Austrian Palaces, Gardens and Apricot Blossoms
10th Apr 2026
Key Highlights
- Apricot Blossom in the Wachau Valley
- The Baroque Palace of Schönbrunn
- Visit the abbey of Melk, the largest Benedictine Abbey in Europe
- Leopoldskron Castle (the Castle at the pond from The Sound of Music)
Summary
Austria is the cultural heart of the continent, known for its memorable musicians and stunning palaces that have defined the country for centuries, especially during the era of the Holy Roman Empire when it was the centre of political power in Europe. Our tour begins in the magnificent capital city, Vienna, where we explore its wonderful palaces and gardens before taking a more leisurely turn as we journey through the Wachau Valley following the winding Danube River.
Here the apricot trees bloom in the early spring and the valley is peppered with flurries of white flowers. From here we head west to the home of Mozart, Salzburg, home to a clifftop fortress backed by snow-dusted mountains. We find a collection of castles including Leopoldskron Castle which was featured in the beloved film, The Sound of Music.
What's included
- Accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Entries to all sites as per the itinerary
- Services of a professional tour manager
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
Meet your tour manager
Linda Robinson
Linda has worked as an international Tour Manager for more than 20 years, leading cultural, walking, and wildlife tours. She began leading groups for Brightwater after graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Horticulture in 2019. Although Linda is happy spending time in any garden, she particularly enjoys visiting those with historic interest. Keen to learn more on this subject, she graduated with an MA in Garden and Landscape History in 2023. Passionate about preserving historic gardens, Linda spends her free time researching sites for Historic England listing, and is a Trustee of her County Gardens Trust.
Day by Day Itinerary
We depart from London to Vienna airport where on arrival we enjoy a panoramic city tour. Later in the afternoon, we meet our local guide for a walking tour of Vienna’s 1st district, including a visit to Stephansdom (St Stephen’s Cathedral). The evening is free for you to relax or explore.
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