Catch the sound in Vienna's sound museum: Haus der Musik

HAUS DER MUSIK is an interactive discovery museum located in the heart of Vienna's first district nestled between St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Vienna State Opera. A host of interactive installations playfully communicate openness to new things, understanding and enthusiasm in approaching music HAUS DER MUSIK was awarded the Austrian Museum Prize for its innovative design and is located in the former Palais of Archduke Charles. You will find all 67 of its new inventions here. A total of 5,000 square meters has been set aside exclusively for areas dedicated to a wide array of approaches to music, and most of all, to the experience of music.
At one time the former Palais of Archduke Charles, today's HAUS DER MUSIK was also the residence of Otto Nicolai (1810 - 1849), who composed the opera "The Merry Wives of Windsor" and founded the Vienna Philharmonic concerts here. This connection provided the impetus for the Vienna Philharmonic, with its Historical Archive, to make HAUS DER MUSIK its new home. Here, the scientific documentation of this world-famous orchestra continues and is made available to the public. On the "Beletage" first floor, the only historically preserved rooms in the house, the Vienna Philharmonic present original documents from their history.
Ever since it opened its doors to visitors on June 15, 2000, HAUS DER MUSIK has been open to the public 365 days a year, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors are often amazed at just what surprises Vienna, the citadel of music with centuries of tradition, holds in store and how HAUS DER MUSIK bridges the gap between Vienna's rich musical heritage and its bright musical future.

Huth at Haus der Musik

On June 7, our new restaurant "Huth at Haus der Musik" opens its doors on the Sound Museum's rooftop. Gabi and Robert Huth's new inner-city restaurant entices with diverse Austrian cuisine, modern ambiance and a unique dining experience high above the rooftops of Vienna. Gabi and Robert Huth already run a small gourmet empire at the heart of the city. Their three restaurants have one thing in common: top quality dining: "da moritz", their Italian place serves fantastic pizza and "Bistecca Fiorentina," the "Huth Beisl" combines beer culture with culinary pleasures and last but not least the "Stammhaus," otherwise known as the "Huth - Gastwirtschaft." At the beginning of June, a fourth location will be added. Named "Huth im Haus der Musik," it is located at the top floor of the Sound Museum and offers a unique view over the rooftops of Vienna's inner city. The Café inside the glass-roofed inner courtyard has been open since May and offers a breakfast menu from 8am onwards. In the coming weeks it will be extended by a summery terrace outside the museum.  

Opening Hours

Rooftop restaurant: Tue - Sun, 12am - 12pm  

Inner courtyard café: daily from 10am - 10pm

The organs of St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna

St. Stephen's Cathedral ("Stephansdom") is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Vienna and the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna. It has an old organ tradition.
The first mention of an organ at St. Stephen's dates back to 1334. In 1513 the organ was relocated with the addition of a magnificent organ case created by master craftsman Anton Pilgram.
In 1507 master craftsman Burchhard Tischlinger from Bolzano created the organ on the Füchsel baldachin next to the sacristy, the Cathedral's best-known organ.
As the influence of the Baroque took hold at the Cathedral, a ten-register choir organ by Imperial organ builder Ferdinand Römer was installed above the old choir stalls in 1701, followed by the large 32-register Römer organ in the western loft in 1720.
In 1797 the two oldest organs were removed to be replaced with a large, 41-register organ which was installed in the western loft.
In 1886 Friedrich Walcker created his famous 90-register Giant Organ (named after the Giants' Gate entrance below the western loft) behind the frontage of the Römer organ. The instrument was lost in the fire at the Cathedral in 1945. Its little sister, the valuable Walcker organ, can still be heard at Vienna's Votivkirche.
After the fire in 1945 Vienna organ builder Johann Michael Kauffmann created an electric choir organ from 1948-1952. He also created another organ on the western loft with funds raised from donations. This large organ comprised 4 manuals, 125 registers and around 10,000 pipes. At the time of construction the organ was one of the last to be built with electronic con-valve chests. The organ facade is one of the most remarkable examples of an exposed pipe façade in the world. The instrument was decommissioned once the new Cathedral organ was completed.
The liturgical constitution of the Second Vatican Council deemed sacred music a "necessary and integrated element" of mass, according it a new status. This also had implications for St. Stephen's Cathedral. In 1991 a new Cathedral organ was installed in the south (right-hand) aisle close to the crossing. The new instrument created by Vorarlberg organ builder Rieger has 55 registers and four manuals. This modern universal organ consists of a Baroque positive with swell function, and a romantic Schwellwerk and Hauptwerk. The mixture comprises the Solowerk with Trompete, Clairon and Cornett.

Travel Guides make great holiday gifts!

Wanting to learn more about your upcoming destinations? Looking for great gift ideas? Consider some of these recommended travel guides:

The Incantato Tours staff recommend visiting TravelDK.com for the world’s best-selling travel guides written by eyewitness travelers. Find detailed descriptions and travel tips for any destination, as well as insider advice from other travelers like yourself. DK also lets you create, print, and share your very own travel guide, complete with your own pictures and travel experiences for you to commemorate your adventures and share your personal tips with others. 

Read Frommer’ s 2011 travel guides for helpful tips on avoiding crowds as you explore European tourist attractions, where to see the most beautiful art and architecture, or where to find the best food. Frommer’s experienced writers provide complete user-friendly features including star ratings and special icons to note excellent values, insider tips, and overrated sites. Frommers offers the self-proclaimed “most candid and detailed” complete guides to the world one will find.

Photos courtesy of www.frommers.com and traveldk.com.

Lunch in London on a Budget

English food, although usually commented upon with disdain, is actually quite good. The problem is, it can be a bit expensive. In essence, you get what you pay for.
There is, however, a cheaper alternative for meals that you may have free while staying here in London. It is called Pret. This little cafe and quick-stop-shop for food can be found on most streets in London. It has an array of food, anything from fresh-made soups and salads, to homemade cookies. All of the food is made fresh daily, and options can be found for any type of diet, whether you are vegetarian, gluten-free, or just plain picky!

It is very well-priced, as you can get a coffee for under one pound, and a lunch consisting of a salad, a baguette sandwich and a drink can cost you only around 7 or 8 pounds. You can eat-in, or, on a nice sunny day, you can take your lunch to any of the parks within London (Regent Park, Hyde Park, etc.) and enjoy your meal surrounded by the beauty of the city. Cheers mates!

Ever Had An Irish Boxty?

While in Dubin, you might get a craving for an Irish Boxty (an Irish Potato Pankcake filled with vegetables, meats, and cheeses, then rolled up and topped with sour cream). If that is the case, then look no further than Gallagher's Boxy House, conveniently located in the Temple Bar District.
This wonderful traditional Irish restaurant not only has an extensive menu, but is also vegetarian friendly, with several vegetarian options to choose from. Here, is a Vegetarian Chili and Cheese Boxty. Yum!
Enjoy!

Guinness, anyone?

One of the highlight attractions in Dublin is the Guinness Storehouse on St. James Street. Here, you can learn about the history of Guinness and how it is made, as well how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness. You can also enjoy a pint in the 360 degree panoramic bar and buy plenty of souvenirs to take home to your beloved Guinness-lovers back in the states!

As we say in Ireland, Slainte! (Good Health!)

Incantato Insider Ireland: "The Church" Restaurant in Dublin

A must-stop when visiting Dublin, the capital city of Ireland is the former place of workship, now stunning restaurant fittingly named "The Church".

Incantato Insider Spain: The hilltop town of Cuenca

Incantato Tours is thrilled to bring the San Marino Chamber Choir (SMCC) to the charming hilltop town of Cuenca in April 2010. Not only will the singers under the direction of Mr. Howard Cheung perform in a stunning venue here, but they also get the opportunity to overnight right in Cuenca.
Enjoy the photo album of Cuenca by night!

Incantato Insider Spain: The Boqueria Market at Las Ramblas in Barcelona

This market is a must see and must taste:

Incantato introduces Eurostars Hotels

"Es personal" is the slogan of the Eurostars Hotel Family, a privately owned Spanish hospitality brand with beautiful, comfortable and mostly new or recently renovated hotels in major cities throughout Europe that concentrates on cultural and business travelers. Eurostars just like Incantato Tours, can be characterized by the personal attention to details and many innovative features. In addition, both companies share the passion for cultural tourism (you may want to check out the Eurostars Culture Blog).
Incantato is proud to cooperate with Eurostars properties for our tours in 2010 and the years to come. During a recent inspection to Spain, Incantato CEO Sandra Weinacht had the pleasure to meet with various representatives of Eurostars, she visited a series of hotels and also overnighted as a regular guest in three properties in Barcelona. "Incantato Tours and Eurostars are a great fit. I am very impressed with the modern design, the high level of comfort provided and the personal service", Sandra comments. "We look forward to the positive experiences the Incantato groups will have while staying at Eurostars hotels. I am sure our guests will have a wonderful time."
Here are some links to Eurostars Hotels, Incantato highly recommends for group as well as invividual travelers. All group hotels for Incantato guests are personally inspected by a member of our team to ensure that the accommodations are perfectly matched to meet the group's expectations and also travel budget.
This list will be continued with other destinations:
BARCELONA
Eurostars Ramblas Boqueria ***
Eurostars Hotel Lex ****
Eurostars Hotel Angli ****
Eurostars Hotel Gaudi ****
Eurostars Hotel BCN Design *****
Eurostars Grand Marina ******L
Eurostars Hotel Cristal Palace ****