Austria is a country of dramatic landscapes, imperial cities, quaint alpine villages, rolling vineyards, and castles and palaces that are the grandiose witnesses of a bygone era. A River cruise is the perfect way to unlock the secrets of this incredible country.
Steeped in tradition and regal elegance, the sophisticated capital Vienna gives a fascinating insight into Imperial Austria. Yet look beyond the splendour of the Habsburg palaces toward the surrounding hills and perhaps a little surprisingly you’ll find vineyards, for the city is the only capital in the world growing wine within its boundaries. Better known are the idyllic terraced vineyards of the tranquil Wachau Valley. Here the beautiful Benedictine Abbey of Melk has been the symbol of the valley, and spiritual and cultural hub of Austria for more than 900 years. Following in royal footsteps through Lower Austria, the Ruin and Abbey Church of Durnstein is famous for the imprisonment of Richard the Lionheart. In Upper Austria, Linz contrasts centuries-old architecture with the striking glass-and-steel Lentos Museum of Art. Not to be missed is charming Salzburg, the city of Mozart and ‘The Sound of Music’.
Whilst Austria is one of the countries touched the
River Danube – inspiration for the famous waltz by composer Johan Strauss II, is part of the national identity.