Travel Tips for Austria and Germany

AUSTRIA
The world's best music festivals. The world's biggest and most famous music festival is the Salzburg Festival. Other important Austrian melomaniac delights include the Haydn Festival in Vienna and the International Chamber Music Festival. Tickets to the festivals are cheapest if you buy them in Austria. "Tickets for Events in Austria" is an information sheet which is available from Austrian National Tourist Office, tel. (212)944-6880; website: www.austria-tourism.at.
The world's best horsemanship. The 400-year-old Spanish Riding School, located in the Hofburg, trains the noble white stallions that descend from the Spanish horses imported to Austria by Emperor Maximilian II in the 16th century. The horses dance to Viennese music, guided by expert riders wearing the traditional gold-buttoned brown uniform and gold-braided black hat. Performances are held at the school most Sunday mornings at 10:45 a.m. and occasional Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. from March to June and September to December. It's difficult to get tickets; write six months in advance to the Spanische Reitschule, Hofburg, A-1010 Vienna, Austria; tel. (43)1-533-9031.
The most romantic hotel. Less than an hour from Vienna, the Schloss Durnstein, tel. (43)2-711-212, presides over a wide curve of the Danube River. Located deep in the wine district of Wachsu, this magnificent castle is surrounded by distinctive vine-clad hills, age-old ruins and timeless picturesque villages with one-lane streets. According to the legend, it was here that the imprisoned King Richard the Lionhearted was reunited with his faithful minstrel, who had sung his way across Europe searching for his master. Also intriguing is the wine cellar (which can accommodate 8,000 "buckets" of wine), the arch-crossed cobbled courtyard and the 33 rooms all with chandeliers fronting the Danube.
GERMANY
Heidelberg, the most romantic town. Heidelberg is the hub of German Romanticism. Schumann began his career as a Romantic composer in this pretty town and Goethe fell in love here. Heidelberg is also the oldest university town in Germany and the site of scenes from the movie and opera The Student Prince. The best place to ramble in Heidelberg is the Haupstrasse, which is lined with coffeehouses and little shops. Have a drink in one of the cafes beneath the rathaus. Or meander along Philosopher's Walk, where Goethe and Hegel wandered. From the path you'll have a bird's-eye view of the city and Heidelberg Castle. Don't leave town without visiting the Electoral Palatinate Museum, where the 500,000-year-old jawbone of Heidelberg Man is kept.
Germany's best fish market. The best fish market in Germany is held on Sunday mornings in Hamburg. This raucous but fun affair is located by the docks in Altona and begins at 5 a.m.
Worms: the strangest history. The city of Worms has a strange name and an even stranger history. It was named for a legendary giant worm with fangs and webbed feet that lived in the Rhine and demanded human sacrifices. Worms was the fifth-century capital of the legendary Nibelungs. The tribe left the area, according to legend, after the wicked Hagen slew their hero, Siegfried and threw their treasure into the river. A huge statue of Hagen commemorates the story. The town was destroyed in A.D. 436 by Attila the Hun. In the center of the town's old section is the tall, spired Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, built in the 11th and 12th centuries. Worms has a huge statue of Martin Luther; the oldest synagogue in Germany, built in the 11th century and restored in 1961; and the oldest and largest Jewish cemetery in Europe. Tombstones date from the 11th century.
Hitler's favorite hideout. The Kehlsteinhouse (also known as Eagle's Nest), perched on a rocky crag above the town of Berchtesgaden, was Hitler's favorite hideout. No wonder-the view from the hideaway-turned-restaurant is exhilarating. Anyone could develop delusions of grandeur here. Alpine peaks rise above cottony clouds at this level. The snow at their summits glistens in the sun. Below, a thick carpet of dark green pines stretches toward the valley. The road to Eagle's Nest is so steep and dangerous that cars are not allowed to use it; you must take a special bus from the Obersalzberg-Hintereck parking lot. You can dine in the restaurant from mid-May through mid-October.
The world's best passion play. Every 10 years, the world's most moving passion play is performed in the shadows of the Alps in the little artisan town of Oberammergau. From May through September in years ending in zero, local amateur actors put aside their daily professions and devote themselves entirely to the play. Written in the 17th century, it enacts Christ's suffering between the Last Supper and his death. Villagers have performed the play every 10 years since the 17th century, when they vowed they would perform the passion if the black plague ceased. It did and they have. The picturesque Passionsspielhaus (Passion play Theater) can be visited any time of the year. The immense open-air stage holds 700 actors and the theater's wooden benches hold 5,200 people. You can see the elaborate costumes used during the passion play when you visit. Performances begin at 8:30 a.m. and finish at 6 p.m., with a two-hour break for lunch. The best hotel Oberammergau is the Alois Lang. This quiet place has rooms with private bathrooms and three good dining rooms.
The world's best asparagus. Every spring, Germans go stalk-raving mad, gorging themselves on the country's Weisser Spargel, or white asparagus. The German asparagus, introduced 2,000 years ago by the Romans, is plump and ivory white with delicate purple tips. It is prized among epicures, who come from around the world every April, May and June to the world's asparagus mecca. Asparagus is especially big business in Finthen, near Mainz, where all 5,000 inhabitants are engaged in the cultivation of the white vegetable; in Lampertheim, between Worms and Mannheim, where every housewife grows the prized vegetable in her back yard; in Schrobenhausen, the center of the only area in southern Bavaria where asparagus is grown; and in Tettnang and Schwetzingen, known together as the asparagus capital of Germany.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Travel
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Investment Property in Egypt

Egypt marvels at its historical significance in shaping the destinys of modern countries. With natural wonders, like The Pyramids, as its jewel in the Egyptian crown, the country basks in the glory of the world's longest river The Nile. With historic architectural marvels in the country inspiring the modern architects and designers from all over the world, the Egyptian real estate market is destined for massive growth.
Though a Muslim country, this North African nation is more advanced than most of the traditional Muslim countries, and it is this contemporary modern outlook of the nation that attracts property investors from all nationalities and international business houses as well as individuals investors.
Buying Property in Egypt
For quite some time now, Egypt has struggled to find its feet in the vast global real estate market. This has been largely due to lax governments in the countries recent past that failed to realize the tourism potential of the country, nor did they pay attention to developing the investment friendly infrastructure of the country. But things are changing for the better thanks to the recent government initiatives aimed at attracting maximum tourism exposure for the country.
To this end, peace and political stability are the biggest platform from which the Egyptian government plans to launch an aggressive marketing campaign to lure serious real estate and property investments in the country. Egypt has largely remained unaffected by the influence of Islamic fundamentalism that have caused problems for many of the beautiful Islamic countries throughout the Asian continent and now is enjoying a steady increase in its economic development.
In order to reap maximum benefit from the changed global order, the Egyptian government has chosen the path of development through friendly relations with developed countries, like America and the UK. This has resulted in large scale investment queries from several European countries. The Brits particularly like the metropolitan lifestyle of certain cities, like the capital city of Cairo, and the similar culture and traditions due to the country's close proximity to Europe.
The government has also relaxed several rules governing the ownership of real estate and property by foreigners in the country. This has attracted the interest of global real estate players like Dubai's EMAAR and DAMAC groups that are developing major residential townships in the cities of Cairo, Hurghada, and the Gamsha Bay. These townships are expected to bring in lots of investment to the region from every segment of investor. Primarily residential townships, the commercial and industrial aspect from the rising demand cannot be ignored. Thus, there's room for every investor in Egypt!
In addition, the government is also working towards making Egypt one of the top tourist destinations in the world by 2011. The all-round efforts by the government are visible from the collaboration of Egyptian government with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
The best places to invest in Egypt include the coastal resort towns of Alexandria, El Alamein, Ain Soukhna, Sharm el Sheikh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Marsa Alam. You can also look forward to owning 5-star luxury apartments at Hurghada for anywhere between £15K to £25K.
Why Invest in Property in Egypt?
Besides the above-stated factors, there are many other reasons for a property investor to seriously consider investing in the land of Pyramids-
The Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea assure that the coastal lifestyle in Egypt is never short of thrill and adventure. Miles of pristine beaches assure that the place is always bubbling with tourists. Red Sea Riviera represents hundreds of miles of unspoilt desert coastline dotted with a few upmarket resorts. And resultantly, the rental income from resort property is too lucrative for any investor to ignore.
The economy of Egypt is on the upswing thanks to the sustained government efforts. This stability and growth creates a feel-good factor about the country's overall growth potential that drives the real estate investment in Egypt.
The country's climate has everything to lure any would be investor who is looking for a positive return on their investment or a relaxed retired lifestyle enjoying sun during most part of the year.
If you are looking for a business investment property in Egypt, there's good news! The government is placing immense importance to the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and has elaborate plans in place to welcome offshore business houses looking to take advantage of lower standards of taxation in Egypt.
The proximity to Europe ensures cheap regular flights to and from the country to the major European capitals and other international cities.
The country has some of the best hotel chains in the region. The hospitality of Egypt is also one of the highlights for potential investors in the country.
Egypt has no dearth of luxury villas and mansions, if that is what you are looking for. In fact, if you can afford, these luxury properties then it is certainly worth consideration as the can be secured for a comparatively low cost of investment. And considering the high earning potential of property in Egypt, your investment is sure to give maximum return whenever you decide to sell the property.
Property Abroad's directory Les Calvert writes interesting and useful articles on all subjects dealing with overseas property and buying property abroad. With over 400 company websites selling and renting property in almost every country around the world Les is well placed to offer advice on existing and emerging property investments in Egypt Visit their flagship site www.property-abroad.com for more details on buying property in Egypt
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Toronto Attractions and Events Make a Great Vacation

Millions of tourists from around the world travel to Canada to enjoy its culture, attractions, and natural beauty. One of the most popular vacation destinations is Toronto Ontario. Tourists take great pleasure in seeing the sites of downtown Toronto and visiting the various theme parks in the city. Other major Toronto attractions are the CN Tower, Skydome, Harbourfront, Toronto Islands, Toronto Zoo, Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, and the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). Major events draw millions too, including the CNE, Caribana Festival, while the major sports events and theatre event season are ongoing all year.
Canada’s largest city is enjoying a prosperous economy in this last decade and considerable new building and development is occurring in the city.
The CN Tower - World's Tallest Free Standing Structure The CN Tower is undoubtedly the most visited Toronto tourist attraction which recently regained its rank as the tallest free standing structure in the world at 554.3 meters or 1815 feet. The tower elevator ride is an amazing experience for the whole family. Riders can see out any of the three high speed elevators glass walls during the 20 feet per second ascent to the observation level. The observation level has two decks, one with an outdoor observation area which extends right around the observation pod giving a 360 degree panorama of the City of Toronto. There is a glass floor area where visitors can walk out on. It takes a little courage to walk on it and peer down 1100 feet to the base of the tower and into Skydome stadium. On a clear day you can see all the way to Niagara Falls. For the very adventurous, another elevator can take you up to the 1400 foot level. This is the Skypod and you will be really high.
The CN Tower also has an upscale, revolving restaurant which takes dining to a whole new level of experience. The restaurant has the world’s highest wine cellar.
The Skydome, now called Rogers Center hosts the Toronto Blue Jays of the MLB League and major pop music concerts. Tours of the stadium are available. For shoppers, the Eaton Center shopping mall is amazing experience too. It is a huge galleria type mall with a glass ceiling more than 80 feet high. The mall has 4 levels with hundreds of stores and shops serving every imaginable item.
For thrill seekers, Canada’s Wonderland, a giant theme park has 14 roller coasters and many other scary rides. Top Gun roller coaster a twisting, spiraling ride, Vortex Roller coaster which comes out of Wonder Mountain, and the Psyclone, a giant swing are the perennial favorites. WildWater Kingdom also
To see all the sites in Downtown Toronto, you may want to take part in one of the tours offered by a number of tour operators. There are helicopter tours, boat tours, bus tours, walking tours, and even limo tours.
The Toronto Harbor offers tours aboard some interesting vessels. You and your family will enjoy the evening dinner cruises with the colorful backdrop of Toronto’s waterfront, the sunset, and the lights of the downtown Toronto buildings. It is very romantic.
Along the old city streets of Toronto in the summer, you’ll find an interesting array of quaint shops, theaters, and outdoor bistros and restaurants. You’ll easily enjoy a full day of shopping, sightseeing, and casual dining.
Ontario Place is a large entertainment complex at the waterfront with outdoor cafes and a huge IMAX theater. You’ll enjoy strolling at the marinas where yachts are moored.
Just Outside Toronto If the downtown Toronto doesn’t have all you need for a stimulating experience, then everything else you might want is nearby. Niagara Falls is a short 40 minute drive to the south. You can visit Canada’s wonder of the world and visit the Casinos there. Muskoka has been a long time favorite of vacationers from Canada and the US. There are plenty of Muskoka resorts with golf courses, spas and walking trails. This is Ontario’s’ cottage country, a stretch of beautiful landscapes with rock, trees, and rolling hills. The Gravenhurst Boat Show runs every year in early July.
Also nearby is Canada’s longest freshwater beach. For one or two days, you might want to drive north to Wasaga Beach on Georgian Bay. The water is warm and the beaches are safe.
Back in Toronto, there’s more to visit. One architectural masterpiece you won’t want to miss is Casa Loma. Casa Loma is a stone castle not far west of the downtown area. It is filled with fascinating niches for kids to explore and has a magnificent flower garden. This old Toronto Castle has 98 rooms, 30 bathrooms, 25 fireplaces, 3 bowling alleys, a shooting gallery, and a wine cellar.
If you enjoy history, there are plenty of old Toronto buildings and districts which provide a glimpse of life in the past. The distillery district, entertainment district, and the St Lawrence market area are very popular.
The Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame is an exhibit of Canada’s national pastime located in one of Toronto’s old preserved buildings. There are plenty of exhibits showing the great players of Canada's greatest sport. The Hall of Fame building sits at the center of downtown Toronto and is housed within a modern mall which in turn connects to a series of underground walkways that makes access to the downtown core easy on foot.
There are plenty of hotels in the downtown Toronto area, many in the region called the entertainment district.
Toronto is an interesting place to visit with lots of variety to make everyone in your vacation party active and happy.
To learn more about Toronto attractions visit TerrificToronto.com Bay Street SEO Company researches and develops travel and tourism related information sites.
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Adventure Travel in Indonesia

Although the wily jungles of Indonesia are slightly tamer than the days of the Borneo headhunters, there are still many options for the modern day thrill seeker. Whether trekking in the jungles and mountains of the vast archipelago, diving in some of the most biologically diverse waters in the world, or visiting with some of the few remaining tribal groups in the world, Indonesia can still live up to its unfettered past.
From the snow capped peaks of Papua to the smoking volcanoes of Java, Indonesia presents any trekker with a wide array of choices, regardless of skill level. The further a field you plan to go, the more valuable you will find using a tour agency to arrange your trip. Tour agencies often get better deals on national airline tickets and can arrange for transportation and accommodation in areas where such amenities are scarce. Papua, the easternmost province of Indonesia, is unfortunately experiencing periods of civil unrest, so be sure to get updated information if you plan to set off there. The snow covered Carstensz Pyramid, locally known as Puncak Jaya, is the highest mountain in Papua. Please note - the trek up Carstensz Pyramid is for the experienced climber. For those looking for something challenging, but without the need for carabineers, try the third highest peak in Papua, Trikora Mountain. Indonesia requires all trekkers in Papua to obtain a climbing permit, usually arranged by your tour company. Trekking can be combined with a visit to one of the few remaining tribal groups on the island to experience first hand the wonder of what it means to live off the land.
If you like diving, the blue waters of Indonesia, teeming with marine life of all shapes and colors, are not to be missed. Some of the best diving in the world is found in Indonesia and options come in all price ranges, from a quick dip off the coast of Bali to a two week liveaboard that will take you to areas otherwise inaccessible. Among the most popular dive spots for those wanting easy access, as well as beach resorts, is Bunaken Island off the coast of North Sulawesi. Bunaken has suffered some damage to its coral reefs from blast fishing, but much is still alive or recovering through the efforts of local conservation groups. If you prefer a liveaboard, there are many operators to the Komodo Islands, Sulawesi's Wakatobi and Lembeh Strait, Flores, and Alor, to name a few. Shop around for the best price and definitely check up on the company or you might find your accommodations less than desirable. Once you get in the water though, expect to be awed by teeming barracudas, colorful cuttlefish, and mantas.
For the eco-tourist, the options are endless. From orangutan spotting and jungle trekking in Kalimantan to Komodo Dragon watching on the shores of Komodo, options vary by budget and time frame. The orangutan population continues to dwindle every year and some of the money garnered from eco-tourism goes to support foundations and local groups that work to save them. Although the number of visitors is limited each year, tour companies can arrange a visit to the famous rainforest study area of Tanjing Putting National Park and Camp Leakey in Kalimantan (formerly Borneo). A visit to the Ministry of Forestry's feed station might earn you the chance to interact with the orangutans directly. Accommodation and transportation are best arranged beforehand as flights can vary throughout the year. Another popular ecotourism destination is Komodo National Park which includes the three large islands of Komodo, Rinca, and Padar as well as several smaller islands. A visit to this area can be combined with a dive trip as the waters in the reserve are home to an estimated 900-1,000 marine species. The Komodo Dragons themselves, giant monitor lizards, are relatively easy to spot, but you're guaranteed to find them safely with the help of a guide. Accommodation in the National Park is rustic, but the staff is friendly and the food is decent. Foregoing the beaches of Bali may not be easy for some, but the treasures of the other Indonesian islands are not to be missed.
Alex Smith maintains and manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com
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Golf Courses Around The World - Top Travel Spots for Golfers

While golf is not played everywhere (yet), there are many wonderful golf courses around the world to visit – many offering truly unique golfing experiences for the adventurous golfer as well as some breathtaking views for travelers. From America to Japan, there are thousands of great courses to please golf enthusiasts, but where better to start than the birthplace of golf – Scotland.
Seated in the Birthplace of Golf - Scotland Courses
Let us start with the what many would argue is the best golf course in the world - the game was invented and evolved at the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. To get an idea of how amazing it is, listen to the experts – Jack Nicklaus said about St. Andrews, "I fell in love with it the first day I played it. There's just no other golf course that is even remotely close." And Tiger Woods lauded, “Without a doubt I like it the best of all the Open venues. It's my favorite course in the world." With opinions like these from two of the top golfers in history, you can see why this one is not to be missed.
It is no surprise that Scotland hosts some of the finest golf courses in the world. One of the finest of the finest is Cruden Bay. Some say that golf was played on Cruden Bay as early as 1791. Today the course offers many unique challenges to golfers and is set against a gorgeous panoramic view, it was even voted as number 52 in the world by “Golf Magazine.” The course is actually set over the North Sea pipeline – so while you play over their contoured greens, muck of the U.K.’s crude oil supply is running beneath you!
Another great course, especially for tourists, is the Stromness Golf Club located in Orkney. It is not as challenging as many other top golf courses, and it is not even as attractive as most, but is it located just minutes away from the 5,000 year old burial mound Maes Howe. You could make a day of historical sightseeing and a golfing all in the same area.
Longest (and Highest) Links
Golf courses seem to be popping up all the time these days, so the site that holds the honor of longest course is disputed and ever changing. But there are some very notable ones around the globe…
One such contender for the longest course is the International Golf Club in Bolton Massachusetts. While the regular tees already have an impressive length of 6,547 yards, the “tiger” tees boast a full 8,325 yards.
A course in Chine that sits near the Himalayas claims to have a longer course that runs the length of 8,548 yards, but it is hard to measure a course that is situated at an elevation of 10,000 feet in mountainous terrain. So it is still hard.to determine to which course really is the longest.
By the way, of you thought 10,000 feet was a high enough elevation for golfing, take a deep breath and try out the Tactu Golf Club in Morochocha, Peru. This course sits 14,335 feet about sea level – and that is at its lowest point!
The Satsuki Golf Club in Japan is said to have the longest single, stretching the length of 909 yards.
Gorgeous Greens
If you’re looking for a course with some great scenery, you don’t have to look outside of the U.S. Located in Idaho, Hidden Lakes Golf Resort has some of the loveliest scenery you could ask for in a course. Not only does it have bent grass greens and carefully manicured bluegrass fairways, but you can often spot some local wildlife on the course. It is not uncommon to spot a deer or moose grazing just yards away from the links. Hidden Lakes has a log cabin lodge for you to enjoy, and has a new clubhouse, lounge, restaurant, and golf shop. If you want to get away and experience the beauty of nature while enjoying some golf, this highly rated resort is the place for you.
Historical Holes
If you want a golf vacation that’s rich in history, you have a few great options. How about golfing with a view of the Great Wall of China? That’s just what you’ll get when you play at the Beijing Golf Club, located just 30 minutes away from the Beijing International Airport. While Scotland has the oldest courses, India has the second oldest. The Bombay Presidency Club was built in 1827, and the Bangalore Golf Club was founded in 1876.
And this is just the beginning! There are many other winning courses in America, including “Golf Magazine’s” top ten rated courses of 2004: Pebble Beach in California, Pacific Dunes in Oregon, Bethpage in New York, Pinehurst in North Carolina, and Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. Scotland also houses many other historical and lush courses. And while I would definitely recommend making a trip to St. Andrews in Scotland, since it is one of the best courses around as well as the oldest, there are also many other fine courses worldwide just waiting for some traveling golf enthusiasts!
Katya Coen is a regular contributor to Golfing Eighteen, where you will find a wealth of information on golf, golf equipment, courses, and news. Find more on great courses along with beautiful photos on our site!
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