History and the Arts:
Austria's heritage is a melting pot of diverse cultures and art that captures the romance and history of Europe. It is the legacy of the Habsburg dynasty. During their rule, a great many works were commissioned- from palaces and opera houses to operas and concertos, fountains, frescoes and paintings.
You can experience this cultural richness in cities like Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg where everyday life is surrounded by music, art and stunning architecture.
A World of Music:
There is no other country in the world where music is so much part of the history, the national character and daily life as it is in Austria.
Many of the great composers of the era of classical music lived and worked there: Mozart, Strauss, Beethoven and many others. Today, this cultural heritage is well-preserved and lives on with world-class festivals (like the Salzburg Festival) and concerts & performances of the highest level on a regular basis. Austria offers a wide range of classical music experience from the Vienna State Opera to the local concert performance. When it comes to classical music, Austria is a mature destination, with well-established travel packages that cater to travelers interested in music. In conjunction with our partners in the travel trade we strive to develop new customized travel experiences for music lovers.
Austrian Wine Culture:
One of the oldest in Europe, yet one of the youngest to be recognized worldwide. The ancients Celts and Romans made wine in Vienna and it's been made and drunk there ever since. Many of the great wine growing regions are easily accessible while staying in Vienna or the nearby Wachau Valley where the many historic towns that line the riverbanks of the Danube and the rich scenery make this trip a must. The Southeastern wine region can be explored best with an overnight visit to Graz, Europe's Cultural capital in 2003. A visit to this provincial capital of Styria, as well as the wine routes through the hilly country of western styria make this trip worthwhile. You can sample the crisp Schilcher wine, a rare specialty for connoisseurs, produced only in this area and little known outside of Austria.
Winter- A Special Time of Year in Austria:
Austria is not only known as a land of culture, but as a leading sporting nation. Skiing is one of the major attractions in the winter. Austrians invariably place among the top competitors at international skiing events. Twice host of the winter Olympics, Innsbruck has much to offer. The city has developed an intricate system of free ski buses that will transport you to any of the six major ski areas around town. Here you can enjoy Austria's magnificent winter landscape in world-class winter resorts. For others, winter is the time to take advantage of lower fares, a full-scale cultural schedule, and a chance to shop at the Christmas markets for a different holiday shopping experience. The Austrian Christmas markets are a long-standing tradition, one that is far removed from the usual name brand stores and sales racks. Winter is also a time to experience one of the many Viennese balls held in the city each year during the holiday season.
The Imperial Alps:
Located in the heart of the Alps is the Tirol region. One of Europe's favorite destinations in summer and winter alike. Surrounded by rugged mountains and Alpine valleys, this mountain region has a tremendous variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, golf, and skiing. It is a Mecca for sports enthusiasts, enhanced by an abundance of historic and cultural opulence.
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