Vatican City 2nd part; Inside St. Peter's Basilica

Central Europe last part; 5-days solo wandering in Italy

October 28 to November 02, 2013

Vatican city 1st part; An independent state within a country

According to the one of the civilian guards, Basilica will be open at 0730H. In this regard, I planned to visit it at that time to take the opportunity of fun shots with almost absolutely no crowd around. Free admission. Photography and video is allowed inside.

St. Peter's Basilica (Italian: Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano) is a Late Renaissance church located within Vatican City. Designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peter's is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture and remains one of the largest churches in the world. It has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world" and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter%27s_Basilica

The Pietà (1498–1499) is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti, housed in St. Peter's Basilica. It is the first of a number of works of the same theme by the artist. This famous work of art depicts the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary after the Crucifixion. Thn. Michelangelo's interpretation of the Pietà is unique to the precedents.
 

Vatican city 2nd part; inside St. Peter's Basilica (La Pieta)

Vatican City 1st part; An Independent State within a Country

Central Europe last part; 5-days solo wandering in Italy

October 28 to November 02, 2013

Rome city last part; photowalk at night

My 27th country state to visit where 1st of only 2 observer state recognized by United Nations, 25th solo backpacking trip, 5th visa application for tourism on entire single page, and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

Vatican City State (IStato della Città del Vaticano), is a landlocked sovereign city-state whose territory consists of a walled enclave within the city of Rome. It has an area of approximately 44 hectares, and a population of around 840. This makes Vatican City the smallest internationally recognized independent state in the world by both area and population. Vatican independent city-state was established in 1929 by the Lateran Treaty, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Gasparr. Vatican City State is distinct from the Holy See. The two entities have distinct passports: the Holy See, not being a country, issues only diplomatic and service passports, whereas Vatican City State issues normal passports for its citizens.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_City

Vatican City, independent state within a country (at night)

Rome City last part; Photowalk at Night

Central Europe last part; 5-days solo wandering in Italy

October 28 to November 02, 2013

Rome city tour 3rd part; other tourist spots

Intentionally walked at night to see how the lights illuminated on major tourist spots. Started around 1900H from Castel Sant' Angelo going back to Roma Termini. Tripod is allowed to use and no fees collected as everything pictured outside.

Rome city last part; photowalk at night (Castel Sant' Angelo)

Rome City Tour 3rd part; other Tourist Spots

Central Europe last part; 5-days solo wandering in Italy

October 28 to November 02, 2013

Rome city tour 2nd part; the Forum and Palatino

Trevi Fountain is a fountain in the Trevi district designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Pietro Bracci. Standing 26.3 metres (86 ft) high and 49.15 metres (161.3 ft) wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world. Pantheon is a building commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus as a temple to all the gods of ancient Rome.

"Mole Adriana" now called Castel Sant' angelo, was originally built between 123 and 139AD as the monumental grave of the Roman Emperor Publio Elio Adriano and was used as a tomb by the imperial families up until the death of the Emperor Caracalle (217AD). What to see inside are ; (1) "Marcia Ronda" with the four corner bastions designated with the names of the Evangelists (2) helicoidal ramp that goes up through the core of the Roman structure (3) courtyard of the Angel and Alexander VI (4) Papal apartments with frescoes and (5) Terrace of the Angel.

Rome city tour 3rd part; other tourist spots (Trevi Fountain)

Rome City Tour 2nd part; the Forum and Palatino

Central Europe last part; 5-days solo wandering in Italy

October 28 to November 02, 2013

Rome city tour 1st part; inside the Colosseum 

Admission fee to Forum and Palatino is 12 Euro that includes Coloseum. 

Palatine Hill (Mons Palatinus) is the centermost of the Seven Hills of Rome and is one of the most ancient parts of the city. It stands 40 metres above the Forum Romanum, looking down upon it on one side, and upon the Circus Maximus on the other. 

Roman Forum (Foro Romano) is a rectangular forum (plaza) surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of the city of Rome. Citizens of the ancient city referred to this space, originally a marketplace, as the Forum Magnum, or simply the Forum.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Forum
 

Rome city tour 2nd part; the Forum and Palatino

Rome City Tour 1st part; Inside the Colosseum

Central Europe last part; 5-days solo wandering in Italy

October 28 to November 02, 2013

Pisa tour last part; 300 steps to the top of Leaning Tower 

Starting from the hostel where I checked-in first and which is only around 80 meters away from Roma Termini, I roam the city again by self-guided walk by a free map provided, starting back from Train Station. Admission fee is 12 Euro that includes also Romano and Palatino. Photography and video is allowed.

In 72AD the emperor Vespasian used the spoils of his Jewish campaign to build Rome's first permanent amphitheater to host hunting spectacles and gladiatorial combats. This cunning political move restored to Rome's citizens the area privatized by Nero for the construction of his new palace, the Domus Aurea. The building was inaugurated by Vespasian's son Titus in 80AD with a hundred days of festivities. The amphitheatre of the emperors thus takes its modern name of "Flavian amphitheatre" but it is more commonly known as the Colosseum after its proximity to a gigantic bronze statue known as the Colossus. 

Rome Colosseum or Coliseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome. Built of concrete and stone, it was the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire, and is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. It is the largest amphitheatre in the world. The Colosseum, was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. In 2007 the complex was also included among the New7Wonders of the World.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colosseum

Rome city tour 1st part; inside the Colosseum

Pisa Tour last part; 300 Steps to the Top of Leaning Tower

Central Europe last part; 5-days solo wandering in Italy

October 28 to November 02, 2013

Pisa tour 1st part; strolling the Campo de Miracoli

Admission fee to the Leaning Tower of Pisa costs 18 Euro on scheduled entrance (one-time entry only). Distance of the Piazza from Pisa Train Station is just around 1 kilometer away.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Torre pendente di Pisa) is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa, known worldwide for its unintended tilt to one side. It is situated behind the Cathedral and is the third oldest structure in Pisa's Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo) after the Cathedral and the Baptistry. The tower's tilt began during construction, caused by an inadequate foundation on ground too soft on one side to properly support the structure's weight. The tower leaned at an angle of 5.5 degrees, but the tower now leans at about 3.99 degrees. This means that the top of the tower is displaced horizontally 3.9 metres (12 ft 10 in) from where it would be if the structure were perfectly vertical.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaning_Tower_of_Pisa

Pisa tour last part; 300 steps to the top of Leaning Tower

Pisa Tour 1st part; Strolling the Campo de Miracoli

Central Europe last part; 5-days solo wandering in Italy

October 28 to November 02, 2013

Florence city tour last part; other tourist spots 

I planned this itinerary for a short-visit only just see the world famous leaning tower. Coming from Florence, Town of Pisa is just 1 hour train travel away.

The Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), formally known as Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square), is a wide walled area located in Pisa, Tuscany, recognized as an important center of European medieval art and one of the finest architectural complexes in the world. Considered a sacred area by the Catholic Church, the square is dominated by four great sacred edifices: the Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistry, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery). Partly paved and partly grassed, the Piazza dei Miracoli is also the site of the Ospedale Nuovo di Santo Spirito (New Hospital of the Holy Spirit), which houses the Sinopias Museum and the Cathedral Museum. The name Piazza dei Miracoli was created by the Italian writer and poet Gabriele d'Annunzio who, in his novel Forse che sì forse che no (1910), described the square as the "prato dei Miracoli" or the "meadow of miracles". The square is sometimes called the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles). In 1987 the whole square was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_dei_Miracoli 

The heart of the Piazza del Duomo is the Duomo, the medieval cathedral of the Archdiocese of Pisa, entitled to Santa Maria Assunta (St. Mary of the Assumption). This is a five-naved cathedral with a three-naved transept. The church is known also as the Primatial, the archbishop of Pisa being a Primate since 1092.

Pisa tour 1st part; strolling the Campo de Miracoli at night

Florence City Tour last part; other Tourist Spots

Central Europe last part; 5-days solo wandering in Italy

October 28 to November 02, 2013

Florence city tour 3rd part; Sta. Maria Cathedral, Campanile and Baptistry 

Academy Gallery (Academia de Galleria) is the hottest spot in Florence as it houses the Michelangelo's most famous works including the ORIGINAL David in all its glory. Believe the hype and deal with the lines because this one fit fella you'll never forget. Also Michelangelo's Prisoners unfinished works trapped in the stone and St. Matthew also Giambologna's Rape of Sabine Woman (a wonderful example of art rape). Entrance fee costs 11 Euro. Photography and video is NOT allowed. Souvenirs available inside. 

Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) is the big one, take a long walk through some of the most famous paintings in arguably the most prestigious of European Galleries. For painting lovers the hours fly by. Entrance fee costs 11 Euro. Photography and video is NOT allowed. Souvenirs available inside. 

Dante's House (Casa de Dante) is where you know the life and inspiration of the Great Poet in this Alghieri's family house. If not you may laced in the Inferno's Hell or worse Purgatory and heaven. Entrance fee costs 4 Euro. Photography and video is allowed. Souvenirs available inside.

Florence city tour last part; other tourist spots (a night shot from Piazza Micheangelo viewing deck)

Florence city tour 3rd part; Sta. Maria Cathedral, Campanile and Baptistry

Central Europe last part; 5-days solo wandering in Italy

October 28 to November 02, 2013

Florence city tour 2nd part; strolling the Vecchio Palace 

Santa Maria Cathedral opens daily from 1000H to 1700H, admission free but the viewing deck at the Dome costs 10 Euro inclusive of entrance to the Campanile and Baptistry for a 2-days usage.

Il Dumo - Florence Cathedral is an iconic architecture symbol of Florence, truly a sight to behold. This church is also called "The Gargantuan Gothic Structure". The official name is Cathedral of Santa Maria del Flore and work began on it at the end of the 13th Century by none other than Arnolfo di Cambio (this guy really don't sleep). The famous dome was added in the 15th Century by Brunelleschi. Part of the utter magnificence is the architectural innovation employed to thrust the dome into the Tuscan sky.

Giotto's Bell Tower was the Santa Maria del Fiore Campanile begun by Giotto in 1334 and has 414 steps to the top, opens 0900H-1730H.

Baptistery of St. John or Battistero San Giovanni is open at 0900H-1730H. Its not just a name you know, of course the main attraction is the huge Bronze doors aka The Gates of Paradise by Ghiberti. It took him 21 years to finish There are other stunning works on the outside to walk around but the inside is literally breathtaking in its opalescence.

Florence city tour 3rd part; Sta. Maria Cathedral

Florence City Tour 2nd part; Strolling the Vecchio Palace

Central Europe last part; 5-days solo wandering in Italy

October 28 to November 02, 2013

Florence city tour 1st part; Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens

Vecchio Palace (Palazzo Vecchio) is an old palace, heads-up for Vasari's grand staircase and enter the Salone dei Cinquecento  (the first flat 500). Thee you can see Michaelangelo's The Genius of Victory. From there float down to the Chapel of Eleonora da Toledo (Bronze frescoes). Although the cream of the crop is the geographical maps room with the gynormous gorgeous "Mappa Mundi". Outside on Piazza de la Signoria very famous, fabulous, fountainous, full and is the first location where you can find, among other over0sized fakes, a copy of David's famous arse and other under-sized bits.

For me, what makes this Museum special and intriguing because of Dan Brown's "Inferno novel" is the Dante Alighieri's Death Mask. Durante degli Alighieri, simply referred to as Dante , was a major Italian poet of the Middle Ages. His Divine Comedy is widely considered the greatest literary work composed in the Italian language and a masterpiece of world literature. In Italy he is known as il Sommo Poeta ("the Supreme Poet"). Dante is also called "the Father of the Italian language". Dante's death mask is preserved in the Palazzo Vecchio probably carved in 1483 by Pietro and Tullio Lombardo, most specifically in a small andito (hallway) on the first floor, between the Apartments of Eleanor and the Halls of Priors. Admission fee costs 8 Euro.

Florence city tour 2nd part; strolling the Vecchio Palace (Dante's Death Mask)

Florence city tour 1st part; Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens

Central Europe last part; 5-days solo wandering in Italy

October 28 to November 02, 2013

Milan city tour last part; other tourist spots

Starting from the hostel where I checked-in first and which is around 400 meters away from Firenze Santa Maria Novella Train station, I roam the city again by self-guided walk by a free map provided, starting back from Train Station going outwards. Getting around on the ground... Florence (Firenze) is one of the most walkable cities in the world, you will walk and you don't really have a choice. What with all the architecture and medieval wall candy - you'll hardly notice when you wear a hole through those flip flops. Thankfully, Firenze is world renowned for leather and Italy for its boots.

Most people know that Florence has some crazy pedigree - Aristocratic, Artistic, Political, Religious - you name it. But before we get to know all of this Dead Celebrities, lets take a little walk down memory lane. Florence City was originally established by none other than the Lord of the Laurel Leaves - Julius Caesar - in roughly 59BC. The original Florentia (the flourishing) was established mostly as a pit stop and trading post for Caesar's many armies heading from Rome to defend whatever tribe was attacking from the North.

Firenze, Florence, Florentia, Fuoco and Foco, Florentina la Viola! The world has been obsessed with this little Tuscan outpost ever since she was blushing bambino. Over the centuries, Florence has seen countless invasions, political turmoil, warring factions, financial boom and bust. But none of this really has anything to do with why you visit Florence. Why you are here? It's the ART! From Michaelangelo's breathtaking marble boy toys, Botticelli's shellfish delight to Ghiberti's daunting doors and Brunelleschi's Curvaceous wall hanging over... it all... That sweet and sultry Renaissance stimulates the senses and sits so nice in the soul.
 

Florence city tour 1st part; Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens

Milan City Tour last part; other Tourist Spots

Central Europe last part; 5-days solo wandering in Italy

October 28 to November 02, 2013

Milan city tour 2nd part; 250 steps up to Cathedral's terrace

I have visited this batch of tourist spots first before going to the Milan Cathedral. Walking first to Santa Maria delle Grazie from Cardorna F. N metro station then going to Piazza Castello all the way to Piazza Duomo. 

Santa Maria delle Grazie is a church and Dominican convent in Milan, northern Italy, included in the UNESCO World Heritage sites list. The church contains the mural of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, which is in the refectory of the convent. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world's oldest shopping malls. Housed within a four-story double arcade in central Milan, the Galleria is named after Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy.

Santa Maria delle Grazie

Milan City Tour 2nd part; 250 Steps Up to Cathedral's Terrace

Central Europe last part; 5-days solo wandering in Italy

October 28 to November 02, 2013

Milan city tour 1st part; the Cathedral inside

After visiting the Milan Cathedral inside with free admission, I went 250 steps upstairs for sightseeing on Terrace. Admission on this terrace costs 8 Euro. One of the very best experiences Milan has to offer is a trip to the Duomo's roof. You can take the lift, or labour up the steps to the marble terraces, amidst white pinnacles and statues. The view is fantastic, stretching over the city to the Alps, and the atmosphere is incomparable. The entrance is round the side of the Duomo; follow the signs for the roof (Salita alle terrazze). Perched high above Milan, a gilded statue of the Madonna watches over the city. Dating back to 1774, the statue is called the Madonnina, or the little Madonna, despite being 4 metres tall. The Duomo is at the centre of Milan in Piazza del Duomo, and at walking distance from many of the town's other tourist attractions.

Milan city tour 2nd part; 250 steps up to Cathedral's terrace

Milan City Tour 1st part; the Cathedral Inside

Central Europe last part; 5-days solo wandering in Italy

October 28 to November 02, 2013

Venice city tour last part; St. Marks Campanile view at night 

Starting from the hostel where I checked-in first and which is around 500 meters away from Milano Train station, I roam the city again by self-guided walk by a free map provided, starting back from Train Station going outwards. The city is not that big, and you can walk from one end to the other in a few hours. 

Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) is the cathedral church of Milan dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente (Saint Mary Nascent). It is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan, currently Cardinal Angelo Scola. The Gothic cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete. It is the fourth largest cathedral in the world and the largest in the Italian state territory. Admission to the Cathedral is free, however, the viewing deck upstairs costs 9 Euro. This Cathedral is also called Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint Mary.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milan_Cathedral

Duomo Milano (Milan Cathedral)

Venice City Tour last part; St. Marks Campanile View at Night

Central Europe last part; 5-days solo wandering in Italy

October 28 to November 02, 2013

Venice city tour 2nd part; St. Marks Basilica and its Museum 

St Mark's Campanile (Campanile di San Marco) is the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica in  located in the Piazza San Marco. It is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. The tower is 98.6 metres (323 ft) tall, and stands alone in a corner of St Mark's Square, near the front of the basilica. It has a simple form, the bulk of which is a fluted brick square shaft, 12 metres (39 ft) wide on each side and 50 metres (160 ft) tall, above which is a loggia surrounding the belfry, housing five bells. The belfry is topped by a cube, alternate faces of which show the Lion of St. Mark and the female representation of Venice (la Giustizia: Justice). The tower is capped by a pyramidal spire, at the top of which sits a golden weathervane in the form of the archangel Gabriel. The campanile reached its present form in 1514. The current tower was reconstructed in its present form in 1912 after the collapse of 1902. Admission fee costs 8 Euro.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mark%27s_Campanile

Venice city tour last part; St. Marks Campanile view at night

Venice City Tour 2nd part; St. Marks Basilica and Museum

Central Europe last part; 5-days solo wandering in Italy

October 28 to November 02, 2013

Venice city tour 1st part; the streets, the canals and the gondolas 

Originally San Marco district was called Rivoalto which the name Rialto derives fro mthe heart of the district is Piazza San Marco, which is form many people one of the most beautiful places in the world. For almost a millennium it has been the location of Venice Republic's government. In the square you can visit St. Mark's Basilica and the Bell Tower (St. Mark is the patron of Venice), the Doge's Palaceand Correr Museum.

Saint Mark's Basilica is on the Piazza San Marco and is one of the highlights of a visit to Venice. You are not allowed to carry large bags or rucksacks inside. You must deposit them just round the corner from the main entrance. Filming and photography is forbidden so be prepared in advance. The symbol of St. Mark’s Basilica is a masterpiece of the Greek Hellenistic sculpture: the famous gilded bronze horses. A visit to St Mark’s Basilica is a must! It is renowned worldwide for its priceless treasures and fascinating secret places. Some of them, such as the Baptistery and the Zen Chapel, are usually closed to the public. Admission to the basilica is free, however, the museum upstairs costs €5 and to view the high altar and treasury costs €2.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Venice

Venice city tour 2nd part; St. Marks Basilica and its Museum

Venice City Tour 1st part; the Streets, Canals and Gondolas

Central Europe last part; 5-days solo wandering in Italy

October 28 to November 02, 2013

Train ride from Salzburg, Austria to Venice, Italy

Starting from the hostel where I checked-in first which is only 100 meters away from Venice Train station, I roam the city again by self-guided walk by a free map provided, starting back from Train Station going outwards. The city is not that big, and you can walk from one end to the other in a few hours (if you stick to the paths conveniently marked with arrows in the direction of major landmarks). But it would take months for a fit person to discover every path in the city. Along the way you will discover marvelous art, superb architecture and breathtaking urban landscaping. Exploring the city randomly by walking is well worth it but also be prepared to get lost easily!

Venice (Venezia) is one of the most interesting and lovely places in the world. This sanctuary on a lagoon is virtually the same as it was six hundred years ago, which adds to the fascinating character. Venice has decayed since its heyday and is heavily touristed (there are slightly more tourists than residents), but the romantic charm remains. Take a Gondola if you can afford it: it's expensive, but the Gondoliere may decrease the price if you ask (but they can also decrease the time...). Make sure you reach an agreement on price and time before you start! The gondola is a traditional, flat-bottomed Venetian rowing boat, well suited to the conditions of the Venetian lagoon. For centuries gondolas were the chief means of transportation and most common watercraft within Venice. In modern times the iconic boats still have a role in public transport in the city, serving as traghetti (ferries) over the Grand Canal.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Venice

Venice city tour 1st part; the streets, canals and gondolas

Central Europe last part; 5 Days Solo Wandering in Italy

23-days Autumn Experience on my 1st Schengen Visa Escapade
October 28 to November 02, 2013 

"The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis." - Dante Alighieri

My 26th country to visit, 25th solo backpacking trip, 5th visa application for tourism on entire single page, and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

Italy is acknowledged as the birthplace of Western culture. Not surprisingly, it is also home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. High art and monuments are to be found everywhere around the country. It is also famous worldwide for its delicious cuisine, its trendy fashions, luxury sports cars and motorcycles, diverse regional cultures and dialects, as well as for its many beautiful coasts, alpine lakes and mountains (the Alps and Apennines). No wonder it is often nicknamed Il Bel Paese (The Beautiful Country). Two independent mini-states are surrounded entirely by Italy: San Marino and Vatican City. While technically not part of the European Union, both of these states are also part of the Schengen Region and the European Monetary Union, (EMU).
http://wikitravel.org/en/Italy

miniature famous landmarks of Italy

Salzburg City Tour at Night

Central Europe 8th part; 2-days sightseeing solo in Austria

October 26 to October 27, 2013

Dachstein Ice & Mammoth Cave 

 Arriving around 2000H at night on Salzburg station coming from Dachstein bus trips, I hesitated initially if to continue the night shots because city center is around 2 kilometers away and I'm lost and tired to pursue it. Thinking the motto of "Don't waste the opportunity of being here", after dinner from the train station, I walked myself away and just navigate the streets. My train estimated time of departure going to Venice is 0140H, I timed myself to stop strolling and go back at 0000H.

Salzburg is a city in central Austria, near the German (Bavarian) border. If you have seen the movie The Sound of Music, you may think you know all there is to see in Salzburg. Admittedly, it is difficult not to burst into songs when you're walking along the Salzach River, or climbing up to the Hohensalzburg fortress which looms over the city. But there is a lot more to this compact, courtly city than Julie Andrews and as Mozart's birthplace.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Salzburg

Salzburg City tour at night (Domplatz)

Dachstein Ice and Mammoth Cave

Central Europe 8th part; 2-days sightseeing solo in Austria

October 26 to October 27, 2013

Vienna City tour

How to go to Dachstein Caves;
There's a direct train ride from Vienna and Salzburg and 2 bus transfer from Salzburg. What I did was I used train transpo when going there and going back is bus. Travel time from train is around 1.5 hr while in a bus is around more than 2 hours but bus fare is relatively cheaper than train fare. Dachstein combo ticket for Ice and Mammoth Caves costs 34 Euro including roundtrip cable car ride and scheduled guide tours. Free wifi at the entrance above and souvenir items are available. Please take note of the information provided at the Schonbergalm - here you need to register and obtain tour number. Tours meet right outside the cave. tours run continuously from 0920H until 1600H, plan to travel up the mountain by 1530H at the latest.

Please take note that advance registration is required for all trekking tours as well as warm clothing and robust shoes. Overalls, helmet and head torch provided.

Dachstein offers everything your heart desires ad promises days packed with nature experiences and lasting memories. Discover the fairytale world of Ice Caves and follow the of the cave researchers through Mammoth Cave and Koppenbruller cave. Whatever you decide, Dachstein is sure to captivate you with its magical charm.

Dachstein Ice Cave

Vienna City Tour

Central Europe 8th part; 2-days sightseeing solo in Austria

October 26 to October 27, 2013

Train ride from Prague, Czech Republic to Vienna, Austria

After checking first my backpack to hostel far from city center, I roam the city again by self-guided through a free map provided starting from Schonbrunn palace then going to city center. 

Schonbrunn palace is a former imperial 1,441-room Rococo summer residence in modern Vienna, Austria. One of the most important cultural monuments in the country, since the 1960s it has been one of the major tourist attractions in Vienna. Entrance fee costs 11.50 Euro, photography and video is not allowed inside. As for me, this is not worth it for its price. Votive Church (Votivkirche) is a neo-Gothic church and was dedicated in 1879 on the silver anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Empress Elisabeth. St. Stephen's Cathedral is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna and the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna. Vienna Donauturm, opened in April 1964, is the tallest structure in Austria, at 252 metres, and among the 75 tallest towers in the world.

Schonbrunn palace