Austria 88
Heart of Europe Tour
American Express Vacations

July 10 and 11 and 14 and 15, 1988

Out of Munich, Germany our coach traveled along the upper Austrian boundary.  We passed the town of Linz on the Danube on our way to Europe's cultural jewel and city of legends, Vienna.

Walking through the town was such a pleasure.  The people were impressive in their dress and demeanor.  Prosperity was evident everywhere.

A highlight of Vienna was our tour through Schonbrunn Palace, the 1,400-room legacy of Archduchess Maria Theresa.

Below is the famous St. Stephen's cathedral built between the 12th and 16th centuries.  We climbed to the top and took pictures of the city, none of which came out very well.  Who wants to look at pictures of roof tops?

After leaving Vienna, we journeyed to Hungary (Click on Hungary in the left frame for highlights).  From there we traveled back into Austria and old world Graz, a university town, where it's not unusual to hear street musicians playing classical violin and flute music.  We did!  This was such a neat town.  I'd love to go there to teach for a semester or so.

Our route took us across the heart of Austria over rolling hills, past game-filled forests, and spangled lakes.  Salzburg, Mozart's city, was our next destination.  There we visited Old Town, the Salzburg Festival Hall, and DOM (Main Cathedral).  The picture below shows Hohensalzburg Fortress (11th century) protecting the city from above.