History and Culture



Are you a traveler that enjoys knowing what kind of conversations took place amongst royals in the current rooms of the castle you're currently standing in?  Do you enjoy walking through the small towns of some of your favorite composers?  Or maybe you just want to spend some time wandering through the ruins of ancient civilization.  Here's a little inspiration from some of my favorite itineraries.



CLASSIC AUSTRIA: Vienna and Salzburg



Austria is a complete treasure of a destination.  Enjoy its beautiful landscapes, famous musical events, museums, and rich past.

Day 1:  Arrive in Vienna.  Explore the Old Town by foot with your private guide and experience some of the sights such as St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Imperial Palace.  Take a break at one of the many coffeehouses you'll find.

Day 2:  Enjoy your morning with a private tour of Schonnbrunn Palace.  See some of the best examples of Baroque architecture in this summer residence for Austrian emperors, used until 1918.  It has more than 1400 rooms!  Your guide will show you the highlights of the buildings and share the history of the emperors that once lived there.



Day 3:  Visit the Vienna State Opera and the Spanish Riding School.  Stop by Cafe Demel for lunch.




Day 4: Depart Vienna with the Railjet - Austria's high speed train - to Salzburg.  Your driver will meet you at the train station and you'll make your way to the countryside of SalzburgerLand.

Have lunch at the Gourmet Restaurant Dollerers before heading to an organic farm where you'll learn to make cheese!

     


After your cheese making experience, arrive at the gorgeous grounds of Hotel Schloss Fuschl.  This area is also known as the "Sound of Music" region.  It overlooks one of Austria's largest lakes and its settings allow for many outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, golfing, and spa time.

Day 5:  Time at leisure to enjoy the lake and its surroundings.



Day 6:  Head to Salzburg and enjoy this diverse city that offers Baroque grandeur, contemporary art, and innovative design which blends beautiful into each other.

Have some fun at the whimsical Hellbrunn Palace and its trick fountains.  Look for the famous glass gazebo where one of the most popular scenes of "The Sound of Music" was filmed.



Day 7:  Take a walking out of the historic town including Mozart's birthplace, University Church, Farmer's Market, Mirabell Palace and its gardens, Mozart Square and more.

For a special experience, we can arrange for you to enjoy a private concert in the home of a Mozarteum Professor.  The home is typical for the period of Constanze Mozart, Wolfang's sister.

Visit Fortress Hohensalzburg.



Where to stay

Vienna:

Hotel Imperial - In the very center of Vienna, the heart of Europe, next to the famous Musikverein Concert Hall.  This former palace was personally inaugurated by the Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1873.

Amenities received through Claudia Austin Travel:
Complimentary daily breakfast for 2, a $100 food and beverage credit, and upgrade on arrival (based on availability).

Salzburg:

Hotel Goldener Hirsch - Right in the heart of Salzburg, within steps of Mozart's birthplace, this hotel is furnished in a traditional Salzburg style.  It is one of the most historic hotels you'll find in Austria, dating back to 1407.

Amenities received through Claudia Austin Travel:
Complimentary daily breakfast for 2, a $100 food and beverage credit, and upgrade on arrival (based on availability).