Italy Travel Photos Italy

Italy (attitude Travel) Advice, Photos and Resources for Independent Travel Home > Italy attitude Travel Questions on Highlights of Travel Advice Background on Getting to Getting around Where to stay in Where to go in Culture Shock! Journals from Photos of Books about Resources for Maps of Language of Websites about Austria Belgium Bosnia Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Georgia Germany Greece Hungary Italy Japan Latvia Lithuania Malaysia Montenegro Morocco Netherlands Norway Poland Russia Serbia Singapore Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand Turkey Uzbekistan Italy Home Considering Italy Italy Travel Photos Italy Bookshop Getting to Italy Consular Travel Advice UK US AUS CAN Travelling in Italy Mediterranean attitude Travel Italy is a resource for independent travellers in Italy and a space for travellers to share original writing & photos Article Index Your questions! Travel Centre Bookshop Trevi Fountain (more travel photos...) Trevi Fountain (more travel photos...) attitudetravel.com SiteSearch Italy Profile Country Profile UK Foreign Office Italy Briefing The Economist Italy Profile BBC News Background Notes US State Dept Cheap Hotel Rooms in Rome Holiday Insurance from InsureandGo Car Hire Italy from carhire.co.uk Find cheap plane tickets on Yahoo! Travel Free Ranking and URL submission at siteranking.com Italy is home to such a staggering amount of monumentally significant culture and history, it's a little difficult to get your head around it. More maps... In two and a half thousand years, three great cultural waves - the Roman Empire, the Catholic Church and the Renaissance - have swept out of Italy to reform the outlook of European peoples. So fair to assume that even half a lifetime of travel and exploration on this Mediterranean peninsula, would scarcely be enough to uncover all the country has to offer. Like Greece , the Aegean coast of Turkey and the Dalmatian coast of Croatia , Italy is something of a vast open-air museum with thousands of ruins from classical antiquity. But essentially, that's only an early historical sideshow to later architectural and civic triumphs: Byzantine temples, mediaeval castles, gothic churches... the foundation of the Republics of Venice, Florence, Genoa... Rennaisance art and architecture... and the scientific and cultural legacies of Galileo, da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Dante, Macchiavelli, Verde, Puccini and a seemingly endless list of other Italian illuminaries. Professional Sites Click this icon to read a review of the website Go to Roma E-Partners Guide to hotels, apartments, and walking tours in Rome. Also includes travel information. Rome Hotels E-Partners Guide to hotels in Rome Hotel Europa Island of Ischia Link to us on your site: Open source Italy travel guide Click above for details The island of Ischia © Sandro Buono, Ischia, March 2003 (from an original piece by Geppino Salemme & Franco Longobardo) The most beautiful and largest island in the Gulf of Naples , Ischia is one of the most famous coastalspas of Italy. The ancient Romans called it Pitecusae Aenaria Inarime Arime Iscla . Today, the island of Ischia is renowned for its unparallelled natural beauty, for its mild climate all year round and its thermal waters. More books... Approaching the island across the sea from the mainland, Ischia rises from the water like a vision - as though it were a large vessel adorned for a feast, where the sides, decks, portholes, shrouds, masts and other accoutrements are all decorated in green. Even the peaks of the smallest rocks along the coastline are covered in rich vegetation. Ischia's verdure can even be found in the stones - for example, the famous green tufa found in the Forio area, whose stones make up the beautiful and unique parracine (dry stone walls) which punctuate the vineyards' thick green expanses. The greenery does not hide the natural beauty of the lay of the land. Ischia has a very varied landscape, including mountains, isolated hills, majestic promontories, slopes, plains, and brows of hills, all of which can easily be seen from the magnificent terrace of the soccorso in Forio from which the incredible beauty of [ article continues... ] Sandro & Raffaele Buono, represent Ischia's Hotel Europa , providing hospitality and organised trips to the island's vineyards, wine cellars and marine surroundings. Travel Articles on Italy The island of Ischia Article by Sandro Buono (from an original piece by Geppino Salemme & Franco Longobardo) © 1997-2003 attitude Travel A r o u n i n m e d i a publication Independent Sites Click this icon to read a review of the website Island of Ischia WebCam Austria | Belgium | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Bulgaria | Croatia | Czech Republic | Denmark | Estonia | Finland | France Georgia | Germany | Greece | Hungary | Italy | Japan | Latvia | Lithuania | Malaysia | Morocco | Netherlands | Norway | Poland Russia | Serbia & Montenegro | Singapore | Slovenia | Spain | Sweden | Switzerland | Thailand | Turkey | Uzbekistan home | free backgrounds | bookshop | travel centre | features | travellers' cafe

Switzerland Travel

Switzerland.....the land of aching muscles Switzerland......the land ofaching muscles! Join the Budget Travel Mailing List Disclaimer : This travelogue is based on my travel experience in 1995. Things have changed since I've been there. I write this only to let you know of MY experiences. We are all different, so what I observe and experience may be different for you. Please do not take everything I say too seriously or take offence at my opinions or observations. I do not pretend to be a professional travel writer or to know this destination extremely well. Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Getting Around Without a doubt the best way toget around Switzerland is by train - it is fast, convenient and every place isaccessible. If you plan on doing a moderate amount of train travel, I wouldrecommend that prior to arriving in Switzerland, you purchase the Swiss Card. Withthis card, you will receive 1 free transfer from any Swiss airport or border town to anycity or town in Switzerland + 1 free transfer from any Swiss city or town to any Swissairport or border town + 50% off all other rail, steamboat, bus and mountain excursions. Thesavings really add up. Depending on how you use your free transfers, the card may payfor itself right there. In Canada the pass costs approx. CA$ 160. In the US, it costsapprox. US$ 116. Links: Rail Europe or Swiss Bahn sites formore details. Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Geneva What to see and do: Geneva is a charming world class city withlots to offer travellers looking for history, architecture, shopping, and a lot more.Located on Lake Geneva, the city has been said to be the most peaceful in the world. It isno wonder when institutions like the Red Cross and League of Nations were born in Geneva.The city is home to the United Nations. Sights you may want to take in include: the St.Pierre Cathedral, the UN building, the Jet d'eau on Lake Geneva, and the Jardin Anglaiswhich has a huge clock made out of flowers and a fountain which is popular with the kidson a hot day. If you are there during the summer and don't feel like frolicking with thekids in the fountain there is a beach which, I gather from the lack of visible swimwear,is a nude beach. Walking around the old part of the city is interesting and veryenjoyable. Where to stay: Although there are quite a few youth hostels and budgetaccommodations (budget in Swiss terms), sometimes cheap people like me just stay at theairport. Links: The Budget Traveller's Guide to Sleeping inAirports Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Interlaken What to see and do: I could write a bookabout things to see and do in and around Interlaken. The options are really just too much.I spent a week in Interlaken and I still did not see or do everything. Things to see intown include the Casino (have to be 21 years of age - if you still look 16 like me,you will be carded) There are also bars and restaurants. Apparently there is a bowlingalley somewhere in town for you wild and crazy party-animals. The Berner Oberland (Switzerland actually) is a hikers dream. There are many signedpaths to follow. No matter where you are in the mountains, you can easily find your wayback. Here are just a few of the activities that I suggest: Since Interlaken is located in the middle of two lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, cruises are available. The Lake Brienz, the cleanest lake in Europe, is much more scenic than Thun, which has high cliffs and a few waterfalls. A round trip ticket in the Lake Thun costs SFR 22 (14 with Swiss Card). You can off as many times as you want. Hike from Lauterbrunnen up to Kleine Schedeige. I did it the other way around and it was really just too steep for anybody to go down. HIKING UP IS ALWAYS EASIER THAN COMING DOWN! The Trummelbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen is a waste of money. I think I paid SFR 10 to see the inside of the falls. There is no tour, all you are paying for is the privilege of seeing this. On the Lake Thun, the Beatushlen prehistoric caves has stalactites, waterfalls and an ancient cell of the St. Beatus monk. This is a good trip for a rainy day. From here you can hike along a path to the next village or town that proves to be interesting. Oberhofen has a huge castle-like place. I am not sure if there are tours or if people just like to take pictures of it. Take the steam boat from Interlaken to Iselwelt (SRF 5.20 or 2.60 with Swiss Card). Get off at Iselwelt and walk to Geissbach Falls. This is not a challenging walk, but is more leisurely. When you arrive at the foot of the falls, you will have the option of taking a cable car higher up or hiking up. Hike up!! The cable car is for lazy people. When you arrive at the hotel you will see that you have not made it to the top of the falls yet. Keep going. There are paths that meander through the falls. The Geissbach Falls are impressive! Where to stay: Although Balmer's Herberge is said to be one of the best hostels in Europe, that is really a personal choice. If you do not mind sharing two bathrooms with 50 other people, sharing your room with 50 other people and climbing three beds up to get to your bed on the top bunk, then Balmer's will make you very happy. If you are a light sleeper, there is no way you will be able to sleep with the constant chatter of drunk young backpackers wandering in at all hours of the night. In short, Balmer's is a PARTY hostel. Depending on when you go, the average guest age could very well be 18. Even if you stay somewhere else, you will probably return to Balmers several times during your stay. There is a store that sells everything you may need (not including groceries), a mini bar/restaurant for alcoholics, currency exchange and many day tours can be arranged. There are double rooms, but you have to be there early in the morning to grab those ones. After one sleepless night at Balmers, I stayed at the Hotel Beyeler/Heidi's Hostel. Don't ask me why it has two names. The owner told me that many Balmers refugees come to this place. It is not fancy, but it is an affordable roof over your head. The cheap travellers room is on the third floor and has three beds. If you get the single bed near the window, you better have extra blankets, because the window sometimes blows open and the cold mountain air may kill you. The room has a sink and there is a shared washroom in the hall. Oh, one more tip about this place. Bring your own WD-40. The door to this room is very loud!!! If you are travelling solo don't want to stay couped up in your room alone, let the owner know that you are willing to share if any other people are looking for a roommate. If anyone comes along, she will accommodate everybody. I don't think you will save any money, but it is good company. My roomies were one of the highlights of my trip. Contact: Heidi's Garni/Hotel Beyeler - 37 Bernastr (tel. 229 030) or if you are desparate, Balmer's Herberge 23-25 Hauptstr (tel 221 961). Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Grindelwald What to see and do: Grindelwald is smaller than Interlaken and not so infested with tourists. There is a lot to keep you busy for a few days at least. From town you can hike to the Upper Glacier or the Glacier Gorge. The hike to up to the top of the Upper Glacier is very challenging. No matter how fit you claim to be, you will be huffing and puffing a few times at least. And if you have big feet, it will probably take you twice as long to get to the top. The stairs are painfully narrow and small. I did the hike up First Mountain twice (once from Bort and the second from Grindelwald). The part from Grindelwald is very steep and tiring, so bring lots of water with you. To avoid the steep part, take the chair lift (the longest in Europe) to Bort, get off and hike up the rest of the way. The fresh air is revitalizing!!! Depending on the time of year you go, there might be snow at the top and lots of it. Here is the recipe to make your own slushie: take some hard fruit-flavoured candy with you, grab some snow (that is not yellow) and place both in your mouth. Yummy!!! When you get to the top, you will have a magnificent view of Eiger, Jungfrau and Mnch. Take one of those disposable panoramic cameras and snap away. If you think you are hearing a thunder storm approaching, it is just an avalanche. If the sound is more distant, you can probably turn around and see the avalanche on the other side of the valley. If it sounds really close, then I am afraid that you will be a fair bit of trouble!!! Where to stay: Lehmann's Herberge is a real Swiss chalet-like lodge. Rooms are wooden with red curtains, have nice, warm comforters, and a shared washroom for every two units. The washrooms are modern and have hot water. Many rooms overlook a valley, while a few others overlook a road. Lehmann's is VERY COMFORTABLE right off one of the main roads in town. 25-35 SFR per night - breakfast is included. There are some other youth hostels, but for comfort Lehmann's is the place to go! Contact: Lehmann's Herberge (tel. 531 141). The woman that runs the hostel does speak English. Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Costs You probably know that Switzerland is a very expensive place to visit. Here are a few extra tips when planning your Swiss vacation: When looking for accommodations it will cost you an extra bundle for a private washroom. Unless you are staying at a really nice hotel, most lower end hotels have a couple of shared washrooms per floor. Showers usually cost extra. Food is very expensive. I am from Canada and the cost of a loaf of bread was a shocking SFR 3.10. Four bananas cost SFR 2.05 and 6 pack of pop cost SFR 5.10. Luckily, I brought my own peanut butter and ate A LOT of peanut butter sandwiches!!! Transportation is reasonably priced if you have a Swiss Card, Pass or Eurail Card. And things like postcards aren't too bad in price! Clothing is expensive. A movie costs SFR 13. Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Hiking Unless you hike often and are use to the strain of hiking up/down steep mountains, start off easy. I ruined the whole trip for myself by starting big. The result was that I could barely walk for a few days and I had to put plastic Pepsi bottles full of HOT water on my legs at night. Although I was able to do some great hiking, I could have done more if I didn't start of thinking I was superwoman. This is not to say that I do not exercise at all, because I do everyday. I just don't hike up and down mountains everyday. Please sign my guest book! [ HOME ] This travelogue is based on the travel experiences of Donna McSherry

Cheap Travel

Orbitz: Airline Tickets, Hotels, Car Rentals, Travel Deals Your pop-up blocker is preventing you from viewing this content. Override the program by holding the Control key while clicking the link. Welcome to Orbitz. Sign in Register now Site feedback Flight only Hotel only Car only Flight + Hotel Hotel + Car Flight + Hotel + Car Book together and save $174 on average From City name or airport code To City name or airport code Leave Anytime 12a-9a 6a-noon 10a-2p noon-5p 4-8p 6p-12a 1 am 2 am 3 am 4 am 5 am 6 am 7 am 8 am 9 am 10 am 11 am Noon 1 pm 2 pm 3 pm 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm Midnight Return Anytime 12a-9a 6a-noon 10a-2p noon-5p 4-8p 6p-12a 1 am 2 am 3 am 4 am 5 am 6 am 7 am 8 am 9 am 10 am 11 am Noon 1 pm 2 pm 3 pm 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm Midnight Travelers (Children or seniors?) (up to 9) Adult (18-64) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Find Flights Find Flight + Hotel Expand search options (Multi-city, non-stops, preferred airlines, etc.) One-way | Flexible dates OR Search by address (US and Canada) Search by city, point of interest or airport code Where City, point of interest or airport code Address or intersection City State / Province Select a state/province Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Alberta British Columbia Manitoba New Brunswick Newfoundland Northwest Territories Nova Scotia Nunavut Territory Ontario Prince Edward Island Quebec Saskatchewan Yukon Territory Zip / Postal code Check-in Check-out Guests 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total guests in all rooms Rooms 1 2 Need 5+ rooms? (US and Canada) Find Expand search options (Hotel Chain, specific hotel name, amenities, star rating, promotion code, etc.) Airport City / point of interest Address (US and Canada) Pick-up City name or airport code Drop-off City name or airport code Pick-up City name or airport code Please note: pick-up and drop-off are at the same location. Address or intersection City State / Province Select a state/province Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Alberta British Columbia Manitoba New Brunswick Newfoundland Northwest Territories Nova Scotia Nunavut Territory Ontario Prince Edward Island Quebec Saskatchewan Yukon Territory Zip / Postal code Please note: pick-up and drop-off are at the same location. Pick-up 1 am 2 am 3 am 4 am 5 am 6 am 7 am 7:30 am 8 am 8:30 am 9 am 9:30 am 10 am 10:30 am 11 am 11:30 am noon 12:30 pm 1 pm 1:30 pm 2 pm 2:30 pm 3 pm 3:30 pm 4 pm 4:30 pm 5 pm 5:30 pm 6 pm 6:30 pm 7 pm 7:30 pm 8 pm 8:30 pm 9 pm 9:30 pm 10 pm 10:30 pm 11 pm 11:30 pm Drop-off 1 am 2 am 3 am 4 am 5 am 6 am 7 am 7:30 am 8 am 8:30 am 9 am 9:30 am 10 am 10:30 am 11 am 11:30 am noon 12:30 pm 1 pm 1:30 pm 2 pm 2:30 pm 3 pm 3:30 pm 4 pm 4:30 pm 5 pm 5:30 pm 6 pm 6:30 pm 7 pm 7:30 pm 8 pm 8:30 pm 9 pm 9:30 pm 10 pm 10:30 pm 11 pm 11:30 pm Driver's Age (at time of rental) 25+ 21-24 Find Expand search options (Automatic/manual transmission, discounts, air conditioning, etc.) From City name or airport code To City name or airport code Leave Anytime 12a-9a 6a-noon 10a-2p noon-5p 4-8p 6p-12a 1 am 2 am 3 am 4 am 5 am 6 am 7 am 8 am 9 am 10 am 11 am Noon 1 pm 2 pm 3 pm 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm Midnight Return Anytime 12a-9a 6a-noon 10a-2p noon-5p 4-8p 6p-12a 1 am 2 am 3 am 4 am 5 am 6 am 7 am 8 am 9 am 10 am 11 am Noon 1 pm 2 pm 3 pm 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm Midnight Rooms 1 Travelers (up to 4) Adult (18+) 1 2 3 4 Child (0-17) 0 1 2 3 Age of children at time of travel Child 1 -- Under 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Infant in lap Infant in seat Child 2 -- Under 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Infant in lap Infant in seat Child 3 -- Under 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Infant in lap Infant in seat Find Book online or call 1-877-672-4893 Where City, point of interest or airport code Please note: pick-up and drop-off are at the same location. Hotel check-in Car pick-up 1 am 2 am 3 am 4 am 5 am 6 am 7 am 8 am 9 am 10 am 11 am noon 1 pm 2 pm 3 pm 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm 11:30 pm Hotel check-out Car drop-off 1 am 2 am 3 am 4 am 5 am 6 am 7 am 8 am 9 am 10 am 11 am noon 1 pm 2 pm 3 pm 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm 11:30 pm Guests 1 2 3 4 Rooms 1 Find Book online or call 1-877-672-4893 From City name or airport code To City name or airport code Leave Anytime 12a-9a 6a-noon 10a-2p noon-5p 4-8p 6p-12a 1 am 2 am 3 am 4 am 5 am 6 am 7 am 8 am 9 am 10 am 11 am Noon 1 pm 2 pm 3 pm 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm Midnight Return Anytime 12a-9a 6a-noon 10a-2p noon-5p 4-8p 6p-12a 1 am 2 am 3 am 4 am 5 am 6 am 7 am 8 am 9 am 10 am 11 am Noon 1 pm 2 pm 3 pm 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm Midnight Rooms 1 Travelers (up to 4) Adult (18+) 1 2 3 4 Child (0-17) 0 1 2 3 Age of children at time of travel Child 1 -- Under 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Infant in lap Infant in seat Child 2 -- Under 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Infant in lap Infant in seat Child 3 -- Under 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Infant in lap Infant in seat Find Book online or call 1-877-672-4893 Holiday Travel Resources: Get the latest on U.S. airport delays Advice for packing and airport security View, print or e-mail your itinerary Explore destinations & interests More Asia Pacific Florida Europe Romance Golf Gay & Lesbian More featured deals View all deals From* Carnival Cruise Lines Great Deals! $239 * Some taxes, fees additional. Learn more Access top Orbitz deals instantly Learn more My Trips | My Account | Flight status | Site map | Contact Us | Site feedback | About Orbitz | Corporate Travel Solutions | Advertise on Orbitz Become an affiliate | Careers | Media | Low Fare Promise | Low Price Guarantee | Terms and conditions | Your Privacy Rights Flights | Hotels | Car Rental | Vacation Packages | Travel Deals | Travel Guides | Cruises Add Orbitz RSS feeds Orbitz guards your privacy and security. We're certified by TRUSTe and Verisign. © 2001 - 2005, Orbitz, LLC. All rights reserved. CST 2063530-50; Hawaii TAR-5627; Iowa 644; Nevada 2003-0387 ; Washington 602-102-724

Germany Travel > Romantic

Neuschwanstein Castle - Mad King Ludwig's Castle - Germany - Travel Essentials  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Germany Austria Switzerland > Germany Travel > Romantic Road > Neuschwanstein Castle > Neuschwanstein Castle - Mad King Ludwig's Castle - Germany - Travel Essentials Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors Neuschwanstein Castle Bavarian Department of state-owned Castles, Gardens and Lakes Stay up to date! Neuschwanstein Castle Bavarian Department of state-owned Castles, Gardens and Lakes Email to a friend Print this page Germany Resources Germany Map and Travel Essentials Germany Resources - Links Germany's Romantic Road - Links Neuschwanstein Castle Resources Neuschwanstein Castle Daytrips - Bus Neuschwanstein Castle History Neuschwanstein Castle Details Map and Directions Services and Opening Times Neuschwanstein Castle Tours Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors Neuschwanstein Castle Travel Planner Neuschwanstein Castle Profile From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Mad Ludwig's Dream - Neuschwanstein Castle:  Perched over one of the world's prettiest gorges, Neuschwanstein Castle is everyone's fantasy dream. It's the image you've seen everywhere that makes you want to start planning your trip to Germany. Why not rent that Porsche and hit the romantic road? We'll give you what you need to know. Neuschwanstein Castle -- Location:  Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most popular destinations in Europe, is located in the German State of Bavaria close to the Germany's border with Austria, not far from the popular ski resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The closest airport is Munich, 128km to the north east. Tickets and Guided Tours of Neuschwanstein Castle:  Entrance tickets to the castle must be purchased at the ticket center in Hohenschwangau before you start the climb to the castle. Cost is 9 Euros for an adult. The mandatory tour takes a little over half hour. There are 165 stairs to climb on the tour, and 181 to descend. A recent traveler reports that there is now a cafe inside. Tours for the disabled in wheelchair and walkers are held on Wednesdays. See the links for more information. Best View Spots of Neuschwanstein Castle:  You can get good pictures of the castle and waterfall from Marienbruecke (Mary's Bridge). Between the bridge and the castle is a view of Hohenschwangau castle. Photography is not allowed inside the castle. For pictures of Neuschwansein, see our Neuschwanstein Castle Pictures . Getting to Neuschwanstein Castle:  By Rail: Take the train to the town of Füssen, then bus 9713 to Hohenschwangau. By car: Take the A7 to Füssen, then on to Hohenschwangau where you'll find parking for a 4 euro charge. From Hohenschwangau you can walk to the castle in 30 minutes. You can get within a 5 minute walk on horse-drawn carriage for 5 euros uphill and 2.50 euros on the return downhill. A Bus is also available from Schlosshotel Lisl, Neuschwansteinstraße in Hohenschwangau. Neuschwanstein - Where to Stay:  I recommend staying right in Hohenschwangau--See Staying in Hohenschwangau when visiting the King's Castles . The Hotel Mueller has views of both castles and a good restaurant. You can also stay nearby in Fussen, as many do. Neuschwanstein Castle Description & History:   Neuschwanstein Castle was built by King Ludwig II, also known as Mad King Ludwig .to replicate medieval architecture and to pay homage to the operas of Wagner. You may think you've already seen it--it's Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle, but real. The foundation stone was set on September 5th, 1869. When Ludwig II died in 1886, the castle was still not complete. The building site near Pöllat Gorge is probably one of the most beautiful in the world. Neuschwanstein Castle Interesting Facts: The Castle is under tremendous tourism pressure; in summer over 6000 people wind through the castle per day--1.3 million per year. Since 1990, the state has spent 11.2 million euros on renovation and maintenance of the castle and improvement of the visitor service. Neuschwanstein Castle was opened to the public 7 weeks after the death of King Ludwig II. Although the Castle was designed to look medieval, it had quite modern refinements: hot air, running water, automatic flush toilets were all part of the royal residence. The kitchen at Neuschwanstein has been preserved in its entirety, featuring automatic spits and cupboards that could be heated with hot air from the large kitchen stove. From Neuschwanstein Castle there are great views of alpine lakes, especially the Alpsee . Hiking trails abound near the Alpsee, and the one circling the lake is protected as a nature reserve. Around Neuschwanstein Castle Germany's "Romantic Road", which runs from Würzburg to Füssen can be combined with a visit to the castle. See our Romantic Road links for more.        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There

Russia Travel Itineraries what

The most interesting travel itineraries in Russia: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Russian province, Novgorod, Karelia, Trans-Siberian and more -- WayToRussia.Net Guide to Russia Choose your destination: - Moscow - St. Petersburg - Trans-Siberian - Baikal Lake - Siberian Cities - More destinations... Made by Travelers from Russia for Travelers Worldwide >> WayToRussia.Net / What Is Russia / Russia Travel Itineraries what is russia introduction history itineraries myths & truths russian language russian art russian women guide to russia what is russia practicalities transportation russian visa business guide destinations talk lounge life in russia travel services apartment rent accommodation airline tickets train tickets visa support transfer / taxi tours extra services our team Russia Travel Itineraries and Hightlights contents: the big cities - russian province (golden ring) - northern russia - trans-siberian - siberia - far east -- your message For your convenience, you can open a map of European Russia and a map of Asian Russia in another window. The Two Capitals The most often traveled destinations in Russia are Moscow and St. Petersburg, the two great and very different cities. Moscow is the capital of Russia, vibrant and at the same time tranquil, an exaggerated version of everything you can get in Russia, as if conforming the quality of Russian character to push everything to extreme. St. Petersburg is a beautiful city of channels and impressive architecture, is completely untypical Russian city. Being the closest Russian city to Europe St.Petersburg expresses everything European Russia has to offer, but in a unique and a strange way mixing with old traditions. For those, who want to escape the busy life of the big cities, there are many small towns around Moscow (Sergiev Posad, Kolomna, Tver, Tula) and around St Petersburg (Petrodvorets, Pushkin, Zelenogorsk, Vyborg), which can give you the 'taste' of provincial life. The best time to visit the both cities is, perhaps, May, June, September, Januar and February. In May and June there are many things happening in both cities: carnivals, exhibitions, concerts, and other special events. Besides, people are happy that the colds and snows are gone and prepare to enjoy short four months of heat. In the end of June - beginning of July St. Petersburg becomes a really special place: there's daylight all day long. This period is called "White Nights" and is definitely worth seeing. In September , many people have just came back from the holidays and are relaxed and in a good mood. It means more parties and more people outside. Also, autumn is one of the most beautiful periods in Russia: yellowish and red trees, sunny weather, cool winds and the mood of change. People want to have as much fun as possible outside, before the colds start. January and February are good because there's much snow, and the city looks magic. Both cities are covered with snow and look very beautiful, like in a fairytale. City dwellers are sitting in clubs, sipping 'hot' drinks, talking and listening to music. To me, Moscow is the most interesting and beautiful in that period. Russian Province For the real Russian province the Golden Ring trip is the best. The Golden Ring is the name for the trip that stretches about 200 kilometers north-east of Moscow and back. The trip goes through Vladimir, Suzdal, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rostov Veliky, Pereslavl. Each of these seven cities gives a unique perspective on Russian provincial life – laid-back and full of unusual contrasts. The land where the ancient Russia has started, home to many beautiful churches and cathedrals you won't see elsewhere. The best time to go is, generally, anytime, only that the most of the cultural events are happening in the summer, but, at the same time, winter puts a special charm on these little towns. Northern Russia Northern Russia is all traditional that Russia has to offer. Between Moscow and St.Petersburg there's the old Russian town of Novgorod , our personal favourite. This is perhaps the oldest Russian town and it has retained the most 'Russian feel'. Novgorod and Novgorod region is the place with beautiful nature, marvellous white stone architecture (the oldest cathedral in Russia - St.Sofia), friendly and helpful people. Novgorod for us is like an ideal of what it can be like in Russian province. Go there anytime of the year, especially that it's only 3 hours from St. Petersburg by train. If you want an exotic outdoor adventure with a lot of historical and cultural background , and you don't want to get too remote, try to go to beautiful Karelia land, which is located to the northeast of St. Petersburg. There's beautiful nature in Karelia: splendid northern forests (taiga), mountain lakes and rivers. Also, there's a famous Solovki monastery and Kizhi museum of wooden architecture. Besides, Karelia is rich with the history of Finn-Ugor and Slavic tribes that lived together on this land centuries before and at some places you can see prehistoric rock carvings and structures. We will soon put a guide to Karelia online, if you want to arrange a travel there now, or get some information, please, see our Karelia Tours section. Trans-Siberian Trip One of the famous Russia's gems and mysteries is Siberia land. Siberia is the same distance from Moscow as France, for example. But thanks to the Trans-Siberian railway it's not so inaccessible as it could be. Trans- Siberian railway stretches east from Moscow to Ural, Western Siberia (Novosibirsk), Eastern Siberia (Irkutsk and Baikal lake). Then one branch goes around Mongolia to China and is called Trans-Manchurian railway, and the other branch goes through Mongolia (Ulan-Bataar) to China. The final destination for both is Beijing. Trans-Siberian is the longest railway in the world and probably one of the most interesting and tough: imagine riding in the train for six days seeing various landscapes pass in front of your eyes... Only this way one can see the transformation from West to East (or vice versa) smoothly and feel the distance and the land. Siberia Until recently, Siberia was closed to foreigners and was hard to get into. Now it's all changed: take a train along the Trans-Siberian and hop off where you want along the way. Perhaps, it's not so easy to travel around there, and industrial Siberian cities can by no means be interesting to stay in for more than a few days, but the beautiful and legendary Baikal lake and Altai mountains make the trip there surely worthwhile. Besides, the unique landscape and remoteness of the area provide inexpensive opportunities for the kind of outdoor activities that can't be performed elsewhere. Far East The Far East is the most remote area in Russia, closer to Alaska, than to Moscow. Only a few people went to Kamchatka peninsula, but those who did, came back mesmerized. The land of volanoes, geysers, beautiful view, the ocean, the nature unfolding itself in front of one's eyes is very seducing. Kamchatka was closed for a long time for the travelers, and remoteness of the area was a great obstacle too. Now it is still a very militarized place (there's a border with the US), and the main town - Petropavlovsk - is a typical Soviet concrete and dull place, but just a just few kilometers away there's the untouched volcanoe land stretching far north. Your Comments Please, leave your messages, comments, and questions in our Russia Talk Lounge Forums . Privacy Policy | Terms of Use © 2002-2005 Dmitri Paranyushkin, Celina Smith (photos) / WayToRussia.Net. All rights reserved. Ask Us a Question Feedback