon tour, then follow a private guide through UNESCO–listed Schönbrunn Palace’s beautiful gardens. Admire sweeping views from the Gloriette, then head inside — where the opulent Hall of Ceremonies, the Porcelain Room, the Millions Room, and the Millions Chamber await. Along the way, admire the palace’s beautiful interior and gain insight into the House of Habsburg — once one of Europe’s most powerful monarchies.
Options
Half-Day History of Schönbrunn
9:30 am and 2:30 pm: Half-day guided tour in the company of a historian
Pickup included
What's included in Private Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Schonbrunner Gardens
We begin our encounter with the astonishing High Baroque Schönbrunn Palace (built to rival Versailles) with a stroll through the magnificent formal gardens, exploring the Baroque landscaping principle of interlaced nature and architecture that is illustrated everywhere in the layout of the grounds. Approaching the Gloriette, a huge triumphal arch situated on a hilltop with panoramic views of Vienna’s woods, we recall the military victories that made Empress Maria Theresa’s reign (1740-1780) a highpoint of the Habsburg dynasty’s political and cultural dominance in Europe. The park was opened not only to the court but to the general public from 1779, a populist gesture that reveals Maria Theresa’s canny charm offensive towards her subjects. Indeed, it was under Maria Theresa’s direction that Schönbrunn Palace became the focal point of Austria’s imperial policy and the centre of court life.
Schonbrunn Palace
Generations of Habsburg rulers put their stamp on Schönbrunn. Visiting one lavish room after another gives us an ample sense of the opulence of this family: The dining room with precious tableware and “imperial napkins” in the form of a “fleur de lys” witnessed countless state dinners; the Hall of Ceremonies records the pompous Baroque celebrations it hosted, such as the wedding of Crown Prince Joseph, depicted in a series of scenes by court painter Martin van Meytens; the so-called “Porcelain Room” (office of Maria Theresa), completely done in imitation of precious china with orientalist drawings drafted by the imperial children. The unique “Millions Room” owes its name to a fabulous price in gold ducats paid for it.
Inclusions
- Private guide
- Schönbrunn Palace and Park tickets
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A maximum of 10 people per booking
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Additional Information
Your guide is delighted to meet you at your hotel or holiday flat and assist you to reach Schönbrunn palace by Vienna's excellent public transport. We don't include your metro tickets but your guide can help you to purchase. Otherwise, meet your guide at the Schönbrunn Arrival Centre at Schönbrunner Schloßstrasse 50. Your guide waits in front of the Group Centre Building right across the street from the palace’s main entrance. THANK YOU FOR BEING ON TIME for your reserved tour since the palace can refuse late entry. PLEASE NOTE: It is ESSENTIAL TO BE ON TIME for your reserved tour since the palace give us time slots and can refuse late entry, The miniature scale model of the palace is easy to find but leave yourself extra time as a precaution.
Meeting Points
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• Schönbrunn Palace and Park Tickets (18.90EUR/person)
