Next Month — July 25-27Düsseldorf, Germany: 49.23 pounds round tripFly Ryanair from London Stansted to Düsseldorf Weeze.
Exploration of this wealthy city that straddles the Rhine River should start at the Schneider Wibbel, a chiming clock with mechanical figures that five times a day re-enact the story of a dressmaker who insulted Napoleon, was sentenced to prison and craftily escaped his fate.
Tourists can see why Düsseldorf is one of Europe’s major fashion centers with a shopping trip to the grand fashion boulevard, Konigsallee, lined with elegant shops, cafes and restaurants.
At the end of the boulevard is the Hofgarten, a large inner-city park with lush greens and striking fountains and statues.
The Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen consists of two museums known as K20 and K21. K20, the older museum, houses a collection of Paul Klee paintings, exhibitions of surrealist works, vast displays of major modern 20th-century works and American masterpieces. The K21 museum holds art from 1980 forward, including displays of photography, film and video.
Other museums worth visiting include the literary Goethe Museum and Kunst Palast, with large collections of paintings, sculptures and textiles.
Go to the Burgplatz, a busy square in the Altstadt, or Old Town, to enjoy Sauerbraten — pickled roast beef — and Altbier, or "old beer," so-called because of the ages-long traditions its brewers have maintained in making the beer.
Three Months — Sept. 19-21Linz, Austria: 70.63 pounds round tripFly Ryanair from London Stansted to Linz.
It is here that Mozart composed what is known as his "Linz Symphony." The tourist office on Hauptplatz 1 offers a brochure, "A Walk Through the Old Quarter," which highlights many of the city’s main attractions, some of them with ties to the famous composer.
Across the square from the tourist office is the Rathaus (town hall). In the center of the square stands the Trinity Column, built in 1723 to mark the city’s deliverance from plague, fire and war.
From there, head west to Linzer Schloss; today this castle houses the Provincial Museum of Upper Austria. Exhibits include medieval art, works by great modern artists, and extensive handicrafts and folklore collections.
Connected to Linzer Schloss by a covered passageway is St. Martin’s Church. The interior of this ancient church boasts frescoes, fine examples of baroque art and a 12th-century Gothic choir.
At the Abbey of St. Florian, visit the crypt of composer Anton Bruckner in the church where he was a young organist. The western exterior of the abbey is crowned with a trio of towers and the inner courtyard features the Fountain of the Eagle. Visit the Imperial Apartments where Pope Pius VI and royalty once stayed. Other areas of the abbey that can be explored include the abbey church, library and the Altdorfer Gallery.
Airfare prices include taxes and are courtesy of each airline’s Web site. Prices were verified as of Monday afternoon when Stripes UK went to press. Deals are not guaranteed to be available; restrictions may apply.
