Austrian Serenade: Imperial Cities and Alpine Splendors

Artistic and musical, historical and elegant, Vienna is the definition of class. The seat of the Habsburg monarchy for over six centuries, it's no wonder this city is still fit for royalty. Baroque buildings and imperial palaces dominate the cityscape, while locals stride gracefully through the streets, likely on their way to a classical music concert or art exhibition. Visitors from all over the world flock to Schonbrunn Palace, historical museums, and local eateries for authentic Viennese schnitzel.  Vienna is also home to world-class wining and dining. Famous dishes include Wiener schnitzel, Tafelspitz (prime boiled beef), and apfelstrudel (apple strudel), all of which pair well with a glass of fine Austrian wine. No matter how long you spend in Vienna, you'll leave with a new appreciation for the finer things in life. 

You've probably heard this before— the city of Salzburg is straight out of a fairytale. Nestled in the mountains, this romantic city's Baroque architecture with colorful domes and spires is especially striking against the ancient fortress and Austrian Alpine backdrop. If you're looking for an amazing view, climb up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, Central Europe's largest intact fortress, for a jaw-dropping panorama of the city backed by misty mountains. Perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of the renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the filming location for the classic The Sound of Music, this city has much to offer. Salzburg has become an important artistic and cultural center, featuring magnificent concert halls that uphold the city's tradition of classical music every day of the year, as well as acclaimed art exhibitions and museums. If you do it right, your visit to Salzburg will immerse you in the city's unforgettable atmosphere and keep you coming back for more. 

Situated at the heart of Europe, Budapest is the capital of Hungary, appropriately named 'The Pearl of the Danube,' for its fixating and almost haunting beauty. Formerly two separate cities, Buda and Pest were forged into one by time, occupation, and the eight bridges that anchor them together today. From the Romans to the Communists, each occupier left its flavor profile in Budapest, evident in the famous spicy Hungarian stew known as 'goulash.'  Budapest is a melting pot of history, culture, and taste, from the magnificent Baroque and neo-Gothic architecture to the Turkish thermal baths. After a long day of sightseeing, treat yourself to a glass of Tokaj, what King Louis XIV of France referred to as the "Wine of Kings, King of Wines". Budapest has a flavor to satisfy any taste.

The city of Prague is indisputably the gem of Central Europe. Full of history, culture, and classic Czech pubs around every corner, Prague is teeming with nooks and crannies just waiting to be discovered. The narrow cobblestone streets and warm red rooftops give the city a homey feel, while the well-preserved medieval architecture transports you back in time. Walking across the Charles Bridge with the view of the Prague Castle will make you feel like you’re living in a fairytale, and you might as well be.    As an up-and-coming destination, Prague is a perfect mix of classic and modern. New trendy cafes and bistros are always popping up, and you can always find a group of lively locals chowing down on goulash and quaffing pivo (the best beer in Europe!) at traditional Czech restaurants across the city. The clash of modernity and tradition, preservation and innovation, gives this city a mysterious air that you won’t soon forget.

Cesky Krumlov is a charming little town in South Bohemia. It might be small, but it’s full of whimsical character and mystery. Walking through the narrow streets and across the bridge, the views of the medieval Cesky Krumlov Castle will take your breath away. At night, street musicians serenade visitors on the bridge where you can dance beneath the stars and the watchful eye of the magnificent tower.  Dozens of unique local artisan shops, cafes, and restaurants are woven among the winding streets. In the summer, the city is lush with life and greenery. Rafters race down the river, stopping in the center along the way to enjoy a hearty meal before continuing their journey. In the winter, the main square transforms into a magnificent Christmas market and light blankets of snow cover the rooftops. This quaint little town will exceed your expectations and you may never want to leave.  

Bratislava is one of the most up-and-coming cities in central Europe. After years in the shadows of the Soviet bloc, and often drowned out by Prague, Bratislava has finally broken out. The Bratislavan region is now one of the richest per capita in the EU. This economic upswing has infused Bratislava with a newfound zeal. Trendy cafes and cool shopping centers are popping up everywhere, and the city’s already happening nightlife scene is only set to get better. Still less crowded than its central European neighbors Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, but just as intriguing, there’s really never been a better time for a visit to Bratislava. Ruled over by the Hungarians, Austrians, and most recently the Soviets, Bratislava is a city of strange contrasts. As soon as you arrive in Bratislava, you’ll see the pastel-hued churches, baroque houses, and the cobbled Old Town Square brush shoulders with modern brutalist buildings, retrofuturistic towers, and the clunky communist built UFO bridge. The city’s oldest building, its castle, is set atop the western edge of the Little Carpathian Hills like a trophy, the city’s hard-won main icon. For the first time in nearly a millennium, Bratislava has now seized control of its own destiny, and it shows.