Travel back in time at the Viennese Baroque Festival

Journey back in time to the Baroque palaces of the Hapsburg Emperors and the royal courts of the ancient Magyar kings on this unusual departure, exclusive to Page & Moy guests, to Vienna’s enchanting Baroque Festival and the re-enactment of the 17th-century coronation of Queen Anna of Hungary in Bratislava.

On Saturday 25 August, some 500 invited guests from around Europe will come together in the grand setting of the festival palace, Schlosshof for the second Vienna Baroque Festival. The festival celebrates the history of the Baroque age in Vienna when architecture in particular found favour with the ruling court on a spectacular scale. Guests adorned in Period costume are treated to a lavish banquet with music, dance and entertainment typical of the aristocracy of the time. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display in the magnificent tiered gardens.

The second part of this fascinating adventure takes place in Slovakia and the enthralling city of Bratislava, where guests converge for three days of celebrations to relive the 17th century Coronation of Queen Anne in the Cathedral of St Martin. Festivities include an exclusive dinner hosted by His Highness Baron Palfy and wife Magdelena in the courtyard of the historic town hall and an evening concert in the Cathedral where the orchestra of the Slovak National Theatre will perform Beethoven’s Ceremonial Coronation Mass.

Of course, the ultimate highlight of this holiday is the authentic re-enactment of the Coronation ceremony itself. As a specially invited VIP guest and in accordance with tradition, you will witness the moment when the Queen is anointed with holy oil and accepts coronation insignia direct from the hands of the Esztergom Archbishop.

You are then free to wander the historic streets and sample traditional fare such as roast ox, pheasant and chestnuts, while craftsmen, musicians, fakirs and jugglers showcase their skills. The day concludes as you take your VIP seat for an impressive theatre performance with 200 actors on Castle Hill, recreating the era at the beginning of the 17th century.

This exclusive 10-day break departs on Friday 24 August with Page & Moy (Pageandmoy.com) and costs from £1149pp. The price includes return flights from London Heathrow or Manchester to Vienna, 4 nights half board and 5 nights bed and breakfast at the 4-star Hotel Stefanie in Vienna and 4-star Hotel Danube in Bratislava, city tours, numerous excursions and the services of a tour manager.