Vienna ‘Spanish Riding School’ and Christmas Markets Weekend
PRICES FROM £1,095.00pp
Flights available from UK and Ireland. Talk to us at time of booking for flight options.
Vienna, Austria
Friday 20th November – Monday 23rd November 2026
Join us for a long weekend in Vienna this November, combining one of the world’s most celebrated equestrian traditions with the city at its most magical.
At the heart of the trip is exclusive access to the Spanish Riding School, with premium front and second row seating for a performance at the historic Hofburg Palace. You’ll also enjoy a private behind-the-scenes tour of the stables, giving you the chance to meet the Lipizzaner horses and see first-hand the centuries of tradition that have shaped this extraordinary institution.
Beyond the Riding School, Vienna in late November is something very special. Grand architecture, a festive atmosphere and some of Europe’s finest Christmas markets make for a city well worth exploring at your own pace. There’s excellent food, exceptional culture, and no shortage of ways to spend the time.
With return flights, four-star accommodation and a well-planned itinerary all included, it’s a genuinely effortless way to experience Vienna, whether you’re coming for the horses, the markets, or both.
A donation from each booking will be made to Racing Welfare, the charity supporting the health, welfare and lives of people who work in British horseracing.
Friday 20th November
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Morning flight from Heathrow to Vienna.
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Transfer to the 4* ’25hours Hotel’ for a three-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
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Drinks at the hotels Rooftop Bar at 19.00.
Saturday 21st November
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Day and Night at leisure. There is so much to explore with a huge range of Christmas markets, museums, historical buildings, the famous Central Café or even some Christmas shopping.
Sunday 22nd November
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Breakfast at hotel.
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Spanish Riding School Show (we have reserved all front and 2nd row prime seating in the arena).
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13.00 Private Guided Tour – Behind the scenes at the Spanish Riding School meeting the horses and riders along with a tour of all the facilities.
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The rest of the afternoon and evening will be at leisure.
Monday 23rd November
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Breakfast at hotel.
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Final visits to the Christmas markets before transfers to the airport.
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Evening flight from Vienna to Heathrow.
The Spanish Riding School
ABOUT THE EVENT:
The Spanish Riding School in Vienna is a world-renowned institution showcasing the elegance and precision of classical dressage with its iconic Lipizzaner stallions. Set within the breathtaking Baroque architecture of the Hofburg Palace, this event offers a mesmerising experience as the stallions perform their signature movements, including the famous "airs above the ground."
With a tradition spanning over 400 years, it is the oldest riding school in the world, where equestrian mastery meets cultural heritage. Attending this event is not just about witnessing equestrian excellence but also immersing yourself in centuries of tradition, artistry, and culture. Visitors can marvel at the harmony between rider and horse, a testament to years of patient training and dedication. For horse lovers and history enthusiasts alike, this is a rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian displays in a truly magical setting.
RACING WELFARE
ABOUT THE ORGANISATION:
Racing Welfare supports the people who make British horseracing possible, from stable staff, and stud staff to racecourse teams and everyone who works behind the scenes across the industry. From mental health support and financial assistance to housing and career advice, the charity is there for the racing workforce at every stage of life. A donation from every Vienna Weekend Tour booking will go directly to supporting that work.
DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT.
Laura L,
June 2024
Absolutely amazing, from start
to finish!
The actual trip was just phenomenal. We met some lovely people, we learnt so much and we experienced the most wonderful weekend. The organisation was second to none; the hotel was perfect and the location was right opposite the Hippodrome.
From Marc’s knowledge and contacts, we got to spend a day at Nicolas Clement’s stables, we had wonderful seats for the races along with another stables tour, something we would not have experienced if I hadn’t booked with Venatour. The trip was the right mix of activities and leisure time and we both thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jon S,
September 2024
Lovely trip meeting old and new friends.
Fantastic trip to Bruges and Waregem with Venatour Racing Social. This was our first visit to Bruges so Marc and Simon definitely looked after all of us with recommendations for bars and restaurants and places to see.
Wonderful choice of hotel in the centre of Bruges and a nice touch on day 1 to meet up for drinks together and get to know the group. The racing on day 2 was a spectacle not to be missed and with superb hospitality. On the last evening, Marc arranged a meet up at a lovely place by the Canal. Thanks for a lovely trip, meeting old and new friends and being well looked after.
Carol S,
February 2024
We are still buzzing from
our trip.
Firstly, we are still buzzing from our trip to the White Turf Event in St Moritz with Marc & Simon from Venatour. We were with our family on our return and loved relating many of the 'one of a kind' highlights!
We felt very well looked after with all the attention to details, updates and changes of exciting events which they both masterminded. We've now signed up for the Cape Town event plus the add on Safari - we know it will be a superb experience and something we couldn't do without the expertise of Venatour.
Graham H,
November 2023
Very skilled in tailoring the experience.
Our first guided tour of any description (being averse to any set itinerary and having the spirit of a cat, like a caged Lion…😁). However Marc was an excellent herder of cats!
Very skilful in tailoring the experience to the individual; we did our own thing but was always kept in the loop and joined the group and events as we wanted. And when Gatwick threw a curveball by cancelling a bunch of flights, Marc and the team juggled all the chaos like pros. Hats off to them - it was purr-fectly handled! Thanks guys loved it.