Austria is a small country with much to offer holiday makers. It is located in the Heart of Europe shares borders with the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany. The area of Austria is 32,378 square miles. Austria is a member of the European Union since January 1996.

Until the end of World War I, Austria was the centre of a vast empire, which controlled much of central Europe. Austria is now a federal republic, consisting of nine states. Vienna is the capitol of Austria and hosts a number of international organisations. These include the Secretariat of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Austria nine federal regions are :-

1. Vienna - Austria's capital
2. Burgenland
3. Carinthia
4. Lower Austria
5. Salzburg
6. Styria
7. Tyrol - capital- Innsbruck
8. Upper Austria
9. Vorarlberg

The Alps dominate The western and southern parts of Austria are dominated by The Alps. The eastern provinces in the Danube basin.

Austria has a rich cultural heritage. It's economy is industrial and agricultural with tourism also being an important source of income.

Austria’s most famous dishes are Wiener Schnitzel and Apfelstrudel

The opera and theatre season in Austria runs from September to June. Major festivals take place in July and August.

The Austrian climate is moderate with warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures depend largely on altitude.

German is spoken by 98% of the Austrian population. English is spoken fluently by most people working within the tourism industry.

The Euro is the only currency used in Austria

Lower Austria has a rich, natural and diversified beauty. This includes forests, canyons, gently rolling hills, great river valleys, pine woods, oak woods, alpine pastures, sun flower fields, vineyards and wild mountain rivers.

Active holidays available in Austria inlcude hiking, cycling, golf, trend sports, wellness days in spa centres, culture tasting, pleasureful vineyard holidays, national parks and farm holidays.