AUSTRIA - VIENNA

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a romantic city situated on the banks of the Danube River, 60 km from the borders of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia. It is alive with the music of Schubert, Mozart &the 'King of Waltz', Johann Strauss, and its architecture will definitely keep you spellbound.

The Habsburgs settled in Vienna in 1278 and made it the capital of the Austrian Empire. The city flourished under their strong leadership, despite being dragged into various European conflicts and withstanding attacks by the Turks in 1529 and 1683. The 18th and 19th centuries were Vienna's "golden years" as the cultural center of Europe. Nowadays, it is a world-famous congress and trade fair city and, understandably enough, one of the most important destinations of the travel industry.

There is much to see: from the Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral - a late Romantic building with Gothic and Baroque elements, situated in the heart of the city - to the Imperial Palace, the splendor of the Art Nouveau, the magnificent Baroque Schönbrunn Palace, the Museum of Fine Arts and the modern architecture at the Museum's Quartier.

Many of historic sights are situated in the Old Town, which is encircled by the Danube Canal and a broad boulevard known as the Ring. This surrounds the Hofburg Palace - the royal residence until 1918, now the seat of the President's Office; the State Opera House, the Parliament, the Burgtheater and a number of museums. Belvedere - one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces offers a fascinating view of the Old Town. Further from the center there is the Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the former Empress Maria Theresia, with its impressive gardens and orangery, which is definitely worth seeing.

With its nearly 75,000 restaurants and pubs, Vienna is the Mecca of European gastronomy. Terms like Wiener Kaffee, Sacher Torte, Wiener Schnitzel, Goulash, Beiseln, Strudel - all originated here and are special delicacies worth trying. Every Feinschmecker can find his/her special restaurant in Vienna and the restaurant services are exceptionally able to satisfy the most discriminating customers.

The lively Prater Amusement Park is a great place to spend leisure time - a ride on the giant Ferries Wheel is still popular for both the residents and visitors to Vienna today.