Austria

Austria, a land where music seems to sing from every mountain and every city street, offers the traveler a classic European experience. Home to enchanting mountain villages, lakeside resort towns, spa destinations and the stately splendor of Salzburg, Austria is a land that will waltz right into your heart. From the coffee shops and Mozart melodies around every corner in the exuberant capital of Vienna, to the picture-perfect lakes of Salzkammergut, Austria’s bustling big cities and charming small towns offer an exhilarating experience of old world charm.

Vienna

Vienna surpasses her Austrian counterparts when it comes to culture, art and history. Once the mecca of European culture in the 18th and 19th centuries, hosting all the great musical geniuses from Beethoven to Mozart, you can’t help but still feel the richness and grandeur of a once glorious empire. Amidst beautiful historic Baroque architecture there also exists a modern-day culture that invites you to take part in a lively and thriving youth scene. Whether you spend an afternoon in a traditional kaffehaus or take part in the cool club and bar scene, you will have the best of both old and new. Be sure to see Osterreichische Galerie Belvedere (palace), Hundertwasserhaus, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Salzburg

The birthplace of Mozart and the site of Julie Andrews’ Sound of Music, Salzburg remains a city of music, culture and art. At every turn you can either tire of, or indulge in the genius of Mozart (tours, museums etc.) and play out the splendor of the Sound of Music (tours, memorabilia etc.) Aside from being inundated with these two Salzburg claims to fame, the city is truly beautiful and picturesque. Rimmed with views of the beautiful Alps, its Baroque character is perfectly preserved in its magnificent architecture, including beautiful palaces, abbeys and museums.

Innsbruck

With images of lederhosen, yodelers, endless snowcapped mountains and pretty little villages, the Tirol region is post card perfect. In the winter it is the premier destination for avid skiers, particularly Innsbruck, which has many excellent resorts. In the summer, feast on glorious greenery, mountain lakes and superb hiking trails. The main central town of Innsbruck is filled with much history, culture, folklore and natural beauty, making it an excellent base to explore the entire region.