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A journey to Europe is a Grand Tour of a lifetime. Travel through the romantic cities of Paris and Rome, view spectacular scenery in Switzerland, wonder at museums and art in Italy, be amazed by the architectural beauty of Venice, see the sights of historic London, be enchanted by the landscape of the Rhineland and Black forest in Germany and the enjoy traveling through picturesque cities of Belgium. A journey through Europe will provide you with memories that cannot be forgotten.
Holland
Windmills, dykes, canals, Dutch cheese, tulip fields, you'll find all this and more in Holland. The peace and calm of the flat countryside is the perfect place to enjoy a bicycling holiday. A mixture of tradition and modernity, Holland's capital Amsterdam is one of the world most important diamond trading centres.
Amsterdam: Wander through the beautiful capital of Holland and admire its architecture. Visit the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk (modern art) and the Van Gogh Museum to view paintings by great masters, visit the house of Anne Frank to see where this young girl and her family hid from the Nazi's and where she wrote her famous diary.
Germany
A unified nation, formed when the erstwhile East and West Germany came together, this dynamic country is an important commercial and tourist destination in Europe. Touch history at the Berlin Wall, enjoy Germany's famous beers at an Oktoberfest, view the new Parliament building in Bonn, enjoy the best of German cuisine, technology and the scenic landscape.
Cologne: Home to Germany's biggest cathedral, which took 600 years to build, over 30 excellent museums, buildings displaying medieval architecture, juxtaposed with modern construction, Germany's longest roofed shopping mall and the starting point for romantic cruises on the Rhine - Cologne is a city with joy in its heart.
Rhineland: Known for its cathedrals, forests, vineyards and hiking trails, this stunningly beautiful destination is a sight to be seen to be believed, which has inspired many German writers and musicians. Don't miss the popular "Rhine in Flames" festival, which combines music and fireworks. While exploring the banks of the Rhine River you might just come across Lorelei - the legendary temptress of Germany folklore.
Heidelberg: Known as a University town, Heidelberg is home to Germany's oldest university - the Karl Ruprecht University. The town is also known for its medieval architecture, stone paved streets, cafes, fountains and monuments, and a semi-ruined stone castle, which contains the world's biggest wine vat. The mile-long shopping street and student lifestyle of the town are its other attractions.
Black Forest: Known as Schwarzwald in German, this scenic region of Germany was so called because of its thick forest, the source of a prosperous wood trade. When this trade decreased, cuckoo clock making became the most important industry along with tourism. Rich in myth and legend, the Black Forest has traditionally been considered home to werewolves, dwarves and witches.
Italy
The cultural heart of Europe, this Mediterranean country has much to offer a tourist. Some of the most beautiful cities in the world - rich in culture and history, Italian opera, Italian food, Italian wine… Enjoy all this and more on your journey through Italy.
Venice: Built on 117 small islands and with 150 canals and 409 bridges, this amazing city, also called Queen of the Adriatic, was once the centre of a great trading power. The beautiful churches, historic buildings and bridges of Venice including the romantic Bridge of Sighs are must-sees on your journey through Venice.
Florence: The capital of the Italian province of Tuscany and an important centre of the European renaissance, Florence was ruled by the powerful Medici family, whose insignia can still be seen on the monuments of this beautiful town. Its sense of history is seen in the names of the two airports of Florence - Ameriggo Vespucci and Galileo Galilee. The architectural beauty, museums and churches of Florence, as well as its Mediterranean climate and picturesque skyline make Florence a must visit on your journey through Europe.
Milan: This stylish city is one of the fashion capitals of the world. With design studios, cafes and restaurants, this city's lifestyle sets it apart from the heritage destinations in Italy. The duomo (cathedral) and the Castello Sforzesco near the city centre are monuments worth seeing. Milan is also a centre of theatre, cinema and the arts.
Rome: The Eternal City is sure to enchant you. View the amazing Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Forum, the Piazza di Spagna and the holy Vatican City. Landmarks of Rome such as the Piazza del Populo, the Trevi Fountain and the River Tiber are rich in history and legend. Apart from sightseeing you can also enjoy the Italian food and wine, offered in the many café's and restaurants in the city.
Pisa: Known for the famous Leaning Tower, this city is a must visit on a tour of Italy. The tower is in fact the Bell Tower of the nearby Cathedral. Along with these structures a Baptistery and cemetery are located in an area called the Field of Miracles and include other medieval monuments with breathtaking architecture. With museums, curio shops and open-air restaurants and the River Arno flowing past, Pisa offers a complete holiday experience for every visitor.
Switzerland
Swiss chocolates, Swiss cheese, and spectacular Swiss scenery - enjoy all this and more, on your journey through this beautiful landlocked country in the heart of Europe. Its inhabitants are a mixture of German, French and Italian people and Swiss cuisine and culture reflects this melting pot of flavours.
Lucerne: This picture book Swiss town around Lake Lucerne has narrow stone paved streets, fountains, quaint bridges, and buildings with turrets and spires, with the snowcapped Alpine ranges seen on the horizon. The Lucerne International Festival of Music, an important European musical event takes place annually in this city. Sports events including rowing, equestrian events golf and mountaineering are regularly held in this sports loving city.
Geneva: Located between the Alps and the Jura mountains this beautiful city has many attractions including the headquarters of the United Nations, museums, art galleries, opera houses and theatres. The flower clock in the English Garden is a perennial attraction as is the Jet d'Eau - a water fountain in the middle of Lake Geneva. Restaurants with international cuisine, fine golf courses and breathtaking scenery add to Geneva's attractions.
Zurich: Located at the northern end of Lake Zurich, this well-planned city has many fine restaurants, shops, art galleries and picturesque buildings alongside modern construction. You can choose between depositing gold bars in a Swiss bank account or purchasing chocolate bars to take home as a memento of your trip to this beautiful Swiss city.
Bern: The capital of Switzerland, is a pleasant city with hospitable people, well-preserved medieval architecture, and markets full of fresh produce. Designated a world cultural heritage city, this is also the city where Albert Einstein developed his theory of relativity while working at the Swiss Patent office. Explore the history and culture of this city on your tour of Bern.
France
The some of the most romantic countryside in the world, France can soothe your spirit and fill you with joi de vivre (the joy of life). The home of Champagne, Camembert cheese, impressionist painting, high fashion, music, architecture and great cuisine, France is a dream come true for any tourist. Laze on the French Riviera, go wine tasting in the south of France or check out the artists quarter in Paris, and you'll want to return for more…
Paris: Considered the most romantic city in the world, this elegant capital of France has much to offer a traveler. View the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame Cathedral, the art treasures in the Louvre, taste the fine wines, cheeses and cuisine and breathe in the fragrance of French perfume. One of the fashion capitals of the world, Paris is a synonym for elegance the world over.
England
A mixture of tradition and modernity - there's lots to see in England. From pre-historic Stonehenge to historic London and modern buildings along the Thames.
The chalk cliffs of Dover, the observatory at Greenwich, the university towns of Oxford and Cambridge, busy cities and quiet green countryside, England is a study in contrasts, but retains an old world charm while staying at the cutting edge of film, food and fashion.
London: Feel history come alive as you tour the Tower of London, London Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, enjoy the sight of the flowers at Kew Gardens, take a ride on the River Thames and watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. New attractions include the Millenium Dome. Taking a ride on the distinctive red double decker bus will complete your experience of this historic city.
Belgium
With a mixed population of Flemish and Walloons, this compact country is a melting pot of languages, cultures and cuisine. Visit Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges and the Ardennes for elegant architecture, fine chocolate, museums full of art treasures and beautiful scenery.
Brussels: Known for its cosmopolitan culture and old world charm Brussels is an elegant city. Known for its museums, seafood, beer, chocolates and as the home of the comic book character Tintin, Brussels has something to offer every visitor. Tour the Grand Place and the medieval city centre, enjoy the cuisine at restaurants and pubs and be amazed by the architecture of the buildings in the city including the Belgian Parliament.
Austria
There's a lot to see and hear in this beautiful Alpine country, which offers some of the best skiing in the world. Vienna is the home of the waltz and beautiful Baroque buildings. Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart celebrates his musical legacy with an annual series of concerts and festivals. Innsbruck's snow capped mountains are a sight to be seen and provided the backdrop of the evergreen musical The Sound of Music. A visit to this beautiful country might inspire you to break into song…
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