Austria : Highlights Tour

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.