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Austria

Vienna wasn’t just a city, it was a tone that either one carries forever in one’s soul or one does not. It was the most beautiful thing in my life. ” ~ Sàndor Màrai, Embers

 

Vienna is a city of the arts. After all, it seems that every classical music genius lived and worked in Vienna; Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, Brahms, and Haydn all came to Vienna at some point in their lives. To visit Vienna is to experience 18th-century charm, 19th-century grandeur, and 21st-century zeitgeist – all at the same time. Its old-world ambience comes from the friendliness of its inhabitants as well as the history of its architecture. The Viennese invented cafe society, and to this day they manage to perfect the art of sophisticated relaxation.

 

A Feast for the Senses

  • Sights—The romantic cobblestone streets of Vienna’s Inner Stadt; the wonderful imperial buildings along the 19th-century Ringstrasse; the grand Staatsoper; art collections at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Belvedere Palace and the Albertina; Mozart’s only remaining address, the Mozarthaus; Schonbrunn Summer Palace on the outskirts of the city.
  • Tastes—The original Sacher Torte at Cafè Sacher; open-faced sandwiches at Zum Schwarzen Kameel; the eponymic Wiener schnitzels at Figlmuller; gourmet edible art at the two-starred Michelin restaurant, Steirereck im Stadtpark.
  • Sounds—World-class symphony at the Musikverein; modern jazz and blues at the world-class Porgy and Bess; soaring lyrics at the Staatsoper, the famed opera house; Schrammelmusik in the garden of a heurige (wine tavern)
  • Scents – Delectable scents of Vienna coffee linger in the air around the many street side cafes, and remind visitors and local alike to stop and enjoy the passing scenery as well as a pastry at Demel’s.
  • Activities—Ride the 19th-century Riesenrad (ferris wheel) for aerial views of the city; stroll through the First district or along the Ring; explore the huge parks at Schonbrunn Palace and the Lainzer Tiergarten; stroll through the forested hills of the Wienerwald to the Kahlenberg; bike along the 620 miles of bike paths in the city and around.

Best side trip from Vienna

One hour west of Vienna, the Wachau Valley boasts dramatic scenery, medieval ruins, charming towns, endless vineyards and orchards along the Danube River.

 

Hotels we recommend

Please click on the hotel name below to view their website!

 

Hotel Sacher Wien

The Ring

Kempinski Hotel Palais Hansen

Sans Souci

Das Tyrol

Kaiserin Elisabeth Hotel

Park Hyatt Vienna 

Jane our trip was over-the-top fabulous! The Ritz Carlton was beautiful, attentive staff, knowledgeable concierge... Nothing but perfection! We loved Vienna and would return in a heartbeat! Our Tour guide Regina was very knowledgeable and so pleasant to be with! We even had lunch together at the Relais and Chateaux restaurant! Thank you so much for all the legwork you did, to make our dream trip come true!!! We loved Vienna. Thank you, Jody

Clients of Jane Yale - Altour

With its skyline of Baroque spires and domes framed by Alpine scenery, Salzburg is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. It has a graceful UNESCO-listed Old Town of cobblestone streets, medieval houses and hidden arcades on the banks of the Salzach River. Towering over the city center is the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the city’s best-known landmark. Architecture is far from being Salzburg’s only cultural attraction; Salzburg is truly a city of music. Churches, museums and 1200 year-old restaurants all offer regular concerts throughout the year, and the Puppet Theater performs The Marriage of Figaro and the Sound of Music.

 

A Feast for the Senses

  • Sights —The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; a ride on the gondola to the Hohensalzburg Fortress; Hellbrunn Palace and its trick fountains, on the outskirts of Salzburg; the iconic Salzburg Dom; Panoramic views of the city from M32 and the Museum of Modern Art
  • Tastes — Authentic Mozartkugel chocolate covered marzipan; Edelweiss wheat beer at Stieglkeller; Michelin starred meal at Esszimmer; innovative Austrian classics at Blaue Gans
  • Sounds — Musical performances at the six week long annual Salzburg Festival; dinner and live musical performance at Europe’s oldest restaurant St. Peter’s Stiftskeller; Sound of Music performances at the Landes Theater or the Puppet Theater
  • Activities — Hiking in the middle of the city? It comes natural in Salzburg, the small city of global standard on the edge of the Alps; Cyclists can enjoy paths on each side of the River Salzach; Hellbrunner Allee leads to Schloss Hellbrunn Palace with its famous trick fountains, and to the zoo next door; visiting the Hallein Salt Mines half hour from Salzburg;

 

Best side trip from Salzburg

The scenic Salzkammergut, or Lake District, near Salzburg , visiting the beautiful baroque town of St. Gilgen, take a boat ride from St. Gilgen to St. Wolfgang or a ride on the famous Schafbergbahn Cog Railway.

 

Hotels we recommend

Please click on the hotel name below to view their website!

 

Sacher Hotel Salzburg

Goldener Hirsch

Schloss Fuschl 

Hotel & Villa Auersperg 

Schloss Mönchstein 

Stein Hotel & Living 

Hotel Bristol 

Thank you for all of your help in planning their vacation to Vienna and Salzburg. Mr. C said they had a wonderful time. (Typically, I only hear if things don't go well. so when I hear good news, I know it's VERY good news.) Mr. C said Claudia and Anna were great tour guides, and Claudia was especially wonderful.

Rabia Shahenshah - Tzell Travel