RUSSIA TRAVEL GUIDE |

Travel to Russia - *Escorted St. Petersburg tours* HOME | TOUR GUIDES | ESCORTED TOURS | SHORE EXCURSIONS | VISAS | CLIENTS | RUSSIA TRAVEL GUIDE | HOTELS The State Hermitage Museum St. Petersburg City of St. Petersburg Destination guide for independent and cruise travel to Russia City of Moscow Cultural capital of Russia Michael's Palace St. Nicholas Cathedral Stroganoff Palace Palace Square Hermitage Theater If you are going to travel to Russia or need first-hand information about Moscow and St. Petersburg - this site is for you! Your Personal Travel Concierge Planning a trip to Russia can be strenuous and time-consuming. As many experts agree, engaging a company with local expertise can save time, money and offer a high level of flexibility. With over 12 years of experience serving foreign guests who choose Moscow and St. Petersburg as their destination, we are ready to alleviate your burden of making travel arrangements half a world away. We are a St. Petersburg based tour operator offering top-rated service at a reasonable price. Our art-savvy tour guides will introduce you to the world-famous art exhibits and bustling nightlife of Russia's both capitals. Our friendly drivers will meet you at the airport and get you to your hotel at any time of day or night. Our free travel concierge will help you plan every detail of your trip making sure your visit to Russia is enjoyable and fun. Russia Travel Guide To help you prepare for your trip even further, we have created a comprehensive Travel Guide where you can get the latest news and practical advice on travel in Russia. Our Guide features information on Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Greater Area, and covers such topics as transportation, money, arrivals guide, museums, and many others. It is an indispensable companion both for first-time and seasoned travelers. For more information visit Russia Travel Guide , St. Petersburg City Guide , Moscow City Guide . Private Escorted Tours Our tours are designed for those seeking to maximize their time in Russia. We are delighted to offer individual and group tour programs of any duration tailored to your unique interests and tastes. Whether you are coming on a business trip or as a tourist, we have a variety of tour options to accommodate even the most demanding time schedule. During the tour you will be accompanied by one of our licensed guides who will ensure that you visit the venues of your own choice at your preferred pace with all of your questions or concerns being addressed right away. For more information visit Escorted Russian Tours . Cruise Shore Excursions We offer individual and group shore excursions in Moscow and St. Petersburg for both sea and river cruisers. Regardless of whether you will stay for only a few hours or for 2 weeks, we will tailor your tour program according to your individual needs. This high level of flexibility will be especially appealing for those travelers who wish to avoid all the inconvenience of ship-organized group tours and prefer to spend less while experiencing more. Read what our clients say and get in touch with us before you book the cruise tour package. For more information visit Baltic Shore Excursions , St. Petersburg Shore Excursions , Moscow Shore Excursions . Russia Travel Services Russian Visas : Free tourist visa invitation letters for customers booking our tours. Russian Hotels : Online hotel reservation system for Moscow and St. Petersburg hotels. Folk Show and Ballet Tickets : Get front of the line tickets for performances in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Official capital of Russia Red Square The Dashkov House Ivan the Great Tower Annunciation Cathedral Kremlin Cathedrals 2005 Optima , B. Konyushennaya St., 9 suite 9. St. Petersburg 191186 Russia. Tel/fax: +1 253 5507816 E-mail SITE MAP | TERMS | FAQ's | GLOBAL RESOURCES

Germany Travel

Germany Travel Pictures | Germany Travel Photos Germany Travel resources, links and information for Germany. Click on the thumbnails to read stories and see travel pictures. Book your hotel Book a hotel in Germany Book a hostel Book Youth hostels in Germany Fly your way! Book your flight to Germany online - saving 40% or more! Other countries: Andorra Austria Bulgaria Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Greece Hungary Italy Liechtenstein Lithuania Malta Monaco Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia Spain Sweden Switzerland The Netherlands Turkey United Kingdom Vatican City Germany occupies an important place in the heart of Europe - it shares borders with more countries than anywhere else in the continent. Its turbulent past is still present. Stories and pictures: East Side Gallery Berlin Landshut Reichstag Brandenburger Tor Potsdamer Platz Alexanderplatz Useful travel links: Book your hotel in Germany Weather Lonely Planet German Railways 360° city Panoramas Travelogues for Germany Currency exchange Many more links on Germany ! Suggest a site Go directly to: Africa Asia Europe North America Oceania South America Join our mailinglist: If you want to be updated about developments at Around the World in 80 Clicks, subscribe! Your E-mail address: Travel Forum Join others in discussions on Europe Also on this site: read and sign the guestbook send us your suggestions ! send this site to a friend read about the background of this site publications on this site meet new friends for travel, dating or just fun! Around the World in 80 Clicks All rights reserved - www.traveladventures.org - 1999-2005 Share your comments

European Vacation By Ray

10 Money-Saving Tips for Your European Vacation Web TransitionsAbroad.com Home Work Study Travel Living As seen in Transitions Abroad Magazine March/April 2001 Related Topics Back Door Travel with Rick Steves Budget Travel Related Articles Europe’s Online Travel Deals Cheap Travel in Europe Ricks Steves' Thrifty Fifty: How to Make Your Dollars and Sense Carry You Further in Europe Ricks Steves' Dirty Thirty: More Tips on How to Make Your Dollars, Euros, and Pounds Stretch 10 Money-Saving Tips for Your European Vacation By Ray Bangs Traveling cheaply is not just about saving a few francs, it is really about getting a better value for your money. Eat like the locals and you will save big bucks. Food and drink costs add up. For breakfast, a cup of coffee, a roll, assorted cold cuts, and a piece of fruit from the local market can be very reasonable. For lunch, try a picnic. Even in winter you may find Europeans unpacking a sandwich in the park. Choose the fixed menu and the house wine. Restaurants usually offer two or three choices that highlight some of the house specialties. Spend the night on a train. Your long-haul transportation and accommodations are taken both care of and you gain one more day for exploration. Bring a meal and snacks with you, since the dining car prices are often outrageous. Water is essential and will help you avoid that hangover effect if you do not sleep well. If you decide against the sleeper-car, an inflatable neck-pillow is important. Buy the postcard. Instead of snapshots of the Eiffel Tower take pictures of your friends and the people you meet. Keeping the rolls of film in a Ziploc bag will allow you to safely transport them back to the U.S. where developing costs are much less. Digital cameras are another eco- and wallet-friendly option, as long as you have some means of recharging the battery. Send an email instead. At a dollar each, the cost of mailing postcards can add up. Try to get everyone’s email address before you go, then at every city send a group email from an Internet café. If you are using a digital camera, you could even send that photo of you trying to distract the Buckingham Palace guards. It’s nice to receive emails from the people who write back to you as you travel. Try to speak the language and meet the locals. Everything can cost more than it should when you are unfamiliar with the currency, the customs, and the language. Following the advice of locals beats following the guidebooks. Use your credit card and get cash at ATMs. You will get a much better exchange rate and not have to pay conversion fees. Buy prepaid phone cards. In Europe these are available at any market or kiosk. Plan your souvenir budget. The little sew-on patches, stickers, or postcards are inexpensive mementos. If you simply must have a replica of Julius Caesar’s bust, remember that the further away from the Coliseum you go, the cheaper it will be. Get the discounted price. A student ID card can help you get the best prices on everything from museums to hotels. Joining a hostel association is worth the small investment. In the larger cities, an inexpensive public transportation ticket will allow you to enjoy the tour at your own pace. RAY BANGS lived for two years in Europe before moving to Tempe, AZ. He is planning a move back to Europe. Contact him at RCBangs@hotmail.com . Web TransitionsAbroad.com Home Work Study Travel Living Disclaimer ©Transitions Abroad

Asia Travel || Myanmar

HOTELS RESORTS TRAVEL LEISURE TOURS MYANMAR Myanmar Country and Travel Information Map of Myanmar Nationalities of Myanmar || Historical and Cultural Heritage || Arts and Crafts Highlights on Scenic Beauty || Special events IN GENERAL Myanmar is one of the largest country in South East Asia, stretching over 2,000 km from North to South. It is twice the size of Vietnam, over a quarter larger than Thailand, and Myanmar is bigger than England and France combined. Ethnically diverse, Myanmar is a nation of many races - some 130 ethnic groups make up its population of nearly 45 million. The majority of Myanmar's people are Bamars (from which the British coined the name Burma), but the Shan, Kachin, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine and others are also prominent throughout the country. Myanmar's climate is tropical: during the cool season from late November through February, temperatures are pleasantly mild ranging from 21C to 28 C; the hot season from March to April can see the mercury reach as high as 45 C; and during the months of the rainy season, from May to October short rainstorms are frequent in the late afternoons. The Nationalities of Myanmar Myanmar's ethnically diverse population is a result of three major migrations from Tibet and Central Asia, the cradle of humanity. The people of Myanmar are descendants of three main branches: The Mon-Khmer, the Tibeto-Burman, and the Thai-Chinese. The Kaya, Mon, Wa, La, Palaung, Pale, Yao, Riang, Padaung, Ylnbaw, Zayein, and others originated from the Mon-Khmer group, while the Shan, Kayin and Taungthu, etc., find their roots in the Thai-Chinese community. The Bamar, Chin, Kachin, Lolo, Rahkine, Kadu, Hpon, Maru, Lashi, Rawang, Azi, Nung, Daru, Yaw, Mro, Inthat, Naga, Gauri, Lisu, Lahu, among others, evolved from the Tibeto-Burman group. Historical and Cultural Heritage Kuthodaw Pagoda, in Mandalay, which houses the entire Buddhist scriptures carved onto 729 marble slabs is "The world's largest book". Built by King Mindon, it is indeed a rare and splendid sight. Myanmar's unique historical and cultural heritage dates back over 5,000 years. Evidence confirming the existence of stone age people has been found throughout the country. Early Myanmars were said to be Mons, and the first politically important inhabitants were the Pyu who date back to the early period of the Christian era. It was Bagan, however, which was founded in the 11th century, that gave rise to the dominant culture and civilization in Myanmar's history. Arts and Crafts of Myanmar Myanmar is an enchanting country with a rich history in arts and crafts. Mandalay, the ancient capital and the glory of Myanmar Kings, represents the largest repository of Myanmar arts and crafts. Visitors can observe carvers of ivory, wood and stone, in addition to makers fo gold leaf, silk weavers, silversmiths and bronze-casters, as they ply their respective trades according to the time-honored traditions of their forefathers. The pagodas, religious monuments, and major Buddhist sculptures seen all over Myanmar are authentic examples of the rich tradition of Bagan arts andcrafts and of prior eras of craftmanship so evident throughout Myanmar's history. Highlights on Scenic Beauty Myanmar is blessed with natural scenic beauty making for landscapes that are incredibly picturesque. The country's great lakes, snowcapped mountains and unspoiled beaches are undoubtedly some of the most stunning, idyllic, and mystical places to be found anywhere on earth. Myanmar's physical beauty is enhanced by the spectacular pagodas and temples that can be found all over the country. These venues for contemplation and prayer radiate the obvious spirituality of the people. Special Events Around The Year Myanmar is popularly known as The Land of Festivals because of the countless religious and cultural festivals that take place all ycar round. Some are nation-wide festivities while others are popular solely around the city of Yangon or in the District Areas. JANUARY On January 4th, Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar is celebrated across the country. Countless parades and fairs mark this important day and everyone joins in the festivities. The Myanmar Traditional Equestrian Festival or Myin-Khin-Thabin is a national festival which is held annually in Yangon In ancient times, this festival provided the Myanmar Kings with the opportunity to demonstrate their military might, but today its main purpose is for the perpetuation of Myanmar patriotism. It is a fantastic occasion and tourists are warmly welcomed to participate in the many celebrations. FEBRUARY Traditionally, this is the month of the Harvest Festival when people rejoice in the feast of Htamane. No one should miss this opportunity to sample a delicious Myanmar delicacy consisting of glutinour rice freckle with coconut, sesamum seeds, peanuts, ginger, and oil, which is specially prepared for the feast. The Thingyan festival don't wear your Sunday best! The anniversary of the Union Day falls on February 12. Representatives and cultural troupes of the seven States and seven Divisions of the Union of Myanmar dressed in colourful, traditional costumes gather at venues across the country. Traditional entertainment highlights the beauty of the different ethnic groups found within the Union. MARCH March is the most colorful month of the year as Pagoda Festivals arc in full swing. The Shwedagon Pagoda Festival is held on the day of the full moon of Tabaung and is one of the month s biggest events. During this festival, visitors can get a feel for the spirituality of the people of Myanmar by participating in events at temple fairs or by observing the rituals of the holiday. APRIL Thingyan or the Water Festival is held throughout the country for three days in the month of April. It simultaneously marks the end of the old year and beginning of the new. Young people gather together to sing and dance, and to playfully throw water on each other. Throughout the Thingyan Carnivals decorative floats and water throwing pandals are seen everywhere in both towns and cities alike. If you are not afraid of getting wet, this high spirited festival is one that you won't want to miss! MAY The Kason Festival of watering the Sacred Banyan Tree symbolises the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. It is an important Buddhist holiday and many processions are held at temple grounds throughout the country. JUNE AND JULY The onset of monsoon season makes June and July relatively quiet months in Myanmar. There are, however, various smaller Buddhist festivals to be enjoyed. AUGUST Taungpyone Nat or Spirit Festival is a popular five day festival held in Taungpyone near Mandalay. According to tradition, Nats are spirits that must be appeased or they will wreak havoc in people's lives. The two Nat Brothers honoured during Taungpyone Nat belong to the 37 well-known Myanmar Nats. The story of the two Nat Brothers originated during the rule of King Anawrahta, when it was the duty of every person in the kingdom to contribute a brick and a handful of sand for the construction of a Pagoda. The brothers failed to contribute their share and orders came from the King for them to be mildly punished. Unfortunately, the Nat Brothers were accidentally killed. The King was remorseful and built a big Nat (spirit) shrine by the side of the Pagoda honoring the two brothers. The homage-paying festival is now held annually to appease the spirits as it is believed that the Nat Brothers can fulfill your wishes, protect you from ill-fate and danger, and bring good luck, prosperity and progress. SEPTEMBER The famous Phaung-Daw-Oo Pagoda Festival is held at Inle Lake once a year. The procession of the Inle leg-rowers in full pageantry and ceremonial splendour is a sight not to be missed by anyone visiting Myanmar. OCTOBER & NOVEMBER The opening ceremony of Visit Myanmar Year 1 1996 will be kicked off on a grand scale. The celebration will be a gloriously festive occasion. The Thadingyut or Light Festival, which ends the Buddhist I Lent, is also one of the most prominent festivals of the year. Another celebration of light is the Tazaungdine festival held in November. Pagodas, houses, buildings, parks, and monuments arc all illuminated and there are various kinds of activities for everyone to enjoy. The other important festival outside Yangon is the exotic Elephant Dance held in Kyaukse, a small town not far from Mandalay. A huge elephant figure is made from bamboo and paper Men take their places inside the figure and dance around the town to the accompaniment of Dobat and Drums. The elephant dancers circle three times at the foot of the hill to pay homage to the Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda. It is a dance that requires precise rhythm and timing in order for the elephant dancers to maintain unity inside the elephant figure. DECEMBER The traditional Boat Regatta Festival is held at Kandawgyi Lake to remind the younger generations of the glory, sovereignty, patriotism and national spirit of Myanmar. Asia Travel || Myanmar Page || Top

Italy Travel Tips Terms

Italy Tours, Italy Vacation, Italy tour, Italy Vacations, Italy Tour Operator Book Online or call (800) 682-3333 Europe Asia Americas Caribbean Mediterranean Pacific Cruises Home Hotels Find a Vacation Specials Contact Us Italy & Sicily Spain & Portugal Britain & Ireland France Belgium & Holland Central Europe Scandinavia Greece River Cruises China & Japan Southeast Asia Thailand India South America Brazil Peru Costa Rica Bahamas Caribbean & Mexico Bahamas Cancun Riviera Maya Punta Cana Jamaica Greece & Turkey Israel Egypt Morocco Australia & New Zealand Tahiti China & Japan Southeast Asia Sea Cruises River Cruises Italy Tours and Italy Vacations: Book an Italy tour with Gate 1 Travel, the premier provider of Italy vacations. We have Italy tours, travel packages, and Italy vacations to suit your travel time and budget. Italian vacations, honeymoon packages, group vacations, bus tours, flight, hotel and rail travel packages are several of the many Italy vacations possible. Travel to Italy with the best Italy vacations and Italy tour operator . Prices below include airline fuel surcharges but do not include airport taxes, fees and September 11th Security Fee which vary between $50 and $130 per person. Rail Tours Fly-Drive Tours Guided Tours Escorted Tours Private Car Tours Sea Cruises Italy Vacation Packages Tour Italy with these independent, budget flight and hotel Italian vacations. Rome Vacations 6 Days from $849 Wednesday departures: Apr - Oct '06 Venice Vacations 6 Days from $1089 Daily departures: Apr - Oct '06 Florence & Tuscany Vacations 6 Days from $989 Daily departures: Apr - Oct '06 Italy Rail Tours Tour Italy via rail with these independent vacations featuring budget flight, hotel and train tours. 7 Day Florence & Rome Tuesday departures: Apr - Oct '06 7 Day Florence & Rome Thursday departures: Apr - Oct '06 7 Day Venice & Rome Saturday departures: Apr - Oct '06 7 Day Venice & Rome Tuesday departures: Apr - Oct '06 7 Day Venice & Florence Thursday departures: Apr - Oct '06 7 Day Venice & Florence Saturday departures: Apr - Oct '06 8 Day Italy by Rail Venice, Florence, Rome: Sunday Apr - Oct '06 10 Day Italy by Rail Venice, Florence, Rome: Sunday Apr - Oct '06 Multi-city European Vacations Tour Europe with these independent vacations featuring budget flight and hotel. 8 Day London & Rome Wednesday departures: Apr - Oct '06 8 Day Paris & Rome Thursday departures: Apr - Oct '06 9 Day London, Paris & Rome Friday Departures: Apr - Oct '06 8 Day Rome & Barcelona Monday departures: Apr - Oct '06 Italy Car Rental & Flight Packages Self-drive Italy vacations including flight and car rental. 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A professional English-speaking tour manager handles all of your needs throughout your tour of Italy, as you travel with a group. 8 Day Classic Italy BOOK EARLY & SAVE Venice, Florence, Rome 9 Day Classic Italy BOOK EARLY & SAVE Venice, Florence, Rome 9 Day Affordable Italy BOOK EARLY & SAVE Rome, Venice, Florence 10 Day Crown of Italy BOOK EARLY & SAVE Rome, Florence, Venice 11 Day Enchanting Italy BOOK EARLY & SAVE Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento (Sunday departures) 11 Day Enchanting Italy BOOK EARLY & SAVE Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento (Tuesday departures) 12 Day Enchanting Italy BOOK EARLY & SAVE Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento (Sunday departures) 12 Day Enchanting Italy BOOK EARLY & SAVE Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento (Tuesday departures) 12 Day Crown of Italy BOOK EARLY & SAVE Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan 13 Day Romantic Italy BOOK EARLY & SAVE Como, Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento 14 Day Romantic Italy BOOK EARLY & SAVE Como, Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento 15 Day Crown of Croatia and Venice Zagreb, Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes, Bled, Venice Italy Private Car Tour Packages Italy private car tours feature your own self-contained group of friends and/or family members. Your Gate 1 Travel consultant will help you design an Italy tour to suit your needs. Upon arrival, you will be met by your private English-speaking tour manager, who will accompany you throughout your tour of Italy. Custom Italy tours include flights, hotel accommodations and sightseeing. Majestic Italy Majestic Sicily Italy Sea Cruises Visit Italy on an all-inclusive cruise package. Mediterranean Cruise Packages Apr '06-Mar '07 Italy Aug '05-Mar '06 HOT DEALS: discounts on Italy tours 6 Day Rome from $549 7 Day Italy Rail Specials from $699 8 Day Rome & Florence from $729 8 Day Rome & Barcelona from $799 8 Day Rome with Florence & Pompeiifrom $859 Holiday Specials President's Day Spring Specials Mother's Day Specials Memorial Day Specials Summer Specials Labor Day Specials Thanksgiving Specials Christmas Markets New Year Specials -- Valentine's Day President's Day February Winter Break Rio Carnival March Spring Break Easter Vacation Specials Travel Extras Sightseeing & Transfers Rail Information Browse & Book Hotel Nights Protect your investment: Buy travel insurance Travel Tips & Tools Italy Travel Tips Terms & Conditions Passports & Visas The Comforts You Expect Map of Italy FAQ Click here for Italian religious articles & souvenirs Email This Page to a Friend © 2005 Gate 1 Travel Home | About Us | Travel Agent | Free Brochure | Help | Site Map | (800) 682-3333 Read our privacy policy . 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