The full Apfelstrudel!
Did you know that 2022 will be the fifty-seventh anniversary of The Sound of Music? I know, doesn’t time fly! Whether it be the endless re-runs at Christmas or a night out, dressed up as a nun in a cult sing-a-long, The Sound of Music has captured and continues to capture the hearts and voices of every generation from across the globe. In 1966, a year after its release, it became the highest-grossing film of all time – a position it held for five years, and today, the von Trapp craze shows no sign of slowing.
With all that in mind and after the gold lamé and platform boots of last year’s ABBA Singing Holiday in Croatia, we thought it might be a good idea to dust off a dirndl and pull on some Lederhosen for a Sound of Music Holiday reboot! So in May 2022, we’re off to climb every mountain and cheer up the odd random lonely goatherd in the beautiful, picturesque and sunny Austrian paradise that is Salzburg!
During your five-night stay, the fabulous Lizzie Deane will be eking out all your inner Julie (or Plummer) to re-create the best von Trapp choir of 2022. Whether you’re sixteen or going on seventy (or beyond), it’s time to say ‘So long’ and ‘Farewell’ to that everyday grind and ‘Hallo und Guten Tag’ to your ‘favourite things’ among some new friends with the very same passion.
Lizzie’s teaching is entertaining, funny and brilliant, so whether you’re pinned to the shower curtain of insecurity or, already out there giving it the full Apfelstrudel, she’s the perfect person to inspire the very best musical performance in you and the group. A three-hour singing workshop each morning will culminate in a spectacular performance by you (and Lizzie) on the final evening.
Staying in simple yet charming accommodation right in the centre, you’ll be literally on the doorstep of all the action. Whether its beer gardens, cafés, museums, river walks or a leisurely stroll through the old town, you’ll be perfectly positioned to take full advantage.
Of course, as well as Dame Julie, Salzburg is famous as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart so, perhaps we’ll also slip in a little musical tribute to the great man himself during your stay.

Salzburg Old Town

San Sebastián Bedroom

San Sebastián Front Door

San Sebastián Platz
Unvarnished simplicity
As with all Singing Holidays, we like to stay in cosy and lovely accommodation. That could be a luxury villa in Sicily, a boutique hotel on the banks of the Grand Canal in Venice or equally a simple hostel. It’s never the stars awarded, or the price asked that determines our choice, but rather the people who run the accommodation and that intangible feeling one gets from just being there. Of course, the position is vital and the thoughtful little details by the host, crucial.
San Sebastián in Salzburg is a perfect example. This is a very simple accommodation, but Petra and all the ladies who work there are so lovely and good at what they do, they make the whole place somewhere special. The rooms are spotless and cosy, the breakfast delicious, and the position – right in the heart of Salzburg – perfect. There’s a wonderful feeling of calm and joy there which can’t be engineered with money, flat-screen TVs or deep-pile carpet. This is simple, unvarnished, honest living that is delightful.
The church of San Sebastián is famous for many reasons, not least the Mozart family who reside in the garden. I say the garden, I mean in the cemetery. So, well within earshot of our lonely goatherd! Lucky them!