June 2024 'Most Beautiful Eastern Europe. Classic Five-Country Tour: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria 12 Days' Group Tour Travelogue (IV) Austria

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Continued from 'June 2024 "Most Beautiful Eastern Europe. Classic Five-Country Tour: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria 12 Days" Group Tour Travelogue (III) Hungary'

Austria - Vienna - Golden Hall - Music Concert

Austria - Vienna - Schönbrunn Palace - Schönbrunn Palace Gardens

Austria - Vienna - Austrian National Library

Austria - Vienna - Schönbrunn Palace

Austria - Hallstatt Village

Hungary - Budapest - Danube Riverbank - Parliament Building

Czech Republic - Prague - Prague Castle - Observation Deck - Overlooking Prague City

Slovakia - Bratislava - Hviezdoslav Square

For many years, whenever I saw media reports or videos about Eastern European countries, especially the red rooftops of Prague, the 'City of a Hundred Spires,' the Parliament Building on the Danube in Budapest, and the Golden Hall in Vienna, the 'City of Music,' I was always captivated, praising the magnificent scenery, long history, and unique charm that were so appealing. It sparked a desire to travel to Eastern Europe, to experience and witness its enchanting beauty firsthand. How wonderful it is that this group tour finally fulfilled the dream of visiting Eastern Europe, bringing heartfelt joy.

This trip started on June 23 and ended successfully on July 4, spanning a total of 12 days. We visited many cities, towns, and attractions in five Central and Eastern European countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria. Along the way, we were constantly attracted by their colorful cities, outstanding architecture, beautiful scenery, and ancient legends, naturally indulging in the picturesque cityscapes and lake-and-mountain views, making us reluctant to leave and feeling that the trip was truly worthwhile.

Czech Republic - Prague - Old Town Square

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town)

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion - Observation Deck - Overlooking Parliament Building

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion

Hungary - Lake Balaton - Lake Balaton Scenery

Hungary - Hévíz - Hévíz Thermal Lake

Germany - Würzburg - Street View

Germany - Munich - Scenery Along the Way

Fourth Stop: Austria (D7, D8, D9 Morning)

Austria borders Hungary and Slovakia to the east, Italy and Slovenia to the south, Liechtenstein and Switzerland to the west, and Germany and the Czech Republic to the north. Its land area is about 84,000 square kilometers, with a population of about 9.1 million. The capital is Vienna. Austria is known worldwide as the 'Land of Music,' giving birth to many musicians such as Haydn, Mozart, and Schubert. The great musician Beethoven studied and created music in Austria during his youth and reached the peak of his artistic career there. The waltzes of the Strauss father and son are widely spread, and Johann Strauss II is known as the 'Waltz King.'

Visiting the 'City of Music' Vienna, the birthplace of musical genius Mozart—Salzburg, and the picturesque 'Most Beautiful Village in the World' Hallstatt was the highlight of this 'Most Beautiful Eastern Europe' tour.

Austria - Vienna - Austrian Parliament Building

Austria - Vienna - Beethoven's Residence

Austria - Vienna - Street View

Austria - Vienna - Vienna City Hall

Austria - Vienna - Maria Theresien Square - Natural History Museum Vienna

Austria - Vienna - Johann Strauss City Park - Johann Strauss II - Golden Statue

Austria - Vienna - Austrian National Library

D7 Today in Vienna we visited the University of Vienna, the Parliament Building (exterior), Vienna City Hall (exterior), Maria Theresien Square, Heroes' Square, Augustinian Church, Hofburg Palace complex, Austrian National Library, the Plague Column, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and Johann Strauss City Park. In the evening, we went to the Golden Hall in the Vienna Musikverein building to listen to a classic concert (the interior visit and the concert were optional paid activities).

Austria - Vienna - University of Vienna

Austria - Vienna - Heroes' Square

Austria - Vienna - Hofburg Palace complex

Austria - Vienna - Augustinian Church

Austria - Vienna - Vienna Musikverein building

Austria - Vienna - Vienna Musikverein building - Golden Hall

Vienna, this city on the Danube, is world-famous as the 'City of Music.' After centuries, it still retains its unique character. The center is the old imperial city, and outward is the new city, developing like the rings of a tree—this is a city full of spirit, where you can constantly feel the presence of the masters. Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Johann Strauss once lived here. This inclusive art, this art that transitions softly like music, can be seen in the city's appearance.

Austria - Vienna - Plague Column

Austria - Vienna - St. Stephen's Cathedral

Austria - Vienna - Schönbrunn Palace

Austria - Vienna - Schönbrunn Palace - Schönbrunn Palace Gardens

D8 In the morning, we visited Schönbrunn Palace, one of Austria's cultural landmarks and the place where Emperor Franz Joseph married Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), and the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens. In the afternoon, we visited the village of Hallstatt on the shore of Lake Hallstatt.

Hallstatt is a village in the Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria, located on the shore of Lake Hallstatt. It is known as the 'Most Beautiful Village in the World' for its stunning scenery. Historically, the area grew wealthy from salt, earning it the nickname 'Oldest Salt Town in the World.' Hallstatt has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now a popular tourist destination.

Austria - Hallstatt Village

D9 In the morning, we went to Mozart's birthplace, Salzburg (optional paid activity), visiting Mozart Square, Mozart's Residence, the streets and alleys of Salzburg, the scenery along the Salzach River, and Mirabell Garden, one of the filming locations for the movie 'The Sound of Music.' With this, the truly Eastern European part of the tour came to an end for now, before we continued to Munich, Germany.

Salzburg is located in western Austria, at the gateway to the Alps, and is the oldest city in Austria. The city's architectural style is mainly Baroque, represented by the Salzburg Cathedral and Mirabell Garden. The Hellbrunn Palace within the garden, along with its palace gardens and fountains, also attracts thousands of visitors. The old town of Salzburg was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996.

Austria - Salzburg - Distant View of Salzburg

Austria - Salzburg - Mozart Square - Mozart Statue

Austria - Salzburg - Mozart's Residence

Austria - Salzburg

Austria - Salzburg - Salzach River - Riverside Scenery

Austria - Salzburg - Salzach River Bank - Street Performer

The Eastern European countries of Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria have always been travel destinations I longed for. Finally, being able to go and return successfully has fulfilled a major wish.

There, ever-changing beautiful scenery accompanies you, and around every corner there might be a surprise. There, you can find both the joy of travel and a full heart of emotion. Every place visited was not only a visual feast but also a spiritual purification. Such unique landscapes, pleasant journeys, and comfortable experiences leave unforgettable impressions and wonderful memories.

This 'Most Beautiful Eastern Europe. Classic Five-Country Tour: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria 12 Days' group tour can be summarized with a few characteristics: First, the season was well-chosen, comfortable and pleasant. Most of the time, the weather was sunny, with temperatures around 20°C, ideal for the human body, making the scenery even more beautiful and alleviating the fatigue of long travel. Second, the itinerary was compact and visually appealing. Out of the 12 days, excluding 3 days for travel, the remaining 9 days covered multiple cities and towns in 5 countries, visiting many essential attractions, making each day feel rewarding and surprising, broadening horizons and satisfying the eyes. Third, the cost was moderate and value for money. The basic tour fee of just over 10,000 yuan, plus 3,000 yuan for visa and tips, and several hundred euros for optional activities, was quite reasonable compared to current European price levels. Seeing so many countries, cities, attractions, and historical sites in one go was pleasing to the eye and mind, with rich gains. In short, it is worth recommending.

In addition, this group tour also benefited from the careful and responsible work attitude of the tour leader (guide) and bus driver, as well as the sincere cooperation of the group members. There was constant laughter and joy, and the happiness was often visible on everyone's faces. The entire trip was compact, orderly, and smooth. This is commendable and deserves praise.

Austria - Salzburg - One of the Filming Locations for 'The Sound of Music' - Mirabell Garden

1. Traveling in Europe is generally safe, but it is said that in some cities and attractions, pickpockets are very skillful. So always be vigilant about preventing theft and protect your belongings.

2. There were relatively many optional paid activities on this trip, including the interior visit of Prague Castle, Danube River cruise, interior visit of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, the concert in Vienna's Golden Hall, and Salzburg in Austria, each costing a considerable amount. But they felt worth the money; otherwise, there would have been great regret.