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Europe
- Continent of Contrasts
architecture it will no doubt excite each new visitor. Art and creativity are prominent with Sweden being home to a number of famous glassworks and the red Dala-horse factory. Denmark - Copenhagen, often considered the most cosmopolitan of Scandinavia's capitals, is a city of sights. From the colourful and quaint buildings along Nyhavn canal to the lights and magic of Tivoli gardens. Stroll along Stroget, the world's longest pedestrian mall and past the Amalienborg Palace, home of the Danish royal family the oldest monarchy in Europe. Finland - This is an opportunity to discover the `Land of the Midnight Sun and Ten Thousand Lakes'. The warm summer days when the sun rarely sets, the untouched wilderness of the vast open fells on the Arctic Circle, where the traditions of old Lapland will be recounted and eerie silence of the great outdoors provide an unforgettable experience. Turku, the former capital of the country with its vivid combination of past and present history. Porvoo with its historical heritage and intriguing alleys and timber buildings, which conceal fascinating cafes and tiny shops and the cosmopolitan and energetic city of Helsinki, makes this country one to experience in style.
A holiday in Europe means a ticket to an array of historical, cultural and natural wonders, unique to this varied continent. The intricate web of Europe's history is evident in its awe-inspiring architecture, influenced by past empires and individual creative brilliance. Discover thriving cities and serene countryside, which are home to the most magnificent art imaginable. Treat your eyes to a visual feast from a smorgasbord of natural landscapes whether they are bathed in Mediterranean sunshine or enveloped by Alpine fresh air. Enjoy majestic mountain ranges or gently undulating hills, tranquil lakes or imposing glaciers. There is something to suit everyone's taste... Europe is on your doorstep!
Estonia
Estonia, the smallest of the three Baltic States, is home to Tallinn, a city that has been shaped by a blend of German and Danish influence. In the Old Town of Tallinn, the vibrant mix of colourful turrets and spires, together with medieval walls offer the visitor a window into Estonia's past.
Poland
Stretching from the Baltic coast in the north to the Tatra Mountains in the south, Poland is a country rich with history and culture. Warsaw's old town was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status after extensive reconstruction and today new and old blend together to offer the visitor highlights such as the Royal Castle whilst Krakow houses delights such as the Cloth Hall in the Market Square. Away from the cities, Poland's historical sights include the Jasna Gora monastery at Czestochowa and the impressive salt mines at Wieliczka.
Czech Republic
By the 14thcentury Prague was the grandest city in Europe, a marvel of gothic architecture. Absent from mainstream tourism for four decades, as soon as the Iron Curtain lifted, Westerners flocked to discover a city embellished with the finest Baroque buildings imaginable. Look out from the much-celebrated Charles IV Bridge, walk over it and take in the grand sights along the river of this romantic city.
Iceland
Lying just south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is a land of extremes; volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers and deserts are some of the breathtaking visions to be encountered and, combined with the clean air and lengthy hours of summer sunlight, Iceland offers many opportunities.
Scandinavia
Norway - This is a place of stunning natural beauty with its mountains, glaciers and breathtaking fjords. Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim, are unassuming and a delight to explore. Encounter rich Viking and medieval sites, and venture north of the Arctic Circle where the days grow longer and the horizons wider. Sweden - This modern nation is fronted by lively cities full of spirit, however its past is also very much evident from ancient stone carvings to impressive medieval castles and churches. The capital city of Stockholm is spread across many islands and with its picturesque lakes, fascinating museums and attractive
Hungary
Budapest is said to be one of the "Pearls of Europe", set on the banks of the Danube and declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Although the Romans built bridges across the Danube as far back as the 2nd century AD, Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east did not acquire one until the great Chain Bridge was constructed in the 1840s. William Tierney Clark designed and Adam Clark built the bridge, which at the time was considered a major engineering wonder of its time. Buda and Pest became a single city in 1872. Whether strolling around the shopping district of the city, which is now car free, or visiting the Budapest market, where you will find the fabled paprikas, or exploring the Castle Hill, you cannot fail to marvel at the unashamed ambition of past Hungarians of building a capital that would outshine Vienna.
Europe
Russia
Peter the Great's `Window to the West', St Petersburg, is often called the Venice of the North where the Neva River carves through the city and ornate buildings perch on its banks. You will marvel at the art collections of the famed Hermitage Museum and the sumptuous Peterhof Palace.
Norwegian Fjord
Romania
Romania, land of Transylvania and the legend of Dracula brought to fame by the Bram Stokers novels has, with its recent inclusion in the European Union, emerged as a new and exciting tourist destination. With its medieval villages, folkloric heritage and picturesque scenery, the highlights will undoubtedly include a visit to Dracula's fabled castle, the painted monasteries of Bucovina, a city tour of Bucharest, referred to as the "Little Paris" of Eastern Europe, or the simply curious sight of modern cars driving alongside the traditional, and still much used, horse-drawn carriages.
Switzerland
From spectacular mountain scenery to glistening lakes and Alpine villages, Switzerland is a fantastic touring destination. Summer provides endless vistas of rolling green meadows dotted with Alpine cattle whilst visiting in the winter months is a contrast with dazzling, snow-covered mountains and valleys. Historic Bern, the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with its medieval city centre whilst lakeside towns such as Lucerne and Locarno offer colour and culture alongside exciting opportunities for escapades by mountain railways in a country that ticks like clockwork.
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