Austria

About the destination: Munich, situated on the Isar River in southern Bavaria, is renowned for its world-class museums, stunning parks, the annual Oktoberfest beer festival, and architecture. The magnificent public buildings and monuments stand as a testament to the imperial ambitions of the Wittelsbach family, who ruled Bavaria from the 12th to the 20th century. Despite suffering significant damage from allied bombings during World War II, many of its historic buildings have been restored, and the city center largely resembles its appearance in the late 1800s. This includes its largest church, the Frauenkirche, and the famous city hall (Neues Rathaus). A unique blend of proud tradition and cutting-edge culture will keep you engaged and active. The city stays alive until the wee hours, thanks to its many students and the quintessential Bavarian zest for life.

About the destination: Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is located on the border of Austria and Germany. The Salzach River divides Salzburg's old and new towns. The old town is remarkable and compact, centered around the expansive Residenzplatz and is primarily a pedestrian area. The relatively new town is centered around Mirabellplatz and Markartplatz. Salzburg's striking hills emerge directly from the old town. The most noticeable hilltop fortification is the Hohensalzburg, constructed over centuries on an ancient Celtic and Roman site, and is now the largest fully preserved medieval castle in Europe. For a different kind of grandeur, visit the Schloss Mirabell and its Gardens, situated right next to the Salzach River and the Mozarteum University of Music and Arts. The castle was built by an archbishop for his beloved courtesan. You can stroll through lavish rose and flower gardens and admire the stone dwarves in the Zwerglgarten. To learn about Mozart and his life, visit his Geburtshaus, Mozart's birth house. The street itself is worth seeing, with the guild signs and painted wall decorations remaining much as they were at the time of Mozart’s birth. The house displays pictures, letters, and stage sets from the various operas Mozart composed. Surrounded by forested mountains, Salzburg is a city of magic whose spirit is expressed in some of the world's most divine music, composed by its favorite son, Mozart. The era that gave birth to the unparalleled musical genius of Mozart also constructed the beautiful castles and churches of Salzburg, and fostered a love of music that continues today in Salzburg's numerous concert series and annual summer festival.

About the destination: Zell am See serves as the administrative hub for the Zell am See District in the Austrian state of Salzburg. A visit to Zell am See promises a unique holiday experience, regardless of whether it's summer or winter. It's a place where you can appreciate the beauty of lakes, mountains, and the perpetual ice of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. The expansive Zell am See-Kaprun ski area is ideal for both professional skiers/snowboarders and novices. The ski season in Zell am See-Kaprun begins in early fall and lasts until early summer. The well-maintained bike paths in the Salzburg vacation region are perfect for families and cyclists who prefer a leisurely pace. Along the way, you'll find numerous inns and cafes to satisfy your refreshment needs. For a relaxing spa day in Zell am See-Kaprun, consider the modern "Taunern Spa" located near Mount Kitzsteinhorn, or one of the many wellness & spa hotels offering a wide array of beauty and wellness treatments. In Zell am See, you can also engage in other activities such as hiking, golfing, aviation, or shopping.

About the destination: Innsbruck, the state capital of Tyrol and the fifth largest city in Austria, is the hub for winter activities in the country and occasionally garners global attention for alpine events, having hosted the Winter Olympic Games twice. The Nordkette cable car and a vast network of mountain trails originate from Innsbruck, making the breathtaking surrounding Alps easily accessible for both winter skiers and summer hikers. The Altstad is the heart of Innsbruck, and the Goldenes Dachl, or Golden Roof, is both the focal point of the Altstad and the city's symbol. This 15th-century building is a blend of Gothic and Baroque styles, and as the name suggests, it features a golden roof. The interior frescoes depict scenes from the aristocratic life of that era. All of the decorations on the current structure are meticulously crafted replicas. The original reliefs are permanently exhibited in the Tyrolean State Museum, also known as the Tiroler Landesmuseum. The Golden Roof Museum, located within the building, hosts an exhibition about Emperor Maximilian I and his era, as well as the history of Innsbruck's emblem. Gothic art enthusiasts should not miss the Tiroler Landesmuseum, which houses a collection of vibrantly colored, finely etched stained glass windows, a few altars and paintings, and a selection of modern works. Maria-Theresien Strasse is Innsbruck's main thoroughfare and a delightful place to wander or relax at one of the sidewalk cafes and people-watch. At one end is the Triumphal Arch, which leads to the old town. Maria-Theresien Strasse is a charming pedestrian zone, featuring sidewalk cafes, Baroque architecture, restaurants, and views of the magnificent mountains. Innsbruck provides a rather unique winter vacation experience, combining stunning mountain landscapes with architectural splendor, and the excitement of a big city with hundreds of shops, restaurants, and trendy bars.

About the destination: Munich, situated on the Isar River in southern Bavaria, is renowned for its world-class museums, stunning parks, the annual Oktoberfest beer festival, and architecture. The magnificent public buildings and monuments stand as a testament to the imperial ambitions of the Wittelsbach family, who ruled Bavaria from the 12th to the 20th century. Despite suffering significant damage from allied bombings during World War II, many of its historic buildings have been restored, and the city center largely resembles its appearance in the late 1800s. This includes its largest church, the Frauenkirche, and the famous city hall (Neues Rathaus). A unique blend of proud tradition and cutting-edge culture will keep you engaged and active. The city stays alive until the wee hours, thanks to its many students and the quintessential Bavarian zest for life.