Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Summer Mountain Tips in Switzerland

Alpine Bike: is the name of the thrilling new trail from Scuol to Aigle. National Mountain-Bike Route No. 1 is a big challenge, even for athletic and technically skilled riders. In 16 stages and over 666 demanding kilometres, it traverses the mighty Swiss Alps. In the first few hours, riders soon get a taste of the drama to come: the route snakes through the Swiss National Park into the picturesque Val Mora. A gentle, leisurely path—pictured left—soon gives way to a demanding single-track trail threading through the timeless landscape. The Septimer pass is another highlight, but many more follow. Surselva, the Susten pass, Kleine and Grosse Scheidegg at the foot of the celebrated North Face of the Eiger, the Saanenland, the Col des Mosses: the trail passes through the finest mountain scenery in Switzerland. But even if you're in great shape, you can always take a break, by hopping on a train or bus to the end of the day's stage—all can be reached by public transport.

Glacier Express: 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, 7 valleys, 1 experience. The Glacier Express winds its way through the picturesque Swiss Alps, from the Piz Bernina to the Matterhorn. Starting in St.Moritz, travel along the world's most beautiful stretch of railway line to Chur, before passing between the sheer cliffs of the Rhine gorge, Switzerland's very own Grand Canyon. After crossing the 2,033 m high Oberalp pass, the warm sun of Canton Valais awaits you at the end of the Furka tunnel. Whether admiring the views while enjoying the wonderful cuisine in the historic restaurant car, or simply gazing out of the huge windows of the panorama car, the real icing on the cake is the first glimpse of the famous Matterhorn, as the world's slowest express pulls into Zermatt.

Ponte dei Salti: The magical jade green waters of the Verzasca river flow peacefully over smooth polished rocks, passing under the picturesque double arches of the Ponte dei Salti in Lavertezzo. Follow the river down the valley and you will find wonderful worn rock shapes and natural jacuzzis, and the trail to Brione is home to 34 works of art. Don't resist it - jump in! You will be hard pressed to find a more romantically beautiful place to do so. Are you looking for the ultimate adrenalin rush? Then look no further! The Verzasca dam on the Lago di Vogorno at the entrance to the valley is where James Bond once jumped 220m attached to no more than a rubber rope. For once, copying can be recommended! The "007 Bungee Jump"- lasts exactly 71/2 seconds - take longer to enjoy your well-earned dip in Lake Maggiore.

Lucerne’s Lake: When the steamer "Gallia"- arrives on Lake Lucerne's Lake Uri at Brunnen, on its way from Lucerne to Flüelen, even the passengers travelling first class lay down their silver cutlery and succumb to the pull of history. Just around the corner, the Schiller Stone pays tribute to the creator of "William Tell"-, a national epic, and in the distance lies the Tellsplatte, steeped in legend. A short distance further on and the steamer arrives at Rütli, the birthplace of the original confederation and the start of the "Swiss Path"-. Follow this trail to historical locations and picturesque beaches, passing spots perfect for windsurfing and sheer rock faces along 35 km of wonderful views.

Tourism in Malaysia

"Marketing Malaysia as a destination of excellence and to make the tourism industry a major contributor to the socio-economic development of the nation."
Tourism Malaysia's objective is to promote Malaysia as an outstanding tourist destination. We strive to increase awareness of Malaysia's unique wonders, attractions and cultures. Ultimately, our aim is to increase the number of foreign tourists to Malaysia, extend the average length of their stay and, in doing so, increase Malaysia's tourism revenue. We also aspire to develop domestic tourism and enhance Malaysia's share of the market for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE).
Tourism Malaysia's activities are designed to stimulate Malaysian tourism and tourism-related industries. This helps promote new investments in the country while providing increased employment opportunities. The growth of Malaysian tourism will contribute positively to the country's economic development and quality of life.
Tourism Malaysia 30 Years
The Tourist Development Corporation of Malaysia (TDC), was established on 10 August 1972 as an agency under the former Ministry of Trade and Industry by an Act of Parliament. It was a year that saw full-fledged efforts and determination to promote tourism.
On 20 May 1987, the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism was incepted. TDC was then moved from the Ministry of Trade and Industry to this new ministry. In May 1992, the Tourist Development Corporation of Malaysia Act 1972 was repealed and replaced by the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992. With this change, the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB), more popularly known as "Tourism Malaysia", was formally established. It was relieved of its former development and enforcement functions to enable it to focus specifically on promoting Malaysia at a domestic and international level.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Tourist Destination in South Australia

The tourist destinations in South Australia attract hordes of visitors every year to South Australia. The tourist destinations in South Australia are famed worldwide. The tourist destinations in South Australia include Victor Harbor, Port Pirie, Port Lincoln, Port Augusta, Murray Bridge, Mount Gambier, Adelaide, Flinders Ranges and the White Sandy Beaches. These are also the famous sightseeing places in South Australia. Visitors from all over the world arrive in droves each year to explore the site seeing places in South Australia.

Adelaide is one of the famous tourist destinations in South Australia. The capital city of South Australia, Adelaide is also known as the “city of churches”. Situated on the banks of the river Torrens Adelaide is a beautiful and well-planned city. The city is home to finest restaurants and shopping malls of the world. Adelaide is strewn with Edwardian buildings, churches and heritage buildings. South Australia popularly known as the “festival state” is home to the Adelaide Festival Centre which is renowned worldwide. The Adelaide Festival Centre stands on the banks of the River Torrens.
The Adelaide Festival Centre has enough room for 2000 people and houses a fabulous outdoor amphitheatre, artworks, sculptures, and numerous theatres. The Adelaide Festival Centre is reckoned as one of the world’s top live performance venues. Visitors from all across the globe embark on a tour to Australia. The tourist destinations in South Australia beckon tourists and visitors from all across the globe. Site Seeing in Port Augusta is an amazing and thrilling opportunity for the visitors.
The Rundle Shopping Mall in Adelaide is the largest shopping mall in the entire southern hemisphere housing more than 800 shops and several arcades. The Rundle Shopping Mall, Australia’s first shopping mall was established in 1976. Situated to the south of the Torrens River, the Rundle Mall hosts international fashion parades.
The White Sandy Beaches, one of the renowned tourist attractions in Australia lies to the West of Adelaide. One of the popular tourists haunts in South Australia, Glenelg is located in the Holdfast Bay and includes the famous tourist attractions in South Australia like the Kingston Park, Seacliff and Brighton.
To the north of the South Australian capital city of Adelaide stands the Flinders Ranges. The Flinders Ranges, one of the chief tourist destinations in South Australia dates back over a billion years. The place is also a favorite haunt for the paleontologists and geologists. Site seeing in Mount Gambier includes a visit to the Umpherston Sinkhole, District Maritime Museum, Port Macdonnell, Beachport Conservation Park, Centenary Tower, Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park, Lady Nelson Discovery Centre, Lake McIntyre, Mount Muirhead, the World Series Paintball, Courthouse Gallery and the Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park. Site seeing in Murray Bridge offers visitors and tourists the unique opportunity of exploring the scenic splendor and the spectacular tourist sites of Murray Bridge.

Sightseeing in Australia

Offering you the holiday of a lifetime, Australia is a destination that evokes wonder all the way. Be it the exciting beaches, cosmopolitan cities, exotic wildlife, aborigine sites or even the far-flung Outback-- everything about Australia contributes towards making it an experience of a lifetime. No wonder, sightseeing in Australia is something that leaves everyone enthralled, such is the variety this fascinating country has to offer.
Avid holidaymakers are always on the lookout for destinations that add up to something different and give them something to talk about. Australia is one such destination that never disappoints its visitors. As you travel to Australia, you discover a country known for its enduring spirit that has seen it through its tough and challenging formative years. Constantly referred to as a melting pot for varied cultures, faiths and races from across the globe, Australia truly adds up as a global destination. Every nook and corner of Australia has something new in store for its visitors. So sightseeing in Australia is something that has to be planned out in a very ordered manner.
Many of the cities of Australia have always been seen as perfect examples of fine planning, sound infrastructure and everything that is cosmopolitan. Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Darwin or Brisbane -- the list is indeed quite impressive.
The tourist attractions in Australia reflect the variety and beauty of the country in a very flattering manner. This is something every person who has enjoyed a travel to Australia will vouch for. Australia sightseeing tours with AsiaRooms not only cover the best of what this exciting country has to offer but also acquaint you with its very soul that is adventurous, daring and fun-loving.
As mentioned earlier, Australia's variety is something that sets itself apart from the rest. Be it partying, shopping, dining, scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, horse riding on the dusty outback, trekking through rough terrains, whale watching, canoeing or even white water rafting, you can never have a dull moment as you go exploring and sightseeing in Australia. Outdoorsy is what one will like to call Australia and its interesting people.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Zurich's in Switzerland

Highlights: Zürich’s well-preserved Old Town on the banks of the Limmat River is home to countless places of interest that are just waiting to be discovered. The Opera House, renowned throughout the world for its opera and ballet productions, Fraumünster Church famous for its stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall and the Grossmünster Church with its twin spires are distinctive features of Zürich’s cityscape. The St. Peter’s Church boasts the largest clock face in Europe (8.7 meters in diameter). The innumerable restaurants lining the main shopping streets of multicultural Niederdorf leading first into the Münstergasse and eventually into the Oberdorf have dishes to tempt every conceivable palate, from Swiss cheese fondue to Spanish tapas and green curry from Thailand. On market days, meanwhile, the Rosenhof metamorphoses into an enchanting bazaar with jewelry from all over the world, precious stones, leather goods and Swiss handicrafts. Masoala Rainforest: A green oasis filled with tropical scents, warm and humid all year round - the Masoala Rainforest at Zoo Zürich is there for you to discover at close quarters. It's Madagascar in Switzerland. More than 100 plant and animal species make for an unforgettable experience that is unique in the world. Find the lemurs, tortoises, tomato frogs, geckos or flying foxes that inhabit this exotic world?

Zurich West: A new, fashionable, lively place at nights for both, entertainment and gastronomy. Some highlights are "Les Halles", an old french-car-garage-style restaurant, the Schiffbau, mixture of theatre, Jazz club and restaurant in an old shipbuilding-hall, "Puls 5" - another transformed factory - which hosts now a shopping mall and fitness joint or the "Labor Bar / Lounge" of Switzerland's most famous TV-presentator. For the movies one must visit the Abaton Cinema complex, cafés and bars and the dépendance of the most important theater of the city. Finally you'll find the latest clubs, where the young and stylish tend to go on weekends.

Aplamare - is Europe's largest indoor water theme park. Tornado is amongst its latest adrenaline slides. First you slide through a straight tube complete with fantastic light and sound effects. Then you enter at a high speed the big funnel which gives you a special adrenaline kick, while making several turns inside it, before falling through a drop into the target-area. An outdoor river lets you drift smoothly or rapidly – depending on the actual current which is constantly varying from fast to leisurely slow. If there is snow, it is a fantastic feeling of being in the warm water of the outdoor pools. The Alpa-Therme also has a jacuzzi and a very cold water pool for those who are looking for the thrill of cold water. This thermal water is 36°C. Inside the pool they have installed effective massage and whirlpool facilities for even more wellbeing. Combine the sauna with the solarium.

The Swiss Travel System

The Swiss Travel Network - The Only Way to Travel With Your Family in Switzerland. The Swiss Family Card is just for families traveling together. And Switzerland is indeed an ideal place to take your family. The Swiss Family Card allows children under 16 to travel free when accompanied by a parent. It is valid with all Swiss Travel System products, i.e. the tram, bus, train and boat. Probably the best part of all about the Swiss Family Card is that it is free! Just request it when you purchase your Swiss Pass.

The Swiss Pass *** Very Simple and Convenient *** - This pass permits you to have unlimited travel throughout the train, bus, tram and boat comprising the Swiss Travel System network. You can travel on the scenic panoramic trains and also visit the glacial mountains. They permit you to journey through the Alps, St. Moritz, Lugano, Zermatt and more. Validity - Valid on consecutive days for 8, 15, 22 or one month. Choice of 1st or 2nd class train travel. The Swiss Flexi Pass - The Swiss Flexi Pass permits unlimited travel throughout rail, bus, boat and tram on the Swiss Travel System Network during 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 days of your choice within 1 month. This pass also covers scenic routes and local trams and buses in 37 towns and cities. It offers the same advantages as the Swiss Pass but lets you choose the days on which you travel.Validity - Any 3, 4, 5, 6,or 8 days unlimited travel in a 1 month period. Choice of 1st or 2nd class train travel.Swiss Saver Pass - Traveling with a friend? With a minimum of two adults traveling together, see the sights of Switzerland at a discount of 15% (as long as you stay together at all times). The Pass is valid on the Swiss Travel System Network.Validity - 5 consecutive-day pass durations to choose from - 4, 8, 15, 22 days of unlimited travel or 1 month unlimited travel. Choice of 1st or 2nd class train travel.Swiss Youth Pass - Are you under 26 years of age? This Pass offers the same great features as the Swiss Pass. Travel on the Swiss Travel System Network on the cheap.Validity - 5 consecutive-day pass durations to choose from 4,8,15, 22 consecutive days or 1 month unlimited travel. Choice of 1st and 2nd class travel. The discount is upto 25% on the normal fare.
Some discounts are
Travel privileges on The Swiss Panoramic Routes like The Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Golden Pass, William Tell Express. (Reservations are compulsory with applicable surcharges).
50% Discount on certain Excursions to Mountain Tops.
Swiss Museum Pass - Valid as a Swiss Museum Pass offering free admission to more than 400 museums and exhibits in Switzerland. eg. Swiss Open-Air Museum Ballenberg, the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, the spanking new Paul Klee Center in Bern. A detailed list is available at http://www.museumspass.ch/
20% discount on the BaselCard.
20% discount on guided city tours in Bern, Lausanne, Schaffhausen and Sion.
50% discount on guided city tour in Zurich.
8% reduction on Gubelin watches and jewellery.
These and many more are possible on the Swiss Pass.
Passes must be validated within 6months of date of issue.
Swiss Transfer Ticket - The Swiss Transfer Ticket is most suitable for people who stay in a single resort during their holidays and do not travel from there. A Swiss Transfer Ticket includes a round trip from the airport or the Swiss border to your resort in Switzerland. The ticket is a convenient solution for most winter sport holidays, by just combining a Swiss Transfer Ticket with a local ski pass to cover all your transportation needs. The Swiss Transfer Ticket is valid for nearly all trains, including special trains such as the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Heidi Express and Mont Blanc Express. The same applies to bus services, the Swiss Transfer Ticket is valid for about all buses. On some special routes however, a surcharge (Alpine Ticket) or a seat reservation is required. Validity - Two free transfers by rail between any Swiss airport or border town and any single destination in Switzerland. Each transfer must be completed in one day and on the most direct route. The Transfer Ticket cannot be purchased in Switzerland. Valid for 1 month. Choice of 1st or 2nd class train travel.Swiss Card - A Swiss Card includes a free round trip from the airport or the Swiss border to your resort in Switzerland. You are entitled to receive a 50% discount when travelling by train, bus and boat throughout Switzerland during your stay. You need to buy regular tickets for each trip, but you will only pay half the price when you show your Swiss Card. Furthermore, you will receive a discount of 50% on many gondolas, funiculars and mountain trains. These features make this pass very suitable for people who want to explore one or more relatively small regions during their holidays. The Swiss Card is ideal for most winter sport holidays, as it covers the transportation to and from your resort and offers discounts on further trips. The Swiss Card is valid for nearly all trains, including special trains such as the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Heidi Express and Mont Blanc Express. The same applies to bus services, the Swiss Card is valid for about all buses, but on some special routes, a surcharge (Alpine Ticket) or a seat reservation is required. Validity - 1 month. Choice of 1st or 2nd class train travel.Discounts on the Swiss Transfer Pass and Swiss Card
A round trip from the airport or the Swiss border to any resort in Switzerland.
Also valid on several lines in surrounding countries: Basel - EuroAirport (France), Martigny - Chamonix Mont Blanc (France), Brig - Domodossola (Italy) - Locarno via the Centovalli railway, Lugano - Chiavenna (Italy) - St. Moritz, Lugano - Tirano (Italy), Zernez - Malles Venosta (Italy), Buchs/Sargans - Liechtenstein - Feldkirch (Austria);
The maximum validity is one month. The validity ends after your return trip;
Each trip needs to be completed in one day and you have to use the most direct route;
Traveling by train, bus and boat;
Up to a 30% discount on day trips.
Discounts from 20% on city trips in Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Lucerne, Schaffhausen and Zürich;
Discounts from 10% at several hotel chains, including Best Western, Swiss Backpackers and Minotel;
With the STS Family Card, children from 6 up to and including 15 years old travel for free if accompanied by at least one parent.
A 50% discount applies on Swiss Transfer Tickets for other children (non-family) from 6 up to and including 15 years old;
Children up to and including 5 years old (family and non-family) travel for free if accompanied by an adult, unless you want to reserve seats for them in special trains, such as the Glacier Express. This applies to a maximum of 4 children per adult.

Gornergrat-Zermatt

At the Gornergrat, discover a natural alpine paradise, amid aromatic stone pine and larch forests. Across vastalpine meadows in summer full of flowers, and in winter covered with deeply snow-capped glaciers, lies the famous Gornergrat. Giving all a perfect view of the highest point in Switzerland, The Dufour-Spitze, this idyllic mountain village is one of the biggest resorts in Switzerland.
How to get there - The Gornergrat Bahn takes you from Zermatt up the 3089 m high Gornergrat. It (GGB) is a 6 km long meter gauge mountain rack railway, with abt rack system, out of Zermatt, Switzerland, (Canton Valais).

Experiences
The Gorner Gorge - Those still seeking adventure might like to take a trip to this gorge. Here you'll not only find roaring water masses thundering into the depths through the narrow rock formations, but also a type of adventure fixed rope climbing route with dizzying heights that need to be abseiled down. Please register at the Alpin Center!
Sunrise - An experience of a lifetime. Watch dawn break in on the Matterhorn horizon from the Gornergrat. The silhouette of the majestic Matterhorn rises steeply in the early morning sky. Depart from Täsch railway station 20 minutes earlier than from Zermatt. Tickets are available from the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn ticket office.
Accomodation3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat - The Absolute Summit Experience. Welcome to the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps! The Kulmhotel Gornergrat has stood on Gornergrat, Zermatt's most popular destination for excursionists, for almost a century. The hotel's unique location, the breathtaking panorama in the midst of 29 peaks and the pure mountain air, combined with the traditional hospitality of the Valais, have made Kulmhotel a popular venue for climbers, skiers, sun-worshippers and astronomers alike.Toboggan Run - Experience winter with a difference – having lots of fun and enjoying yourself on the Rotenboden-Riffelberg toboggan run. The ride from Rotenboden (2819 m above sea level) down to Riffelberg (2582 m above sea level) lasts about 10 minutes. Trains from Riffelberg up to Rotenboden depart approximately every 10 minutes. Perfectly maintained toboggans are available for hire at the Rotenboden station.
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