Accompanying Persons

Austria´s Queen of Hearts

Graz, Austria´s Queen of Hearts

is Part of World Cultural Heritage

At first glance a clock tower from which one has a wonderful view overlooking the medieval rooftops of the city. At second glance a myriad of gems, mysterious and very Austrian. The world's largest collection of suits of armour, arcaded courtyards, a double spiral staircase, libraries, churches, Mediterranean flair on the squares and Renaissance impressions in the small lanes – a world of wonders to make you want to stay forever!

The 83 very old farmhouses, complete with furnishings, at the Austrian open-air museum are reminiscent of the difficult life in the past. Amidst the antiquated farms that come from various parts of the country the strenuous way of life of their inhabitants can hardly be felt any more. Afterwards, the monks of the oldest Cistercian monastery in the world – Stift Rein – will open their doors for you.

Half day excursion, EUR 31,-- per person (minimum number of participants: 20)

Included Bus transfer, tour guide, admission and guided tour in Stübing and Stift Rein.

Excellent white wines, which are receiving more and more international attention, age in the gentle hills of southern Styria. Wine-tasting and a cellar tour of the 300 year-old wine cellar of the episcopal Seggau-Castle, probably one of the most impressive sights in Styria, will also help you acquire a taste for it. Afterwards, the trip continues along the Wine Route, where the rest of the day is spent in a rustic "Buschenschank", a wine tavern serving its homemade products, enjoying a Styrian "Brettljause", an assorted cold cut platter and a glass of wine.

Full day excursion, EUR 45,-- per person (minimum number of participants: 20)

Included Bus transfer, tour guide, wine-tasting with commentary, guided tour of a pumpkinseed oil mill following by a tasting, stop at a Buschenschank for a Brettljause snack and a glass of wine.

Via Bad Waltersdorf to Bad Blumau: Here in southeastern Styria, known far and wide as the Styrian spa country, the springs bubble and boil underground and hot water comes to the light. And the springs in Blumau, for example, are surrounded by an extraordinary "synthesis of the arts" by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Yet the firewater is certainly not everything the healthy region with lush green hills has to offer: the trip continues from castle to castle.

The fabulous Castle Road runs right through the hilly countryside of eastern Styria to the landmark of the region, Riegersburg. Referred to by the Turks at the time as "the mightiest fortress of Christianity", they impressively stood in solitary splendour on the remains of a 482 m high volcanic mountain.

Other sights: the Renaissance castle Schloss Kornberg. Just as famous is Herberstein Castle. The Florentine Courtyard with its elegant arcades, the arsenal, the magnificent zoo – and the historic rose garden.

Full day excursion, EUR 68,-- per person (minimum number of participants: 20)

Included Bus transfer, tour guide, tour of Blumau, admission and tour of Herberstein and Riegersburg, 3 course lunch.

White Horses, Brightly Coloured Churches and Unique Rosé Wine, Western Styria

Everyone knows them - the famous Lipizzaner horses. Born jet black, these proud, majestic horses are at home here at the stud farm in Piber/Bärnbach. After three years and having turned snow-white, only the best can make their way to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. A visit to the colourful Hunderwasser Church in Bärnbach, redesigned by the artist bearing the same name, is definitely worth the trip. Afterwards you can enjoy the region which is home to the rosé-coloured wine called "Schilcher" and visit the idyllic village of Stainz and its castle.

Half day excursion, EUR 39,-- per person (minimum number of participants: 20)

Included Bus transfer, tour guide, admission and tour in Piber and Bärnbach, Schilcher wine country, stop at a "Buschenschank" (wine tavern selling home-made products) for a "Brettljause" (assorted cold cut platter) and a glass of wine.