Austria is one of the greatest destinations for cultural tourism in central Europe. Its unique location, bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy, provides tourists with a truly unique opportunity to experience a fascinating mix of European cultures. Vacation packages to Austria feature great cultural sights, sounds, and events, historical points of interest, and some truly magnificent natural settings – more than half of Austria is covered by the beautiful mountainous terrain of the Alps. Over a thousand years of history makes Austria a perfect European travel destination for any history enthusiast, but it is Austria's cultural traditions and arts history, particularly regarding music, that are the real highlight. Austria has been the birthplace of many great composers (Haydn, Schubert, Bruckner, Strauss and more), as well as a great centre of musical innovation that brought such great composers as Mozart and Beethoven to spend most of their career in Vienna – the "European capital of classical music." Vienna, the capital of Austria is a must-see. Our travel agents can help you find reasonably priced flights to Vienna.
Attractions: Located in Vienna, the State Opera and the Volks Opera feature some of the best performances that the world has to offer. Vienna is also a particularly gay and lesbian friendly environment, incorporating gay and lesbian cultural themes and the works of queer artists into its cultural showcase. Austria is also well-known for its food and drink, particularly world-class coffee, beer, wine, and schnapps. Shopping opportunities flourish throughout Austria, and no Austria vacation would be complete without browsing the various shops, from upscale and international to delightfully local.
Schönbrunn Palace, due to its stunning buildings and extensive park grounds, as well as its long and colourful history, is one of the most significant cultural sites and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Spanish Riding School in Vienna is well-known for its famous Lipizzaner horses and its over 400 year old riding academy history. No Austria vacation would be complete without the experience of a Mozart or Strauss Concert to honour the great masters that called Vienna home. Another must-see, the Museumsquartier, is an extraordinary collection of museums and cafés that should not be missed. And, for those looking for great architectural photo opportunities, look no further than Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, constructed in Vienna almost 1000 years ago.
Also included in many Austria tours is Salzburg. Hangar 7 provides tourists with a great opportunity to view a vast contemporary art collection. Mirabell Palace – a former palace now home to Salzburg’s administrative offices- is a wonderful venue to take in a Mozart concert. A visit to the house where Mozart was born is a required stop for any classical music enthusiast. And, perhaps the most dominant feature of Austria vacations, the Austrian Alps should not be forgotten. There is no better way to experience the breathtaking beauty of these snow-covered mountains than to strap on a pair of skis and hit the slopes.
You may even want to consider taking a picturesque Danube river cruise. To learn more, about Austria vacations, call 1-800-665-4981.