When you decide to visit Italy, you will be visiting a country where there is more artistic and cultural heritage than any other part of the world. There are thousands of historic cites and more than 3000 museums where you can see where civilization began. Depending on the part of the country you visit, such as southern Italy, you will see vestiges of the Greek culture, but for the most part Italy represents the Roman culture. See the many sites where you can get a glimpse of the ancient Etruscan population and the traces of the Imperial Roman period.

Attractions

When you visit Italy, you have to visit the Forum, the Coliseum and the ruins of Pompeii. Sail through the streets of Venice in a gondola and visit the impressive cathedrals of Rome. See the dome of St. Peter and the paintings of the Sistine Chapel. Traverse the small towns and villages of Sicily and the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi. There are 20 regions in the country, each one with its distinctive culture for you to experience.

Abruzzo

The Abruzzo region of Italy abounds in parks because more than 20% of the land is designated as protected areas. Here you will find the Abruzzo National Park, the Gran Sasso and the Majella National Park, just to name a few. Calderone is the most southern glacier in Europe and the village of Rocca di Cambria is located at the highest altitude in the country. Fossa is the Stonehenge of Italy located in the Subequana Valley and dates back to the 7th century. San Demetrio ne?Vestini is a must see on a visit to this region with its underground stream filled with all kinds of geological formations.

Basilicata

This region of Italy is located between the heel and the toe of the boot. As a mainly agricultural area, you will see many farms and vineyards here. You should visit the Grancia Rural and Environmental History Park, where you can see the Fittipaldi Castle in Brindisi di Montagna, with its reconstructions of the life and work of the peasant bandit, Carmine Crocco. This region is home to many castles, cathedrals and churches, archaeological sites and Benedictine abbeys that have stood the test of time.

Travel to Italy

All the major airlines have flights to the major Italian cities. You can also travel by rail from European destinations, take a luxury Mediterranean cruise or even drive there from a neighboring country.

Travel Within Italy

You can rent a car and travel your way around the country. This way you get to see all the back roads and travel off the beaten path to places that few tourists visit. You should also be aware of the fact that Italy has the highest rate of automobile accidents in the world because of the excessive speeds. However, you can also travel by air because there are small and large Italian airports and airlines. There are promotional deals for travelling within the country as well. For example, if you are under 26, you can get a Green Card that gives you a 20% discount off the cost of your travel plus the admissions to many parks and events.

Language

Italian is the official language of the country. Some of the key phrases that are helpful for tourists include: Avete une stanza libera? -- Do you have any vacancies? Ho prenotato une stanza -- I have a reservation. Salve -- Hello Buon Giorno -- Good Morning Come Sta? -- How are you?

Food and Drink

Some of the delicious foods you can enjoy when in Italy include thick soups as appetizers, rich pasta sauces and lighter foods such as tagliolini in a creamy lemon sauce. Try the crunchy mixed fried meats, which when you combine them with a mix of vegetables, you have a meal fit for a king. Pappa del pomodoro is a delicious dish made with fresh tomatoes, basil and spicy day-old bread. Many of the dishes also have some form of pasta and you haven?t tasted pizza until you?ve had one in Italy.

Wine with meals is a tradition in Italy. You can choose many of the delicious wines from the local region or from around the country. The portions of food that you get in the restaurants are huge because Italians do love to eat.

Visas

You do need a valid passport to enter the country, but one of the requirements for any visitors is that you register with the local police if you plan to be in one area for a week or more. If you are staying in one of the hotels or other accommodations, you don?t need to do this as the hotel automatically does it for you.

Safety

Although Italy is quite safe for tourists, you do have to be careful if you are in the less travelled parts of the country. You need to exercise common sense, just as you would at home and watch out for suspicious behavior. Keep your car doors locked when you stop at traffic lights because robberies of purses and valuables are on the rise in these locations. When you are shopping at the street markets, keep you money and valuables out of sight ? stashed beneath at least one layer of clothing.

Shopping

The stores in Italy are open from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. and then they close for lunch, which can last for several hours. The stores reopen at about 3:30 or 4:00 and stay open until about 7 or 7:30. These hours do vary according to the region because in the northern part of the country, the lunch break is shorter. The prices for the clothing are generally cheap and you get good quality goods. You can claim a rebate for the taxes provided you spend more than 155 Euro in the same store on the same day.

All the cities, towns and villages have street markets where will find a unique selection of gifts and souvenirs. All customers are expected to bargain for the lowest price

Entertainment

There are many fantastic opera houses and theatres where you can take in a concert or a theatrical performance. The people of Italy like to take things easy, so you may find the nightlife a little tame as compared to other European cities. A typical night out usually involves a long dinner that doesn?t even start until about 9 P.M. and can last until well after midnight. Bars in the center of the towns are the best places to see large crowds of people and many of them have outside tables where you can enjoy the refreshing air. There are also many Irish and Scottish pubs where you can have a drink and enjoy toe-tapping music.

Turkey straddles Europe and Asia, and its unique culture reflects this. Sunny coasts, snowy mountains make for the backdrop but the mix of a Muslim majority with topless beaches and all night bars are the Turkish twist.

Visitors particularly enjoy the majestically city of Istanbul and Turkey's Mediterranean Coast.

Istanbul

Istanbul, is the perfect place to spend a 4 day city break, or as the starting point for a longer trip. Visit the many Mosques, Museums, the Palace, and of course the Hammans (Turkish Baths). Read our full Istanbul Luxury City Guide.

Turkey's Mediterranean Coast (Akdeniz)

Home to modern resorts, Battlefields of Gallipoli from World War I, ancient city of Troy, Ephesus one of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the world, the Chimera flame, and various ancient castles, mosques and churches. Read our Mediterranean Coast of Turkey Travel Guide.

Travel to Turkey, Airports, Flights, Driving etc.

Most people fly into Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport and most of the rest Ankara's Esenboğa Airport. Package holidays may fly into local regional airports along the coast such as Bodrum.

Driving to Turkey is general fine, but ensure your insurance is valid on the Asian side. And also realize that incidents of car robberies are high in any big cities.

Food & Drinks

Try Ayran a form of watery yoghurt (Aryan), Kahve (strong coffee) in small Turkish cups, and Elmacay, (special apple tea). Most everyone is Muslim which means that technically they don't drink, but in reality there are many hotspots.

Language

Official Language is Turkish but many speak German and many merchants are used to dealing with tourists and speak enough English.

Visas

Most Europeans do not need visas except British and Dutch. Visitors are required to carry their passport or other means of identification at all times

Safety

Turkey is safe from random acts of violence plaguing the rest of the Middle East but it has its share of scams, robberies and the like. In big cities, woman shouldn't walk alone at night, but that can be said for anywhere.

Shopping

Carpets, Coffee sets (it always tastes better from proper cups) are amongst the high quality items visitors should keep an eye out for.

Language, Culture, Architecture, Food, Drink, Beaches, Energy -- you name it, Spain has it and for a very reasonable price as well.

When to Visit

Major Cities

Barcelona will appeal to anyone -- with Gaudi's series of amazing works, plus Bari Gotic, the beachfront and other holdovers from the 1992 Summer Olympics, Cava and Tapas restaurants -- it's arguably the most "amazing" city on Earth.

Many visitors to Madrid are surprised by the wealth of art, palaces, and churches just within the city?s limits.  Madrid is also ideal to set off for anywhere else in the country as it?s right in the center.  Grand Granada, brilliant Bilbao, pious Santiago and sassy Sevill are and not out of reach while Toledo and Segovia are close enough for divine daytrips!

Travel to Spain ? Airports, Flights, Driving etc.

Ferries run to Morocco and Spanish Morocco from the South of Spain.

Eurolines run to Portugal, France, and other far reaches of Europe.

Trains run from almost anywhere TO almost anywhere including Portugal and France (and beyond). 

Driving is on the right.  Spainish Drivers have a reputation for being agressive, but it's not deserved.  Outside of major cities there are no hassles, and even within it's just typical frustrated commuters as you'd see anywhere.

Language

Food & Drinks

Currency, Tipping & Bargaining

There is very little bargaining in Spain.

Shopping &

Finances

Banks offer better rates than exchange places but have fewer opening hours.  Spain is on the euro.

Visas

Safety

Holland has the perfect blend of the old and the new. The sights of windmills and canals intertwined with new innovative architectural styles of buildings reflect the past, present and future of this country. Take a bicycle ride along the many scenic paths, walk through the towns, enjoy sailing in the Delta region or spend some time exploring the history in the many museums.

The terms for the country and people can be confusing: the country is known as Holland and Netherlands. The people are the Dutch (and not Deutsch which is the German's name for themselves in German.)

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city of one million people with tree-lined streets and numerous canals, bridges, markets, museums and the infamous Red Light District. Visit our Luxury Guide to Amsterdam.

Delft

The historic town of Delft is known as the City of Princes and boasts intricate canal system, cobblestone streets and pedestrian bridges. Visit our Guide to Luxury Travel in Delft, Holland.

Travel to Holland

There are four major airports in Holland located at Rotterdam, Beek, Eelde and Schiphol. The last is a hub for KLM (newly merged with Air France). The one you land at will depend on your destination and airline (Europe's budget airlines tend to use secondary airports.) If you are already in Europe, you can drive to Holland as well on excellent roads.

Trains in Holland

Most people traveling in Europe though prefer to take the train for its convenience, speed, dependability and excellent price. There is almost always first class and no smoking in most cars. Within Europe, if the trip is under 500 km, you're best taking the train.

Food and Drinks

There is no lack of restaurants serving all types of cuisine in Holland. The well-known franchises, such as Burger King and MacDonald's ("Royale with Cheese" does exist), are here as well as local fast food outlets. A cone of "french" fries topped by a hefty portion of mayonaise is quite common quick food, as is a Kebab.

Traditional Dutch food is a one-pan dish, consisting of a variety of vegetables, especially potatoes, and meat. Another traditional dish is Erwtensaop a form of pea soup containing smoked sausage and beans.
Holland is a pretty liberal country with most things, including having an alcoholic drink. Wine and beer are very popular. A truly Dutch drink is called Jenever and is made from juniper berries. It is almost like distilled gin, served chilled in a very small glass. It's commonly found in traditional-looking clay jars, which give a certain ambience when lined up behind a bar including specialty Jenever Bars.)

Taxes and Tips

Holland is like most of Europe. The price you see is the price you pay. Stand up bars and taxis require no tipping; sit down restaurants leave a euro if the bill is over 20 euros, and a few smaller coins if less.

Language

The official language of Holland is Dutch but many proudly speak English as their second language and sometimes French. You don't have to worry about taking a guided tour because the headphones you use have the translations into several different languages.

Many firstimers assume that Dutch is very close to German; it's not and it' best to avoid making the reference.

Key Phrases

Yes: Ja (Yaah);
No: Nee (Neigh);
Thanks: Bedankt (Buh-dunked);
Excuse me: pardon (par-DON).
Sorry: sorry (sorry, roll the "rr");

Tourist Visas

The Dutch government makes it easy to visit Holland. Most anyone with a valid passport from his or her home country can travel to Holland for a holiday. If you hold an EU passport, you also don't need a Visa. Lastly, Holland has signed the Schengen agreement which is a form of visa sharing a tourist visa in one of the signatories is valid in the other. The Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden (and not the UK or Ireland). Contact your local Dutch Embassy or Consulate to learn more or visit their websites.
http://www.netherlands-embassy.org.uk/applyvisa_eng.htm

Safety

Holland is a fairly safe place for tourists. As with visiting any country, you have to exercise common sense and be extra careful on an empty street at night. There are no health risks associated with traveling to Holland. You will find that the water is safe to drink, but most tourists stick to bottled water when they are traveling.

Shopping

You can buy just about anything your heart desires in Holland. The stores are usually open from 1-6 pm on Mondays and from 9/10 am to 6 pm from Tuesday to Saturday. Some stores have late night shopping on Thursday or Friday night until 9 pm.

Greece is often called one of the cradles of western civilization and the birthplace of modern democratic society. The country boasts a long and deep history dating back millenia to the times of the ancient Greeks. Much of mainland Greece is mountainous, in fact it is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. However, it is the many islands in the Aegean and Ionian Sea that attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each and every year.

Historic Sites

The history of Greece as a nation is such that the country is now riddled with some of the most famous and incredible historical sites in the world. If you are in Athens then you could visit the renowned Acropolis, a 150m tall rock that was once the seat of power during the Mycenaean period. Other places of interest in Athens include the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Syntagma Square and the Kallimarmaro Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. If you can make it to the Greek Islands you will find numerous sites of significant historical value such as the famed island of Deos, the reputed birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.

Tourist Attractions

Most tourists who visit Greece will go on a holiday to Rhodes or trip to Crete. These islands have a potent mix of the new, old and ancient. Tourists on a holiday to one of the many Greek islands will find plenty to do. There are beaches galore, mountains to climb, reefs to snorkel, ruins to visit and much more. Many of the Greek islands are famed for their tradition of growing citrus fruits and olives; those same groves can also provide a welcome break away from the holiday resort and allow you to really get a feel for the area.

Activities

With one of the longest coastlines in the world, you are never very far from a beach in Greece,either on the mainland or an island. If you go to the Cyclades group you will find one of the most enchanting islands at Travel to Naxos Greece arrive and relax in bliss. In Greece water sports flourish with everything from diving to jet skiing. The Greek Islands are renowned for their diving because of the sheer number of sites, some of which are submerged towns from ancient times. If you would prefer to stay dry then you may want to take a walk around some of the spectacular cliffs and mountains that can be found throughout the islands. Less adventurous people on holiday to the Greek Islands may simply be happy with relaxing on the beach, spending some money in the shops or enjoying the fine local and international cuisine. As a destination, Greece offers just about everything you would ever want or need when it comes to your holiday. Why not, today, investigate a cheap holiday in Greece at cheap holidays where you can sit back and relax in one of more than 300 great value hotels.

Key-Phrases

yes..........ne

no...........ohi

okay.........en daksi

please.......parakalo

thank you....efharisto

excuse me....signomi

Scotland may be a small country, but it is quite vast in terms of ways to help you enjoy an unforgettable vacation. It is one of the four countries making up the United Kingdom.

The others are England, Wales, and Northern Ireland,

One of the thrills of a visit to Scotland is a tour of the Whiskey Trail. This will take you on a tour of 8 distilleries where you can taste the famous Scottish whiskey and learn the history of how the whiskey is produced. Take a fishing trip or cruise along Loch Lomond. Visit Loch Ness to see whether you can capture ?Nessie? on camera.

Visit the sites where many famous movies have been filmed, such as Braveheart and Highlander 3 in Glen Nevis, Rob Roy in Glen Coe and learn the stories behind these famous Scottish men. Take a tour of the birthplace of Robert Burns in Ayr.

Stay at one of top rated hotels in the country and if you are adventurous enough, you might like an extra visitor. For example, the Learmonth Hotel in Edinburgh is rumored to have a resident ghost that likes to play tricks on the guests. Throughout the country, you will find many 5 star hotels and bed and breakfast establishments where you will have an enjoyable stay. The Auchrannie House Hotel is a luxury complex in Arran and the Cally Palace in Dumfries and Galloway offers luxurious accommodations to visitors in this area.

Aberdeen

To experience Scottish culture at its finest, you just have to stop in Aberdeen. Stay at the Ramada Jarvis Aberdeen, located right in the heart of the city and close to all attractions. With a restaurant offering 24 hour room service and a pub, you will enjoy Scottish traditional food. Visit the many pubs in the city and enjoy the company and conversation of the local people.

Visit the treasure house of the Duff House Country Gallery where storytellers, musicians and artists are at work. Learn the relationship that this city has with the sea at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. Aberdeen is the seat of Balmoral Castle, where the Royal Family spends their holidays. The ruins of Slains Castle are set directly into the cliffs presenting an imposing site and as you wander around the ruins of Dunnottar Castle, you might just imagine living here in early times.

Visit the coastal village of Collieston and discover the caves where many smuggled goods came ashore. The village is the scene of pretty houses overlooking the harbor and the narrow trail from the village to Whinnyfold and Cruden Bay offers an exceptional opportunity for cycling.

Scotland will provide you with outdoor activities of every nature. Whether you like hill walking, cycling or diving, you will find everything you need in this scenic country.

The home of the British Royal Family and the ancestry of many North Americans, England is a very popular tourist destination. It is one of the four nations that make up the United Kingdom. The others are, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland,

England is the country of castles and stately homes. There is a magical charm about the rolling hills of the English countryside. If you are driving, you will find that the country roads are quite narrow, but this only adds to the charm of visiting another country. Keep an eye open for their latest luggage trends encompassing cases, travel bags and vanity cases or visit Pink Luggage

Stay at one of the castles and mansions that are available for lodgings. Tylney Hall will make you feel as if you are part of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice as you stay in a room with centuries-old paneling and a large fireplace. Take a walking tour of York, such as the Ghost Trail of York, that takes place every night, where you will hear chilling tales of past and present phenomena.

No matter what part of the country you choose to visit, there are numerous 4 and 5 star hotels for you to choose from as well as quaint bed and breakfast establishments. Visit the pub in the villages and enjoy the conversation with the locals. Enjoy a Guinness and dance the night away. The pubs serve delicious, mouth-watering snacks, so you won't awaken early hungry for breakfast.

A must see on any trip to England is Stonehenge, with its large stone circles. Walk around in amazement as you wonder how the ancient peoples managed such a feat. Plant your feet in two hemispheres at the Greenwich Observatory where you stand on either side of the Prime Meridian.

Although you can read about the magic of England, you can experience the history first hand when you visit any part of the country. This is really evident with a visit to the south-eastern part of the country where you can visit such historic cities as Canterbury, where you can visit the Cathedral, the remains of Roman settlements at Chichester and Oxford, one of the most well known university towns in the world.

Visit the northern reaches of the country and see the many castles that used to protect the border between England and Scotland. The northwest is famous for its birdwatching, mountain climbing, and historic architecture beyond your wildest dreams.

London Accommodations

Rent a one or two bedroom studio apartment when you visit London, or stay at the 4 star Hotel Russell. This magnificent Victorian building is located in one of the most prestigious parts of the city. You will enjoy luxurious accommodations in elegantly furnished rooms and within a short distance from all the major tourist attractions.

London Tourist Attractions

It's been said that if you bore of London, you are bored of life. While that may not be precisely true, London definitely has something for everyone. One of the most photogenic events is the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. This has become the trademark of the city and the sight of the Palace itself is worth the trip. See Westminster Abbey, the Tower of Big Ben and see the sights from the London Bridge. Take a duck tour down the Thames and sail under the bridge to enjoy London from a different vantage point.

The National Gallery has the most extensive collections of European paintings in the world, some of which date back to 1250. See the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum along with many artifacts from all over the world. The British Airways London Eye will provide you with a commanding view of London from the tallest observation wheel in the world, from which you will see 55 of the city's most famous landmarks in 30 minutes. The Victoria and Albert Museum houses over 3000 artifacts from the richest cultures in the world.

To avoid the long line ups at most of the tourist attractions, visitors can purchase a London Pass, which gives you free entry to over 50 of the favorite attractions, plus the option to use the public transportation system. Armed with your 152 page guidebook, you can tour the more than 26 markets in London as well as the favorite haunts of tourists.

The United Kingdom is made up of four distinct nations, each of which has its own distinct personality, sites and culture.

When visiting the United Kingdom you can start in either England, Wales, Northern Ireland, or Scotland,

There are luxurious places for you to use as your base while exploring the surrounding villages and towns and many different types of tours you can take. They all use the same British Passport. Carrying it in a Leather Passport Cover, is recommended.

The UK is one part of the world where you can see stately mansions and castles. Many castle ruins are historic sites and when you visit, you will remember reading about the events that took place here from your history books in school. You can rent a car and drive around all the areas, but for tourists coming from North America, drivers in the UK drive on the left and the steering wheel and controls are on the right in the vehicles. There is an excellent bus and rail system throughout the region that will also take you where you want to go.

There are several airports in England where you can book a flight to either of the other countries.

England

Every visit to England has to include a stay in London. Stay at the 13 Half Moon Street Apartments and Hotel, located just off Piccadilly, right next to Green Park and a short walk from Hyde Park. This puts in the ideal location for seeing all of the main tourist attractions in London.

Visit Greenwich, a London borough, where you can stand on the Prime Meridian visit many sites of historic importance. The Royal Observatory has been a centre of astronomy for centuries and entrance is free. Take a tour of the Queen's House, built for Anne of Denmark. It was started in 1616 and completed in 1689 and today is one of the oldest examples an English home built in the classical style.

Browse the exhibits at the museum when you visit the Old Royal Navel House and see the Gypsy Moth IV, the ship that Sir Francis Cinchester used to sail around the world in the 1960?s. See the deer running through Greenwich Royal Park, where the landscaping dates back to the reign of Charles 11. Here you will find many places to relax and drink in the scenery and it is also the venue for concerts during the summer.

Northern Ireland

Stay at the Waterfoot Hotel and Country Club in Londonderry, where you are only a hour away from championship golf courses. Located on the road to the Giant's Causeway, you have a great base from which to explore the surrounding towns and villages.

Ireland is also a country of castles as well as saints and scholars. Explore the fascinating displays at the Armagh Planetarium in Armagh. The Bogside Murals in Derry depict scenes from the Battle of Bogside in 1969 and are believed to be some of the most important political murals in the world. Visit Downpatrick and learn about St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Here you will also find a premier health and fitness club with a heated swimming pool and sauna for you to relax in after your day of sightseeing.

Gaze in wonder as you hum the tune "Where the Mountains of Mourne Sweep Down to the Sea" as you see the spectacular beauty of the sight of the Mourne Mountains. From the top of Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in the country, you get sweeping views of England, Scotland and Ireland. Ireland will leave you with memories you will treasure forever.

Scotland

The home of Willliam Wallace, Rob Roy and Robbie Burns, Scotland will thrill you to the core with its beauty and attractions. Edinburgh, Glasgow, Loch Lomond, or the Hebrides, each of these have tourist attractions galore and luxurious accommodations. Choose to stay on a working farm at the Ninewells Farmhouse in Newburgh, which will provide you with a panoramic view of the Tay Valley and the Perthshire Hills. Backmarch House is ideally situated for you to explore the delights of Edinburgh and play golf on the famous St. Andrew,s Golf Course.

Tour the Highlands and see if you can catch a glimpse of "Nessie", the monster that hides in Loch Ness. Take a cycling tour or a walking tour of any of the towns and villages. The pubs are a wonderful place to meet the locals and enjoy a dram of Scottish whiskey.

You have to spend a few days exploring Edinburgh. Visit the Old Town with its narrow alleys and the inspiration for Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Take in the sights of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the impressive extinct volcano, named Arthur's Seat. Explore the medieval setting and walk the Royal Mile. Browse the exhibits at the National Gallery, tour the Royal Scottish Academy and the National Portrait Gallery.

Scotland offers so many attractions and beautiful scenery; you will have to make plans to return to see it all.

Wales

Both the mountains and the coast offer a wealth of activities and attractions for you to enjoy while visiting Wales. Snowdonia is one part of Wales that you can?t miss on your trip. The Snowdonia National Park covers 840 miles of pure beauty ? cascading rivers, divine waterfalls and hidden valleys. With 14 mountain peaks, if mountain climbing is your passion, you will feel as if you are in paradise.

There are many historic towns and villages for you to visit, such as Beddgelert, Criccieth and others. Take a tour of the towns, visit the pub and hear the old stories and legends. This area of Wales is famous for its castles, such as Conway, Harlech and Caernarfon.

Spend your nights in the shadow of Harlech Castle, when you stay at the Queen's Hotel. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding and fishing and the delightful meals at the pub. Tee off at the Royal St. David's golf course, enjoy a heated swimming pool and play tennis to your heart?s delight.

The mystical air of Merlin will draw you back to Wales time and time again.