In a departure from typical “Destinations Of The Week”, Lufthansa for this week has selected Abu Dhabi – the capital of the United Arab Emirates(UAE). The fares are attractive from US Gateways. For example from New York, the roundtrip fare (all inclusive) amounts to $1054.00. The window to book this fare sale expires March 27, and you need to depart between March 27 and May 17. 14 day advance ticket purchase is also required.

To be taken to Lufthansa’s Destination Of The Week webpage, please CLICK HERE.

Here is a snapshot of the promotion’s webpage that provides additional details and fare options:

This week, Lufthansa has chosen a phenomenal city that is off the beaten path for most travelers, however is a hidden gem in Eastern Europe. Though I have never been there, I have many relatives in Slovakia that visit Riga the way most Americans visit cities such as London, Paris or Rome. Each time I speak with a cousin, aunt or uncle about their travel, they always rave about 2 cities, Vienna and Riga.

Click here to be taken to Latvia’s tourism website

Lufthansa is currently offering attractive fares that are available for booking until March 8, 2012. Departures need to take place between April 2 and May 17, 2012 and the maximum stay on the ticket is 1 month. You also need to buy your tickets at least 7 days prior to departure.

Click here to be taken to offer’s page on Lufthansa.com .

Here is a quick snapshot of the offer from Lufthansa.com:

* Terms & Conditions:
Fares are shown in U.S. dollars for Economy Class travel on Air Canada, Continental, Lufthansa or United. Saturday night stay required and maximum stay is 3 months. Fares are round-trip including all taxes and fees. Weekend surcharges up to $60 and additional baggage fees may apply. Fares are subject to change without notice and are based on the most direct routing to each destination. Additional transfers will increase the fare. Fares include applicable fees, taxes and airport charges, including the September 11th Security Fee of a maximum of $10 per round-trip. Additional baggage fees may apply. Seats are limited and may not be available on all days/flights. Tickets are non-refundable, non-endorsable, non-transferable and other restrictions may apply.

In this week’s edition of Lufthansa’s Destination Of The Week, they present Vienna, Austria (VIE). Vienna is a wonderfully classic European city.

From Lufthansa’s Destination Of The Week Website:

Visit Austria’s largest city and discover why Vienna is referred to as “The city of dreams”. Explore this magnificent city with its many facets. In Vienna, you can visit over 27 splendid castles and more than 150 historical palaces, such as the famous baroque Schoenburg and Belvedere palaces. Or get to know Vienna’s other side with its modern architecture and stylish clubs in the metropolis. Visit Vienna in all its variety for as low as $769* (roundtrip, all-inclusive).

Tax and Fee information:
*Round-trip including all taxes and fees. Weekend surcharges up to $60 and additional baggage fees may apply.

Purchase your tickets by Jan 11, 2012
Depart between: Jan 23, 2012 – March 22, 2012
Offer not valid for departures between Mar 30 – Apr 1, 2012 and Apr 6 – Apr 8, 2012
Advance purchase: 14 days
Maximum stay: 1 month

Airfares are attractive! Ranging from $769 from New York, $869 from Chicago to $919 from San Francisco.

I had spent time in Vienna last year as part of my trip to the World Hockey Championship that was hosted by Slovakia (We Slovaks didn’t too well as the host nation). What impressed me the most about Vienna was the amount of classic architecture that was evident throughout the city and the pristine conditions of their buildings.

From the airport, its a quick non-stop train ride to the city center. The terminal is literally steps outside the airport and in less than 30 minutes you are in the heart of Vienna. It makes for a very easy city to visit even if for a day or 2!

Once in the city, you’ll immediately be presented with everything Vienna has to offer. For starters (and lunch!) go discover fantastic food at the Naschmarkt. For you Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations” fans, he visited Urbanek’s for their famous Mangalista Ham. I followed in his footsteps and sampled it for myself and its worth the trip to Vienna just for Urbanek’s ham, cheeses and wines! If you are not a “foodie”, don’t worry, the sites around Vienna will make it worth your while. From towering Churches to ornate facades of buildings throughout the city, you will not be at a shortage of things to see.

If you are a shopper, head directly to Stephansplatz located in the heart of the city. You’ll find everything from Euro 50000 Swarovski Figurines, to fantastic street performers and shopping for virtually every budget.

Transportation within the city is very easy. Vienna has a very comprehensive bus and rail system (called the U-bahn) that will help you cover the city very quickly.

I wish I had more time to spend in Vienna, but knowing what I know now, it will be a very easy decision to return and sample more of what Vienna has to offer!

Here are a few of my pictures from Vienna:

Stephansplatz:

Naschmarkt (including Urbanek’s):

Other General Pictures:

This week, Lufthansa looks a bit closer to home for its “Destination Of The Week”.

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city, and is conveniently located in central Europe making it a great place to visit and using it as a fantastic hub to springboard to other parts of Europe and the World. Even with it being winter, Zurich remains a fantastic place to visit.

Lufthansa has posted very attractive fares on it’s website (I’ve listed a few examples):

New York from $784*
Los Angeles from $864*
Boston from $784*
Chicago from $824*
Dallas/Ft. Worth from $901*
San Francisco from $864*
Washington D.C. from $824*

* Terms & Conditions:

Fares are shown in U.S. dollars for Economy Class travel on Air Canada, Continental, Lufthansa or United. Saturday night stay required and maximum stay is 3 months. Fares are round-trip including all taxes and fees. Weekend surcharges up to $60 and additional baggage fees may apply. Fares are subject to change without notice and are based on the most direct routing to each destination. Additional transfers will increase the fare. Fares include applicable fees, taxes and airport charges, including the September 11th Security Fee of a maximum of $10 per round-trip. Additional baggage fees may apply. Seats are limited and may not be available on all days/flights. Tickets are non-refundable, non-endorsable, non-transferable and other restrictions may apply

Fare Validity:

Purchase your tickets by Jan 12, 2012
Depart between: Dec 12, 2011 – April 01, 2012
Advance purchase: 7 days
Maximum stay: 3 months

For more details, Visit The Lufthansa “Destination Of The Week” webpage.

This week, Lufthansa selects Chennai, India as it’s “Destination Of The Week”. A bit off of the beaten path in terms of places to visit, but a very interesting one nevertheless.

Chennai is India’s six largest city and is India’s Arts Capital. During the Winter, Chennai hosts its Winter Festival which focuses on Dance, Theatre and Film, drawing crowds from all over the world. Also during this time the Madras Music Festival is in full swing spanning 6 weeks in December and January.

In addition to its liberal arts, Chennai is a major Indian port city and is home to the world’s second longest beach. At 8 miles (13km) long, Marina Beach (which is on the Bay of Bengal) offers visitors plenty of sand that can be covered on long walks. Temperatures range from the high 60′s (20 C) to the low 80′s (28C). At this time of year rain is rare, so it makes for good beach going weather.

Lufthansa is currently offering very attractive fares to Chennai from the US that you can find HERE

Keep in mind the following fare rules:

Purchase your tickets by Jan 12, 2012
Depart between: Jan 12, 2012 – March 29, 2012
Advance purchase: 14 days
Maximum stay: 1 month