TOIP

The phenomenon which occurs after the long months of cold and darkness, when the summer emerges and the daylight is seen round the clock is called White Nights. St. Petersburg, the world's most northern city with a population over 1 million, stands at such a high latitude (59 degree 57` N) that the sun does not descend below the horizon enough for the sky to go dark. In fact the nights become so indistinguishable from the day that the authorities never need to turn on the city's streetlights. This is not a unique phenomenon to St. Petersburg, but no other northern city welcome the summer months with such a lively and artistic celebration.

The breathtaking city of St. Petersburg was constructed on some 100 islands formed by rivers, creeks, streams and natural canals that flow into the Baltic sea at the mouth of Neva River. The historic center of St. Petersburg is listed in UNESCO world heritage and the city boosts some of the beautiful museums, palaces, monasteries, cathedrals and bridges. The White Nights Festival is a stunning celebration of culture and life that is a must-see for any travel enthusiast. 

The festival is kicked off with the classical ballet, opera and orchestral performance, "Stars of the White Nights" at the world famous Mariinsky Theatre. During the festival, there are daily evening performances featuring some of the biggest names in the arts world. 

There are also carnivals to delight both the children and adults. The largest carnival is held in the suburb of Peterhof (45 mins train journey from St. Petersburg) where the historical figures and events are reinterpreted by costumed actors. Carnivals at the Catherine Palace and Pavlovsk suburb are also highly artistic. For music lovers, St. Petersburg's Palace Square becomes home to some of the international music world's biggest stars during the festival.

The culminating event of the festival is the Scarlet Sails celebration, which is a massive event to celebrate the end of the school year that is known for its spectacular fireworks display and a water show that features boats full of pirates battling on the Neva River. Musical acts and motorboat rowing races are also highlights of the celebration.

Tips:

1. St. Petersburg is busiest during the White Nights festival. Hence, book your tickets early.

2. For opera, ballet performance purchase the tickets online in advance http://www.mariinsky.ru/en/    

3. During the period, many bridges across Neva river are raised at night to let the ships pass, a spectacle you dont want to miss.

Rhine river is one of the longest river in Europe which originates from the Swiss alps and flows into Germany, France, Netherlands and Austria. The picturesque canals, pristine landscape, countless vineyards, famous monasteries, beautiful castles and calm villages along the banks of the river makes the Rhine River Cruise the most popular and romantic cruise in Europe. 

Typical Rhine river cruise departs from Basel, Switzerland and arrives at Amsterdam, Netherlands, cruising along France and Germany or vice verse. There are other sails which include other waterways and cruises through Austria and other neighboring countries. There are plenty of itineraries depending on number of days, routes and riverboats. Though most of the cruise stops at major ports and famous sites and provide tours, there are also cruises that include excursions to major tourist destinations along with hotel stays.

Spring and summer(March-October) is the best time to cruise Rhine. But during this time the packages are expensive and crowded. During winter, it is possible to get few discounts as the crowd descends. Euro River cruise and Viking River cruise offer some of great value cruises.

Plan and choose the right cruise to have a memorable and great cruise.

The Romantic Road or Romantische Strasse, aptly named, is one of Germany's most popular tourist routes. The route is little over 260 miles, between the town of Würzburg in the north and Fussen in the foothills of Bavaria Alps. In Medieval Age, the route used to be a major trade route and now it still retains the medieval glory with picturesque towns with walled cities, hidden monasteries, timbered houses, beautiful castles, towers and hotels. All the more romantic is unspoiled nature and driving along the vineyard, clear water and rolling hills until you reach the Bavarian Alps.

Frankfurt is the major departure point for the route. Many tourist coaches are available and can provide a day trip from Frankfurt to Fussen. However, the most romantic option is to rent a car from Frankfurt and enjoy the route leisurely by dining in romantic courtyard restaurants, strolling through lush parks, taking in historical castles,exploring the old town centers that have lost nothing of their original splendor and staying in a romantic hotel.

The major stops along the route are:

Würzburg: if you like your wine, you'll like Würzburg and its outdoor cafes and excellent restaurants. The Residenz Palace is a World Heritage Site, and you'll want to visit it along with the Marienberg Fortress.

Creglingen is a small and attractive town set in the Tauber valley in southern Germany with access to some spectacular countryside of vineyards and woods in the hills around the historic centre.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Rothenburg is a must stop on the Romantic Road. Not only is it one of Germany's best preserved medieval towns with walls you can walk around, but it has a torture museum for when things get a little too romantic for you. 

Dinkelsbühl is one of the archetypal towns which give the German Romantic Road its character

Nördlingen is one of the most attractive of the towns in the central part of the Romantic Road.

Harburg is a pleasant daytime stop on the way south down the Romantic Road.

Augsburg: Augsburg has a rich history dating back to the Roman empire. Dubbed both "The Renaissance City" and "Mozart City", it has been an important center of trade down through the ages. During the Renaissance, Augsburg was a main cultural center which is reflected in its fine Rococo architecture.

Landsberg is one of the towns on the Romantic Road which is located at an important junction to the rest of Bavaria.

Pfaffenwinkel: This part of Bavaria (called "Pastor's Corner") is famous for its churches and pristine landscapes; a must-see is the pilgrimage church Wieskirche ("Church in the Meadow") in Steingaden; this rococo masterpiece is on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage sights.

Füssen is located at the very end of the Romantic Road. The town itself has a wealth of historical interest, but it's also close at hand to some of the most popular castles in southern Germany - Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenswangau Castle.

For more information:

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal since 12th century. This legendary city has a rich and impressively integrated diversity and a history of over 20 centuries. Radiant skies brighten the monumental city, with its typical tile covered building facades and narrow Medieval streets, where one can hear the fado being played and sung at night. But Lisbon is also the stage for popular festivities, the place for exquisite shopping, exciting nightlife, and interesting museums, a place of neighborhoods. 

Currency: Euro

Language: Portuguese

Time Difference: 5 ½ hr behind IST

Best Time to Visit: Feb-June is ideal

Visa: Indian Nationals will require a visa to enter Portugal. Like other EU members Schengen Visa can be obtained prior to arrival in Portugal.

Flights: There are no direct flights from India to Lisbon. The major transit points are Paris, London, Istanbul, Dubai, and Frankfurt.

Metro: The underground metro is the best to tour Lisbon. The Metro stations are highly decorated and it’s a real treat to see.http://www.metrolisboa.pt/

Trams: Trams/streetcar is good for short hops between crisscross streets. The tickets can be bought from outlets, driver or the machine in the tram. http://www.carris.pt/

Suburban Trains: Suburban trains is the best connection to Belem, Estoril and Cascais

Funiculars and Elevadores: Take advantage of these rope ways to navigate the hilly areas.

Bicycle and Foot: Lisbon is city of seven hills. Hence cycling and thumbing the hilly terrains is quite a challenge.

Car: Taxi is a economical if you are considering sharing among three or four people. However, renting a car might be a disadvantage since parking is a pain and the streets are jammed during peak hours.

The major attraction in Lisbon is the city itself. Here is a list of major attractions:

Jeronimos Monastery – A world Heritage Site. It was once the place of resting for Vasco da Gama.

Belem Towers – Lisbon’s iconic tower and also a symbol of age of Discovery

Gulbenkian Museum – A treasure from East to West

Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary art – A great collection of Modern and contemporary Arts

Ocenarium – A sea odyssey in a state of art building

St. George Castle – Millennium old Walls overlooking the city

Ancient Art Museum – Fascinating Oriental and European art

Coach Museum - Houses the world’s largest collection of Coaches and Royal vehicles

Downtown Baixa – Located in the center of Lisbon, the area was reconstructed entirely after an earthquake in 18th centaury.

Ajuda Palace – A neoclassical monument in the city

 Do:

1. Spend a evening in a Fado themed restaurant

2. Ride a tram in the old Quarter (Tram 28)

March – Lisbon Fashion Week (ModaLisboa)

April – Dias Da Musica (Classical Music concert)

May – Rock in Rio (Biggest Music Entertainment Event), Ola Love 2 Dance (Annual Dance Festival)

June – Gay Pride, Alkantara Festival (Street Festival)

July – Sparkling Party

August - Jazz em Agosto – (Jazz Festival)

October – Lesboa Party (Dance Party)

November - Luzboa - International Lighting and Urban Art Bienal

December – New Year’s Eve Party

1. Lisboa Card grants access to all public transport (buses, metro, tram and even CP trains to nearby places). Free entrance or discounted entry fee to many attractions) http://www.golisbon.com/Lisboa-Card/

2. Many attractions are closed on Monday

3. Most Monuments has free entry on Sunday until 2PM

1. Sintra – A beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site, 30 mins by car/train from Lisbon

2. Evora – A Museum town less than 2 hours away by express bus/car from Lisbon