Christmas Markets: Rudesheim

Posted on Saturday, June 18, 2011

Holiday carols, children's laughter, carousels... the season's joyful noises reverberate across this little town on the Rhine as you browse the shops and stalls of its Weihnachtsmarkt, winding their way through its quaint cobblestone streets; the largest nativity scene in Europe adorns the market square. Even the Drosselgasse, a narrow lane famed for its wine bars, is all done up in yuletide green and gold. Heart-shaped lebkuchen, local favorites like schweinebraten and jagerschnitzel- and especially Rüdesheim Coffee, laced with locally produced brandy- tempt your taste buds. While in Rüdesheim, visit the unique Siegfrieds Mechanisches Musikkabinett, housed in a centuries-old castle.

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Christmas Market Tours 2011 Coming Soon

Posted on Friday, April 22, 2011

There is nothing quite like the smell of freshly roasted chestnuts at local European Christmas Markets…you can already book Christmas markets river cruises for both 2011 and 2012.  Christmas market tours will be available in just a couple of months.

Germany Travel Tips and Information

Posted on Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Berlin is the capital of Germany.

The currency is the Euro.

Germany has several geographical regions including lowlands in the north, uplands in central parts & the Black Forest & Bavarian Alps in the south.

Temperatures are rarely extreme in the Rhineland, the climate is mild in winter, with the possibility of showers in spring and autumn. In summer it may also rain, so don’t forget an umbrella.

Food & drink: 

Vienna Austria Travel Information

Posted on Wednesday, July 22, 2009

It is a landlocked country with a major river known as the Danube. Austria is mainly an Alpine country two thirds being mountainous.

The climate in Austria is a moderate continental climate. Summers days are warm with cooler evenings and winters are cold. Even in summer you will need cardigan or jumper for the sudden cooler evenings.

Austrians tend to be formal in both their social and business dealings. One should shake hands when greeting or saying goodbye. It is considered impolite to leave a restaurant or shop without saying ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ – Goodbye. Tipping is not high but widespread. On restaurant bills 10-15% is added, and it is usual to leave only small change.

Austrian food is distinctive and is traditionally of the stodgy, hearty ‘meat and dumplings’ variety. Traditional dishes include Wiener schnitzel (veal in breadcrumbs) and Goulash. Many of the simpler meals are often made with rice, potatoes and dumplings (Knödel), with delicious sauces. It is renowned for its pastries and desserts the most famous being Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel). Local beers are excellent and reasonably priced. White wines are popular (Riesling, Veltliner), but there are some good red wines. Schnapps liquor) is found in most German speaking countries and is made by distilling various fruits. Austrian water, which comes from the Syrian Alps, tastes mountain-fresh. However, if you come across a sign ‘Kein Trinkwasser’ the water is NOT fit for drinking.

Shopping:  Cameras, glassware/crystal, chinaware – Viennese local handicrafts, dirndls, embroidered blouses and lederhosen, woodcarvings, dried flower pictures, Viennese petit point, winter sports equipment.  Shops are generally open Monday-Friday 9.00am to 6pm. Many shops close at 12 noon or 5pm on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays.

The country code is +43 (dialing in) and international access 00 when dialing out.

Other useful information: In general, you will need to pay to use a public toilet. Toilets will either be manned or will be 'slot' machine operated. Prices range between .20 to 1.00 Euro.

Famous for:  Apple strudel, Wolfgang, Sound of Music, Amadeus Mozart