Adriatic Coast

TRAVEL TIPS

Adriatic Coast: Pretty seaside villages along the Dalmatian coast are your reward for some serious At Leisure sightseeing in the European capitals of Vienna, Ljubljana and Zagreb. Saunter through the pristinely beautiful Plitvice National Park and spend a day relaxing on the island of Hvar, exploring the gorgeous coastline on foot and taking a step back to a more peaceful time.

Croatia- Croatia is an Eastern European country with a long coastline on the Adriatic Sea. Encompassing more than a thousand islands, it’s also crossed by the Dinaric Alps. Its inland capital, Zagreb, is distinguished by its medieval Gornji Grad (Upper Town) and diverse museums. The major coastal city Dubrovnik has massive 16th-century walls encircling an Old Town with Gothic and Renaissance buildings. In a country famous for its dazzling coastline, Croatia’s inland capital has been sneaking under the tourist radar for decades. With a new airport terminal opened in March 2017 and exciting new cultural developments bolstering its long-cherished historic and natural charms, now’s the time to discover the delights of Zagreb.

Slovenia-a country in Central Europe, is known for its mountains, ski resorts and lakes. On Lake Bled, a glacial lake fed by hot springs, the town of Bled contains a church-topped islet and a cliffside medieval castle. In Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, baroque facades mix with the 20th-century architecture of native Jože Plečnik, whose iconic Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) spans the tightly curving Ljubljanica River.

Austria-is a German-speaking country in Central Europe, characterized by mountain villages, baroque architecture, Imperial history and rugged Alpine terrain. Vienna, its Danube River capital, is home to the Schönbrunn and Hofburg palaces. It has counted Mozart, Strauss and Freud among its residents. The country’s other notable regions include the northern Bohemian Forest, Traunsee Lake and eastern hillside vineyards.

Hungary-Its capital, Budapest, is bisected by the Danube River. Its cityscape is studded with architectural landmarks from Buda’s medieval Castle Hill and grand neoclassical buildings along Pest’s Andrássy Avenue to the 19th-century Chain Bridge. Turkish and Roman influence on Hungarian culture includes the popularity of mineral spas, including at thermal Lake Hévíz.

Trip Planning: The planning stage of your trip can be instrumental in its success and an enjoyable part of the experience itself. You have a world of options…and plenty to consider.

Entry and Exit formalities: Visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months & beyond at the time of entering the country. Some nationalities can obtain visa on arrival and for nationalities who requires visa please refer to the respective consulates.

Croatia consulate website: www.vfsglobal.com/croatia/uae/

Slovenia, Austria & Hungary are part of the 26 Schengen State Countries.

Transportation: Figuring out how to get around is one of your biggest pre-trip decisions. Get our holiday expert best advice on deciding between your options. Based on your trip itinerary, our experts will help you choose wisely. You’ll also find a wealth of practical travel tips.

Money: Use your money wisely. Know the best time to use cash or card — and how to avoid unnecessary fees either way — as well as tipping etiquette, and how shoppers can take advantage of VAT refunds.

Phones and Technology: Phones and other smart devices can be huge time-savers…or expensive distractions. Get our tips for making the best use of technology during your trip, and for calling home with or without your own phone.

Packing Light: On your trip you’ll meet two kinds of travelers: those who pack light and those who wish they had.

Sleeping and Eating: Your hotel and restaurant choices can be a matter-of-face chore…or they can provide rich opportunities to connect with locals and their culture.

Health & Hygiene: Take comfort: Doctors, hospitals, launderettes, and bathrooms aren’t that different. Dealing with them can even be part of the fun of travel.

Sightseeing & Activities: Once you’re on the ground, the real fun begins…but it pays to have a thoughtful plan. Our experts will help you get oriented to your surroundings, use your sightseeing hours wisely, and find your way off the beaten path.

Things do & see:

CROATIA

Zagreb-Croatia’s northwestern capital, is distinguished by its 18th- and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architecture. At its center, Upper Town is the site of the Gothic, twin-spired Zagreb Cathedral and 13th-century St. Mark’s Church, with a colorfully tiled roof. Nearby is pedestrian-friendly Tkalčićeva Street, lined with outdoor cafes. Lower Town has the main square, Ban Jelačić, plus shops, museums and parks.

Dubrovnik-a city in southern Croatia fronting the Adriatic Sea. It’s known for its distinctive Old Town, encircled with massive stone walls completed in the 16th century. Its well-preserved buildings range from baroque St. Blaise Church to Renaissance Sponza Palace and Gothic Rector’s Palace, now a history museum. Paved with limestone, the pedestrianized Stradun (or Placa) is lined with shops and restaurants.

Split- is Croatia’s second-largest city and the largest city in the Dalmatia region. It lies on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea and is spread over a central peninsula and its surroundings.

Zadar– a city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, is known for the Roman and Venetian ruins of its peninsular Old Town. There are several Venetian gates in the city walls. Surrounding the Roman-era Forum is 11th-century St. Mary’s Convent, with religious art dating to the 8th century. There’s also the grand, 12th-century St. Anastasia’s Cathedral and the round, 9th-century pre-Romanesque Church of St. Donatus.

Pula- a seafront city on the tip of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, is known for its protected harbor, beach-lined coast and Roman ruins. Settled in the prehistoric era and valued for its strategic location, Pula has been occupied, destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. The Romans, Ostrogoths and Venetians, as well as the Allied Forces in World War II, have each administered the city.

Šibenik- is a city on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. It’s known as a gateway to the Kornati Islands. The 15th-century stone Cathedral of St. James is decorated with 71 sculpted faces. Nearby, the Šibenik City Museum, in the 14th-century Prince’s Palace, has exhibits ranging from prehistory to the present. The white stone St. Michael’s Fortress has an open-air theater, with views of Šibenik Bay and neighboring islands.

Rijeka- is a Croatian port city on Kvarner Bay in the northern Adriatic Sea. It’s known as a gateway to Croatia’s islands. Korzo, the main promenade, is lined with Habsburg-era buildings. Nearby, the 19th-century Ivan pl. Zajc Croatian National Theatre has ceiling paintings by Gustav Klimt. The hilltop Trsat Castle complex, which includes a religious shrine, has sweeping views of the islands of Kvarner Bay.

Rovinj– is a Croatian fishing port on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula. The old town stands on a headland, with houses tightly crowded down to the seafront. A tangle of cobbled streets leads to the hilltop church of St. Euphemia, whose towering steeple dominates the skyline. South of the old town is Lone Bay, one of the area’s pebble beaches. The Rovinj archipelago’s 14 islands lie immediately off the mainland.

Trogir-is a town on the central Adriatic coast of Croatia. Its preserved old town, known for its mix of Renaissance, baroque and Romanesque buildings, lies on a small island connected to the mainland and the island of Čiovo by bridges. The 13th-century Cathedral of St. Lawrence houses the Renaissance Chapel of St. John and offers sweeping views from its bell tower. Parts of the medieval city walls remain intact.

Hvar-a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, is best known as a summer resort. Highlights of the port town Hvar include its 13th-century walls, a hilltop fortress and a main square anchored by the Renaissance-era Hvar Cathedral. The island also features beaches such as Dubovica and inland lavender fields. Boat excursions serve the nearby Pakleni Islands, which have secluded beaches and coves.

Korčula- is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea. It has an area of 279 km²; 46.8 km long and on average 7.8 km wide — and lies just off the Dalmatian coast.

Karlovac- is a city in central Croatia. According to the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, in 2018, its population was 51,447. Karlovac is the administrative centre of Karlovac County. The city is located on the Zagreb-Rijeka highway and railway line, 56 kilometres south-west of Zagreb and 130 km from Rijeka.

Vukovar– is a city in eastern Croatia. It contains Croatia’s largest river port, located at the confluence of the Vuka and the Danube. Vukovar is the seat of Vukovar-Syrmia County. The city’s registered population was 26,468 in the 2011 census, with a total of 27,683 in the municipality.

Opatija- is a Croatian coastal town on the Adriatic Sea. A fashionable resort in the 19th century, it’s dotted with Habsburg-era villas. The Lungomare is a promenade that snakes along the coastline, offering views of the town and neighboring islands. The 1800s Villa Angiolina, set in a garden of exotic plants, houses the Croatian Museum of Tourism. Parts of St. Jacob’s Church date from the 16th century.

Sinjski- ćoškari is a town in the continental part of Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. The town itself has a population of 11,478 and the population of the administrative municipality, which includes surrounding villages, is 24,826

Beach Season-Croatian coastline boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in Europe

The Blue Cave-A precious gem among Croatia’s nature highlights

Pag Cheese Season-Famous cheese from Pag island is a national pride of Croatia, known as Paški sir

Hiking-Climb spectacular mountains, traverse lush woods, enjoy freedom and harmony with nature.

Kayaking-A great way to explore Croatian coastlines.

The Best Sunsets-Famous Adriatic sunset in Zadar impressed Alfred Hitchcock.

White Water Rafting-Fast rivers of Croatia are perfect for white water rafting.

Cruising and Sailing-Follow Marco Polo’s path and explore Croatia’s numerous islands

Diving-Clear waters of the Adriatic are popular with divers. Take a chance to explore marine life, ship wrecks and underwater caves

Lavender Bloom on Hvar Island-A flowery kingdom on the Croatia’s most sunny island

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing-Good conditions for windsurfers and kite surfers during the summer

Peka-A signature cooking technique for Croatian cuisine

Wild Figs-Enjoy this nutritious sweet fruit while in Dalmatia

Lobster Eating Time-Mouth watering lobsters as well as other delicious seafood straight from the Adriatic

Asparagus Season-Have you already tried wild asparagus?

Plitvice Lakes-Frozen Plitvitce Lakes are called Croatia’s natural miracle

Sinjska Alka-A medieval equestrian knightly competition in Sinj that is part of UNESCO list

Autumnal Plitvice Lakes-Natural wonder wearing all shades of gold and red

Ultra Europe Music Festival-Feeling the beat of Adriatic with an ultrahip Ultra music festival

Rijeka Carnival-Winter holiday season in Rijeka is highlighted by the biggest carnival in Croatia with costumed parades and performances, lots of music and dancing

International Donkey Race-Visitors get a chance to hop on a donkey and speed up in Tisno during the annual donkey race

Oysters Season-Locally produced oysters and mussels is a must try for seafood lovers

Olive Harvest-Olives are the matter of pride in Croatia

Kumpanjija Performance-See a unique historical dance on Korcula Island with sword fights

Nights of Diocletian-In Split, do as Romans do during a colourful carnival at Diocletian Palace

Red Bull Air Race-Extreme flying competition in Rovinj is a breathtaking experience for spectators

Zagreb Christmas Market-The spirit of Advent and entertainment for the whole family in the central of medieval city

Fried Dormice-A grilled dormouse—a rather unusual dish for modern European cuisine

Truffle Season-A chance to find the next biggest truffle in the world

Crni Rizot (Black Risotto)-If you like seafood, this is a must try of Croatian cuisine

Ribarska Festa-Fisherman festivals in an Istrian town of Vrsar is a unique experience, available at Adriatic

Birdwatching in Kopacki Rit-Exciting birdwatching on one of the largest wetlands in Europe

Dvorišta—the Courtyards of Zagreb-Get behind closed doors in old Zagreb and meet some locals during a ten-day festival

Skiing and Snowboarding-Northern Croatia boasts a few decent skiing locations in winter.

SLOVENIA

Ljubljana – Ljubljana is Slovenia’s capital and largest city. It’s known for its university population and green spaces, including expansive Tivoli Park. The curving Ljubljanica River, lined in outdoor cafes, divides the city’s old town from its commercial hub. Ljubljana has many museums, including the National Museum of Slovenia, displaying historic exhibitions, and the Museum of Modern Art, home to 20th-century Slovene paintings and sculptures.

Kamnik – Kamnik is a town in northern Slovenia. It is surrounded by the mountains and one of them is Velika Planina that offers a great view. It is the central settlement of the Municipality of Kamnik. It encompasses a large part of the Kamnik Alps and the surrounding area. The town of Kamnik has three castles as well as many examples of historical architecture.

Kranj – fourth municipality and traditional region of Upper Carniola is a mainly industrial city with significant electronics and rubber industries. Kranj is the fourth-largest city in Slovenia, with a population of 37,941. It is located approximately 20 kilometres northwest of Ljubljana. The centre of the City Municipality of Kranj and of the traditional region of Upper Carniola is a mainly industrial city with significant electronics and rubber industries.

Coast- The Slovene Riviera is the coastline of Slovenia, located on the Gulf of Trieste, by the Adriatic Sea. It is part of the Istrian peninsula and is 46.6 km long. The region comprises the towns of Koper and Piran with Portorož, and the municipality of Izola

Karst – The Karst Plateau or the Karst region (Slovene: Kras, Italian: Carso), also locally called Karst, is a karst plateau region extending across the border of southwestern Slovenia and northeastern Italy.

Bled – Bled, a Slovenian resort town in the foothills of the Julian Alps, is set along the glacial Lake Bled. On a cliff overlooking the lake is the 11th-century Bled Castle, which houses a museum, chapel and printing press. Atop a small island in the lake’s center is the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria, with its steep staircase and bell tower.

Škocjan Caves – is a cave system in Slovenia. Due to its exceptional significance, Škocjan Caves was entered on UNESCO’s list of natural and cultural world heritage sites in 1986. International scientific circles have thus acknowledged the importance of the caves as one of the natural treasures of planet Earth

Julian Alps – The Julian Alps are a mountain range of the Southern Limestone Alps that stretch from northeastern Italy to Slovenia, where they rise to 2,864 m at Mount Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia and of the former Yugoslavia. A large part of the Julian Alps is included in Triglav National Park.

Idrija– is a town in western Slovenia. It is the seat of the Municipality of Idrija. It is located in the traditional region of Inner Carniola and is in the Gorizia Statistical Region. It is notable for its mercury mine with stores and infrastructure, as well as miners’ living quarters, and a miners’ theatre.

Jesenice- is a Slovenian town and the seat of the Municipality of Jesenice on the southern side of the Karawanks, bordering Austria to the north. Jesenice is known as the Slovenian home of mining and iron making industries, its largest steel company Acroni, and its ice-hockey club, Acroni Jesenice.

Triglav National Park– The mountainous northwest lakes and Mount Triglav.

Novo Mesto- is the city on a bend of the Krka River in the City Municipality of Novo Mesto in southeastern Slovenia, close to the border with Croatia. The town is traditionally considered the economic and cultural centre of the historical Lower Carniola region.

Dolenjske Toplice – Dolenjske Toplice is a settlement near Novo Mesto in southeastern Slovenia and is the seat of the Municipality of Dolenjske Toplice. The area is part of the traditional region of Lower Carniola. The municipality is now included in the Southeast Slovenia Statistical Region.

Pohorje-Savinjska- Pohorje, also known as the Pohorje Massif or the Pohorje Mountains, is a mostly wooded, medium-high mountain range south of the Drava River in northeastern Slovenia. According to the traditional AVE classification it belongs to the Southern Limestone Alps.

Savinja and Šalek Valley- The Savinja is a river in northeast Slovenia which flows mostly in the Upper and Lower Savinja Valley and through the cities of Celje and Laško. The Savinja is the main river of the Savinja Alps. It flows into the Sava River at the town of Zidani Most. It has often flooded, such as in the 1960s, 1990, and 1995.

Celje- is the third-largest city in Slovenia. It is a regional center of the traditional Slovenian region of Styria and the administrative seat of the City Municipality of Celje.

Trbovlje- is Slovenia’s ninth largest town, and the seat of the Municipality of Trbovlje. It is located in the valley of a minor left bank tributary of the Sava River in the Central Sava Valley in central-eastern Slovenia.

Velenje- is Slovenia’s sixth-largest city, and the seat of the Municipality of Velenje. The city is located in northeastern Slovenia, among the rolling green hills of the Šalek Valley, with the Kamnik–Savinja Alps to the west and the Pohorje Mountains to the east.

Žalec– is a town in central Slovenia. It is the seat of the Municipality of Žalec. It lies in the valley of the lower course of the Savinja River west of Celje. The primary economic activity of the region is growing hops, which is reflected by the city’s coat-of-arms

Maribor – second biggest city of Slovenia. It is also the largest city of the traditional region of Lower Styria. Maribor is a Slovenian city set amid wine-region hills on the Drava River. On Glavni Trg, the old town’s main square, the Renaissance-style Town Hall (Mariborski rotovž) dates from 1515. On nearby Grajski Trg square, 15th-century Maribor Castle houses a frescoed Knights’ Hall and the Regional Museum of Maribor, with extensive displays of local artifacts. To the southwest, Mariborsko Pohorje is a prominent ski resort.

Ptuj Castle – situated on a hill alongside the river Drava overlooking the town. The castle was built in the mid-12th century, when it was constructed to defend against the Hungarians.

Murska Sobota – near the Mura River in the region of Prekmurje and is the regional capital. Murska Sobota is a town in northeastern Slovenia. It is the centre of the Municipality of Murska Sobota near the Mura River in the region of Prekmurje and is the regional capital.

Logar Valley Natural Park – one of the most beautiful alpine valleys, Lonely Planet described it as “a land of incomparable beauty”. The Logar Valley is a valley in the Kamnik Alps, in the Municipality of Solčava, Slovenia. The Slovene name for the valley is of relatively recent coinage and is derived from the Logar Farm, which in turn is derived from log

Savinja and Šalek Valley – great place for active holidays, picturesque land of natural parks and Pippi Family Festival. The Savinja and Šalek Valley is a region in northern Slovenia, close to the border with Austria. Municipalities: Gornji Grad, Solčava, Rečica ob Savinji, Ljubno ob Savinji, Luče, Nazarje, Šmartno ob Paki, Mozirje, Šoštanj, and Velenje.

Postojna Caves – is a 24,340 m long karst cave system near Postojna, southwestern Slovenia. It is the second-longest cave system in the country as well as one of its top tourism sites. The caves were created by the Pivka River.

Soča/Isonzo Valley – where the emerald-coloured river flows. The Soča or Isonzo is a 138-kilometre long river that flows through western Slovenia and northeastern Italy. An Alpine river in character, its source lies in the Trenta Valley in the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia, at an elevation of 876 metres.

The Kolpa River – one of the intact rivers in Slovenia comprised of a 113 km long strip of land that borders Croatia

Triglav National Park – home of the national symbol, Mount Triglav where you can enjoy exploring the Posočje area, canyoning, rafting, paragliding, hiking and mountaineering

Radovljica – tiny picturesque town in the Upper Carniola. It is the administrative seat of the Municipality of Radovljica.

Piran/Pirano – charming picturesque coastal town. Piran where you can get lost in its medieval narrow streets and houses.

Ankaran/Ancarano – pleasant town on Adriatic coast between Triest and Piran.

Lipica Stud Farm – The unique estate which has more than 350 Lipizzaner (horses) and 435 years of tradition

Portorož – is a resort town on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast. Its spas offer therapeutic treatments based on the mud and brine from the nearby Sečovlje Salina salt pans. The central Portorož Beach is a wide, sandy stretch with wooden piers. The hilltop Church of St. Bernardin is a former monastery from the 15th century. To the south, Seča Park is home to Forma Viva, an area dotted with stone sculptures.

Seča Park – home to Forma Viva, an area dotted with stone sculptures.

Koper – port city in Slovenia, on the country’s Adriatic coastline. Its medieval old town centers around Titov Trg, a square with Venetian-influenced landmarks such as the Praetorian Palace and a Gothic – style loggia while nearby Da Ponte Fountain is a replica of Venice’s famed Rialto Bridge.

AUSTRIA

Vienna-Austria’s capital, lies in the country’s east on the Danube River. Its artistic and intellectual legacy was shaped by residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. The city is also known for its Imperial palaces, including Schönbrunn, the Habsburgs’ summer residence. In the MuseumsQuartier district, historic and contemporary buildings display works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and other artists.

Salzburg– is an Austrian city on the border of Germany, with views of the Eastern Alps. The city is divided by the Salzach River, with medieval and baroque buildings of the pedestrian Altstadt (Old City) on its left bank, facing the 19th-century Neustadt (New City) on its right. The Altstadt birthplace of famed composer Mozart is preserved as a museum displaying his childhood instruments.

Innsbruck – capital of Austria’s western state of Tyrol, is a city in the Alps that’s long been a destination for winter sports. Innsbruck is also known for its Imperial and modern architecture. The Nordkette funicular, with futuristic stations designed by architect Zaha Hadid, climbs up to 2,256m from the city center for skiing in winter and hiking or mountaineering in warmer months.

Zell am See- an Austrian town on Lake Zell, south of the city of Salzburg. Its Romanesque St. Hippolyte Church has a distinctive tower added in the 15th century. Trails and lifts lead to the ski slopes of Schmittenhöhe mountain. Southwest, views from Gipfelwelt 3000 panoramic platform, at the top of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, take in Hohe Tauern National Park and the looming Grossglockner

Kitzbühel-is much more than just a legendary playground for celebrities. Follow a long-distance hiking trail into the peaceful mountain scenery of the Kitzbüheler Alps and discover long-forgotten worlds.

Kaprun-is a town southwest of Salzburg in the Austrian Alps. It sits at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier in the High Tauern mountains. Kaprun Castle is thought to date from the 12th century. To the south, a timber walkway leads over rushing glacial waters and through the narrow Sigmund-Thun Gorge. High mountain trails offer sweeping views of the Mooserboden and Wasserfallboden dams and surrounding Alpine peaks.

Graz- the Capital of Delight is a Styrian specialities and delicacies are not available everywhere because the Styrians enjoy eating and drinking them themselves.  Graz is the capital city of the southern Austrian province of Styria. At its heart is Hauptplatz, the medieval old town’s main square. Shops and restaurants line the narrow surrounding streets, which blend Renaissance and baroque architecture. A funicular leads up Schlossberg, the town hill, to the Uhrturm, a centuries-old clock tower. Across the River Mur, futuristic Kunsthaus Graz exhibits contemporary art.

Tyrol– is a western Austrian state in the Alps that’s known for its ski resorts, historic sites and folk traditions. The capital city, Innsbruck, surrounded by mountains, is home to Habsburg Empire landmarks like baroque-style Hofburg Palace and Gothic Hofkirche Church. The city’s symbol is the 15th-century Goldenes Dachl, a loggia topped with gleaming copper tiles commissioned by Habsburg Emperor Maximilian I.

Mödling– is the capital of the Austrian district of the same name located approximately 14 km south of Vienna. Mödling lies in Lower Austria’s industrial zone. The Mödlingbach, a brook which rises in the Vienna Woods, flows through the town. Near Achau it joins with the Schwechat.

Linz– is a city in Upper Austria, straddling the Danube River midway between Salzburg and Vienna. Baroque buildings, including Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) and the old cathedral or Alter Dom, ring Hauptplatz, the old town’s main square. The riverside Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz has a major modern art collection. Across the river, the striking Ars Electronica Center focuses on society, technology and life in the future.

Klagenfurt- the eastern shore of Lake Wörthersee, is the capital city of the southern Austrian province of Carinthia. Its emblem is the Lindwurm, a winged dragon, of which there is a fountain on the main square, Neuer Platz. Nearby, frescoes and reliefs adorn the opulent 1500s cathedral. Baroque and Renaissance buildings line the narrow streets around Alter Platz, with its yellow 17th-century Old Town Hall.

Bregenz– is an Austrian city at the eastern end of Lake Constance (Bodensee). It is the capital of the state of Vorarlberg. The annual Bregenz Festival is a major event, with opera and music performances at the lakeside floating stage known as the Seebühne and the glass-front Festspielhaus. The baroque St. Martin’s Tower is topped by a huge woode

Sankt Pölten- mostly abbreviated to the official name St. Pölten, is the capital and largest city of the State of Lower Austria in northeast Austria, with 55,538 inhabitants as of 1 January 2020. St. Pölten is a city with its own statute and therefore it is both a municipality and a district in the Mostviertel.

Hallstatt– is a village on Lake Hallstatt’s western shore in Austria’s mountainous Salzkammergut region. Its 16th-century Alpine houses and alleyways are home to cafes and shops. A funicular railway connects to Salzwelten, an ancient salt mine with a subterranean salt lake, and to Skywalk Hallstatt viewing platform. A trail leads to the Echern Valley glacier garden with glacial potholes and Waldbachstrub Waterfall.

Eisenstadt- is a small Austrian city and the capital of Burgenland. The grand Esterházy Palace, with its sprawling landscaped gardens, dominates the city center. The palace features treasures collected by the Esterházy dynasty and the interactive Haydn Explosive exhibition, which brings the work of composer Joseph Haydn to life. The Haydnsaal concert hall has lavish frescoes and hosts classical music performances.

Villach– is a city on the Drava River in the Austrian province of Carinthia, near the Italian and Slovenian borders. It’s known as a gateway to nearby lakes Faak and Ossiach, as well as the Villach Alps. On the main square, St. Jakob’s Church steeple has sweeping views. Nearby in Schillerpark, the Relief von Kärnten is a giant 3D scale model of Carinthia. On the outskirts, Warmbad-Villach has modern thermal baths.

Steyr- is a statutory city, located in the Austrian federal state of Upper Austria. It is the administrative capital, though not part of Steyr-Land District. Steyr is Austria’s 12th most populated town and the 3rd largest town in Upper Austria.

Krems an der Donau– is a town of 23,992 inhabitants in Austria, in the federal state of Lower Austria. It is the fifth-largest city of Lower Austria and is approximately 70 kilometres west of Vienna. Krems is a city with its own statute, and therefore it is both a municipality and a district.

Lienz– is a medieval town in the Austrian state of Tyrol. It is the administrative centre of the Lienz district, which covers all of East Tyrol. The municipality also includes the cadastral subdivision of Patriasdorf.

Wels– is a city in Upper Austria, on the Traun River near Linz. It is the county seat of Wels-Land, and with a population of approximately 60,000, the eighth largest city in Austria.

Dornbirn– is a city in the westernmost Austrian state of Vorarlberg. It is the administrative centre for the district of Dornbirn, which also includes the town of Hohenems, and the market town Lustenau. Dornbirn is the largest city in Vorarlberg and the tenth largest city in Austria.

Klosterneuburg- is a town in Tulln District in the Austrian state of Lower Austria. It has a population of about 27,500. The Klosterneuburg Monastery, which was established in 1114 and soon after given to the Augustinians, is of particular historical importance.

Gmunden– is a town in Upper Austria, Austria in the district of Gmunden. It has 13,204 inhabitants. It is much frequented as a health and summer resort, and has a variety of lake, brine, vegetable and pine-cone baths, a hydropathic establishment, inhalation chambers, whey cure, etc.

Baden bei Wien– is a spa town southwest of Vienna, the Austrian capital. The focus of its main square is the Trinity Column plague memorial. Narrow surrounding streets are known for their 19th-century Biedermeier architecture. The leafy Kurpark features the Casino Baden, memorials to composers like Beethoven and Mozart, and trails leading to Kalvarienberg, a hill where the park transitions into the Vienna Woods.

Kapfenberg- with around 23,059 inhabitants, is the third largest city in Styria, Austria, near Bruck an der Mur. The town’s landmark is Burg Oberkapfenberg. Its main employer is the steel manufacturer Böhler. The town has a swimming complex, a football stadium used by the club Kapfenberger SV, and an ice rink.

Wachau World Heritage– The Wachau Valley is an Austrian region near the Danube River, west of Vienna. It’s known for its rolling hills, vineyards and fortresses. Revel in the cultural and culinary delights of the charming Wachau Trail overlooking the Danube.

Styrian vineyards-When touring the Styrian vineyards it’s hard to decide which is nicer – the cycling or the rest breaks.

National Park Hohe Tauern & Wildlife Watching-The National Park Hohe Tauern, the biggest conservation area in the Alps, is home to some extremely rare species of wild animal. With the help of the rangers from the national park you can watch them.

Four Mountains, Three Lakes-The Joy of Hiking-Visitors to one of Austria’s most appealing hiking destinations can now enjoy themselves without worrying about luggage. KAT-Walk: Experience Magnificent Peaks

The Green Ring: fabled and secret trails-Encounter mythical creatures, modern legends and mystical natural locations along the Green Ring circular trail.

The Power of Pitztal Stone Pine Trees-The people of the Pitztal have known about the soothing power of the stone pine for centuries and are more than happy to share its beneficial effects with visitors.  

Wonder-full lake Weissensee-Blooming orchids, rare birds of prey, a turquoise mountain lake and deliciously prepared local fish for lunch.

Alpine Beaches-The lakes in Austria are the pure zest of life, drinking water pure and enticing, they gleam under white limestone peaks in the summer sun.

Ötz Valley – a Tirolean High-A landscape full of colours and contrasts. The Ötz Valley is Tirol’s longest side valley with a length of 67 kilometres. At the start of the valley lies the village of Haiming. The end of the valley is characterised by the largest glacier region of the eastern Alps, which can be enjoyed by visitors in both summer and winter.

Gastein Valley-Crystal clear mountain air, beautiful natural scenery and a host of outdoor activities have made Gastein a premier destination for spa and health breaks since the early 1800s.

The World’s largest Ice Caves-The World of Ice Giants brings you into the largest ice caves in the world. One of the true wonders on earth, the caves are a wondrous underground world of natural ice sculptures and formations. Discover a world of natural beauty.

St. Anton am Arlberg-The promise that your holiday dreams will come true. In winter 340 km of pistes, 200 km of off-piste and 94 lifts wait to be explored. In summer this typical Tirolean village is surrounded by magnificent mountain peaks and green meadows with brightly-coloured flowers.

Alpine Pastures-Relaxation and calm, between heaven and earth. A day of fresh air in the mountains. And, with plenty of time for unexpected discoveries, Austria is one summer holiday destination that you’d return to in a second.

Bathing Lakes in Carinthia-Carinthia is not known as “Austria’s Riviera” without reason. This South Eastern corner of Austria is blissfully warm in summer, providing excellent swimming and tanning oppurtunties at its many beautiful lakes.

Spanish Riding School-The oldest riding school worldwide, which has been practising and maintaining the classical art of riding in the Renaissance tradition of the High School for 450 years.

Vienna Boys’ Choir-The Vienna Boys’ Choir is one of the oldest boys’ choirs in the world. For nearly five hundred years it has been one of the enduring symbols of Austria.

Music festivals in Austria-Austria is world known for it’s first class music festivals and composers. It counts as a very special experience to attend one of those events, which are celebrated in great style.

Salzburg Marionette Theater-Discover the fascinating world of the Salzburg Marionette Theater and see for yourself how the master puppeteers bring to life the expertly carved puppets, captivating their audience with performances of The Sound of Music, Mozart Operas or Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Architectural Highlights Salzburg-If cities had a taste, Salzburg would certainly be sweet. This is not only because Salzburg’s most famous delicacy, the Mozartkugel, is made of the finest nougat and marzipan. It is above all because of the fairytale charm of the Baroque city and its modern architectural counterpoints.

The Sound of Music-Who can’t hum at least a few bars of ‘Edelweiss’ or ‘The Hills Are Alive’? The story of the Von Trapp family continues to resonate with fans all over the world as the popular 1965 musical starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer remains a beloved favourite, inspiring plenty of visits to the ‘The Sound of Music’ city.

Shopping in Vienna-is refreshingly different. Shopping streets and pedestrian zones offer luxury goods and good values – at jeweler’s shops as well as antique stores, art stores, and fashion designer boutiques.

Salzburg’s Cathedral District-The DomQuartier Salzburg was the seat of power from which the city’s prince-archbishops expanded their influence over the region. The blend of architecture, secular beauty and sacred splendor on display makes a tour of the DomQuartier a unique experience.

Hohensalzburg-Discover the more than 900-year-old Hohensalzburg Fortress, an evidence of Salzburg’s medieval history. Take a ride or walk to the largest, fully preserved fortress in central Europe.

Castles and Palaces-Austria is filled with magnificent castles and palaces, grandiose witnesses of a bygone era. Follow the footsteps of emperors and knights and let history come alive.

Swarovski Kristallwelten-Mela at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in July and August! At every step you will find something new to delight the senses and will get in touch with Indian personalities.

HUNGARY

Budapest-(Hungarian pronunciation approximates to “boo-dah-pesht”) is the capital city of Hungary. With a unique, youthful atmosphere, a world-class classical music scene as well as a pulsating night life increasingly appreciated among European youth and, last but not least, an exceptionally rich offering of natural thermal baths, Budapest is one of Europe’s most delightful and enjoyable cities. Due to its scenic setting and its architecture it is nicknamed “Paris of the East”. In 1987 Budapest was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List for the cultural and architectural significance of the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue.

Debrecen– the capital of Hungary’s Northern Great Plain region. Its 2-towered, 19th-century Reformed Church sits on the expansive main square, Kossuth Tér. Nearby, the Museum of the Reformed College of Debrecen has exhibits on the history of the city and the college. The Déri Museum’s eclectic collection includes archaeological finds, centuries-old weapons, fine art, local craft displays and a chamber of wonders.

Szeged- the third largest city of Hungary, the largest city and regional centre of the Southern Great Plain and the county seat of Csongrád-Csanád county. The University of Szeged is one of the most distinguished universities in Hungary.

Pécs– is an ancient city in southern Hungary, close to the Croatian border. Founded by the Romans, it’s known for its architectural landmarks such as the Early Christian Mausoleum, which features frescoed tombs. Vast Pécs Cathedral towers over central Szent István Square. The domed Mosque of Pasha Gazi Kasim was built in the 16th century during the Ottoman occupation of the city and is now a Catholic church.

Miskolc- is a city in northeastern Hungary, known for its heavy industry. With a population of 161,265 Miskolc is the fourth largest city in Hungary. It is also the county capital of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén and the regional centre of Northern Hungary.

Eger- a city in northern Hungary. At its heart is elegant, tree-lined Kossuth Lajos Street. Buildings along this stretch include County Hall, with its fine wrought-iron gate, and Eszterházy Károly College, crowned by the Astronomical Tower. Across the Eger River, medieval Eger Castle overlooks the city. On its grounds, the István Dobó Castle Museum has a picture gallery and exhibits on the castle’s history.

Győr- the most important city of northwest Hungary, the capital of Győr-Moson-Sopron County and Western Transdanubia region, and—halfway between Budapest and Vienna—situated on one of the important roads of Central Europe. It is the sixth largest city in Hungary, and one of its seven main regional centres.

Sopron– a city in Hungary on the Austrian border, near the Lake Neusiedl/Lake Fertő.

Szentendre– a Hungarian town on the Danube River, north of the capital, Budapest. It’s known for its baroque architecture, churches, colorful houses and narrow, cobbled streets. The main square, Fő Tér, and the alleyways around it are lined with art galleries, museums and shops. Just off the square, the 18th-century Greek Orthodox Blagovestenska Church has elaborate decor and an ornate partition screen.

Kecskemét- a city in the central part of Hungary. It is the eighth-largest city in the country, and the county seat of Bács-Kiskun.

Esztergom– a city in northern Hungary, 46 kilometres northwest of the capital Budapest. It lies in Komárom-Esztergom county, on the right bank of the river Danube, which forms the border with Slovakia there.

Szombathely– the 10th largest city in Hungary. It is the administrative centre of Vas county in the west of the country, located near the border with Austria. Szombathely lies by the streams Perint and Gyöngyös, where the Alpokalja mountains meet the Little Hungarian Plain.

Szolnok- the county seat of Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok county in central Hungary. Its location on the banks of the Tisza river, at the heart of the Great Hungarian Plain, has made it an important cultural and economic crossroads for centuries.

Keszthely- a Hungarian city of 20,895 inhabitants located on the western shore of Lake Balaton. It is the largest city by the lake and one of the more important cultural, educational and economic hubs in the region.

Veszprém- one of the oldest urban areas in Hungary, and a city with county rights. It lies approximately 15 km north of the Lake Balaton. It is the administrative center of the county of the same name.

Kaposvár- a city in the southwestern part of Hungary, south from the Lake Balaton. It is one of the leading cities of Transdanubia and it is the capital of Somogy County as well as the seat of Kaposvár District and of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kaposvár.

Tatabánya- a city of 65,849 inhabitants in northwestern Hungary, in the Central Transdanubian region. It is the capital of Komárom-Esztergom County.

Zala is an administrative county in south-western Hungary. It is named after the Zala River. It shares borders with Croatia and Slovenia and the Hungarian counties Vas, Veszprém and Somogy. The capital of Zala county is Zalaegerszeg. Its area is 3,784 square kilometres. Lake Balaton lies partly in the county.

Siófok- a town in Somogy County, Hungary on the southern bank of Lake Balaton. It is the second largest municipality in Somogy County and the seat of Siófok District. It covers an area of about 124.66 km² between Lake Balaton, the Mezőföld and the Outer Somogy-Hills.

Dunaújváros is an industrial city in Fejér County, Central Hungary. The city is best known for its steelworks, which is the largest in the country.

Cegléd- a city in Pest county, Hungary, approximately 70 km southeast of the Hungarian capital, Budapest.

Salgótarján- the capital of Nógrád county, north-eastern Hungary, making it the third smallest county capital based on population.

Mosonmagyaróvár- a town in Győr-Moson-Sopron county in northwestern Hungary. It lies close to both the Austrian and Slovakian borders and has a population of 32,752. Mosonmagyaróvár used to be two separate towns, Magyaróvár and Moson.

Nagykanizsa- a medium-sized city in Zala County in southwestern Hungary. It lies not far from Lake Balaton at the meeting point of five routes. For centuries the town has been a connecting link.

Baja- a city in Bács-Kiskun County, southern Hungary. It is the second largest city in the county, after the county seat at Kecskemét, and is home to some 35,000 people. Baja is the seat of the Baja municipality.

Gyöngyös- a town in Heves county in Hungary, 80 km east of Budapest. Situated at the foot of the Sár-hegy and Mátra mountains, it is the home of numerous food production plants, including milk production and sausage factories. It is also the home of many vineyards on the slopes of the Sárhegy.

Hajdú-Bihar- an administrative county in eastern Hungary, on the border with Romania. It shares borders with the Hungarian counties Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok and Békés. The capital of Hajdú-Bihar county is Debrecen.

Budapest History Museum-There are three major sections. The Roman Antiquities and Archaeology section (Aquincum Museum). The Medieval section (Castle Museum). And the Modern Age section (Kiscelli Museum).

Danube River Cruise – For centuries, the Danube has been considered to be the lifeblood of Hungary, and many of the other states in Central and Eastern Europe. Taking a cruise along the Danube is a fantastic way to see many of the best sites from a different perspective. Whether you choose to take a stunning night cruise through Budapest, or whether you choose a longer all-day cruise around the Danube Bend (taking in Visegrad, Estergom and Szentendre), you marvel at what you can see from your boat. Cruise run almost every single day of the year, and boat companies can be found along the banks of the Danube.

Lake Balaton- is Central Europe’s largest lake and is one of the country’s top tourist attractions. During the Summer season, the majority of Hungarian families will try to take a trip out to the lake to spend a few days enjoying the hot, summer sun by its shores. Attractions include swimming, fishing and sailing on the lakeDuring the Winter, visitors to the lake can go skating or ice fishing.

Mosque of Pasha Qasim, Pécs – This fantastic building was originally erected in the latter half of the 16th Century whilst the country was under the control of the Ottoman Empire. Although it was designed as a mosque (the minaret was removed from the building by Jesuits in 1766), it is now in use as a Roman Catholic Church. It is one of the finest examples of Turkish architecture in the whole country. Despite its current use, it is still possible to see inscriptions from the Koran in certain sections of the building. The Christian symbolism in the church is also well worth looking at. Visitors are not permitted in the church during religious ceremonies.

Gödöllő Palace – The magnificent Gödöllő Palace was originally built in the 18th century as a home for an aristocratic Hungarian family. When the last member of the family died in the mid-19th Century, the palace was bought by royalty. Franz Joseph I (the ruler of Austro-Hungary) and his wife Elisabeth (also known as Sisi) used to spend every summer at the palace. During the Communist era, much of the building fell into disrepair, although some wings were used as an old people’s home during this time.

Busójárás, Mohács – The Busójárás festival takes place in the six days leading up to Ash Wednesday. The townsfolk dress up in traditional masks with demonic faces, and then parade through the town. Depending on who you listen to, this tradition either stemmed from a historic attempt to scare away invaders, or it is part of the pagan tradition of scaring away winter. As well as a wide array of unusual masks, you will also be able to enjoy traditional folk music and local delicacies.

Hollókő-is a preserved traditional settlement in Hungary. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Baths-Thermal waters abound in Hungary with over 1000 thermal springs in the country (more than 100 just in the Budapest area) many of which have been turned into baths and spas. The most famous being the Szechenyi baths in Budapest. It was completed in 1913 and built in Modern Renaissance style. This is the biggest thermal bath complex in Europe, its venue is the Budapest City Park. There are, however, hundreds of individual baths all around the country. The cave baths at Miskolc-Tapolca and the spa at Egerszalók are some nice examples. The first thermal baths were erected by the Romans more than 2000 years ago.

Holocaust Memorial Center-It is an interactive exhibition that shows original documents and objects from the Holocaust. There is also a library, bookshop, a coffee shop, and the Braham Information Centre. (also guided tours are available)

House of Terror Museum-Its exhibitions commemorate the victims of the racist and communist regimes in Hungary in the 20th century. (including those detained, interrogated, tortured or killed in the building.) It portrays the country’s relationship with Nazi Germany and the Soviet

Lake Balaton-The biggest lake in Central Europe and there are numerous villages on its edges catering to tourists. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations.

Birdwatching-Hungary is an excellent destination for birdwatching (aka birding) holiday. There are wooded hills, vast fish-pond systems and grasslands, the puszta. Particularly good areas include the Kiskunsag and Hortobagy National Parks and the Aggtelek, Bukk and Zemplen Hills.

Horse riding-Vast areas of open countryside coupled with the long traditions of horsemanship make Hungary an ideal country for riding. Wide open plains in the south and forested hills in the north offer varied riding terrain.

Aggtelek-is a village in northern Hungary, close to the Slovak border.

Győr (German: Raab)– a city in Western Transdanubia in Hungary. It is in Győr-Moson-Sopron county. Győr is located in the northwestern part of Hungary, close to the Slovakian and the Austrian borders.

National Park Hortobágy– The Puszta is a first and biggest national park in Hungary. The park is a part of the Great Plain

Tokaj-is a small town in north-eastern Hungary, famous worldwide for its white wines. It is the center of Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region. There is as well a region called Tokaj in south eastern part of Slovakia. Produces very similar Tokaj wines to hungarian ones, some may be different particularly new modern wines. Historically original Tokaj region was split after WW1 by Trianon agreement and there is ongoing fight of Hungarian wine-makers (supported by politicians) to deny Slovak Tokaj wine producers and their qualities.

Great Market Hall- Although there are thousands of markets in Hungary, the Grand Market Hall in Budapest is probably the most well known of them all. This multi-storey market is situated in an impressive neogothic building, close to the banks of the Danube. Inside you will find local farmers and traders selling a huge variety of produce.

Dohány Street Synagogue- The Dohány Street Synagogue in Budapest is one of the largest synagogues in the world outside of Israel.