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

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Mexico Travel Information Site

Mexico Travel - Information Site For Travelers - by mexico_travel RSS | ATOM | FOAF OPERA COMMUNITY  Log in | Sign up Skip navigation . Mexico Travel Information Site For Travelers Blog Photo album Links About Mexico Travel: Mexican Cinema Wednesday, 28. December 2005, 06:10:06 Mexican Movies The history of Mexican cinema goes back to the beginning of the 20th century, when several enthusiasts of the new medium documented historical events most particularly the Mexican Revolution – and produced some movies that have been only recently been rediscovered. During the 1920s very few movies were produced, especially given the political climate that was still very unsettled. In the 1930s, once peace and a degree of political stability were achieved, cinematography took off in Mexico and several movies still experimenting with the nascent medium were done. It is important to notice how early Mexican cinematographers were influenced and encouraged by Sergei Eisenstein's visit to the country. During the 1940s the full potential of the industry developed. Actors, actresses, and directors became popular icons and even figures with political influence on diverse spheres of Mexican life. The industry received a boost as a consequence of Hollywood redirecting its efforts towards propagandistic films, which left an open field for other industries. Mexico dominated the film market in Latin America for most of the 1940s without competition from the United States film industry. The golden era of Mexican cinema took place during the 1940s. Actors like Pedro Infante, Jorge Negrete, Cantinflas, Joaquin Pardave, María Felix, and Dolores del Rio gained recognition. Gabriel Figueroa became an internationally acclaimed cinematographer and Emilio Fernandez and Luis Bunuel directed some of Mexico's most important movies. During 1990s the era of the Nuevo Cine Mexicano took place with high quality films by Arturo Ripstein, Alfonso Arau, Alfonso Cuaron and Maria Novaro. The most famous films produced at this time were Como Agua Para Chocolate (Like Water for Chocolate) and Sexo, Pudor y Lagrimas. Comments (0) Travel Mexico: Mexican Baby Names Tuesday, 27. December 2005, 08:40:37 Mexican Name Keep in mind that these names come from various parts of the country and can be derived from different cultures. The spellings and meaning may vary slightly from region to region - check with your family or other resources if this is important in naming your child. Mexican Baby Boy Names - Antonio - Carlos - Cesar - Crespin - Cruz - Daniel - DeMario - Doroteo - Eber - Elbanco - Eleazar - Elieis - Emilio - Enrique - Enriqueta - Ernesto - Eru - Erubiel - Felix - Filiberto - Flaco - Francisco - Gabriel - Graciano - Hector - Heraclio - Humberto - Ignacio - Isdel - Isidoro - Ivan - Izek - Jaimenacho - Jarini - Javier - Jesus-Ernesto - Jesus - Joel - Jorge - Jose - Juan-Carlos - Juan - Juaquine - Kasper Mexican Baby Girl Names - Beatriz - Berenice - Bertha - Cecilia - Christina - Cierra - Crotilda - Dominga - Dora - Elodia - Elsa - Elvia - Encarnacion - Erendira - Esmeralda - Eufemia - Eva-Yolanda - Flaca - Gabriela - Geavonna - Graciela - Grizelda - Guadalupe - Guliana - Hilda - Inez - Irma - Ivonne - Juana - Juanita - Katia - Katiana - Kristina - Leahonia - Leandra - Leticia - Lilia - Liliana - Manuela - Maria - Maricruz - Marilu - Marlina - Martha - Materia - Michaela - Michelle - Miranda - Myra - Nailea - Ofelia - Olademis - Pasha - Patricia Cheers.... Comments (0) Mexico Travel: About Its Music Monday, 26. December 2005, 07:36:25 Mexico Music The music of Mexico is extraordinarily diverse and features a wide range of different musical styles. The most well known Mexican genre by far is mariachi, a style of traditional Mexican son which is considered old-fashioned but respected traditional music and is usually listened to as modern music. Mexican ranchera the ranchera is a type of Mexican song. Although closely associated with the Mexican mariachi groups which evolved in Jalisco in the post-revolutionary period. (country music) styles, including norteno and banda, are not only popular within Mexico itself, but they are also frequently enjoyed by Mexican immigrants in both rural and urban American communities. Norteno, similar to Tejano music and Tex-Mex , which may refer to:, arose in the 1930s and 40s in the Rio Grande border region of southern Texas. Influenced by Bohemian immigrant miners, its rhythm was derived from the European polka dance popular during the 1800s Banda, similar to norteno in musical form, originated from the Mexico state of Sinaloa during the 1960s. Other new styles such as cumbia, pop. , and rock have seen increased popularity as the music of Mexico faces a new generation of young people. Southern Mexican folk music is centered around the marimba, which remains popular in Chiapas and Oaxaca. In Yucatan the traditional Jarana music and dance is popular. Modern Mexican musical styles are also changing Mexican music. Cumbia, pop, hip-hop, and rock, which are heavily influenced by music from the Caribbean islands and the United States, are increasingly becoming popular among Mexican youths on both sides of the border good link: Made in Mexico Comments (0) Transport in Mexico Saturday, 24. December 2005, 10:51:18 Mexico Transport Mexico The United Mexican States or Mexico 's land transportation network is one of the most extensive in Latin America. More than 4,000 kilometers (2,400 mi.) of four-lane highway have been built through government concessions to private sector contractors since 1989, of which 3,500 kilometers (2,100 miles) have been constructed since 1994. The vast majority of these expressways are toll roads, like in most other developing countries. (Originally awarded under Build-Operate-Transfer concession schemes, most of these private highways have since been "rescued" by central government financial intervention to save the operators from bankruptcy.) The 26,622 km (16,268 mi.) of government-owned railroads in Mexico have been privatized through the sale of 50-year operating concessions. In the 1980s and 1990s, the government allowed the private operators to abandon nearly all passenger rail service. A plethora of private intercity bus lines serve the nation. Passenger rail service to the Copper Canyon region still operates, due to the remote nature of the area and tourist ridership. Tampico, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz , on the Gulf of Mexico, are Mexico's two primary seaports. Recognizing that the low productivity of Mexico's 108 ports poses a threat to trade development, the government has steadily been privatizing port operations to improve their efficiency. A number of international airlines serve Mexico, with direct or connecting flights from most major cities in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Latin America. Most Mexican regional capitals and resorts have direct air services to Mexico City or the United States. Airport privatization, based on Mexico's successful experience with seaports, is nearly complete. Comments (0) Important DaysTo Remember Friday, 23. December 2005, 08:34:45 holidays Mexico * 1st Jan: Ano nuevo (mexican name) - New Year (english name) - New Year's day * 5th Feb : Dia de la Constitucion - Constitution Day - Celebrates the ratification of the Constitution of 1917, adopted after the Mexican Revolution. * 18th Mar: Expropiacion Petrolera - Oil Expropriation - President Lazaro expropriated foreign-held oil wells to facilitate Mexico's industrial development * 21st Mar: Natalicio de Benito Juarez - Benito Juarez's Birthday - Birthday of Benito Juarez president and statesman who stood against the French occupation * 1st May: Dia del Trabajo - Labour Day - Commemorates the Haymarket Riot of 1886 * 5th May: Batalla de Puebla - Cinco De Mayo - Celebrates the victory against French forces in the city of Puebla. (not an official holiday) It is also widely celebrated in the United States among Mexican-Americans. * 16th Sep: Dia de la Independencia - Independence Day - Celebrates the Grito de Dolores an event that marked the start of the independence war against Spain on the eve of 1810 * 12th Oct: Dia de la Raza - Day of the Race - Commemorates the discovery of America in 1492 by the Italian navigator Christopher Columbus, who was sponsored by the Spanish sovereigns, Isabella of Castille and Ferdinand of Aragon. * 2nd Nov: Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead - Mexicans honour their dead relatives and/or friends with candles, food offerings, altars and pre-Hispanic rituals. * 20th Nov: Dia de la Revolucion - Revolution Day - Celebrates the beginning of the Mexican Revloution in 1910 * 12th Dec: Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe - Day of virgin Guadalupe - Celebrates the day that our lady of Guadalupe appeared on Tepeyac hill to the native. * 25th Dec: Navidad - Christmas - Celebrates the nativity of Jesus also celebrated as secular winter holiday Comments (0) Mexico Travel: Religion Thursday, 22. December 2005, 07:27:08 Mexico Religion Mexico is predominantly Roman Catholic (about 89% of the population), with 6% adhering to various Protestant faiths (mostly Pentecostal), and the remaining 5% of the population adhering to other religions or professing no religion. Some of the country's Catholics (notably those of indigenous background) syncretize Catholicism with various elements of Aztec or Mayan religions. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism) enjoys a growing presence in the major border cities of northeastern Mexico. Judaism has been practiced in Mexico for centuries, and there are estimated to be 100,000 Jews in Mexico today. Islam is mainly practiced by members of the Arab, Turkish, and other expatriate communities; Mexico's indigenous Muslims number only a few thousand or less, although recent years have seen some growth of Islam in Chiapas. Comments (0) Mexico States and Cities Wednesday, 21. December 2005, 21:37:23 Mexico City Mexico is divided into 31 states (estados) and a federal district. Each state has its own constitution and its citizens elect a governor as well as representatives to their respective state congresses. 1.Aguascalientes 2.Baja California 3.Baja California Sur 4.Campeche 5.Chiapas 6.Chihuahua 7.Coahuila 8.Colima 9.Durango 10.Guanajuato 11.Guerrero 12.Hidalgo 13.Jalisco 14.Mexico 15.Michoacan 16.Morelos 17.Nayarit 18.Nuevo Leon 19.Oaxaca 20.Puebla 21.Queretaro 22.Quintana Roo 23.San Luis Potosi 24.Sinaloa 25.Sonora 26.Tabasco 27.Tamaulipas 28.Tlaxcala 29.Veracruz 30.Yucatan 31.Zacatecas Distrito Federal The following is a list of the biggest Metropolitan Areas of Mexico in order of population: * Mexico City * Guadalajara, Jalisco * Monterrey, Nuevo Leon * Puebla, Puebla * Tijuana, Baja California * Leon, Guanajuato * Toluca, Mexico * Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua * Torreon, Coahuila Comments (0) Mexican Jokes Wednesday, 21. December 2005, 10:16:21 Mexican Jokes » The American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied, "Only a little while." The American then asked, "Why didn't you stay out longer and catch more fish?" The Mexican said, "With this I have more than enough to support my family's needs." The American then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?" The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life." The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing; and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat: With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats. Eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor; eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles and eventually New York where you will run your ever-expanding enterprise." The Mexican fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?" To which the American replied, "15 to 20 years." "But what then?" asked the Mexican. The American laughed and said that's the best part. "When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions." "Millions?...Then what?" The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos." » There was a German, an American, and a Mexican. They were walking in the woods. Suddenly a heard of buffalo came at them. They ran and ran until they saw a shack and went in it. 2 days later the buffalo left. The men got out of the shack only to find layers of crap everywhere! They were forced to jump in because there was no way out. The German took a leap and said, " It's not bad, it's only up to my waist. " The American took a leap and said, " It's not bad, it's only up to my knees. " Then the Mexican took a leap and said, " It's not bad, it's only up to my ankles. " The American asked, " How did you do that. " The Mexican replied in a muffled voice, I jumped in head first. » What kind of cans are there in Mexico? Mexicans. Comments (0) Mexico Travel: Currency Converter Tuesday, 20. December 2005, 07:57:15 » Currency Converter, where you can convert to and from major foreign currencies. Can't keep all those rates in your head? Create a wallet-sized currency cheat sheet to take with you on your trip. Please select the currencies you'd like to use for your exchange from below. Then choose the category of conversion results you would like to see; Select the Convert Currency button once you have made your selections. Links Travel Calculator & Currency Converter » GCI Trading » X-Rates » Yahoo Finance These sites are reliable and offers free but accurate currency conversion tools or calculators. Tourists or Travellers can use these calculators to see the latest currency conversions. Enjoy your Mexico trip. Comments (0) About Mexico Friday, 9. December 2005, 07:33:56 The United Mexican States or Mexico is a country located in North America, bordered to the north by the United States , to the south-east by Guatemala and Belize , to the west by the Pacific Ocean and to the east by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. » It is the most northerly and most westerly,and third largest country, in Latin America and is at the same time the most populated Spanish-speaking country. Mexico is divided into 31 states (estados) and the Mexican Federal District (Distrito Federal). The Mexico City Metropolitan Area, which includes the Federal District and adjacent parts of México State , is one of the most populous cities in the world. » Capital : Mexico City » Language : English & French » Currency : Mexican Peso » National anthem : Mexicanos, al grito de guerra source: Travel World ................................ The culture of Mexico reflects the complexity of Mexico 's history through the blending of Pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican civilizations and the culture of Spain , imparted during Spain 's 300 year colonization of Mexico. » In Mexican culture, it is usually considered undesirable to show weakness or open oneself to others outside of the family. As a result, a strong sense of community is not a trait of Mexican culture, because strong friendships cannot be built without some level of closeness. Relationships are generally approached with a gauge of disbelieve because of fear of betrayal, which for a Mexican is one of the most humiliating experiences one could go through. » Mexico is known worldwide for its folk art traditions, mostly derived from a combination of indigenous and Spanish crafts. Mainly distinguished among handicrafts are the clay pottery made in the valley of Oaxaca and the bird and animal figures made in the village of Tomala . Colorfully embroidered cotton garments, cotton or wool shawls and outer garments, and colorful baskets and rugs are seen everywhere. » With an estimated 2003 population of about 104 million, Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. Nominally, the country is predominantly Roman Catholic (89%), with 6% adhering to various Protestant faiths and the remaining 5% either adhering to other smaller religions or remaining unaffiliated. | U s e f u l L i n k s :- » Mexican - Embassy » Ancient Mexico .......................................... Mexico Hotels » Hotels differ from motels in that most motels have drive-up, exterior entrances to the rooms, while hotels tend to have halls with interior entrances to the rooms. The cost and quality of hotels are usually relatively indicative of the range and type of services available. Due to the enormous increase in tourism worldwide. » Basic accommodation consisting of a room with a bed, a cupboard, a small table and a washstand only have largely been replaced by rooms with bathrooms. Other features many travelers do not want to do without today are a TV, a telephone, an alarm clock, a small refrigerator. » Mexico hotels. The cost and quality of hotels are usually relatively indicative of the range and type of services available. Due to the enormous increase in tourism worldwide, during the last decades of the 20th century common standards, especially those of smaller sstablishments have improved considerably. For the sake of greater comparability, various rating systems have been introduced, with the one to five stars classification being the most commonly used. | Top Mexico Hotels » Hotels of Mexico » Andale Mexico » Different World » Planet Holiday » Trip Advisor » Mexico Travel Net ............................ Mexico Restaurants A restaurant is a business that serves ready food and beverages to be consumed on the location. The term covers a variety of scene and a range of cuisine styles. Restaurants are sometimes a feature of a larger complex.There exist many likely businesses for restaurants, depending on local traditions and the procedure and price of the meal; *0ne sits down, a waiter comes to take one's order, and later brings the food; one pays after finishing eating *0ne orders at the counter; after preparation the food is brought to one's table; paying may be on ordering or after eating *0ne collects ready portions » Mexico restaurants range from unpretentious lunching or dining places catering to people working nearby, with simple food served in simple settings at low prices, to expensive establishments serving refined food and wines in a formal setting. In the former case, clients are not expected to wear formal attire. In the latter case, clients generally wear formal clothing, though this varies between cultures. | Top Mexico Restaurants » Cancun Blast » Appetite Net » Mexico Resturants » Citi-Guide ...................................... Mexico: Climate & Weather Mexico 's climate is less uneven and warmer. The key aspect in Mexico 's climate variation is that of its geography. Bordering the Gulf of Mexico are lowlands characterized by hotter, more humid climate than the higher elevations of the country. » Mexico has distinct wet and dry seasons. Nearly all of the country experiences a rainy season from June to mid-October and notably less rain during the rest of the year. February and July generally are the driest and wettest months. Mexico City , for example, receives an average of only 5 millimeters of rain during February but more than 160 millimeters in July. Coastal areas, especially those along the Gulf of Mexico , experience the largest amounts of rain in September. | Role Of Mexico Climate - Gulf of Mexico will provide insight into the role of tropical climate system on global climate. » Rainfall varies widely both by location and season. Arid or semiarid conditions are encountered in the Baja Peninsula, the northwestern state of Sonora, the northern altiplano, and significant portions of the southern altiplano. » Mexico faces noteworthy ecological threats upsetting almost every section of the country. Vast expanses of southern and southeastern tropical forests have been striped for cattle raising and agriculture. » Mexico's vast coastline faces a different, but no less difficult, series of environmental problems. | For Latest Mexico Weather Updates; » M e x i c o W e a t h e r » M e x O n l i n e .................................... Mexico Heritage Mexico is most prominent to tourists for its many prehistoric ruins, popular beach resorts, generally warm-to-hot climate, and unique culture. Tourism in Mexico peaks during December and mid-summer. A one hour drive to the northeast of Ruta Puuc are the surviving remains of the city of Mayapan . This settlement was controlled by Chichen Itza to the east, now a large archaeological site with many interesting ruins. » The central and southern parts of Mexico was host to several pre-Hispanic civilizations, with the most prominent being the Aztec, Mayan , and the Olmec. There are numerous tourist destinations where these ruins can be viewed. Along the gulf coast area in the state of Veracruz are more archaeological sites, with the Olmec ceremonial center of Tres Zapotes, the ruins of the large Totonac city of Zempoala , and the ruins of El Tajín with the Pyramid of the Niches. The city of Xalapa contains the Museo de Antropología, a notable museum featuring a collection of massive Olmec head sculptures. » Moving to the north, the central region about Mexico City contains several archeological sites. To the southwest are the massive ruins of Teotihuacán , including the Pyramid of the Sun and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl . To the southeast near the city of Cholula is the Great Pyramid, visible from the city center. Just to the north of Cholula are the well-preserved ruins of Cacaxtla city. | Mexico Heritage Resources » Travel Mexico » Our Mexico » Mexico Expo » World Heritage your comments @ Travel T World Comments (1) Showing posts 1 - 10. 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Russia Travel

Travel East Russia - Travel Partners Travel Partners Throughout our years of involvement in Eastern Russia, we have worked and cooperated with numerous travel companies. We have had a chance to look at their operating capabilities and procedures, their product, their management style and most importantly how they deal with their clients. We also monitor for safety concerns and client's response to their tour programs. We undertake at least two to three trips each year to monitor development and work very closely with the travel community here in the US and in Eastern Russia. We have also put in a system of ranking tour operators according to their experience with foreigners. *Extensive working experience with international travelers **Interested in working with foreigners. Great experience working with Russians These travel partners provide individual arrangements. They also can put together tour packages upon request: Buryatia Region Baikal-Naran Tour * Contact: Sesegina Rabdanova, General Director baikalnarantour@mail.ru This company has lots of logistical experience in Buryatia. The General Director is a former Intourist employee and of Buryat heritage. They offer a number of different programs with local Buryat communities. They formerly operated in cooperation with a US partner. Firn Travel * Contact: Larissa, International Travel Coordinator Info@travelbaikal.net Firn travel has long time experience in ecotourism operations in Buryatia. They started out at Firn Club, dedicating their efforts to leading volunteer youth groups on ecotours in the regions of Severobaikalsk and the Barguzinsky Reserve. They have both English and German speaking staff and have a lot of experience in operating tours for German tour operators. Irkutsk Region Baikal-Discovery * Contact: Alexei Nikorof, Manager travel@baikal-discovery.com Alexei Nikiforov has been involved in tourism in Irkutsk for a long time, about twenty-five years, first as an Intourist guide, later connected with the Baikal Business Center, Green Express and now his own company. The company has long -term experience in operating eocotours connecting the regions of Mongolia, Buryatia and the Irkutsk region. Their itineraries are well researched and include unique encounters with the indigenous populations. Alexei is a tireless supporter of ecotours in this part of Russia. He writes a lot of articles about ecotourism development, speaks at conferences and educates other tour companies on following ecotourism principles in their own operations. Ivan Ivanov who oversees the operational aspects for the company has achieved one of Russia's highest accomplishments graduating from the Presidential Management course with honors. Both Alexei and Ivan are involved in the development of interesting program spanning all nearby regions. The company also offers an interesting program of winter activities and is always interested in new ecotourism ideas. They have cooperated with a number of travel companies from Europe and the US, including TCS Expeditions. Kamchatka Region Kamchatintour * www.kamchatintour.ru Contact: Irina Sedova, Director of Tourism inform@kamchatintour.ru Kamchatintour was one of the first companies after Perestroika that took the lead in catering to international travelers. They met the first expedition ship traveling from the Komandor Islands to Petropavlovsk. They also developed the first business partnership with Japan now generating about four to five charters of ecotravelers to Kamchatka from that country. Innovative ideas and excellent operational qualities characterize this agency. ExploreKam * Contact: Martha Madsen, Director explorekam@elizovo.ru Explore Kamchatka In 1991, Martha Madsen was the Curator of the Pratt Museum of Homer, Alaska. Even at that time, Martha had a great interest in bringing cultures together and worked with both native Alaskan and Koryak and Even cultures of Kamchatka. Little did she know that she would eventually move from Alaska to a totally different environment, Kamchatka, Russia? When I met Martha, she had finished a stint as Assistant Director for Program Development and Fund Raising at the Yelizovo District Library System and just started her career in travel with Yelizovo Tour Service. This agency was way ahead of the crowd, perhaps not in experience, but in concept as it brought together many of he smaller entrepreneurs who had specific skills related to travel and used their expertise to create and manage their own tours. Not an easy thing to do, in a region where competition is frowned upon. The idea itself though, offers the traveler the best experience. Martha not satisfied with this experience alone, also opened the first Bed & Breakfast in Yelizovo, in a house she and her Russian husband are carefully refurbishing. From feedback, we have heard they serve the most wonderful meals and the ambiance brings travelers back over and over again. Martha as an extension to her hospitality efforts also now operates her own tours, continuing the principle of joint operations with those who have the greatest knowledge. Martha is also the creator and editor of the Kamchatka Explorer brochure. This brochure contains great information about the region and its tourism possibilities. The information is also available through a Web Site www.kamcahtkaepxlorer.com. Volcanolog Tour * Contact: Elena Kochneva, Director travel@mail.iks.ru This company is lead by a scientist in volcanology and a man with great knowledge and humor. He has worked with many German and French groups and has an excellent reputation. Kamchatka Travel Group Ltd. ** Contact: Yulia Nenasheva, inbound travel services yulianiko@yahoo.com This company was founded and is managed by a number of travel professionals with long term experience in tour management in Kamchatka The Climb ** Contact: Galina V. Volgina, Owner climbkam@hotmail.ru This company has been offering hiking and climbing tours in Kamchatka for at least ten years. The company has also a partner in Alaska. Beringia Land ** Contact: Inna Obukhova, Executive Manager inna@mail.iks.ru Beringia Land has been leading sled dog races over the past years. . Beringia is a philosophy as much as a company, offering unique experiences beyond the conventional for the last twelve years. Itineraries offered include remote wilderness travel to general sightseeing and activities from hiking, river rafting and sea kayaking to dog sledding. The company focuses on tours off the beaten path an entrance into what makes Kamchatka so special. Khabarovski Krai Unitravel ** Contact: Ivan Kazzenov Ivan@unitravel.com We have not worked with this company before. They did attend our training and have been excellent in following through with our recommendations. The company has established several ecotours in the region. Bon Voyage * Contact: Svetlana Cherkasova, Director svetlana@mail.kht.ru The company has an excellent record in operating complex logistics and has shown a aptitude for working with foreigners. Primorski Krai Dalintourist * Contact: Olga V Bekhtereva, Director Inbound Department dalint@mail.primorye.ru This company has good experience with international travelers and offers programs all over the Primorski Krai. One of their new efforts includes the development of community tourism in a small village north of Vladivostok. The village still offers travelers a look at the traditional way of life during the soviet years. Dalintourist offers accommodations in its own lodging facility. Villagers are employed in all activities and benefit economically from them. Intourist, Nahodka * Contact: Natalia Kucherenko, Head of International Department natalia@intourist.nahodka.ru Intourist has both an office in Nahodka and Vladivostok. Mirabel Tour Company ** Contact: Elena Andreeva, General Director mirabel1@vladivsotok.ru An established, innovative tour company in Vladivostok offering a variety of tours in the region. They are one of the first agencies offering nature oriented tours to the local population and foreign travelers accompanied by a specialist. The agency is very supportive of new tour development and is always looking for new tour product. "Nika tour - 2000" Co., Ltd** Contact: Tatyana Kalinina, General Director nikatour@mail.ru Terratour ** Contact: Anastasiya K. Kaushinskaya, Manager terra-julie@mail.ru This company has not had much experience with the international market place. However, they are very experienced in handling logistics all over Russia. They just finished managing a motorcycle race from Moscow to Vladivostok. Also recommended by WWF/Russia. Vladivostok Travel & Excursion Bureau** Contact: Elvira Khodounova, General Director globus@vlad.ru Vzmorye * Contact: Svetlana Lozovskaya, Leading specialist vzmorye@mail.ru This company is lead by a team of scientists in the field or ornithology and biology. They also have set up a network of B & B's throughout the Primorski Krai. The company is very knowledgeable about birding tours in the Far Eastern Marine Preserve and also nature oriented tours to other areas of the Primorski Krai. The company has excellent relationships with WWF/Russia and the local government. Maik-DV Contact: Natalya Nosyreva Maik-Dv@yandex.ru This company has quite a bit of experience handling conferences andmeetings for the regional government. They also have a number ofspecialists they work with specifically on programs focussing on theAmur Tiger. Magadan Region DVS Tour * Contact: Victoria Belger, Manager dvs_tour@sferacom.ru DVS-TOUR has been organizing ecological, fly fishing and rafting tours for many years. Clients include both Russian and foreign clients. Last year the company managed expedition cruise clients of Zegrahm, a well know US company. Virginia ahs spend about four months in the US as an intern with several ecotourism companies. Yakutia Region Tour Service Center. Co. Ltd. * Contact: V. Ipatiev, Director contact@yakutiatravel.com This company offers exciting and well-managed excursions of Yakutia. One of the main reasons they can do this is because they work with a number of tourism partners in the region who have expertise in specific activities. Arctic Travel * Contact: Guerman Arbugaev, Director g-arbugaev@yandex.ru arctic@sakha.ru This company offers excellent experience in one of a kind tours around Yakutia, specifically to off the beaten places, such as reindeer herding camps, both in the summer and winter. They also offer birding tours in the north. The company has excellent contact with all indigenous communities. Join our mailing list be informed of tours as they become available: Email: Subscribe Unsubscribe World Wise Ecotourism Network 1321 W. Emerson #6 Seattle, WA 98119 Phone: 206-282-0824 Fax: 206-281-4417 E-mail: Info@TravelEastRussia.com 2000 All Rights Reserved

Austria Travel: Austria Travel

Travel: Austria Travel Notes -- Austrian Regions Car Hire Cruises Flights Hotels Tours Vacations About Travel Notes™ Destinations Budget Travel Feedback Search Travel Forums Travel Writers Africa Asia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America South America Oceania Austria Travel: Austria Travel Notes -- Austrian Regions A Waltz Around Austria . Round The World Flights - Free TravelNotes e-mail The Michelin Guide To Austria Austria Index AustrianCities Austrian Culture Austrian Hotels Austrian News Austrian Regions Austrian Tourism Austrian Tours Kaffehauskultur (in German) LocalCurrency Convert your currency into euro . Food Travel Fiction Health Kids Bios Humor Mags Software Gifts Tech Business Other Your Ad Here Travel Notes Mailing List Austria Hotel City Search : A Waltz Around Austria There's more to Austria than Vienna and skiing . Austria is divided into nine provinces : Burgenland , Carinthia (Krnten), Lower Austria (Niedersterreich), Salzburg , Styria (Steiermark), Tirol , Upper Austria (Obersterreich), Vienna and Vorarlberg . Burgenland This is the area of eastern Austria, south of the River Danube. It extends down along the border with Hungary towards the Republic of Slovenia . Much of the Neusiedler See lies within Burgenland; popular with bird-watchers and campers. The capital of this mostly rural province is Eisenstadt; connected by motorway with Vienna. The southern region of Burgenland adheres to old values of the land where the pace is slower, prices are cheaper and the wines are splendid. The Pannonian cuisine is a reflection of the region's modest conditions. Burgenland became an Austrian possession in 1491, and remained under Austrian control until 1647, when Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III ceded it to Hungary. Hungary had to return Burgenland to Austria after World War I, although the Hungarians secured the return of Sopron in 1922. Carinthia The province lies in southern Austria, bordering Slovenia and Italy . Called Krnten in German, this is one region visitors should make time to explore. The capital of the rolling province is Klagenfurt, with Villach another major town in the region. Wrthersee is the resort lake that lies between them; although much closer to Klagenfurt. The area west of Villach is known as Upper Carinthia, rising to 3,797 m. From here, Grossglockner towers above the rest of the country as Austria's highest peak. The lush mountain valleys and the well tended farmlands in Carinthia provide for rich savoury dishes. The physical energy needed to work the fields was traditionally fuelled by such delights as Ritschert (a casserole made of barley), Ksekrustelsuppe (cheese soup), Erdpfelsterz (fried mashed potatoes), or Frigga (dried bacon, polenta and cheese). Carinthia was a Roman possession, until it became an independent duchy in 976. The Habsburg family took control of the area in the 13th century, and it became an Austrian crown territory the following year hundred. Carinthia lost some of its land to Italy and Yugoslavia after World War I, and the southern part of the province has many Slovenes living there today. Carinthia Mountain Experience : Wherever you look in Carinthia there are mountains, whether it's the magnificent Hohen Tauern, the beautiful Nockberge Mountains or the rugged limestone crags of the Carnic Alps and the Karawankens. Cycling in Carinthia : Cycling in Carinthia can mean anything from a gruelling hill climb up the Grossglockner to a leisurely run round a lake or a scenic trip through the National Park. Klagenfurt : Klagenfurt and Lake Wrthersee lie in the south of the province of Carinthia, close to its borders with Slovenia and Italy. Lower Austria Surrounding Vienna and filling the country's belly with the fruits of the Danube basin, Lower Austria is the country's largest province in more ways than one -- locally known as Niedersterreich. The land below the River Enns is gaining popularity for short breaks out of the capital, and the area has many fine restaurants. St. Polten, Krems, and Wiener Neustadt are the largest centres in the region. St. Plten City Tour : Take the online tour of the provincial capital of Lower Austria by choosing points of interest on the colourful map of St. Plten. Salzburg The Province extends around the Salzach River, with Salzburg its capital. Salzburg was originally a Celtic settlement and later the Roman trading centre of Juvavum. Numerous cathedrals, including one from the 17th-century in the Italian Renaissance style, adorn the city. The Bauernherbst, literally farmer's Autumn, is a great time to pull up a chair in a Salzburg provincial Gasthaus. Between August and October, restaurant owners adjust their menus to incorporate the harvests of local farmers, and offer their guests true regional dishes. Styria Almost wholly within the Alps, Steiermark is Austria's south-eastern province, bordering Slovenia . Numerous lakes and forested mountain slopes make Styria a pleasure on the eye. Graz is the provincial capital, built on a roman settlement. Charlemagne established the region as part of the Frankish Empire, attaching it to the duchy of Carinthia. It became a separate duchy in 1180 and was acquired by the Duke of Austria twelve years later. As a Habsburg possession in 1282, it remained in the royal house until the collapse of Austrian-Hungarian empire during World War I. Tirol The western corridor of Austria, between Salzburg and Vorarlberg, is bounded to the north by Germany and to the south by Italy . When the Arlberg pass is closed during heavy snowfall, all traffic to Voralberg has to pass through the tunnel. Innsbruck , the capital of Tyrol, was home to the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics, and is near to many ski areas. Tyrol once extended to Lake Garda, but after World War I Sud Tyrol was ceded to Italy. Many people in the Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige still cling to their Germanic roots. Tyrolean cuisine descends from the days when fruits and fish from the south met on the tables with meat, game and vegetables from the north. Hiking in Stubaital : Marc Thijs provides descriptions of 18 wonderful summer hiking trips in Tirol, with over 300 pictures and several maps. Although the pictures are submitted on various sub-pages, they are large and a fast internet connection is advisable. Upper Austria The land above the River Enns, Obersterreich, offers its guests traditional country-style helpings of dumplings, roasts and potato dishes. There's something of a homecoming for the traditional plain-cooking of home-made blood and liver sausage, bacon dumplings and stuffed breast of roast veal. These dishes go down well with the beers brewed in Upper Austria. The capital of the federal province of Upper Austria is Linz. Digital City Linz : You'll need to read German to get the best out of the service guide and links section. Brucknerhaus : The Brucknerhaus was opened on March 23, 1974, with a concert by the Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by Herbert von Karajan. Some 200 cultural events are staged, including the Linz Bruckner Festival every September. Vienna See Austrian Cities . Voralberg Austria's westernmost province includes the towns of Bregenz, Dornbirn and Felkirch. Voralberg : Where the mountains meet the lake and three lands come together -- Germany , Austria and Switzerland . Alpenregion Bludenz : The Alpine town of Bludenz lies 588m above sea level. Lech am Arlberg : Chic little ski resort above St. Anton -- with a website to match it. Ski Arlberg : Arlberg has always been famous for its beauty, reliable snow extending right down to the villages and the excellent condition of its slopes. St. Anton : A favourite with those who like to ski as hard as they party. Bregenzerwald : A lovely little region behind Bregenz and Dornbirn. Austrian Cities : The main attractions for visitors to Austria. Austrian Culture : Austria's illustrious history leaves a lot of memories behind. Uncover the delights of former glory. TIScover Austria : Comprehensive information about Austrian regions from Tourism Information Systems. Europe Travel Forum : From Albania to Vatican City, Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, Europe is culturally eclectic and full of lavish history. Join us in the travel forums if you have a question about Europe or would like to share your experiences about travelling or living in Europe. The Internet TravelNotes.org Flight Tickets : Save money on Round The World flight tickets. Travel News : Get the inside scoop with the latest travel features and tips. Past Articles . 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