Travel tips

Dec 13, 2011, 3:06 GMT

Screeching tyres in Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo (dpa) - The 80th Monte Carlo Rally, which was first conceived in 1911 by Prince Albert I, starts on January 17. The six-day event is organized each year by the Automobile Club de Monaco and takes place on a 1,246-kilometre-long route that takes in the French Riviera, the principality of Monaco and south-east France. (www.acm.mc)

Three new Elvis exhibitions in Graceland

Memphis, Tennessee (dpa) - Three new exhibitions dedicated to Elvis Presley are due to open during 2012 at the Graceland mansion in Memphis, the former mansion of the king of Rock and Roll, who died in 1977.

Elvis on Tour opens its doors on January 5 with excerpts from the documentary film of the same name. The display and movie follow Presley during his 1972 concert tour. Jewellery and stage costumes are also part of the exhibition, as well as rare footage, according to Elvis Presley Enterprises in Memphis.

The second exhibition opens on February 1 and looks at the relationship between the star and his only daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, using family photos and home videos taken as she was growing up at Graceland. The largest of the three exhibitions begins on March 3 and investigates Presley's influence on other musicians. A parallel online exhibition shows photos of fans, illustrating the effect he had on their lives.

Christmas market night in Portuguese city of Funchal

Funchal, Portugal (dpa) - The city of Madeiras is the site of a large Christmas market night on December 23, where typical seasonal offerings will be on sale, along with the added attraction of surrounding bars and restaurants remaining open through the night. The event in the capital of the Portuguese region of Madeiras takes place in Mercado dos Lavadores Square. There is also a firework display planned on December 31 to mark the new year.

New routes through Australia's Queensland for wine lovers

Sydney (dpa) - Two new routes through the Australian state of Queensland offer tourists the opportunity to explore the area's wine-growing regions in the south-east of the country, according to Tourism Queensland.

The Pacific Food and Wine Trail begins in Yatala and follows a route south before ending at a vineyard just over the border in neighbouring New South Wales. The Hinterland Food and Wine Trail is designed to be explored by car and leads drivers through the Gold Coast's hinterland to vineyards and other culinary attractions.

Wine growers along both routes offer wine tasting, as well as other activities, such as hot air balloon tours and visits to fruit orchards and cheese dairies. Route maps are available at all the vineyards. Both new trails have also been signposted.