Austria; How do you solve a problem like Maria? Edelweiss and Do-Re-Mi, but there's far more to Austria than the family Von Trapp. This environmentally responsible land of mountains and stunning architecture has an unrivalled musical tradition of great symphony's, great art and great composers. Vienna, the country's capital and the hub of musical life is littered with magnificent buildings whilst art and baroque architecture reach perfection in Mozart's birthplace, Salzburg. Innsbruck offers an abundance of snow-capped peaks providing the backdrop to a host of fascinating historical buildings. No matter where you find yourself in Austria the rhythm of daily life has a musical beat and as such, the country plays host to musical festivals all year round.

Best time to visit: All year round.

Essential experiences: Enjoying the wine in Heurigen; an evening of high culture in Staatsoper; wandering your way through Vienna's Christmas Markets; one perfect view after another in Salzburg; sipping coffee in a Kaffeehaus; marvelling at the scenic magnificence of the mountain scenery; gorging oneself at the Giant Chocolate Festival of Bludenz.

In a few words, Austria is: Strauss waltzes, strudel, Mozart, Sigmund Freud, Schubert, magnificent mountain scenery and The Sound of Music.

Did you know - In Austria it is customary to greet people with the salute Gruss Gott and to say Auf Wiedersehen when departing.