Italian Swiss Delight

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.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 5-14 C
Summer: June to August 13-23 C
Autumn: September to November 7-14 C
Winter: December to February -1-5 C

Shopping:
There is the usual Swiss set of things to be procured in Engelberg, including many varieties of excellent local cheese, springy wines, and exquisite local chocolates. Swiss souvenirs like cow bells, Swiss Army knives, and models of Mt. Titlis are also readily available.

Must Do:
There is much to do at Mt. Titlis other than indulge in the various alpine sports on offer. Must dos include hiking around the green fields of Lake Trubsee and kayaking there, enjoying a downhill ride on Devil Bikes from Jochpass to Trubsee, or taking a Trotti-Bike (scooter) ride from Gerschnialp to Engelberg. Then of course, is the world famous 'Rotair', the world's first revolving cable car. Take the Rotair, and enjoy the view at 3020 metres above sea level, slowly revolving to unfold a panorama. You can see as far as the Black Forest in Germany. Visiting the Titlis Glacier Park is a unique experience, where you can enjoy many fun packed rides on snow tubes, snow snakes, balancers, scooters and sledges. The park is open from May - October, and is very accessible via the moving walkways called the Magic Carpets. Another experience not to be missed is visiting the Glacier Grotto, a 150 metre long tunnel in the glacier where you can descend up to 20 metres below its surface. The cave is bathed in atmospheric lights that slowly change colour through the translucent ice, it is a surreal experience. The last and definitely not the least is the Ice Flyer Chairlift, a thrilling ride that allows you to truly experience the snow and ice on top of Mount Titlis, with the panoramic views over the glacier crevasses. The food available is up to international standards, and there is much to offer: Mamma Mia the Italian Pizzeria, Restaurant Chandra and its Indian delicacies, and Titlis - Stubli for its Swiss Cuisine.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +41
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF) 1 CHF is approximately 43 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT+1 hour. IST - 4:30 hours. Summer (Daylight Savings): GMT+2 hours
Voltage: 220V - 240V

Innsbruck is perched high in the Alps, and the surrounding snow-capped peaks picturesquely frame its historic buildings. A home of classical music, art and story-book scenery in Austria, Innsbruck is also a world famous resort for skiers and hikers and has even hosted the Winter Olympics twice. Innsbruck is a city with a rich cultural heritage, as can easily be seen in the numbers of beautiful buildings. There are palaces, arches, monuments and museums, all stunning in their opulent grandeur of the Habsburg Dynasty.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 4-15 C
Summer: June to August 12-24 C
Autumn: September to November 5-15 C
Winter: December to February -4-4 C

Shopping:
There are many international and local brands at Innsbruck, selling everything from toothpaste to high-fashion. But to truly get a feel of the city's unique character, one must try the speciality shops that are exclusive to Innsbruck. Some of them are: Swarovski Haus Crystal Shop - a glittering display of crystals, Grassmayr - a metalwork shop that specializes in bells, and Klammer - a jewellery shop that stocks a wide range of gemstones and designer watches. The best places to buy such typical Austrian products as bacon and schnapps are the specialist shops in Stiftgasse. Speckschwemme sells bacon and sausage of exceptional quality and in prodigious varieties, while Spezialitaten in der Stiftgasse also keep a large selection of fine schnapps, wines, oils and other delicacies.

Must Do:
There is a lot to do in Austria, other than just taking in the sights. Alpine sports are very popular here in Innsbruck, and some of the best terrain is available for them. The food is great, with Austrian Sausages, Goulash Soup (Gulasch Suppe), Austrian Emperor Rolls (Kaisersemmel), tortes, and various spreads, all giving you the chance to sample Austrian cuisine in one of the many cafes or restaurants! The nightlife is also quite vibrant, and one can be sure of a night suited to your desires at any time of the year. Also visit the Alpenzoo, and check out all manner of alpine animals! Swarovski Crystal Worlds is a must behold sight, displaying beautifully cut crystal and artworks. There is also a two-storey shopping facility. One must also visit Schmetterlonghaus, an exotic butterfly house that also has beautiful flowers. Also visit the Grassmayr Bell Museum, a bell foundry and museum, which showcases the work of the world renowned Grassmayr family, who have been the industry leader for 400 years. One of the many historical sights in Innsbruck is the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) which was built by Duke Friedrich in 1420. The Triumphforte is another such example, built in 1765. The Cenotaph of Emperor Maximilian contains 32 beautiful statuettes and 20 busts, and is very impressive. Another must visit is Tyrol Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum, a natural history museum founded in 1823. A trip to the Tyroler Volkskunst Museum (Folk-life Museum) is also a must. And finally, when on Innsbruck's main street Maria-Theresien-Strasse, observe the great rock wall edifice of the Nodrkette.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +43
Currency: (EUR) 1 EUR is approximately 65 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT+1 hour. IST +4:30 hours. Summer (Daylight Savings): GMT+2 hours
Voltage: 220V - 240V

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 Â? 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.

As all roads lead to Rome, this city does not need an introduction. Here is one anyway. The Eternal City will always overwhelm with its sheer imperial scale - packed full of temples, residences, basilicas, churches, squares, parks, museums and fountains - Rome is breathtaking. Whether it is the unbelievable opulence of the Vatican, or the simplicity of a trattoria serving humble fare, you will always feel the city's timelessness and millennia of rich history on the very ground you walk upon. The city has many layers that correspond to periods in its history: such as Ancient Rome, Medieval Rome, Christian Rome and Renaissance Rome to name a few. The capital of Italy, the Rome's modern layer is also quite evident, and it is dynamic and efficient, always blending the old with the new.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 9-19 C
Summer: June to August 18-28 C
Autumn: September to November 13-22 C
Winter: December to February 5-14 C

Shopping:
There is so much to do and see in Rome, that you would think shopping couldn't interrupt your epic journey through the city. That fortunately is not true, and the sheer variety and richness of commodities and products available quickly makes even the most ardent non-shopper reach for their wallet. With all the designer clothing, jewellery, books, souvenirs, fragrances, and antiques available, you will definitely find something that will appeal to you. Visit the areas of Centro Storico and Trastevere for souvenirs and antiques both. You can also shop at Bulgari, an extravagant world of gems, jewels, and leather goods, the prices varying from affordable to incredibly expensive. The world famous Italian leather can be found at Campanile, everything from shoes, bags, belts to jackets are among the many items available here. Also visit Cesare Lampronti for an extensive selection of 16th, 17th, and 18th century oil paintings, with framed or unframed prints available. Visit Nicola di Castro for antiques and discover a variety of chairs, tables, ceramics and chests to add character to your home.

Must Do:
When in Rome, do as the Romans do, and let the city take over. You'll quickly find that there is not much you can't do in Rome. Other than visiting the gazillions of mind-numbingly old monuments, there is the opera, the amazing food, and wine that flows as if through aqueducts. If you're there for a short visit it's a good idea to be choosy with the monuments, as the sheer number can be exhausting. Try to definitely visit the famous Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, St. Peter's Basilica, Ponte Fabricio, the Galleria Borghese, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. Historic centres like Trastevere and Testaccio are hubs of activity, and also where the nightlife and bars are. Do as the Romans do, in short, visit the opera, play some soccer, or just go dancing. On a gastronomic note, the food in Italy is offered in 4 types of shops. A trattoria is a family-run concern that serves home-cooking. A ristorante is more formal, with a wider selection of dishes. The osteria is an inn, usually with only a few local dishes and endless wine. Pizzerias can serve antipasto, pasta, meat and vegetable dishes as well as pizza.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +39
Currency: (EUR) 1 EUR is approximately 63 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT+1 hour. IST -4:30 hours. Summer (Daylight Savings): GMT+2 hours
Voltage: 220V - 240V

Florence (Firenze), the city that was the centre of the Italian Renaissance, is a place of beauty and splendour. Every street is a masterpiece of statues, cobblestones, and imposing edifices, all of which further cement the legendary Florentine love of display. There are rich galleries, even richer churches, impressive domes, corresponding to different periods of history, from early medieval, to neoclassical. It is hard to measure Florence's cultural and historical impact, and even the most conservative estimate concedes it a world-changing status. A visitor can be overwhelmed by this, and needs constantly to be reminded that the reason for such elegant opulence is that Florence was the hub of most activity during the rebirth of art, philosophy, and science in Europe, largely spurred on by the Medici family.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 9-20 C
Summer: June to August 18-31 C
Autumn: September to November 11-21 C
Winter: December to February 3-11 C

Shopping:
Florence, through its years of experience, has a very well developed sense of style and luxury, always insisting on superior craftsmanship of every aspect. There are innumerable shops, boutiques, and stalls, full to the brim with clothes, shoes, leather goods, ceramics, stationery, wine and decorative goods. Located around the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the San Lorenzo Market is one of the most important, and here you can find an excellent variety of clothing, leather products, and souvenirs. The Mercato Centrale is located in the San Lorenzo Central Market, and it is the best food market in the city. The Mercato Delle Cascine is also a great place to look for antiques, souvenirs, telephone cards, and shoes. There is the large and beautiful Parco Delle Cascine (park) located here. Mercato Delle Pulci is the famous flea market of Florence, where you can find various antiques, furniture, prints, jewellery, books, and coins.

Must Do:
It is nearly impossible for one to get bored in Florence, where delightful spectacles and spectacular delights await your every step. This medieval wonderland contains some of the best of truly stunning architecture and art in the entire world. The list of wonders is long, and what follows are just the most important. Gawk incredulously at the graceful Ponte (bridge) Vecchio, the Duomo's (cathedral) wondrous dome, the splendour of Basilica di San Lorenzo and the unbelievably rich Uffizi gallery. A Medici family institution, the Uffizi Gallery has many masterpieces, including works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo Da Vinci. The Boboli Gardens, with its sculpted paths amidst verdant greens give pleasant succour to the tired sightseer. A visit to the Piazza (Square) Della Signoria is a must, for it is there that Michelangelo's David resides. Churches like the fortified hulk of the Palazzo Vecchio, and ancient Palazzo dei Pazzi are also must visits. Florence's skyline is picturesque and uplifting, evincing the city's elegance against the sunset. On the food front, Florence is much like its Italian counterparts, and offers a wide variety of delectable fare at its trattorias, ristorantes, osterias and pizzerias. The local Tuscan and Enoteca cuisines are delightful, with fresh ingredients cooked in simple ways. The seafood and the Italian sandwiches are also must tries. Florence's nightlife also offers something for everyone, the classic taverns the best choice to experience local flavour, the Chiantis (wine).

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +39
Currency: (EUR) 1 EUR is approximately 65 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT+1 hour. IST -4:30 hours. Summer (Daylight Savings): GMT+2 hours
Voltage: 220V - 240V

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.