Fans around the world celebrate this year the 50th anniversary of 'The Sound of Music'. Originally released in 1965, the story of the former-nun-turned-governess for the children of a wealthy widower only to have their happy lives changed by the Nazi invasion into Austria has now become a cultural phenomenon.

If the film has captured your imagination and you are planning a holiday this summer to take in Austria's spectacular scenery, European activity holiday specialists UTracks and Sherpa Expeditions run a number of trips…

At handlebar level… Salzburg to Vienna Cycle
From Mozart's birthplace, Salzburg, to the Austrian capital, Vienna, the city where he achieved fame, cycle through Austria's spectacular landscapes and trace the legacies of one of the classical era's most influential composers (Mozart composed from the age of five and at 17 he was already engaged as a court musician). While in Salzburg, kick off your trip by visiting some of the stunning locations that featured in the much loved film such as Mondsee, famous for being the location of the church where the wedding scene takes place.
www.utracks.com/index.php?section=trips&id=199110
• Salzburg to Vienna Cycle with UTracks (8 days) departs March-October, from £830 per person, including bike hire

The 'adventure' option… Innsbruck to Salzburg Hike & Bike
High above the ski resorts of Innsbruck, the Austrian Alps lend themselves to mountain hiking whilst the valleys connecting alpine towns en route to the 'Sound of Music' town of Salzburg, where much of the movie was shot, are ideal for cycling. This 10-day trip combines both activities to ensure you get the most out of this scenic region, from hiking to one of the highest waterfalls in Europe and passing tiny ski villages to taking a guided tour of the Moserboden dam or visiting old salt mines and beer breweries.
www.utracks.com/index.php?section=trips&id=1686865
• Innsbruck to Salzburg Hike & Bike with UTracks (10 days) departs June-September, from £1,150 per person, including bike hire

Grab your hiking boots… The Austrian Lake District
Inspired by the film's mountain landscapes? Towering peaks, high mountain passes, alpine meadows and lakeside walks are all combined in the heart of Austria's Lake District, a surprisingly compact area that encompasses 76 crystal clear lakes, the impressive Dachstein Glacier and breathtaking rock faces up to 3,000 vertical metres high. Wander through mountain forests and alongside glimmering lakeland shores as you explore alpine villages of wooden chalets decorated with colourful window boxes.
www.sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk/tours/inntoinn/jhdrc.asp
• The Austrian Lake District with Sherpa Expeditions (8 days) departs June-October, from £690 per person

New for families… Cycle Linz to Vienna
Recapture the romantic atmosphere of the classic film as you follow the winding route of the mighty Danube, cycling past castles, Benedictine monasteries and ancestral vineyards en route to grand Vienna. Over five days the dedicated cycle path takes you across the fertile plains of the picturesque Wachau Valley, where vineyards climb the slopes to imposing medieval monasteries perched atop the hills. This family friendly itinerary starts at Linz, where you can treat your children to a slice of Linzer torte, the oldest cake in the world – the first recipe dates from 1653!
www.utracks.com/index.php?section=trips&id=1945617
• Cycle Linz to Vienna [NEW FOR 2015] with UTracks (5 days) departs March-October, from £520 per person, including bike hire

For more information and booking please contact UTracks (www.UTracks.com, 0845 241 7599) and Sherpa Expeditions (www.sherpaexpeditions.com, 0800 008 7741).

Quoted prices are inclusive of accommodation, most meals, experienced guides, luggage transfers between hotels (where applicable) and clear maps with images. Flights from the UK are not included but can be booked on request.

-Ends-

Notes for editors:
• European activity holiday specialists UTracks and Sherpa Expeditions are a division of World Expeditions, an independently owned and a truly global company, with nine offices around the world, including London, Sydney and Montreal.
• Covering over 25 countries, more than 250 stand-alone, off the beaten track itineraries are available across the UK and Europe, from short four-day breaks to longer two-week trips.
• Whether escorted or self-guided, on foot or by bike, holidays range from introductory to challenging level, with a selection of family friendly itineraries, boat or barge based journeys and snowshoeing adventures also on offer.

For high res images and PR/media enquiries:
World Expeditions | UTracks | Sherpa Expeditions
020 8875 5060
Tom Panagos pr@worldexpeditions.co.uk
Gordon Steer gordon@worldexpeditions.co.uk
Tali Emdin tali@sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk