South America Travel

Patagonia Argentina / South America. Travel, destinations, sightseeing, photos and more ! Versión en Español English Version Search this site Contents T ourist Info Travel with us! F.A.Q. and Tips Background Info The Climate Patagonian Cooking Photo Gallery Wallpapers Community Patagonia Forum Pata-Postcards Subscribe Participate Related Links The Perito Moreno Glacier detachment: will it happen soon again? No matter the diverse explanations coming from the experts, for most of us mortals it is almost a miraculous event that, in the middle of global heating, the Perito Moreno Glacier continues advancing . It is already the third consecutive year that it manages to lean over the border of the Peninsula and gets to cut the passage of waters, necessary condition for this phenomenon to take place. Read the details here The most famous Glacier on Earth Recall the last time it happened New Exclusive Tour! In search of the Spirit of the Glaciers Lakes, mountains and fun Read on... In Bariloche the high season extends throughout the whole year, a known fact. Nevertheless, in order for the summer to be complete we propose these new excursion options, combining the pleasure of contemplating wonderful landscapes with the emotion of feeling the protagonists of a unique adventure. Extreme South Tour (new!) Info on this Tour... A virtual visit... This is currently our most requested Tour Program. It is an ideal option in order to master two of southern Patagonia’s major sites: first, a visit to the majestic Glaciers with their magical, blue ices (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and finally, Ushuaia’s charm, at Tierra del Fuego, the uttermost End of the World. The Extreme South of the World is waiting for you with its thrilling, amazing and unmatchable landscapes. Salta, the "very beautiful one" Read on... Salta is simultaneously a city and a province. Due to its particular location, forming some sort of a ring between the Andes Mountain range to the west and the Argentinean-Paraguayan chaco to the east, it comprises an enormous climatic and geographic variety, not to mention its colonial scent and impressive landscapes filled with contrasts. Learn Spanish in Tierra del Fuego More info... A very stimulating and new option: To learn Spanish at the "End of the World"! This programme allows you to combine pleasure and study. Our packages include different options; you can choose from stays of different lengths with varied class schedules. Including, of course, excursions and the exclusive lodging facility of Hostería Tierra de Leyendas. The quality and warmth of Ushuaia's teachers is already being known worldwide. Do not miss this opportunity! Home | Our Travel Agency | Tourist Info | Sports and Adventure | Pata-Postcards About us | Contact us | Terms and Conditions of our Travel Services | Terms of use of this website © 1999 - 2005 Patagonia-Argentina.com - All Rights Reserved. PATAGONIA-ARGENTINA.COM "Planet Earth, the way it used to be" La Tierra, como solía ser S.A. 956 Libertad St. Local 15B Buenos Aires - Argentina (C1012AAT) TE-FAX: +54 (11) 5236 - 4164 / 65

Asia Travel || Malaysia

Travel Information of Malaysia Malaysia Country and Travel Information Malaysia Hotels & Resorts Reservation GENERAL INFORMATION Malaysia is located in the heart of Southeast Asia. Consisting of 127,000 sq. miles (330,200 sq. km), Malaysia is divided into two main regions: Peninsular Malaysia, which lies just south of Thailand, and East Malaysia, which can be found north of Indonesia on the island of Borneo. These two regions are divided into thirteen states and federal territories. Although East Malaysia occupies the larger portion of Malaysia's total area, it is primarily comprised of undeveloped land and jungles. Malaysia is a land of fascinating sights and attractions. Rich in colour and contrasts, her multi-faceted charm provides intriguing images that leave visitors to the country in awe. The natural warmth of Malaysians is legendary; wherever one goes, the friendliness and hospitality of the people would prove to be a very special experience. Malaysia is paradise. Its sun-drenched beaches, enchanting islands, diverse flora and fauna, forest retreats and magnificent mountains are among the best in this region. Many visitors have discovered Malaysia's other attractions: a shopping haven, a versatile conference venue, an incentive destination, an adventure land and much more. WEATHER CONDITIONS With temperature that fluctuates little throughout the year, travel in Malaysia is a pleasure. Average temperature is between 21 to 32 degree celcius. Humidity is high. Rain tends to occur between November to February on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, on western Sarawak, and north-eastern Sabah. On the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia the rainy seasons is April to May and October to November. PEOPLE AND CULTURE Malaysia has a combined population of over 18 million people. Because of its central location, between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, Malaysia has traditionally been a meeting point for traders and travelers from both the East and West. As a result, Malaysia has a multicultural and multiracial population consisting of Malays, Chinese, Indians and numerous indigenous peoples. Although Malay is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in business, and the English language is a compulsory subject in all schools. With such a varying ethnic composition, it is no surprise that a great diversity of religions is prevalent throughout Malaysia. Although the official religion is Islam, freedom of worship is practiced. As a result, it is a common to see temples, mosques and churches within the same area. Ethnic Groups: 59% Malay and other indigenous, 32% Chinese and 9% Indian. Languages: Malay (official), English, Chinese dialects, Mandarin, Hakka dialects, Cantonese, Tamil and numerous tribal languages. Religion: Muslim (primarily Malays), Buddhism (Chinese), Hindu (Indian), Christianity, Confucianism, Taoism and tribal religions. LOCAL CUSTOMS General: When visiting Malaysia, the visitor should observe local customs and practices. Some common courtesies and customs are as follow:- Although handshakes generally suffice for both men and women, some Muslim ladies may acknowledge an introduction with a gentleman with a nod of her head and smile. A handshake is only to be reciprocated if the lady offers her hand first. The traditional greeting of "salam" resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp. The man offers both hands, lightly touches his friend's outstretched hands, then brings his hands to his chest to mean, " I greet you from my heart". The visitor should reciprocate the "salam". It is polite to call before visiting a home Shoes must be removed when entering a Malaysian home. It is also customary to do so upon entering a mosque or an Indian temple. The right hand is always used when eating with one's hand or when giving and receiving objects The right forefinger is not used to point at places, objects or persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with the four fingers, folden under is preferred usage. Toasting is not a common practice in Malaysia. The country's large Muslim population does not drink alcoholic bevergaes. THINGS TO KNOW Population: 20 million Capital: Kuala Lumpur Flag: Fourteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam; the design was based on the U.S. flag. Shop Hours: Department stores and supermarkets are usually open from 10am to 10pm and shops from 9:30am to 7pm. In Kuala Lumpur, as well as in most major towns, there are several 24-hour stores. Bank Hours: Most states: Mon-Fri: 9:30am-4.00pm Sat : 9:30am-11:30am Sun : Closed Kelantan and Terengganu: Sat-Wed: 9:30am-4.00pm Thur : 9:30am-11.30am Fri : Closed VISAS AND PASSPORT Visitors must be in possession of a current passport or other internationally recognized travel document. They must be endorsed for traveling to Malaysia and have a period of validity of at least six months beyond the time of stay allowed in Malaysia. No visas are required for citizens of British Commonwealth countries (except India), British Protected persons, and citizens of the Republic of Ireland, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, San Marino, Switzerland and the United States (for social, business or academic purposes only). No visas are required for stays not exceeding three months for citizens of: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, Tunesia, U.S.A. , France and Germany (except for local employment). CUSTOMS REGULATIONS Duty-Free Items: Items such as cameras, watches, pens, portable radio-cassette players, perfume, cosmetics and lighters are duty-free in Malaysia. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods may have to pay a deposit for temporary importation, refundable on departure - usually 50% of the value (carry receipt of purchase and obtain an official receipt for any tax or deposit paid). Asia Travel || Malaysia Hotels & Resorts Reservation

cruise vacations. We have

Exotic Cruise Vacations & Discount Travel Vacation Packages by Friendly Planet Athens & Greek Islands Cruise , Australia, New Zealand & Tahiti , Beijing & Shanghai Express , Best of the Orient plus Bali , Budapest, Vienna & Prague , Buenos Aires & Rio Express , China & Yangtze River Cruise , Cruise of the Russian Czars , Danube Discovery Cruise , Discover Japan , Great Cities of Eastern Europe , Holy Land Express , India & Nepal , India Express , Jerusalem Express , Jewels of the Adriatic , New Zealand, Tahiti & Moorea , Peru, Ecuador & The Galapagos , Pyramids and Nile Cruise , Pyramids Express , Scandinavia & St. Petersburg , South African Explorer & Safari , South America Odyssey , Ukraine River Cruise & Black Sea , Very Affordable Russia and more! Vacation packages ON SALE for a limited time...book your cruise or exotic vacation today! Taj Mahal Express Athens & Greek Islands Cruise Peru, Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands Jewels of the Adriatic: Croatia & Slovenia Discover Japan Pyramids Express Buenos Aires & Rio Express Very Affordable Russia I think you guys provide a wonderful tour package for a very affordable price...Your staff is very responsive, friendly and attentive. Keep up the great work. I look forward to my next tour with you. -- Fredilyn Sison, Reno, NV Exciting Affordable Vacations to Fascinating Worldwide Destinations Our #1 Goal is to help you see our friendly planet in all its splendor...easily and comfortably with our affordable discount travel packages. Are you ready for a vacation? How about a cruise? Or have you always wanted to go somewhere exotic? At Friendly Planet, we arrange comprehensive, high-quality, escorted, discount vacation packages to many exotic vacation spots and popular worldwide destinations. We also offer discount vacation packages for a large variety of cruise vacations. We have packages to such locations as China, Australia, Israel, the Far East, South America, India, Europe, Scandinavia and South Africa. Travel to the destination of your dreams! Our vacation packages feature first class and deluxe hotels and cruise ships, many meals, extensive, comprehensive touring that includes the places you really want to see, and our discount travel packages are priced as amazing deals that save you literally hundreds of dollars per person. Whether you chose a cruise vacation or an exotic vacation, we have a vacation package that will be perfect for you. When you book a vacation package with Friendly Planet, there is never any need to worry about the quality of the vacation. Although our prices cannot be beat, we ensure that your vacation is of the highest quality every step of the way. From big name airlines, to deluxe accommodations and touring busses you will always be traveling in comfort. Breakfast is provided every day and all of the scheduled visits are already included in the package cost. There are no surprises and no hidden costs. What you get for your money is a deal you won't believe! If you are looking for wonderful, worry-free exotic vacations and discount travel packages including cruise vacations, to one of the world's most desired destinations at a great price that offers true value for money, we're sure you'll find it here. Relax and enjoy a cruise, discover an exotic new place, or travel to a destination you have always wanted to see! Member, Better Business Bureau Online Reliability Program Click here for report Member, American Society of Travel Agents Endorsed by International Airlines Travel Agent Network Reviewed by Dunn & Bradstreet Amazing Thailand Amsterdam Express Athens & Greek Islands Cruise Athens Express Australia, New Zealand & Tahiti Beijing & Shanghai Express Best of the Orient plus Bali Borneo Adventure Budapest, Vienna & Prague Buenos Aires & Rio Express China & Yangtze River Cruise Cruise of the Russian Czars Danube Discovery Cruise Discover Japan Great Cities of Eastern Europe Holy Land Express India & Nepal India Express Istanbul & Athens: Sale of 2 Cities Istanbul Express Jerusalem Express Jewels of the Adriatic Kenya Wildlife Safari Mediterranean Magica Cruise New Zealand, Tahiti & Moorea Peru, Ecuador & The Galapagos Pyramids and Nile Cruise Pyramids Express Scandinavia & St. Petersburg South African Explorer & Safari South America Odyssey Sydney Express plus Tahiti Taipei Express Taj Mahal Express Ukraine River Cruise & Black Sea Very Affordable Russia Vietnam, Angkor Wat & Bangkok Region: -- all regions -- Africa Asia Australia & South Pacific Central & South America Europe Middle East Country: -- all countries -- Duration: -- any length -- Up to 8 days 9 - 12 days 13 - 16 days 17 days or more Budget: -- any budget -- Up to $1000 Up to $2000 Up to $3000 Up to $4000 Month: -- anytime -- January February March April May June July August September October November December Click here for more information about our tours to Israel and the Bible Lands. 800.555.5765 / Fax 215.572.9803 Home | About Us | Hotels | Cruise Ships | FAQs | Contact Us | Site Map National Tourism Boards | Resources & Links * Some tour prices reflect early booking discount on select dates. Though we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our site about our tours, sometimes oversights and typographical errors can occur. Please confirm all tour prices and details with us via email or phone prior to booking. We will not be held responsible for misunderstandings arising from such errors.

Italy Travel Resources: Rome

Italy - Travel and Tourism Information for Italy  You are here: About > Travel > Italy for Visitors Travel Go Italy Essentials Italy Profile Top Ten Cities to Visit in Italy Eating Out in Italy Ski in Piedmont New Year's Celebrations in Italy Articles & Resources Planning and Information Florence, Italy Rome, Italy Venice, Italy More Italian Cities Regions of Italy Italy Pictures Food and Wine of Italy Language and Culture Festivals and Events Gay and Lesbian Travel Italian History Things to Do in Italy Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Italy for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Italy for Visitors From Martha Bakerjian , Your Guide to Italy for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Travel to Milan, Italy Milan is one of Italy's most fashionable and richest cities but it also has many great artistic and historical sights and a thriving cultural scene. Home to the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the famous opera house, La Scala, Milan has a lot to offer the traveler. If you want to travel in northern Italy, Milan, with 2 airports, makes a convenient starting or ending destination. Read our Travel Profile of Milan, Italy , to learn more about Milan. You don't have to spend as much money as the CIA did on their stay in Milan. If you want to look for a hotel, here are some Milan Hotel listings with links to Kayak so that you can compare prices and even book online if you find one you like. Tuesday December 27, 2005 | permalink 2006 Winter Olympic Update According to Northern Italy's Torino 2006 Blog , the Olympic Village in Turin is complete and ready for the Winter Olympics starting in February. The village has 750 apartments as well as service buildings and will be converted to residential and student housing following the games. Meanwhile, the Olympic torch is spending the Christmas holidays with friends and family in Sicily and will resume its travels on December 26. The travel route will take the torch into southern Italy where it will arrive in Naples on New Year's Eve. Naples has one of the best New Year's Eve fireworks displays in Italy. More on Celebrating the New Year in Italy . Sunday December 25, 2005 | permalink Where Are Italians Going This Christmas? According to AGI News , 7 million Italians will travel outside their city during the long Christmas weekend this year. 30% are families who will return on the 26th or 27th but 70% will take an extended vacation and travel through at least January 1. Where will they go? 65% will visit relatives or friends or their second home. The rest will travel to a mountain resort or visit one of the Italian art cities - Rome, Venice, or Florence. Most of those who plan to travel outside Italy will visit another European capital. Italy Travel Resources: Rome Travel Resources | Venice Travel Resources | Florence Picture Gallery | Winter Sports in the Piedmont Mountains Saturday December 24, 2005 | permalink Italy in the Travel Blogs: St. Nick and the Government Wine Bar Italians celebrate St. Nicholas in a feast day on December 6th. But did you know that St. Nick is buried in the coast town of Bari after sailors stole his body from Myra, Turkey? Gadling has the goods. Attitudes toward wine are different in Italy than in the US. Imagine the outcry in the US if the government financed a wine bar, just like the Italian region of Lazio did recently. Check out Gridskipper's Your Government Wine Bar . Friday December 23, 2005 | permalink Relive Casanova's Venice--or not Perhaps it was the movie Casanova ,but the old libertine's lusty ways seem to be undergoing a sort ofRenaissance. As you know, the legendary lover's heritage includes theoft publicized use of the early condom, which for Casanova consisted ofa reusable sheep-gut sheath tied on with a pink ribbon and rinsed, whenrequired, in the Grand Canal. Now, according to Venice Word ,"fourteen million tourists a year can now leave with a new"serenissimo" gadget that appears destined to be a hit: the Casanovacondom packed in a single-unit package with the image of GiacomoCasanova." You probably won't need to stand in line at Venice pharmacies toprocure a Casanova special, they'll be available in 2006 attobacconists and newspaper kiosks, the same place you get your bustickets, usually. And hold on you your...hats, "Beginning in January, the Casanova will also be sold in a seven-condom package shaped like a... gondola." Italy Travel Resources: Venice Tuesday December 20, 2005 | permalink Florence Picture Gallery The off season is a wonderful time to capture the best light of Florence. Check out our new photo gallery: Florence Pictures - Monuments, Buildings and the art of Florence, Italy . The pictures, taken on Thanksgiving day, include a Florence street decorated for the winter holidays and two cow sculptures, part of Florence's CowParade open air exhibit that runs through January. Saturday December 17, 2005 | permalink Ski in Northern Italy's Piedmont Region The mountains of Piedmont featured at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympics provide a unique backdrop for winter sports, especially skiing. Piedmont features 53 ski resorts with 1,300 kilometres of run. Winter sports that can be practiced in the Piedmont region include alpine and cross-country skiing, telemark, snowboarding, ice climbing, free riding, ski mountaineering, horse trekking, driving sleighs pulled by Siberian huskies, paraskiing, and heliskiing. The Piedmont region is also noted for gastronomic specialties and wine. With early snows in Italy, the region is ready for winter sports. Read about where to go to Ski in Italy's Piedmont region . Friday December 16, 2005 | permalink Celebrating New Year's Eve in Italy Italy is a great place to be on New Year's Eve for the celebration of La Festa di San Silvestro . No matter where you are there will probably be a celebration including fireworks. In the bigger cities, you will find music and dancing in the squares. Food is a part of any Italian celebration and New Year's Eve is no exception. Here's how the Italians celebrate New Years and some special places to go for a big New Year's festival or party . You'll also find out where the Olympic torch will be on New Year's Eve! Monday December 12, 2005 | permalink A Look at Turin, Italy Turin, Torino in Italian, will host the 2006 Winter Olympics. As a result, the city of Turin is frantically spiffing up for an influx of visitors on February 10. Turin's central piazza , the Piazza Castello , will become the stage for the awards ceremonies, integrating the Olympic outcome with Italy's famous piazza culture. Turin is a beautiful city with a great cafe culture, excellent museums, Baroque palaces, and arcaded promenades. It also has some of the best food in Italy. It's often overlooked by tourists but well worth a spot on a travel itinerary. Take a look at our Profile of Turin Travel Essentials . Sunday December 04, 2005 | permalink Florence Hotel Recommendation I've just returned from Florence where I stayed in a very nice and comfortable 4-star hotel for just a little more than I paid last November for a cramped and smoky 2-star with a terrible bathroom! The Hotel Adler Cavalieri is conveniently located, has a helpful English-speaking staff, and is very quiet. Both the common rooms and bedrooms are attractive and welcoming. I would definitely stay here again! The hotel also gave us a great restaurant recommendation where we enjoyed a wonderful and relaxing dinner. The Club Culinario Toscano da Osvaldo , although centrally located, is a little difficult to find but well worth the search. This was definitely one of the best meals I've had in Florence! Sunday December 04, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular Naples, Italy Overview Italian New Year Celebrations Top Ten Cities in Italy Italy Information Rome Italy Travel Essentials What's Hot Italian New Year Celebrations Florence Pictures - Copy of Michelangelo statue David in fro... Florence Pictures - View of the Tuscan countryside from the ... Florence Pictures - Pitti Palace Fountain from Boboli Garden... Florence Pictures - Florence CowParade - Cow Art Related Topics France for Visitors Europe for Visitors Greece for Visitors Italian Cuisine        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Italian New Year Celebrations Florence Pictures - Copy of Michelangelo statue David in fro... Florence Pictures - View of the Tuscan countryside from the ... Florence Pictures - Pitti Palace Fountain from Boboli Garden... Florence Pictures - Florence CowParade - Cow Art Headlines Travel to Milan, Italy Milan is one of Italy's most fashionable and richest cities... 2006 Winter Olympic Update According to Northern Italy's Torino 2006 Blog, the Olympic Village... Where Are Italians Going This Christmas? According to AGI News, 7 million Italians will travel outside... Italy in the Travel Blogs: St. Nick and the Government Wine Bar Italians celebrate St. Nicholas in a feast day on December...

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 . Schlepping Through The Alps Walking Austria's Alps: Hut to Hut Weather Outlook Car Hire Cruises Flights Hostels Tours Vacations Destinations Budget Travel Feedback Meta-Travel Travel Forums Travel Writers Africa Asia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America South America Oceania Travel Directory : Europe : Austria : Austrian Regions -- Submit to Travel Notes | Advertise on TravelNotes.org | Favourite Destinations | Magun'sCompass | Travel Articles | Writers | | Airlines | Airports | Car Hire | Cruises | Flights | Hotels | Online Reservations | Vacation Rentals | | Casinos | Olympics | World Cup | General Disclaimer | Meta-Travel | Search Resources | | TravelNotes is a Trademark of TravelNotes.org | Travel Notes Blog | Add URL | Add to Favorites The URL for this page is: http://www.travelnotes.org/Europe/Austria/austrian_regions.htm