Vienna - Klimt and The Secession Escorted Tour

From the geometric façades of the Postal Savings Bank to the ethereal beauty of Am Steinhof, the treasures of the Leopold Museum, to a window on an artist’s world at Klimt Villa, witness the revolutionary spirit of the Secession.

In 1897 a group, including Klimt, Moser, Hoffmann and Olbrich, seceded from the Association of Austrian Artists in objection to its conservative ideologies. These painters, sculptors and architects formed the Vienna Secession, a group looking to explore the world of art without the restraints of academia and tradition, and in this respect, had no prevailing or prescribed style in which they worked. With the construction of the Secession exhibition house in 1898 the group were also able to hold exhibitions of new, unconventional artists and the best foreign artists that were seen as ‘avant garde’. Join Professor Anne Anderson to discover some of the Secession’s finest Art Nouveau works in stately Vienna.

ITINERARY

Day 1: London to Vienna
Fly from London Heathrow to Vienna and transfer to the hotel. Welcome drink, talk from Anne: ‘The Vienna Secession: an introduction’, followed by dinner this evening.

Day 2: Vienna on foot
Full day on foot exploring Vienna’s Art Nouveau highlights, including Stadt Park with the many wonderful statues. We then visit the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK), which features collections of furniture, glass, china, silver and textiles from the Middle Ages to the present. Later we visit the magnificent Postal Savings Bank, designed and built by Otto Wagner. 

Day 3: Otto Wagner Hofpavillon, Klimt Villa, and more!
Morning visit to view the imperial grandeur and modernist design at the Otto Wagner Hofpavillon, a jewel of Viennese architecture built in 1899 for Emperor Franz Joseph. Then onto Klimt Villa, the artist's studio from 1911 until his death in 1918. He created over 50 works here including masterpieces like 'The Bride'. We enjoy a light lunch with a glass of champagne after our tour. Next we visit the Ernst Fuchs Museum - a once derelict Wagner villa that was acquired and restored by Ernst Fuchs in 1972. We end the day with a visit to Wagner’s Am Steinhof Church, a triumph of architecture as a ‘total work of art’. Second talk from Anne tonight: ‘Klimt and Schiele, from Symbolism to Expressionism’.

Day 4:  A day of Secession sights
We begin at the iconic Sanatorium Purkersdorf, a masterpiece of early modern architecture designed by Josef Hoffmann. After lunch (own expense) we visit the museum and prison cell of Egon Schiele in Neulengbach, to provide context to some of his most haunting works. Conclude the day with an external viewing of the Werkbundsiedlung in Vienna. With Anne’s commentary, explore the architectural ideals of the 1930s modernist housing project.

Day 5: Leopold Museum, Vienna Secession Building, and the Otto Wagner Pavilion Karlsplatz
The day begins at the Leopold Museum, home to an excellent collection of modern Austrian art including key Secession works. Next we visit the
Vienna Secession Building which was built by Joseph Maria Olbrich in 1897 as a representation of all that the Secessionists stood for. The building is home to Klimt’s Beethoven Frieze. After lunch (own expense) we visit the Otto Wagner Pavilion, a beautiful Jugendstil building. Farewell dinner tonight.

Day 6: Upper Belvedere, then departure
Morning visit to historic Baroque palace of Upper Belvedere, where there will be time to view the fantastic art collection, which includes a number of Viennese Secession works, most notably Klimt’s 'The Kiss'. Afternoon transfer back to Vienna airport for return flight to London Heathrow.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as demanding due to the amount of time spent on foot during the walking tours each day, plus lots of standing for viewing at attractions. Please visit the mobility page of our website for further information, or call our team with any questions prior to booking.

INCLUDED

• Return flights from London Heathrow to Vienna
• Five nights' bed and breakfast at the four-star Kaiserhof Wien, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room 
• Welcome drink
• Two dinners
• One lunch
• Two lectures by Professor Anne Anderson 
• Transfers, tours and entrance fees 
• Accompanied by Professor Anne Anderson and tour manager throughout 
  
  

NOT INCLUDED

• Double room for sole use supplement - £690
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTELS

Kaiserhof Wien

Hotel Kaiserhof Wien is a distinguished 4-star, family-run hotel nestled in Vienna's historic center, just steps from the Ringstrasse and major cultural landmarks. Housed in a meticulously preserved 1896 building, it seamlessly blends imperial charm with modern comforts. Guests can unwind in the wellness area, featuring a Finnish sauna, steam bath, and fitness room. The hotel also offers inviting relaxation spaces, including a winter garden, a cozy bar, and a small library. With its tranquil ambiance, attentive service, and proximity to Vienna's vibrant attractions, Hotel Kaiserhof Wien provides an ideal retreat for those seeking both relaxation and cultural enrichment.

Kaiserhof Wien Website

YOUR LECTURER
Prof Anne Anderson
Prof. Anne Anderson author, broadcaster, international Accredited Lecturer of The Arts Society and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, was a senior lecturer at Southampton Solent University for 14 years, specialising in the Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Modernism; she currently teaches at Kingston University. Anne's career as an international speaker has taken her all over the world and her TV credits include the BBC's Flog It!. Anne has recieved a rapturous response from or customers at the many Travel Editions UK lectures and tours she has hosted and is excited at the prospect of sharing her knowledge with our clients further afield.

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