Vienna

The neighbouring provinces of Lower Austria, Burgenland and Styria are a land of vineyards, mountains and farmland, often off the main tourist routes, but providing wonderful walking territory. Vienna lies at the heart of Lower Austria and is by far the largest city in the country, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre.

With its roots in Celtic and Roman settlements, Vienna grew over the centuries into one of the most culturally sophisticated cities in Europe. It is known both as the City of Music - prodigies such as Mozart, Strauss, Haydn and Beethoven all lived and composed there - and as the City of Dreams, being home to Sigmund Freud.  The historic centre of the city is a worthy backdrop for such talent, rich in archtecture hat includes Baroque castles and gardens.

Vienna is also renowned for its cafes. The Viennese coffee house is something of an instituition, and said to be the place where filtered coffee was first served. The marble table tops are habitually adorned with a newspaper and glass of water alongside the steaming cup of rich coffee, and customers drift in and out to talk, read, write and generally while away the time.