If you want to make this a year of cultural enlightenment, then why not visit the European capitals of culture 2009: Linz in Austria and Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. If you want to make this a year of cultural enlightenment, then why not visit the European capitals of culture 2009: Linz in Austria and Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania.
Linz, Austria
The first thing you must do on arrival in Linz is find a café and order Linzer Torte, one of the world’s oldest cakes. This bustling city straddles the River Danube in the north-east of Austria and is a city with an urban edge and a thriving youth culture. Linz is famous as a centre for the arts and is where Mozart composed his Symphony 36 (the Linz Symphony ). Make sure to visit the amazing attractions that are dotted around the city such as the Old Cathedral in Hauptplatz, the Walding Zoo, the Linz Botanical Gardens and the Lentos Museum of Modern Art which has a striking glass façade that is illuminated at night.
Spitz Hotel (**** )
€132 per room per night
The contemporary Spitz Hotel Betrieba is situated in the centre of Linz, just a short walk from many of the tourist attractions such as The Lentos modern art museum and the Old Cathedral. Each room in the Spitz Hotel has its own aura and the design of each floor has been inspired by an art or cultural centre in Linz.
Austria Classic Wolfinger (*** )
€140 per room per night
This 500 year old hotel is a listed building renovated to the highest standard. Stunning views of Linz town square (Hauptplatz ) can be enjoyed from the hotel and events to celebrate the European cultural city title will be held there throughout the year so you really will be in the heart of the action.
Steigenberger Hotel Linz (**** )
€86 per room per night
The Steigenberger Hotel Linz is a colourful modern complex located on the banks of the River Danube, and a short walk from historic Linz's old town. You can relax in the Mediterranean style garden terrace with amazing views of the river. This is the perfect hotel to relax after a full day of activity.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Lithuania’s capital seduces visitors with the astonishing charm of the Old Town but there is more to this attractive capital than meets the eye. It was only with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990 that Lithuania regained its independence, explaining why Vilnius is in a hurry to create a new, ultra modern identity that’s all its own. The city has retained a historic centre with diverse architectural styles that has been acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mabre Residence Hotel (**** )
€62 per room per night
This 18th century former monastery, built around a courtyard, is an elegant property and is situated in the heart of Vilnius Old Town, only a few minutes’ walk to the city centre.
Shakespeare Boutique Hotel(**** )
€119 per room per night
The Shakespeare Boutique Hotel is a restored 17th century palace in the Old Town, just a short distance from the Cathedral square. The décor has been inspired by the various creative works of Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde and James Joyce. This really is the perfect place to get in touch with your cultural side.
Artis Centrum Hotels (**** )
€86 per room per night
This 19th century building is situated in the centre of the Old Town. You can take a stroll down the streets of Vilnius Old Town and visit the Cathedral, Gedimina's Tower and different museums.
Prices are subject to change. For more information please visit www.hotels.com
