We had a very early start to get to the airport in time for our flight. After our flight we arrived at the hotel around midday. Our rooms were not available until 3pm so we went for a stroll around the area and found a cafe to eat. We then settled ourselves into our rooms and had a rest (we were tired from the early start). In the evening we found a lovely Italian restaurant where we had dinner and then another stroll around the town.
We all had breakfast and there was a great choice of food. Then we went to see the "Trick fountains of Hellbrunn". This was designed by an Archbishop in the 17th Century, these early water parks were considered status symbols among the aristocracy of the time. There were lots of unexpected surprises amongst the water, grottos and fountains. We were lucky that it was 24° C and warm as we did get a little wet from the surprises! We then went into the Hellbrunn Palace Museum. The gazebo used in the film "The Sound of Music" was placed here in the 1990's by the council and we all enjoyed seeing this. While in the gazebo we sang the song "I am 16 going on 17" from the film.
After another lovely breakfast then we went to the "Mirabell Gardens". We found a nice spot and had lunch in the garden. We then went on the "Sound of Music Tour" which lasted 4 hours. We took a picture on the famous steps that were used in the making of the film, when the children of The Von Trapp family sang up and down the steps. We saw some wonderful locations along with beautiful countryside whilst in the coach, on the tour. In the evening we went out for our meal to a local Italian restaurant then a drink and back to our hotel.
Today we visited the old Town and bought gifts and souvenirs to take home. Anna bought an Austrian hat and some of the group bought Mozart chocolate. We also visited St. Peter's Chapel a Baroque Roman Catholic church and saw the beautiful interior. Later, Jenny and Jane really enjoyed our evening when we went to the old town for dinner. Then once back at the hotel we packed to go to Vienna.
Today we were travelling to Vienna. Marion and Jane went by train while the rest of the group travelled by car. The journey was quite long and took up most of our day. Later in the evening we had a drink in the bar at the hotel.
Our first full day in Vienna and again we were lucky with the weather as it was 26° C and hot. The breakfast was amazing here and we could even have champagne if we wanted (none of us did!). We travelled to the Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens. The Palace was built in the 17th Century and features Baroque architecture. The Park and Gardens are on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. Later we took a boat trip which included a lovely evening meal on board. The food was laid out beautifully on tables and the waiters served our food (unfortunately the waiter had a bit of an accident with a glass of wine and poor Marion was covered in wine). It was a real experience.
Today we decided to do some shopping. Whilst out in Vienna we had ice-cream and coffee. We managed to get some small Vienna gifts to take home with us. Some of the group enjoyed a ride in a horse drawn carriage. In the evening we ate at our hotel where we had a great meal in beautiful surroundings al fresco.
Time to go home and we have an early start. Everyone was packed by 9am and on the way to the airport
A picture from our boat trip
