Imperial Heritage - Straße der Kaiser und Könige
Transcription
Imperial Heritage - Straße der Kaiser und Könige
Imperial Heritage On the trail of living history Schoenbrunn Palace, Vienna Overview Germany Poland Czech Rep. VIE Imperial Heritage On the trail of living history Imperial Heritage On the trail of living history Austria Hungary Switzerland France Italy Photocredits: thinkstock; Österreich Werbung; Wien Tourismus; Schloß Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H. / Agentur Zolles / A. Koller / Lois Lammerhuber / Knaack; BMobV und SKB / Willfried Gredler; Schönbrunn Zoo / Daniel Zupanc; Donau Niederösterreich Tourismus GmbH / Lachlan Blair / Gregor Semrad / Franz Hauleitner; DDSG Blue Danube; Schloss Hof / Hertha Hurnaus / Rita Newman; Linz Tourismus / Johann Steininger; OÖ Werbung / Heilinger; ARGE Straße der Kaiser und Könige; Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH; Prague City Tourism; Ceske dedictvi UNESCO; Danube Castle; Bratislava; Budapest; Burgenland Tourismus; ÖBB; Eurotours Ges.m.b.H. Vienna Airport is an intercontinental gateway, situated just 16 km from the city centre. The glamorous metropolis is an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding treasures. These include the UNESCO World Heritage site of Schönbrunn Palace with its park, the Hofburg Wien with its museums, as well as Schönbrunn Zoo with more than 700 species of animals. The splendid Baroque castle of Schloss Hof awaits you in nearby Lower Austria. The Wachau, the most romantic stretch of the Danube Valley and a paradise for wine-lovers, is in the same province and also UNESCO World Heritage. A DDSG Blue Danube boat trip is an absolute must! The tour continues along the “Royal and Imperial” route with magnificent buildings like Melk Abbey and the Monastery of St Florian, as well as breath – taking cities like Linz and Regensburg. In historic Prague, the “Golden City of a Hundred Spires”, you can visit St Vitus’ Cathedral and Charles Bridge, before continuing to the other 11 World Heritage sites in the Czech Republic, such as Český Krumlov and Telč. extraordinary spas. The crowning glory is then Burgenland, with its unique countryside and 6 nature reserves. Thanks to the excellent connections with the ÖBB (Austrian railways), travel between the destinations is easy. There is hardly a more enjoyable way to travel! Visit fascinating Bratislava and explore the castle, which – perched on a 85 m rock high above the Danube – is the landmark of the Slovakian capital. Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is renowned for its shopping and www.VIE.gateways-to-europe.com 3 Highlights: • • • • • • • • • Imperial Palace Vienna State Opera Schönbrunn Palace Schönbrunn Zoo Coffee houses in the Old City Giant Ferris Wheel MuseumsQuartier Danube Island Shopping at the Golden Quarter, Golden U, the famous Kärnter Strasse and Mariahilfer Strasse Vienna Now or Never Charmingly located east of the Alps, the scenic beauty of Vienna is unmatched by any other city in Europe. Vienna’s streets, palaces, waterways and lush green gardens are steeped in history. With its successful blend of imperial tradition and contemporary creativity, the Austrian capital has established itself as a major player in the global tourism market. Imperial Heritage A stroll around Vienna can be like a journey back in time to the days of the empire – it comes as no 4 surprise that the historic city centre is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Vienna boasts 27 palaces and 163 other residences – examples of the city’s illustrious history await on virtually every street corner and the capital’s coffee houses are the perfect places to dream of imperial days. City of Music Every night in Vienna around 10,000 music fans are treated to live classical music, something that is simply unheard of in any other city in the world. The Vienna Philharmonic and the Vienna Boys’ www.VIE.gateways-to-europe.com Choir set the international tone, while the State Opera House and the Golden Hall at the “Musikverein“ are among the world’s leading venues. Green Vienna The Mercer Study 2013 has chosen Vienna as the world’s number one most livable city for the fifth time in a row. More than half of the metropolitan area is made up of green spaces. Half of the city’s total area is accounted for by imperial parks and gardens, farmer’s fields and meadows, a biosphere park and a national park. www.ZRH.gateways-to-europe.com 5 Highlights: • Schönbrunn Palace – A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site • Children’s Museum – The Schönbrunn Palace Experience • Magnificent historically maintained park and gardens The palace and park at Schönbrunn UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and Austria’s most frequently visited attraction This unique Baroque ensemble, consisting of the palace and its impressive park and gardens, was in Habsburg ownership from 1569 to the end of the monarchy. From 1740, during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa, the complex experienced its heyday, becoming the centre of court and political life. Today visitors to Schönbrunn can gain an impression of imperial residential life in the authentically furnished state rooms and residential apartments. The tour begins with the residential suite occupied, during the nineteenth century by Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth, continuing through the magnificent state rooms in the central wing to the apartments used by Maria Theresa with their precious interiors. The tour ends in the suite used by Emperor Franz Joseph’s parents. The varied interiors reflect different lifestyles, atmospheres and world views. We provide free audio guides in sixteen languages and printed tour descriptions in twenty-one languages. The texts can be downloaded on-site onto visitors’ own smartphones. The Children’s Museum – the Schönbrunn Palace www.VIE.gateways-to-europe.com Experience features hands-on interactive exhibits that make the life of the imperial children come alive. Designed as a continuation of the state rooms inside the palace, the imposing park with its gardens laid out according to historical models, its impressive architectural features and the Gloriette with its stunning views over Vienna, invites visitors to take time out to stroll and relax. 7 Highlights: Highlights: • The authentically furnished apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Sisi • The exercise-cum-dressing room of the athletic Empress Elisabeth • The study of the hard-working emperor Franz Joseph • The sensitively staged Sisi Museum • The magnificent examples of imperial table culture in the Imperial Silver Collection • Over 700 animal species: From A like anteater to Z like zebra • Daily live feeding and information on the various animals • Award for “Best European Zoo 2012” • Unique combination of historical charm and modern zoo keeping Hofburg Wien Three museums tracing the history of Sisi, Franz Joseph and the table culture of the imperial court For centuries the Hofburg Wien was the centre of the Habsburg realms. Consisting of eighteen wings with a total of 2,600 rooms, the former fortress complex contained residential apartments for the members of the family as well as banqueting halls, accommodation for servants, several kitchens and the Court Silver and Table Room. Today visitors can view three different parts of the complex which will give them an insight into the lives of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. The tour starts in the Imperial Silver Collection, 8 the former Court Silver and Table Room. The world’s largest collection of such objects, it presents magnificent dinner services, gleaming centrepieces of impressive size, exquisite napery and choice porcelain. The Sisi Museum gives the visitor a differentiated picture of the empress. A large number of partly very personal exhibits afford a fascinating insight into the official and private worlds of the empress. Here the visitor can explore the legends associated with Sisi and gain an understanding of the www.VIE.gateways-to-europe.com mysterious aura surrounding this unique woman. A tour of the Imperial Apartments will give you insights into the world of Austria’s most famous ruling couple. The nineteen state and residential rooms occupied by Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth are furnished in historically authentic style. Their comparatively modest appearance forms a charming contrast to the opulent magnificence of their summer residence at Schönbrunn. All three attractions at the Hofburg Wien can be visited on one ticket. Schönbrunn Zoo Welcome to the oldest zoo in the world and the best zoo in Europe! Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna is the first choice for an excursion to the fascinating world of animals. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage of the imperial summer residence Schönbrunn, the zoo offers a unique symbiosis of culture and nature the whole year round. Schönbrunn ist the oldest zoo in the world and home to more than 700 animal species, some of them endangered. It was nominated the best European Zoo three times in a row. A trip to Schönbrunn Zoo is a journey into a variety of animal habitats. Take a trip to the Amazon, experience the tropical rain forest and enjoy fascinating insights into the dazzling underwater world. Schönbrunn Zoo is also one of the very few zoos worldwide which offers a home to giant pandas and these endangered bamboo bears are among the visitors’ favourites. The latest attraction is the new polar bear world “Franz Josef Land”. You can watch the polar bears swimming underwater through an enormous glass www.VIE.gateways-to-europe.com panel. An exciting exhibition explains why only a small number of polar bears can still be found in the Artic and how we can contribute to the protection of the environment and thus the polar bears. You have the opportunity to witness feeding time for many of the animals and to learn new interesting facts about them. Let yourself be spoilt in the numerous gastronomic venues in their unique surroundings. Various guided tours and a trip on the panorama wheeled train help make your visit to Schönbrunn Zoo an unforgettable experience. 9 Highlights: • Active – A bike tour on the Danube cycle path. E-bikes can be rented from bicycle hire shops, as well as Segways in Spitz. Or else a walk along the World Heritage Trail • Romantic – An excursion on the Danube on a Brandner cruise ship • Enjoyable – Taste wines from the Wachau with one of the local wine-growers. Savour typical regional specialities in traditional wine-taverns • Cultural – Walks through the historic villages and towns, visits to the numerous art and cultural treasures The Wachau Enchantingly beautiful Rich, cultural treasures, probably the most charming river valley in Europe and a sunny wine-growing region – the whole of the Wachau is a unique work of art. As one of the oldest cultural landscapes in Austria, the stretch of the valley between Melk and Krems was nominated UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 2000 and in 2008 elected the “Best Historic Destination in the World”. There are no end of treats for visitors to the Wachau. Vines grow on the primary rock terraces, many of which rise steeply from the river. The grapes are cultivated by celebrated wine-growers 10 to produce excellent wine, above all internationally renowned white wines such as Riesling or Grüner Veltliner. Regional specialities – from Wachau apricots to fish from the Danube – are served in the excellent restaurants, the friendly country inns or traditional wine taverns. Typical culinary enjoyment and quality accommodation can be found in certified “Best of Wachau” properties. ferent stages. The enchanting countryside can be experienced from a different perspective from one of the Danube ships. There is a wealth or art and cultural treasure to be discovered. Top destinations include Göttweig and Melk Abbey, the ruins of Aggstein Castle, the modern art gallery in Krems and the Sandgrube 13 Wine Experience in Krems. Visitors who feel like exercise can explore the river valley by bike or on foot on the World Heritage Trail, which leads through the Wachau in 14 difwww.VIE.gateways-to-europe.com www.ZRH.gateways-to-europe.com 11 Highlights: Highlights: • Sightseeing cruises in Vienna • Sightseeing cruises through the unique Wachau valley • Theme cruises with live music and buffet in Vienna and the Wachau valley • Twin City Liner (speedboat) Vienna – Bratislava • Hydrofoil Vienna - Budapest • Austria’s largest rural palatial complex • Unique Baroque gardens extending over seven terraces • Idyllic estate farm with heritage breeds • A variety of attractions guaranteeing fun for all the family • Baroque Animal Parade, Whitsun Fair • Seasonal events such as horticultural festivals, Easter Market, Christmas Village and much more DDSG Blue Danube Schloss Hof Experience the romantic Danube by ship Under the slogan “Experience the Danube” the DDSG Blue Danube, Austria’s largest passenger shipping company, operates cruises with particular emphasis on Vienna and the Wachau, the most romantic stretch of the Danube Valley. Sightseeing Cruises Vienna Enjoy the Viennese scenery from aboard ship: the MS Vindobona, lovingly designed by the artist Hundertwasser, the MS Wien, the youngest member of the fleet, or the recently redesigned MS Blue Danube. Relax in the inviting restaurant on board and sample Viennese delicacies or enjoy the sun 12 on the deck. Sightseeing Cruises Wachau One of the most beautiful experiences is a leisurely cruise on the MS Prinz Eugen or MS Wachau through the unique Wachau valley, past medieval castles, picturesque villages, impressive monasteries and vineyards. The attractive board restaurant serves local specialities and excellent wines. Theme Cruises in Vienna and Wachau The theme cruises have become increasingly popular and include a variety of services: the cruise may last for several hours with a buffet on a parwww.VIE.gateways-to-europe.com Prince Eugene of Savoy’s magnificent country seat ticular theme or a menu freshly cooked on board, live music and entertainment. Twin City Liner Vienna – Bratislava The Twin City Liner takes you from Vienna to Bratislava in one hour and fifteen minutes. The two catamarans are fully air-conditioned, the chairs are first class, all complete with panorama windows and a captain’s lounge. Hydrofoil Vienna – Budapest Discover the Hungarian capital, Budapest and the flair of this city. The hydrofoil craft resembles an “airplane on the water”. Extending over more than 50 ha, the Baroque ensemble of Schloss Hof is situated in the eastern reaches of the Marchfeld region. Built in 1725 as a country seat for the military commander Prince Eugene of Savoy, it was extended by Maria Theresa, becoming the largest rural palatial complex in the Habsburg monarchy. The magnificently appointed rooms in the palace afford an insight into the styles favoured by its imperial inhabitants. While Maria Theresa and her son Emperor Joseph II revelled in the Classicistic style, the original owner of the palace, Prince Eu- gene, has returned to the piano nobile, where state -of-the-art exhibition technology complements the remaining stylistic elements from his time. Descending gently via seven terraces to the River March, the unique Baroque gardens invite visitors to stroll amongst the luxuriantly blooming formal beds and impressive stone sculptures and fountains. One of the largest Baroque estate farms in Central Europe forms the idyllic setting for numerous themed gardens. The Petting Zoo, stables and paddocks allow visitors to see white Baroque donkeys and numewww.VIE.gateways-to-europe.com rous other four-legged friends at close quarters. The Bäckenhof with its hands-on exhibition in the new Children’s and Family Centre brings alive what everyday life was like in the Baroque age. Numerous events for all the family take place over the year. This varied annual programme is complemented by interesting guided tours of the palace as well as themed guided tours and workshops. 13 Highlights: • Regensburg – UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, boat ride on the Danube • Linz – Ars Eletronica Center, voestalpine Stahlwelt, harbour cruise • Monastery of St Florian – A jewel of Baroque architecture • Artstetten Castle – Summer residence of the imperial family and resting place of Franz Ferdinand • Langenlois – Wine Experience, Labyrinth in 900 year-old wine cellar • Tulln – Egon Schiele’s birthplace and museum • Göttweig Abbey – UNESCO World Cultural Heritage The Route of Emperors and Kings A majestic trail along the Danube The Danube, Europe’s second longest river, has always been an important transport. Cultural heritage travelled up and down the river, at first from East to West and then later in the opposite direction. Numerous monuments bear witness to the area’s rich and varied history: ancient archaeological sites, medieval towns, monasteries and castles, baroque abbeys and palaces, as well as all kinds of modern art museums. The stretch of the Danube Valley between Regensburg and Budapest, the former route of emperors and kings, has a unique wealth 15 of attractions. Three UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites are situated directly on the River Danube: the Old Town of Regensburg, the cultural landscape of the Wachau and Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. The “Route of Emperors and Kings” is truly worthy of its name. Emperor Charlemagne followed the Roman Emperors. Later the Diet of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation was appointed in the Free Imperial City of Regensburg. Vienna, an imperial Roman-German city since the 15th century, became the “secret capital” of the www.VIE.gateways-to-europe.com entire Holy Roman Empire. From 1806-1918 the Danube served as the axis of the “imperial and royal” double Austrian and Hungarian monarchy. Today the Danube has green sloping river banks, alluvial forests and vineyards. Art, history and cultural tourism are successfully combined with a modern way of life and unspoilt natural countryside. The “Route of Emperors and Kings” is the only stretch in Europe where visitors can both relax and discover real royal and imperial delights. Highlights: Highlights: • Prague Castle – A stunning urban complex with 1,000 years’ worth of architecture • Jewish quarter and Jewish Museum – multiple historical buildings housing priceless collections; ancient cemetery and synagogues • Municipal House – A brilliant example of Art Nouveau architecture and design • Romantic parks and gardens offering beautiful views • Prague Zoo, set in dramatic scenery north of the city centre, is one of the best in the world • Brno – Villa Tugendhat, the masterpiece by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe • Cesky Krumlov – Castle and fortress with the oldest castle theatre in the world • Lednice and Valtice – Castles and cultural landscapes • Olomouc – Holy Trinity Column and The Olomouc Museum of Art • Prague – Prague castle and St Vitus cathedral • Telc – Castle and castle park • Trebic – Zadni synagogue and the St Prokopius basilica • Zdar nad Sazavou – The Church of St John of Nepomuk on Zelená hora Prague A magical city in the heart of Europe with history and romance to spare Prague is, without doubt, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Located on a meander of the Vltava River and spread over seven hills, the city charms visitors with its beautiful natural setting, dramatic vistas, and a uniquely preserved urban landscape. Spared during the two World Wars, Prague is a veritable 3D textbook of architectural styles spanning ten centuries, from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance and Baroque eras, all the way to ornate Art Nouveau, Cubism and 20th-century Modernism. Due to its compact size 16 and varied terrain, Prague can easily be explored on foot; its intimate charm of narrow cobbled streets and gold-tipped towers makes it a favourite destination for romantic couples of all ages. Prague is a sophisticated cultural metropolis with a wide variety of cultural events all year round – from opera and symphony to visual art, theatre and contemporary music, as well as numerous festivals held both inside and in the open air. The dining scene is sophisticated, lively and varied, with wonderful cafés, restaurants, pubs and bars serving outstanding Czech beer (there are over 25 www.VIE.gateways-to-europe.com breweries in Prague alone). Each season offers its own charm – blooming gardens in the spring, outdoor festivals and boating on the river in summertime, gastronomical festivals, wine and beer festivities in the autumn, and Christmas markets, the carnival, and plenty of culture in winter. When visiting Prague, plan for at least three days. Bring a good pair of walking shoes, a camera – and stop counting calories, you’ll walk them off! The Best of the Czech Republic – 12 World Heritage Sites Places you have just to see! What will you choose to see? One of the ancient cities, a modern villa or an impressive Gothic cathedral? There are around 1,000 World Heritage sites in total, 12 of which are waiting for you in the Czech Republic to be discovered and explored. The sites can be combined to make a perfect sightseeing tour because all twelve are located close to each other, so no long travelling distances or endless queues. Use Vienna as a gateway to explore the Czech World Cultural Heritage site: Prague, the city of “a hundred spires”, with the impressive castle district and St Vitus’ cathedral, the charming town of Český Krumlov with the oldest castle theatre in the world, the historical town of Telč, with its castle, the silver-mining town of Kutná Hora, once the second largest city in Bohemia with an outstanding Gothic cathedral, the functionalist Villa Tugendhat in Brno, designed by the architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the early Baroque flower gardens and castle in Kromeriz, the Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk in Žďár nad Sázavou, a masterpiece by the architect Jan Blazej Santini, the cultural landscape of Lednice-Valtice, a large www.VIE.gateways-to-europe.com English park with Baroque and Neo-gothic castles and romantic buildings, the Jewish Quarter with the Zadni Synagogue and the Basilica of St Procopius in Trebic, the 35 m high memorial Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc, the 16th century Renaissance castle in Litomysl, birthplace of the composer Bedrich Smetana and the small village of Holašovice, the most charming village in the country! Don’t miss out on any of these highlights! 17 Highlights: Highlights: • Accompany the kings and empress on their coronation route through the medieval city • Trace the places where Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt or Hummel played and composed • Taste the local world-class wines, a product of more than two thousand years of wine making • Touch the sky in the UFO observation deck and restaurant above the city • Feel free on a boat trip to the Danubiana modern art museum • Relax in modern shopping and leisure centres on both banks of the Danube • Historic thermal baths and spas • Various cultural establishments • Unique sightseeing tours • Shopping amongst UNESCO World Heritage buildings • Historic cafés Bratislava Budapest Chill out in the amazing coronation city The uniqueness of Bratislava, Slovakia´s capital, lies in its strategic position on the Danube, at the historical crossroads of trans-European trade routes and defence lines. A significant Celtic settlement, an important part of the Limes Romanus, a point where Slavic and German tribes clashed, a site of political struggle between Hungarian and Austrian interests, the coronation city of Hungarian kings for almost 300 years, the favourite summer residence of Empress Maria Theresa, a renowned city of wine, for decades throttled by the barbed wire of the Iron Curtain. Today a free, young and 18 The most creative city in Europe modern capital city. One of the youngest, but also the most vibrant capitals in Europe. Situated on the border of three countries, Slovakia, Austria and Hungary, not incidentally nicknamed the “Beauty on the Danube”. Open, hospitable, without the pitfalls of big cities, but still vibrant, with a zest for life, trying to live every moment to the full. A place where you really can switch off and rest for a while, free from stress. Everything is close and within easy reach. At a gulp you can enjoy the view of the majestic cathedral, www.VIE.gateways-to-europe.com the taste of traditional as well as contemporary cuisine and the smell of numerous cafés in picturesque narrow streets and squares. From the nearby vineyards on the outskirts of the city and the ancient wine cellars in the city centre, the bouquet of local world-class wines sneaks into the streets. Bratislava is a place that has something in store for everybody. During the day or at night. In every season. In company with good friends. Hungary’s capital is a truly cosmopolitan European city, developing at such a pace that it can continuously offer something new, even to those who live there, embracing the future without forgetting the past. Budapest is a city of living history, where every inch tells a fascinating story, whilst the ingenuity of the latest generation of Hungarians writes a whole new chapter. Ruin pubs are reinterpreting centuries-old café-culture, where young minds and ideas meet from every corner of the world. A new wave of inspired chefs is rejuvenating the prestigious Hungarian cuisine, garnering the highest praise from home and abroad. Elegant wine bars bring the best of Hungarian vineyards into the heart of the city. A night might start in one of these bars and end with a raucous party in a centennial thermal water spa. More than a hundred medicinal hot springs feed dozens of baths in Budapest with water. There is no other capital in the EU where genuine medieval Turkish baths are still in operation. Budawww.VIE.gateways-to-europe.com pest is perfect as both a destination and a starting point, whether you are seeking entertainment, culture, relaxation or just wish to explore the natural and historical treasures the region has to offer. The capital of Hungary warmly welcomes you every day of the year! 19 Highlights: Highlights: • • • • • • • • • Railjet connections from Vienna to Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, Klagenfurt and many other Austrian cities • International railjet connections from Vienna to Munich, Zurich, Budapest and Prague • Railjet Business Class with unique leather seats • Cabin service in First Class and Business Class • Panoramic railcars across the Alps on the EuroCity connection Zurich-Innsbruck -Zell am See-Graz • UNESCO World Heritage site Semmering Railway 300 days of sunshine per year 340 different species of birds 6 national parks 2500 km of bike paths 5 excellent golf courses 13 regions of delight 18 cultural festivals 14.059 ha of vineyards Burgenland Austrian Railways (ÖBB) The sunny side of Austria The lowlands of Pannonia in the north, countless vineyards in the central area, and gently sweeping slopes in the south. Bordering on Hungary, Slovenia and Slovakia, the elongated province is like apple strudel dough, stretched thin in the middle (only about 4 km wide). With Eisenstadt as its capital, Burgenland is the easternmost and, in terms of population, smallest state of Austria. Discover, unveil, experience, remember. Uncover the wild diversity of a truly unique stretch of land in the heart of Europe: the UNESCO World 20 With rapid trains from city to city in Austria Heritage site, Lake Neusiedl, is as fascinating to international visitors as are the six nature parks or the cross-border National Park. Approximately one third of the entire province is comprised of protected nature reserves. Biking and horseback riding trails, superb watery terrain for sailing and surfing, golf courses and jogging routes make the countryside a veritable paradise for all kinds of sports. Winemakers and chefs conjure up unforgettable tastes for your palate. The widely acclaimed open-air festivals, conwww.VIE.gateways-to-europe.com certs and theatre performances draw hundreds of thousands of visitors year after year. And thermal baths, wellness and health hotels will restore the harmony which your body and soul deserve. Welcome to the sunny side of Austria. Welcome to Burgenland. ÖBB’s fast trains bring Austria’s cities closer together. Every hour the railjet takes you from Vienna to Salzburg in as little as 2 hours and 22 minutes. Every 2 hours, a railjet goes from Vienna to Innsbruck in only 4 hours and 8 minutes. At up to 230km/h, you can whiz through Austria comfortably, either in Economy or First Class. In the railjet’s Business Class, you can enjoy extra-generous leg room and unique leather seats with adjustable back and foot rests. The on-board restaurant serves Austrian and international delicacies. Travelling from Vienna to Graz will take you via the spec- tacular Semmering railway, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. The ÖBB trains also offer a quick and comfortable connection between Austria and its neighbouring countries. 10 trains run daily from Vienna to Budapest (travelling time 2 hours 30 minutes), 7 trains leave each day to Prague (travelling time 4 hours 11 minutes), while 7 daily connections take you to Munich in 3 hours and 55 minutes. Additional good connections are available to Slovenia (Ljubljana), Croatia (Zagreb), Slovakia (Bratislava), Italy (Venice, Verona, Milan, Rome) and www.VIE.gateways-to-europe.com Switzerland (Zurich). Regional trains take you to many interesting places and regions, such as the Wachau (Krems, Melk), the Salzkammergut (Bad Ischl, Hallstatt) or Zell am See. If you are interested in discovering Austria by rail, we recommend taking advantage of the Eurail pass offer. Timetables, information and reservations: oebb.at/en (in English) www.eurail.com 21 This is how it works: Poland • You choose your “Imperial Heritage – On the trail of living history“ from our “Travel Concierge“ full of exciting travel experiences. • You send your desired travel requirements directly from the system to our service team. • Our team will manage your booking and will send you insider tips especially for your chosen region and your travel destination. Elbe Mo rav a Vl ta va Czech Rep. Eurotours Headquarters Kitzbühel Germany Eurotours Da nu A unique travel concept Slovakia ditional services which will make you holiday even more enjoyable. We provide you with all the building blocks which are necessary to create a successful and unforgettable holiday in the beautiful region around Vienna Airport. Just send your client’s individual requirements to the Eurotours service team; the multilingual and experienced travel specialists will immediately take care of your request, finalise your reservations and, in addition, will send you insider tips especially for the particular region and the time of travel. Eurotours International, with its headquarters in Kitz- Danu be bühel and several branch offices, including one in Vienna, is the leading incoming agency in Central Europe and offers you full service at attractive prices. Working together with around 5,000 longterm partners worldwide, you can take advantage of our expert knowledge and professionalism. Our “Travel Concierge” is full of exciting travel experiences. It will help you to create THE ideal holiday package for your clients in the heart of Europe. Travel your way with Eurotours! For bookings please visit www.VIE.gateways-to-europe.com Schönbrunn Palace Zoo Vienna Schloss Hof Lake Neusiedl Austria Mur Countries 22 www.VIE.gateways-to-europe.com Czech World Cultural Heritage Sites Burge nland Gateways to Europe is the simplest and quickest way to put together your own personalised travel itinerary. We can guarantee that, by making use of our services, your clients will be absolutely delighted with their holiday. Choose from our selection of travel highlights around Vienna Airport. Under the heading “Imperial Heritage – On the trail of living history”, we are pleased to offer you well-known destinations, points of interest, recommended hotels, various means of transport between the different places, as well as an interesting selection of ad- be Route of Emperors & Kings Hungary Lakes Rivers Vienna City www.VIE.gateways-to-europe.com