Austria is a country of startling contrasts, from the Austrian Alps in the west to the Danube Basin in the east. It is not only famous as one of the world’s premier skiing regions, but also for its historical buildings, world-class museums and galleries, breathtaking scenery, magnificent mountains and established hiking trails. Visitors in search of culture and visitors in search of scenery are spoilt alike.

In addition to natural wealth, the country contains numerous and glorious architectural riches, including frequent reminders of the once-powerful Hapsburgs, who dominated central Europefor seven centuries. It must be said that Austria bears the hallmarks of past emperorship beautifully: the capital, Vienna, is magnificent with its ornate Opera Houseand the former imperial residence of the Hofburg; Austria’s other cities are similarly infused with a historical magic, notably Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, with stunning baroque churches set before a backdrop of snow-covered peaks; and Innsbruck, in the centre of the Austrian Alps.