One of Europe’s most spectacular countries, famous for it's snow capped mountains, fine wine, Baroque architecture and above all it's music, Austria oozes class, quality and sophistication. Two thirds mountainous, almost 50% forested, it is little wonder that so much great art and music has come out of this country. Indeed, if it were not for Austria’s rich beauty we would be without the singularly most popular piece of romantic music of all time, Johan Strauss’ "On the Beautiful Blue Danube". A year round holiday destination, Austria attracts both outdoor enthusiasts for its excellent skiing, mountaineering, trekking and lake based water sports and culture vultures who crave fine music, mind blowing architecture and world class museums. The most popular destinations are the historic cities of Vienna and Salzburg, rich in both history and culture. Vienna owes its spectacular architectural heritage to the Habsburg dynasty that controlled much of Europe for 600 years, in particular Emperor Franz Joseph I. Birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg has a distinctly Italian flavour enhanced by the plethora of Baroque masterpieces, including the imposing Honensalzburg Castle that overlooks the city from a 360ft crag and Hellbrun Palace with it's trick fountain and water powered figures. If your idea of Austria has been moulded by memories of the relentlessly tuneful Von Trapps, think again. This is an urbane, deeply cultured nation; a place that demands respect at the same time as being vibrantly eccentric. In many ways Austria is the ultimate European blend of nature and culture, it is exhilarating, enlightening, romantic and, above all, unique.

CLICK HERE FOR AUSTRIA ON THE MAP OF EUROPE
CLICK HERE FOR THE MAP OF AUSTRIA

AUSTRIAN - OPERATED BY LAUDA AIR
INCLUDES:
Return economy class airfares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch to Vienna PLUS a return side trip to anyone of the following European cities: Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Belgrade•, Berlin, Brussels, Bucharest, Budapest, Cologne, Copenhagen, Dresden, Dublin#, Dusseldorf, Florence, Frankfurt, Graz, Geneva, Hanover, Hamburg, Helsinki, Innsbruck, Istanbul, Klagenfurt, Leipzig, Linz, Ljubljana†, London, Lyon, Madrid, Malta‡, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Nice, Nuremberg, Oslo, Paris, Prague, Rome, Salzburg, Sarajevo, Skopje, Sofia, SplitŒ±, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Venice, Vienna, Warsaw, Zagreb±, Zurich.

# - Direct flights between Vienna and Dublin or vice versa only in Northern Summer. ‡ - Can use Air Malta (KM), • - Can use JAT Yugoslav (JU), ± - Can use Croatia Airlines (OU), † - Can use Adria Airways (JP) Flights Œ - Can use Seasonal services.

*Travel valid via Sydney/Melbourne direct to Vienna via Kuala Lumpar or Singapore**

VIENNA
SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE
Visit Empress Sisi's former summer residence. This baroque complex contains an enchanting park, the Palm House, the Gloriette and a zoo. Spend an entire day at Schönbrunn: visit the show rooms with a "Grand Tour with Audio Guide", admire the splendid Bergl Rooms, and stroll through the "Labyrinth".

IMPERIAL PALACE - HOFBURG
The Imperial Palace was the residence of the Habsburg emperors untill 1918. Originally a medieval castle, of which only the chapel has survived to this day, the residence of the court was expanded and made ever more lavish as the power of the Habsburgs grew and the territory of their dominions increased.

EXPERIENCE ST. CHARLES' CHURCH
Baroque frescoes one can almost tourch, and a magnificent view over Vienna. During renovation work on the cupola of St. Charles' Church, which is scheduled to last four years, a free-standing elevator will take visitors up to a 100-foot-high platform. From there, one can not only admire the frescoes that Johan Michael Rottmayr painted between 1725 and 1730 from close up, but one can also continue to climb into the lantern of the cupola - and be rewarded by a grandose panorama view of Vienna.

HOP ON HOP OFF TOUR OF VIENNA
A great way to see the city. Your ticket is valid all day. Do a complete tour or hop on and off at your leisure at one of the many stops enroute.

GIANT FERRIS WHEEL
In 1896-97, the English engineering firm of Walter Basset built the Giant Ferris Wheel, which has become one of the most recognisable symbols of Vienna. The wheel, with its 15 gondolas, turns at a rate of two and a half feet per second and offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city.

HISTORICAL CITY TOUR WITH SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE
This tour will give you an overall impression of the most significant sights of Vienna. Along the Ringstrasse you will see numerous magnificent buildings, such as the State Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum, the cultural district the Museums Quarter, the former Habsburg winter residence, the Hofburg, the Parliament, the City Hall and the Burgtheater. The highlight of this tour is a visit to the showrooms of Schönbrunn Palace.

ROMANTIC DANUBE VALLEY
On this tour you will see the beauty of the Wachau. Through this romantic scenery full of history and legends the Danube winds his way past charming old villages and steep vineyards. During a romantic boat-trip the history comes alive*. The heart of the Wachau is the old vine-merchants town Krems. To complete this day of highlights you will visit Melk, the “Cradle of Austria”, the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a pearl of the Austrian Baroque.

9 DAY TOUR FROM VIENNA
DAY 1 - VIENNA
Private transfer to the Hotel (from Vienna Airport). In the afternoon you will be introduced to your guide. Overnight in Vienna.

DAY 2 - VIENNA
The morning starts with a city tour including State Opera House, the Museum of fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History, the Parliament, the Burg theatre, the City Hall as well as the University. Afternoon is at leisure. In the evening there will be an opportunity to listen to a concert and enjoy a nice meal with wine in a typical Austrian wine tavern in the Grinzing area (optional). Overnight in Vienna.

DAY 3 - VIENNA- BUDAPEST
In the morning depart by bus to Budapest, the Hungarian capital, which is divided into two parts by the river Danube. Afternoon is at leisure for optional activities. Overnight at in Budapest.

DAY 4 - BUDAPEST
Enjoy a visit of the town, including Heroes’ Square, St. Stephen’s Church, Fisherman Bastion, Gellert Hill, and other places of interest. Afternoon is at leisure. In the evening there is an optional unforgettable dinner with gipsy music and Hungarian dances. Overnight in Budapest.

DAY 5 - BUDAPEST- PRAGUE
Depart for Prague via Brno (no entry in Slovakia). Overnight in Prague.

DAY 6 - PRAGUE
In the morning visit the old centre of Prague, including St. Vitus Cathedral, Hradcany (Prague Castle) and the Golden Lane, then you will cross the river Vlatva on the famous St. Charles Bridge and continue to the Old Part of Town. In the evening we suggest a performance of the Black Theatre with a typical dinner in the famous restaurant U Fleku of Prague afterwards (optional). Overnight in Prague.

DAY 7 - PRAGUE
Day at leisure to enjoy the magic of the town, where famous artists like Mozart and Kafka lived. Your guide will offer various optional excursions. Overnight in Prague.

DAY 8 - PRAGUE - VIENNA
Check-out and transfer without guide to Vienna by coach. Upon arrival in Vienna check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day will be at leisure. Overnight in Vienna.

DAY 9 - VIENNA
After breakfast check-out and transfer to the airport where tour ends.

SALZBURG
CITY SIGHTSEEING & MOZART TOUR
Visit the city’s most famous sights and monuments. Over the centuries the Prince Archbishops represented the worldly and clerical power in their own independent principality. Many impressive monuments still stand witness to their reign. Renowned architects and artists worked throughout the centuries to create architectural jewels. After the bus tour, take a visit the newly reopened Mozart Residence and enjoy the sounds of his magical flute and other famous compositions between the historic walls.
Operates Daily at 9.30am, 11.00am, 12.00, 2.00pm, 4.00pm.
Duration: 2 1/2 hours approx.

SOUND OF MUSIC TOUR
Enjoy a wonderful ride with breathtaking views of the landscape where the opening scenes were filmed. Relax and listen to the original Sound of Music soundtrack. The English-speaking guide not only shows you the highlights of the film ‘Sound of Music’ but also the historical and architectural landmarks of the city, as well as a part of the picturesque Lake District.
Operates Daily at 9.30am and 2.00pm. Duration: 4 hours

INNSBRUCK
ROYAL BAVARIAN CASTLES (NEUSCHWANSTEIN & OBERAMMERGAU)
You will be taken on an exciting journey through the old market town of Reutte to the most famous of King Ludwig´s fairytale castles. This fabulous castle was the inspiration of Walt Disney. Continue to the town of Oberammergau with its splendid wall paintings and woodcarving centres. The tour will then take you back to Innsbruck.
Note: You will need to take your passport with you on this tour.
Operates Thursdays, departing Innsbruck at 8am. Duration: Full day

CASTLE TRATZBERG & SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL WORLD
Your first stop will be a visit to the Schloss Tratzberg, built in 1500, high above the Inn Valley between Kufstein and Innsbruck. A small train will take you on a short journey to the castle. The tour then continues onto the Swarovski Crystal World. View the surreal landscapes of a glittering galaxy or the inside of a crystal dome with changing patterns of light and sound.
Operates Fridays, departing Innsbruck at 9.30am. Duration: Full day

Vienna
Vienna is located on the Danube, in the northeast part of Austria. This rich musical city has retained its imperial style, with grand boulevards and imposing architecture. A visit to Vienna is like a stroll through the past, for almost nowhere else is history so close at hand.

Salzburg
Salzburg is situated near the foothills of the Alps and the border with Germany surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Salzach Valley but also by the city’s architectural and cultural assets. Salzburg is best known as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; today the city has a thriving musical tradition.

Innsbruck
The city of Innsbruck lies at the very heart of the Austrian Alps. Nestling in the valley of the Inn River, tucked between the northern Alps and the Tuxer mountain range, Innsbruck is famous for its winter sports and has twice been home to the Winter Olympics. This city has many medieval buildings, including the 16th century Franciscan Hofkirche (church) and the Fürstenburg, a 15th century castle with a famous copper-roofed balcony.