Austria with Europe Tour Packages

A land of contrasts, from the soaring Alps to the verdant swathes of the Danube Valley, its historical buildings, awe-inspiring museum sand galleries, its world-class skiing conditions and breathtaking mountain scenery...does this land really need any introduction!

A land where majestic mountains, tranquil lakes, fast flowing rivers and streams, deep forests, undulating meadows, charming villages which cling fiercely to their architectural traditions and cultural heritage and cities which still reflect the artistic grandeur of the old Austro Hungarian empire...this is the magical land of Austria with Europe tour packages!

A land which is caught between Mozart and the plucky Von Traps, who embrace you whilst you take a tour that allows you to view this lovely country through Edelweiss-tinted glasses.

Like the rest of its neighbours, Austria”s history has had its share of trials and tribulations. But the country has retained its elegance and sophistication over the centuries that reflect even today in its love for the life”s finer things. The Celtic races of Western Europe were the first rulers of modern Austria. The notable ruler was Charlemagne, the king of Franks who created the Ostmark.

Some 100 years later Rudolf I emerged with the crown beginning six centuries of Hapsburg rule in Austria. The centrepiece of their realm was the Imperial Palace of Vienna, which provides an in-depth look into their history. The Hapsburg defeated the Turks in the Turkish Wars winning control of a major part of Hungary.

Post-war Austria saw its Golden Age with architectural masterpieces like Schloss Schonbrunn, Salzburger Dam and other major buildings. The French Revolution reached Austria but the rulers promptly squashed the rebellion. The second part of the Biedermeier period was marked by growing urbanization and industrialization that lead to new urban middle class. Artists of this time include painters like Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller and Friedrich Gauermann, the composer Franz Schubert, and the poets Adalbert Stifter, Ferdinand Raimund and Franz Grillparzer.

The reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I, whose 68-year reign was one of Austria”s longest. Under his rule Vienna became of Europe”s most important metropolises extending from Hungary to North Italy and deep into southern Europe. Johann Strauß, the King of Waltz, was celebrated all over the world for his wonderful musical compositions. Sigmund Freud was the founder of the psychoanalytic school of psychology, a movement that popularized the theory that unconscious motives control much behaviour. Around 1900 the Vienna Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) peaked during which forward-looking artists and designers seceded from the mainstream salon exhibitions, to exhibit on their own in more congenial surroundings.

The Austrian monarchy ended in 1916 with death of Emperor Franz Joseph ending the 640-year rule of Hapsburg dynasty. The young republic was plagued with massive inflation, unemployment and near economic collapse. Nazis captured Austria in 1938 and kept under the victorious Allies for a decade after WWII.

Austria”s capital offers a unique blend of imperial traditions and stunning modern architecture by best Europe tour packages. Vienna, which as a population 1.6 million inhabitants, is famous for its cultural events, imperial sights, coffee houses, cozy wine taverns, and the very special Viennese charm.

City Sights:

The city is characterized by abundance of baroque buildings created under the rule of Empress Maria Theresia and Emperor Franz Joseph who was largely responsible for the monumental architecture around the Ringstraße. Schloss Schönbrunn, the former imperial summer residence, is one of most popular sights. The sumptuous palace with the beautifully tended formal gardens, the Gloriette monument, the Palm House and the zoo attract hordes of visitors each year. The huge Hofburg (Imperial Palace) was the base of the Habsburgs for over six centuries, and is an impressive repository of culture and heritage. The splendid baroque Belvedere Palace houses Austrian Gallery displaying the largest collection of works by Klimt, Kokoschka and Schiele. The prime city landmarks are the Gothic Stephansdom (St. Stephen”s Cathedral), the giant Ferris wheel, Vienna”s old recreational park, and the Spanish Riding School with their world-famous Lipizzan.

Museums & Galleries & Music:

• Vienna has a great collection of museums and galleries that will show you some of the greatest masterpieces of all times.

• Kunsthistorischen Museum has the world”s largest collection of Bruegel paintings.

• MuseumsQuartier with Leopold Museum (Schiele!), Museum Moderner Kunst (Museum of Modern Art), Architekturzentrum (Architectural Center) and Kunsthalle rank among the cities most important cultural venues.

• Albertina is home to the world”s largest collection of graphic arts and prints (60,000 drawings, 1 million prints).

Taverns:

In Vienna old coffee houses and rustic wine taverns stand alongside with top modern restaurants and shops, time-honoured events alternate with internationally acclaimed extravaganzas (Life Ball) to create a unique and very special ambiance with international tour packages. Another special feature of Vienna is its many greenspace and recreational areas such as the Wienerwald, the Prater and the Donauinsel.