Central America Travel

Adventure Travel with the Green Tortoise Bus Company Reservations & General Info Trips, Dates & Prices Links, Photos & Chat Boards Green Tortoise Hostels Company Info Search Home Page & Site Info Hello! The menu links at top will not work because you either have Style Sheets turned off in your preferences, or you are using a very old web browser version. Please move around the site by using the site directory at the bottom of this page. Please consider upgrading to a more recent version of your browser if necessary. - GT Webmaster The above menus will not work because you have Javascript turned off. Please use the site directory page or Adventures & Destinations clickable map to move around the site. plus, check out our brand new Gold Coast Loop ! About us Featured Adventure Trips Subscribe to our newsletter Request a print catalog Featured trip: Burning Man Festival -- Sign our Guest Map ... show us where you're from! new! Site map Chat room new! -- Green Tortoise Adventure Travel began over 30 years ago, with one sturdy bus and the realization that beautiful places, great food, and sociable people were the only essentials for gratifying travel experiences. Since then, over 500,000 people have traveled with us, including many repeat riders from all over the world. Enjoy the beauty, excitement, and inspiration of North and Central America aboard our " stretch-out-and-sleep " coaches. Our sleeper coaches are unique, with names and lots of character. Our happy passengers sleep lying down on converted platforms and bunk beds. In the morning, we arrive somewhere incredible! By day we swim, explore caves, climb mountains, raft downstream, stand under waterfalls, walk through forests, build camp-fires, visit towns, meet people, or just plain take it easy. You're welcome to join the adventure, friends and fun. The settings are the best national parks, beaches, deserts, forests, hot springs, mountains, and waterfalls. There's nothing else like the Green Tortoise—even a short ride on the Green Tortoise is a vacation . . . the longer trips will become lifelong memories. Above: "...What Now?" Black Rock Desert, NV. ©1997 Mike K . Used by permission. Arches Nat'l Park photo: ©2000 Sacha Schrier. Used by permission. We occasionally send out information about new trips, specials and other information by email to people who request it, via our newsletter group on YahooGroups. To receive these newsletters, you can subscribe to our YahooGroups list by submitting your email address here: You can also subscribe by simply sending a blank email to GreenTortoiseNewsletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com , then reply to the confirmation email they send. Your email address will be kept completely confidential and only used for our periodic mailings. It will not ever be sold or given away, in accordance with YahooGroups' privacy policy . (Note: If you have a Hotmail account, you need to add GreenTortoiseNewsletter@yahoogroups.com to your Mailing Lists on your Options screen in Hotmail so the newsletters don't go into your Junk Mail folder.) About our catalog... Our full-color catalog contains the same information as this website. If you would like to order a free copy or have one sent to a friend, please use our online catalog request form or call us . Don't trust computers! Your intrepid webmaster does his best to keep our website updated with the most current information available - but in this ever-changing world in which we live in, you can never be too sure. All information on this website is subject to change without notice - please call us to confirm anything you read here before you make travel plans based on it! Even a short ride on the Green Tortoise is a vacation, and the longer adventures will become life-long memories. As we like to say, the Green Tortoise is Back to top Site map Terms and conditions Reservations/general info: tortoise greentortoise.com Technical/internet-related issues: webmaster greentortoise.com ©2003 Green Tortoise Adventure Travel Adventure Travel home - text-only version Hello! You are seeing the site directory below because you either have Javascript and Style Sheets turned off in your preferences, or you are using a very old web browser version (probably either Internet Explorer 3, or Netscape 4.74 or earlier.) You can continue to use the site like this if you wish, but please consider either turning these features on if they are off, or downloading more up-to-date web browser versions. Site Directory Reservations & General Info How to Make A Reservation This is it! Before you reserve How to make your reservation Reservation form Cancellations, credit card policy & fee, general copy of release Cancellantion policy Credit card policy General release form (html or PDF) Yes, we do Charters ! Charter information and online quote request form Traveling by Tortoise : about our food and sleeper coaches About our food About our sleeper coaches Why NOT Green Tortoise Is our style of travel for you? Read me! Frequently asked questions Our Frequent Crawler club : repeat riders get free trips Children riding the Tortoise: Our policies and advice on child passengers Our policy on children Thoughts about traveling on Green Tortoise with a young child, by a parent of a young Tortoise traveler Directions to our office, departure points and hostels Our Address, phone number and email Directions to our San Francisco Office and Hostel, and to our San Francisco bus departures Directions to our Seattle hostel Trips, Dates & Prices All Trip dates and fares listed by Trip name All Trip dates and fares month-by-month listing of departure dates Adventures & Destinations clickable map Alaskan Expedition Alaska Loop Burning Man Festival Best Of The West Canyons Of The West Cross Country Northern Crossing eastbound Cross Country Northern Dream westbound Cross Country Southern Crossing eastbound Cross Country Southern Dream westbound Death Valley National Park Hostel Hopper round-trip shuttle to LA, Las Vegas, Yosemite, and San Francisco -- Mardi Gras National Parks Loop Northeast Loop Northern Pioneer Northwest Loop Pacific Trek Southeast Loop Southwest Loop Western Trail Yosemite National Park Three day Yosemite trips (June thru October) Two day weekend trips (April thru September) Baja Beach Daze / Whale Watching Baja Beach Daze 9 or 15 day adventure trips Baja Beach Whale Watching adventure trip Baja Beach "Fly In" trip Costa Rica (Costa Rica Loop / Costa-Nica / Panama Carnaval) Costa Rica Loop adventure trip Costa Rica/Nicaragua Loop adventure trip Carnaval trip: Costa Rica/Panama Gold Coast Loop Maya Dream Weeks : Yucatan Explorer, Caribbean Cruiser, Jungle Boogie, La Ruta Maya, Tropical Trek, and The Whole Enchilada Maya Trail Pyramids & Playas new! Southern Migration San Francisco to Cancun Check out our current Featured Adventure Trips Last Minute Specials Tell us what you thought! Links, Photos & Chat Boards Fellow Travelers : other sites about Green Tortoise, by passengers and friends Our online Photo Gallery Link to us! free link graphics and text for your web pages Pleased to meetcha! Meet our drivers, naturalists and office staff Meet our drivers Meet our naturalists Meet our office staff Friends Of The Tortoise: Other links of interest to Green Tortoise travelers Tortoise2Tortoise A community bulletin board Tortoise Tales Now it's your turn to talk! Our GuestMap : show us where you're from, and meet our other website visitors! new! Hostels Green Tortoise San Francisco Guesthouse home page Green Tortoise Seattle Hostel home page Online Booking information reserve your hostel bed from our website Company Info Green Tortoise Adventure Travel 494 Broadway San Francisco, CA 94133 USA US (outside SF Bay area) and Canada: 1-800-TORTOISE (1-800-867-8647) Bay Area & Worldwide: 415-956-7500 email: tortoise greentortoise com Website & technical issues only: webmaster greentortoise com San Francisco Hostel: 415-834-1000 Email: hostel greentortoise com Seattle Green Tortoise Hostel : 1-888-4-A-Hostel Email: info greentortoise net Employment Opportunities with our company Join a legend! 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Orlando vacation package includes:

Orlando Hotel Packages & Vacation Specials – Sheraton World Resort Weddings Local Area Photo Gallery Contact Us Sheraton Service Promise Sheraton's Sweet Sleeper Bed About Sheraton.com Internet Specials! Enter your email address to receive special promotions reserved for our online users: SHERATON WORLD RESORT ORLANDO info@SheratonWorld.com 10100 International Drive Orlando, FL 32821 407-352-1100 For Property Direct Reservations 800-327-0363 For Reservations 800-325-3535 A World Of Exciting Orlando Hotel Packages... Conveniently located just minutes from Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios, the Sheraton World Resort Orlando is an enchanting setting of its own that you have to experience to believe. Now our exciting Orlando hotel vacation packages make it even easier to do just that. Lounge by the waterfall at our lagoon pool, or swim among the dolphins. Whatever your pleasure, you’re sure to find a whole world of excitement and splendor here at this tropical year-round resort . Choose from the following Orlando hotel specials to enhance your enjoyment. "Shop And Stay" "Kids Stay Free" "Sea World Approved Hotel" "AARP Member Benefits" "Show your card and Save – AAA/CAA "Bed and Breakfast" "Wedding" Orlando Hotel Package "Family" Orlando Hotel Vacation Package "Starwood Preferred Guest" "Shop And Stay" Orlando Hotel Package... Join us at the Sheraton World Resort Orlando for a relaxing stay and a one-of-a-kind shopping escape. We're just steps from the world-class Orlando Premium Outlets - the city's only true upscale outlet center. Enjoy exclusive savings at 110 outlet stores including Barney's, Escada, Burberry, Coach, Giorgio Armani, and others. Take advantage of this all-inclusive package and you'll be treated to a full breakfast for two, along with a complimentary VIP coupon book and convenient transportation from I-Ride Trolley. This value-priced Orlando hotel special includes: Deluxe guestroom accommodations VIP coupon book worth hundreds of dollars in additional savings Convenient transportation from I-Ride Trolley Full breakfast for two, each morning Complimentary kids' meals, for children under 12* Late checkout at 4 p.m., subject to availability Click here for Package Rates & Availability. * Kids Eat Free off the kids' menu with purchase of adult meal. One paying adult provides one free child's meal, for up to two children, 12 years old or younger. Package rate is based on availability. "Kids Stay Free" Orlando Hotel Special... The Sheraton Orlando World Resort is now offering yet another reason to make your next vacation a family affair – our "Kids Stay Free" policy. It’s the perfect solution for fun-loving children and parents. Our multi-room guest suites allow mom and dad some privacy, while onsite dining options – including Pizza Hut® – are sure to be a hit with the kids. For those extra-special moments, take advantage of our onsite babysitting services, well-tended playground, kiddie pools, miniature golf greens, and other recreational facilities. Experience the convenience of traveling with the kids at our family-oriented resort . As a standard feature at our hotel, this Sheraton-brand special offer includes: Exceptional rates on overnight accommodations* No additional charge for kids, when staying in parents’ guest room Click here for Package Rates & Availability. "Sea World Approved Hotel" Orlando Hotel Package... Make a splash during your next Orlando hotel vacation. Our convenient setting across the street from Sea World Orlando theme park has always made us the ideal choice of hotels for exploring this world-famous attraction. Now, this exclusive Sea World Orlando hotel special makes it even easier to explore both worlds at one great low rate. This whale of package includes: Exceptional rates on two nights accommodations* Two admission tickets to Sea World Orlando theme park Click here for Package Rates & Availability or call us at 1-800-327-0363, and ask for the package by name. "AARP Member Benefits" Orlando Hotel Package... Sheraton World Resort Orlando is honored to extend AARP Privileges to our most distinguished guests. Age had its advantages, and whether you chose to swim in one of our palm-tree lined pools or putt with your grandkids at our miniature golf greens, you’ll be glad you took advantage of the preferential treatment. Available throughout the year to AARP members, this Orlando hotel special includes: 10% savings or more on non-discounted room rates* No additional charge for grandkids, when staying in grandparents’ guest room Amenities including heated swimming pools, relaxing lounge, and fitness center Click here for Package Rates & Availability. * Subject to availability. Must present proof of AARP membership upon check-in to qualify. Show your card and Save – AAA/CAA Members... Whether you travel by plane, train, or automobile, show your AAA or CAA card and save up to 50% at the Sheraton World. Join the award-winning Sheraton Preferred Guest Program, and enjoy even more distinguished privileges and benefits. Available exclusively to AAA members, this valuable Orlando hotel special includes: Up to 50% savings Instant room upgrade, for Starwood Preferred Guest members Leisurely 4 p.m. checkout, for Starwood Preferred Guests 1,000 Starpoints, on first three stays through June 1, 2005 Two Starpoints for every dollar spent, for Preferred Guests "Now through November 2005, stay two nights and receive a $20 hotel credit good for use within Sheraton World Resort's shops and Restaurants." Click here for Package Rates & Availability. * Subject to availability. Must present proof of AAA / CAA membership upon check-in to qualify. "Bed and Breakfast" Orlando Hotel Vacation Package... Relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of life during your vacation. Bring the kids, or plan an intimate getaway with someone special. Perfect for all types of travel, this Orlando vacation package includes: Deluxe guestroom accommodations Full breakfast for two, each morning Complimentary kids' meals, for children under 12* Late checkout at 4 p.m., subject to availability Rates from $99.00 - $139.00* Be sure to use the promotional code "BAR6B" to take advantage of this special offer. Or call us at 1-800-327-0363, and ask for the package by name. * Kids Eat Free off the kids' menu with purchase of adult meal. One paying adult provides one free child's meal, for up to two children, 12 years old or younger. Package rate is based on availability. Click here for Package Rates & Availability. "Wedding" Orlando Hotel Package... Treat your loved one to an unforgettable Orlando vacation. Don't worry: We'll provide all of the necessary indulgences. Designed with an unmistakable touch of debonair, this Orlando hotel package includes: Luxurious accommodations for two Room upgrade to next available category* Full American breakfast for two, via room service or restaurant Bottle of wine and cheese plate Late checkout at 4 p.m., if available Rates from $225 To book this package, please click on the link below, and be sure to use the promotional code "WDPKG" to take advantage of this special offer. * Upgrade to next room category is based upon availability at check-in. Click here for Package Rates & Availability. "Family" Orlando Hotel Vacation Package... The Sheraton World invites you to bring the whole family for a fun-filled Orlando vacation. With so many enjoyable amenities right here at our hotel, we're the perfect choice for your next big trip. This popular Orlando hotel package includes: Deluxe accommodations for the whole family Free kids' meal per purchase of adult meal, for up to two children* Complimentary in-room movie Popcorn and Coca-Cola for four people Late checkout at 4 p.m., subject to availability Rate: $139 To book this package, please click on the link below, and be sure to use the promotional code "SIFAMILY" to take advantage of this special offer. * Kids Eat Free off the kids' menu with purchase of adult meal. One paying adult provides one free child's meal, for up to two children, 12 years old or younger. Click here for Package Rates & Availability. "Starwood Preferred Guest" Orlando Hotel Specials... Become a Starwood Preferred Guest, and take advantage of a host of savings by redeeming your earned SPG points! Click here for more information about the Starwood Preferred Guest Program . Conveniently located across the street from Sea World Orlando and just minutes from dozens of the other world-famous attractions and theme parks, the Sheraton World Resort is a magical realm unto itself – a unique haven of paradise for business and leisure travelers alike. Book your reservations online today for our Best Rates. Guaranteed. Home | Features | Guest Rooms & Amenities Location | Reservations | Special Offers | Meeting & Events Dining | Weddings | Local Attractions | Contact Us Site Powered by TIG Global, Hospitality Internet Marketing

Japan Travel International Travel

Metropolis - Tokyo Japan Travel: God speed JAPAN TODAY | METROPOLIS | CLASSIFIEDS | PERSONALS | JOBS Issue Index Original Features Features Mini Features Cultural Features Life in Japan Big in Japan Rant & Rave Cars & Bikes Health & Beauty Interiors Practical Jobfinder Money Talks Tokyo Tech Web Watch Food & Drink Food & Drink Restaurant Reviews Bar Reviews Word of Mouth Travel Travel Features Japan Travel International Travel Travelogue Style Art Artifacts Fashion Tokyo Talk In Store Buyline Music Japan Beat CD Reviews In Person Concerts Clubbing JAPAN TRAVEL Photos by Mary King The mother of all Shinto temples, Ise Grand Shrine is the spiritual home of the Japanese nation. Mary King takes a pilgrimage. D own the ages various rumors and tales have circulated about the sacred mirror of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. It was once said that whoever laid eyes on the mirror would immediately be struck blind, a possible deterrent for would-be thieves. Others have claimed to have seen the mirror and reported that it is inscribed with ancient Hebrew lettering, reading “eheyeh asher eheyeh,” the name of the Judaic-Christian God written in Exodus 3:14 and meaning “I AM THAT I AM.” Heavenly abode Japan’s sacred mirror, one of three items of the Imperial Regalia, is kept in the Inner Shrine (Naiku) at Ise Grand Shrine, a sanctuary that many visitors to the Mie Prefecture city of Ise are astonished to discover they are not allowed to enter or even see. Ise Jingu, popularly known as “O-Ise-san,” or officially “Jingu,” holds the most honored position among the more than 100,000 Shinto shrines that are scattered throughout the breadth of Japan. The site of the nation’s most Holy of Holies, and boasting some of the world’s greatest architectural monuments, Jingu is also home to some of the simplest and most mysterious structures. Described as the “starting point for all journeys in Japan,” Ise is regarded as the spiritual home of the Japanese, a place to which most wish to make at least one pilgrimage to in their lives. In fact, more than six million pilgrims and worshipers come to Jingu each year, crossing the Uji Bridge spanning the sacred Isuzu River to symbolically leave behind the temporal world and enter a “pure world” of kami (gods and spirits) and the ancient mythology of the land. Odyssey Passing through the second huge torii at the end of Uji Bridge, a long gravel approach leads you through a natural cathedral of towering cryptomeria. Pilgrim and tourist alike are taken on a divine journey toward the Naiku and Geku, where Amaterasu and Toyouke (God of Abundant Food) are respectively worshipped. It is an unforgettable odyssey, one that spirits you back to the country’s earliest recorded “history” that tells of the “Age of Kami,” the creation of Japan and the origins of its people right through to the Imperial line and succeeding generations of emperors and empresses. The auxiliary shrines resemble ancient granaries The Geku (Outer Shrine) was dedicated to the grain deity Toyouke, possibly in a bid to bolster the new imperial cult that started, according to the myth, when Amaterasu sent her grandson, Ninigi no Mikoto, down to earth to rule. The Sun Goddess handed her grandson the mirror that had lured her out of her cave, along with Susano’s sword, and a curved jewel. The mirror (yata no kagami), along with the jewel and sword, remain the Three Imperial Regalia, symbols of divine authority, and to this day the emperor conducts rites to ensure a bountiful harvest as well as secret rituals in which he symbolically mates with the Sun Goddess. The high priestess of Ise, meanwhile, has traditionally been an Imperial princess, reflecting the nation’s early history of shamanesses, priestesses and ruling empresses. Having passed through large open grounds and crossed over a small bridge (hiyokebashi), you gradually move towards the more sacred area of the Naiku. To the right of the main pilgrimage path is located a font for the ablutions made by pilgrims prior to proceeding toward the main sanctuary grounds. Beyond the daiichi torii (first sacred gateway) are steps that lead to the Isuzu River, where since ancient times pilgrims have purified their body and mind by washing their hands in, and rinsing their mouths with, the waters of this sacred river. According to Shinto thought, one’s pure mind and body given by the kami must be ritually cleansed so as to return to a state of purity. Amaterasu Omikami is enshrined in the main sanctuary building, the Goshoden, of the inner sanctum of Naiku, in which the august mirror, her symbol or goshintai, is kept and worshipped. As they are considered most sacred, pilgrims or other visitors may see neither the mirror nor the main sanctuary. In fact, the only people allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, according to my guide, are members of the Imperial Family, although on one occasion, it is rumored, Queen Elizabeth was invited in. Restoration Except for the exalted mirror, all of Jingu’s other sacred shrines and objects must be reconstructed in synch with each 20-year Shikinen Sengyo cycle. The elaborate transference procession and ceremony involves the remaking of some 491 holy treasures, 1600 accessories and 125 kinds of sacred apparel that are then put in their proscribed places by the priests. Formerly used objects are kept in the nearby Jingu History Museum, which is open to the public. It is possible to find two absolutely identical Naiku and Geku standing side by side-one old, one new. In time the older one will be deconstructed and its wooden parts, now forever consecrated, recycled as repair pieces for other shrines around Japan. The newer one-once the transference of holy objects has been consummated-hence replaces the old as a locus of veneration. The shrines themselves are thought to resemble ancient granaries or storehouses and are built from Japanese cypress (hinoki) from the Kiso forestry preserves extending between the Gifu and Nagano Prefectures. Befitting the reverence accorded to these sanctified building blocks, death, loss of a limb, or imprisonment have, over the centuries, been the penalties for felling these jewels. A visit to the majestic Ise shrine allows one to understand why. Where to stay: Oaken, tel: 059-622-2589; Hinodekan, Tel: 059-628-2954; Saekikan, tel: 059-628-2017; Okubun, tel: 059-628-2231. Ise City Tourist Information, tel: 059-623-9655. TRAVELOGUE WORLD TRAVEL TRAVEL FEATURES JAPAN TRAVEL: SEPTEMBER 389: God speed The mother of all Shinto temples, Ise Grand Shrine AUGUST 385: Hattoji Highland hamlet JULY 380: Nagasaki Remembrance of things past 378: Kawagoe From modern Tokyo to "Little Edo" 376: Tottori Tottori's stunning landscapes JUNE 375: Kyushu Bed and bath under the volcano 373: Ryogoku Land of the giants 372: Osaka Universal Studios Japan MAY 371: Osaka Amerika-mura: Osaka's funky town 369: Mie Mikimoto Pearl Island 368: Takarazuka Hyogo-ken's all women theater group APRIL 365: Kawasaki Kawasaki's annual fertility festival 364: Aomori A day on Fear Mountain MARCH 362: Nagano Chill out snowboarding 361: Asuka One foot in the grave FEBRUARY 356: Yamanashi Hakushu's hidden treasures 355: Waseda Tram Trip A streetcar named... 352/3: Aomori Jesus in Japan 351: Kumamoto Under the volcano in Kyushu 350: Sado Island Explore the forgotten charms of Shukunegi ISSUES 348- ISSUES 298- TOP

Austria Travel Guides ,

Austria Sight-Seeing, Tours & Travel AUSTRIA Places to Stay in Austria Austria Tours & Travel Attractions, Culture, and more... AUSTRIA HOME AUSTRIA TOURS AUSTRIA TOURS AND TRAVEL Contrary to popular perpections Austria is not all about mountains. In fact, the Alps only occupy about half of the country. A diverse mix of landscapes is packed into a relatively small area. Glaciers, meadows, alpine valleys, wooded foothills, gently rolling farmland, vineyards, river gorges, plains and even semi-arid steppes can be found in Austria. AUSTRIA TOURS AND TRAVEL: GRAZ TOURS & TRAVEL , SALZBURG TOURS & TRAVEL : Salzburg Sight-Seeing Tours , Salzburg Dinner Tours & Marionette Plays , Salzburg Transfers , VIENNA TOURS & TRAVEL : Vienna Sight-Seeing Tours , Day Tours from Vienna , Vienna at Night Tours , Vienna Cycling & Hiking , Vienna Transfer s , SALZBURG TOURS, Travel to Austria Salzburg Tours & Travel In picturesque Salzburg, visit wonderful sights including Mirabell Palace, Mozarteum School of Music, Marionette Theatre, County Theatre, House where Mozart lived, Trinity Church, County Legal Courts, Nonnberg Abbey, Hellbrunn Palace, Villa of Frohnburg, Neutor tunnel, and Festival Hall ... SALZBURG TOURS & TRAVEL: Salzburg Sight-Seeing Tours , Salzburg Dinner & Plays , Salzburg Transfers , VIENNA TOURS, Travel to Austria Vienna Tours & Travel See the Ringstrasse known for such magnificent buildings as the Museum of Applied Arts, the State Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History. Also see the Hofburg, the famous residence of Empress Elizabeth, affectionately known as 'Sisi' to the Austrians ... VIENNA TOURS & TRAVEL: Vienna Sight-Seeing Tours , Day Tours from Vienna , Vienna at Night Tours , Vienna Cycling & Hiking , Vienna Transfers , GRAZ TOURS, Travel to Austria Where the White Horses Run 5 hours - Take a journey through the West Styria region and on to the home of the famous white horses of the Spanish Riding School. Marvel at the beauty of the gleam in a glass of Schilcher wine, the glow of onion skins, the glint of pumpkin seed oil, and the play of light on the hills of the Lipizzaner Stud! ... Riegersburg Castle - A Trip to Styrian Volcano Land 5 hours - A well visible landmark, the mighty Riegersburg castle was built over 850 years ago on a volcanic hill, overlooking the lush vineyards of Southeast Styria. Thanks to a hillside lift, you can reach the top within 90 seconds. Join a trip to the legendary Riegersburg castle and enjoy a sample of the local culinary treats on offer! ... Wine Country - A Taste of the South 5 hours - Travel back to where the simple things in life are the most comforting - a place where excellent wines are referred to as 'a good drop', or where the modestly named Brettljause is literally a snack on a little board, filled with a formidable array of home grown and cured meats. Where else but Graz? ... Highlights - A Guided Walk through the Old Town 2 hours - Graz oozes a romanticism that is completely unique, with its narrow lanes and picturesque courtyards. Enjoy a guided city walk along cobble stone streets, travelling through Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and marvel at one of Europe's best preserved cities! ... HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION IN AUSTRIA AUSTRIA HOME AUSTRIA TOURS SEE ALSO FOR AUSTRIA: PLACES TO STAY: ALL HOTELS , Graz Hotels , Innsbruck Hotels , Salzburg Hotels , Seefeld Hotels , Vienna Hotels , TOURS & TRAVEL: ALL TOURS , Graz Tours , Salzburg Tours , Vienna Tours , ATTRACTIONS, CULTURE & MORE: VIENNA : Belvedere Palace , Heeresgeschichtliches Museum , Schonbrunn Palace , SHOP : Austria Posters and Prints , Austria Travel Guides , Images of Austria BRIEF HISTORY OF AUSTRIA: Once the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in World War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and subsequent occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, Austria's status remained unclear for a decade. A State Treaty signed in 1955 ended the occupation, recognized Austria's independence, and forbade unification with Germany. A constitutional law of that same year declared the country's "perpetual neutrality" as a condition for Soviet military withdrawal. This neutrality, once ingrained as part of the Austrian cultural identity, has been called into question since the Soviet collapse of 1991 and Austria's entry into the European Union in 1995. A prosperous country, Austria entered the European Monetary Union in 1999. Top of Page | Places to Stay in Austria | Things to Do in Austria | Links | Site Map | Contact Us AUSTRIA Places to Stay in Austria Austria Tours & Travel Attractions, Culture, and more... Austria Travel Guides Austria Posters & Prints See Also: Czech Republic Germany Switzerland

Hotel Travel

Training Fall Wednesday, December 28, 2005 HOTEL/TRAVEL Specially rated blocks of rooms are being held at the hotels listed below. Discounted rooms are available while blocks last, so reserve your stay today! All reservations must be made by Friday, September 9, 2005, to receive the discounted rates. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve your room call the Training Fall 2005 Housing Desk at 866.772.4406 or make your reservation online . Courtyard Long Beach Downtown 500 East First Street Distance to Convention Center: 3 ½ Blocks Show Rate: $119 single/double Comments: Convenient to Pine Avenue attractions, Queen Mary, the Pike, and complimentary high speed internet access in all rooms . Hyatt Regency Long Beach 200 South Pine Avenue Distance to Convention Center: Adjacent Show Rate: $149/169 single/double Comments: Discover a waterfront location overlooking the Pacific Ocean that is convenient to all that Long Beach has to offer . Renaissance Long Beach Hotel 111 East Ocean Boulevard Distance to Convention Center: 1 Block Show Rate: $146 single/double Comments: The Renaissance Long Beach Hotel is a full-service hotel situated right in the heart of Long Beach and the South Bay area. The hotel is within walking distance to the Convention Center, and just a short walk to Shoreline Village, a charming California seaport with shopping, dining and entertainment . The Westin Long Beach 333 East Ocean Boulevard Distance to Convention Center: Across the Street Show Rate: $159 single/double Comments: The Westin Long Beach Hotel is adjacent to the Convention Center and Entertainment Center in the heart of downtown. Hotel is within walking distance of the beach, marina, shopping, restaurants, museums, theater, and other attractions . CONTACT US | FAQs | HOTEL/TRAVEL | DOWNLOAD A BROCHURE | REQUEST A BROCHURE © 2005 VNU eMedia Inc. All rights reserved. Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy Home About the Event What's Included Show Sponsors Registration Registration Info Register Here FAQs Conference Conference Schedule Certificate Programs Mini-Certificate Programs Keynotes Featured Presentations Special Events 2005 USDLA Fall Conference CUX: Corporate/Higher Ed Partnerships E-Games and Simulations for Learning My Planner Training Live & Online Hotel/Travel Expo About the Expo Current Exhibitors Become an Exhibitor USDLA Pavilion Expo Educational Stage Floor Plan Virtual Trade Show My Planner Hotel/Travel Exhibitor/Sponsor Services Become an Exhibitor Sponsorship Opportunities Exhibitor Resource Center Speaker Services Become a Presenter Speaker Service Center Our Other Events Instructional Design Institute Training 2006 Training Live & Online Training Directors' Forum Virtual Tradeshow Expo