Austria

A sing-a-long Sound of Music tour in the picturesque Austrian town of Innsbruck usually ranks among visitors' favourite things to do.The day invariably commences with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside where the opening credits to the 1965 Julie Andrews classic were filmed.From there film fans can expect briefs on historical and architectural landmarks in the city itself, which were also used in the movie.Among these are Mirabell Gardens (the backdrop of Do-Re-Mi), Leopoldskron Castle (the facade featured as the Von Trapp family home) and the romantic glass pavilion of Hellbrun Castle.Nonnberg Abbey is another popular stop-off point. As well as being the oldest convent in the German speaking part of Europe, it was also used for a string of convent scenes in The Sound of Music.For more film fun in Europe head to London's Prince Charles Cinema before December for special karaoke screenings of the motion picture.

As festival venues go, it is hard to beat Vienna's autumn music extravaganza hosted across a string of pretty islands on the River Danube.The free event takes place between September 5th and 7th this year and is expected to attract thousands of revellers over the 19 islands and 16 stages.First established in 1984, the festival has since burgeoned to become one of the most popular in Austria and regularly attracts world-famous artists.This year they include Liverpool indie band the Wombats and acclaimed DJ Pete Tong.As well as the music, local chefs are on hand to provide tasty national delicacies, while children will be kept entertained with a separate programme aimed exclusively at younger audiences.For more island music, return later in the month for a performance by queen of pop Madonna on September 23rd. Tickets are still available for the show, which forms part of her 2008 Sticky and Sweet tour.

Travel News brought to you by Eurobookings, the experts in cheap hotel bookings for all major European cities including Linz.Linz hosts 11 food and farmers markets, a weekly flea market, two Christmas markets and the famous Urfahraner markets.The Urfahraner markets are the most traditional twice-yearly events, dating back 190 years.Spring's Urfahraner Market sets the tone for the autumn experience in Linz, which takes place this year from September 27th to October 5th.The left bank of the Danube hosts goods of all kinds from sewing needles to furniture, and building materials to vehicles.Entertainment is also put on alongside a fun fair. There's also plenty of food and a fireworks show to kick things off.Linz also runs the Main Square City Market every Tuesday and Friday from 14.00, local time and the South Train Station Market every Saturday, which is broadcast on Austrian television.The flea market is held every Saturday, and from December 24th, look out for the special Christmas stalls in the Main Square and Volksgarten.©CopyrightReady for the holidays? Browse cheap hotels in Linz.

Travel News brought to you by Eurobookings, the experts in cheap hotel bookings for all major European cities including Linz.Take a look into the future of art and science at the Ars Electronic Festival - which has gleaned 3,000 entries from 62 countries around the world.This global event takes place in the Austrian city of Linz from September 4th to 9th this year.Media artists showcase their work in the celebrated CyberArt competition in sections such as Net Vision/Net Excellence, Interactive Art, Computer Animation/Visual Effects, Digital Musics and cybergeneration-u19 (for 18-year-olds and younger).Contestants in each category will compete for the Golden Nica prize, which is accompanied by a cheque for €10,000 (£7,860). The theme for this year's Ars Electronic Festival is: a new cultural economy, the limits of intellectual property, which will be discussed in international forums.Also featuring at this year's show is an exhibition by Linz Art University, a stunt-flying robot and interactive workshop.The event kicks off with a spectacular journey up a 539-metre high hill above the left bank of the Danube, known as the Postlingberg, to watch the sunset.©CopyrightReady for the holidays? Browse cheap hotels in Linz.