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John Staggs

Los Angeles, CA

Austria Travel Agent Expert

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey to Austria, the land of illustrious composers, breathtaking alpine vistas, and architectural marvels that span centuries. This central European gem offers a symphony of experiences that resonate with history buff...
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Embark on an awe-inspiring journey to Austria, the land of illustrious composers, breathtaking alpine vistas, and architectural marvels that span centuries. This central European gem offers a symphony of experiences that resonate with history buffs, nature lovers, and cultural aficionados alike.Vienna: A Dance with History and CultureVienna, the capital city, stands as a proud testament to Austria’s imperial past and resplendent arts scene. Roam the grandiose halls of Schönbrunn Palace, embrace the opulence at Belvedere Palace, or capture the intricate details of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Music enthusiasts can revel in the melodies of the Vienna State Opera, where conducting greats have etched musical history.Salzburg: The Hills are Alive with CharmIn Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace, baroque architecture lines the streets and the air is filled with the echoes of The Sound of Music. Traverse the Hohensalzburg Fortress for a panoramic view of the city, or stroll through the Mirabell Gardens, capturing snapshots of the opulent flora and whimsical sculptures.Innsbruck: Winter Sports and Imperial EleganceInnsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, seduces with its unique blend of snow-capped mountains and glorious imperial structures. In winter, it transforms into a haven for skiers and snowboarders. Queen Maria Theresa's influence beams from the Golden Roof and Hofburg Palace, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the Habsburg dynasty.The Austrian Alps: Nature’s MasterpieceNo trip to Austria is complete without experiencing the sheer magnificence of the Austrian Alps. Take a soul-stirring hike in Zell am See, embark on a scenic drive through Grossglockner High Alpine Road, or relish the pristine waters of Lake Hallstatt. The alps are more than just a geographical feature—they are the canvas of Austria's incredible natural beauty.Culinary Delights & Delicate WinesAustrian cuisine boasts heartwarming dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel, and Sachertorte. Couple these with a glass of Grüner Veltliner or Blaufränkisch wine, celebrating the flavors that make Austrian gastronomy a feast for the senses.Enrich Your Austrian Adventure With me, dive deeper into Austria’s offerings—from attending the Salzburg Festival to exploring the lush vineyards of Styria. Let us create a customized itinerary that reflects Austria’s signature blend of traditional charm and modern elegance.

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Italy Travel Agent Specialist

I’m your go-to travel agent advisor for Italy - for good reason. It’s a place that is full of history and culture - a place of which dream vacations are made of. Italy is a country that is renowned for its ancient buildings, breathtaking landscapes, and mouth-watering cuisine. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to narrow down the list of places to visit. Luckily, I can help you with your travel plans. From the iconic Colosseum and Leaning Tower of Pisa to the picturesque Cinque Terre and Isola Bella, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Prepare to be enchanted and inspired by the beauty and history that Italy offers. Get ready to explore the majestic ruins, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities that make up this incredible country.  So, without further ado, let's dive into some of the must-see attractions you’ll want to include on your travel itinerary. The Colosseum in Rome With its impressive architecture, the ancient Colosseum in Rome is one of the top must-see attractions in Italy. With amazing structural elements such as the arches, columns, and vaults, the Colosseum is an architectural gem and masterpiece.  Built in 72 AD, during the Roman Empire, the Colosseum is one of the most significant buildings in all of Italy. With a capacity of 50,000 people, the Colosseum was not only a place for entertaining crowds but also a place of political and religious significance.  Exploring the area around the Colosseum is also an unforgettable experience. The Leaning Tower of Pisa The Leaning Tower of Pisa deserves a place on this list if only to highlight how far the city has come since the tower was built. Despite its famous leaning reputation, the tower is actually quite sturdy and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. This world-famous monument is located in Tuscany. Construction began in 1173 and took 200 years.  The bell tower is also described in Mark Twain’s travel journal, The Innocents Abroad, published in 1869. At that time, visitors could simply climb the tower. They did not need a ticket to get inside. You can access the tower by taking a train from Florence, preferably in the morning before the crowds assemble at the site. This starts happening around 10:00 am and continues until about 2:00 pm in the afternoon. Once you get inside the tower with your admission ticket, you only have 30 minutes to spend inside. Also, only 45 people are allowed in the tower at a time. St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City This 16th-century church is the seat of the Roman Catholic religion and is located in Vatican City. Home to many historical and architecturally significant features, the basilica is one of the top attractions in Italy.  With its beautiful and ornate design, you will not only be inspired but mesmerized. The building, which was designed by Carolo Maderna, Donato Bramante, and Michelangelo, was built in 1506 in the Renaissance style. The Amalfi CoastPacked with stunning buildings, gorgeous landscapes, and delicious cuisine, this place is loved by both visitors and locals alike. From the postcard perfect coastal towns and gardens to the photogenic cliff paths, you’ll find this place like no other.  Explore the region by boat, climb the surrounding hills, or sign up for a tour along the coast.  Isola Bella in Sicily A must-see in Italy, the “beautiful island” or  Isola Bella is a relaxing and refreshing getaway. Sitting on Lake Maggiore in Northern Italy, it is close to the town of Stresa. Visit it by ferry or boat. You can take a hop-on and hop-off vessel when visiting the island. Castel del Monte The Italian castle is located on a hillside in the Apulia region of southeastern Italy. King Frederick II built the elaborate structure during the 1240s. The king inherited the lands of the area from his mother, Constance of Sicily. Ponte Vecchio in FlorenceFlorence, known for its Arno River, is also the home of the famous Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone arched bridge. It was the only bridge not destroyed during World War II. Shops line the bridge - once a common practice when designing bridges in Italy. Mount Etna and Catania in SicilyAlso known as Mongibello, Mount Etna is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The monitored volcano is known for its firework-type eruptions and flows of lava. Its height is 3,352 meters, or almost 11,000 feet tall. You can see it from the east coast of Sicily. It is located close to the city and commercial hub of Catania, which sits at the foot of the mountain.  Visit Catania’s central square, PIazza del Duomo with its delightful Fontana dell’Elefante statue and lovely Catania Cathedral, La Pischeria, a fish market open weekdays, is a great place to enjoy seafood and watch the activity. The above attractions offer just a hint of what you can see when you visit Italy. Italy is full of wonders - wonders that you can visit over a lifetime. Let me be your travel agent advisor. Call me for all the details now.