Reader Reviews

Innsbruck, the "Treasure of the Alps", home of the winter Olympics, has long been a favourite for generations of visitors. I must admit a particularly strong attachment, as I was born in the Tirol, and grew up in Innsbruck. Although I am a passionate Canadian now, I still use pictures of Innsbruck as my screen savers, and visit there almost yearly.

Numerous Airlines in all major cities fly to a number of good links: Zurich; Vienna; Munich; Frankfurt; and Amsterdam. Some have direct flights to Innsbruck, or provide connections. I usually fly to Munich, where I rent a car (about $100.00 per week) for an easy 2 hour drive on the Autobahn to Innsbruck.

Depending on your taste, you may choose
a "Jugendherberge" (around AS100.00 = $10.00 per day);
or a bed and breakfast in many small "Pensionen" ($30 - 50 double occ.);
"Gasthouse" ($30 to 70);
a "Hotel Garni" (bed and breakfast $35 to 75);
or a hotel ($40 to 160).

The Austrian Kitchen is world renowned, and service is generally excellent. Don't miss their superb pastries and some local specialties ! Almost everyone speaks English.

Just being there and admiring the ancient architecture and the incredibly beautiful view of the Alps is an experience, never forgotten. Sightseeing is limitless, but you simply must look up to "Frau Hit", and let someone explain the saga about her; see the marvelous 500 year old "Goldene Dachl"; and the "Schwarzmanderkirche", housing the cenotaph dedicated to Emperor Maximilian. Don't miss a chance to take the cable car up to the "Seegrube" and the "Hafelekar", where you will be on top of the world. The list of activities is endless, summer and winter, from visiting museums to flying a paraglider from any of the 200 or so sites in the Eastern Alps. If your taste leans more towards the arts, there is hardly a day in which you will not be able to listen to some concert; attend some theatre; enjoy an opera; or visit numerous exhibitions.

I suspect that you will hardly find time for a visit to a swimming pool or fitness club, but numerous walkways on the "Mittelgebirge" and around town, will keep you more than fit, even if you don't take advantage of Mountain Biking; Golf; Climbing; Rafting; Summer or Winter Skiing; Gliding; Tennis or Diving.

VACATION & CRUISE SPECIALS
Check out these great deals from TravelPage.com
Royal Caribbean - Bahamas Getaway from $199 per person
Description:	Experience the beautiful ports of Nassau and Royal Caribbean's private island - CocoCay on a 3-night Weekend Getaway to the Bahamas. Absorb everything island life has to offer as you snorkel with the stingrays, parasail above the serene blue waters and walk the endless white sand beaches. From Miami.
Carnival - 4-Day Bahamas from $289 per person
Description:	Enjoy a wonderful 3 Day cruise to the fun-loving playground of Nassau, Bahamas. Discover Nassau, the capital city as well as the cultural, commercial and financial heart of the Bahamas. Meet the Atlantic Southern Stingrays, the guardians of Blackbeard's treasure.
NCL - Bermuda - 7 Day from $619 per person
Description:	What a charming little chain of islands. Walk on pink sand beaches. Swim and snorkel in turquoise seas. Take in the historical sights. They're stoically British and very quaint. Or explore the coral reefs. You can get to them by boat or propelled by fins. You pick. Freestyle Cruising doesn't tell you where to go or what to do. Sure, you can plan ahead, or decide once onboard. After all, it's your vacation. There are no deadlines or must do's.
Holland America - Canada/New England from From $799 per person
Description:	Visit top-rated ports like French-flavored Qu�bec City and Celtic Halifax, take in Saguenay's majestic fjords, stroll along the stately Victorian homes of Charlottetown or partake in a tasty lobster bake in Bar Harbor. Holland America Line offers a new experience every day on a Canada & New England cruise.
Royal Caribbean - 7-Night Greek Isles from $939 per person
Description:	For centuries people have traveled to Europe to see magnificent ruins, art treasures and natural wonders. And the best way to do so is by cruise ship. Think of it - you pack and unpack only once. No wasted time searching for hotels and negotiating train stations. Instead, you arrive at romantic ports of call relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the world.
Celebrity - 11 Day Europe from $1299 per person
Description:	Experience what cruising is really about in Celebrity's Europe. In Paris, enjoy the countless treasures of the Louvre Museum, then return to the luxury of your Celebrity suite - a masterpiece in itself. From your private veranda, begin your day with pastries and fresh fruit as the incredible city of Barcelona stretches out before you. From Northern Europe to the Mediterranean, explore lands rich in romance languages, classic architecture, food, art and music.
Royal Caribbean - 7-Night Western Caribbean from $899 per person
Description:	Relax surrounded by the white-sand beaches and beautiful turquoise waters of the most beautiful islands on earth. Beneath their tropical paradise settings, these islands are home to rich culture and complex histories. Explore archaic ruins, beaches, rain forests and many waterfalls. Spend a fun-filled afternoon at our floating Aqua Park in Labadee, a private destination available only to Royal Caribbean guests.