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Hotel Sacher ice cream cart
in Vienna , Austria
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Linzertorte Vienna has chocolatey Sachertorte , but you can also savour a slice of culinary history in Linz . Dating back to the 17th century , the lesser-known Linzertorte is thought to be the oldest cake named after a city . Topped by a lattice of golden pastry , it ’ s made with ground nuts , with a redcurrant jam filling . |
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Artstetten Castle . Topped with distinctive onion-domed towers , it ’ s the tranquil final resting place of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophie , Duchess of Hohenberg , whose assassinations in 1914 helped to spark the First World War .
Next up is the breathtaking 25-mile UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley . It ’ s arguably the most beautiful stretch of the Danube , lined with vineyards , apricot orchards and historic buildings , so be sure to be out on the sun deck to take in the panoramic views .
Take a photo of Dürnstein ’ s pastel blue and white Augustinian abbey and walk through the old fortified gate at the eastern end of town . It leads to the quaint Hauptstrasse , a street filled with small shops . To stretch your legs a bit more , hike to the ruins of the 12th-century castle where England ’ s King Richard I — Richard the Lionheart — was imprisoned .
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VIENNA
The elegant Austrian capital is brimming with impressive buildings such as the Hofburg , one of the world ’ s biggest palaces . For seven centuries , the great Habsburg Empire was ruled from this vast palace , where there are tours of the sumptuous private rooms and state apartments . In the centre of Vienna , the landmark St . Stephen ’ s Cathedral is one of Austria ’ s finest Gothic buildings — it ’ s definitely worth climbing the 343 steps of the south tower for panoramic views over the cityscape . From here you can walk to the Spanish Riding School where the ‘ dancing ’ white stallions — which are actually born black — are put through their paces during morning exercise sessions held in the grand chandeliered school . Tickets for afternoon stable tours , as well as special performances , are available to purchase .
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Pralines Tempting chocolate pralines have been produced in Passau for more than 200 years and confectioners still make them by hand . Ingredients include caramelised almonds and plump apricots , grown in orchards by the Danube and soaked in liqueur . Some are decorated with edible gold leaf .
Goulash Hungary ’ s hearty and warming national dish was first cooked by shepherds and herdsmen . Visitors are often surprised to find the paprika-seasoned dish of slow-cooked beef and vegetables resembles soup . If you prefer a stew , order székelygulyás which is made with added sauerkraut and a thicker sauce .
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images : awl images ; alamy |
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60 • pos t c a rds |