Europe

Holidays to Europe

Europe, sometimes known as the Republic of Europe, is a landlocked, German-speaking nation in the southern region of Central Europe. Austria is located in the Eastern Alps and is regarded as Europe’s hub for winter sports, along with nearby Switzerland. Germany lies to Austria’s northwest, the Czech Republic to its north, Slovakia to its northeast, Hungary to its east, Slovenia to its south, Italy to its southwest, Switzerland to its west, and Liechtenstein to its northwest. The nation, one of the most developed in the world, with a population of over 9.1 million people.

Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Upper Austria, Vienna, and Vorarlberg are the nine states that make up the federal republic of Austria. Austrian states differ from one another in terms of personality, as well as in terms of language, culture, customs, traditions, and cuisine. Burgenland is renowned for its bright meadows and wineries near the Hungarian border. The southernmost state, Carinthia, is noted for its lakes, traditional food, and distinctive dialect. The largest state in Lower Europeis made up of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Melk Monastery and runs from the Bohemian Hills to the Peaks of the Alps.

Both Salzburg’s beautiful city and several of the top ski resorts are well-known. In addition to the metropolis of Graz, Styria is home to mining communities in the north. High mountains, deep valleys, and some of Europe’s top skiing can all be found in the state of Tyrol. Upper Austria is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, which includes the city of Linz, numerous lakes for bathing, and mountain trekking. Vienna, the nation’s capital and the location of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, is home to several museums, cultural organisations, beautiful buildings, and mouthwatering cuisine. As the entryway to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Vorarlberg resembles and feels like an extension of that country.

Austria is a beautiful country with a rich culture, music, art, architecture, and landscapes to die for. Austria is ready to take your breath away, whether you’re visiting to take a stunning walk or browse the city streets. Given that Mozart and Beethoven made Vienna their home, a city vacation there is a fantastic choice for any music fan. If you go during the summer, be sure to visit the Rathaus, where there is frequently live music. Take to the hills, which offer great hiking and bike paths and breathtaking scenery, if you want to get away from the rush and bustle of the city.

The Sound of Music was filmed in Europe, as you presumably already know if you’re a lover of the well-known soundtrack. These hills also have fantastic hiking and bike routes that offer stunning vistas, but it’s fairly simple to recreate moments of Julie Andrews prance through the lush surroundings. You may go on many wonderful walks in Austria, whether you wish to hike up a mountain or simply stroll around a lake. The beauty is sure to steal your breath away. If you enjoy cheese, take a stroll along the Bregenzerwald Cheese Trail where you may sample local specialties served along the way by farmers, alpine dairymen, and cheese producers.

Places to visit in Europe

Vienna

AUSTRIA

Austria’s capital and largest city is Vienna. It is one of the non-federal states in the nation and is situated in the east. Austria’s political, economic, and cultural hub is Vienna. Prior to the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s disintegration after the bloody First World War, it served as the home of the Habsburg royal family. Vienna is home to numerous imperial palaces, museums with a wealth of historical artefacts, and a stunning opera building where composers like Beethoven, Mozart, Johann Strauss II, Schubert, Liszt, and others created a number of inspirational classical music classics. The UNESCO World Heritage List also includes Vienna’s historic city centre.

Salzburg

AUSTRIA

Salzburg, the capital of the Salzburg state, is Austria’s fourth-largest city after Vienna, Graz, and Linz. The name Salzburg, which translates to “Salt Castle,” comes from the numerous salt-carrying boats that plied the Salzach River in the eighth century. The Hollywood film “The Sound of Music,” which immortalised the city and featured breathtaking scenery and renowned landmarks like the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzach River, etc., is the city’s main source of fame. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a famous classical music composer, was also born in the city. One of the best maintained and recognised for its Baroque architecture, Salzburg’s old town is also included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Innsbruck

AUSTRIA

The capital of Tyrol’s province and the fifth-largest city in the world is Innsbruck. The city, one of the biggest in the Alps, is situated in a valley of the River Inn between two mountain ranges that rise to a height of 2000 metres. Winter sports enthusiasts frequent Innsbruck, which is also a major tourism destination. The city also played host to the European Football Championship in 2008 and the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976. After Maximilian I transferred the imperial court there in 1429, Innsbruck was designated as the capital of Tyrol. Visitors may witness many antique structures and architectural designs in the city’s old town today. There are also a number of ski resorts nearby.

Visit the iconic Eiffel Tower

PARIS

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, the Eiffel Tower serves as the cultural icon of Paris. For the 1889 Paris Exposition, Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel created the tower. The 324-meter-tall Eiffel Tower is encircled by an esplanade with landscaping in the Belle Epoque style that includes leafy trees, shaded pedestrian pathways, ponds, and several Eiffel Tower viewing areas. The first floor of the Eiffel Tower includes an elevator, a gift store, a cafeteria, a brasserie restaurant, and an outdoor patio area. The Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne restaurant is located on the Eiffel Tower’s second level, which also features viewing platforms with breathtaking views of Paris.

Check out Mona Lisa in The Louvre

PARIS

The expensive Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo Da Vinci is shown in the Louvre, a renowned museum in Paris. It is especially well-known for the elegant glass Pyramid du Louvre, which Leoh Ming Pei constructed in 1917. From the 15th to the 19th centuries, the Musee du Louvre displays hundreds of works of art, many of them masterpieces. One of the most popular museums in the world, the Louvre has extremely large lines of people waiting outside for hours to enter.

Walk down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees

PARIS

Paris’s Avenue des Champs-Elysees is the city’s most romantic avenue. One of the most popular streets in the world for photography is this one. The Place de la Concorde, which is connected to the French Revolution and the death of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, is one of many famous landmarks on the lower portion of the Champs-Elysees. The Petit Palais fine arts museum, the landmark Arc de Triomphe, and the lovely Jardins des Champs-Elysees are all nearby. The Arc de Triomphe was built in memory of the French troops who lost their lives fighting in the Napoleonic and French Revolutionary Wars. The Champs-Elysees’ top section is bordered by chic luxury stores, boutique hotels, fine dining establishments, quaint cafes, theatres, and cinemas.

Don’t miss a thing on a guided tour

BERLIN, GERMANY

Reserve a guided bicycle tour of the city to see it in a unique way! A cycling tour, which is simple to book on the spot, is a great way to get to know Berlin’s history while you’re on vacation. You can cycle from East to West and see some of the city’s most significant landmarks, such as the imposing Holocaust Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate, and a tonne of street art strewn throughout the city’s hippest neighbourhoods.

Check out Checkpoint Charlie

BERLIN, GERMANY

Even if you don’t consider yourself to be a history enthusiast, a visit to Checkpoint Charlie will undoubtedly leave you impressed. Checkpoint Charlie, a defining feature of the city’s turbulent past, served as a border crossing between East and West Berlin and rose to fame as a famous Cold War icon. It might be recognisable to you from other spy novels and flicks as well!

Let your hair down after sundown

BERLIN, GERMANY

Berlin’s vibrant energy never stops; there are countless nightlife events taking place all over the city every day of the year, with a wide variety of options to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re into techno nightclubs or elegant live music venues, prefer a swanky cocktail or an unapologetically cheap drink in an old tower block, you’ll find something to suit your needs and preferences.

A view of Costa Blanca with a difference

COSTA BLANCA, Spain

Visit the Castle of Santa Barbara in Alicante if you want to add some breathtaking vistas to your Costa Blanca vacation. This magnificent Muslim stronghold from the ninth century is perched atop Mount Benacantil, is encircled by one of Spain’s largest castles, and provides unparalleled views of the city and its bay. Regardless of your interest in history, the location makes this attraction one of the most renowned in the region. Additionally, there is no fee to enter the castle. Visit the Alicante City Museum, which has ten rooms filled with significant topics from the city’s past and displays a number of audio-visual and archaeological exhibits.

Life’s a beach in Costa Blanca

COSTA BLANCA, Spain

The 120-mile stretch of sandy beaches along the Costa Blanca, of which Alicante is the centre, is one of the primary reasons that millions of people choose to book an affordable package vacation to Alicante every year. Benitachell stands out as one of the best coves in the area for diving and snorkelling among the various coves you can find along the coast. View the Playa La Granadella, a flawless horseshoe-shaped bay distinguished by its cliffs, deep blue sea, and lush pine forest. A pristine beach with protected dunes and a wooden boardwalk is called Playa El Altet.

Live it up in Benidorm

BENIDORM, Spain

It’s understandable why Benidorm is such a well-liked vacation spot on the Costa Blanca. This bustling town has everything a visitor might need, from hotels that are directly on the beach to an enormous selection of restaurants and stores, to the close-by water park Aqualandia, to the exciting nightlife. A trip to Benidorm is appropriate for children, partygoers, and couples alike because of the resort’s pronounced British influence. We advise going to Calle Gerona after dusk. Benidorm’s bustling boulevard is lined with eateries, clubs, and pubs. Both locals and visitors refer to it as “the strip.”

When to visit Austria

Austria experiences four distinct seasons: winter (November–March), summer (June–August), autumn (September–October), and spring (April–May). The months of April through May and September through October are the ideal times to travel to Austria. There are many of tourists throughout the peak travel months of June to August. The low season runs from November to March. The winter skiing season begins in December and lasts through March.

The two most sought-after times of year to plan inexpensive package trips to Austria are either the winter for those who enjoy snow activities or the summer for those who enjoy hiking. Austria’s major cities are frequently crowded all year since they are excellent destinations for city breaks. Around Christmas, people flock to Vienna in particular to experience the magnificent Christmas markets the city has to offer. In the summer months of July and August, when the weather is nice and warm, the Salzburg Festival attracts a regular stream of tourists.

Reasons to visit Austria

Explore the city of Vienna

VIENNA

The capital of Austria, Vienna, is regarded as having the highest quality of life. This amazing city is renowned for its magnificent architecture, abundance of museums, art galleries, opera, Imperial palaces, lovely parks, incredible restaurants and cafes, and vibrant culture. Additionally, Vienna boasts an efficient public transport infrastructure that makes getting around the city simpler. Take a look at some of Vienna’s great sights, including Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, Belvedere Palace, Vienna State Opera House, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna City Hall, and many more.

Revel in the dramatic Alpine landscape

AUSTRIA

Austria is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery, which is perfect for hiking and taking in the country’s beautiful natural paths. A beautiful mountain range in Austria, the Tyrolean Mountains are a refuge for hikers and trekkers. These snow-capped alpine mountains are surrounded by verdant forests and alpine lakes. The Eagle Walk is a well-known path that leads travellers over 400 miles into the Tyrolean Mountains, which are full of breathtaking and dramatic scenery.

Enjoy Art, Music, and Culture

AUSTRIA

In terms of music, art, and culture, Austria is a major player in Europe. Due to its abundance of museums, art galleries, and opera theatres, Vienna is the best city in the nation for those who enjoy art and culture. Here, visitors may take in the great artistic heritage of the city, which includes works by Klimt, Mozart, Beethoven, Wagner, Schubert, and Strauss. The Museum of Fine Arts, MUMOK Museum of Modern Art, Albertina, and Belvedere are a few of the top museums in the nation. Theatre a der Wien, Vienna Volksoper, and Vienna State Opera House are essential stops for music enthusiasts.

Learn about the Rich History

AUSTRIA

Pre-Roman times, the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, the Habsburg monarchy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the disastrous First World War, Nazi Germany’s occupation in the Second World War, and various concentration camps where the Nazis committed the genocide of Jewish and Romani communities are just a few of Austria’s fascinating historical periods. The old palaces, castles, gardens, and monuments are now preserved by the Austrian government and turned into museums. Salzburg Cathedral, Albertina, Rathaus, Mauthausen Concentration Camp, Hofburg Palace, and Hohensalzburg Fortress are a few of Austria’s most significant historical sites.

Taste delicious food

AUSTRIA

Austria is a nation that takes pride in having some of Europe’s top sweets and cuisine. Austrians take great pleasure in their desserts, which are extensively offered in several bakeries and cafes throughout the entire nation. Some of the finest beers in Europe may be found in Austria. Viennese Apfelstrudel, Wiener Schnitzel, Vienna Sausage, Knödel, Tafelspitz, Tiroler Gröstl, Käsespätzle, Potato Gulasch, Buchteln, Sachertorte, Fiakergulasch, Martinigans, belegte Brote, Brettljause and Spargel are a few of the must-eat foods in Austria.

Winter Paradise

AUSTRIA

Winter sports enthusiasts will find Austria to be a delight, as the Alps have some of Europe’s top ski resorts and most advanced winter sports infrastructure. In comparison to France and Switzerland, Austria’s ski resorts are far less expensive and have a greater selection of picturesque, snow-covered beautiful villages and ski resorts. Austria is a fantastic winter destination as well, with its cities and villages decked out in gorgeous lights, ornaments, and marketplaces selling presents, trinkets, pastries, hot cocoa, and cuisine.

Casino De Monte Carlo

MONACO

A trip to the casino is essential, even if you aren’t staying in Monte Carlo during your vacation. A visit to this storied marble and gold structure will undoubtedly rank among the highlights of your trip to Monaco. Make sure to go early in the day while it is open to guests if you’re going with the family and still want to explore this magnificent monument. You can try your hand in one of the various rooms starting at 2pm, or you can just observe others. It is adults-only. Make sure to dress to impress if you visit in the evening because the casino puts on a spectacular show.

Formula One Grand Prix

MONACO

You can watch the race from the stands if you’re fortunate enough to be invited to the annual Monaco Formula One Grand Prix. If you choose to reserve a Monaco vacation package during a time when the F1 isn’t broadcast, you may still stroll around the “track” and relive the excitement of the race. If you’re in Monaco during race weekend, you can walk or even drive the course yourself because the Automobile Club of Monaco erects flags to create the circuit in such places.

Oceanographic Museum

MONACO

Pay a visit to the aquarium if you decide to take a city vacation in Monaco; it’s one of the best in the world and its location on a cliff edge adds to the excitement. It is a component of the Oceanographic Institute, which is dedicated to disseminating its oceanographic knowledge. The main attraction is a lagoon where a coral reef separates a variety of tropical fish from sharks and other marine predators. With more than 90 tanks and interactive exhibits, this place is a must-visit for anybody interested in learning about the development of marine biology.

Arc de Triomphe

PARIS

Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned the Arc de Triomphe in honour of the soldiers who fought in the Napoleonic Wars and the French Revolution. The 50-meter-tall Arc features scenes showing the French forces’ departure, conquests, and return. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is a memorial to the French troops who gave their lives in the First World War, is located at the base of the Arc de Triomphe. The Flame of Remembrance, which was lit on November 11th, 1923, and has never been extinguished, is located here.

Musee d’Orsay

PARIS

On the left bank of the Seine River in Paris, the Musee d’Orsay is a renowned museum. The museum is located in the former Gare d’Orsay train station, which was built in the Beaux-Arts architectural style. The Musee d’Orsay is well known for housing a substantial collection of French artwork created between 1848 and 1914. The museum features a variety of works of art, including photographs, furniture, and sculptures. Impressionism and the post-Impressionist movement are the two styles that make up the museum’s extensive collection of paintings. It features pieces by master Impressionists such Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Claude Degas, and Edouard Manet. The post-Impressionist masterpieces including Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, Paul Signac, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, etc. are on display at the museum.

Centre Pompidou

PARIS

A contemporary structure with a distinctive inside-out architecture is the Centre Pompidou, also known as the Centre National d’Art et de Culture Georges-Pompidou. The Musee National d’Art Moderne (National Museum of Modern Art) is housed in the museum, which is located in Paris’s 4th Arrondissement. Staircases, lifts, plumbing pipes, air-conditioning ducts, electrical wire pipes and fire extinguisher pipes are all located outside the structure, giving it a distinctive façade. The Museum of Modern Art, housed inside the Centre Pompidou, features more than 100,000 pieces of contemporary art dating from 1905 to the present. Visitors will see works from the movements of Pop Art, Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, and Post-Impressionism.

Levante Beach

SALOU, Spain

One of the top beaches in Europe is Levante Beach. The distance along this city beach between Punta Pinet and Punta Canfali is two km. The most famous and spectacular beach in Benidorm is Levante Beach, which is surrounded by several tall skyscrapers that house hotels and service apartments. Some of these buildings also feature some of the city’s greatest dining establishments and nightclubs. A lovely stretch of golden sand, the Mediterranean Sea is deep blue, and there is lots of sunshine. The beach is really well kept and has a tonne of amenities like sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, restrooms, kid’s play areas, and walkways.

Poniente Beach

BENIDORM, Spain

Levante Beach and Poniente Beach are adjacent. Compared to its far better renowned neighbour, it offers a considerably quieter and tranquil atmosphere. Family-friendly and highly well-maintained, Poniente Beach. The beach is about 3 km long, making it perfect for strolling and offering plenty of places to sit and enjoy the sun. This urban beach boasts a brand-new, contemporary promenade created by architect Carlos Ferrater, as well as a variety of bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and pubs. The beach offers a variety of amenities, including a Beach Library, a children’s playground, reading nooks in the shade, showers and restrooms, sun loungers, umbrellas, etc.

Balcon del Mediterraneo

BENIDORM, Spain

Benidorm’s Balcon del Mediterraneo is a stunning sight. The two main Benidorm beaches are divided by this magnificent landmark. This location, which juts out into the sea, was once where the Benidorm Castle stood for a century before being demolished during the Napoleonic wars. On top of a rocky outcrop, it is now a lookout with chessboard-like tiles, an elaborate lamp post, and white railing. The vantage point provides breathtaking views of both the Benidorm coastline and the Mediterranean Sea. Numerous cafes can be found along the neighbouring avenue where visitors may take in the scenery while enjoying coffee or beverages.

Frequently Asked Questions on Austria Holidays

Austria has six international airports. The primary airport serving numerous international flights from North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia is Vienna International Airport (IATA Code: VIE). Salzburg Airport (IATA Code: SZG), Graz Airport (IATA Code: GRZ), Innsbruck Airport (IATA Code: INN), Linz Airport (IATA Code: LNZ), and Klagenfurt Airport (IATA Code: KLU) are the other international airports in Austria.

For stays up to 90 days, Canadian and American nationals are exempt from visa requirements.For up to 90 days, UK nationals are not need to get a visa to enter Italy. The only requirements are that you have a passport that is valid for at least six months, evidence of sufficient finances, hotel reservations, travel insurance, and a copy of your itinerary.

Greece’s official currency is the euro (EUR). Official exchange rates are currently around 1.16 Euros to 1 GBP and 1 USD to 1 Euro. Depending on the currency, exchange rates might fluctuate by a factor of 1 to 2. Credit cards from Visa and Master Card are frequently used.

If you require a Schengen visa to enter Austria, travel insurance is a must. However, if you don’t require a visa, travel insurance is not required. It is advised that you obtain current, comprehensive travel insurance that covers all of your accidental and medical expenses.

Austria’s national language is German. In some areas of the country, Croatian, Slovenian, and Hungarian are also extensively spoken and recognised as official languages. The travel and tourism industries both speak and comprehend English.

Austria is a small nation with an efficient rail system. Austrian railways connect major cities and communities and are cosy and reasonably priced. There are many different train kinds, ranging from sluggish to fast trains. Bus service complements train service by providing access to less well-known towns and lakes. Due to Austria’s six airports, it is also possible to fly to the country’s major cities. Austria also has a thriving domestic airline business.

Charles de Gaulle Airport (IATA Code: CDG) and Paris Orly Airport (IATA Code: ORY) are the two international airports that serve the city of Paris. Train services connect Paris with the rest of Europe very well.

For stays up to 90 days, Canadian and American nationals are exempt from visa requirements. For up to 90 days, UK nationals can visit France without a visa. The only requirements are that you have a passport that is valid for at least six months, evidence of sufficient finances, hotel reservations, travel insurance, and a copy of your itinerary.

Italy uses the euro (EUR) as its official currency. Official exchange rates are currently around 1.16 Euros to 1 GBP and 1 USD to 1 Euro. Depending on the currency, exchange rates might fluctuate by a factor of 1 to 2. Credit cards from Visa and Master Card are frequently used.

No, if you are travelling to France without a visa, you must have travel insurance. EHIC cards are also accepted there. Get travel insurance that includes coverage for accidents, lost baggage, travel delays, and cancellations.

Italy’s national language is French. However, English, French, Spanish, and German speakers can be found in Paris, a well-known tourist destination in Europe.

The public transport system in Paris is very large and is made up of Metros, Regional Express Networks, trams, buses and boats. There are 17 metro lines in Paris, and trains run every 2-3 minutes during rush hour and every 5–10 minutes at other times. The Regional Express Network has five commuter lines with stops in Paris with a frequency of three to six minutes. Buses provide regular, effective service across the entire city. There are many taxis in the city as well, and because there is less traffic at night, they are usually less expensive.

Alicante Airport (IATA Code: ALC) is the closest airport to Benidorm. There are more than 30 domestic low-cost carriers that fly into Alicante Airport. From Alicante Airport, it takes about 45 minutes to travel 57.6 kilometres to Benidorm. There are numerous shuttle services, buses, and vehicle rental businesses.

For stays up to 90 days, Canadian and American nationals are exempt from visa requirements. For a period of 90 days, UK nationals can visit Spain without a visa. The only requirements are that you have a passport that is valid for at least six months, proof of sufficient finances, hotel reservations, and a copy of your travel itinerary.

Spain’s official currency is the euro (EUR). Official exchange rates are currently around 1.16 Euros to 1 GBP and 1 USD to 1 Euro. Depending on the currency, exchange rates might fluctuate by a factor of 1 to 2. Credit cards from Visa and Master Card are frequently used.

Spain’s official tongue is Spanish. Benidorm is a very well-liked vacation spot, and the locals can now speak English, French, and Spanish.

The Levante Beach neighbourhood is the most well-known and favoured region for visitors to stay in its cosy and completely equipped service apartments and hotels, making it quite simple to explore Benidorm on foot. There are additional options for hiring bicycles and automobiles. Additionally, there is a local bus service that operates until midnight.

Yes, Benidorm requires travellers to have travel insurance. The cost of medical care and related fees is very high in Spain. Choose travel insurance that offers protection against trip cancellations, delays, lost luggage, and medical situations. Tenerife also recognises and accepts EHIC cards.