Austria travel: Vienna and

Austria travel: Vienna and Salzburg Austria travel: Vienna and Salzburg Austria traveltips! The Austrian cities of Vienna and Salzburg offer much for a short break As a short break, the Austrian cities of Vienna and Salzburg make an ideal combination; one magisterial and elegant, the other everyone's idea of the fairytale town, nestling into the mountains as if carved from some romantic fantasy. A scenic train journey connects the two cities in only three hours. Vienna is one of those places whose graceful reputation precedes acquaintance. The first thing that strikes you is the sense of affluent leisure that permeates the city. You may be in a capital city but relaxation or ' gemutlich' as the Austrians define it is the key word here. Trams offer a novel way to see the principal sights and if you intend a busy day's sightseeing the Vienna card (available from most retail outlets) offers great discounts. The city's main sights can be found along the Innere Stadt, the heart of the city encircled by the Ringstrasse. Here elegant shops, coffee parlours and the world-famous Staatsoper (State Opera) graciously bid you linger on your way to Stephensdom, the city's cathedral which boasts a fine view over Vienna. Nearby, in Herrengrasse 14 the Café Central is well worth a visit as its stately grandeur attests to its position as Vienna's most celebrated literary café. The best way to explore this historical area is by foot as the Hofburg Palace and Burgtheter are both within a short distance of one another. On a smaller scale but with an arguably greater impact is Mozart's house where he lived from 1784-1787. Climbing the stairs to the Figarohaus at Domgasse 5 one is propelled back into eighteenth century Vienna at the height of its musical renown, when not only Mozart but Haydn and Beethoven made their homes here. Although unfurnished, as you stroll through the rooms, listening to a Mozart concerto and glance out on the cobbled streets, the composer's spirit seems to linger more tangibly than in either of the more sophisticated museums dedicated to his memory in his native Salzburg. When one thinks of Salzburg it is Mozart and the Sound of Music that spring to mind, yet this beautiful city offers so much more than mere homage to these. It is a town of infinite charm, the old town full of cobbled streets and beautiful squares, while medieval guild signs throng the busy Getreidegasse at the heart of the shopping district. Salzburg's chief claim to glory though is no museum but its stunning skyscape, best viewed from the terrace at the Café Winkler, reached either on foot or via the Monchsberg lift. Panoramic is an understatement; suffice it to say that one suddenly feels transported to a baroque Gothic fantasy. More prosaically, the Winkler offers apple strudel to die for, so the double pleasure of gorging on both pastry and scenery are easily within reach. Several walks are possible from this point. The most spectacular takes one around the Monchsberg and up to the Hohensalzburg fortress, perched high above. Built in the 11th century and impeccably preserved this is a classic castle, stolid and authentically gloomy with an unsurpassable outlook over the town. The fit can hike down the hill into the old town whilst those less inclined will find the funicular railway a godsend. If the strains of Do-Ray-Mi can't be resisted visit the beautiful landscaped Mirabell Gardens, attached to what is possibly the finest registry office in the world. This spot, like the Nonnberg Priory will, courtesy of the film, seem strangely familiar and if your curiosity isn't sufficiently sated Panorama Tours (0662 874029) offer themed trips plus general introductory tours to help maximise a brief stay. As a memorable conclusion to any visit a journey by cable car up the Untersberg is highly recommended. Take the 55 bus from the bridge linking the commercial district to the old town and in 20 minutes you're there. Salzburg is one of those places to which even the most scenic postcard cannot truly do justice. From the moment you cross into the historic centre and begin to meander its weaving streets, it casts a formidable spell, the pastel perfection of its architecture second only to the splendour of its position. Written by Amanda Hodges - © 2002 Pagewise You are here: Essortment Home >> Travel >> Travel:Places:Europe >> Austria travel: Vienna and Salzburg << Cisalpino: the modern orient express Destinations and Attractions: Poland travel tips >>

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Our 13 carefully crafted journeys combine the joy of seeing, doing and learning as a family with ample opportunity for just plain family fun. Click here to learn more about Family Travel with Tauck. Experience the Fun on Tauck Bridges! Click here to view our short video that highligts the fun of a Tauck Bridges family tour! Patriots of America (Family Travel) Family FYI: Did you know that President Abraham Lincolns top hat is located at the Smithsonian? History will come alive for your family as you travel through time on this Philadelphia to Washington DC vacation. Full Details | Check Availability Cowboy Country Northbound (Family Travel) Family FYI: Did you know that the rodeo is one of the few sports to evolve from an industry ranching? Attend a real rodeo when you experience life in the old west during your Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone family vacation. Full Details | Check Availability Cowboy Country Southbound (Family Travel) Family FYI: Did you know that on Mount Rushmore, granite shafts reflect the sunlight and make the presidents eyes appear to sparkle? Discover the old west during your Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone family vacation. Full Details | Check Availability Montana: Big Sky Adventure (Family Travel) Family FYI: Did you know when Lewis and Clark first explored the Northwest, people believed that woolly mammoths, seven-toed beavers, and unicorns might live there? Visit Glacier and Yellowstone national parks on a Montana family vacation. Full Details | Check Availability Red Rocks and Painted Canyons (Family Travel) Family FYI: Did you know that Kanab, Utah, is known as little Hollywood because so many westerns were filmed there? Starting with an Arizona vacation, have fun exploring Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks. Full Details | Check Availability Alaska: Call of the Wild (Family Travel) Family FYI: Did you know that Alaska has over 100,000 glaciers covering over 5% of the state? On Taucks family Alaska vacation, youll enjoy experiences such as jet boating, flightseeing, rafting among icebergs and spotting wildlife. Full Details | Check Availability Jungles & Rainforests: Costa Rica (Family Travel) 2005 | 2006 Family FYI: Did you know that one of Costa Ricas most famous residents is the tiny Poison Arrow frog? During this unforgettable Costa Rica adventure tour an ecological wonderland complete with rainforests, jungles and a cloud forest. Full Details | Check Availability Galapagos: Wildlife Wonderland (Family Travel) 2005 | 2006 Family FYI: Did you know that red-footed boobies have both webbed feet and prehensile toes that let them sit in the branches of trees? During this exceptional family Galapagos vacation, discover wildlife found nowhere else in the world. Full Details | Check Availability Tanzania: A Grand Family Safari (Family Tour) Family FYI: Did you know that many people regard Ngorongoro Crater as Africas Garden of Eden? On this unforgettable Africa tour, spot the big five on game drives with your family in Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Serengeti national parks. Full Details | Check Availability Legends & Lore of Ireland (Family Travel) FYI: Did you know that, before he wrote Dracula, Bram Stoker attended Dublins Trinity College and worked as a civil servant at Dublin Castle? Explore the best of the Emerald Isle on this Ireland vacation with your family. Full Details | Check Availability Castles & Kings: London to Paris (Family Travel) 2005 | 2006 Family FYI: Did you know that French was the official language of Great Britain for over 600 years? Feel like royalty in London visit Windsor Castle and the Tower of London; in Paris tour the Palace of Versailles and dine at the Eiffel Tower. Full Details | Check Availability Tour de France (Family Travel) Family FYI: Did you know that, before a causeway was built in the 1870s, visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel risked being swallowed up by quicksand and the tides? Taucks family northern France tour includes the beaches of Normandy and Paris. Full Details | Check Availability Italia Bella: Rome to Venice (Family Travel) 2005 | 2006 Family FYI: Did you know that in addition to chariot races and gladiatorial contests Romes Colosseum hosted battles between ships, staged on a make-believe sea? Two-night stays in Rome, Florence and Venice highlight this family Italy tour. Full Details | Check Availability Magical Hawaii (Family Travel) 2005 | 2006 Family FYI: Did you know that it takes 8 hours to cook the traditional luaus main dish, kalua pig, in an underground oven filled with hot coals and leaves? Have fun on this wonderful family Hawaii vacation stay at beachfront resorts on three islands. Full Details | Check Availability For reservations, contact your local travel agent or call 1-800-788-7885. Sitemap | Careers | Privacy & Terms All Content © 2005 Tauck, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Europe Travel - A European Vacation Travel Guide You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search Europe for Visitors From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and the world, it has one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe, and it was home to artist Peter Paul Rubens in the 17th century. What's not to like about this Belgian port city? See what it's all about in our latest photo Gallery: Antwerp Pictures . More Antwerp Travel: Antwerp Travel Directory | Antwerp Lodging | Antwerp Museums Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came recruiting at my college. Operatives really get to live it up when they travel, apparently. Imagine, the lucky seven of the "Surveillance Team" sent out to case the joint before kidnapping 39-year-old Muslim preacher Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, managed to spend "$39,995, not counting meals, parking and other services" for a week at Milan's Principe di Savoia ( check prices ), where a room goes for a mere $588 a night, according to Newsday . Once Abu Omar was behind bars in Cairo the CIA folks broke up and went their various ways, some to the renowned Grand Hotel Baglioni ( check prices ) in Florence , a few in cozy pairs to save the taxpayers money, no doubt. Travel Resources: Milan Profile | Florence Profile Tuesday December 27, 2005 | permalink Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated tapas bars thinking, "wow, I'm gonna down me some fine, fresh seafood this evening--non of that canned stuff like we get at home..." Well, Quimet and Quimet is one of Barcelona's best tapas bars, recommended by just about anyone. Joaquim Perez, owner of Quimet and Quimet, has been called Barcelona's culinary king of canned food. That's right, a tapas king devoted to high-quality goods preserved in metal. I had heard about the increasing interest in vintage sardines , whose flavors are said to increase in intensity and complexity with aging. But Mr. Perez has extended this idea of unlikely gourmet tinkering; he buys "fresh" Galician navajas (clams) from the cannery and sets them to aging for a year or two before serving them (plain) to his customers. And they love 'em. Maybe you should go and see what this canned gourmet thing is all about. There are worse places to spend time on a research expedition. More: Gastronomic Route: Barcelona, a tapas town? Travel Resources: Barcelona Guide | Barcelona Pictures Thursday December 22, 2005 | permalink North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000 loan and turned his investment into a "faithful reconstruction of Noah's Ark in scaled down form on the basis of biblical texts," according to the Mail & Guardian . Spring is the expected launch date. No word on where the animals will come from. Travel Resources: North Holland Travel | Holland Map | Benelux Rail Passes Thursday December 22, 2005 | permalink Appreciate Long John Shivers? Head for the Alps I know I frequently extol the virtues of off season travel, but there's a whole bunch of adventurers willing to go the extra mile in their long johns to enjoy icier surroundings than I'd care to experience. Those would be the Ice Hotel People. Word from Vagablond is that "a new ice hotel is being constructed 7,000 feet up into the German Alps." HotelChatter says this ice hotel might well be part of the Iglu-Dorf chain, who specialize in things like Inuit igloos in Switzerland. Like it cold? Get you thrills in the Alps this winter. I'll toast your bravado at the hearth with a steaming hot toddy. Travel Resources: Germany map and Travel Essentials | Switzerland Map and Travel Essentials . Tuesday December 20, 2005 | permalink Europe Travel in the Off Season Why travel in the off season? Well, you know the reasons: fewer tourists, lower prices, and cooler temperatures, to name a few. But there's another reason for me, and that's the warm, slanting light that brings photos alive. See what I mean by taking a gander at: Liguria Pictures - Picture Gallery of Liguria in Autumn . And if you still want to see more pictures of Italy , try out Italy for Visitors Florence Pictures , taken in November. Travel Resources: Off Season Travel Tips | Italy Travel Map Sunday December 18, 2005 | permalink Travel Gifts Ok, you're thinkin' it's too late to post some ideas for gifts at this late date. Hey, you can chalk it up to sloth and indolence, but I don't start burdening my mind with thoughts about winter holidays in May like the rest of my family. The crunch starts now. So I've made up a list of recommended Travel Gifts . Of course, you could buy some of the stuff for yourself as well. Take a look. You've got language help, a deep, inside look at the Vatican, and more, not to mention that Tyrolean Boiled Wool Jacket like you've always wanted. More Stuff You Need: Top Travel Photography Gear Friday December 16, 2005 | permalink Joe Torre carries the Olympic Torch in Florence New York Yankee manager Joe Torre carried the Olympic torch 400 yards to the foot of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence yesterday as part of "American day" in the two-month Olympic torch relay. It was the first time he'd been to Italy in 20 years, despite the fact that his mother was born in the village of Patina near Naples. (Source: Indystar.com ) The torch Joe carried was designed by the folks at Pininfarina , who've banged out quite a few sexy Italian auto bodies in their time. The Olympic torch is designed to work in rain, snow and wind up to 74.56 miles per hour, not to mention temperatures from -4°F to +77°F. According to what I've heard, the torch suffered much less than Mr. Torre during the run. Travel Resources: Florence Travel Directory | Florence Pictures: Views from the Arno | Naples Travel Directory Photo above: Ponte Vecchio, Florence by Martha Bakerjian, Italy for Visitors ; click "read more" to see it larger. Read more... Thursday December 15, 2005 | permalink Sunny Valencia It's cold here in my corner of California, prime time to think of warmer climes. Valencia pops to mind. Host to the 2007 America's cup, the sunny Spanish port city has been spiffing itself up lately, and many travelers have remarked that Valencia seems to be passing Barcelona as Spain's city of tourist choice. What's not to like? The spring La Fallas festival is a not to be missed attraction (plan now if you're going), the City of Arts and Sciences holds 87 acres of fascinating art, science and architecture, and the Barrio del Carmen is chock full of music, restaurants and clubs. Find out more about Valence by taking a peek at our latest: Valencia Spain Travel Information - Valencia Profile , or peruse our Valencia Travel Directory . Wednesday December 14, 2005 | permalink Hey Santa! Take That! Scroogy Musings: So a couple guys in Germany get asked what they want for Christmas by Santa, who happens to be waiting for a train home. They've been out shopping all day, unsuccessfully one assumes, because the next thing you know they've latched on to Santa's sack and "beat him over the head with it, breaking his fingers as he tried to protect himself." ( Santa - Germany's new stress buster ) Santa on a train? in Germany? A bit early, isn't it? Has the Christmas spirit been so commercialized that the little people like us suffer with the stress of plunking down good cash for stuff we think people might like but probably won't? Where is the joy of it all? Everyone remembers the magical experience of visiting Santa in the mall when they were kids and the smile it brought to your face. Unfortunately over the last few years it seems the spirit of Christmas is slowly being lost due to many different reasons including political correctness, busier lifestyles and many more issues. Hold on a sec. Now I'm angrier than a red-nosed reindeer. Everyone doesn't remember. Some of us are way too old to conjure the disgraceful vision of mall Santas in their mothball costumes and fake beards. The statement above comes from Live From Lapland (dot com). For a bit less than 15 dollars they'll make a custom video staring Santa, who'll be talking to your kids using the words you put in his mouth via the web site's control panel. Their Santa evidently lives in a paneled room and wears mall Santa clothes and beardage. It's in the sample flick. He could be in Kansas. Still, where else you gonna get a five minute flick to your specs for $14.95? Travel Resources: Lapland (the real one) | Chrismas in Europe Tuesday December 13, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...

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Switzerland Travel | Guide to travelling Switzerland | Travellerspoint U sername: P assword: R emember Me Car Hire Travel Insurance Airport Parking UK Cheap Accommodation Hotel Bookings Travellerspoint Travel Community Forums Blogs Destinations Accommodation Travel Help Reunions Tools Links Switzerland Travel Guide Travel Destinations Guide Switzerland Looking West to France Klein Matterhorn 3883m, Switzerland - Daniel Kohler Switzerland Photo Gallery Switzerland is a country as famous for its pocket knives as it is for its chocolate. But to travellers, Swiss fame is largely focused on its Alpine landscape. Beautiful and majestic, many visitors prefer to take in the scenery through activity, rather than mere sightseeing: skiing, hiking, hang-gliding and rafting are only a number of the outstanding opportunities the Alps award. Swiss culture and history afford interesting cities and monumental castles, for those visitors able to tear themselves away from the mountains. Cities like Zürich, Bern and Lucerne all feature medieval streets and housing, giving travellers that pleasant sense of stepping back in time which so many great European cities offer. Modernity has also struck, as the nation has elevated its economic status to become one of the world's richest nations; but fortunately, developers have had the good sense to retain Switzerland's priceless historic heritage. Quick Facts Locally known as: Schweiz (German), Suisse (French), Svizzera (Itali Capital: Bern Population: 7,319,000 Religions: Christian Government: Federal Republic Official / National Languages: French, Standard German, Italian, Rheto-Romance Country Phone Code: +41 Map of Switzerland Flag of Switzerland Member Comments Members talk Login or become a member and be the first to add a comment about Switzerland. Want some personal advice on Switzerland? The Travel Helpers are Travellerspoint volunteers willing to answer your travel questions about a country they feel they know a lot about. There are currently 16 Travel Helpers available to answer your questions about Switzerland. Switzerland Travel Helpers Travel Products Below is a collection of Travellerspoint products and services that might be of use to you while you are researching your trip to Switzerland. Switzerland Accommodation Switzerland hotels (90) Switzerland last minute hotels (42) Switzerland apartments (1) Switzerland bed & breakfasts (9) Switzerland hostels (28) Switzerland budget hotels (60) Other Products Cheap travel insurance Eurail passes & Train tickets Switzerland tours (21) Around the world tickets Switzerland Travel Sites Sponsor Switzerland SIM Cards & Cell Phones - Get free incoming calls with your own Switzerland prepaid SIM card and GSM cell phone. Roam Switzerland without the roaming surcharges. My Switzerland - Official - The Swiss tourism board's official site. A comprehensive resource with links, regional information, tips and much more. Swiss Mountains - Photos from the Lauterbrunnen and Grindlewald Jungfrau mountain regions. Switzerland links can be found in our Travel Sites Directory. The links contained in this directory are external sites and will pop up in a new window. © 2002 - 2005 Travellerspoint Travel Community | Contact | FAQ | About | Terms | Site Map