Travel tips

Dec 6, 2011, 3:06 GMT

Historic ships at anchor in Groningen

Groningen, the Netherlands (dpa) - Fans of historic ships will find plenty of vessels to admire in the Dutch city of Groningen from December 16 to 18. The ships form the backdrop to the WinterVelVaart festival, an annual celebration of music, art and literature. Skippers will be on hand to chat to visitors about their vessels and rugged daily work in the North Sea. A quayside Christmas market rounds off the list of attractions. During the festival, entry to Groningen's seafaring museum is free of charge. (www.winterwelvaart.nl)

New attractions at Seaworld Orlando

Orlando (dpa) - US theme park SeaWorld Orlando in Florida has announced a new attraction for next year. Opening in Spring 2012 is Turtle Trek, a 360-degree multimedia experience. It features new live aquariums with sea turtles, manatees and both freshwater and saltwater fish. A 3D film will take visitors on a journey through the ocean, seen from a sea turtle's perspective. (www.seaworldparks.com)

Winter wonderland in Eindhoven

Eindhoven (dpa) - The city of Eindhoven in the Netherlands transforms itself into a winter wonderland for the month of December. The market place is the venue for a skating rink open to all and from December 19 a Christmas market will be taking place among the historic buildings at the city's open-air museum. A torchlight procession through city streets is slated for Christmas Eve, followed between Christmas and New Year by a Christmas Circus. (www.eindhovenwinterstad.nl)

Snow shoe scramble in the Dolomites