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

Travel Guide - Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. It is divided by Danube river. West bank is BUDA and east bank is PEST.

Transportation:

The transporation network is well-delevoped in this city, like tram, coach, metro,rail.

Deak Ferenc ter is located at the city centre, where is an interchange point for metro lines. There are totally 3metro lines - M1, M2 and M3.

Nyugati is one of main railway stations in Budapest. Nepliget coach terminal is located at Nepliget, where is also a metro station.

One day travel card pass costs at HUF1550/person. This pass is valid on all transporation, like metro, trams and buses for unlimited trips within 24hours . Bus no. 16, Tram no. 47 or 49, all can connect Buda side and Pest side. Tram no. 2 is a good choice for sightseeing in Budapest.

Attractions in PEST side

Deak f. Ter - City centre
Transporation: Metro: Deak f. Ter

[i](Tourist information centre) is just nearby Deak f. Ter metro station. Le Meridien Budapest is located next to metro station. Just opposite to hotel, there is a bus stop, where you can take Bus no. 16 to go up to BUDA Castle Hill.

St. Stephen's Basilica is one of tallest building in Budapest and it is just around 10mins walk from Deak f. Ter metro station. Visitors may access the dome by elevators or by climbing 364 stairs for a 360° view overlooking Budapest.

Central market is the largest indoor market in Budapest. Most stalls on the ground floor offer variety of vegetables, fruit, cheese and meat, as well as souvenirs, like paprika. On the upper floor, besides food court, there are souvenirs shops selling postcards, dolls, glasses, tablecloths, chess boards and clothes made in Hungarian style.
The opening hours of Central market is: Sunday - closed, Monday - 0600 - 1700, Tuesday - Friday - 0600 - 1800, Saturday - 0600 - 1400
Transporation: Tram no. 47, 49

Vaci Utea is a famous shopping street filled with luxury fashion shops and souvenirs shops. It is just opposite to the Central market.

Vajdahunyad Castle is located nearby Szechenyifurda metro station (Metro M1 line).
The biggest museum of agriculture in Europe can be found in the Castle of Vajdahunyad on the Széchenyi-island in Városliget, Budapest in outstanding building. This castle was declared a national monument in 1991.

Heroes' Square is outside of the castle. Andrassy utea is just in front of the square. This street is known as "Avenue Des Champs Elysees" in Budapest, along tall strees and across 6metro stops long. Opera House, museums and luxury Shops are found there, like famous Hungarian State Opera House.

Attractions in BUDA side

Major sights in Castle Hill are Royal Palace, Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion.
Royal Palace is situated at the top of the Buda Hill, now it houses the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum and the National Széchenyi Library. Don't miss the panorama view of Budapest from Fisherman's Bastion, which is in architecture of neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style around Matthias Church.
Transportion:
By Bus no. 16 at Deak f. Ter (opp. to Le Meridien Budapest), or
Take the Buda Castle Hill funicular (Sikló) from Clark Ádám tér at the Buda end of the Chain bridge (at rate of HUF800/adult for upward).

Come down from the Castle Hill and wander along the Danube river

Church of St. Anne is located at Batthyany ter (Metro line M2). In front of the church, there is Batthyany square, also known as Market Hall.

Chain Bridge across Danube River

1. Walk across Szabadsag hid from Central Market (PEST side) --> wander along Danube river and enjoy hte view of Gellert Hill, Castle Hill (BUDA side) --> walk across famous Chain Bridge back to PEST side --> pass-by Intercontinental hotel --> You will find Kiskiralylany (Le Petit Prince ) sitting on the fence with fantastic background of Royal Palace and Danube river.

2. Take Tram No. 2. - You can enjoy fantastic view of the Gellert Hill, Castle Hill, the Budapest Parliament, also the Danube river and the graceful bridges over it.

Useful links:

The official website of Budpest Tourism Office - http://www.budapestinfo.hu/en

The website of St. Stephen's Basilica in Hungarian - http://bazilika.biz/

Accommodation in Prague

There is no metro connected to the city centre from Prague international airport. You can take bus 119 to Dejvicka station, and interchange metro. The fee is aprox. CZK26 for 75minutes. Or you can consider to take airport mini-bus (CZK130/adult per way) to city near Namesti Republiky, if you carry a luggage.


Guesthouse's name: PLATAN PENSION

address. Revolucni 24, Praha 1 CZECH republic

tel: +420-777 320 777

fax: +420-271 740 048

email: help@platan.cz

website: http://www.platantour.cz/

Platan Pension is situated nearby Namesti Republiky. It takes around 5-10 minutes from airport mini-bus stop or Namesti Republiky metro station. This pension is in a 5-storey building and is located on the 5th floor. You can access by elevator or stairs.

Room type. Single STUDIO-room with private bathroom

This room has safe deposit box,satelite TV,electric kettle,ventilator (el. fan), full-mirror,microwave, radio with alarm, hairdryer and private bathroom.

Laundrette is also available. Iron, eating utensils, drink machine and fridge are in the main corridor. The staff is helpful and nice.

Free internet access is available at the reception and free WIFI internet access in the rooms.

Sometimes this pension offers Last Min. Price from Euro30/night for this single room

This rate includes breakfast and taxes, but this rate should be paid in 'cash' only.

Personaly, the room was clean and comfortable, and the location was safe and good. Tram stop is just in front of the entrance of the builiding. It is easy to access to metro station and coach station. Last but not least, the big breakfast could brighten every morning during my stay. It is really good for value.

Travel Guide - Beijing, China (Other popular attractions)

Other popular attractions in Beijing

Summer Palace 颐和园 (Yíhé Yuán)
UNESCO included the Summer Palace on its World Heritage List in 1998. It declared the Summer Palace as "a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value." It is a popular tourist destination but also serves as a recreational park.[1]

Entrance Fee: RMB 40 (low season) / RMB 50 (peak season)
Please note the entrance fee is not included the admission to some specific scenic spots inside the Summer Palace.
Transportation: By bus (refer to the Beijing bus website)

Beihai Park 北海公园 (Běihǎi Gōngyuán)
Beihai Park located in central Beijing, is one of the oldest and well-preserved imperial gardens in China. There are pavilions and towers surrounded by the beautiful scenery of landscapes and lakes.

Admission fee:
April to October – RMB10/adult
November to March – RMB5/adult
Transportation: By Bus or just walk from the entrance of the Forbidden City to the North Gate. It takes around 30mins on foot.

Olympic Green 北京奧林匹克公園
The Beijing National Stadium 国家体育场 (or Bird's Nest 鸟巢) hosted the main track and field and football match, and final competitions for the 2008 Summer Olympics, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. Just opposite to Bird’s Nest, there is the Beijing National Aquatics Center 国家游泳中心 (or Water Cube 水立方. This center was used for swimming, diving and water-polo games during the Olympic Games 2008. After the games, the center has turned into a large water recreational center open to the public. Its appearance seems the structure of "H2O" - the semi-transparent "bubbles" spread out all over its surface with a shape.

Entrance Fee: Water Cube RMB 40; Water Cube RMB 60Transportation: By Subway
Subway Line 8 (Olympic Special Line): get off at Olympic Sports Center Station,get out of the station from Exit B1 (northwest exit) or Exit B2 (northeast exit), and walk north.

Sanlitun 三里屯 (Sānlǐtún)
Sanlitun is an area of the Chaoyang District in Beijing. It currently houses many bars and clubs popular with both expatriates and locals as well as international band-name stores. The Ya Show (雅秀) market is also in the area, a popular indoor market for tourists wishing to buy counterfeit garment. There is a food mall on the top floor also.

Useful links:
Official website of Beijing subway - http://www.bjsubway.com/
The website of Travel China Guide -
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china_great_wall/
The website of Summer Palace - http://www.summerpalace-china.com/en/index.html
The website of Beijing bus - http://www.bjbus.com/home/index.php
The website of Beihai Park - http://www.beihaipark.com.cn/en/about/index.htm
The website of Beijing National Aquatics Center - http://www.water-cube.com/en/
The website of National Stadium - http://www.n-s.cn/en/

[1] Refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_Palace

Travel Guide - Beijing, China (Major attractions in countryside)

Major attractions in countryside of Beijing

The Great Wall of China 万里长城 (Wànlǐ Chángchéng)

The Great Wall of China is one of the Eight Wonders of the world and was listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. It starts at the Jiayuguan Pass of Gansu Province in the west and ends at the Shanhaiguan Pass of Hebei Province in the east.
Badaling section is one of the most gorgeous and magnificent part of the Great Wall in Beijing. Just close to Badaling, there are is a big Great Wall Museum and the Great Wall National Theater. The theater offers you a chance to get a full view of the Great Wall.
Many tourists choose to take the cable car up to the mountain, and then walk down the Great Wall to save their time and energy.

Transportation: By Bus No. 919 to Badaling Great Wall
To get to Badaling Great Wall, visitors can take Bus No.919 at Deshengmen Gate德胜门
The no.919 bus station is located north of the gateway of Deshengmen Gate.The no.919 bus is in green color. It costs CNY 12 per person by cash and CNY 4.8 by using the public transportation IC card. It runs non-stop between 06:30 and 18:30 from Deshengmen to Badaling Great Wall, and returns from Badaling Great Wall to Deshengmen from 12:00 to 17:00. Please do not take private buses or coaches.

How to go to Deshengmen Gate德胜门?
Take subway line 2 to Jishutan积水潭 and look for exit NE (Northern-east).

Badaling Great Wall
Admission fee: CNY 45 (Apr. 1 to Oct.31); CNY 40 (Nov.1 to Mar.31)
Cable car: CNY 40 (single way); CNY 60 (round trip)
Opening hours: 06:30-19:00 (In summer); 07:00-18:00 (In winter)


The Ming Dynasty Tombs 明朝十三陵 (Míng cháo shí sān líng)
13 Ming Dynasty Emperors were buried in this Ming Tombs, which were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in August 2003. As Ming Dynasty Tombs are located at countryside and are relatively near Great Wall, you can visit both in a day.

Admission Fee:
Changling Tomb: CNY 30 (Nov.1 to Mar. 31); CNY 45 (Apr. 1 to Oct. 31)Dingling Tomb: CNY40 (Nov.1 to Mar. 31); CNY 60 (Apr. 1 to Oct. 31)
Opening Hours:
Changling Tomb: 08:30 to 17:30; Dingling Tomb: 08:30 to 18:00

Useful links:
Official website of Beijing subway - http://www.bjsubway.com/
The website of Travel China Guide -
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china_great_wall/
The website of Ming Tombs - http://www.mingtombs.com/
The website of Beijing bus - http://www.bjbus.com/home/index.php

Travel Guide - Beijing, China (Major attractions)

Beijing (北京) is the capital of China located at the northern part of China. This city is the centre of political and culture and art, where you can experience the real life of Chinese in China.

Best season to visit Beijing:
Summer is from June to August, but it is considered as peak season
Autumn is from September to November, when is the best weather and fewer tourists.
Spring is too windy and dusty and winter is too cold for outdoor visit.

Avoid peak holidays to visit Beijing:
Most Chinese travel around during Chinese holidays. When are Chinese holidays in China? The 3 main peak holidays are Chinese New Year (around end of January to mid of February), Labor Day 1st May (end of April to early of May), and National Day 1st October (early of October).

Major Attractions in Beijing

Tiananmen Square 天安門 (Tian an men)
Tiananmen Square is the largest square in the world. This square was the place where Chairman Mao proclaimed the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. On the north of Tiananmen Square is Tiananmen (Gate of Heaven Peace); on its east is National Museum of China where exhibits China history; Monument to the People's Heroes and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum is on its south; on its west is the Great Hall of the People, where is the meeting place of national people's congress of the People's Republic of China.
Many tourists like to watch the raising and lowering ceremony of the Chinese National Flag at sunrise and sunset. But please go there at least 30 minutes early to have a good location to watch.

Transportation - By Subway: Take Line 1 to Tian'an men East or Tian'an men West

The Forbidden City 紫禁城 (zi jin cheng)
The Forbidden City was the Chinese Imperial palace from the mid-Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. Now it becomes Palace Museum, which opens daily.

Transportation - By Subway: Take Line 1 to Tian'an men East or Tian'an men West
Admission fee:
April 1st – October 31st: RMB60 November 1st – March 31st: RMB40

Tian Tan Park (Temple of Heaven Park) 天坛 (tian tan)
The Temple of Heaven was the place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would worship the god of heaven and pray for good harvest. In 1998, it was recognized by the UNESCO as “one of the human heritages of the world”. It is a very popular park for exercising Tai Chi.

Entrance fee: RMB10/adult
Transportation: By subway line 5 and get off at Tiantan Dongmen天坛东门

Useful links:
Official website of The Forbidden City - http://www.dpm.org.cn/
Official website of Beijing subway - http://www.bjsubway.com/
The website of Tian Tan Park - http://en.tiantanpark.com/newEbiz1/EbizPortalFG/portal/html/index.html
The website of Beijing bus - http://www.bjbus.com/home/index.php

Attraction in Prague, Czech Republics

Lesser Town (Mala Strana)

Take tram no. 12, (14 or 20) to Lesser Town.

Petrin Hill - take Petrin funicular up to the hill and visit Petrin Lookout Tower to enjoy stunning view of Prague

Walk past most Legii (bridge) to National Theatre

Prague Castle

Take Tram no. 8 from Namesti Republiky and interchange Tram no. 22 at Kralovsky letohradek or Prazsky hrad station, then get off at Pohorelec station.

Strahov Monastery - church, convent and libray

Loreta - museum and an amazing chapel (admission fee is required)

Prague Castle - Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert Cathedral, St. George's Basilica, Mihulka Powder Tower, Golden Lane, Summer Palace

Ceremony of Changing guards take place at noon, including a fanfare and the flag ceremony in the First Courtyard.

Walk down the hill from Prague Castle to St. Nicholas Church

Go straight to Charles Bridge or turn left to a secret garden - Czech Senate

Kampa Island - art museums are located at

Then go to Charles Bridge to view the sunset of Prague. Charles Bridge is a famous historial gothic bridge with statues across Vltava River in Prague.

Old Town

Municipal House and Powder Tower in Namesti Republiky

Old Town Hall and The Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square

Church of Our Lady Before Tyn

Old-new Synagogue - the oldest preserved synagogue in Central Europe

Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske namesti) - centre of business and culture in New Town

Take metro or tram no. 14 to Mustek station, where you also can find a huge post office building.

Walk along Vaclavske namesti to National Museum or go to Gothic-style's New Town Hall

Useful links:

Official website of Prague Castle - http://www.hrad.cz/en/prague-castle/prague-castle-tourist-information/visit-of-prague-castle.shtml

Prague tourist information - http://www.prague-tourist.com/

Suggested 4Days/3Nights F.I.T. Singapore

I had been living in Singapore over 2years. During my stay, my lovely friends and family members always visited me. So I had many experience to show them around. Here is the suggested itinerary for your reference.

Origin: Hong Kong
Departure time/date. around 8pm on Friday
Return time/date. around 6pm on Monday
Airlines. CX, SQ, UA, 3K (direct flights)

Singapore is really a good place for a weekend getaway, especially from Hong Kong. The flying time is around 3.5hours. Besides Cathay Pacific and Singapore airlines, United airlines and budget airline, Jetstar also operates night flight from Hong Kong to Singapore. So travellers could take last flight departure at the night of Friday after work. Although you reach Singapore at midnight of Saturday, it is easy for you to find a cab at arrival hall.

Friday
Night - departure from Hong Kong

Saturday
Midnight - Check-in and go to Newton Circus (a local hawker centre) for late supper.
Morning - have a local breakfast set (Kaya Toast, Teh(tea with milk), a slightly boiled egg) at local cafe
Before noon - take MRT to Harbourfront station and take cable car or Sentosa Express train to Sentosa Island

Late afternoon
Option One -
take Sentosa Express train back to Vivocity (a huge shopping mall) and have a snack at Food Republic (Coconut milk rice, Seafood laksa, Hainan chicken rice, fried prawn noodles,...) or go shopping (at Topshop, Tangs, Gap, Zara, Mango, ...)
Option Two -
take MRT to City Hall station. Go shopping in Raffle Place before you walk through Citylink to Esplanade. Go up to the roof of Esplanade, where you can enjoy the panorama view of Singapore river, Merlion Park, Fullerton Hotel (a Victorian-style building), Singapore Flyer, SANDS casino (under construction),... Then walk to Merlion Park. On the journey, you can try local ice-cream sandwich(like Durian ice-cream with waffle or bread). Or have a nice iced coffee in nearby cafe.

Evening
Option One
Take cab to Dempsey Road to have delicious seafood dinner.
Option Two
Walk around 10-15mins to "Lau Pa Sat" from Merlion Park. Enjoy local eating culture and atmosphere in a local hawker centre.

Late night
Take MRT to Clarke Quay station or take cab to Clarke Quay, where you can find nice pubs and restaurant. If you want to go dancing, M.O.M would be a good choice for you. If you like try something special, you should go to an unique pub, "CLINIC".

Sunday
Morning
Have a local breakfast - "Bah Kut Teh" (pork rib soup) with "you tiao"(like churros) in Rangoon Road or in Clarke Quay

Before noon
Option One
Walk to Little India from Rangoon Road or take MRT to Farrer Park station from Clarke Quay.
Option Two
Take MRT to Chinatown station, where is the good place for you to buy souvenirs.
Option Three
Take MRT to Bugis station. Bugis is a shopping district, where you can find cheaper stores. Or walk to nearby Arab street. Along Arab street, there are lots of stores and restaurants from Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia.

Evening
Option One
Have an early dinner and then take bus 138 from Ang Mo Kio MRT station or take cab to Night Safari. Night Safari opens at 7.30pm daily. You cannot miss these 30mins' creatures of the show and 45mins' tram ride to explore the mystery of night safari.
Option Two
If you are not interested in animals, "Geylang" maybe another options for you, where is an old red-light district in Singapore. Also, it is famous for local food (like famous edible frog porridge, durians), too.

Monday
Morning
Have another famous local food, Hainan Chicken rice, for your early lunch in Novena.
Before noon
Take MRT to Orchard station. Orchard Road is the most popular shopping district in Singapore. Most luxury brands and popular brands you can find them here easily. Also, you can find a nice local food at Food republics of Wisma Atrica, or western food at Coffee Club in Ngee Ann City next to Takashimaya (a Japanese department store, like Sogo in HK).

Afternoon
It's time to get ready to airport and fly back to Hong Kong.

Useful links:
Official website of Singapore Tourism - http://www.visitsingapore.com

Official website of Night Safari - http://www.nightsafari.com.sg/

Official website of Botanic Garden - http://www.sbg.org.sg/

Travel Guide - Hallstatt, Austria - SALZWELTEN

SALZWELTEN - Hallstatt Salt Mine Tour

Hallstatt Salt Mine Prices – combination ticket at rate of approx. Euro24/adult, including return rides on the Salzberg funicular railway and admission to the Salt Mine. The Salt Mine and Salzberg funicular railway both are open from end of April to end of Octobor only.

Take Salzbergbahn funicular railway up to the Mount. Plassen.

Walk up to the valley and pass-by open gravesite and Mirror pillars on the pathway to Miners' hostel

Enter into Miners' hostel - where the tour of Hallstatt salt mine begins

Visit Exhibition in the miners’ house to experience of the work and life of the miners’ in the 19th century before enter into mine

Walk into the depth of the mine and take the First miners' slide

View a slideshow about Time spiral : how it all began and Geology - how salt got into the mountain in the first

Take another 64meters mega slide with speed gun and photo shot

Reach Hornerwerk cavern (the subterrancean salt lake) where you can View information film about salt mining and storytelling about "Man in Salt" (Man in Salt was found in 1734.)

Ride back out on the mine train

Walk pass Vantage-point bridge and take Panorama lift before taking funicular back to the ground

Useful link:
The official website of SALZWELTEN - http://www.salzwelten.at/

Travel Guide - Obertraun, Austria

If you like nature and adventure, I highly recommend you to explore World Heritage cave and hiking world (DACHSTEIN) in Obertraun. Obertraun is also located near the Hallstätter See. So it is very convenient to go there by Postbus from Hallstatt to Obertraun.

DACHSTEIN has been declared “UNESCO historic cultural landscape Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut”.

Dachstein Cave world including Giant Ice Cave ( one of the biggest ice caves in the world), extensive Mammut Cave and Koppenbrüller Cave, is formed and shaped by water and ice. You can experience mystical underground world with unique and stylish light and sound effect inside these 3caves. Three Dachstein World Heritage cable-ways provide barrier-free access to Dachstein hiking world and panorama view on the way up to 2,000m above sea level.

Dachstein "5fingers" is a newly staged attraction, where is the most spectacular viewpoints of the Alps. There has five distinct stages(4x1m in each stage), which offer dramatic “insights and outlooks”. Also, one of stages is made of glass. Then you can enjoy breathtaking view from these platforms.

Due to barrier-free and convenient access, it is suitable for families and nature fans. Dachstein Caves and Dachstein World Heritage cable-ways are open daily from May to October.

Useful link:
The official website of Dachsteinwelterbe - http://www.dachsteinwelterbe.at