Our Sound of Music Adventure
Our Sound of Music Adventure
On our recent trip to Salzburg, Fred, Lucy, and I traded Christmas markets for a day and dove headfirst into the magic of The Sound of Music. Yes, that Sound of Music. The hills were alive, and so were we, singing our hearts out and soaking up the history behind one of the most iconic films of all time. And let me tell you, it was every bit as delightful as you can imagine.
The Tour Company You Choose is Key
Forget the big tour buses—this was an intimate minivan tour, and it made all the difference. We zipped down narrow roads and reached spots the big buses just can’t get to. It felt personal and exclusive, like we were on our own little Von Trapp adventure. Our guide was an absolute gem, sharing fun facts about the movie, the real von Trapp family, and all the behind-the-scenes stories that made the experience come to life.
The Famous Film Sites
First stop? The iconic Mirabell Gardens, where Maria and the kids danced and sang "Do-Re-Mi." Walking those steps and standing by that famous fountain felt surreal. Lucy and I may have twirled (just a little) and sang a few notes, much to Fred's amusement. We also visited Leopoldskron Palace, the backdrop for the von Trapp family home, and gazed across the lake, imagining the children falling out of the boat (don't worry, we stayed dry!). One of my favorite moments? Visiting the gazebo where "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" was filmed. No, we didn't dance around it (but only because it was locked).
Learning the Real Story
Beyond the movie magic, it was fascinating to learn about the real von Trapp family and their true escape story. Spoiler alert: it didn’t involve climbing the Alps (but it’s still an incredible tale of resilience and hope). Our guide shared how Hollywood took some creative liberties, but that didn’t take away from the beauty of the story—or the stunning scenery that framed it.
Singing Along
And yes, we sang. It wouldn’t be a Sound of Music tour without belting out "Edelweiss" and "My Favorite Things" as we drove through the Austrian countryside. A fellow Jolly Holiday Agent's rendition of "Do-Re-Mi" was pitch-perfect, and I couldn't help but hum along to "Climb Ev'ry Mountain."
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Planning This Trip?
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the world of The Sound of Music, this tour is a must. It’s fun, it’s heartwarming, and it offers a unique glimpse into both movie magic and real history. Plus, with the smaller group setting, it felt like a personal adventure through one of Austria's most beautiful landscapes.
And if you're ready to make this dream a reality, give me a call. I'd love to help you plan your own Salzburg adventure—complete with songs, stories, and memories that will last a lifetime. Because sometimes the best way to experience a place is to sing your way through it!
Caitlin.jollyholiday@gmail.com