UNKNOWN GLORY OF THE HABSBURGS From Sarajevo to Vienna JUNE 20 TO 30, 2014 Dear National Trust Travelers, Before it was toppled during World War I, the House of Habsburg was perhaps the world’s greatest imperial dynasty, producing kings from Portugal to Croatia and ruling the Holy Roman Empire for 300 years. We invite you to join us on a privileged journey from Sarajevo to Vienna, crossing four countries to uncover the hidden glories of this lost empire in the company of Wolfram Koeppe, Marina Kellen French Curator of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Step back in time to Sarajevo, where the Habsburg Empire came to its end. Explore its Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences and stand at the spot where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated—the catalyst that sparked the Great War. Continue to Zagreb, Croatia, known as “Little Vienna,” to admire its grand Habsburg buildings, and spend two nights in Ljubljana, Slovenia, where the dynasty held sway for nearly six centuries. Stop in nearby Bled, recently named one of Europe’s most beautiful villages by Travel & Leisure. Nestled on an alpine lake, it is a postcard-perfect place for a traditional pletna boat ride and an exclusive dinner in the village’s historic castle. Crossing to Austria, visit Forchtenstein for a director’s tour of collections of the treasury of Castle Esterházy, residence of a Hungarian noble family loyal to the Habsburgs. Conclude in Vienna where accommodations are at the legendary Hotel Sacher. Marvel at the Habsburgs’ crown jewels on a director-led tour of Hofburg Palace and browse the newest galleries of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in the company of a curator. Travel to Eisenstadt to see the beautifully baroque Esterházy Palace, with its head of collections, followed by a farewell dinner in the palace’s Hall of Mirrors. An optional evening at the gala Fête Impériale, the city’s newest Summer Ball of the Spanish Riding School, is an added highlight. A three-night prelude is offered in Dubrovnik, SLOVAKIA Mostar, and Sarajevo. Vienna We hope you will join us for this exceptional AUSTRIA exploration of the history and legacy of the Habsburgs, in the congenial company of members of The Metropolitan HUNGARY Museum of Art. SLOVENIA Ljubljana Zagreb Sincerely, CROATIA BOSNIA- HERZEGOVINA Adriatic Sea Scott Gerloff Sarajevo Director, National Trust Tours ITALY The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to saving historic places and revitalizing America’s communities. For more information, visit the Trust’s web site at www.PreservationNation.org/tours or phone (888) 484-8785. UNKNOWN GLORY OF THE HABSBURGS From Sarajevo to Vienna June 20 to 30, 2014 SARAJEVO 1 ZAGREB, CROATIA 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Monday, June 23 Today we shift to recent history and the wars in the former Yugoslavia, the scars of which are still visible. Enter the Salvation Tunnel, which was the city’s lifeline while Sarajevo was under siege by Serbian troops. Then explore the culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the National Museum (pending timely opening), which is also home to the Sarajevo Haggadah, the oldest Sephardic Jewish document in the world. After lunch, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Zagreb. A brief orientation tour includes Mirogoj Cemetery, one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe and a final resting place for members of all religious groups. Check in at the Hotel Esplanade, an Art Deco palace where we will also dine tonight. The Latin Bridge, Sarajevo. USA DEPARTURE 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Friday, June 20 Depart on an overnight flight to Sarajevo. SARAJEVO, BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Saturday, June 21 Arrive in Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the early afternoon. Enjoy a brief orientation tour before checking in at the splendid Hotel Europe, located in the heart of the Old Town. This evening gather at the hotel’s Viennese restaurant for introductory remarks by Wolfram Koeppe, followed by dinner. SARAJEVO 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Sunday, June 22 After a morning lecture, a walking tour introduces the Ottoman-influenced buildings of the Old Town, including the Bey’s Mosque and the Old Orthodox Church. Following lunch, explore the Habsburg side of the city, in particular the majestic buildings along the Miljacka River. See the spot on the Latin Bridge where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, were assassinated, setting off a chain of events that would lead to World War I and the end of the Habsburg Empire. The evening is at leisure. Mirogoj Cemetery, Zagreb. monuments. After lunch, drive to Forchtenstein for a private tour of the treasury of Castle Esterházy in the company of the Director of Collections. Continue to Vienna, where we will spend four nights at the landmark Hotel Sacher. Dinner is at the hotel. VIENNA 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Friday, June 27 Following a morning lecture, visit the Augustinian Church to see the magnificent cenotaph of Archduchess Maria Christina, created by Baroque sculptor Antonio Canova. Then take a behind-the-scenes tour of the City Palace Liechtenstein, ancestral home of this still-reigning royal family of Liechtenstein. The palace recently underwent Photo by Tadekk. an extensive renovation and was restored it to its prewar glory. St. Nicholas Cathedral organ, Ljubljana. After lunch, those attending tonight’s optional Fête Imperial (the ZAGREB 1 LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA Summer Ball of the Spanish Riding school), may wish to take 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 a waltz lesson at one of Vienna’s historic dance schools. The Tuesday, June 24 This morning explore historic Zagreb, in remainder of the day is at leisure. the past divided into the Lower and Upper Towns. Ride to the Upper Town by funicular to see the lively Dolac farmers’ VIENNA 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 market and recently renovated cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece. Saturday, June 28 This morning walk to nearby Hofburg Continue via motorcoach to Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia. En Palace, the former winter residence of the Habsburgs. A private route, stop for lunch at Castle Otočec, Slovenia’s only water tour with the Director of the Treasury, showcases the crown castle, on an islet in the Krka River. In Ljubljana, a private tour jewels, including the imperial crown of the Holy Roman Empire of the National Museum of Contemporary History outlines and the riches of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Following events since the breakup of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. lunch, drive to magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the royal Check in at the Grand Hotel Union Executive, an Art Nouveau summer residence. Return to the hotel for an afternoon stroll landmark in the city center. Dinner is at the hotel. to St. Stephan’s Cathedral, considered Austria’s most important LJUBLJANA Gothic masterpiece. The remainder of the day is at leisure. 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Wednesday, June 25 A morning tour highlights Ljubljana’s Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau landmarks as well as the 20th-century works of world-renowned architect Jože Plečnik. A funicular ride takes you to Ljubljana Castle for sweeping views of iconic sights, including St. Nicholas Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, the Triple Bridge, and the Dragon Bridge. After lunch, drive to Bled, named one of the most beautiful villages in Europe by Travel & Leisure. Situated on the banks of a glacial lake, Bled has attracted pilgrims since ancient times. Ride a historic pletna, a gondola- like boat, to Slovenia’s only island. Then visit the Baroque Church of the Assumption where, according to locals, ringing the bell will make your wishes come true. Continue to Bled’s historic castle, perched high above the lake, to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while taking in the magnificent views. Conclude with a private dinner at the castle. LJUBLJANA 1 VIENNA, AUSTRIA 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Thursday, June 26 Following an early breakfast depart for Graz, a lively university town and the birthplace of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Stroll through the exceptional Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to many Habsburg Hofburg Palace, Vienna. OPTIONAL DUBROVNIK, MOSTAR & SARAJEVO PRELUDE June 17 to 21, 2014 Spend two days in delightful Dubrovnik, a walled city known as “the Pearl of the Adriatic.” See the treasures of the Old City, damaged during the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s and restored with UNESCO’s assistance. Visit nearby Lokrum, a lush island that was once the summer residence of Habsburg Archduke Maximilian, and spend a day in Mostar, a