The Republic of Austria, is located in central Europe, and is bounded by Slovenia and Italy in the south, Switzerland and Liechtenstein in the west, Germany and the Czech Republic in the north, and Slovakia and Hungary in the east. Famous for it's snow capped mountains, fine wines, Baroque architecture and above all it's music, Austria oozes class, quality and sophistication. The Austrian landscape points to a rich natural composition: high and central mountain regions, hill country and plains. The Alpine region stretches from the West to the South to the Vienna Basin, and takes up approximately two thirds of the nation's surface area. The western part of the country is mountainous while the east is hill country and flatlands, which stretch to the Pannonian Plain in northern Burgenland.

Located on a plain bordered by the Wienerwald and the Carpathian foothills, the capital, Vienna, is a cultural, industrial, commercial, and transportation centre. Vienna owes its spectacular architectural heritage to the Habsburg dynasty that controlled much of Europe for 600 years. Of special interest are the Hofburg, or Imperial Palace, with it's 14th century Augustinian church, Imperial Apartments and Royal Chapel where the Vienna Boy's Choir sing. Many of the world's most important composers including Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, Strauss and Mahler have lived and performed behind Vienna's Baroque facades.

Salzburg is a city of astonishing beauty and a distinctly Italian flavour enhanced by the plethora of Baroque masterpieces, including the imposing Honensalzburg Castle that overlooks the city and Hellbrun Palace. It is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and his influence can be seen everywhere from the dedicated Museum, to the Statue in his honour. The capital of the region Tirol and the most popular Austrian holiday destination, the city of Innsbruck lies at the very heart of the Austrian Alps. It is an old university town, and has numerous fine buildings, including the Imperial Palace. Austria has much more to offer it’s visitors than memories of the “Sound of Music”.