Salzburg has been working its magic on visitors for centuries. Mozart was born here, Haydn worked here, and The Sound of Music made its hills famous around the world. Wander the old streets past baroque facades and stone archways and it's easy to imagine a melody drifting from an open window.

To really feel the music, time your visit around one of the city's many concerts or festivals, especially the world-renowned Salzburg Festival each summer. In between performances, climb up to the medieval Hohensalzburg Fortress for sweeping views, step inside the grand Salzburg Cathedral, and settle into a cozy restaurant in the Altstadt (Old Town) for schnitzel and dumplings. Beyond the music, you'll find fairy-tale palaces, manicured gardens and centuries-old fortifications around nearly every corner.

Salzburg pairs beautifully with Vienna, Munich or a Danube river cruise. I'll handle the rail connections, concert tickets and a hotel right in the Old Town so you can spend your time soaking it all in.