Hong Kong - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2011!

Merry Christmas & Have a Fruitful New Year 2011.

Let's take a look how Christmas lighting in Hong Kong is.

Attraction in Ciutat Vella, Bacelona

Ciutat Vella is the oldest part of Barcelona and it is situated in the city center. You can arrive by train, subway(L1, L3, L6, L7) or regular bus(or Aerobus to the Airport) to Plaça Catalunya. The district is divided in four quarters, Barceloneta, La Ribera, Barri Gòtic and Raval.

La Ribera

Palau de la Música Catalana is an UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, which is a masterpiece of Catalan's Modernist Architecture. It was the headquarters of the Orfeó Català, the oldest Catalan Choir. The most beautiful part is fine glass ceiling inside of the Modernist Cencert Hall. As said by the director, the joy of the color, the glass and the atmosphere - these make it special and impressive.
Guided Tour of Modernist Concert hall (and Lluís Millet Hall and the Chamber Music Hall when available) : Euro. 12/adult (20% discount for Barcelona Card holders)
Personally, I highly recommend to listen to symphonic music inside as well as enjoy the amazing architecture. However, it is worth to have a guided tour if your schedule is tight.

Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar at Plaça de Santa Maria is a Catalan Gothic architecture featured a sombre appearance but with beautiful interior. It is located near the Picasso Museum.

Picasso Museum, where you can understand the formative years of Pablo Ruiz Picasso. Please note that it is FREE on the first Sunday on each month (close at 8:00pm).
Entrance: adults: Euro 9/adult

Raval

La Rambla. Often the first landmark that people identify with the city. It is the central and the most famous boulevard which cuts through the heart of the city centre and is a vibrant and lively promenade filled with Barcelona action at its best and worst. It stretches from the harbor to La Plaça Catalunya running through the Ciutat Vella like a spine. Come here to see the street performers jump out at unsuspecting tourists, enjoy the flower and pet stalls, or just sit back and watch all of Barcelona walk by. During the day, La Rambla is packed with tourists, at night, the locals come out, as well as many prostitutes. There, you can find newspaper and book stands, birds, flowers, musicians, street-performing artists that all contribute to create a lively and unique atmosphere. If you happen to be here after Barca win, you're in for a treat! A few blocks south of its north end, you'll find La Boqueria, a very large, fresh air (but covered) market.

Cansaladeria i Formatgeria Josep's is a market with front-line stand featuring most of hams and meats a tourist needs.

Barceloneta

You can just walk down La Rambla until the monument to Columbus in Barceloneta or take subway (L4 yellow line stopping at Barceloneta).

Parc de la Ciutadella is a central park, which includes a zoo, a lake and several museums. The Catalan Parliament can be found in the center of the park.

Zoo-Barcelona - was famous for its albino gorilla "Snowflake" and there is a a science museum inside the zoo today.
Entry fee: Euro. 16/adult.

L'Aquarium is the second biggest aquarium in Europe and is located at the Port Vell leisure center, next to the IMAX cinema.
Entrance ticket :Euro 16/adult.

Olympic Port is a dining and entertainment place where you can find lots of restaurants, bars as well as casino.

Beach stretches from the tip of Barceloneta in Port Vell till Vila Olimpica and so on. The beach is just 10-15 minutes walk from Barceloneta, or a few minutes from Vila Olimpica/Ciutadela.

Useful links:
The official website of Palau de la Música Catalana - http://www.palaumusica.org/
The official website of Picasso Museum - http://w3.bcn.es/V66/Home/V66XMLHomeLinkPl/0,4589,417470534_417617303_3,00.html

Accommodation in Tokyo - Tokyu Stay Hotels

Tokyu Stay has 14 hotels within Tokyo. It is a new style of hotel serving the guests for business and vacations.

1. Hotel Tokyu Stay Ikebukuro - Newly opened this April(nearest to Ikebukuro Station)


2. Tokyu Stay Nishi-Shinjuku


3. Tokyu Stay Aoyama Premier (nearest to Gaien-mae Station)


4. Tokyu Stay Shinjuku Shin-minamiguchi Hotel


5. Tokyu Stay Shibuya Hotel , in a prime location in trend-setting Shibuya.


6. Tokyu Stay Gotanda Hotel (easily access to Shibuya, Shinagawa and Odaiba)


7. Tokyu Stay Yotsuya Hotel

8. Tokyu Stay Suidobashi Hotel (nearest to Suidobashi Station)


9. Tokyu Stay Shimbashi (Near the entrance to the Tokyo Waterfront Area)


10. Tokyu Stay Higashi-Ginza Hotel

11. Tokyu Stay Nihombashi Hotel


12. Tokyu Stay Monzen-Nakacho Hotel


13. Tokyu Stay Yoga Hotel (easily access to Shibuya)


14. Tokyu Stay Meguro-Yutenji Hotel (near to Shibuya and Jiyugaoka)



They offer free daily breakfast in 11hotels, daily linen exchange and periodic room cleaning, 24hours front desk and rental service, like extra bed with charges or free of charge iron & board.

Reservation can be made through online reservation system or telephone. Guestroom fees must be paid in full at time of check-in.


Check-in time: From 4:00pm ( except Tokyu stay Aoyama from 3:00pm )
Check-out time: 10.00am (except Tokyu stay Aoyama, Nishi-Shinjuku & Ikebukuro By 11:00am)





Useful link:
http://www.tokyustay.co.jp/e/

Transportation Guide - Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is Spain's second largest city, with a population of 1.5 million people, and the capital of Catalonia. Barcelona is located on the northeast coast of the Iberian Peninsula, facing the Mediterranean Sea. It is 160 km (100 mi) south of the Pyrenees and the Catalonian border with France.

Transportation

By Air

Barcelona International Airport (BCN), also known as El Prat, is a major transport hub and fields flights from all over Europe and beyond. There are now two terminals, T1 and T2. T1 and T2 are linked by a bus shuttle (every 6 to 8 minutes, travel time 10 minutes).
There is a cheap and fast way by taking the half-hourly RENFE C-2 suburban train, which runs between airport and Sants station in city centre. (travel time: 20 minutes), The train terminates next to T2, with a free-of-charge connecting green colored bus service to T1 (travel time: 15 minutes).

The budget airlines, Ryanair, uses the airports in Girona, nearly 100km to the north, or Reus, around the same distance to the south, instead.
For Girona Airport: The Barcelona Bus service runs a shuttle bus from Estació del Nord in Barcelona to Girona Airport and this ties in with various flight times. A one-way ticket costs €12 and a return ticket costs €21. The journey takes approximately 1hrs 10mins. Timetables are available online.
For Reus airport, the easiest way is to take the train from Barcelona Sants station to Reus and then the local bus to the airport. The train costs €6.45 and then the bus costs €2. This takes roughly about 1.5hrs.

By rail
Several trains per day (including overnight hotel trains) from other parts of Europe (via France) are regular & reliable.
Main train stations are Barcelona-Sants (SW of the center) and Barcelona-Estació de França(on the edge of the old town next to the seafront district of Barceloneta).
From/to Estació de França: there are several connections per day to France. Elipsos Trainhotel runs between Milano, Italy and Barcelona Estacio de Franca, Spain.

By sea
The city's port is one of the busiest on the Mediterranean. It supports both ferries and cruise ships. Large cruise ships dock 1-2 kilometers to the southwest. Many offer bus-shuttles to points near the south end of La Rambla.
You can arrive to Barcelona by boat from the Balearic Islands, from Genoa and from Rome. The ferry docks almost directly on the Ramblas.

Tickets
The metro can take you to many places. Stations are marked on most maps; every station has a detailed scheme of exits to the city. A one-journey ticket cost €1.40, so it's probably best to buy a multi-person 10-ride ticket for €7.85 (called a T-10). These tickets are also valid on the buses and trams. You also can buy a T-10 from the ticket vending machine at the airport station.

The Barcelona Card features unlimited free travel on public transport and free admission and discounts at around 100 visitor attractions. The card costs €24 for a 2-day card and €34 for a 5-day card. If you don't plan to see lots of museums every day, then it is cheaper to buy transport-only tickets.


Useful links:
The wikipedia information of Barcelona - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelona
The travel information of Barcelona from WikiTravel - http://wikitravel.org/en/Barcelona
The official website of Barcelona Metro - http://www.tmb.cat/en_US/home.jsp

Attraction - A Day out to Discovery Bay

Discovery Bay is situated on the north-eastern coast of Lantau Island, New Territories in Hong Kong. Discovery Bay is currently residential site with a sizable community of expatriates. Unlike many other developments in Hong Kong, pets are allowed there.

Discovery Bay is located 2 km west of Hong Kong Disneyland and approximately 12 km west from the nearest point on Hong Kong Island.


Transportation

Ferry

Central Pier 3 <--> Discovery Bay Pier - around 30mins/ride

Ferry fee: HKD31/adult/way

Train - MTR / Bus

1. Bus DB01R - around 20mins/ride

Take bus from Tung Chung Citygate Bus Terminal, at Tung Chung MTR station

2. Bus DB02R - around 30mins/ride

Take bus at Bus stop outside of car park at Hong Kong International Airport

3. Bus DB03R - around 15mins/ride

Take bus from Sunny Bay MTR station

Things to DO

Dining

Food outlets can be found at D Deck, where offers dining and drinking.


Sun, Sand and Sea

Enjoy a stroll on the Tai Pak Beach, just next to D Deck. Don't miss to watch Disneyland fireworks at night.

Hikking


1. Within Discovery Bay

Start from Discovery Bay Pier --> Waterfront --> Seahorse Lane --> Discovery Valley Road --> the Lookout Point (panoramic view of Discovery Bay) --> descend via Discovery Valley Road or climb up 700m long stairs --> Turn left to Central Park or walk back to D Deck

2. Mui Wo to Discovery Bay

Start from Mui Wo Pier --> Silvermine Bay Beach --> take stairs to the viewing pavilion --> the ancient Trappist Haven Monastery in Tai Shui Hang --> Nim Shue Village --> Discovery Bay




Useful link:
The official website of D Deck - http://www.ddeck.com.hk/eng/index.htm

Attraction - The Wetland Park

The Wetland Park is located at the northern part of Tin Shui Wai, New Territories, Hong Kong. The site was originally intended to be an ecological mitigation area (EMA) to compensate for the wetlands lost due to Tin Shui Wai New Town development.

Transportation



Take West Rail to Tin Shui Wai Station and then change to Light Rail 705 or 706 Tin Shui Wai Circular. Get off at Wetland Park Station.


Admission Fee:
HKD30/adult and HKD15/child (aged 3 to below 18)

Opening hours:
Open daily from 10.00 to 17.00 except Tuesday. But if public holiay falls on Tuesday, the park will open for public.


Exhibition & facilities


Wetland Reserve

Pui Pui's home

Salt Water Crocodile "Pui Pui", was first found in Shan Pui River in North West New Territories of Hong Kong on 2 November 2003. It is suspected that she might be an illegal pet escaped from its owner's home. The discovery of "Pui Pui" aroused public concern on conservation of wildlife of wetlands.


Stream Walk

Succession Walk

A boardwalk over open water takes visitors along a trail of aquatic plants.


Mangroves Boardwalk

You can enjoy the floating boardwalk experience in Mangrove habitat.

Wildside Walk

Butterfly Garden

In the Wetland Reserve area, you are able to see the variety of birds in bird hides, where are located at riverside, fish pond and mudflat.

Wetland interactive World in Vistor Centre

Through interactive games shows, you can explore issues on wetland conservation and learn how we should save wetland and our wildlife.

Useful link:
The official website of The Wetland Park - http://www.wetlandpark.com/en/index.asp

Accomodation - Snow Village in Lainio

Location : Lainiotie, Kittilä, Finland

Lainio Snow Village is located nearly 200km above the Arctic Circle. It is easily reachable - only 25mins by car from Kittilä airport, 40 minutes from Levi and just 15 minutes from Ylläs.

"Each year in late November, about one thousand truck loads of snow are used to create the Snow Village - a complex of ice and snow, changing shape and size every winter ..."

SnowHotel offers 15 double igloo standard double rooms and 15 ice suites for the winter of 2009-2010. SnowHotel provides high quality thermal sleeping bags in each room. So you can slip into the warm and comfortable sleeping bag and rest your senses in the tranquil silence of the igloo. Due to everything made by crystalized water, the indoor temperature of Snow Village remains always between -2 and -5 Celsius degrees. Wow, cool !

Besides igloos, Snow village also provides Log cabins - Teepee cabins, JP1, Karkelo, Koppelo and Chalet Aurora.


You truly can enjoy traditional dining experience at Ice Bar. Snow village also offers a wide range of adventure, such as overnight safari to Snow village and Snowmobile safari to huskies.

Useful link:
The official website of Snow Village - http://www.snowvillage.fi/index.htm

Hong Kong - Mui Wo Hung Shing Festival 2010

Mui Wo Hung Shing Festival in Hong Kong 2010

Date. 26-29 March2010

Time. 1800 - 2200

This festival is held to promote the Chinese Lantern festival with a series of Chinese custom activities. You can experience the rich and unique Chinese culture in these four days in Mui Wo, Lantau Island, Hong Kong.

Activities:

Releasing Water Lantern

Venue. Mui Wo Silver River

People release water lanterns into the sea and hope their wishes come true.

Raising Flying Lantern

Venue. Mui Wo Silvermine Beach

Flying Lantern is also known as "Hung Ming Lantern". People write their wishes on the "Hung Ming Lanterns". Next they light them and then raise them to the sky (heavenly God).

How to get there?

You can take ferry from Central to Mui Wo. There are two types of ferries - ordinary ferries and fast ferries. The journey is almost 60mins on ordinary ferries, however, the fast ferry takes much faster, 30mins' ride only.

Have fun in Mui Wo this weekend !

Useful link:

The website of Hung Shing Festival in Hong Kong - http://www.hungshingfestival.com.hk/

The official website of New World First Ferry - http://www.nwff.com.hk/eng/

Transportation Guide - Elipsos Trainhotel

The ELIPSOS company currently manages the overnight Trenhotel railway services between Spain and France, Spain and Switzerland and Spain and Italy.

ELIPSOS INTERNACIONAL, S.A. manages the following best equipped international night trains in Europe:
ELIPSOS Trenhotel "Francisco de Goya" Madrid-Paris
ELIPSOS Trenhotel "Joan Miró" Barcelona-Paris
ELIPSOS Trenhotel "Pau Casals" Barcelona-Zurich
ELIPSOS Trenhotel "Salvador Dalí" Barcelona-Milan

The service personnel are on duty all night to look after customers and will prepare the beds at whatever time suits the customer.

There are 4 classes of seats available in train, includes:
The Grand Class - offers a comfortable and private roomette with dinner and breakfast.
The Club Class - offers a comfortable and private roomette.
The Tourist Class - offers a comfortable and enjoyable four-bed roomette and it is the best value for money when travelling with the family or with friends.
The Super reclining seats - offers at reasonable rate.

Personally, overall service was good and safe. When I got on the train at Milano, Italy, the personnel checked my ticket and collected my passport. After the train departed, the personnel came to my roomette and set my bed. The door of roomette can be locked inside of the room. The roomette was tiny, but clean and tidy. So there was not much space for passengers to place the luggage. Before reach my destination, Barcelona, Spain, the personnel returned me my passport. The train departed and arrived on time. It took almost 14hours' journey from Milano to Barcelona. The ticket price could be as low as Euro71/way/person, which is only valid for 21days advance purchase. The ticket price for the Tourist Class was approx. Euro156/way sold at Milano Centrale. You can get more details from Elipsos's website.

Useful links:
The official website of Elipsos - http://www.elipsos.com/htm/default.htm?lang=3

Travel Guide - Como, Italy

"Lake Como, one of the most attractive summer resorts of northern Italy" - that is how one of famous travel guide book described Lake Como (Lago di Como). Como is a town in Lombardy, on the Italian-Swiss border. It sits at the southern end of Lake Como.


It is just one-hour-train ride from Milan. You can catch the train from Cadorna railway station in Milan and get off at Como Lago (LeNORD).


Once you leave railway station, you will see beautiful Lake Como. You can walk along the waterfront.


Boat Trip

Take a boat trip on Lake Como (Lago di Como) to nearby lake-side villages, such as Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo. Tickets for a few of the villages near Como are cheap (6 Euros) and can be purchased at the kiosk on the lake front. The boat stops in these villages and you can take a walk there and continue the trip with the next boat until you reach Como again.

Attraction in COMO

The most famous landmark is the Duomo at the Piazza Cavour. Duomo is a 14th century Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral. There are many heritage buildings, and two more basilicas in the walled Old Town.

For a wonderful view of Lake Como, you can climb the Baradello Tower. Tempio Voltiano (Temple Volta) is a round building on the waterfront. It houses an exhibition about Volta who invented the electric battery. War Memorial is just next to the Tempio Voltiano. It is one of the tallest buildings near the lake.

Funicular Ride

Take the cable car (funicolare) to the tiny village of Brunate perched on the hills overlooking Como. The cable car runs between Como and Brunate. The journey time is around 7 minutes.

Brunate is a beautiful town filled with fairy-like houses. You can enjoy a stunning view of Lake Como from top.

Volta Lighthouse is located on the top of the hill. Although it is a bit tough to climb up, it is the best place for you to look down on the lake over 2000 feet below.

Useful links:

The website of Trenitalia - http://www.trenitalia.it/

The travel guide to Como - http://wikitravel.org/en/Como

The website of Como-Brunate Funicular - http://www.funicolarecomo.it/

The website for the timetable of Boat ride in Lake Como - http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/com/nlc_ora.html

Travel Guide - Milano, Italy

Milano(Milan) is a cosmopolitan city located at northern part of Italy. It is also the second largest city in Italy.

Transportation

By air
Milan has two main international air gateways, Linate airport (LIN) and Malpensa airport(MXP) both are main international gateways in Milan. Budget airlines operate flight at another airports, Bergamo's Orio al Serio airport (45 km East) and Parma airport (100 km South).

By rail
The main railway station is the Central Station (Milano Centrale), which is served by Trenitalia. This station is also an interchange place of MM2 and MM3 metro lines. It is also worth to visit this masterpiece of Rationalist architecture.

Attraction

The Milan's main cathedral Duomo is situated in Piazza del Duomo. This Gothic church is in white marble with hundreds of spires and thousands of statues on its exterior and a famous façade. Don't miss brilliant stained glass-windows inside of cathedral. After that you can climb up onto the roof. and s the chance to climb up onto the roof and enjoy the spectacular views of the city between the Gothic spires.
You can take metro (MM1 or MM3) to Duomo Station.
Roof opens from 0900 till around 1700 daily.
Fee for climb up onto the roof:
Elevator - Euro 8/person
On foot - Euro 5/person
Please take note of the ticket office is located behind of the Duomo.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is located on the northern side of the Piazza del Duomo and connects to the Piazza della Scala. The street is covered over by a popular design for nineteenth-century arcades - an arching glass and cast iron roof. Its central octagonal space is topped with a gogerous glass dome. Now the Galleria is occupied by many luxury goods' shops, including Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, as well as fast food outlets such as McDonald's.

The Sforzesco Castle is one of the most famous monuments in Milan. Now it houses several museums.
You can take metro MM1 to Cairoli - castello Station.
This castle opens daily to public with free admission, except museums in castle.

Shopping

Milan is a world-known fashion shoppers' paradise. The main shopping area is called as Fashion Quadrangle (quadrilatero della moda), just nearby Piazza Duomo. There are in Montenapoleone Street, Della Spiga Street, Vittorio Emanuele Street and Manzoni Street, where are known as the most prestigious boutiques and showrooms in the world. You can reach there by metro MM1 San Babila or MM3 Montenapoleone stations.

If you are not interested in shopping, you can take a day trip to a beautiful lake - Lake Como. You refer more travel information for Lake Como in my upcoming article.

Useful links:
The travel guide to Milan - http://wikitravel.org/en/Milan

The website of Duomo Milano - http://www.duomomilano.it/ground1024_en.html
The official website of the Castello Sforzesco -http://www.milanocastello.it/ita/home.html
The guide for shopping outlets in Italy - http://www.factory-outlet-italy.com/en/FO/index.php

Travel Guide - Venezia, Italy

Beside taking vaporetti, walking is another option to explore in Venice. However, the lanes in Venice seems like 'maze'. So here is the important information for you to avoid 'Get Lost' in Venice. When you are lost, don't panic! Just look for the main road signs.

Road sign of Per Ferrovia P. Roma
Per means " for", Ferrovia means "Railway", P. Roma means "Piazzale Roma"
You can follow this sign to Railway station and Piazzale Roma.

Road sign of Per Rialto
This means "To the direction of Rialto bridge"


Road sign of Per Piazza S. Marco
This is for the direction to Piazza S. Marco


Attraction

The Santa Lucia Railway Station is the only railway station on the island of Venice. Just outside of the station, you can catch the Vaporetto (public water bus) or take a private taxi boat to explore. The Scalzi Church just stands on the left hand side of the station and facing to the Grand Canal. Follow the main street - Lista Di Spagna, you will reach Jewish Ghetto area.

If you turn right after leaving station, you can walk to Piazzale Roma, where is a bus terminal and car parking area.

The Grand Canal (Canałasso) is a large S-shaped canal in Venice. At one end the canal leads into the lagoon near Santa Lucia railway station and the other end leads into S. Marco through the central areas of Venice.

There are so many routes for you to wander lanes in Venice. Here is my suggestion.

Railway station --> Cannaregio --> (via Castello) -->Piazza S. Marco
Railway Station --> Piazzale Roma --> S. Croce --> S. Polo --> via Rialto --> Piazza S. Marco

Cannaregio

Museo Ebraico in Jewish Ghetto is a Jewish Museum of Venice situated in Jewish Quarter.

Ca' d'Oro is one of the most beautiful Palaces on the Grand Canal in Venice.

Castello

The Basilica di San Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo) is one of largest churches in Venice.

Campo S. Maria Formosa is the place where Church of Santa Maria Fomosa.

S. Croce

The church of San Simeone Piccolo, S. Giacomo Dell'orio and S. Maria Dei Frari all are noted landmark in the Santa Croce of Venice.

S. Polo

The famous Ponte di Rialto (or Rialto Bridge) is one of the oldest bridges across Grand Canal.

S. Marco

Piazza San Marco

Saint Mark's Basilica is on the large and broad public Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square). There is one of the highlights of a visit to Venice. On this square, you will find St. Mark’s Cathedral (Basilica Di S. Marco), the Doge’s Palace, the beautiful Clock Tower and museums.

Piazza S. Marco --> S. Maria Della Salute in Dorsoduro
Piazzale Roma --> S. Croce --> S. Maria Della Salute in Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro

The Accademia (Gallerie dell' Accademia) was a art school and now is a museum of art gallery in Venice. It is situated on the south bank of the Grand Canal, nearby one of oldest bridges - Ponte dell'Accademia. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of premier modern art museums in Europe. The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is a Roman Catholic church situated in the Dorsoduro. After Salute, there is another museum - Punta Della Dogana.

Useful links:

The travel guide to Venice -http://wikitravel.org/en/Venice
The website of Jewish Ghetto - http://www.ghetto.it/ghetto/en/index.asp
The website of Museo Ebraico - http://www.museoebraico.it/english/home.asp

Transportation Guide - Venezia, Italy

Venice (Venezia) is a city in northeast part of Italy. The city stretches across 117 small islands in Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea. Canals in Venice is very famous in the world. 177canals are formed in lagoon and islands are connected by 455bridges. So Venice has been known as the "City of Canals".

Venice is also famous for its musical, particularly opera and history. The city is divided into six areas - Cannaregio, San Polo, Dorsoduro, Santa Croce, San Marco and Castello. Other main districts are Isola Della Giudecca and Lido di Venezia. Venice is also famous for its musical, particularly opera and history. It is also known as one of the most romantic cities in Europe.

Transportation

Getting into Venice

By Air

Newly rebuilt Marco Polo International Airport (VCE) is located on the mainland. This airport runs a shuttle bus service at approx. Euro3/person/way to jetty. Or it takes less than 10mins walk from terminals to there. If you take water-buses (vaporetti ) to Venice, it costs approx. Euro13/person for 75mins boat trip to San Marco via Murano, Lido and the Arsenale. If you hire a speedy water-taxis, it costs approx. Euro100/way for 30mins' journey.

Another gateway airport is Treviso Airport in Treviso, where is 25 km away from Venice.

The San Nicolo Airport (ATC) is situated on the Lido. This airport handles only private small aircrafts due to no scheduled flights available and short runway.

By Rail

The Venezia - Santa Lucia train station is situated on mainland and it is just few steps away from a vaporetti jetty. This railway station serves direct trains from nearby international destinations.


The easiest way to travel within in Italy is by rail.

The length of train journey to Venezia from following cities,
Rome is less than 4hrs away
Firenze is just 2hrs away
Milan is around 2.5hrs

The tricky way for taking train is to check the ticket price. Let's say the ticket for Firenze to Venezia. The direct train costs approx. Euro42/person for 2nd class and it takes around 2hours' ride. However, if you interchange in Bologna, the ticket costs much cheaper, approx Euro18.9/person for 2nd class. You also can stopover in Bologna for few hours, before getting into Venice. It takes around 1hrs from Firenze to Bologna and another 2hrs to Venezia. Bologna is a small nice town. Why not spend less in ticket and visit one more Italian town? There is a left luggage counter at Bologna railway station.


Useful links:

The official website of Trenitalia - http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=3fdbe14114bc9110VgnVCM10000080a3e90aRCRD

Online ticketing for getting in Venice - http://www.venicelink.com/

Travel Guide - Pisa, Italy

Pisa is a city in Tuscany, Italy. It is easy to reach Pisa by train from Firenze. The train journey is around 60mins to Pisa Centrale. The return ticket costs approx. Euro 11.40/person. So you can have a day-trip to Pisa if you staying at Firenze.

It takes around 30mins’ walk to Piazza del Duomo from Pisa Centrale station. Walking on the streets is the best way to enjoy the sight and local atmosphere.

Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza XX Settembre, these two squares are linked up by a bridge - Ponte di Mezzo, where is considered as the center of the city. So you can walk along an old street, Borgo Stretto with lots of shops, pass by a middle bridge - Ponte di Mezzo across Arno River to another street, Corso Italia. In Piazza XX Settembre, the Logge dei Banchi is a building created to host textile market in 1600, and the town hall is in the Palazzo del Comune.

Piazza Delle Vettovaglie is now a main city shopping area: markets, towerhouses and shops.

S. Francesco Quarter is the place where Galileo Galilei was born. The church founded by St. Francis of Assisi stands here, too.

The Piazza del Duomo ("Cathedral Square") is a wide, walled area at the heart of the city of Pisa. This square is partly paved and partly grassed and also is dominated by the Duomo, the Leaning Tower, the Baptistry and the Camposanto. It is also known as Piazza dei Miracoli ("Square of Miracles"). The whole square was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

The heart of the Piazza del Duomo is the Duomo, which is built by grey marble and white stone set with discs of coloured marble.

The world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa (Torre pendente di Pisa) is situated behind the Cathedral and is the third oldest building in Piazza del Duomo after the Cathedral and the Baptistery. Climbing the tower requires reservation. The ticket costs Euro15/person. Please purchase your tickets once you arrive at Piazza dei Miracoli. You are expected to wait for 45 minutes to 2 hours. But you can visit other sites while you are waiting.

The Baptistery , is the largest baptistery in Italy, which stands opposite the west end of the Duomo. The Campo Santo monumentale ("monumental cemetery") is a beautiful walled cemetery lies at the northern edge of the Square.

On the Southeast edge of the square there is the Gothic style brick building of Spedale Nuovo di Santo Spirito ("New Hospital of Holy Spirit"). This hospital was to help pilgrims, poor, sick people and abandoned children with a shelter. Nowadays this building is no more a hospital.


Useful links:
The official website of Visit Pisa - http://www.visitpisa.it/en/
The website for Ticket office of Leaning Tower of Pisa - http://boxoffice.opapisa.it/Torre/index.jsp

Travel Guide - Firenze, Italy

Florence (Firenze) is the capital of the region of Tuscany in Italy, filled with cultural, artistic and architectural treasure.


Transportation

By air
Florence's Amerigo Vespucci international airport (FLR) is the international airport in Firenze. It can be reached in about fifteen minutes from city center by taxi or bus.

By rail
The main station is Firenze Santa Maria Novella on the edge of the historic old town.


Attractions

Chiesa Santa Maria Novella
Santa Maria Novella is the first great basilica in Florence. It is situated just opposite to the Santa Maria Novella main railway station.

Duomo
The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) is the cathedral Gothic style's church of Florence. The cathedral complex includes the Baptistery of St. John and Giotto's Campanile (bell tower). These three buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the historic centre of Florence. The Basilica is the one of largest churches in Italy and the dome is the largest brick dome ever constructed.
The Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of St. John) is a religious building in Florence which has the status of a minor basilica. The Baptistery stands in Piazza del Duomo, in front of the Duomo cathedral and the Giotto bell tower (Campanile di Giotto). This Florentine Romanesque style's bell tower is also one of the oldest buildings in the city. Don't miss to climb up the Duomo or Campanile! You can find stunning view of Florence as well as the Tuscan countryside.

Galleria dell'Accademia
The Gallery of the Accademia di Belle Arti is an academy of fine arts in Florence and it has housed the original David by Michelangelo since 1873.

Basilica di Santa Croce
The Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross) is the principal Franciscan church in Florence and a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church. It is situated on the Piazza di Santa Croce. This site is known as the Temple of the Italian Glories (Tempio dell'Itale Glorie) as some of famous Italians were buried there, such as Michelangelo and Galileo.

Palazzo Vecchio
The Palazzo Vecchio is the town hall of Florence in the Piazza della Signoria, where you can see the copy of Michelangelo's David Statue stands there. The Loggia dei Lanzi (Loggia della Signoria) is a building on a corner of the Piazza della Signoria, adjoining the Uffizi Gallery.

Palazzo degli Uffizi
The Palazzo degli Uffizi is a palace in Florence and now houses the Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi). This gallery is one of the oldest and most famous art museums of the Western world.

Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest wholly-stone arch bridge over the Arno River in Florence. This medieval bridge was occupied by butchers, but now you can find lots of jewelery, art and souvenir shops. It is also the way to connect the Palazzo Vecchio with the Palazzo Pitti.

Palazzo Pitti
The Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace) is a vast mainly Renaissance palace in Florence. It is situated on the south side of the River Arno. It takes around 5mins walk from the Ponte Vecchio. It was originally the residence of a Florentine banker and later was bought by the Medici family. It houses collections of paintings, plates, jewelry and luxurious possessions.

Piazzale Michelangelo
By bus - the bus stop of Bus no. 13 opposite to St. Maria Novella main railway station
Ticket can be purchased on bus at rate of Euro2/person/way. In fact, this is a circular line which is also good for sightseeing.

Piazzale Michelangelo is a famous square with a magnificent panoramic view of Florence. There is a popular tourist destination in the Oltrarno district of the city. The view from this most famous observation point is fantastic. So it is the best place for photographers to take a postcard-like photos of Firenze, especially during sunrise or sunset time.

Useful links:
The website of Duomo - http://www.duomofirenze.it/index-eng.htm
The official website of Galleria dell'Accademia - http://www.accademia.firenze.it/english

Travel Guide - Rome, Itay

Most of attractions is situated in the old city of Rome. So walking is the best way for you to wander around the anicent monuments.

Attractions

Colooseo --> Palation --> Campidoglio --> Piazza Venezia
Metro: Metro line B (Blue) and get off at Colosseo

The Colosseum is a largest ever built elliptical amphitheatre in the center of the city of Rome, Italy and it is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering.

The Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino) is a triumphal arch in Rome, which is just next to Colooseo and you won't miss it. Behind the Arch, there is Via di S. Gregorio, where the entrance of Palatino (Palatine Hill) is located at. On the Palatine hill, you will find mostly ruins of palaces and homes of the rich. Next to the Palatine Hill, there is the Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo), was the first and largest Chariot Racing Stadium in ancient Rome. Now you could see that the rest was destroyed by a fire and only a grassy hollow and a few ruins of bleachers.

After exit the site, Piazza Campidoglio in Capitoline Hill will be in front of you. The Capitoline Musems (Campidoglio) houses Medieval and Renaissance palaces surrounding a piazza. An attractive pure white marble building, Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II is situated between the Piazza Venezia and the Capitoline Hill.



Piazza Venezia --> Area Sacra --> Panteon


Trajan's Column (Colonna Traiana) and Trajan's Forum (Foro Traiani) are nearby Piazza Venezia. Walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele from Piazza Venezia, Chiesa del Gesu and Area Sacra both are on the left hand side. Then move to Pantheon in Piazza della Rotonda. Pantheon is a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome.



Piazza Navona --> Castel Sant' Angelo --> Vatican


Walk across Piazza Navona from Panteon, following the direction to Ponte Sant' Angelo, that is the most beautiful bridge in Rome. This bridge is linked to Castel Sant' Angelo across Fiume Tevere. The Mausoleum of Hadrian (Castel Sant'Angelo) is a towering cylindrical building in Rome, used as a fortress and castle, and is a museum now. Besides climb up the Cupola of Dom in Bascilia St. Peter, you also can enjoy a breathtaking view at the top of the castle.


Just walk along Via della Conciliazione, you will reach St. Peter's Square in Vatican.


Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin

The Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin (Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin) is a minor basilica church in Rome, Italy. It is located at the foot of the Aventine hills. There is a conserved Roman statue that has attracted the attention and curiosity of tourists from all over the world. It is the "Bocca della Verità", which means 'the Mouth of Truth'. This is an ancient stone mask that represents a river god with an open mouth, wide eyes and a flowing mane of hair. If you want to check a person who is a liar or not, you can ask him/her to put his/her hand inside its mouth. If he/she is a liar, he/she will lose his/her hand. Believe it or not!


Piazza di Spagna --> Spanish Seps --> Trinita dei Monti --> Fontana del Tritone --> Fontana di Trevi

The Fontana della Barcaccia is a Baroque fresh-water fountain in Rome in the Piazza di Spagna, just below the Spanish Steps. It also named as "Fountain of the Old Boat". Walk up the longest and widest staircase in Europe - The Spanish Steps (Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti), there is a Baroque church, Trinitra dei Monti in the Piazza Trinita dei Monti on Pincio Hill.

Follow Via Sistina to the direction of Barberini, Fontana del Tritone is stood in Piazza Barberini, where Metro Barberini is located at.

From Barberini, follow the main road of Largo Chigi Via del, Fontana di Trevi will be on your left hand side. You walk across Piazza Acc. S Luca, you will see the largest Baroque fountain in Rome. There is some legends about throwing coins into the fountain. If you throw a coin, you are ensured a return to Rome. If two coins, you will lead to a new romance and three will ensure either a marriage or divorce. But some said that you should throw three coins with one's right hand over one's left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain. Will you try this traditional legends when you are there? Personally, I didn't.

Transportation Guide - Rome, Italy

Rome is the capital of Italy, where contains plenty of ancient monuments, like Vatican, Colosseo, etc. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Transportation

By air:

Leonardo da Vinci/ Fiumicino International Airport(FCO) is the main international airport in Rome and it is well connected to the center of the city by public transportation.

Ciampino International Airport(CIA) is the low-cost airline airport in the southeast of Rome. Easyjet, Ryanair and other budget airlines operate in this small airport. There is no direct train connection to the city center, but it is closer to city center than Fiumicino airport.

By rail:

Stazione Termini (Rome Termini) is the main railway station in Rome. Please beware of pickpockets and thieve nearby station, especially at night. This station is also locked up after midnight, so most long-distance trains passing through Rome will stop at Tiburtina station instead.

Within Rome, there are two main Metro lines - Metro line A (Red) and Metro line B (Blue). Rome Termini station is the interchange point of these two lines. Metro line A (red line) runs northwest past the Vatican, and south. Line B (Blue Line) runs southwest past the Colosseo and northeast.The Metro is the most punctual form of public transportation in Rome, but it can get extremely crowded during rush hour.



Rome Pass


The above photos show the Roma Pass issued in 2009.

The cost : Euro 25 (starting from 1Feb2010)
You can purchase this Roma Pass online through its official website (shown as below) or at Tourist information counters, such as in Rome Termini station.

This pass offers free public transportation within the city center and free entry to the first 2 visited museums and / or archaeological sites as well as reduction for all other museums and major events. Inside of the new Roma Pass kit, there are:

• The Roma Pass card (Plastic one) - you can use this card to visit museums / archaeological sites
• The Roma Pass Transport - you can use it on the public transport system
• Roma MAP - it features all the Tourist Information Points, Metro stations, museums and other sites of interest
• Roma Pass Guide - it is an useful guide to all participating museums and sites
• Roma News - it shows all the events and services for tourists offering discounts
• Roma Informa - it provides details of how to access information on events and other useful services via Internet

If you stay in Rome for at least 3 days, you should purchase this Roma Pass. The additional benefit of this pass is to save your time. There is huge crowds of people everywhere in Rome, especially in famous attraction, like Colosseo. There is a specific entrance for Roma Pass holders in most of attractions.

Please note that most museums are generally closed on Mondays (with the exception of the Colosseo and the Baths of Caracalla). Please check in advance before your visit.


Useful links:
The official website of Roma Pass - http://www.romapass.it/
The website of Rome travel guide - http://www.rome-guide.it/

Travel Guide - Vatican, Rome, Italy

State of the Vatican City is a landlocked country and its territory consists of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, Italy. It is ruled by the bishop of Rome, the Pope.

Getting there

Nearby metro station:
Take Metro Line A to Ottaviano and then walk around 5-10mins along Via Ottaviano

Nearby attraction in Rome:
Walk around 5-10mins along Via della Conciliazione from Castel Sant' Angelo


Attractions

Saint Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro)

Saint Peter's Square is located directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
Did you watch the film named "Angels and Demons"? Lots of scene in this film was taken place there.

Saint Peter's Basilica (Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano)

St. Peter's Basilica is the largest church in the world and also holding an unique position in the Christian world.

Free entry into Basilica
Admission fee to the Cupola of the Dom
Walk up 551stairs : Euro5/person
Take elevator and walk up 320stairs : Euro7/person

Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani)

Admission fee : Euro14 (Roma Pass is not applicable in Vatican)
Rental of audio-guide: Euro 7

You can walk through the most significant cultural and religious areas of the Vatican Museums. The itinerary includes: the Pio Clementino Museum (classical antiquity), the Gallery of the Candelabras, the Gallery of the Geographical Maps and the Tapestry Gallery (Renaissance Art), the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel.

Works of art and surroundings may be photographed, except in the Sistine Chapel. It is forbidden to use flashlight photography inside the Museums.


Useful links:

The website of Vatican - http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm
The details of The St. Peter's Basilica - http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-st-peters-basilica
The official website of Vatican Museums - http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/MV_Home.html

Travel Guide - Salzburg, Austria

If you are using Salzburg card, you can enjoy one-time free entry for the below attractions.

Salzach Crusie

The Salzburg cardholders should make reservation of the Amadeus Salzburg panorama speedboat in advance. You can select for the roundtrip cruise or one way trip from Old Town to Hellbrunn. You can pick up an original ticket at the ticket office at Hanuschplatz nearby Makart Bridge - where the pier is located at. Then you can experience the city of Salzburg with a boat cruise on the Salzach river.





Attractions in Old Town

Hohensalzburg Fortress (Fortress Musuem, Rainer Museum, Marionette Museum)


Take the oldest cable funicular in Austria up to the Fortress and explore different museums. You can find a stunning view of Salzburg there.


Come down from Fortress, you can see a DOM - Cathedral (Cathedral Museum, Cathedral Excavations), which is one of landmarks in Salzburg. Nearby DOM, there are Panorama Museum, Residenz State Rooms and Residenz Gallery, Salzburg Museum and Georg Trakl Memorial and Research Centre.





From Hanuschplatz nearby the Makart-steg (Bridge), you can visit Museum of Natural History and Technology and Museum of Mordern Art Salzburg Monchsberg. Although you are not museums' lover, you should take Monchsberglift (elevators) up to Museum of Modern Art Salzburg Monchsberg, because there is also the most stunning panorama terrace in Salzburg.

Toy Museum --> Festival Halls --> Michael Haydn Museum --> Museum of Modern Art Salzburg Rupertinum --> Collegiate Church and Alter Market


Mozart's Birthplace
The building is arranged as museum in all three floors, with the three exhibitions three exhibitions "Daily life of a prodigy", "Mozart on stage" and "The Mozarts – a family is being introduced". You can see the original instruments of Mozart , authentic portraits, even though furniture and objects of daily use of Mozart’s time.



Attractions in New Town

There is a Flea market in Mirabellplatz. Opposite side is Salzburg Baroque Museum and Mirabellgarten.

Mozart's Residence and Mozart Sound and Film Collection
This building was the former residence of the Mozart family. It exhibits relating to the life of the Mozart Family, the history of the building, as well as collection of audiovisual documents on W.A. Mozart and contemporary Salzburg composers.

You can walk past Makart-steg (bridge) to Old Town or wander along the Salzach river.

Attractions in countryside

Untersberg
Take Bus 25 and get off at "Grodig-St. Leonhard"

The Untersberg cable car (UBB) is operated by two-cable system. You can take the cable car to the 1853m summit of the Unterberg to enjoy a magnificent view of Salzburg.

Hellbrunn Palace
Take Bus25 and get off at "Schloss Hellbrunn"

Hellbrunn Palace is situated in the southern district of the city of Salzburg. It was only meant for use as a day residence of the Archbishops of Salzburg in summer. This palace is surrounded by beautiful park and trick fountains. "The Sound of The Music Pavilion" is in Hellbrunn Palace Park. This pavilion was used in 1964 in a scene of the musical film "The Sound of The Music", which described as the fate of the Trapp family. If you are interested in folk art, folk customs and devotional objects, you should visit in Folklore Museum in Hellbrunn.



Salzburg Zoo
Take Bus 25 and get off at "Salzburg Zoo", nearby Hellbrunn Palace.

Stiegl-Brauwelt
Take Bus 1 and get off at "Brauhausstrasse".
Stiegl-Brauwelt is the biggest beer exhibition in Europe. For Salzburg cardholders, you will have a free beer tasting in the brewery restaurant and a welcome gift.

Useful links:
The website of Salzach Cruise - http://www.salzburgschifffahrt.at/
The website of Monchsberglift - http://www.moenchsbergaufzug.at/
The official website of Museums in Salzburg - http://www.salzburgmuseum.at/
The website of Museum of Modern Arts - http://www.museumdermoderne.at/
The website of Residenz States Rooms - http://www.salzburg-burgen.at/
The website of Residenz Gallery - http://www.residenzgalerie.at/?L=1
The website of Mozart's Birthplace, Mozart's Residence and Mozart Sound And Film Collection - http://www.mozarteum.at/
The website of Untersbergbahn - http://www.untersbergbahn.at/
The website of Hellbrunn - http://www.hellbrunn.at/
The website of Folklore Museum - http://www.salzburgmuseum.at/
The website of Salzburg Zoo - http://www.salzburg-zoo.at/
The website of Stiegl-Brauwelt - http://brauwelt.at/

Travel Guide - Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is the fourth-largest city in Austria. The Old Town with its world famous baroque architecture is one of the best-preserved city centres north of the Alps, and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. It is also the birthplace of 18th-century composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In the mid-20th century, The musical film The Sound of Music was taken place here. "The Sound of Music" Pavilion is also one of famous landmarks in Salzburg.

Transportation:

By train - Salzburg's main station ( Hauptbahnhof) is located to the north of the Salzach River within the New Town of Salzburg. The station is operated by both the Austrian Federal Railway Company (OBB) and the National German Railway company (DB).

By plane - The Salzburg W.A. Mozart International Airport (SZG) is situated about 20 minutes from the city center.


Salzburg card is the best travel card for you to explore Salzburg.

The adult price of Salzburg card is:
24hrs - Euro22 / Euro25 (peak season - 1st May to 31Oct)
48hrs - Euro30 / Euro33 (peak season - 1st May to 31Oct)
72hrs - Euro35 / Euro38 (peak season - 1st May to 31Oct)

It consists of free single admission to all the city's attractions and free use of public transportation throughout the city, including cable-car to Untersberg, Honhensalzburg Fortress cable funicular, Salzach cruise.


Useful links:
The official website of Austrian Federal Railway Company (OBB) - http://www.oebb.at/en/index.jsp
The official website of National German Railway company (DB) -http://www.bahn.de/i/view/GBR/en/index.shtml
The official website of Salzburg international airport - http://engl.salzburg-airport.com/
The details of Salzburg card - http://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/salzburg_card/

Travel Guide - Wien (Vienna), Austria

Transportation in Wien:

Vienna Card costs only Euro18.50 with validity of 72hours from date of issue. This card is valid for unlimited free travel by underground, bus and tram as well as 210discounts at museums and sights, theatres and concerts, in shops, cafés, restaurants and the ‘Heurige’ wine tavern ... It is available in hotels and at the tourist information centre on Albertinaplatz (open daily from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm) and the tourist information point at the airport (open daily from 6.00 am to 11.00 pm), at sales and information points of the Vienna Lines (e.g. Stephansplatz, Karlsplatz, Westbahnhof.)

Besides the Vienna Card, the following travel cards are available:
24-hour season ticket Euro5.70
48-hour season ticket Euro10.-
72-hour season ticket Euro13.60
This travel card is valid for unlimited free travel by underground, bus and tram within validity.

Taking Vienna Ring Tram is the best way to explore Vienna’s magnificent ring boulevard with all its glorious attractions , such as the State Opera House, Imperial Palace, Parliament, Vienna City Hall, ...

Attractions in Ringstrass

St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom)
Underground: Stephanspl U1 or U3

St. Stephen's Cathedral is the most important religious building in Austria's capital. It is also a landmark in the Ring area. You can see the tiles form a mosaic of the double-headed eagle (symbolic of the empire ruled from Vienna by the Habsburg dynasty) on the south side; on the north side, there are the coats of arms of the City of Vienna and of the Republic of Austria. Besides exploring the chapel, you also can climb the 343 steps up to the tower-keeper's room of St. Stephen's and enjoy a breathtaking view of Vienna.

Vienna State Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper)
Underground: Karls-platz U1, U2 or U4

Vienna State Opera House is located at the southern end of the Kärntnerstrasse in the 1st district of Wien. It is an opera house since mid of 19century and has a worldwide reputation for its first-class opera performances and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. You can experience the most impressive opera here.

Vienna's Imperial Palace (Hobfburg)
Walk around 5-10mins from Stphansplatz or by underground or trams
Underground: U3 (orange), alight at Herrengasse
Trams: 1 and 2, alight at Burgring

You can buy a Hobfburg ticket with audioguide to visit 3 imperial highlights ( Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments and Imperial Silver Collection).

Nowadays there are "Österreichische Nationalbibliothek" (National Library), "Schatzkammer" (Imperial Treasury), "Museum für Völkerkunde" (Museum of Ethnography) and famous "Spanische Hofreitschule" (Spanish Riding School) in this palace. Sunday Mass in the "Hofmusikkapelle"(Chapel of the Imperial Palace) with famous Vienna Boys' Choir is required for reservation in advance. Please make reservation through hmk@aon.at .The Vienna Boys' Choir performs every Sunday from January through June and mid-September through end of December.

Just next to the palace, "Heldenplatz" is the square of heroes and is one of Austria's symbols of national identity. Walk past the square, MuseumsQuartier is in front of you. Turn right you can reach Volks-garten. Turn left you can go to Burggarten, where you can find Mozart Memorial statue there.

Opposite to Volksgarten, there is Parlament and Rathaus-park. In Rathaus-park, you can see a Gothic-style's building, that is Vienna City Hall.

The Votive Church (Votivkirche)
Metro: Schottentor Universitat U2 or walk around 10mins from Vienna City Hall

Votivkirche is one of the most important neo-Gothic religious architectural sites in the world. It is closed to University of Vienna.

Attractions outside of Ringstrass

Schonbrunn Palace

Ticket: Grand Tour with audio guide at rate of Euro12.90 takes approx 50mins.

Grand Tour begins in the west wing of the palace and take you through the Imperial Apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), through the central wing with the ceremonial and state rooms and into the east wing. After tour, you can wander around Privy garden, Maze & Labyrinth, Gloriette (Viewing terrace). You take Schönbrunn Panorma Train with charges or walk by yourself. You can enjoy the breathtaking view up to Gloriette.

Useful links:
The details of Vienna Card - http://www.wien.info/en/travel-info/vienna-card

The website of St. Stephen's Cathedral - http://www.stephenskirche.at/

The website of Staatsopera - http://www.staatsoper.at/

The website of MuseumsQuartier Wien - http://www.mqw.at/fset_en.html

The official website of Schoenbrunn Palace - http://www.schoenbrunn.at/en/home.html