Top Vacation Spots In Europe

admin — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:32:18 +0000

When planning their vacations some people go out of their way to pick places where nobody else goes. There is a reason why though some cities become as popular as they do and you’ll have a wonderful time planning to any of these top vacation spots in Europe. There are activities, history, food, and something for all types of travelers. Whether you’re traveling with your family or a solo backpacker Europe has a lot to offer you.

Perhaps you haven’t completely set you vacation plan yet and have stumbled here to begin your search. You can begin by taking a look at these articles on great travel destinations all over Europe.

Dublin, Ireland: Dublin is a surprisingly enchanting European city that claims the hearts and charms many who go there to visit. It’s one of the best places to backpack since it’s safe, has a good traveler trail, and is a lively city. Read more about vacationing in Dublin

Rome, Italy: Rome is a city for the adventurous, artistic, and those who love good food and a fine wine. You really get a taste of it all in this Italian capitol which is what makes it one of the top vacation spots in Europe. Read more about vacationing in Rome

Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona is a big city that doesn’t completely feel like one for the most part. The weather in Barcelona is temperate and never gets too hot in the summer and is chilly but not freezing in the winter. Read more about vacationing in Barcelona

Istanbul, Turkey: Sitting on the Bosporus on both sides of Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a rich cultural city where you can see east, west, and a collaboration of the two in one place. Many people may not consider Istanbul when searching for their next top vacation spots in Europe but you’ll be enticed by all of the options you have in the Istanbul. Read more about vacationing in Istanbul

Paris, France: Paris is the city of love and the most popular destination for tourists in the world. There’s plenty of reason for that as Paris is easily accessible from most of the world and a popular destination for American tourists. Read more about vacationing in Paris

Some More Top Vacation Spots:

You can also check out some of the top beaches in Europe, so what are you waiting for? Begin planning your vacation now!

Top Beach Vacation Spots In Europe

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Best European Beaches In France

admin — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 17:23:42 +0000

Although Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, it is not the only place that France has to offer tourists. Paris is a good starting point, but consider taking a short train or plane ride to one of France’s coasts for a vacation under the sun. The country is teeming with history and culture, not to mention some of the best beaches on the continent.

St. Tropez is the place to be seen and has attracted the high-end traveler and countless celebrities since the 1960s. Located on the infamous French Riviera, St. Tropez was once an inspiration for artists, and art remains a large part of the city’s traditions and culture. The beaches of St. Tropez include the popular nude beach, Plage de Tahiti, which happens to be one of the Top Beaches in Europe.

If you’re looking for a more low-key beach to visit while in France, take a trip to the island of Corsica, where you will find Plage de Saleccia. This beach is an undeveloped expanse of sand and sun, in stark contrast to St. Tropez on the Riviera. Not many tourists know about Plage de Saleccia or bother to go there, but locals often flock here by boat during the summer months. It may not be the easiest place to get to, but it is well worth the trek.

Biarritz is also located in the south of France, but on its Atlantic coast. The beach of Biarritz has historically been a popular beach, as the wife of Napoleon III had a palace built on the beach in 1854. Then, the palace was used by European royals, and now has been transformed into a hotel. Surfing is popular here, as the Atlantic Ocean offers waves that its Mediterranean counterpart does not. Biarritz architecture is also a sight due to the Basque influence in design.

The beaches of Brittany come second to those on the Mediterranean coast, but offer more chance of escape from the crowds of beach goers. Brittany boasts thousands of kilometers of coastline, sandy beaches, and scenic coves and cliffs. Specifically, Baie de Lannion in North Brittany, is known as the Pink Granite Coast and runs between two Celtic towns. Baie de Lannion offers a popular long stretch of beach. Water sports, including windsurfing, are popular here.

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Top 5 Best Holiday Destinations In Europe

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:47:59 +0000

Picking a destination for a holiday on Europe can be difficult with so many countries that have so much to offer. Here are five of the most popular ones.

The art, culture, and history of Greece make it a favorite destination for many. Things to do include: the Acropolis in Athens, ancient Delphi which was considered the center of the world, or Mount Olympus where Zeus ruled from his throne. While you are there, you could charter a yacht or take a cruise around the islands of Greece.

If your idea of a holiday is to sip wine, tour vineyards, and indulge your taste buds with Italian cuisine, Tuscany is the place for you. While you are there, you will want to check out Pisa and its famous leaning tower. Florence is a charming Renaissance city with the Piazza della Signoria at its center and many stunning cathedrals and museums to visit. If you are interested in Gothic architecture, you’ll want to visit Siena and the city square Piazza del Campo.

Barcelona, Spain is home to the fascinating Church of the Sacred Family, which takes Gothic architecture to the extreme. If you love art, you must visit the Picasso Museum and peruse the over 3000 pieces of artwork that are arranged chronologically. The CosmoCaixa is a well-known science museum with many interactive exhibits that make learning fun. The Magic Fountain of Montjuic is not to be missed as it will delight you with dancing water enhanced with lights and color.

When you visit Paris, France you will see the Eiffel Tower, the symbol for Paris. Other not-to-be missed attractions include the Louvre Museum, one of the most famous museums in the world, and Château de Versailles which is a magnificent palace. It will be hard to miss the Arc de Triomphe which was built to commemorate Napoleon’s victories. It is located at the end of the Champs-Elysées. If you are traveling with kids, they probably will not let you miss Disneyland Paris.

London is the capital of England and the largest metropolitan area in the UK and there are numerous flights to London from just about anywhere. Once you arrive, you will not want to miss seeing Big Ben in the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster or the London Eye which gives you a great 360 degree view of London. The Tower of London and the Tower Bridge are both examples of Gothic Architecture. If you decide to fly to England, any of the flights to London will be the start of a memorable vacation.

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Golfing In Europe

admin — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:51:43 +0000

Golf is the ideal leisure sport to play while on vacation, and lucky for you, it has become an international sensation popular on almost every continent. Golf courses in Europe can offer scenic views of the ocean or countryside while you spend time in some of the top vacation spots on the continent. Challenging golf courses that are host to championship tournaments can also be visited and found elsewhere in the world. Some of the best golf courses can be found in England, Singapore, and Portugal.

The UK is host to almost 2,000 golf clubs, some of them ranked quite high on the international scale. One of the top-ranked golf clubs in England, let alone the world, is the Royal Birkdale Golf Club in England. It was opened in 1889 and later became “royal” in 1951 when King George VI proclaimed it to be so. The Royal Birkdale started out as a 9-hole course but was soon upgraded to championship standards and became an 18-hole course, consequently making it a favorite on the British Open.

You can find out all you need to know about tee times and standings using Golf Channel (http://www.golfchannel.com/tours/european-tour/), which lays it out for you simply. You can find out how your favorite players are doing, as well as find out about those players who you aren’t as well-acquainted with, while they’re golfing on the European Tour or while you’re on your own European tour. Golf Channel provides you with information on tee times, courses, players, scores, tours, and so much more.

Portugal may be one of the smallest countries in Europe, but it offers some vast havens for golfers. The Penha Longa Hotel Spa and Golf Resort in Lisbon is perfect for golfers who are looking to do what they love while in one of the top vacation spots in Europe. The Penha Longa has two golf courses that are ranked in the top 30 courses in continental Europe. The Atlantic Course and the Monastery Golf Course are scenic 18 and 9-hole courses, respectively. The Atlantic Course, as the name would suggest, gives players views of the ocean and mountains while playing throughout the course, and it plays host to various championship competitions including the Portuguese Open. Golfers can even sign up for various tournaments throughout the year at the Penha Longa Resort listed online before planning a stay there.

The Sentosa Golf Club, host of the Barclay’s Singapore Open, is located on Singapore’s resort island and home to two well-known, challenging courses: the Serapong Course and the Tanjong Course. The Serapong Course, a par-72 course, boasts being one of the most challenging plays in the world, and has been voted the top golf course in Singapore and more generally in Asia. The Tanjong Course, also a par-72 course, gives golfers views of the South China Sea in the backdrop while they try to avoid hitting balls into numerous lakes and trees around the course.

If you’re an avid golfer and need a break from life at home, remember you can put these two together and take a golfing vacation almost anywhere in the world. Golf resorts are plenty, and some are located in some of the most beautiful vacation spots in the world.

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Around the United Kingdom in Ten Days

admin — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:53:21 +0000

Phileas Fogg ended his fanciful excursions in London and it seems a fitting place to start this journal. For a truly historical experience start your London adventure with a tour of the Tower of London, perhaps a trip to Trafalgar square, and you might finish it off by shopping in the antiques district or strolling along the River Thames. A couples days doesn’t seem enough but a lot can be packed in to just a few days.

Drop your car at Heathrow Airport Parking and hop over to Cardiff for an adventure in Wales. For Doctor Who fans, be sure to check out the Doctor Who up close experience. You might also want to stop at St. Fagans National History Museum for a unique open-air museum experience. Within the grounds of St. Fagans Castle you’ll find over forty historical buildings within which you’ll find craftsmen at work demonstrating skills from centuries ago within the iron age Celtic village. There is also a Victorian school and medieval church to explore. It is a unique and fascinating experience for all ages.

After leaving your ride at Airport Parking, it’s back to Heathrow and a short drive into Kent for a walk amidst some of the most beautiful privately owned estates in the country including Hever Castle and Penshurst Place. There are also exquisite gardens just waiting to be explored. The gardens range from world renowned to small specialist gardens. Iden Croft gardens are known for their herb and organic gardens and are definitely worth a trip out to stroll through the scented rows.

Then it’s back to London for one last excursion and leave your car at Gatwick Airport Parking , for a trip up to Scotland, pick your ride up at Glasgow Airport Parking . Be sure to check out the many castles including Lanark and Renfrew castles. There is also a castle from the 1300s that is definitely a must see, Cawdor Castle, around sixty minutes from Glasgow is a fine example of a castle built in earlier centuries and updated with hints of aristocratic lifestyles from the later 17th century. If you aren’t completely exhausted of ancient structures, a visit to Edinburgh castle with its dungeons are the perfect way to round of your ten day United Kingdom excursion.

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Top 10 Best Europe Vacation Spots

admin — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:35:59 +0000

1. Lagos, Portugal

Located in the Algarve region in southern Portugal, Lagos consists of both tourism and history. One of the most popular cities in the region, Lagos boasts a variety of hotels and restaurants.

Lagos was the city from which many of the voyages brought on by Henry the Navigator originated in the time when Spain and Portugal were at the forefront of discovery. The golden church of Saint Anthony is a main attraction in the city, having been rebuilt in the 18th century.

The Praça de Gil Eanes part of the city center is the place to go for cafes and entertainment. People flock the area to watch street performers and enjoy soccer matches on the big screen. There are restaurants littered throughout the Praça de Gil Eanes as well.

2. Oludeniz, Turkey

Oludeniz, meaning “dead sea” in Turkish, is a small beach town located on the southern coast of Turkey. It is home of the distinctive Blue Lagoon, which is one of the most recognizable beaches in Europe.

Oludeniz is famous for paragliding, and is popular with hikers due to its location in the shadow of the Babadag Mountain. Oludeniz hosts the annual International Air Games, showcasing paragliding and displaying other air sports and games.

The resort town is also within driving distance of Hisaronu, a small town away from the beach consisting of restaurants, shopping, and hotels. While you can keep yourself busy in Oludeniz during the day, Hisaronu will keep you entertained in the evening and night hours.

3. Valencia, Spain

Valencia is the third largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona. It is where the famous Spanish dish of paella originated, but that is not all it’s known for. The Falles festival takes place in the early spring in Valencia, praising Saint Joseph, the Virgin Mary’s husband. The festival lasts for five days, and the city does not sleep during that time– with bands and endless processions it would be impossible to.

The City of Arts and Sciences is one of the most interesting parts of Valencia. An architectural masterpiece, the complex includes cultural and historical wonders. A modern marvel, there is everything from an IMAX theater to an oceanographic park to an opera house, and much more contained in the City of Arts and Sciences.

4. Istanbul, Turkey

On the cusp of both Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a vast city with a vast history including several empires. One of the most iconic attractions in a city full of iconic attractions, is the Hagia Sofia, or Ayasofya, mosque. Originally a church built in 550 A.D., it was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans after they conquered Istanbul in 1453.

Istiklal Caddesi is the street to turn to for food, shopping, and entertainment. Turkish cuisine is different in every part of the country, but Istanbul is where these tastes come together. With Ottoman kitchens offering dishes from the past, “wet hamburgers” from street vendors, and kebabs, your stomach and your wallet will not be unhappy in Istanbul.

5. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is a small but charming city that offers the allure of city life while still staying low-key. It is an expensive place to visit, but the price is well worth it. Dublin has a countless number of pubs, as it is the birthplace of Guinness beer, and the Guinness Storehouse is by far the most popular attraction in the city. A tour of the Storehouse includes a free pint of Guinness and an amazing view of Dublin.

If you’re traveling on a budget, Dublin does offer some attractions for free. The national museums are free to enter, including the National Gallery and the National Museum of Ireland Archaeology and History.

6. Munich, Germany

Munich is home to the world’s most famous beer house, the Hofbrauhaus. The Hofbrauhaus was built in 1644. Open daily, it offers food, music, and most importantly, beer. Munich also has historical and modern attractions. The Nymphenburg Palace was the summer home to Bavarian royalty. With a park and several museums within and surrounding the palace, you should plan to spend a few hours here.

The BMW museum has a distinctive shape in Munich’s skyline. An exhibit in the museum explain the evolution of BMW and automobiles, and offers an interesting vision into the future of transportation.

7. Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia has an extensive bus, tram, and metro network, making it easy to get around the Bulgarian city. The Alexander Nevski Cathedral and the St. Sofia Church are iconic parts of the city. The Alexander Nevski Cathedral is an Orthodox Christian cathedral and one of the largest in Europe.

If you’re looking to go shopping, Vitosha Boulevard is where you want to be. Vitosha Boulevard leads to the Vitosha mountain from which you can get spectacular views of Sofia. The National Palace of Culture, where concerts and performances take place, is also located on the boulevard.

8. Naples, Italy

Naples is one of the richest cities in Italy, both financially and culturally. Naples is a major transportation hub in southern Italy, where several main train lines meet. There is also an airport, ferries, and buses that connect Naples with the rest of Italy and its islands.

Pizza originated in Naples, so it is imperative that you eat some while there. Being a coastal town though, seafood is also abundant. The National Archaeological Museum offers one of the most extensive collections of Greek and Roman antiquities. Some of the museum’s content come from excavations of the nearby site of Pompeii.

9. Nice, France

Located on the French Riviera, Nice is one of France’s most populous cities. Though a cosmopolitan city, Nice offers many escapes from the fast-paced place it has become over the years.

French artist Henri Matisse was inspired by the city of Nice, and the city was the backdrop of many of his famous paintings. The Matisse Museum in Nice pays homage to his art, and puts much of it on display– from his early years to his last works.

The Russian Cathedral is a site that will surprise you during your stay in Nice. A traditional Russian Cathedral with onion topped towers, if you know that Russian aristocrats used Nice as a vacation spot, you won’t be as surprised by the old Russian influence scattered throughout the city.

10. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is a modern city with a lot of culture and an appreciation for the arts. With the Royal Dramatic Theater and over 100 other theaters and museums, it doesn’t end there. There are also outdoor exhibits year round. The Nordic Museum explains Sweden’s extensive Viking heritage and is worth setting aside a few hours to peruse the information it has to offer.

Stockholm’s annual Jazz Festival takes place in July and displays not only Jazz music, but everything from pop to rock as well. A clean and environmentally friendly city, Stockholm also hosts the Green Festival, which celebrates the environment. Entry is free, and food, entertainment, and drinks are also offered.

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Benidorm, Spain

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:51:39 +0000

Benidorm has a reputation as being a home away from home for British travelers, who flock to the resort’s sandy beaches to get their fill of sun, sea and sand. Brits will find that the lively bars along the promenade not only serve traditional English cuisine, but will also play premiership football matches and show popular UK soap operas. Described as a Spanish version Blackpool, Benidorm not only proves popular with the masses, but the resort has also become the focus of an ITV series about the British holiday scene. Here are three of Benidorm’s highlights:

Mundomar

Mundomar is an aquarium and animal park situated on the outskirts of Benidorm. The park is a huge hit with family travellers who visit for the dolphin shows, which take place twice a day at 1.30pm and 4.30pm. Most people choose to watch the dolphin show from above, but there’s an underwater viewing area for those that would like to see an alternative view of the show. During the show, a lucky child is selected from the audience to sit in a boat which is then pulled by dolphins. This is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for the lucky child selected! There are also further animal shows from the penguins and the sea-lions. After the performance many people wander off to view the parks other animals which include a whole menagerie from owls and exotic birds to bats and hunting dogs. One of the best Benidorm hotels for easy access to Mundomar is the Mont Park Hotel, which is located less than two minutes away. This hotel is also great for those that want to visit the Aqualandia Water Park.

Castillo Conde de Alfaz

Benidorm is located on Spain’s Costa Blanca, a landscape which is abundant with castles. However, when it comes to castles none are rated as highly as Castillo Conde de Alfaz – Benidorm’s premier dinner destination. The medieval dinner show thrills guests with elaborate jousting displays and hilarious court jesters. One child gets in free per adult, which makes the attraction relatively inexpensive for the average family of four. With unlimited sangria and a disco once the jousting has ended, it’s also a great night out for couples.

Levante Beach

Levante, Benidorm’s most popular beach, is also known as Sunrise Beach; which might have something to do with the elaborate sunrises that can be seen here every morning. It’s a very lively beach – but with over 5,000 sun-loungers on the sands there’s more than enough room for everyone. Much of Benidorm’s nightlife is centred on the beach and holidaymakers will spot many bars and nightclubs around the main promenade area. However, during the day the seaside attractions are relatively family-friendly, there’s the sand sculpture man who regularly fashions cartoon characters and animals out of Benidorm’s golden sands and playgrounds featuring swings and roundabouts. Teenagers and adventurous adults are also catered for on the beach with a fine selection of water-sports that range from jet-skiing and scuba-diving, to the more adventurous paragliding. Alternatively there are popular boat trips around the bays, where holidaymakers can try their luck at spotting one of the area’s wild dolphins. For long, lazy days on Levante Beach, the Pestana Levante Beach and Golf Hotel and the Levante Club Apartments have to be the best-placed of all Costa Blanca hotels with their ocean-front locations.

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Prague, Czech Republic

admin — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:18:18 +0000

Prague is a city of old and new that’s vibrant and is a good blend for a variety of travelers. Prague is still one of the cheaper European cities compared to the other major tourist destinations of Paris, Rome, or Dublin. Prague is a place to vacation if you love history, the nightlife, or a good beer with your dinner. To get a taste of Prague past, visit the Lobkowicz Palace, a wing within Prague Castle. It’s here where you’ll find a grand painting of both Mozart and Beethoven and the Lobkowicz Palace is still home to a number of live orchestral concerts.

The city is centered around the Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti) and it’s the part of the city most frequented by tourists. It’s the shopping district and home to a number of popular bars and pubs. The Old Town Square is an expensive part of town so it’s not the best area to stay in on a tight vacation budget. The Old Town Square is classy and if luxury is your taste there are plenty of high-end hotels and resorts to suit most tastes.

Of course you can zoom right into the modern age by taking one of the many popular Segway tours that operate in Prague. It’s one of the best ways to get around and the fact that you’re on a Segway is something of a novelty as well. The Segway tours are guided but you do get some freedom to move around on your own and you’ll most certainly be taken to an open area to enjoy zipping around on your new ride. The Segway tours will take you to many of Prague’s famous sites and landmarks like the St. Vitus Cathedral. In most cases though you won’t get a chance to go in and other places you visit so just make note of your favorites to stop by later.

St. Vitus Cathedral happens to be one of those places you’re likely to add to your list. It’s an impressive building architecturally and was built around 1000 AD. This Gothic cathedral was since expanded greatly over the following 300 years and now stands up as an impressive monument in Prague. Entry to the St. Vitus Cathedral is free and the you’ll be able to avoid many of the crowds by visiting between September and May on the weekends when school trips aren’t usually planned. Taking pictures inside the St. Vitus Cathedral is also permitted so don’t forget your camera to capture the interior design and the stained glass windows.

The Karluv Most or Charles Bride connects two parts of the city, from the Old Town. This pedestrian bridge is full of life and tourists but still a unique experience and opportunity not to be missed. There are vendors, musicians, and street shows lined up during most of the day but the evening hours are when the Karluv Most comes to life. You’ll get good views of Prague as well, especially if you can catch a sunset (or sunrise) over the Vltava River.

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Top Beach Vacation Spots In Europe

admin — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:31:53 +0000

While the cities in Europe like Berlin, Paris, or Barcelona are wonderful destinations for a European vacation, you can really unwind at some of the top beaches in Europe. There are places in Europe where you can relax and enjoy the warm summer weather, cool ocean breezes, and slower pace of life along some of the most beautiful coasts you can find anywhere in the world.

Brela, Croatia

One of Europe’s hidden gems until recently, Brela has become a hit with European tourists. It’s still opening up to the rest of the world but aside from the gorgeous beaches it’s one of the cheaper places you can spend your European vacation. Croatia is not on the Euro and although the prices in Brela are a bit inflated due to its popularity, it’s one of the best places you can spend a beach vacation in Europe.