Cruising to Europe has many advantages, one of them being that many of Europe’s famous cities were built on or near the water, and can be enjoyed during day trips when the ship docks. It is much easier to see the sights in this manner rather than having to navigate foreign streets and waste precious time looking for a place to park the car.
Many cruise lines offer guides tours of Europe’s cities while the ship is docked, or passengers are free to explore on their own if they so desire. Before setting out on your cruise to Europe, it is often helpful to get a copy of the itinerary and decide in advance what places you would most like to visit when not on board the cruise ship. Since the cruise ship will normally only dock for about 10 hours in each city that it stops in, you will have a limited amount of time for discovering Europe’s cities. When cruising to Europe, you may have the chance to explore wonderful places such as Copenhagen, Bergen, Helsinki, Oslo and Stockholm.
Bergen is a great place to visit, and will afford the traveler a chance to sample regional cuisine, take in the historical sights as well as enjoy the natural assets that Bergen has to offer. Bergen’s locals are quite friendly, and are very accommodating to tourists.
Helsinki is enjoyed by those travelers who have a love for art and museums, and allows the opportunity to see some very beautiful architecture that is evident in many of the cities historical buildings and cathedrals. Helsinki is surrounded by the Baltic Sea, which makes for a great beach side trip during the warmer months.
Oslo is a diverse city that offers a variety of things to do and see, and since the heart of the city is a mere ten minute walk from the pier, renting a car is not necessary; all of Oslo’s sights can be traveled to on foot. There are guided nature hikes, boat tours, the famous Ski Tower, art museums and the renowned Medieval Quarter. The Medieval Quarter is where the “old” Oslo can be found, and is home to ancient castles and fortresses. When hunger calls, there is a variety of choices, as restaurants abound here, from simple cafes to elegant dining halls.
The only down side to cruising to Europe rather than by other means of travel, is that you are less likely to be able to interact with the locals. Since you will be traveling on board a ship, the other passengers will be the ones you are more likely to have the chance to socialize with. Other than this, Europe is a great place to travel to, and a cruise will allow you to travel in comfort, as well as offering many amenities that aren’t available on trains and planes!
If you decide to cruise to Europe, realize that it will be impossible to see everything there is to see. Make a note of those places that you truly enjoyed and wish to see more of, and then plan a return trip that will afford you more time in that particular area.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Best Landmarks In Europe
Europe is full of old-world style, culture, and history. If you’re planning a trip to Europe and want to visit some of the best landmarks in Europe, investigate these top picks for your next trip to Europe.
Big Ben, London
When people think of Big Ben, they think of the clock tower near the House of Parliament. Big Ben is, in fact, the name for the bell inside the tower. Regardless, it is probably one of the most famous landmarks in London.
The bell chimes every 15 minutes so all Londoners can hear. If you’re a native of the UK, you can climb the clock tower to see Big Ben, however oversees visitors are not permitted to tour the tower.
Eiffel Tower, Paris
Built in 1889, the Eiffel Tower is the icon of Paris. It was erected as tribute to the end of the French Revolution, but today it is one of the most well-known and most recognizable buildings in the world.
The magic of the Eiffel Tower can truly be felt when you venture to the top to get a spectacular view of Paris. Going to the top of the Tower right before sunset provides the best views. After it gets dark, you can see the lights on the Tower twinkle in the twilight. Lights go off at 2 am, so be sure to catch a glimpse before then.
Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
The Leaning tower of Pisa began its construction back in 1174 as a clock tower for the neighboring cathedral. During its construction, the ground began to sink causing the tower to lean to one side. To this day, the famous landmark continues to sink into the ground at a very slow rate. The top of the tower can be reached by the 200+ stairs found in the center of the building.
Buckingham Palace, London
Buckingham Palace is probably London’s most famous building, and still a working Palace and home to the Queen. If you go in the summer months when the Queen is in Scotland you can get a tour of the staterooms.
You can witness the famous “Changing of the Guards” at Buckingham Palace. It takes place every day at 11:30am.
Notre Dame, Paris
Notre Dame is a Paris Cathedral and one of the finest examples of French gothic architecture. It’s free to enter but if you want to go up into the towers, you will need to pay.
There are lots to do around Notre Dame like watch the street performers or sit in a local caf้ for a bite to eat.
Europe has plenty of choices for culturally interesting monuments and landmarks for travelers to choose from. Whether it’s the geography with the famous winding rivers, the majestic cathedrals, history with the greatest Kings and Queens, or centuries-old clock towers that still keep time today, Europe has a rich history embedded in its famous landmarks. Any tourist is sure to find something that peaks their interest in Europe.
Big Ben, London
When people think of Big Ben, they think of the clock tower near the House of Parliament. Big Ben is, in fact, the name for the bell inside the tower. Regardless, it is probably one of the most famous landmarks in London.
The bell chimes every 15 minutes so all Londoners can hear. If you’re a native of the UK, you can climb the clock tower to see Big Ben, however oversees visitors are not permitted to tour the tower.
Eiffel Tower, Paris
Built in 1889, the Eiffel Tower is the icon of Paris. It was erected as tribute to the end of the French Revolution, but today it is one of the most well-known and most recognizable buildings in the world.
The magic of the Eiffel Tower can truly be felt when you venture to the top to get a spectacular view of Paris. Going to the top of the Tower right before sunset provides the best views. After it gets dark, you can see the lights on the Tower twinkle in the twilight. Lights go off at 2 am, so be sure to catch a glimpse before then.
Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
The Leaning tower of Pisa began its construction back in 1174 as a clock tower for the neighboring cathedral. During its construction, the ground began to sink causing the tower to lean to one side. To this day, the famous landmark continues to sink into the ground at a very slow rate. The top of the tower can be reached by the 200+ stairs found in the center of the building.
Buckingham Palace, London
Buckingham Palace is probably London’s most famous building, and still a working Palace and home to the Queen. If you go in the summer months when the Queen is in Scotland you can get a tour of the staterooms.
You can witness the famous “Changing of the Guards” at Buckingham Palace. It takes place every day at 11:30am.
Notre Dame, Paris
Notre Dame is a Paris Cathedral and one of the finest examples of French gothic architecture. It’s free to enter but if you want to go up into the towers, you will need to pay.
There are lots to do around Notre Dame like watch the street performers or sit in a local caf้ for a bite to eat.
Europe has plenty of choices for culturally interesting monuments and landmarks for travelers to choose from. Whether it’s the geography with the famous winding rivers, the majestic cathedrals, history with the greatest Kings and Queens, or centuries-old clock towers that still keep time today, Europe has a rich history embedded in its famous landmarks. Any tourist is sure to find something that peaks their interest in Europe.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Travel To Italy And Experience Europe
If you want to experience Europe, you need to travel to Italy. No other country on earth offers the depth, breadth, and scope of Italy. For lovers of art, history, architecture, or music Italy is unsurpassable. From the Ancient Roman Empire to the Medieval Tuscan fortress towns and the Venetian Republic, Italy's incredible historical diversity has come together to produce a country so incredible, so remarkable, so beautiful as to leave the visitor with an unquenchable desire to return again and again. The legacy of the Renaissance and its masterpieces of art, music, and architecture have left such a tangible mark on the Italian soul one can barely help being swept along in the tide of culture. If you're a lover of nature, there are majestic mountains, crystal seas, rolling hills, fertile plains, sweeping cliffs, and magical lagoons, you need to travel to Italy.
Travel to Italy – The Cities to See
Milan is rivaled only by Paris as the fashion capital of the world and is shopping at its best. Rome has been the heart of Italy from the time of the Romans through today; to walk its streets is to walk in the footsteps of Emperors and Popes. Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and its presence reverberates through the old cobbled streets and beautiful churches. Venice - the most unique and romantic city in the world, stands timeless and beautiful in the midst of the Adriatic, a magnificent creation highlighting man at his most artistic. Finally the majestic and striking natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast, a place to relax, soak in the tremendous natural beauty, dine on the world's favorite cuisine at its finest, and experience that special joy of being that is uniquely Italian. No matter what you're seeking, it awaits you when you travel Italy and visit its cities.
The Weather
When you travel to Italy, it's important to know that despite its geographical position at the center of the temperate zone, Italy has rather variable climatic characteristics. This is due to the presence of the Mediterranean, whose warm waters mitigate thermal extremes, and the Alpine arc, which forms a barrier against the cold north winds. Furthermore, when you travel Italy, remember that Italy is subject to both wet and moderate atmospheric currents from the Atlantic Ocean and dry and cold ones from Eastern Europe.
The Apennine chain too, confronting the wet winds from the Tyrrhenian, causes considerable climatic differences between the opposite sides of the peninsula. The differences in temperature between the winter and summer months are more marked in the northern regions than in the south and along the coasts. The mean temperatures for the month of January in the Po Plain fluctuate around zero, while in the Alpine valleys the thermometer can drop to -20บ and snow can remain on the ground for many weeks.
In the southern regions, instead, the mean temperatures for January remain around 10บ, with the exception of the inland mountainous zones. Mean summer temperatures throughout all Italy rise to 24บ-25บ for July, only being lower in the highest zones. Rainfall distribution also varies considerably, due to the influence of both mountains and prevailing winds. The highest quantities are registered in the Alpine arc (over 3,000 mm pa in the Lepontine and Julian Alps) and on the Apennines (over 3,000 mm pa in the Apuan Alps). The plains, however, including that of the Po, receive scarce precipitation. Generally it is less than 800-900 mm pa but in the southern regions (Tavoliere and southern Sicily) it falls below 600 mm pa. The great internal Alpine valleys and the coastal plains of the Tyrrhenian (Maremma) and Sardinia also receive little rain. Altogether, six large climatic regions can be distinguished, mainly characterized by mountain influence.
So as you can see, when you travel to Italy, there is much to experience. The culture, history, and beauty of Italy make Italy a top European travel destination.
Travel to Italy – The Cities to See
Milan is rivaled only by Paris as the fashion capital of the world and is shopping at its best. Rome has been the heart of Italy from the time of the Romans through today; to walk its streets is to walk in the footsteps of Emperors and Popes. Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and its presence reverberates through the old cobbled streets and beautiful churches. Venice - the most unique and romantic city in the world, stands timeless and beautiful in the midst of the Adriatic, a magnificent creation highlighting man at his most artistic. Finally the majestic and striking natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast, a place to relax, soak in the tremendous natural beauty, dine on the world's favorite cuisine at its finest, and experience that special joy of being that is uniquely Italian. No matter what you're seeking, it awaits you when you travel Italy and visit its cities.
The Weather
When you travel to Italy, it's important to know that despite its geographical position at the center of the temperate zone, Italy has rather variable climatic characteristics. This is due to the presence of the Mediterranean, whose warm waters mitigate thermal extremes, and the Alpine arc, which forms a barrier against the cold north winds. Furthermore, when you travel Italy, remember that Italy is subject to both wet and moderate atmospheric currents from the Atlantic Ocean and dry and cold ones from Eastern Europe.
The Apennine chain too, confronting the wet winds from the Tyrrhenian, causes considerable climatic differences between the opposite sides of the peninsula. The differences in temperature between the winter and summer months are more marked in the northern regions than in the south and along the coasts. The mean temperatures for the month of January in the Po Plain fluctuate around zero, while in the Alpine valleys the thermometer can drop to -20บ and snow can remain on the ground for many weeks.
In the southern regions, instead, the mean temperatures for January remain around 10บ, with the exception of the inland mountainous zones. Mean summer temperatures throughout all Italy rise to 24บ-25บ for July, only being lower in the highest zones. Rainfall distribution also varies considerably, due to the influence of both mountains and prevailing winds. The highest quantities are registered in the Alpine arc (over 3,000 mm pa in the Lepontine and Julian Alps) and on the Apennines (over 3,000 mm pa in the Apuan Alps). The plains, however, including that of the Po, receive scarce precipitation. Generally it is less than 800-900 mm pa but in the southern regions (Tavoliere and southern Sicily) it falls below 600 mm pa. The great internal Alpine valleys and the coastal plains of the Tyrrhenian (Maremma) and Sardinia also receive little rain. Altogether, six large climatic regions can be distinguished, mainly characterized by mountain influence.
So as you can see, when you travel to Italy, there is much to experience. The culture, history, and beauty of Italy make Italy a top European travel destination.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Amazing Vacations With Car Hire In Europe
Car hire in Europe can be a unique and unforgettable way for Americans to become acquainted with the grandeur and history of Europe. If you are not familiar with the term "car hire," it simply means car rental or renting a car. Seeing ancient architecture, picturesque villas, vibrant vineyards, and majestic mountains from the cockpit of a convertible is an exhilarating experience. Here are some tips and advice for maximizing the fun of your car hire in Europe.
When planning your European vacation, consider a car hire in your destination country rather than transportation by train or bus. Make your reservations far in advance, print all travel and rental confirmations, and take them with you. Much of the "paperwork" can now be done online.
Bring your normal driver's license with you, and all your insurance information. Just like the car rental companies in your own country, the ones in Europe need proof that you are an eligible and responsible driver. Find out what other documentation, if any, you will need for a car hire in your European destination country.
Determine in advance what make and model of car you will be getting, and whether you can drive it! If you can't drive a stick shift or manual transmission car, this may limit your vehicle choices. Ask about the price, availability, and types of fuel. You may end up with a Dodge that runs on diesel rather than a Renault that runs on regular.
Always take the supplemental insurance offered by the car hire company. A car accident is stressful enough at home, with the police, the insurance company, and the other driver. Imagine what a nightmare an accident would be when you are 3,000 miles from home and don't even speak the language.
Finally, be prepared for surprises. If you're an American who has never traveled abroad, trying to drive in a country that drives on the opposite side of the road will probably present some difficulty. Likewise, traffic circles may throw you for a loop if they are new to you. And don't attempt the German Autobahn on your first day. Take some time to learn the local German driving customs, especially those concerning merging and passing other cars. And don't forget to load up on the supplemental insurance.
A car hire in Europe will be a challenging but fun vacation you will never forget. Do your research, learn the customs, and plan your route. It will be a drive in the country that will last a lifetime.
Use the free tips below to start planning your high-octane vacation abroad today.
When planning your European vacation, consider a car hire in your destination country rather than transportation by train or bus. Make your reservations far in advance, print all travel and rental confirmations, and take them with you. Much of the "paperwork" can now be done online.
Bring your normal driver's license with you, and all your insurance information. Just like the car rental companies in your own country, the ones in Europe need proof that you are an eligible and responsible driver. Find out what other documentation, if any, you will need for a car hire in your European destination country.
Determine in advance what make and model of car you will be getting, and whether you can drive it! If you can't drive a stick shift or manual transmission car, this may limit your vehicle choices. Ask about the price, availability, and types of fuel. You may end up with a Dodge that runs on diesel rather than a Renault that runs on regular.
Always take the supplemental insurance offered by the car hire company. A car accident is stressful enough at home, with the police, the insurance company, and the other driver. Imagine what a nightmare an accident would be when you are 3,000 miles from home and don't even speak the language.
Finally, be prepared for surprises. If you're an American who has never traveled abroad, trying to drive in a country that drives on the opposite side of the road will probably present some difficulty. Likewise, traffic circles may throw you for a loop if they are new to you. And don't attempt the German Autobahn on your first day. Take some time to learn the local German driving customs, especially those concerning merging and passing other cars. And don't forget to load up on the supplemental insurance.
A car hire in Europe will be a challenging but fun vacation you will never forget. Do your research, learn the customs, and plan your route. It will be a drive in the country that will last a lifetime.
Use the free tips below to start planning your high-octane vacation abroad today.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
All Aboard Europe
Are you considering going on a holiday for some rest and relaxation to loosen up from all the stress at work? If you are, then right now you might be trying to decide on where’s the best place to spend a vacation to make it all worth the money you will be spending. If you have the budget to go overseas have you ever thought of Europe as a choice destination for your vacation? Europe is such a big continent and it has numerous countries to choose from assuring you of a wonderful trip and a memorable experience that you will never forget.
Since, Europe has so much to offer you can’t possibly visit all of the places in one vacation spree so try to determine what would fancy you the most. Do you leisure at the thought of visiting places by the countryside enjoying the beautiful scenery of the mountains and valleys, savoring nature at its best? Or do you prefer to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of a place by exploring historic monuments and museums? Europe’s diverse culture has so much to offer that it has a country to offer whatever be your fancy. If you are a first time traveler to Europe, I suggest that you ask for the help of a travel company who could provide you packages that would suit your taste and budget. If you are up for some adventure and would prefer to travel and explore on your own like those who backpack their way around Europe then map out a plan of the places you would want to visit along the way.
Please ensure that you have secured all the necessary visas and travel documents for the countries that you will be visiting. There are certain European countries that issue only one particular type of visa and if you have this then you can visit the other countries included for this visa. For you to save on costs, book for your trip months in advance.
When in Europe you have a lot of options to choose from when traveling from one destination to another. Boat travel is cheap and this gives you a chance to enjoy the beautiful rivers of the European cities. You can also opt to travel by train wherein some run fast enough to take you there in a shorter period of time. Traveling by train is economical compared to a plane flight and it gives you a chance to admire the beautiful countryside. Traveling by air though is still one of the fastest ways for you to reach your destination.
Since, Europe has so much to offer you can’t possibly visit all of the places in one vacation spree so try to determine what would fancy you the most. Do you leisure at the thought of visiting places by the countryside enjoying the beautiful scenery of the mountains and valleys, savoring nature at its best? Or do you prefer to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of a place by exploring historic monuments and museums? Europe’s diverse culture has so much to offer that it has a country to offer whatever be your fancy. If you are a first time traveler to Europe, I suggest that you ask for the help of a travel company who could provide you packages that would suit your taste and budget. If you are up for some adventure and would prefer to travel and explore on your own like those who backpack their way around Europe then map out a plan of the places you would want to visit along the way.
Please ensure that you have secured all the necessary visas and travel documents for the countries that you will be visiting. There are certain European countries that issue only one particular type of visa and if you have this then you can visit the other countries included for this visa. For you to save on costs, book for your trip months in advance.
When in Europe you have a lot of options to choose from when traveling from one destination to another. Boat travel is cheap and this gives you a chance to enjoy the beautiful rivers of the European cities. You can also opt to travel by train wherein some run fast enough to take you there in a shorter period of time. Traveling by train is economical compared to a plane flight and it gives you a chance to admire the beautiful countryside. Traveling by air though is still one of the fastest ways for you to reach your destination.
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