Situated in Central Europe sharing its border with Belgium, France and Germany, is the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The city is casually known as 'The Gibraltar of the North', named after the Fortress Lucilinburhuc, a small mediaeval stronghold which overlooks the city. Luxembourg is city break experience with historic buildings, galleries and museums, as well as having a thriving economic and cultural climate.

Services with Luxair and BA rarely offer cheap flights to Luxembourg. The best way to find a cheap airline ticket is to stay a Saturday night and take advantage of the excursion airfare rates.

Shopping:

Not noted for price, but quality of goods. All international fashion names are here, but unless you have a big wallet, stick to chocolate as a gift for the kids.

Recommended - Pedestrian Zone Centre.

Best Buys -Luxembourg white wine, chocolate and porcelain.

Opening Times - 9.00 to 13.00, 14.00 to 18.00 hrs Tues - Sat. Closed Monday mornings and all day Sunday.

Sightseeing Attractions:

Book Casemates (castle with archeological crypt) - open from March 1 to October 31, daily from 10.am to 5.pm. Admission fees adults LUF70/E2, children LUF40/E1.

Petrusse Casemates - castle open Whit Sunday and Easter daily from 11.00 to 17.00 Admission fees LUF70/E2.

Museum of the History of Luxembourg - equipped with modern tour guidance system, the exhibits follow urban and architectural development of Luxembourg in an imaginative way. Open from Tuesdays to Sundays. Admission fees adults LUF100, children LUF60/E2

Sight seeing - try the various walks and guided tours to explore the city's great heritage.

Recommended Entertainment:

Theatre - a choice of classic and modern productions in four languages, English, French, German and Luxembourg.

Opera - plenty of choice. From June to September there are various open air events sung in either German, French, Italian, or English .

Outdoors - during the summer months the city stages colourful street parties and festivals. From June to September there are open air concerts of rock, blues and jazz music sung in either German, French or English .

Bars and Discos - plenty of night life from quiet bars to lively clubs and discos in the heart of the city, but entry is pricey and drinks expensive.

Other events - the European Hot Air Balloon Championship held annually each year.

Eating Out - Many good small restaurants around the old town - mainly French style cuisine. Local specialities are smoked ham and smoked sausages with potatoes. Try the traditional bistros in the lower part of the city, or the lively cafe-terraces at the Place d'Armes. Patisseries are popular, try Traiteur Oberweis Cloche D'or, 1 Rue

Guillaume Koll - an internationally famed tea-room providing some of Luxembourg's finest pastries.

Local Transport:

* Bus - one ticket valid for one hour cost LUF40/E1.
* Taxis - LUF64/E2 per km.