This amazing tour of Austria is the ultimate trip for Sound of Music fans
Winding elegantly through 10 culture-filled countries and bearing witness, throughout the years, to the rise and fall of empires and dynasties, there are few rivers so illustrious as the mighty Danube – and few settings more memorable for a river cruise.
On its journey from the Black Forest mountains in the west of Germany to the Black Sea, this river has inspired some of Europe's most beloved pieces of art and music throughout the centuries. This includes the 1965 classic The Sound of Music, which any fan will know is set in Salzburg, a gorgeous city on the banks of the Danube.
Those looking to fully immerse themselves in the idyllic landscapes and nostalgic romance of The Sound of Music – as well as other charming cities and towns along the Danube – will love Country Living's exclusive six-day Danube river cruise. With stops in Vienna, Krems and the Wachau Valley alongside Salzburg (plus plenty of musical-inspired surprises along the way), this is the ultimate Alpine treat.
One of the best parts of this unique river adventure is that it takes place on the A-ROSA FLORA, a stylish ship that will quickly feel like your floating home. Its top-notch facilities include a spacious sun deck with a pool and sauna, as well as an alfresco restaurant and sleek bar, where you can enjoy locally inspired dishes and drinks while taking in the beautiful scenery.
The journey begins in Passau, a German city on the Austrian border where the Inn and Ilz rivers meet (it's sometimes called the 'Venice of Bavaria'). Here, you'll board the A-ROSA FLORA, before heading on through the Wachau Valley, an impossibly pretty stretch of the Danube river between Melk and Krems.
By the afternoon, you'll have reached the grand city of Vienna, its beautiful Baroque palaces, ornate gardens and historic coffee houses crying out to be explored. An overnight stay here will allow you to explore the city properly, perhaps taking in a concert at Schönbrunn Palace and sampling a buzzy local bar.
You'll then sail into Bratislava, Slovakia's compact yet striking capital, which is full of history and culture, from its medieval and Gothic old town and Baroque palaces built by Hungarian nobility to communist-era blocks.
That evening, expect a highlight of the cruise – an exclusive cabaret performance of Julie Madly Deeply, a musical tribute to Sound of Music legend, Dame Julie Andrews. Not only will you get to enjoy the performance, there will also be a meet and greet session with the cast and an album signing.
Next, you'll sail on to the quaint cobbled streets and famous Abbey of Melk, also making a stop at the small town of Krems on the way. And then it's on to what's arguably the main event of this cruise – the city of Salzburg, where The Sound of Music fans will be immediately delighted by the recognisable beauty.
A highlight of this stop is a special themed sightseeing tour, where you'll get the chance to relive your favourite scenes from the musical. Filming spots include Mirabell Gardens, where Maria and the Von Trapp children sang 'Do, Re, Mi!' as well as the iconic gazebo where 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen' was shot.
As well as all the Sound of Music trivia and nostalgia you'd hope for, a guide will also provide historical context for Salzburg's unmissable attractions and architectural gems.
And then it's back to Passau for one more day of exploring before heading home – with a little musical spring in your step, of course.
BOOK YOUR JULIE MADLY DEEPLY RIVER CRUISE
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