Germany Travel Guides ,

Germany Sight-Seeing, Tours and Travel GERMANY Places to Stay in Germany Germany Tours & Travel Attractions, Culture, and more... GERMANY HOME GERMANY TOURS AND TRAVEL GERMANY TOURS AND TRAVEL Berlin , though not as dominant in Germany as London in England or Paris in France , has been touted as one of the world's coolest big cities since the early 90s. The world's most famous beer culture is centered around Southern Germany's leading city ( Munich ), where beer is traditionally served in 1 liter mugs; Munich is also the site of the annual Oktoberfest , Europe's most visited festival. GERMANY TOURS: Berlin Tours , Bonn Tours , Cologne Tours , Dusseldorf Tours , Frankfurt Tours , Koblenz Tours , Mainz Tours , Frankfurt Tours , Koblenz Tours , Mainz Tours , Munich Tours , GERMANY TOURS & TRAVEL Berlin Tours and Travel Even though Berlin does have a number of impressive buildings from earlier centuries, the city's appearance today is mainly shaped by the key role it played in Germany's history in the 20th century. Each of the national governments which had their seat in Berlin initiated ambitious construction programs, each with its own character ... BERLIN TOURS: Berlin Sight-Seeing Tours , Day Trips from Berlin , Cologne Tours and Travel Cologne is one German city that has a very distinctive flavor to it. Most inhabitants take an exorbitant amount of pride in their city and the local language, resulting in sayings like Wo mir sin, is Koelle (Cologne is where we are). Cologne is a very friendly place, and the people are in general very friendly and open ... COLOGNE TOURS: Cologne Cruises , Cologne Transfers , Munich Tours and Travel Munich is a popular tourist destination and has been described as Germany's secret capital. Center of the city is the Marienplatz with the Old and the New Townhall, its tower contains as attraction the Rathaus-Glockenspiel, an ornate clock with almost life-sized moving figures that show scenes from a medieval jousting tournament ... MUNICH TOURS: Sight-Seeing Tours , Night Tours , Day Tours , TOURS & TRAVEL IN OTHER AREAS OF GERMANY BONN, GERMANY, TOURS & TRAVEL KD Rhine Pass - Bonn 1 day - An easy way to start your romantic day on the Rhine: Present your KD ticket onboard any KD ship and enjoy all scheduled day cruises on the Rhine and Moselle rivers for one whole day. The extensive and reliable timetable enables you to disembark as often as you like at the many interesting stops... DUSSELDORF, GERMANY, TOURS & TRAVEL Advent Afternoon Cruise - Dusseldorf 2 hours - A wonderful way to see pre-Christmas Dusseldorf! Enjoy afternoon tea onboard MS Warsteiner as you listen to music and watch the world go by! An easy way to start your romantic day on the Rhine: Present your KD ticket onboard any KD ship and enjoy all scheduled day cruises on the Rhine and Moselle rivers ... Christmas Lunch Time Cruise - Dusseldorf 2 hours - Sail through the city with the sounds of music in your ears and the aroma of a festive lunch floating through the air! Take the opportunity of this fantastic cruise onboard the MS Warsteiner, to take panoramic photographs of beautiful Dusseldorf. Dusseldorf is the bustling Rhine metropolis right in the heart of Europe... Romantic Evening Cruise - Dusseldorf 3 hours - Sail the beautiful Rhine around Christmas-time Dusseldorf as you enjoy live music and dancing! A wonderful way to see the city of Dusseldorf, from it's most attractive angle!A festive and romantic atmosphere with live music and dancing. Relax against the backdrop of Dusseldorf's Christmas-time panorama... FRANKFURT, GERMANY, TOURS & TRAVEL Christmas Delight 4 days / 3 nights - Enjoy the festive feeling of German Christmas as you travel through the Christmas Markets of this wonderful region! Enjoy a trip to the Erzgebirge region, to the ancient miner villages of Annaberg and Scheenberg, the home of the German tradition of woodcarving and Christmas Pyramids ... Private Frankfurt Arrival Transfer Varies, subject to traffic - Pre-organising transfers is now the norm for many travellers. Secure not only a great rate by locking in today's price, but secure peace of mind also. Leave the worrying for the birds and travel knowing your transfer is waiting for you at the airport! Why worry about catching a taxi ... Private Frankfurt Departure Transfer Varies, subject to traffic - Prebook your transfer from the comfort of your computer desk! Let your fingers do the hard work - all you do is click away! Print your voucher and present it at your hotel upon pickup, and the rest is history! Why worry about the inconvenience of calling and waiting for a cab? Don't go to the discomfort ... KOBLENZ, GERMANY, TOURS & TRAVEL KD Rhine Pass - Nostalgic Route 1 Day - The good old days of steamship travel are back! Take advantage of this unique nostalgic highlight and experience the best known sights on the steamship GOETHE on the romantic Middle Rhine. This fabulous boat-trip invites you to dream of castles, fairy tales and the good old days. Book now to experience this ... KD Rhine Pass - Koblenz 1 Day - An easy way to start your romantic day on the Rhine: Present your KD ticket onboard any KD ship and enjoy all scheduled day cruises on the Rhine and Moselle rivers for one whole day. The extensive and reliable timetable enables you to disembark as often as you like at the many interesting stops ... MAINZ, GERMANY, TOURS & TRAVEL KD Rhine Pass - Koblenz 1 Day - An easy way to start your romantic day on the Rhine: Present your KD ticket onboard any KD ship and enjoy all scheduled day cruises on the Rhine and Moselle rivers for one whole day. The extensive and reliable timetable enables you to disembark as often as you like at the many interesting stops ... GERMANY HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION GERMANY HOME GERMANY TOURS AND TRAVEL SEE ALSO FOR GERMANY: PLACES TO STAY: ALL HOTELS , Berlin , Bonn , Cologne , Dresden , Dusseldorf , Frankfurt , Hamburg , Hanover , Heidelberg , Leipzig , Munich , Niedersachsen , Stuttgart , TOURS & TRAVEL: ALL TOURS , Berlin Tours , Bonn , Cologne Tours , Dusseldorf , Frankfurt , Koblenz , Mainz , Munich Tours , ATTRACTIONS, CULTURE & MORE: BERLIN: Brandenburg Gate , Potsdamer Platz , FESTIVALS & EVENTS: Christmas Markets , Oktoberfest , World Cup 2006 , SHOP: Germany Posters and Prints , Germany Travel Guides , Images of Germany CULTURE OF GERMANY: Unlike the citizens of virtually all surrounding countries, most Germans are insecure and uneasy about their cultural heritage. They feel that German culture has been deeply compromised, even tainted by the Nazis who abused it to demonstrate German superiority. As a result, in Germany its frequent to find people - especially young people - openly declaring that theyd rather be not German and that there are many foreign places theyd prefer to live in. Part of this attitude comes from the German self perception as being fiercely individualistic. Identifying oneself as part of a group, an idea or a religion is often seen as uncool. This said, Germans have a strong sense of German culture and civilization as such. Theres a couple of names that you will come across over and over again: Goethe, Schiller, Beethoven, Wagner, Nietzsche, Kant, Mann, Brecht, Klee and many more are authors, composers and philosophers of the 19th and 20th century who are profoundly admired, though only a minority will actually be familiar with their works. Germans like to think that in the 19th century, Germany was the one "Land der Dichter und Denker" - the land of poets and thinkers - in the world. And to an extent theres truth to that. Obviously, there have been significant German artists for many centuries - just think of Albrecht Drer in the 15th and the towering figure of Johann Sebastian Bach in the 17th century. But most notably in the short timespan between the foundation of the German Empire in 1871 and its end in 1918, prolonged until 1933, Germany experienced something like a cultural outburst. It created a treasure of modern philosophy and science, understanding of the world, artistical expression in painting, sculpturing and music, literature and architecture, world-conquering products and Nobel prize-winning innovations that had no rival in its time. While you will find that a large part of German museum buildings and its contents come from that period - an era when politicians sought to symbolically create a culturally united Germany by commissioning monumental "temples" of culture -, its this ideal that Germans hold the present against. And obviously, the present doesnt fare too well with that. When asked for their favourite authors or artists, a majority of Germans will put forward names from the past, while contemporary authors and artists are often perceived as lightweight and insignificant by comparison. Not only in this respect Germans are deeply nostalgic. Another reason for many Germans perceiving that culturally the good times are long gone might be the love/hate relationship with post-war US-American anglicized culture. You will notice how many billboards, shop windows and media spaces carry English phrases and expressions though theyre clearly not directed at foreigners. In public communications, advertising and media, English many times is preferred from German. Profoundly German companies like mobile network operator T-Mobile, part of telecommunications giant Deutsche Telekom, carry English claims (currently "For a better world for you"). Until recently, virtually all German pop musicians sang in English which is felt to be more modern and precise - only recently there has been a revival of German pop and rock music. Top of Page | Places to Stay in Germany | Things to Do in Germany | Links , Site Map | Contact Us GERMANY Places to Stay in Germany Germany Tours & Travel Attractions, Culture, and more... Germany Travel Guides Germany Posters See Also: Austria Netherlands Switzerland

Vacation Travel and Outdoor

Adventure Vacation Travel - Family Adventures - GoPlayOutdoors Home | About Us | Request Information | Email Your Online Network of Adventure Vacation Travel and Outdoor Recreation Website Design Marketing & Promotion Search Engine Optimization Website Management Advertise With Us Growing with us Interactive Tools Testimonials Current Members How To Participate Suggest Our Site Request Information Take Our Survey Survey Results Contact Us Add to Favorites Check out our suite of Interactive Tools! Problems? Questions? ClickMe SELECT A REGION UNITED STATES • Alaska • California • Colorado • Florida • Hawaii • Minnesota • Utah • Northeast • Southeast • Northcentral • Southcentral • Northwest • Southwest CANADA WEST • Alberta • British Columbia • Northwest Territories • Saskatchewan • Yukon Territory CANADA CENTRAL • Manitoba • Ontario CANADA EAST • Quebec • New Brunswick • Newfoundland • Nova Scotia • Prince Edward Island WORLDWIDE • Africa • Asia • Caribbean • Central America • Costa Rica • Europe • Mexico • Middle East • North Pole • South America • South Pacific CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITIES Adventures ATV/Jeep Biking Birdwatching Boating/Marinas and Cruises Campgrounds/RV Canoeing EcoTours/Lodges & Cultural Adventures Family Resorts FISHING - Charters & Guides Resorts & Lodges Golf Guest Ranch Health/Wellness/Spas Hiking/Trekking Horseback Riding and Pack Trips Hot Air Balloon Rides Houseboating Hunting Kayaking Meetings/Conventions National Parks Ocean/Beach Resorts Rafting Safaris Sailing/Yachting Charters Scuba/Snorkeling Sightseeing Tours Skiing/Snowboarding Snowmobiling Vacation Rentals Whalewatching Wilderness Retreats CHAMBERS, CVB's, TOURISM & ATTRACTIONS ALABAMA Robert Trent Jones Trail ALASKA Juneau CVB ARKANSAS Greers Ferry Lake CALIFORNIA Lake County COLORADO Ski Vacation & Lodging GEORGIA Dalton CVB Michigan Association Paddlesport Providers ---MINNESOTA Crane Lake Tourism Gunflint Trail Tourism Lake Kabetogama Lake of the Woods NEW YORK Whiteface Mountain SOUTH DAKOTA Rapid City CVB UTAH Ski Vacations & Lodging Carbon County -- Be part of the GoPlay Outdoors Network! Contact Us At: jeff@goplayoutdoors.com OUTDOORS ONLINE, INC. PO Box 176 - Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Toll-free: 1-877-327-7260 or 218-327-7200 © 2005 Outdoors Online, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement Sign up for PayPal! Enter city or US Zip Fishing Guides Hunting Guides

London Vacation

★ London in Canada - About city, London Vacation London Canada London Canada Skyline London Canada Downtown London is nice clean city located in the Province of Ontario just about a two-hour drive from Toronto, Niagara Falls. In London live about 331,000 inhabitants. In general London is a clean and safe city with a wonderful network of parks, recreational, and cultural facilities. London is the home of a University called: University of Western Ontario , check it out for more details. Vacation in London Did you ever think to visit London for a vacation? That would be a great idea, there are many attractions in London and surrounding area. Maybe is a time to surprise your spouse or girlfriend (boyfriend) and travel to London, visit local towns, for vacations? As you take a look around, you will soon see that London , Ontario is a city on the move, where confidence is building each and every day, invigorating our citizens to get involved in shaping its future. And definitely, the London Home Builders Association has played a key role in London's communitys success and growth. London Pride Festival 2004 Pride London Festival exists to provide an annual opportunity to generate celebratory, cultural and educational events which affirm the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, and two-spirited people, and supporters in the 519 area code through activities which promote unity, inclusion, and awareness of sexual and gender diversity (Source londonpride.ca). London links about London in Canada: Official London Canada Web Site - www.london.ca The Londno International Airport - www.londonairport.on.ca London Transit - www.londontransit.ca London Stock Exchange, Canda - www.tse.com 2004 London Pride Festival - www.londonpride.ca Information About London - info.london.on.ca City Of London Neighbourhood Watch - www.city.london.on.ca/neighbourhoodwatch/ Beside London You can read about other cities in Canada, follow the links below: Canada Canada Toronto Canada Ottawa Canada Montreal Canada Vancouver Canada Victoria Canada Edmonton Canada Calgary Canada Winnipeg Canada Canada Home | Contact | Canada Web Design - Abacus.ca | Books about london canada

Austria Travel Photos Austria

Austria (attitude Travel) Advice, Photos and Resources for Independent Travel Home > Austria attitude Travel Questions on Highlights of Travel Advice Background on Getting to Getting around Where to stay in Where to go in Culture Shock! Journals from Photos of Books about Resources for Maps of Language of Websites about Austria Belgium Bosnia Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Georgia Germany Greece Hungary Italy Japan Latvia Lithuania Malaysia Montenegro Morocco Netherlands Norway Poland Russia Serbia Singapore Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand Turkey Uzbekistan Austria Home Considering Austria Austria Travel Photos Austria Bookshop Getting to Austria Consular Travel Advice UK US AUS CAN Travelling in Austria Alpine Europe attitude Travel Austria is a resource for independent travellers in Austria and a space for travellers to share original writing & photos Article Index Your questions! Travel Centre Bookshop Salzburg (more travel photos...) Salzburg (more travel photos...) attitudetravel.com SiteSearch Austria Profile Country Profile UK Foreign Office Austria Briefing The Economist Austria Profile BBC News Study of Austria US Library of Congress Background Notes US State Dept The Austrian Tirol region lies at the heart of the Alps. But Austria's heart beats to the north-east on the Danube, in the ancien regime city of Vienna. More maps... The imperial city is a popular choice of destination on backpacker travel itineraries alongside Amsterdam, Rome and Barcelona. But the Austrian capital has a fickle appeal. With cake shops instead of sports bars and mid-range pensions instead of easygoing hostels, Vienna feels very different from Prague or Budapest.While some fall in love with the seat of the Habsburg emperors, others find the city stuffy, a little dull and tiresomely expensive. That said, the Austrian capital's cultural treasures are undeniably impressive.And Vienna is certainly a good transport hub with easy connections to the Slovakian capital, Bratislava, in less than an hour and Budapest in Hungary and Brno in the Czech Republic only a little more distant. Independent Guides Click this icon to read a review of the website Link to us on your site: Open source Austria travel guide Click above for details Travel Services Ski Insurance from InsureandGo Car Hire Austria from carhire.co.uk Find cheap plane tickets on Yahoo! Travel Free Ranking and URL submission at siteranking.com Additional Resources New Article © New Author, New Place, New Month New article... [ article continues... ] Travel Articles on Austria New Article Article by New Author © 1997-2003 attitude Travel A r o u n i n m e d i a publication Professional Guides Click this icon to read a review of the website Vienna Hotels E-Partners E-Vienna Hotels proposes more than 30 properties. High quality pictures, descriptions & reviews... Austria | Belgium | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Bulgaria | Croatia | Czech Republic | Denmark | Estonia | Finland | France Georgia | Germany | Greece | Hungary | Italy | Japan | Latvia | Lithuania | Malaysia | Morocco | Netherlands | Norway | Poland Russia | Serbia & Montenegro | Singapore | Slovenia | Spain | Sweden | Switzerland | Thailand | Turkey | Uzbekistan home | free backgrounds | bookshop | travel centre | features | travellers' cafe

Spain Travel

Tourist Office of Spain - Travel Tips for travel to and within Spain Our Office Useful Addresses How to get there Travel Tips Activities Travel Bulletin Tour Operators' Index Request Information Home Visiting Spain is not only about sun, great cuisine, and a warm welcome, but also its rich monumental heritage and dazzling natural environment. There is a perfect destination for everyone -choose yours. Visit our main Web site: Travel Tips for travel to and within Spain PASSPORT - MONEY - CUSTOMS PASSPORT AND VISA REGULATIONS : No visa for Spain is required for Canadian, US passport holders and nationals of European Unions countries for stays up to 3 months as a tourist. For stays exceeding this period, other nationalities or work permits please contact the Consulate of Spain nearest you. The addresses and telephone numbers of the Spanish Consulates are as follows: Toronto : 200 Front Street, Suite 2401, Toronto, Ont. M5V 3K2. Tel. (416) 977 1661 cgspain.toronto@mail.mae.es Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Montreal : 1 Westmount Sq. Ste 1456, Montreal, P.Q. H3Z 2P9. Tel. (514) 935 5235 consular@total.net Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday. For more information click here . INOCULATIONS : No inoculations are required when entering or leaving Spain. MONEY: As of January 1st, 2002, the new Spanish currency, as in most European Union countries, is the Euro. The currency will have notes and eight coins. The notes will have face value of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 or 500 euros. The Euro is divided into 100 cents and the coins will range in value from 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1, 2 euros. Tourists may bring up to 6,010.12 euros (approximetly $10,000 Canadian dollars) without declaring the amount at customs. The current rate of exchange varies from week to week. For an updated exchange rate, check with newspapers or banks. Travellers cheques are most practical and Canadian currency can be exchanged at banks, airports, main hotels, etc. In order to get the most for your money, we advise you to buy some euros before leaving (for first day expenses) and exchange the rest of your dollars or travellers cheques at the bank once in Spain (although banking hours might be subject to change, presently they are: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) Major credit cards are honoured in most hotels and restaurants, main stores, rent-a-car companies and others, although this should be checked before each transaction. The convenient Interact System can also be used throughout Spain, providing one of the easiest and cheapest ways of obtaining cash abroad; consult with your bank about your particular card and fees. For Currency converter click here . CUSTOMS: You may bring the following into Spain: personal effects, a personal laptop, one video camera or two still cameras with ten rolls of film each. A portable radio or portable tape recorder per person is admitted free of duty, as well as 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco. One bottle of wine and one of liquor per person. The following sports equipment is also allowed: fishing gear, one bicycle, skis, tennis or squash racquets and golf clubs. PETS: Pets do not need to be held in quarantine prior to entering Spain. A certificate stating that an animal is in good health and has been inoculated against rabies (for dogs and cats) is required. The document must be issued by a veterinarian and certified at the nearest Consulate of Spain. TRANSPORTATION WITHIN SPAIN Railways: Spain has an extensive railroad system with fast and comfortable trains, offering some of the best fares in Europe. The national network is known as RENFE. Internet address: www.renfe.es . One of Europes most luxurious sightseeing trains is the AL ANDALUS EXPRESS with classic cars restored and refurbished in modern "grand luxe" style. There is 5-stars accommodation in the bedroom/salon cars. All excursions and meals are included. The AL ANDALUS EXPRESS have several itineraries, although it usually goes from Madrid south to Andalusia. The TRANSCANTABRICO, another sightseeing train, covers the northern and north-western parts of Spain know as Green Spain, from San Sebastian in the Basque region to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. The train is air-conditioned and has showers, a bar and live music. All excursions and meals are included. AVE, Spains sleek bullet train, is the rail link between Madrid and Seville, going through Ciudad Real and Cordoba. This ultramodern train, which travels at a speed of up to 185 miles per hour, makes the Madrid-Seville run in 2 hours 30 minutes. TALGO is an ultramodern, fully air-conditioned train operating throughout Spain. New fast and sleek trains called EUROMEDS are going along the Mediterranean Coast, significantly cutting your travelling time from Barcelona to Valencia. Tickets can be purchased through RAIL EUROPE: 1-800-361 RAIL , which sells special rail passes only for Spain. Train Passes, such as EUROPASS and FLEXIPASS can also be purchased through RAIL EUROPE. Buses: Public bus service in Spain is comfortable and efficient. Although there are many lines which cover long distances, buses are specially recommended for short trips and for excursions from major tourist centres. Local tourist offices can provide you with schedule information. Ships: Travellers who wish to visit the Spanish Islands may depart from the mainland using the COMPAIA TRANSMEDITERRANEA. this national carrier has regular scheduled ferries from Barcelona and Valencia to the Balearic Islands and from Cadiz to the Canary Islands. TRANSMEDITERRANEA also offers inter-island service. The same company offers service to North Africa: from Almeria and Malaga to Melilla and from Algeciras to Tangiers and Ceuta. For reservations please call the headquarters in Madrid. Tel. : 011-341-431-0700, fax: 011-34- 431- 0804. Website: http://www.trasmediterranea.es Modern Hydrofoil ships are now linking Mainland Spain to the Balearic Islands, Algeciras to Tangier and between the Canary Islands. Inquire in our Office for more details about ferries. Driving in Spain: In order for Canadians to drive in Spain, they must: Have an International Driving Licence Be 18 years of age or older Be a tourist Traffic Offences: On the spot payment of fines (reduced by 20%) is compulsory for non-residents. Taxis: All major cities in Spain have metered taxi service. Any extra charges must be posted in the vehicle. For further information click here . ACCOMMODATION There are more than 10,000 hotel accommodations in Spain. They are divided into several categories, among them Hotels, Residence-Hotels, Apartment-Hotels, Motels and Pensions. All of them have a plaque at the entrance showing their official category, from one to five stars. Establishment classified, as "Residence-Hotels" does not provide meals. Official forms are available at hotels and any complaint concerning service may be registered. PARADORES DE ESPAA is a state-run network of hotels. Many of them are castles, convents, or palaces restored and furnished with every modern amenity. Most of them are scenically located. Reservations can be made directly to: Central of Reservations in Madrid, Tel: 011 34 91 5166666 and the fax: 011 34 91 516657/8 - Web site: http://www.parador.es For further information please visit Tourism Spain main Web site or contact our Tourist Office in Canada. New representatives in Canada: Adsum Tourism Services 4159 Dundas St. West, Suite 218 Toronto, ON M8X 1Y4 Phone : 416-237-1930 Fax: 416-237-9212 paradores-ca@adsum.ws Apartments and Villas: There are many for rent, especially along the coastal resort areas. It is advisable to stay a few days at a hotel or pension and look around for a suitable place. Prices can vary according to the season, area or location. An Official Guide to Apartment-Hotels can be obtained from the Tourist Office. Call us for a list of addresses. Camping: Spains excellent campsites can be found along the coast, on the islands, as well as in scenic areas. Campings are also classified under a star rating system which can be obtained from the Tourist Office. Rural Tourism: A magnificent alternative to visit the real Spain off the beaten track. Accommodation in traditional country farms is available all over Spain and most of then offer complementary activities such as horseback riding, bicycling, etc. OTHER INFORMATION Taxes: A 7% VAT is to be added to rates for all restaurants and hotel rooms. Service is included. Getting your VAT back: Travellers to Spain are entitled to a reimbursement of the 16% VAT tax they pay on all purchases as long as these add up to no less than 90.16 euros (approximately $150) per store. The vendor must provide the purchaser with a duly filled out invoice, which includes the price of each good, the VAT paid for each item, as well as the identification for both the vendor and purchaser. The goods must be brought out of Spain whitin three months. At the time of departure, the invoice must be submitted to the Spanish Customs Officer in charge of VAT refunds at the international port, gate or airport (there is a specific booth for this purpose just prior to the entrance to the international area). The Customs Officer will stamp the original copy, which should be turned in at a bank in the airport for reimbursement. Tipping: Service is generally included in the bill. Tips are at your own discretion, although a 10% tip is customary. Language: Castilian (Spanish) in the whole territory. Catalan, Basque (Euskera) and Galician in their respective autonomous regions. English is usually spoken in the tourist areas along the Mediterranean coast as well as French, although a booklet with the most common phrases in Spanish is always helpful. Electric Current: 220 volts (50 cycles) are commonly used in Spain, although 110 still exist in some areas. Round prong plugs are used in all outlets. Standard Canadian plugs will not fit into Spanish outlets. Bullfights: The season starts in March and runs until the middle of October. Shopping in Spain: This is not only an exciting venture but also practical as Spain offers today some of the best prices on many articles. Spain has a long tradition in making leather goods (shoes, luggage, bags, coats, dresses gloves, etc.), clothing (original fashion designers or ready-made), embroidery and lace; jewellery (classical or modern designs, as well as artisan gold and silver works); blown glass, pottery, antiques (some of the antique galleries in Madrid, Barcelona or Seville are among the best in Europe); furniture; interior decorating items (the famous Lladro porcelains, iron grille designs, silver and other metals such as candelabra, trays, bowls, etc.); toys; musical instruments (Spanish guitars are know to be the best in the world). Madrid and Barcelona are of course the major cities for shopping. In Madrid, the main commercial areas are: the Goya, Principe de Vergara and Serrano districts for exclusive fashions; Narvaez, Conde de Penalver and the old downtown area of Puerta del Sol, Alcala, Gran Via, Carretas and Arsenal, a place also to find major Department stores. A must is the Sunday flea market of El Rastro, where you can find anything from a hatpin to a masterpiece. In Barcelona, Paseo de Gracia and Diagonal for elegant shopping; the Ramblas and Plaza de Catalunya for almost anything; and the area around the church of Sta. Maria de los Reyes for antique galleries. Other excellent areas for shopping are tourist centres, such as Torremolinos and Marbella in Costa del Sol, Benidorm in Costa Blanca, Playa de Aro in the Costa Brava, Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza in the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands (mainly Tenerife and Gran Canaria) specially, since they are duty-free ports. Shopping Hours: Although big department stores are open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, most shops keep traditional business hours, approximately 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Some stores are open on Sunday. Museums: The standard hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 9:a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. Sundays and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but check with the Tourist Office in Spain nearest you for hours of specific museums. For further information click here . Books and maps on Spain: The Tourist Office of Spain supplies maps, brochures and information circulars free of charge. Persons wishing further information may obtain additional guides and maps at retail stores or, in Spain, from local tourist offices. Travelling with children: Most hotels make reductions for babies and small children, although there are not official regulations. This matter should be arranged with the hotel management. Baby food and disposable diapers are available at most resorts and are obtainable from supermarkets and pharmacies. Baby-sitting arrangements can usually be made locally. The availability and cost should be checked with the establishment directly or through the booking agent. Health Service: Only members of the European Union enjoy free medical assistance under the Spanish Health Service during their stay. You are advised to take out adequate holiday insurance. This is available at your local bank or from most tour operators and travel agents. Although there are multilingual doctors in the tourist areas, those requiring special treatment or diets are advised to carry a letter from their doctor translated into Spanish, indicating the nature of the condition, treatment and medicines required. Special dietary products are available from health shops and pharmacies. Telephoning Home: Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Spain is 9000-99-0015 where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1-800-561-8868 or on the Internet: ( www.canada-direct.com ) Radio Canada International: Radio Canada International ( RCI ) broadcasts on short-wave in Spain. For a schedule of times and frequency of broadcasts, check the RCI web site ( www.rcinet.ca ). You may also e-mail RCI at rci@montreal.radio-canada.ca or call ( 514 ) 597 7555 Casinos: Gambling is legal in Spain. There are 22 casinos in operation. Lists are available upon request. Public Holidays: January 1, New Years Day January 6 Good Friday March 19 May 1, Labour Day August 15, Feast of the Assumption October 12, Spains National Day November 1, All Saints December 6, Constitution Day December 25, Christmas day Each of the 17 Autonomous Regions and Municipalities in Spain has extra official public holidays celebrated only within its boundaries. Important Web site address: (in English) General information: www.tourspain.es IBERIA: www.iberia.com/ibusa RENFE: www.renfe.es PARADORES: www.parador.es SPANISH EMBASSY IN CANADA: www.docuweb.ca/SpainInCanada/ Information on Commercial matters: Please contact the Commercial Office of Spain at: 55 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Tel.. (416) 967-0488. e-mail: buzon.oficial@toronto.ofcomes.mcx.es THE CLIMATE IN SPAIN SPRING is an ideal time to visit the central regions of Castile, Andalusia, the Mediterranean Coast and the Balearic Islands. The climate is generally very good, but expect occasional rain. SUMMER is a good season to visit the northern regions, especially the resorts along the Cantabrian Coast, from Hondarribia on the French-Spanish border to La Guardia at the Portuguese-Spanish frontier. FALL is perhaps the best season of the year to visit the entire country. The climate is excellent, with sunny days and blue skies. WINTER is a good season for the Mediterranean regions, particularly the Costa del Sol, Alicante (Costa Blanca) and the Balearic Islands. The high mountain ranges offer excellent conditions for winter sports. The Canary Islands have an even and pleasant climate all year round. For further information click here . Site Content Our Office Useful addresses Travel Bulletin Travel Tips Activities Tour operators index How to get there Information request Home page ACTIVITIES Cultural: Spain has a very intense cultural life; opera, ballet and concerts can be enjoyed in the major cities - Madrid and Barcelona have their opera, ballet and concert season. Spanish theatre is very popular with more than 30 theatres in Madrid playing daily. There are also the famous "Fiestas". Every city, town and village has its own, usually commemorating their patron saint, including bullfighting, folklore dances, outdoors fairs and events. Larger cities often include ballets, plays and flamenco spectacles. For dates and information please contact our Office. For further information click here . Gastronomy and Restaurants: Food in Spain is taken very seriously. Dining is an indispensable ingredient, in the countrys ebullient social lifestyle. Meals are long and leisurely, providing an opportunity to enjoy good company freshly prepared dishes, and fine wines, such as the world-famous Riojas. Lunch is the big meal of the day and is generally served between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Dinner is traditionally served between 9:00 and 11:00 p.m. Vertical forks (from one to five) rate restaurants on a plaque outside the entrance. Prices must be listed both inside and outside the establishment. Ask for the tourist menu, usually an all- included meal very reasonably priced according to the category of the restaurant. Spanish cuisine is based on the healthy Mediterranean diet. Prized Spanish olive oil, garlic, fresh daily produce and wine are the staples. The striking cultural contrasts between regions in Spain are reflected in the tremendous variety of cooking styles. The central plateau of Castile is known for its delicious roasts: lamb, kid, suckling pig, and game such as partridge. Try the garlic soup, hearty bean stews, and famous Manchego cheeses. Valdepeas and Ribera del Duero make exceptional red wines. Catalans are very inventive cooks, combining game and poultry with seafood, and savoury meats with sweet sauces of dried fruits and nuts. Basque cooking is considered the most sophisticated and innovative in Spain. The city of San Sebastian is exemplary, with many restaurants serving some of the finest food in Europe. Traditional cuisine is at its best in fish and shellfish. The north-western region of Galicia is Spains source of a wide variety of fresh shellfish, and delicacies such as barnacles and spider crab. Try the octopus accompanied by the famous Albario and Ribeiro wines. Andalusia is home to the refreshing gazpacho and garlic-almond soup, delicious olives, and world-famous Sherries. The rice fields of Valencia gave birth to the paella as well as a wide variety of excellent rice dishes. Spains greatest contribution to gastronomy may well be the tapas. These little portions of regional specialities are served in restaurants and bars throughout Spain and are generally accompanied by wine, beer or sangria. 2004 Tourist Office of Spain in Canada 2 Bloor West, Toronto, ON, M4W 3E2 Tel.: (416) 961-3131, Fax.: (416) 961-1992 E-mail: toronto@tourspain.es Developed by DesignByBaxter This web page last updated: Wednesday, May 25, 2005