With pristine alpine scenery, invigorating air, fragrant pine forests and mirror-like lakes, it’s small wonder that Austria became a must-see destination when people began travelling purely for pleasure a century and a half ago. Today, you can follow in their footsteps and journey with us to the heart of Europe, where natural and man-made wonders combine to create some of the world’s most sublime scenery. This is a land of soaring mountains, tumbling waterfalls, mighty glaciers and cities full of medieval history. As we ascend into the mountains, the views become increasingly impressive almost with every bend; scented meadows surround picture-postcard villages, with traditional wooden houses adorned with floral colour. Then there’s the singular beauty of the Salzkammergut, one of the most spellbinding lake districts in the world. Austria has been home to some of history’s greatest composers. Nowhere typifies its distinguished cultural legacy more than Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace. This exquisite city’s old town boasts an amazing assemblage of Late Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo architecture, with a genteel atmosphere enhanced by street musicians. The imposing medieval fortress of Hohensalzburg overlooks the city and completes the scene.