Over 150 years ago, Austria became one of the very first countries to attract visitors travelling for sheer pleasure and when you join us on this tour, you will see the reasons why - it is as near to perfection as you can get! Travellers came for the pristine alpine scenery unavailable at home, crisp clean air, the distinctive fragrance of the pine forests and the mirror-like lakes, their reflections magnificently amplifying the visual effect of these stunning vistas. So journey with us to the heart of Europe, where the mighty snow-capped alpine peaks tower above lush green pastures, nourished by the crystal clear melt-water streams, dotted with historic wooden farmhouses with the air, heavy with the sweet scent of Alpine meadows. This is some of the most staggeringly beautiful alpine scenery in the world. As you travel the twisting alpine roads, the views become increasingly impressive with each bend: rising from another verdant, almost manicured pasture, are the striking pink and grey alpine peaks, puncturing the sky above. Studded throughout this staggeringly beautiful scenery are countless picture-postcard villages, crammed with a jumble of traditional iconic wooden houses with their gently sloping roofs and window boxes impossibly full of colourful flowers. This is Austria: a largely rural land of soaring snow-capped mountains, tumbling waterfalls and fairy-tale castles where legends abound with almost touchable medieval history. Then we have the unique beauty of the Salzkammergut, one of the most naturally spellbinding and stunning lake districts in the world: a breath-taking blend of lofty mountains, lined by tree studded banks and hauntingly calm lakes filling scenic valleys, which resonate with the unmistakable tones of Tyrolean cow-bells echoing over the water.                                     Austria is so much more than some of the world’s most stupendous scenery, remarkable though it is. Throughout its history it has been home to some of the greatest composers who have ever graced the planet: Haydn, Schubert, Strauss of course, and undoubtedly Mozart, with nowhere typifying this astonishing cultural legacy more than Salzburg. Mozart’s birthplace, this gorgeous city’s ‘old town’ possesses one of the world’s greatest concentrations of baroque architecture and a wonderful genteel atmosphere enhanced by numerous street musicians who keep the city’s amazing musical pedigree alive. The imposing Hohensalzburg fortress, sitting high upon the riverbanks, overlooks the city and completes the scene. One of the delights of this lovely corner of Europe is its tradition of coffee and cakes, taken in one of the numerous almost regal tea rooms dating from late 18th century, decorated in ochres and browns, using fine silverware and delicate china cups. Try the famous apple strudel and cherry cake, but there are countless others! All made with the finest ingredients, often soaked in one of the delicious liqueurs for which the area is also renowned: they do nothing for your waistline, but plenty for your taste buds! The Austrians are lovely people and a few still traditionally lederhosen-clad – very much a symbol of regional pride. Well-mannered and friendly, they are genuinely so hospitable to visitors and delight in sharing their country’s heritage, scenery and many other attributes with visitors. It’s called “Gemütlichkeit”, a tradition of which they are justifiably proud. View all lakes and mountains holidays