Get ready for a true European experience with MakeMyTrip and visit some of the most beautiful cities of Europe, such as Milan, Paris, Amsterdam, Lucerne, Innsbruck and Geneva. From Eiffel Tower to Mt Titlis, and from the Cologne Cathedral to Disneyland Paris, experience breathtaking scenery and fascinating sights with this amazing, all-inclusive package. Stay at handpicked hotels and enjoy Indian food at the finest of restaurants.
INCLUSIONS:
Services of an experienced MakeMyTrip tour manager
Accommodation in double/twin-bedded rooms in hotels stated in itinerary or similar
Meals, coach tours, transfers, entrance fees, sightseeing and surface transportation as indicated in the itinerary
Stay at handpicked hotels to suit your comfort and convenience of location
Travel in comfort aboard climate-controlled luxury coaches
Enjoy extended continental breakfasts every morning
Enjoy Indian lunches and dinners in Mainland Europe
Orientation tour of Milan, Venice, Innsbruck, Lucerne, Zurich, Brussels, Geneva, and Paris
Private boat transfers to (and from) San Marco in Venice
Visit to Murano glass-factory
Visit to Swarovski Crystal Museum and showroom at Wattens, near Innsbruck
Excursion to Mt. Titlis (10,000 feet above sea level) on the famous Rotair, Ice Flyer Ride, Snow Park visit
Visit to Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen
Visit to Black Forest region of Germany
Cuckoo Clocks demo at Hofgut Sternen
Visit to Cologne Cathedral - a UNESCO world heritage site
Photo-stop at the Atomium in Brussels
Visit to Keukenhof Tulip Gardens (for tours before mid May)
Visit to Madurodam, the miniature city of Holland at the Hague (for tours after mid-May)
Visit to a traditional wooden shoe factory of Netherlands, with a special demonstration
Photo-stop at a windmill in Netherlands
Canal Cruise tour of Amsterdam City
Accommodation for 2 nights in Paris with visit to Eiffel Tower (3rd level), Disneyland, and River Seine Cruise
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN MILAN
On arrival in Milan - the second largest city in Italy - enjoy some free time to unwind from your flight, followed by a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: MILAN CITY TOUR | TRANSFER TO VENICE
After breakfast, begin your orientation tour. See places such as the breathtaking Duomo & its magnificent square; Milan's Cathedral, the third largest church in the world; Scala Museum and Theatre; Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, which is a double-arcade in the center of Milan and connects two of Milan's most famous landmarks: The Duomo and the Teatro Alla Scala.
Thereafter, depart for Venice. Venice is built on 180 islands that are connected by over 400 bridges with hundreds of canals crisscrossing the town. Enjoy a city tour witnessing sights such as Bridge of Sighs, the Ducale Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, the Clock tower and the Murano Glass showroom. Finally, return to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 3: VENICE TO INNSBRUCK (CAPITAL OF TYROL) | VISIT TO SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL MUSEUM AND SHOWROOM
After breakfast, proceed to Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol. Nestled amidst snow-capped mountains, the city of Innsbruck is spread out along the banks of the River Inn. On arrival, take an orientation tour, seeing sights such as Goldenes Dachl - Golden Roof, Hofburg, Hofkirsche, St. Anne's Column, Stadtturm, Triumphpforte, and Helblinghaus. Thereafter, visit the Swarovski Crystal museum & showroom at Wattens to take a look precision-cut lead crystal glass products. You shop here to your heart's delight surrounded by the largest Swarovski Crystal collection. Finally, return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 4: INNSBRUCK - SWITZERLAND: VISIT TO MT. TITLIS & SNOW PARK, ICE FLYER RIDE | TRANSFER TO LUCERN
After breakfast, proceed to Switzerland, a landlocked country in the cultural and geographical centre of Europe. On arrival, take a trip to Mt. Titlis. The last leg of the ride to Mt. Titlis is on the famous Rotair, the world's first revolving cable car. From atop Mt. Titlis, enjoy breathtaking views of the Alps and a thrilling ride on the famous 'Ice Flyer' (weather permitting). Afterwards, proceed to Lucerne, a beautiful city on the northern tip of Lake Lucerne. Here, witness the Lion Monument called Lowendenkmal. Thereafter, stroll along the banks of Lake Lucerne to witness attractions like the Kapellbrucke (The Chapel Bridge) and the Spreuerbrucke, two traditional wooden bridges of Lucerne. Then, enjoy shopping at the famous "Bucherer" for Swiss watches, jewelry and souvenirs. Finally, return to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 5: SWITZERLAND: OPT. TOUR OF JUNGFRAUJOCH | VISIT TO INTERLAKEN WITH INDIAN LUNCH
After breakfast today, enjoy the day at leisure. Else, take an optional tour to Jungfraujoch, often referred to as 'Top of Europe', and the charming town of Interlaken. Tourists are often amazed at the scenic splendor they witness from the 'Cog-Wheel' train, which climbs up to a height of 11333 feet to reach Jungfraujoch. After enjoying superb views of Switzerland from atop Jungfraujoch, drive to Interlaken, a world famous Swiss town located in the Bernese Oberland Mountains between the lakes of Thun and Brienz. Finally, return to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 6: ORIENTATION TOUR OF ZURICH, VISIT TO RHINE FALLS AND BLACK FOREST WITH CUCKOO CLOCKS
After breakfast today, take an orientation tour of Zurich. Witness sights, such as Bahnhofstrasse, the Gross Munster, the Frau Munster, the Rathaus and St. Peter's Church. Thereafter, proceed to Schaffhausen to witness the grandeur of the magnificent Rhine Falls, one of the largest waterfalls of Europe. Then, proceed to the scenic Black Forest in the southwest region of Germany. The Black Forest is one of the biggest and best known holiday regions in Germany. Also stop for some time at Hofgut Sternen in the heart of the Black Forest to witness how the famous (original) Cuckoo Clocks of Hofgut Sternen are made. Proceed to Hotel for a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 7: ZURICH TO COLOGNE | ORIENTATION TOUR OF BRUSSELS
After breakfast, proceed to Cologne to see the Cologne Cathedral. It is one of Europe's most spectacular cathedrals. The Cologne Cathedral has a reputation of being the most visited tourist monument in Germany. From Cologne Cathedral, proceed to Brussels, the capital of the European Union. On arrival, begin your orientation tour to see sights such as Grand Place, City Museum, Town Hall, House of the Dukes of Brabant, Manneken Pis, Royal Palace, Royal Park, Palace of Justice and the Museum of Fine Arts. Thereafter, enjoy a photo-stop at the Atomium, which was built for the 1958 World Fair. Return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 8: THE NETHERLANDS
After breakfast, transfer to Amsterdam. On arrival, enjoy a traditional canal cruise. After the cruise, visit a shoe-making factory and witness a free demonstration of the making of authentic Dutch wooden shoes. After the demonstration, take a photo-stop at a windmill, one of the most distinctive sights in the Netherlands.
For tours between late March and mid-May: Proceed to Keukenhof, the world's largest Tulip garden. It attracts over a million visitors - in a mere eight weeks - who come to see the vibrant flowers (tulips, daffodils, and many more) in full bloom.
For tours after mid-May: Visit Madurodam, which is a beautiful miniature model of a typical Dutch town, downsized in the ratio of 1:25. It contains famous miniature landmarks, which are absolute copies of the real ones.
After your tour, enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 9: VISIT TO EIFFEL TOWER | PARIS CITY TOUR (OPT.: LE-LIDO SHOW AND ILLUMINATION TOUR OF PARIS)
After breakfast, proceed to Paris, and begin your city tour. Enjoy seeing places such as Arc De Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Grand Palais, Alexander Bridge, Concorde Square, Magdalene Church, Opera Garnier, Louvre Palace, Cite Island, Orsay Museum, church of the Invalides, Trocadero Square, Palais De Chaillot and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Later, visit the Eiffel Tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city from its 3rd level. On arrival at your hotel, check in and enjoy your day at leisure OR embark on the optional Illumination Tour of Paris, which includes a drive past the famous monuments and buildings of Paris at night. Then, experience a famous night show in Paris called Lido De Paris. Finally, return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 10: PARIS (RIVER SEINE CRUISE AND TRIP TO DISNEYLAND
After breakfast, enjoy a cruise on River Seine, which is a unique way to view Paris and sail past its many historical monuments. After the cruise, enjoy a fun-filled day at Disneyland Paris. Meet your favourite cartoon characters and enjoy the jovial atmosphere with your whole family. Afterwards, return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 11: GENEVA ORUENTATION TOUR
After breakfast, take an orientation tour. Stop at the English Gardens 'Jardin Des Anglais' for a stroll past the lakefront, and witness the famous 'Jet D' Eau', a 130 metre-high jet of water on the lake. Also enjoy a drive past the Brunswick Monument to see the Palais De Nations (UNO's European Headquarters), the Red Cross Museum, and more. Finally, return to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 12: GENEVA - MILAN
After breakfast, proceed to Milan and spend some free time shopping. Later, bid adieu to Europe. Time to board your flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
HOTEL DETAILS
PARK INN HEPPENHEIM
City: Black Forest
Park Inn Heppenheim
A friendly, 3-star hotel, Park Inn Heppenheim provides outstanding service along with modern facilities. Boasting of an excellent location in the beautiful town centre, Park Inn is close to tourist attractions like Starkenburg Castle and St. Peter's Cathedral.
Direct-Dial Telephone| Hair Dryer | High-Speed Wireless Internet | Climate Control | Mini Bar | Satellite and Pay TV| Radio
Dining
Restaurant
Internet: Hi-Speed Wi-Fi Parking Facility: Available at EUR 8 per day
Check-in Time: 2:00 PM | Check-out Time: 12 Noon
Conferences & Banquets
Business Centre| Conference Rooms| Meeting Rooms
HOTEL TERRACE
City: Engelberg
Set in a majestic mountain landscape in Engelberg, this Art Nouveau hotel was built in 1903. It offers numerous eating venues, 24-hour reception, free public Wi-Fi and free parking. All en-suite rooms at Hotel Terrace are equipped with TVs and telephones. The restaurant offers an impressive view of the famous Mount Titlis. Guests can also enjoy the view from the winter garden on colder days. The Belle Epoque Restaurant serves a 4-course-meal in summer and various themed dinner buffets on winter evenings. There is a bar offering cocktail drinks as well as a bar with fine whiskeys and cigars.
The free, historic cable car runs from the village up to the Hotel Terrace in 3 minutes. The ski shuttle bus will take guests free of charge from the train station to the Titlis Valley Station, which is a 20-minute walk from the Terrace Hotel.
Room Amenities
Rooms: Economy Twin | Superior Plus | Standard
Shower | Hairdryer | Toilet | Bathroom | TV | Telephone | Radio | Wake Up Service/Alarm Clock
Dining
1 Restaurant | 2 bars
Belle Epoque Restaurant: 4-course meals and themed-dinners
Bars: Cocktail Drinks Fine Whiskeys, and Cigars
Internet: Free Wi-Fi Internet | Parking: Free parking
BON ALPINA
City: Innsbruck
Hotel Bon Alpina offers free parking in the village centre of Igls. The cable car to the Patscherkofel Olympic Ski Area is only a few minutes' walk away. This family-run hotel consists of 3 connected buildings, which surround an indoor pool and a heated outdoor pool with a sunbathing lawn. There are 2 saunas, a solarium, and a fitness room. Hotel Bon Alpina also features a restaurant, a traditional Tyrolean lounge, and a children's playroom. The public areas offer free Wi-Fi access.
A bus stop is in front of the Bon Alpina Hotel. In about 15 minutes the bus takes you to Innsbruck, which is 4 km away.
Hotel Facilities
24-Hour Front Desk | Newspapers | Non-Smoking Rooms | Elevator | Express Check-In/Check-Out | Safety Deposit Box | Heating | Luggage Storage | Ski Storage | All Public and Private spaces non-smoking | Room Service | Breakfast in the Room | Shoe Shine | Packed Lunches | Fax/Photocopying | Shuttle Service (surcharge) | Special Diet Menus (on request)
Recreational Facilities
Sauna | Fitness Centre | Golf Course (within 3 km) | Skiing | Games Room | Solarium | Spa & Wellness Centre | Massage | Children's Playground | Billiards | Table Tennis | Library | Hiking | Cycling | Turkish/Steam Bath | Indoor Swimming Pool | Outdoor Swimming Pool | Outdoor Swimming Pool (all year) | Indoor Swimming Pool (all year)
Room Amenities
Rooms: Double | Single
Bar and Lounge: Comfortable bar and spacious lounge for coffee and cakes
Internet: Free Wi-Fi Internet | Parking: Free Parking
MERCURE ANNEMASSE
City: Geneva
The hotel is located between lakes and mountains and offers comfortable accommodation and free parking. Guest rooms are air conditioned and have satellite and cable TV and Wi-Fi access. At the Mercure Annemasse breakfast is served daily and the restaurant offers traditional and local cuisine. Guests can enjoy a meal on the terrace which is next to the outdoor swimming pool.
Mercure Annemasse Porte De Genève is a 15 minute drive from Geneva. The hotel is close to Geneva's famous attractions such as the Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the Palais des Nations. Also nearby is the International Red Crescent Museum which serves as the United Nations European headquarters.
Hotel Facilities
24-Hour Front Desk | Newspapers | Garden | Terrace | Non-Smoking Rooms | Rooms/Facilities for Disabled Guests | Elevator | Safety Deposit Box | Soundproofed Rooms | Heating | Design Hotel | Luggage Storage | Air Conditioning | Outdoor Swimming Pool | Room Service | Laundry | Souvenirs/Gift Shop | Fax/Photocopying
Room Amenities
Rooms: Standard | Comfort
Air-conditioning | Bath | Toilet | Bathroom | TV | Telephone | Mini bar
Dining
1 Restaurant
The restaurant serves traditional and local cuisines
Internet: Free Wi-Fi Internet | Parking: Free parking
IDEA MILAN BICOCCA
City: Milan
Idea Hotel Milano Bicocca is set in a quiet area a 10-minute bus ride from Garibaldi Train Station. It offers modern stylish rooms, and a free morning shuttle to Sondrio Metro Station. The rooms at Idea Hotel Bicocca are air-conditioned, and feature a TV with Mediaset Premium channels. Breakfast is a generous buffet including sweet and savory food.
This Idea Hotel is near Milan's Bicocca area and is well connected to the city centre. The Naviglio Martesana canal and the Arcimboldi Theatre are also within easy reach.
Hotel Facilities
Bar | 24-Hour Front Desk | Newspapers | Non-Smoking Rooms | Rooms/Facilities for Disabled Guests | Family Rooms | Elevator | Safety Deposit Box | Soundproofed Rooms | Heating | Luggage Storage | Business Centre | Laundry | Dry Cleaning | Fax/Photocopying | Shuttle Service (free)
Air Conditioning | Work Desk | Heating, Shower | Hairdryer | Bathroom Amenities | Toilet | Bathroom | Pay TV | Telephone | Radio | Satellite TV
Dining
The hotel offers buffet breakfasts and has a bar.
Internet: Wired (and Wi-Fi) Internet Access (chargeable) | Parking: Available at EUR 10 per day
IBIS PADOVA
City: Padova
Nestled in a suburb of Padua, Hotel Ibis Padova is a 20-minute drive from the center of the city and 2.5 miles from the Fiera di Padova exhibition center. The hotel is just 45 minutes drive away from the airport. The hotel is ornately built and the rooms are quite clean and well maintained. The staff at the hotel are friendly and at the same time polite and courteous. The hotel features 135 airconditioned rooms, including two for guests with limited mobility.
Hotel Facilities
Restaurant | Bar | 24-Hour Front Desk | Newspapers | Non-Smoking Rooms | Rooms/Facilities for Disabled Guests | Elevator | Safe | Soundproofed Rooms | Heating | Baggage Storage | Air Conditioning | Restaurant With Dining Menu | Snack Bar | Meeting/Banquet Facilities | Business Center | Laundry | Currency Exchange | Shoe Shine | Fax/Photocopying
Room Amenities
The three star hotel offers its patrons 143 well furnished and spacious rooms. All the rooms are air-conditioned and tastefully decorated keeping in mind the guests comforts.
Air conditioning | Cable/satellite television channels | Climate control | Complimentary newspaper | Direct-dial phone | Fax machine | Hair dryer (on request) | In-room safe | Soundproofed rooms | Wireless high-speed Internet access (surcharge)
Internet: Wi-Fi Internet Access (chargeable) | Parking:Available Free of Charge
MERCURE PARIS ORLY
City: Paris
The Mercure Paris Orly hotel is magnificence redefined. The hotel is strategically located at a distance of 13 kms from Paris (neither too close nor too far), the fashion capital of the world. The 4-star hotel is just 800 meters away from the Orly airport terminals. The guestrooms at the hotel are exquisitely tasteful in decorations and are quite spacious. The hotle provides its patrons with a second free shuttle that takes guests to and from the nearby Belle Epine shopping centre.
Hotel Facilities
Restaurant | Bar | 24-Hour Front Desk | Newspapers | Garden | Non-Smoking Room | Rooms/Facilities for Disabled Guest | Elevator | Safety Deposit Box | Luggage Storage | Room Service | Meeting/Banquet Facilities | Airport Shuttle | Babysitting/Child Services | Laundry | Dry Cleaning | Breakfast in the Room | Ironing Service | Currency Exchange | Fax/Photocopying | Shuttle Service (free)
Room Amenities
Mercure Paris Orly offers its patron a choice from 190 well resourced rooms. The rooms at Mercure Paris Orly are ornately decorated and duly fitted. The rooms are spacious and are provided with comfortable beds and modern furniture.
Alarm clock | Bathrobes | Bidet | Blackout drapes/curtains | Desk | Hair dryer | In-room safe | Iron/ironing board (on request) | Makeup/shaving mirror | Wake-up calls | Climate control | Coffee/tea maker | Complimentary newspaper | Fax machine | Pay movies | Satellite television service | Television | Internet access (complimentary) | Voice mail
InternetFree Wi-fi Internet | Parking Available at EUR 14 per day
DIAMOND
City: Antwerp
This hotel lies in a calm neighbourhood in the centre of Antwerp, close to the city park. It offers comfortable accommodation with flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. The Antwerp Diamond Hotel offers spacious guest rooms with modern bathrooms. They are decorated with bright colours and come with a fridge and a tea/coffee maker. Every morning, an extensive breakfast is served in the restaurant which features a terrace. The nearby area offers a wide range of restaurants for dinner.
Charlottalei tram stop is 50 metres away, offering easy access to the Meir Shopping area and the rest of Antwerp. Central Train Station and Antwerp Zoo are just 850 metres away.
Hotel Facilities
Bar | 24-Hour Front Desk | Terrace | Non-Smoking Rooms | Elevator | Heating | Luggage Storage |
Meeting/Banquet Facilities | Breakfast in the Room | Currency Exchange | Shoe Shine | Fax/Photocopying
Room Amenities
Rooms: Twin | Triple
Work Desk | Seating Area | Shower | Toilet | Bathroom | Telephone | Radio | Cable TV | LCD /Plasma /Flat-screen TV | Tea/Coffee Maker | Wake up Service
Dining
1 Restaurant
The hotel has one restaurant with a terrace that serves buffet breakfasts.
Internet: Free Wi-Fi Internet | Parking: Available at EUR 15 per day
One the largest cities in Italy, Milan is in modern times considered to be one of the homes of fashion in the world. A picturesque tourist destination, Milan is an ancient city that once served as the capital of the mighty Roman Empire. You can still see the ruins of ancient Roman colonies, sprawled across the city. So, when in the city, apart from eating the great food and visiting the thousands of designer boutiques, you must also visit the third largest cathedral in the world, the Milan Cathedral, which is a superb example of Gothic architecture. Other monuments worth visiting include: the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Castello Sforzesco - a castle originally built in the 14th century and now it houses renowned museums and art galleries of Milan, and the Teatro alla Scala - one of the world's most famous opera houses. The modern Pirelli Tower and Velasca Tower are also worth a visit.
Also pay a visit to Central Railway Station, which is a beautifully designed building, as well as San Siro Stadium, one of the biggest football stadiums of Europe. For shopping, do visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, which is known as world's oldest shopping mall, housing elegant shops selling almost everything from clothes to books. The shopping mall also has fine restaurants, bars and cafes, where you can savour local cuisine of Milan. You can also shop at Lombard Metropolis, which is popular for its fashion shops and houses.
Milan Cathedral Milan Castello Sforzesco Milan Central Railway Station Milan San Siro Stadium
ENGELBERG
A summer snow paradise, Mount Titlis overlooks Engelberg in Central Switzerland, and at over 10,000ft (3020m), it is the highest viewpoint in the region. Offering snow and ice all year round, it is also an alpine-sports centre, where you can ski, snowboard, and skate. The Titlis Glacier is stunningly beautiful, and attracts tourists from all over Europe. It is in fact one of the most accessible snow paradises in Switzerland, only about 1.5 hours from Lucerne, Zurich, Basil, or Berne. There is a lot to do here even for those with no inclination towards alpine sports.
Engelberg Alpine Town Engelberg Green Pastures Engelberg Mountains Engelberg Rotair Cable Car Engelberg Ski Slopes
GENEVA
The towering snow-capped Alpine peaks are a perfect backdrop to the green valleys of the Swiss countryside. The charming city of Geneva like all other Swiss cities is rich in history and architecture with several world-famous structures finding a home here making it undoubtedly one of the world's most beautiful cities. There are several cultures that come together in Geneva too, giving it a true international flavour. Politically lauded for being a neutral territory, Geneva is where many international treaties have been and many international organizations like the Red Cross and United Nations are headquartered.
Geneva Flower Clock Geneva Jet dEau Geneva The Brunswick Monument Lake Geneva United Nations Building in Geneva
INNSBRUCK
You will run into serious trouble adjusting to normal life back home after a holiday in the capital city of Tyrol. Utterly laidback, it's biggest selling point, the Alps of which the city renders unbridled views, bought us over several times over as we climbed up various spots to get photo-shots, visited all restaurants that promised beautiful panoramas overlooking them, and bought many a postcard and posters (even crystal ware depicting them!) to take back home. But you'll forget Alps soon enough as you enter city life and sit down at a terrace restaurant with your shoulders shrugged up in cold, your wind-cheaters all zipped up and watch the waiter serve you a splendid portion of cake and a delicious cuppa.
Beautiful museums, churches, palaces, and castles - it's easy to get lost discovering the city's heritage. We recommend keeping track of time and also visiting places like the Old Town, Sparkassenplatz, and Maria-Theresien-Strabe for great shopping experiences and local food. And yes, don't let the cold fool you into thinking the sun isn't hard enough. Its strength will become apparent on your face after a day of roaming around Innsbruck without wearing sunblock. So take care and enjoy!
FAST FACTS
What to pack: In winters, temperatures can plummet to as low as -10 C, so carry layers of warm clothing. Temperatures can radically change from day to day so you'll need to adapt well. A sunblock lotion 50+ SPF is a must. It's amazing to see how sunburnt you can get at such low temperatures. You'll walk a lot here so carry a bottle of water to keep you from dehydrating and wear light shoes all the time.
Main Languages: German (Main) | Austro-Bavarian | Turkish (Minority Language) | Serbian (Minority Language)
When to go: Innsbruck is cold. While in summers, only nights are freezing, in winters, temperatures stay frigid throughout the day. But we haven't seen that fact stop anyone, especially skiing enthusiasts, from taking a schuss down its slopes clad in white for some adrenaline-gushing fun. There are more reasons to be here in winters, like Bergsilvester (New Year's Eve) and Christkindlmarkt (Christmas fair), two great ways to catalogue the lifestyles and culture of locals here.
Summer, being temperate, is a little more touristy.
Local transport: The Innsbrucker Verkehrsbetriebe (IVB) provides local transport, which includes trams and buses. The tram ride to Fulpmes is a scenic experience. It's beautiful.
People staying closer to the city centre can reach most attractions on foot or at the most, by a short tram ride.
Currency: Euro | 1 Euro = INR 64 (approx)
Voltage: 230V / 50Hz
Time Zone: GMT + 2:00 Hours | IST + 3:30 Hours
Shopping: The old town, dotted with small souvenir shops, is a great place to buy things for people back home. Austrian crystal ware makes for a great buy. Other than these, there are a many shopping malls selling the usual and the unusual. You can also buy packed food like cheese, salami and lamb meat.
Sightseeing: Buy an Innsbruck-card worth 25 Euros (valid for 1 day), travel all over the city, and visit all attractions, absolutely free of cost. However, daily public transport cards (in case you aren't covering all destinations) are a better bet. They come way cheaper.
Places to visit include churches like the Hofkirche, which houses the tomb monument of King Macmillan I and the majestic St. Jacob's Cathedral. Innsbruck is dotted with palaces, castles, and museums, so prepare an itinerary beforehand to make sure you cover the places you think are worthy of a visit.
Maria-Theresien-Strabe is a beautiful place to take a walk around at and renders amazing views of the Nordkette mountain ranges. Also visit the Sparkassenplatz, a bustling urban centre to mingle with the locals and enjoy dining at a range of cafes and eateries. In summer, you'll see it come alive with open air film screenings and concerts for everyone.
Food: Visit Cafe Im Murm, built inside the ski-jump of Bergisel, for great coffee, delicious cakes and of course, amazing views of the city and its skyline.
Located where the Herzog Friedrichstrasse culminates, the Ottoburg serves delicious food in separate rooms, each designed and furnished to a different theme. The restaurant has specialty chefs, a different one dedicated to different cuisines, deserts, speciality non-vegetarian food etc.
Great food, great bier, and mesmerising city panorama, besides Cafe Im Murm, are also standard with Seegrube-Hafelekar. Stay out in the sun on the terrace and enjoy.
A superb menu of teas, coffee, and pastries and a good laidback atmosphere has made Cafe Central a favourite with many a local and tourists. Try it!
Innsbruck Goldenes Dachl Innsbruck Inn River Innsbruck St Annes Column Innsbruck Triumphpforte Innsbruck
ANTWERP
Known for its diamond industry, cult fashion sense, architecture, and friendly people, Antwerp is a must-see destination when visiting Europe. It is situated in the Flanders region of Belgium and is also the second-largest city of the country after Brussels. Antwerp's port is second only to Rotterdam in Europe and is an important part of city's economics. The architecture of Antwerp cannot be missed, be it the medieval fortress, churches, cathedral, museums, art galleries, statues and the charming boulevards. The old city centre is the hub of Antwerp's rich historical architecture.
PADOVA
Padova, Padua in English, is a city located in north-eastern Italy and serves as the capital of the Padova province. It is a picturesque old city and a major economic and communication hub of the area. Situated on the Bacchiglione River, Padova is criss-crossed by a dense network of arcaded streets and several bridges. The Euganean Hills sprawl on south-western part of the city, adding more to its beauty. Purportedly the oldest city in northern Italy, Padova is famous for its university, called the Riformatori dello Studio di Padova and its main building Palazoo de Bo. Established in 1222, the university houses the oldest botanical garden in the world, Orto Botanico di Padova (1545), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A must visit is the Saint Anthony's Cathedral, the principle landmark of Padova, which is home to some notable relics and statues. Prato della Valle is also a must visit, a glorious 90,000 metre square, that is the biggest city square in the world, and is filled with many statues and monuments. Other must visits include: Oratorio de San Giorgio Scrovegni's Chapel, Saint Giustina Basilica, the Roman ruins, Duomo, Astronomic Observatory (La Specola), Palazzo della Ragione, Belzoni Museo Laboratio di Antichi Strumenti Scientifici and Ermitani Civic Museum. For shopping and eating you can visit the two major markets of the city, namely Piazza delle Erbe or Piazza dei Frutti and Prato della Valle. These markets have numbers of eating joints and shops selling clothes, household goods, fruits and vegetables, plants and antiques.
Padova Prato della Valle Padova Saint Anthonys Basilica Padova View at Night
PARIS
Paris is the ultimate cosmopolitan capital, and is a city like no other. Popularly known as The City of Lights, it is much more than that! Home to historical and cultural wonders like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame Cathedral and the hub of fashion haute coutre, it has something for everyone, throughout the year.
Located in the Northern part of the country on the River Seine, Paris has the reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic of all cities, brimming with historic associations and remaining vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design. The heart of Europe, it throbs its way into people's inner sanctums, romancing them, making them love it. Paris (Pah-Ree to the locals) makes you indulge, fulfilling your desires and stimulating your senses. Paris is a city that never sleeps, and is a stunning contrast of decadence and vitality, of old-world charm and avant-garde restlessness. From vibrant gay and lesbian outbursts to avant garde theatre, Paris has it all - a dream destination which has to be visited at least once in a lifetime!
Paris Arc de Triomphe Paris Eiffel Tower Paris Louvre Museum Paris Notre Dame Cathedral Paris River Senne
BLACK FOREST
PHOTO GALLERY
Milan Cathedral
The world famous Milan Cathedral is one of the most exquisite Gothic structures in the world, whose construction began in 1386, and was rebuilt many times and finally completed to its present day form in 1805. The seat of the Archbishop of Milan, the Duomo is the most central site the city, and is most famous for its roof that is a forest of pinnacles and spires, sitting upon delicate flying buttresses.