Destination: Austria

Q: Is tipping customary in Austria?

<p>If you&#8217;re on an Odyssey tour, we take care of tipping so you don&#8217;t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it&#8217;s essential that you tip an appropriate amount for services. Tipping is fairly common in Austria, with some restaurants and hotels including a service charge with the bill. Tipping of taxi drivers is also common, typically done at 10% of the fare.</p>

Q: Can I use my mobile phone in Austria?

<p>Check with your cell phone provider to see whether you&#8217;re able to make calls and use data while in Austria. Many providers will allow you to pay a daily fee that allows you to make calls and check the internet while only being charged your regular rates. However, be certain to inform your provider that you&#8217;re heading overseas, because just like a bank they can turn off your service as a result of unusual activity.</p>

Austria tours for seniors

Odyssey offers easy, convenient, and relaxed escorted small group tours across Western Europe and beyond. We explore Austria’s fairy-tale natural beauty, its storied imperial heritage, World Heritage Sites, and incredibly beautiful cities, with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group tours of Austria, designed for the senior traveller, and led by experienced, and enthusiastic like minded people.

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Austria Tours

Hand crafted tours for mature World Travellers

75 days

Apr, Aug

Grand tour of Europe

Visiting Austria, Belgium, Croatia

For the senior couple or mature solo traveler seeking a small group educational tour focussed on exploring and learning with like minded people in Europe.

From A$49,635 AUD

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Habsburg Art and Classical Music small group Tour

22 days

Aug

Habsburg Art and Classical Music small group Tour

Visiting Austria, Czech Republic

From the mediaeval jewel of Cesky Krumlow to the grandeur of the Habsburg’s summer palace in Vienna, our small group will embark on a 21 night journey to learn about these vibrant and artistically rich cities. We delve into the history of the famous artists, musicians, writers, architects and composers from Austria, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic.

From A$15,995 AUD

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With breathtaking mountain scenery and striking baroque architecture, Austria is a country of majesty. Here, the great outdoors beckon and it is easy to get lost in the gorgeous alpine landscapes framed by bright blue lakes and verdant green valleys, but the country’s sophisticated cities also entice travellers with imperial castles and palaces, fascinating museums and a vibrant restaurant scene. Whether you’re captivated by the compelling history of the Habsburg family and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, yearning to explore the towering Bavarian alps or eager to try authentic Austrian cuisine, you will find what you’re looking in this Central European beauty. Let Odyssey Traveller take you on a journey you will never forget.

Marvel at the grandeur of Vienna with its dazzling opera houses, monumental Ringstrasse palaces and elegant coffee houses. Try the best of Austrian cuisine by digging into Tafelspitz or goulash in one of the city’s rustic restaurants, explore the many museums or stroll through the compact city centre. Salzburg is the stuff of fairy tales with its old town tucked away in the hills, ornate architecture, beautiful parks and history of classical music.

Outside of the cities, you can ski, hike or bike your way through snow-tipped mountains and deep valleys, explore quaint villages along the River Danube and swim in some of the world’s most beautiful alpine lakes.

Articles about Austria

Questions About Austria

Questions about Austria for mature and senior travellers seeking a small group tour in Europe as a couple or solo traveller. Tour director and local guide provide day tours to share knowledge about Vienna and Austria.

20 Mar 20 · 2 mins read

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Melk Abbey Austria

A vivid yellow Baroque jewel, Melk Abbey, or Stift Melk, is the most famous abbey in Austria

17 Feb 20 · 2 mins read

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Eggenberg Palace Austria

Eggenenberg palace, a world heritage site. This baroque palace is considered to be a national treasure in Austria.

17 Feb 20 · 3 mins read

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Belvedere Palace Austria

Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere) is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and as much as piece of art as the impressive works housed in its interior. The large complex actually features two palaces (Upper and Lower) and beautiful grounds. Originally built as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy, the galleries of the Upper Belvedere focus on Austrian art from medieval times to present day, emphasising Austrian culture and history while the Lower Belvedere hosts temporary exhibitions. The grounds also feature the Orangery, Palace Stables which have been converted into a medieval art exhibition and magnificent gardens. The famous historical palace complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a short drive from the centre of Vienna.

17 Feb 20 · 4 mins read

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Schönbrunn Palace Austria

Schonbrunn Palace, also referred to as Schoenbrunn Palace, is Vienna's most popular attraction and it is not hard to see why. The opulent summer palace of the Habsburgs is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the most important cultural, architectural and historical sites in Austria. The palace complex features 1441 rooms (40 of which are open to the public), magnificent gardens, a maze, a palm house, the oldest zoo in Europe and an outdoor swimming pool.

17 Feb 20 · 5 mins read

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Music and the Austrian Habsburgs: The Definitive Guide

Music and the Austrian Habsburgs Members of the Habsburg royal family circa 1764. Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor (r. 1745-1765), Maria Theresa, Holy Roman Empress (r. 1740-1780), and their eleven children. Their daughters Marie Antoinette…

6 Jan 19 · 7 mins read

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Touring Austria

The need to know

Getting around

Odyssey travels by coach and occasionally uses local transport, including trains and ferries. Specifics are always outlined in your tour itinerary. Trains, operated by the Austrian Federal Railways, are a fast and efficient option to travel around the country. Buses can be handy in getting you to remote regions and villages, and bus services operate in most cities. Domestic flights are available, though can be a costly option.

Accommodation

In major cities in Austria, Odyssey stays in centrally located 3-4 star hotels, with easy access to public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, we usually stay in family-run hotels or guesthouses. On our long stay tours, during which you spend the length of the tour in a single location, we use serviced apartments.

Tour Guides

Odyssey always engages local guides with regional knowledge to ensure an authentic experience during which you can learn as much as possible about the history and culture of places you visit.

Geography, environment and weather

Austria is a landlocked country, covering 84k square kilometres. The terrain in Austria is highly mountainous with only 32% of the country below 500m. Just over 40% of Austria is covered by forest, while one-fifth of the country is pasture and meadow located at various altitudes.

Austria has a predominantly alpine climate, with cold winters and warm summers. If travelling to Austria in the winter months, be sure to pack some warm clothing.

World Heritage sites

Austria has 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can view the official list of the sites here (https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/at). While every site is worth a look, here are a few highlights:

Wachau cultural landscape, a stretch of the Danube Valley which preserves many architectural and agricultural traces of its historic evolution
The Semmering Railway, which spans over 41km of high mountains, and stands as a stunning achievement of civil engineering
Beech Forests of the Carpathians

Festivals and events

With its storied history and famous cultural institutions, Austria has many festivals and events each and every year.

The Viennale international film festival has been running annually since 1960, and attacts filmmakers and film buffs from all over the world. Mörbisch Operetta Festival is a festival dedicated to hosting operattas, and takes place at the visually-stunning locale of Lake Neusiedl.

The International Art Fair is hosted annually in Vienna every autumn, and features a dazzling array of artworks and installations by internationally-renowned artists.

Reading list

Walking in Austria, by Kev Reynolds
The Austrians: A Thousand Year Odyssey, by Gordon Brook-Shepard
The World of Yesterday, by Stefan Zweig

Eating and Drinking

Wienerschnitzel is the nation’s most famous culinary export, with each region having their own version on this ubiquitous Austrian dish. Numerous other Austrian dishes centre around meat, including Tafelspitz, Vienna Wurst, and Austrian Goulash, the local take on the famous Central European meat stew. Other savoury offerings include Erdäpfelsalat (potato salad) and spargel (spring asparagus). If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, there is no shortage of mouth-watering deserts, including apple strudels, kaiserschmarrn and sachertorte (Viennese chocolate cake with apricot jam).

Austria is credited with introducing coffee to Europe in the form of its coffee houses, and coffee remains an integral part of Austrian social life. Beer is popularly consumed throughout the country, while schnapps are sometimes served at the end of a meal.

Health and Safety

Generally Austria is safe to travel around in, though always exercise common sense while travelling.

Electrical supply

Whenever you travel overseas, it’s always wise to take an appropriate travel adapter. Austria operates on a 230 supply voltage and 50Hz. Austria uses both the Type C and Type F plug, so be sure you have an adapter handy as needed.

Highlights

The best of Austria

Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace, the glittering former residence of Austria's Hapsburg rulers

Belvedere Palace

The complex at Belvedere Palace actually features two impressive Baroque palaces that have been converted into celebrated art galleries, featuring work by some of Austria's best known artists.

Schloss Eggenberg

Schloss Eggenberg, the ornate and eye-catching castle near the city of Graz. Eggenberg Palace in Graz is the most significant Baroque palace complex in Styria.

Tour Reviews

Every day was different with so much to see and do. Volcanoes, craters (including the pseudo ones), bubbling mud pools, and the active Strokkur Geyser, the bird life, black sand beaches, and those beautiful Icelandic horses. The time flew by...

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Iceland cultural and wilderness small group tour

The geographical wonders offered by Iceland and Greenland left me in awe. The grandeur and spectacle of the countryside is breathtaking. Our leader (Rob) was excellent: well-researched, friendly, organized and good-humoured.

Participant 2017

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The country was apparently calm and safe. People were friendly and helpful. Such a pity there has been such a down turn in tourism. Ros & Tony S. Sep '17

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Small group tour of Ancient Turkey

We felt safe in Turkey and found the people friendly and helpful. Prices were excellent and the food almost universally magnificent. There is so much to see in the natural and built environment and the wonderful archaeological sites. It is sad to see the ordinary people and businesses suffering from the lack of tourists. Mary B. Sep '17

Participant 2017

Small group tour of Ancient Turkey

It is hard to believe that such a small country can contain so much dramatic scenery. Icecaps and glaciers, huge waterfalls, volcanos and hot bubbling mud, and those wonderful fjords and high mountain passes

Participant 2016

Iceland cultural and wilderness small group tour

I was impressed by the number of places we visited. It was a very full itinerary which I like. We saw things of interest every day. I see no fault with the tour.

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Anglo French Tour | Normandy, Brittany, Channel Islands tour

Our guide Filiz was wonderful, very well informed, historical insights very helpful, her care for our well being exceptional. Could not have wished for a better tour leader.

Participant 2017

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Our guide was a great ambassador for his country, wide knowledge of literature, history, customs, industry, fishing - also a perceptive and sensitive person who inter-acted so willingly with all of us!

Participant 2016

Iceland cultural and wilderness small group tour

FAQs

What time zone is Austria in?

Austria has a single time zone, Central European Standard Time (UTC+1). Austria observes daylight saving time from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Is tipping customary in Austria?

If you’re on an Odyssey tour, we take care of tipping so you don’t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it’s essential that you tip an appropriate amount for services. Tipping is fairly common in Austria, with some restaurants and hotels including a service charge with the bill. Tipping of taxi drivers is also common, typically done at 10% of the fare.

What is internet access like in Austria?

Internet access is easily accessible, and most hotels, cafes and bars will offer it.

Can I use my mobile phone in Austria?

Check with your cell phone provider to see whether you’re able to make calls and use data while in Austria. Many providers will allow you to pay a daily fee that allows you to make calls and check the internet while only being charged your regular rates. However, be certain to inform your provider that you’re heading overseas, because just like a bank they can turn off your service as a result of unusual activity.

Which are the best cultural experiences in Austria?

Austria offers a wide range of cultural experiences. Museums, architecture, music and art – Austra is not short of cultural history and events.

Salzburg – the birthplace of Mozart, full of churches, castles and palaces, with an old town now a UNESCO world heritage site.

Vienna – Austria’s capital is famous for its cultural events, imperial traditions and modern architecture.

Christmas markets – from the middle of November until the end of the year – do not miss the magical Christmas markets, full of seasonal treats.

Museum of fine arts, Vienna – the Museum of fine Arts in Vienna has an unrivalled collection of old masters, including a vast selection of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. You will also find Ancient Egyptian and Greek and Roman Antiquities and Medieval Art housed in this grand Ringstraße building.

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna – The Habsburgs’ summer residence is Austria’s most popular tourist attraction. Take a guided tour through the Imperial ceremonial rooms or stroll through the freely accessible gardens.

The Vienna boys choir – The Vienna Boys Choir is one of the most iconic cultural institutions in the country. A foundation charter issued by Emperor Maximilian I in 1498. Ever since, the Vienna Boys’ Choir has been a fixture in Austrian musical life.

Responsible travel tips for Austria

Learn at least the local greetings to break the ice. Although many locals speak English, the more you know of the native language, the greater your experience of the country will be.
Carry a business card in your wallet or purse from your local hotel, to assist you with the return journey if you do become lost.
Always ensure that you are covered by travel insurance. If you need advice on this feel free to contact Odyssey and we’ll be able to help.
When travelling independently, make sure you check the opening hours of shops and museums so that you don’t miss out! Museums and galleries are often closed on Mondays. Also be certain to check whether your trip coincides with any public holidays, so you can plan accordingly.
Consider contacting your bank to inform them that you may be making purchases overseas. Otherwise, they may flag any activity on your account as suspicious. Also, check which ATMs and banks are compatible with your cards, to ensure you can withdraw cash with minimal fees.
Before departing, make sure you have a number of euros in a range of denominations. You don’t want to be carrying around enormous amounts of cash, but take enough to make it easy to pay in locations that might not accept credit card. It will also help you avoid card transaction fees, and it makes tipping a breeze.

About Odyssey Traveller

We specialise in educational small group tours for seniors, typically groups between six to 12 people from Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and Britain. Our maximum number of people on a tour is 18 mature aged travellers.We have some 150 tours and offer 300 scheduled departures on offer each year. Odyssey has been offering this style of adventure and educational programs since 1983.

Odyssey Traveller is committed to charitable activities that support the environment and cultural development of Australian and New Zealand communities.

Odyssey Traveller scholarship for Australia & New Zealand University students.

We are also pleased to announce that since 2012, Odyssey has been awarding $10,000 Equity & Merit Cash Scholarships each year. We award scholarships on the basis of academic performance and demonstrated financial need. We award at least one scholarship per year. We’re supported through our educational travel programs, and your participation helps Odyssey achieve its goals. Students can apply for the scholarship by clicking on this link to find out more details.

Join our loyalty program when you join an international small group tour.

Every International small group tour taken typically contributes to your membership level in our Loyalty Program for regular travellers. Membership of the alumni starts when you choose to take your first international small group tour with Odyssey Traveller, discounts in tour pricing for direct bookings accrue from your third tour with Odyssey Traveller. To see the discounts and benefits of being a Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond alumni member with us, please see this page.

For more information on Odyssey Traveller and our educational small group tours, visit and explore our website., remember to visit these pages in particular

Alternatively, please call or send an email.