We're all about travel to Germany, Austria & Switzerland
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We're all about travel to Germany, Austria & Switzerland
Recorded Dresden history dates from 1206. Many events have occurred during that long span of time, ranging from the culturally significant to the famously tragic. The city was a humdrum market center and Slavic fishing village before the Wettin dynasty's Friedrich Augustus I came to power as elector of Saxony in 1694, when two nearby cities outdid his in size and prestige. Two centuries earlier, Leipzig already had a university and bustled with international trade-fair activity. And a tall, twin-steepled Gothic cathedral had stood on riverside Meissen's Burgberg promontory since 1290. The free-spending elector, nicknamed August the Strong (August der Starke) set out to make his capital a flamboyantly Baroque "Florence on the Elbe." Flush with money from silver mines in the southerly Erzgebirge ore mountains, he put artisans to work and imported Italian stonemasons, along with Westphalian architect Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann and Bavarian sculptor Balthasar Permoser. Most of what they achieved turned into scorched rubble after the Anglo-American air raids of February 13-14, 1945-overnight attacks during which more than half a million incendiary bombs whipped up a hellish firestorm, causing a huge death toll and destruction throughout 80 percent of the illustrious Innenstadt. Proud Dresdners have been putting their city back together ever since. |
Two Northern German Cities Each Add a Pair of Two-Star Restaurants to their Impressive List of Star-Studded EateriesNorthern Germany's top chefs in Berlin and Hamburg continue to rack up Michelin stars, firmly establishing the two cities at the top of the country's gourmet food chain. Their young, inventive and creative chefs have solidified the trend toward a modernized, German cuisine with local recipes and strong regional influences. |
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Winter Tire UpdateFrom November 1 through March 31, winter tires (tyres) are now mandatory with two rental car companies in Germany, Europcar and Avis. |
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Finding Good, Cheap HotelsWith the recent drop in the dollar, it appears it's time to roll-out the cost cutting strategies for Europe-bound travelers. |
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Dollars to EurosAfter “where should we stay in xyz?,” the question we hear most is how best to change dollars into foreign currency, mainly euros. |
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Best Air Ticket OptionWhy purchasing air tickets through a travel professional may be a better deal than buying online or directly from an airline. |
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Special 21-Issue Offer on Gemütlichkeit, The Travel Letter for Germany, Austria & SwitzerlandIf Gemütlichkeit doesn't save you more than the $49 subscription price, we'll refund your money in full. |
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Free DownloadSpecial Car Rental Report: “What You Should Know About Renting a Car in Europe in 2012” |
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Germany
Austria
Switzerland
Destinations 
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