Travel tips

Dec 27, 2011, 3:06 GMT

Classic cars compete in the snow

Altenmarkt-Zauchensee (dpa) - Classic and vintage cars will be chasing each other in the snow and ice next month at Austria's historic ice trophy race in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee.

The annual event on the local frozen lake calls for excellent driving skills rather than speed and performance. The spectacle takes place January 12-15.

Last year's race had to be called off owing to unusually mild weather. Some 80 cars are expected to take part, ranging from Porsches to Volkswagen Beetles. (www.historic-ice-trophy.at)

New link to Mont-Saint-Michel island

Mont-Saint-Michel (dpa) - A new shuttle bus will ferry tourists to Mont-Saint-Michel from next April 28 as part of plans to ease traffic on the rocky, tidal island off the coast of northern France.

Visitors with cars will be required to park on the mainland and take the bus across a new bridge which is also open to pedestrians and cyclists.

A parking space costs 8.50 euros (11 dollars) a day for a car, 3.50 euros for a motorcycle and 55 euros for a bus. The 750 metre trip on the shuttle bus is free.

Qatar Airways heading for Isfahan

Frankfurt (dpa) - Qatar Airways is boosting its network in Iran, including the launch of a daily scheduled flight to the central Iranian city of Isfahan.

An extra 31 flights a week will be operated by the Doha-based airline between Qatar and Iran, representing a 150 per cent increase in overall frequency.

The Iranian capital Tehran will be served with an additional daily flight; Iran's second largest city of Mashhad is to get nine extra flights; Shiraz, the economic centre of southern Iran, will be given eight new flights and, starting January 11, services will begin to Isfahan in central Iran.

From February 1 Qatar Airways will also start flying to Balu in Azerbaijan and Tbilisi in Georgia.

Winter pyrotechnics in Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca (dpa) - The festival season in Mallorca kicks off in January with an event dedicated to the blessed Sebastian.

He was proclaimed patron saint of the capital Palma following the miraculous ending of the plague which afflicted the city in 1523-24.

Concerts featuring a range of musical styles will take place in the squares of the city's old quarter. A highlight is the Correfoc procession which features ghoulish fancy dress against the backdrop of a spectacular fireworks display.

Monte Carlo circus festival

Monte Carlo (dpa) - Elegance and acrobatics are on the programme in Monte Carlo from January 19-25 when the curtain rises at the annual International Circus Festival, the 36th edition of the extravaganza.

During the four days of the event artists will perform their acts in front of a jury before the big top opens to the paying public.

One of the highlights of this year's show is the Open Air Circus Show which kicks off at the yacht marina on January 21 at 14.30. At a gala circus performance on January 24, the top acts will be awarded coveted Golden Clown awards. (www.montecarlofestival.mc)

Call of the Wild in German mountains

Munich (dpa) - Sled dog racing enthusiasts can now head for the Fichtelgeburge mountain range in north-east Germany.

The sport more common in the arctic regions of the United States or Russia comes to the region on January 21/22.

That is when the fastest sleds pulled by Alaskan or Siberian huskies will be on hand to cover a challenging, 42-kilometre course. Completion is expected to take three-and-a quarter hours at an lively average pace of 30 km/h. (www.warmensteinach.de)

New Visit Berlin guide in five languages

Berlin (dpa) - Publishers Visit Berlin have brought out a new beginner's guide to the German capital in five languages.

The 90-page book contains comprehensive information on city attractions along with suggestions for the best sightseeing routes.

A schedule of events taking place in Berlin is also included. The guide also caters for visitors with families and includes tips on how to keep children occupied.