No 13: Vienna, the home of dancing white stallions

We continue our series of the top 20 destinations of readers. By MARGARET HAMILTON


The journey to my dream destination started with the lovely Barb horses from the deserts of Egypt and the East and the solid Andalucian horses of Spain. It travelled with the enlightened equestrian training systems through riding schools to Italy, Belgium, England and France to its eventual home in Austria.

In the 1500s the Imperial Stud was established in Lipizzia, near Trieste, from where the Lipizzaner horse got its name. Europe's oldest breed was used to train noblemen and members of the court in riding, including the wonderful airs above the ground.

The dream continues through beautiful Czechoslovakia where the stud began in the rich mountain pastures of Pizen.

During World War II, the daring rescue by General Patton of the dancing white stallions caught the imagination of the world. People rallied to save the horses a second time when the breed was threatened by the more recent European wars.

The stud is now established in the stunning countryside of Austria and the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, established in 1735, is the last remaining home of the Classical Art of Equitation in the world.

This is my dream destination. As a rider and a horse lover for more than 50 years, to see a performance of these beautiful, highly schooled horses in their spectacular home in Vienna would be one of the highlights of my life.

Getting there

Fly from Auckland to Vienna from $2627 a person. Includes two nights' accommo-dation in Vienna, tour of the Spanish Riding School, a city tour and return flight.

Offer available for travel by March 31. Contact Flight Centre on 0800 243544 to book. Conditions apply.

Getting around

Vienna has an extensive public transport network: underground, trams, buses and rapid transit. A 24-hour travel ticket is €5. Many people choose to cycle.

Things to see and do

See the gothic St Stephen's Cathedral, the Imperial Palace, the art nouveau splendour of the Secession, the magnificent baroque palace of Schonbrunn, the Museum of Fine Arts and modern architecture at the museum's Quartier.

The Spanish Riding School is at Michaelerplatz. Ph: (00 431) 533 90 31. Fax: (00431) 533 90 32 40. Tickets for a performance range from €24 to €160 depending on the time of year and seating.

Find more information at Spanish Riding School and Vienna.