DMZ Tour

Seoul, Korea

Estimated length: 6 hours

It seemed that a day trip to the DMZ (demilitarized zone) was a popular activity amongst my friends, so I looked into it also.  It is definitely good for a little something something outside of the city and learning more about the Korean War.  This trip can be done as a half day, giving you time to do something else in the afternoon.

A guided tour is required.  I did my research on this and found the ST6 Tour from Star Travel was the least expensive tour I could find and offered the same sites as the other tour operations.  As I understand it, it will be easier for you to visit the DMZ on a tour.  I think you can go on your own, but it might be difficult to manage.  I went on a tour and it was easier that way.

Imjingak Park

Freedom Bridge

Dora Observatory

"When the Trans-Korea Railway (TKR), the Trans-Siberia Railway (TSR), and the Trans-China Railway (TCR) are connected in the future, Dorasan Station promises to emerge as the starting point of the transcontinental railroad."

Dorasan Station

Inside Dorasan Station

The Sound Of Music Tour

Salzburg, Austria
Estimated Length: 4 hours

Taking a guided coach tour is a good way to see the sights filmed during The Sound Of Music if you don't have a car.  The tour goes up into the mountains and gives you a chance to see parts of the Salzkammergut that's not easily accessible by foot or public transportation.  There are a few tour companies, but I chose Panorama Tours as it was highly recommended.

Our first stop was Leopoldskron, the location of the home of the von Trapp family.  It is in reality a private residence so this was as close as we could get to the house.
 

Leopoldskron

The mountain where the opening scene was filmed

Then we headed southward to Hellbrunn to see the pavilion that was in the film.  The sign next to it read:

This pavilion was used in 1964 in a scene in the film "The Sound of Music," which described the fate of the von Trapp family. In the main roles: Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. Director: Robert Wise. The scene was played here to the song: Sixteen Going On Seventeen.

At the end of filming the pavilion was presented to the city of Salzburg as a gift. In 1991 the city council decided to restore it and to show it publicly in the Hellbrunn Palace Park.

The Pavilion

The next stops were the most amazing of all.  The bus drove outside of Salzburg, up into the mountains to the Salzkammergut lake district where I saw some of the most beautiful scenery on this trip.  As the drive is a little long, the tour guide plays music from the soundtrack during the ride.

Lake Fuschl

 

Mondsee Cathedral, where Maria and the Baron got married

Mondsee

The tour ended at Mirabell Gardens.  This is the location where the von Trapp family danced and sang all around.  See if you recognize this location in the photo below.

Mirabell Gardens