Europe Travel Guide

Where to begin?

With so many countries, states and principalities it's hard to know where to start with Europe. The nations that make up the continent vary widely in culture, language, people and religion. From the frozen north of Norway, Finland and Sweden to the warm southern islands of Corsica, Sicily and Majorca. Every country has a unique feel, though not all have a unique currency.

Belgium

A small country that has been branded 'boring' in some quarters. Possibly, its larger neighbours, Germany, France and the Netherlands have overshadowed it; certainly this has been true in the past when each of these countries has claimed sovereignty over Belgium. The 'boring' tag may be derived from the fact that Belgium, in particular Brussels has become home of the faceless European Union bureaucrat. Despite this, there is much to recommend Belgium to the traveller.

Czech Republic

The peoples of Moravia and Bohemia that form the Czech Republic have been used to being over run. Most of their history as a coherent entity has seen them ruled by someone else. The Hapsburgs, King Otto (from Germany), The Poles, the Nazis, the Communists and others have all run the place at some time or another. Interspersed with this were several Golden Ages of 'home rule'.

Denmark

Denmark sits between its northern Scandinavian neighbours and the rest of mainland Europe. It is essentially a series of islands perched in the mouth of the Baltic and although diminutive in size it has been a great sea power, trading nation and the head of a sizable northern European empire (the Faroe Isles and Greenland still form part of the Danish Empire).

England

After London, many visitors will head for Oxford or Cambridge, world famous seats of learning that have traditions stretching back for 800 years. Perhaps a more modern, livelier place is more to your liking? If so, try Manchester with its sophisticated club scene and home to the worlds most famous football (soccer) team. Alternatively, there is Birmingham, England's second city and not far from Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford upon Avon. Visit Newcastle for a truly wild time!

Finland

Despite being a land of climactic extremes with - in many areas - no darkness or no daylight, depending on which part of the year you are in, Finland has a lot to offer.

France

The scenery is stunning and contrasting. From the wild Breton coast to the quiet sandy beaches of the Vendee; from the mountains -The Alps and The Pyrenees - to the flat farmlands of the north. France has Lakes in the Jura region and rivers all over notably the Seine, Loire, Rhone and Marne. There are wetlands in the Carmargue and ancient, craggy cliffs in the Massif Central.

Germany

The visitor to Germany has many places of merit to choose from. Although famed as an industrial country there is glorious scenery as well. From the majesty of the Bavarian Alps to the Rhine, with all its castles, to the Black Forrest. Architecturally, huge damage was done during the war but much remains that is worth taking in. Cologne boasts one of Europe's finest Gothic style cathedrals and the spire on the church at Ulm is the highest on the continent. Every small town or village can offer the visitor something of interest; there are museums of all sorts everywhere. The people are friendly and sociable with a legendary love of food and drink.

Ireland

Ireland is the small nation with the massive heart. It is a land where the people are famed for their easy charm, gentle wit and friendly manner. Irish hospitality is re-nowned the world over, if you are looking a few drinks, songs and stories enjoyed around a smoky peat fire then Ireland is the place for you. The tradition of the bardic storyteller underpins the air of Celtic mysticism that wreaths the country like spring mist.

Italy

Italy is an astonishing place. Certainly, it is a country of some diversity. From the Mediterranean Islands of Sicily and Sardinia in the south to the Alps in the north. From the dusty, troubled farmlands in the south to the bustling, industrial north. From the sophisticated high fashion of Milan to the wildness of Naples, Italy has it all.

Netherlands

The Netherlands is a fantastic place to visit either short or long term. It is a lively modern country but it has a heritage that it is rightly proud of and has worked hard to maintain. The character of the people is cultured and tolerant, welcoming and friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. The people have an international outlook, many speak near perfect English. The landscape is flat and fertile. The land itself is criss-crossed with the canals and dykes that keep the wild North Sea at bay. It is a country that offers a wide choice to its visitors, from the Tulip fields to its lofty 17th century merchant's town houses, from its splendid Museums to its raunchy nightlife. 'Something for everyone' is a ghastly and overused clich� but in the case of the Netherlands, it is true.

Norway

Norway is a vast sprawling and sparsely populated country with great natural beauty. The Norwegians revel in the great outdoors and head off into the wilds at the drop of a reindeer felt hat. From the remote and pristine Svalbad in the very far north to the famed Fjords of the west, to the vast coniferous forests along the Swedish border there is a terrible compelling beauty everywhere. However there is more to Norway than just the scenery. The Vikings as explorers and conquerors have given the world a lasting legacy whilst Norway can lay fair claim to more than its fair share of poets, writers, artists and composers.

Portugal

Portugal may have been perched for many years both literally and figuratively on the outskirts of Europe but this is rapidly changing. This once great land of explorers has, after forty years under the repressive Salazar regime, begun to look outwards again. As an active member of the European Union Portugal now has Europe's fastest growing economy. Whilst EU money has been the catalyst for development much of Portugal remains unspoiled and waiting for discovery by the inquisitive traveller.

Scotland

There is a whiff of rebellion and mysticism in the air in Scotland. With modern cities, ancient castles, wild scenery and intense, poetic people the country is nothing if not fascinating and rewarding. The mountains and lochs of highland Scotland have a terrible, desolate beauty whilst the southern Lowlands have a more gentle appeal. Evidence of Scotland's turbulent past can be seen at every turn. Nevertheless, the violence of the past is tempered by a Celtic musicality in the soul of the people. A large, diverse country with some fine cities and a rich heritage but it will be the landscape that lingers longest in the memory.

Spain

Spain is a country with a long, tangled history. It was an important outpost of the Roman Empire. The country fell heavily under the influence of the Moorish invaders between the early 8th century until their final departure in 1492. Spain then enjoyed a period of conquest and riches and its international power continued until the early 1700's at which point things began to slowly drift away. This ended ultimately in the Civil War of the 1930's when Franco rose to power.

Sweden

If Scandinavia were a group of brothers then Sweden would definitely be the big noisy one. Certainly it occupies the largest surface area and is the most populous. In many ways, Sweden is everyone's idea of what Scandinavian countries should be. It is modern, efficiently but fairly run and the friendly people take a modest pride in their achievements. Life expectancy and standards of living are high and it is a peaceful, crime free place. All this is more or less true although the recent killing of the Swedish foreign minister has certainly shaken the country to the core.