Located in central Europe, Austria celebrates world’s best music festivals like the Salzburg Festival, Haydn Festival in Vienna, and the International Chamber Music Festival. Vienna is the capital of Austria as well as the musical capital of Europe. Music and art are in full flare here after centuries of hardship and innovation. That explains Vienna being the birthplace of Mozart. Horse dances are also part of these festivals. Since it snows in winter, the snow covered Alps is a must be visited place during the winter. Austria experiences a moderate summer. Rains can be expected year round. Incase of emergency call 120 or 123.

Site seeing

The romantic castles simply leave you astounded. The Schloss Durnstein provides a magnificent view besides the River Danube. A 10% tip should be paid to the taxi drivers, which is customary here.

Culture

German, Hungarian, Slovene, and Croatian are the languages spoken by the locals. To greet the locals, a handshake will do. When meeting someone for the first time, its better to refer them by their last name, but once better known they can be addressed by the first name. When out in the public, say Guten Tag or Gruss Gott to greet people and while leaving say Auf Wiedersehen. Carry along flowers when going over to someone’s house. The locals here have a passion for horse riding. The world’s best art of horsemanship can be found here which is as old as 400 years and to watch the horses perform at these schools; tickets must be booked in advance. Although service charge is levied on restaurant bills, an extra 5% should be paid as tip.

Getting there

Three national airlines operate in Austria, Austrian Arrows, Austrian Airlines and Lausda Air, which work in collaboration with the Austrian Airlines Group. The Vienna airport is 18 km away from the city. Airport buses transport passengers to the South Train and West Train Station. Railway, chauffeur-driven car and taxi service is also provided at the airport. Duty free shops, post office, bank, eateries, left luggage, tourism information, conference hall, nursery, car hiring and car parking facilities are provided to the passengers at the airport. Salzburg airport is 4 km away from the city and buses, trains, taxis and hotel coach shuttle passengers to and from the airport. Facilities such as duty free shops, post office, currency exchange, left luggage, conference hall, restaurants and car hire exist at the airport. Check out the other airports such as Klagenfurt airport, Graz airport and Linz airport for more details. All the airports charge a fixed rate for porter service.

International tourists can get to Austria by Austrian Federal railways, if planning to travel by train. It has a large network which connects the major cities within Austria and also outside Austria. Travelers can find connections to/from Germany, Russia, Greece, Romania, Turkey Brussels, Paris and Italy. International rail passes or Eurail pass can be bought to travel around Austria as they provide unlimited travel and other offers too.

A good network of roads here provides an interesting journey. Take Eurotunnel when crossing the Channel Tunnel while traveling by car. Bookings should be made in advance. The cars can be hired at the airports and railway stations and if driving own car carry documentations like UK driving license or national driving license and car registration papers. Toll booths are installed on the motorways and ‘S’ roads, so if change is carried in advance it will ensure no delays in the journey. Registration documents should be carried along all the time while driving. The lights should be turned on while driving, in the city or outside, all the time. There are strict laws for seat belts and drinking while driving. If using the motorbike, high visibility jacket and helmet must be worn, it’s a compulsion for both the passenger and the driver. Many federal, private companies and local authorities provide bus service. Coaches are provided for moving around within the cities.

Wurm and Kock provide cruise passenger service. Along with the cruise trip, packages include stay at a hotel. Check out, before hand, for offer. There are many Ferry service providers too.

Duty Free Items

1. 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco or a proportional mix of these products 2. 1l of spirits over 22 per cent or 2l of fortified wine or spirits up to 22 per cent or 2l of sparkling wine or liqueur and 2l of still wine 3. 500g of coffee or 200g of extracts, essences or concentrates of coffee, and 100g of tea or 40g of tea extracts 4. medicinal products sufficient for the journey 5. 50g of perfume or eau de toilette 6. All the above mentioned goods should be carried by a person over 17 years of age.

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Travel Tips to European Countries: Austria

Things To See And Do

One of Amsterdam’s main cultural attractions is the maze of canals that wind their way through the city and many hours can be spent exploring the waterways that split up the capital.

Travelers can meander along the route of the canals and stop to spend time window-shopping at the department stores that now reside within historic 19th century buildings. For those with more contemporary tastes, visiting the cutting-edge design shops will enthrall and amaze.

Art And Museums

Enthusiasts of traditional art can check out the Van Gogh Museum, which encapsulates the life and work of the renowned artist, and houses the world’s most extensive collection of his paintings.

For a modern creative experience, the latest innovation in contemporary art is celebrated at the Electric Ladyland: The First Museum of Fluorescent Art and the Stedelijk Museum, which is renowned for its Andy Warhol pop-art exhibits.

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam will also delight art lovers and is the ultimate experience in Dutch traditional arts and craft, while the historical poignancy of the Second World War is brought to life at the Anne Frank House.

The Dark Side

Amsterdam is also famous for its coffee shops in which many backpackers choose to focus their limited spending power. The unique wares that are available are symbolic of the liberal attitudes that make Amsterdam famous. People from around the world come to observe life here and in the red light district, which is centered in De Wallen.

A more conventional night out can be enjoyed at the Albert Cuyp Market within the Pijp district. Nearby there is an abundance of hip cafes with funk DJs wowing the young crowd.

Transport and Accommodation

Amsterdam has a well-developed cycle network and the bicycle is the chosen mode of transport for many as they negotiate the winding streets of this flat city. Once backpackers have wheels they can travel between the many independent Amsterdam hostels, which are original in atmosphere and relatively cheap. It may be worth noting that a hostel in Amsterdam will charge three per cent for those paying by credit card but usually boast good facilities, such as internet and television.

Before settling down and becoming a copywriter for Hostelbookers. Paul Scottyn did a backpacking tour of Netherlands, he checked out a variety of the country’s budget accommodation, including a number of most [http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/netherlands/amsterdam/]hostels in Amsterdam.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Scottyn http://EzineArticles.com/?Cultural-Route-of-Amsterdam&id=1897307

Post from: Global Blog.com - Travel and Global Vacations-Guide - Cruising Tips. Tourist-Information.

Cultural Route of Amsterdam