Private Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens Tour
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
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.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(46)
Our guide was very passionate about the Hapsburg place and the history of their rule. The two hour history lesson may be too intense for some people. I really enjoyed the experience. We combined the afternoon tour with a visit to the Schonbrunn Christmas Market.
Thank you for the wonderful review. We're so pleased you enjoyed it. Hoping to see you on another Insight Cities tour in Prague, Berlin, Budapest, Vienna, or Salzburg. Safe travels!
Exceptional experience. Biljana was a wonderful companion for our tour of the palace and taught our group not only information about Austria of the past, but present day Vienna as well. Loved it.
Thank you for the wonderful review. We're so pleased you enjoyed it. Hoping to see you on another Insight Cities tour in Prague, Berlin, Budapest, Vienna, or Salzburg. Safe travels!
Arranging our private tour to Schönbrunn Palace went smoothly through Viator. Our guide, Claudia, met us right on time and provided excellent details and stories about the Habsburg dynasty and their lifestyle throughout the centuries. The opulence of the palace decor was impressive. It was a rainy day, but still worth the walk to the Gloriette for a view of Vienna.
Thanks for the warm feedback. That makes our day. And thanks for recommending Insight Cities tour to your friends traveling to Prague, Berlin, Vienna, Budapest and Salzburg. Safe travels!
If we could give Stefan 10 stars, we would! What an amazing tour. He is a brilliant and very knowledgeable with his degree in history. We hung on every word and he brought history to life. He was so warm and welcoming and we felt just at home right away. We would love to use him again for any other tour. Highly highly highly recommend! Thank you Stefan!
Thank you for taking the time to review. We're proud to work with such terrific guides. Hope to see you again on Insight Cities tours in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Salzburg.
Jan was awesome! We had several long tours in different cities leading up to our arrival in Vienna, so my family was a bit tired of the endless facts and figures from other tour guides. We asked Jan to adjust to give us highlights and stories behind the palace and the royal family and he did an amazing job. It kept everyone engaged and my girls loved it!
Thank you for taking the time to review. We're proud to work with such terrific guides. Hope to see you again on Insight Cities tours in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Salzburg. Please tell your friends!
Great experience and tour! Our tour guide was delightful and knowledgeable. She took photos of our group. We went during a pretty busy time (summer), and the inside of the palace does get hot, so keep this in mind.
We really appreciate the great review. Hope to see you again on Insight Cities tours.
We learned a lot about the history. Our guide is very knowledgeable about the history and art. Jan is an excellent guide, very intelligent and professional.
Thank you for the wonderful review. We're so pleased you enjoyed it. Hoping to see you on another Insight Cities tour in Prague, Berlin, Budapest, Vienna, or Salzburg. Safe travels!
Our group had a great time! We were in good hands with Katarina, who shared a load of historical facts and trivia with us. Highly recommended! Thank you, Katarina!
Thanks for the warm feedback. That makes our day. And thanks for recommending Insight Cities tour to your friends traveling to Prague, Berlin, Vienna, Budapest and Salzburg. Safe travels!
Annelie is a wealth of knowledge! She pointed out so many details while touring the private rooms at Schönbrunn Palace. She was also very helpful with maps and use of the public transit system.
Thanks so much for your review! We are very happy that you enjoyed your tour with Annelie.
Annelie was absolutely fantastic. She made the palace come alive with her stories and knowledge. It is 100% worth the price. I couldn't say enough positive things about her.
Thanks so much for your stellar review! Annelie is truly a remarkable guide and we're so glad you enjoyed your tour with her.
