Private Tour of Austria

Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol state in Austria, lies in the famous Alps. With its relatively mild Alpine climate and outdoor sports facilities impressive enough to thrill even the most adventurous extreme-sports enthusiast, this spectacular historic city is the perfect springboard for making the leap between the urban and the outdoors. See Emperor Maximilian’s glorious fifteenth-century influences in the Gothic Hofkerche Cathedral, the city’s landmark Goldenes Dachl (golden roof), and the remarkable Gothic and Baroque buildings strewn along the winding cobbled streets of its charming historic Altstadt (Old Town). Every year thousands of tourists are drawn to this delightful picture-perfect city presided over by the imposing jagged peaks of the Nordkette mountain range and the majestic Habsburg palace.

Set near the German border, the famous city of Salzburg is one of the best-preserved city centres in Europe. Its winding cobblestone streets offer a treasure trove of Medieval and Baroque buildings, palaces, concert halls, and monasteries - all set against a picturesque backdrop of the magnificent snow-capped Alps. Visit the house where Mozart was born, and enjoy a packed lineup of operas, concerts and ballets in breathtaking historic halls and venues. The internationally renowned Salzburg Festival, which takes place every summer, provides the ultimate way to enjoy this scene. Fans of the Sound of Music can retrace the characters’ steps backed by stunning scenes and vistas. Make sure to stroll along the beautiful Salzach River, climb up to the spectacular Hohensalzburg fortress, and try the famous, delicious beer brewed at the Augustiner Braustubl, a monastery-run brewery operating since 1621.

Resting over the banks of the Danube River in northeastern Austria, Vienna, the country’s capital city, is famous for its classical music heritage and reflects an enticing blend of old and new. The historical centre is skyscraper-free and dotted with immaculate, charming little parks. It is also pedestrian friendly and extremely compact, which is convenient as this area contains the bulk of the city’s major tourist highlights. Chief among these are the famous Burgtheater and Opera House and an array of opulent baroque palaces lining the warren of narrow, medieval alleyways which wind their way around the magnificent St Stephen’s Cathedral. Add to this a slew of grand coffee houses and a rich history of classical music (residents included Mozart and Beethoven) and it becomes difficult to imagine a more livable city than the sophisticated metropolis of Vienna.

Tirol is located in the Alps of western Austria and considered one of Europe’s most scenic regions.Its distinguished history is reflected in the many ancient castles, monasteries and fortresses to be found here, as well as its medieval villages and unique culture. Destination highlights include Kitzbühel, a popular summer and winter resort with a picturesque 15th century old quarter, and charming St Johann, with its frescoed town centre. Both skiing and hiking are popular in the Kaiser Mountains, while the Wildschönau area features a less strenuous option for exploring the highlands - a cable car connecting the valley’s peaks. One of Austria’s largest open air museums is located just outside the medieval town of Rattenberg and allows visitors a glimpse of rural life in eras past. The remote town of Alpbach is considered the jewel in Tirol’s crown, with its beautiful wooden farmhouses and timeless way of life.

Salzburg is a state in Austria’s mountainous north, touching the border with Germany. The capital of the region, also called Salzburg, is set on the banks on the Salzach river and features striking Baroque architecture such as the Salzburg Cathedral. The atmospheric Getreidegasse is a pedestrianised avenue that has been the city’s beating heart since the 17th century. Stretching from the city hall to the Church of the Hospital, it is flanked with shops and restaurants bearing ornately decorated facades and always bustles with activity. The Hohensalzburg Fortress is a beautifully preserved medieval castle, while the Mozart Geburtshaus pays homage to Salzburg’s most famous son - Amadeus Mozart, a musical prodigy who shot to fame but ultimately suffered a tragic demise. Beyond the metropolitan area, highlights include the Pongau and Pinzgau skiing areas, Nonnberg Abbey, which was famously featured in the Sound of Music, and Fuschlsee, a luxurious lakeside resort surrounded by a nature reserve.

Lower Austria is named for its position on the lower section of the Danube, but it is Austria’s northeasternmost state, as well as its largest. It is considered the country’s ‘Cradle of History’ and is liberally dotted with ancient forts, palaces and churches. Architectural highlights include Klosterneuburg Abbey, dating to 1114 and featuring an opulent frescoed interior, and the hilltop Melk Abbey, with its Baroque restorations. Visitors can enjoy hiking and natural beauty in the ‘Waldviertel’ (forest area), savour fine wines in the Weinviertel’ (wine area), or go biking along the Danube River. The spa resort of Baden offers the chance to relax and unwind, while winter brings excellent skiing opportunities in the Alps.