Sound of Music at 60: A Few of Our Favourite Locations
28/03/2025 · By Ian Holt
Enjoy a Great Rail Journeys holiday to Austria, uncovering Salzburg and the settings for the Sound of Music, which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025.
Read moreVienna is one of the great European capitals - a city full of tradition and rich in architectural, artistic and musical heritage. Situated on the banks of the Danube, with a population of about 1.7 million, Vienna is by far Austria's largest city, as well as cultural, economic and political centre. Vienna was originally a Celtic settlement, founded around 500BC later to become a Roman frontier in 15BC previously known as "Vindobona".
In 1440 the Habsburg dynasty took a seat for several centuries, and the city became their residence. Vienna is full of reminders of its imperial heyday, from the austere Hofburg Palace to the magnificent baroque Belvedere Palace and the grandiose public buildings of the Ringstrasse. Although it can be traced back to the Roman era, Vienna did not gain any real significance until it passed into the control of the Babenburg dynasty.
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Embrace the storied past of grand empires on a captivating holiday by rail. Starting amid noble Vienna's glorious Habsburg palaces and ornate architecture, enjoy a strudel-making show with tasting before savouring the delights of Hungary's dignified capital, Budapest. Absorb panoramic views of the illuminated Parliament and Buda Castle during an...
Join us on a luxurious and enchanting cruise on the Danube River. Along the way, we journey through picturesque cities, quaint villages, and renowned vineyards with the chance to indulge in local cuisine and sample some of the finest local wines. After exploring the fascinating cities of Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, marvel at the delightful...
Delve into the imperial past and modern energy of three contrasting European capitals. Uncover the timeless elegance of Vienna - the seat of the mighty Habsburg dynasty - and enjoy views of majestic palaces and grand, ornate buildings. Experience the medieval charm of the Czech capital, Prague, a magical city of exquisite architecture and a...
Enjoy leisurely cruising through four countries and three capital cities, with plenty of time to admire the delightful river scenery. Experience the enchanting town of Dürnstein, where time seems to stand still with its cobbled streets and charming architecture. We admire the dramatically located Abbey of Melk, perched majestically on the...
Experience the convenience of direct flights to and from Munich with our 8-Day Danube river cruise. This effortless itinerary offers the perfect introduction to the must-see highlights of the Danube. Enjoy leisurely cruising through four countries and three capital cities, with plenty of time to admire the delightful river scenery. Discover the...
Embark on a mesmerising journey down the classic blue Danube, where each bend in the river reveals a new tapestry of historic cities, architectural wonders, and cultural richness. We delve into the rich history of the Ottoman and Habsburg empires and wander among inspiring architecture in Budapest. From the picturesque town of Linz to glorious...
Explore the fascinating cities of Prague, Vienna and Budapest, encountering their rich heritage of art, history and culture while savouring world-class castles, palaces and museums. Fly into Prague to experience the medieval charm of the Czech capital, a magical city of exquisite architecture. Travel by train to Vienna to uncover the timeless...
As we glide through the majestic Swiss Alps on the iconic Glacier Express, we enjoy unrivalled views of the awe-inspiring landscapes that surround us. This holiday is a perfect blend of beauty and culture as we ride on mountain railways, discover charming towns, and sail the Danube river from Budapest to Passau.
Our adventure starts by exploring two European giants, Berlin and Prague. We then experience the magic of the Danube and the lovely Wachau Valley, cruising comfortably to idyllic villages, visiting medieval towns and grand cities. Enjoy a private music recital onboard in Vienna and discover Baroque treasures in Bratislava and Budapest. Interested...
Embark on an unforgettable odyssey aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, a journey that promises to immerse you in the rich tapestry of legendary cities. Departing from the iconic city of Paris, our voyage will carry us through the heart of Europe to the enchanting metropolis of Istanbul. Indulge in expertly curated excursions that unveil the...
Experience an eclectic cruise along the blue Danube, with landscapes brimming with ancient cities, architectural marvels, and cultural significance. Enjoy a scenic rail journey to our cruise ship, soaking up the picturesque landscapes along the way. Once onboard the luxurious Amadeus Imperial, explore the rich legacies of this iconic river. From...
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Schönbrunn Palace is one of the ultimate cultural monuments in Austria and is definitely a must see including the palace and the park with its numerous architectural features, fountains and statues. The castle was built to rival French Versailles in Baroque beauty and importance, but House Habsburg lacked funds to out-do the opposing nation of France. In earlier times it served as summer residence to various Habsburg rulers. In 1918, the palace became property of the new republic due to this historical importance, its beautiful location and its gardens.