STYRIA The Mediterranean Side of Austria

6  days | £2450 per person with flights | 20 - 25 October 2025

The Mediterranean Side of Austria 

Styria is located in the southeast of Austria and sheltered by the main Alpine ridge in the north. This “Green heart of Austria” boasts a wide variety of natural landscapes, from dense forests in the north to ample orchards and vineyards in the south. The Mediterranean climate makes Styria Austria’s most fertile province with the characteristic trilogy of wine, pumpkin and apple. Set amongst these lush Styrian landscapes abundant cultural treasures await their discovery. The capital city Graz, our home on this tour, is not only a UNESCO world heritage site due to its pristinely maintained old town, but was also named UNESCO City of Design for its cutting-edge architecture and contemporary art. Mighty Medieval and Baroque abbeys alternate with small tucked away chapels and churches replete with fresco painting and wooden carved sculpture. Opulent palaces showcasing furnishings and art collections betray the wealth of this region in past centuries. 



Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Vienna. Coach transfer to Graz and our four-star hotel. After some time to settle and refresh we enjoy a dinner together at a nearby restaurant offering typical Styrian cuisine.



Day 2

A day on foot in Graz. From the Middle Ages onwards, Graz was favoured by emperors before it became the capital of Inner Austria, ruled by a cadet branch of the House of Habsburg. Our stroll will take us up on Castle Hill (by funicular) and to the gothic cathedral with the 17th-century mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II. The spectacular Renaissance Landhaus (Seat of the Styrian parliament) and the Armoury, the most important historical weapon collection in the world shouldn’t be missed. These historic buildings create fascinating contrasts with Graz’ futuristic architecture of the 21th-century.



Day 3

In the morning our coach will take us to Seckau for a visit of Seckau Abbey. The austere architecture of its Romanesque church built in the mid-12th-century contrasts with the opulence of yet another Habsburg mausoleum, that of Charles II of Inner Austria. This gem of Mannerism was built between 1587 and 1611. The afternoon is spent at the Cistercian abbey of Rein. Its church is a splendid example of the exuberance of Catholic Baroque architecture. However, hidden behind the walls we’ll also discover the Gothic treasures of Rein Abbey.



Day 4

After a morning free for your own explorations, we leave Graz for the Gothic pilgrimage church of Maria Strassengel, one of Austria’s most important church buildings of this era. The stained glass windows of the three choirs are the largest collection of medieval stained glass in Styria. A visit to this region wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its rich wine culture. The fertile soils, the mild Mediterranean climate and the skilled art of vinification give the wines of southern Styria their famous, rich aromas. We drive along the Styrian wine road and visit a winery for a tour and tasting accompanied by a selection typical local cold snacks.



Day 5

The former Benedictine convent of Leoben-Göss is our first destination. Our visit includes the gothic hall church, an early medieval crypt and a chapel resplendent with gothic frescos. Already in the Middle Ages, the nuns had established a brewery that lives to this day and is one of Austria’s best-known brands. After lunch (where this beer can be tasted, obviously) we travel back to Graz. Eggenberg Palace is the largest and most important Baroque palace complex in Styria. With its preserved original furnishings, art collections and extensive landscaped garden it is one of Austria's most important cultural sites.



Hotel Weitzer

Hotel Weitzer is a charming hotel in the centre of Graz Old Town, originally built in 1872 by Andreas Haring. Just a few steps away lies a number of landmarks from the Kunsthaus and Schloßberg to the Hauptplatz and Grazer Congress. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with contemporary design and all modern necessities such as a safe, air-conditioning and TVs. In the evening we enjoy first class Styrian cuisine in their restaurant 'Der Steirer', there is even a Styrian shop onsite for guests to buy selection of regional products.

With Flights: £2450

Join Direct: £2300

Single Supp: £240

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

20 - 25 October 2025

Duration:

5 nights / 6 days

Your Holiday Includes:

• Return flights (Economy class) from London to Vienna
• Five nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Weitzer in Graz
• Private coach transfers and excursions
• Two evening meals and two lunches
• Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
• Services of the tour lecturers and a local tour manager
• Detailed programme and study notes
• All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff
  

Tour Lecturers

Dr Ulrike Ziegler

Specialising in mediaeval art and the cultural politics of post-war Germany at the universities of Regensburg and Aberdeen, Dr Ulrike Ziegler is a well-respected member of Art Pursuits and has lectured at universities and for multiple cultural institutions, along with organising and leading many study tours in both Germany and Austria. Ulrike is now working on Art Pursuits' German programme.



Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.



Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven ground. Please contact us if you would like more information.