Posted by admin under Austria, General, Golf Travel, Latest Golf News, Slovakia
The festive season is fast approaching and Christmas fairs across the whole of Central Europe are one of the many unique and memorable features on offer and a plus for the winter short breaks market. In cities and towns across Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, the run up to Christmas is marked by these extraordinary and delightful events.
Germany boasts over 2500 Christmas markets and in Cologne alone there are six fairs and festive boat trips on the Rhine. Dresden offers the tallest Christmas pyramid and the Hamburg city square comes alive making it a memorable occasion. In Budapest’s Vorosmarty Square, in Prague’s old town, in Brno and in the Heart of Bratislava, Christmas lights and delicious aromas fill the air. Poland also claims its tradition of Christmas markets in cities such as Krakow, Gdansk and Wroclaw. With low air fares and off season accommodation rates, this is the perfect time of the year to buy Christmas presents or just soak up the traditional atmosphere and charm of the towns and cities of Central Europe, many with a unique medieval and baroque history.
Winter Wonderland
A reminder that winter sports are a feature of tourism across all the countries of Central Europe and that the High Tatras in the Carpathian Mountain Range are fast becoming a wonderful alternative to the traditional resorts. The Tatras feature heavily in both Poland and Slovakia’s winter offerings, now easily accessible and great value for money. Nonetheles, Austria has some wonderful offerings this winter as a visit to their web site will uncover. www.austria.info One three night package, half board, 3 spa treatments and airport transfers starts as low as 323 GB pounds. Germany also has splendid facilities particularly in the Bavarian Alps. www.german_tourism.de www.german_tourism.co.uk
But of course what really distinguishes Central Europe from the rest of the world is the fantastic après ski activities and foremost is the often forgotten Spas, where across the whole region winter sports enthusiasts can relax, take the waters and pamper themselves in luxurious surroundings.
Central Europe for skiing, surf boarding, tobogganing, sleigh rides, skating and cross country skiing and more, is truly a winter wonderland with magical fairy land scenery and offering wonderful hospitality. All the web sites with all the news on this winter’s activities have links from www.cecta.org
The Loreta
A visitor to Prague can never miss hearing the beautiful sound of the bells chiming every hour from the carillon in the clock tower of the famous Loreta. The Prague Pilgrims Place, a church built over 300 years ago by its founder Benigna Katherine von Lobkowitz (The same Lobkowitz family that owns and manages Nelahozeves Castle) has an amazing history dating back to the 17 Century.
The Carillon boasts thirty bells each one having its own sponsor, the first one sponsored by Emperor Leopold the First. Housed here is also the Loreta treasure exhibition. To hear the bells and learn more click on www.loreta.cz. Well worth a visit.
Musical Heritage
Central Europe is the birth place of the most famous and greatest composers of all time and cecta will spread this message around the globe during 2008 but it is a timely reminder to take note of the many musical offerings for this coming winter. A small sample; In Vienna, Strauss and Wagner with Arabella and Die Walkyre and Gounod’s Romeo and Juliette. In Prague in December, Madame Butterfly, Aida, Turandot and Mozart’s Cossi Fan Tutte. Slovakia also has a wonderful programme of performances of Opera and Ballet in both the Historic and modern Theatre of the Slovak National Theatre, www.snd.sk has all the details. These are just a small indication of what is on offer throughout the year, and not only in the capital cities. Central Europe not only has a unique musical history but the splendid Opera Houses and Concert Halls, built in times past, continue to produce outstanding concerts with great artists and at prices everyone can afford.
See you at the World Travel market?
CENTRAL EUROPE is a haven of historic cities, towns and villages, from castles and chateaux to spas and vineyards interspersed with rivers, lakes and mountains. It offers a rich heritage of music and culture and the warmth and hospitality of its people ensures a special welcome for visitors
terry.coates@cecta.org gill.wilson@cecta.org info@cecta.org
October 28, 2007 
Austria, General, Golf Travel, Latest Golf News, Slovakia 
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