Roundtrip_wooden architecture Bregenzerwald(C)Adolf Bereuter Bregenzerwald Tourismus Roundtrip_wooden architecture Bregenzerwald(C)Adolf Bereuter Bregenzerwald Tourismus
29.02.2016

Austria – there and back

Any journey through this cultured and varied country reaps great rewards for the traveller. Whether on a roundtrip of specific interests, a ‘let’s-see-when-we-get-there’ approach, or a short break targeting culture or recreation, Austria offers its visitors a variety of different treasures to discover.  Visit once and you’ll plan your return…

By the time you step off your Austrian Airlines flight in Vienna, having already had a taste of the hospitality Austria is so well known for, why not treat yourself to the 5-star luxury of Hotel Sacher Wien (perhaps you’ve heard of its cake namesake)? With the Vienna State Opera, Hofburg Palace and Museum Quarter at its feet, it’s the ideal base from which to explore many of Vienna.

With the capital having made its impression, now move on to Graz, a young and vibrant city teeming with culture intertwined with Mediterranean influences and a reputation for food and culinary delights. A highlight event is the ‘Long Table’ of Graz featuring one large table where some 700 guests can dine alfresco in the main square of the Old Town. Wow.

Onwards to Linz, a creative city of industry and culture and designated a UNESCO city of Media Arts in 2014. Nestled in a beautiful natural habitat on the banks of the picturesque Danube, here you can take a harbour cruise, cycle along the bank of the Danube, or view the oversized works of graffiti in the world’s largest, contiguous outdoor gallery. Difficult not to fall in love with the next city destination -  Salzburg, the baroque masterpiece at the heart of Europe, is not only the birth place of Mozart, it’s also been immortalised by ‘The Sound of Music’.  Here you can pay your own visit to the Villa Trapp.

For some time to reflect, Biohotel Stanglwirt, on the outskirts of Kitzbühel, has an outdoor spa that is home to the largest saltwater pool of any European hotel. It offers the ideal opportunity to relax in stunning scenery whilst being pampered and enjoying home-grown culinary delights.

Next stop: Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps. In this city surrounded by the mountains you can experience the best of both worlds.  Spend the morning shopping at one of the many exclusive boutiques in the historic Baroque and Gothic city centres before taking a cable car straight up to 2,000m for afternoon tea in the Alps.

Before setting off for home, take a few more days to enjoy the peace and serenity of the Voralberg region. With its blend of traditional architecture and modern buildings, this region also plays host to a floating stage on Lake Constance, and the Schubertiade Classical Music festival.  With its undulating countryside between Lake Constance and the mountains,  Vorarlberg is a paradise for hikers and cyclists alike.  It’s also your last chance to indulge in the local Austrian cuisine.   You’ll be spoilt for choice with the tasty, locally-sourced popular mountain and alpine cheese and delicacies.

ÖBB trains make it incredibly easy to travel around Austria, with their direct connections to major Austrian cities from Vienna airport. Alternatively, if you don’t want to do it on your own steam, let Great Rail Journeys do all the planning for you.  They offer packaged and organised tours which are accompanied by a professional, dedicated Tour Manager.

Find your special place in Austria #roundtripAustria

Roundtrip_wooden architecture Bregenzerwald(C)Adolf Bereuter Bregenzerwald Tourismus
Roundtrip_wooden architecture Bregenzerwald(C)Adolf Bereuter Bregenzerwald Tourismus
Roundtrip_Schlossberg_Starckehaus (c) Graz Tourismus - Werner Krug (4)
Roundtrip_Schlossberg_Starckehaus (c) Graz Tourismus - Werner Krug (4)
Mirabellgraten
Mirabellgraten © Sehenswürdigkeiten Salzburg, Blick über den Mirabellgarten auf die Salzburger Altstatdt