|
Austria |
 INNSBRUCK
A fantastic
circle of mountains surround this Alpine destination. These
picturesque slopes offer up year-round activities from hiking and
rafting in the summer, to skiing in the winter. |
 KITZBÜHEL
The cozy
Tyrolean town of Kitzbühel
is home to the annual Hahnenkamm ski race. This race is widely
considered the most dangerous, and most prestigious, ski race on the
World Cup Circuit. |
 SALZBURG
Salzburg is a
fantastic mountain destination on the border between Germany and
Austria. Come see the musical town that gave birth to both
Mozart and The Sound of Music.
|
 ARCHBISHOP'S
PALACE (Residenz) The splendid Salzburg Residenz was
home to the city's ruling Archbishops and today has been turned into
an art museum. |
 DOM
is Salzburg's main Cathedral, located downtown in the Domplatz.
This ornately decorated church has the capacity to hold 10,000
people. |
 FRANCISCAN CHURCH
(Franziskanerkirche) was Salzburg's main Church before the
construction of the Dom. These two cathedrals are located just
a few steps away from each other in Salzburg's Altstadt (Old City). |
 HOHENSALZBURG
FORTRESS
This extensive fortress in Salzburg sits atop a hill overlooking the
city. A tour of the complex will take you through ornate
palatial chambers and up to the top of the fortress for a
magnificent view of the city. |
 VIENNA
The capital city of Vienna is filled with
history. From the grand palaces to its baroque churches on its
wide boulevards, this city echoes its past as the home of the
Hapsburgs and at the helm of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. |
 STEPHANSDOM
(St. Stephens Cathedral) dominates the Old Town. It towers
above shoppers and sightseeings in Stephansplatz.
|
 HOFBURG
The Imperial Palace of the Hapsburg Family is a grand complex of
buildings, monuments, statues, and gardens. |
 KARLSKIRCHE
St. Charles Church lies just south of the Ring. This majestic
church with is beautiful reflecting pool is the largest Baroque
church north of the Alps. |
 KUNSTHISTORISCHES
MUSEUM Vienna's Museum of Art History exhibits the great works of
art collected by the Hapsburg Emperors and Empresses. |
 URBAN
TRANSPORTATION
Tired of walking? Find out the various
modes of urban transportation Vienna has to offer its citizens and
visitors alike. |
 VIENNA
PANORAMAS
Check out our panorama shots from around
Vienna! We have Karlskirche, Stephansdom (inside and out) and
the Kunsthistorisches Musuem. |
|
Belgium |
 bruges
Visit this picturesque Belgian
city and delight in the perfectly preserved medieval maze of canals,
open plazas, and row houses. |
BRUGES
PHOTOS
Take a look at our photos of this beautiful canal city. |
 BRUGES
HOTELS
Wondering where to stay? Take a look at our Bruges hotel
recommendations! |
View our Bruges
Panorama Pages:
BRUGES PANORAMAS
BRUGES
NIGHT PANORAMAS
BRUGES
BELFORT PANORAMA |
 BRUGES
MAP
Use our map of Dachau to guide you to your destination. |
 BRUSSELS
Visit this center of Belgian culture, featuring the majestic UNESCO
World Heritage Grand-Place. |
|
Czech
Republic |
 PILSEN
is well known among beer connoisseurs as the home of the Pilsner
Urquell brand Czech beer, as well as the birthplace of the pilsner
type of beer.
|
 Prague
Visit Europe's "Golden City" and
experience the magical quality of Prague's
medieval buildings and Gothic spires. This well preserved
European capital is a feast for the eyes. |
 CHARLES
BRIDGE
(Karlův Most) The Charles Bridge is a landmark
in and of itself. Prague's most famous bridge was built in
1357, but its statues were not added until 1657.
|
 NEW
TOWN
(Nové
Město)
Prague's New Town encircles its Old Town on the eastern
banks of the river. You will find museums, markets, and a
bustling nightlife in this part of the city. |
 OLD
TOWN
(Staré
Město)
The Old Town holds many of Prague's
most notable sights, including the Gothic Spires of the Tyn Church (Před
Týnem), the
Astronomical Clock (Orloj), and the famed Old Town Square. |
 PRAGUE
CASTLE
(Pražský
Hrad) Located on the West Bank of the River Vltava,
Prague Castle forms one of the distinguishing landmarks on the
city's skyline.
|
 CLASSICAL MUSIC AND
OPERA
Classical Music is everywhere in Prague. Tickets are cheap and the
performances are superb. |
|
|
France |
 REIMS
Reims, in the heart of France's Champagne region, is the home of
Notre Dame de Reims, the cathedral where generations of French Kings
received their crowns. |
 Tour de france
Visit the world's largest bicycle race. While it's easier to
feel the influx of thousands of tourists in a small alpine town, big
cities will have more distractions should you tire of the cycling
crowd. Eithey way, you are bound to have a good time visiting
the Tour. |
|
Germany |
 Selecting a
restaurant
Read our travel tips so that you can
make the best decisions on where to eat! |
 Dining OUT
Now that you've selected a restaurant, find out what
to expect inside! |
 BEER Dictionary
Confounded by the numerous beer types
available in Germany? Read out guide to navigate your path to
your favorite type of beer! |
 Shopping
Planning on doing any shopping in Germany?
Check out our guide on German customs and sizes. |
 Black
Forest
Venture into the heart of the forest where the
trees grow so close together they block out the light from above.
Enjoy this fantasyland of chocolate cakes and cuckoo clocks. |
|
TRIBERG
This frequent tourist destination has it all: waterfalls, cuckoo
clocks, woodworks, and Black Forest cake. |
 GUTACH
RIVER WASSERFALL
In the city of
Triberg, the Gutach River falls in a series of cascades to form
Germany's tallest waterfalls. |
 MARIA
IN DER TANNE
This small baroque church lies in Triberg and is worth a
visit. |
 BLACK
FOREST CAKE
Venture into the Black Forest and have a slice of this
delicious specialty! |
TRIBERG
MAP
Take a look at our map of Triberg and the Gutach River
Wasserfall Hike. |
|
 Dachau
Visit the first Nazi Concentration Camp, located
just outside of Munich. Over 206,000 prisoners would pass
through this slave labor camp from 1933 to 1945. |
DACHAU
PANORAMA
|
DACHAU
MAP
Use our map of Dachau to guide you to your destination. |
 Eagle's Nest
Adolf Hitler's Eagle's Nest lies
atop a mountain in the southeastern corner of Germany. Visit
this magnificent monument and marvel at the breathtaking views of the
German and Austrian Alps. |
EAGLE'S
NEST MAP
Use our map of Hitler's Eagle's Nest to guide you to your
destination. |
|
 GARMISCH
Whatever you're looking for,
whether it's paragliding and hiking in the summer, to skiing and
snowboarding in the winter, or leisurely mountain drives and
wondrous mountain castles, this is the place for you. |
 Heidelberg
Heidelberg is the very image of
romantic Germany. The city's 17th Century red sandstone castle
ruin and the old bridge are two of the most majestic sights in all of
Germany. |
 Hohenschwangau
Venture into the Bavarian Alps and visit the castle Bavaria's Mad King
Ludwig grew up in.
|
 HohenZOLLERN
This idyllic castle looks like it was taken straight out of a fairy
tale: with its tall towers and seven successive gates. |
HOHENZOLLERN
MAP
Take a look at our map of Hohenzollern Castle and the
surrounding areas. |
|
 LICHTENSTEIN
CASTLE
This beautiful little castle just south of Stuttgart is
precariously
perched on a crag high above the valley below. |
LICHTENSTEIN
PANORAMA
|
|
 LUDWIGSBURG
CASTLE
This magnificent castle and its extensive grounds are often
referred to as the Versailles of Southern Germany. The
baroque palaces are one of the highlights of the German
state of Baden-Württemburg.
|
 PUMPKIN
FESTIVAL
The Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival, held
every fall, features pumpkin foods and pumpkin artwork on the castle
grounds. |
|
 Munich
Munich
(München) is well known for its Oktoberfest festivities and for its
delicious yeast-wheat beers (Hefeweizen). But the capital of
Bavaria has much to offer tourists not just in October, but all year
round. |
 FRAUENKIRCHE
Munich's twin-towered cathedral is one of its most famous city
landmarks, and lies in the heart of the city. |
 HOFBRÄUHAUS
The largest beer hall
in Munich is a must-see attraction. Enjoy the atmosphere, the
live band, and the beer songs! |
 NEUES
RATHAUS
Munich's sprawling New Town Hall is a majestic sight in
the center of the city. It is also home to Munich's world
famous Glockenspiel clock. |
 RESIDENZ
This palace features an astonishing array of Bavarian
treasure.
|
 SCHLOSS
NYMPHENBURG
The Wittelsbach family's summer villa lies in
Western Munich.
|
 OLYMPIAPARK
Visit this park in Northern Munich which was
built for the 1972 Olympics. |
|
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
Travel around Munich using the city's excellent public
transportation system. |
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
This city contains too much to visit on just
one trip! If you've been here before, try visiting
these other worthwhile, but lesser known sights. |
 Neuschwanstein
Venture into the Bavarian Alps and visit the fairy tale landmark upon
which the Walt Disney based his Disney Land Castle: Mad King Ludwig's
Schloss Neuschwanstein. |
Neuschwanstein in the Spring
 |
Neuschwanstein in the Winter
|
Neuschwanstein in the Fall
|
|
 Ulm
The city of Ulm dates as far back as 854 AD.
It's cathedral lays claim to having the world's tallest steeple, and
after you have climbed the 768 steps to the top you won't argue this
fact. |
PANORAMA
PHOTOS
Check out our Ulm Cathedral panorama. |
|
|
Holy See (Vatican) |
 VATICAN
CITY
Wander through the tiny papal enclave in the heart of Rome which
today comprises the world's smallest country. |
 SISTINE
CHAPEL (Cappella Sistina) is a part of the Vatican Museums (Musei
Vaticani), which make up the world's largest museum complex. |
 ST.
PETER'S BASILICA (Basicilica di San Pietro) is the
magnificent heart of the Catholic Church, which lies on the burial
site of St. Peter. |
|
Check out our Vatican City
panorama pictures! |
|
|
Ireland |
 DUBLIN
Ireland's capital is home to the ever famous Guinness
Brewery at St. James Gate. |
 GuinNess
Brewery
The Guinness Brewery at St. James Gate is a Dublin
institution, and a highlight of any trip to the Emerald
Isle. |
 sean's
bar
In a nation known for its pubs, this pub is the absolute
oldest, as documented by the good folks at the Guinness Book
of World Records. |
|
Italy |
 ROME
Visit Italy's bustling capital for a
true walk through the history books. Rome is a delight for all
travelers. Whether you're looking for history, architecture,
art, or just a great meal, you'll find it in Rome. |
 CASTEL
SANT' ANGELO
is a small castle on the banks of the Tevere River
located just outside of the Vatican. |
COLOSSEUM
This 2,000 year old stadium is the worlds largest
surviving structure from Ancient Rome. |
 PANTHEON
The Pantheon is a marvel of Ancient Roman architecture.
The building was designed to be able to hold a perfect sphere. |
 PIAZZA
NAVONA The Piazza Navona is an exceptionally long open plaza
which owes its unusual shape to the Roman racetrack which once stood
here. |
 ROMAN
FORUM (Foro Romano E Palatino) The Forum was the marketplace of
Ancient Rome and also served as the business district and civic
center. |
 SPANISH
STEPS (Piazza Di Spagne E Salinata Della Trinità Dei Monti)
These famous steps lie at the heart of Rome's shopping area. |
 TREVI
FOUNTAIN
(Fontana Di Trevi) The intricate sculptures
and clear water make this fountain the perfect place to while the day away. |
VATICAN
CITY
Here you will find magnificent sights such as St. Peter's Basilica
and the Vatican Museums, which make up the world's largest museum
complex. |
|
WHERE TO STAY
Find out which parts of the city to stay
near...and which parts to avoid! |
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
Tired of
walking? Like any other city, Rome offers several modes of
transportation. |
ROME
MAP
Take a look at our map of Rome, which includes both the
yellow and blue metro routes and points out the locations of the different
highlights around the city! |
PANORAMA
PHOTO
Check out our Panorama of the Colosseum. |
 Venice
Take a stroll along
Venice's world famous canals and view the magnificent works of art in
the city's many art museums and historic cathedrals.
|
 Piazza San Marco
The grandest of Venice's grand squares. This Piazza offers
much to visitors, with the Basilica San Marco, views from the clock
tower, and the surrounding markets. |
 Canal Grande
The Grand Canal is
Venice's version of Main Street. The 4 km long canal forms an
'S' curve through the middle of the city, slicing right along
Venice's grandest tourist sights. |
 RIALTO BRIDGE
Venice only has three bridges which cross its Grand
Canal. Of these three bridges, the Bridge at Rialto is the
most famous.
|
 Santa Maria Della Salute
Chiesa Santa Maria
della Salute is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Venice. |
 Gallerie Dell'Accademia
Venice's greatest art museum boasts masterpieces from the great
Venetian masters. |
VENICE
MAP
Take a look at our map of Venice, which includes common Vaporetto routes and points out the locations of the different
highlights around the city! |
|
WHERE TO STAY Find out which parts of the city to stay
near...and which parts to avoid! |
 WATER TRANSPORTATION
Tired of
walking? Like any other city, Venice offers several modes of
transportation. The catch is that they all travel on water. |
|
VENETIAN SOUVENIRS
Curious about what to buy in Venice? |
 LAGOON ISLANDS
Visit
a part of Venice most tourists never see! |
|
Malta |
 ValLetta
Valetta is the capital of Malta and home to much
of its long history. |
 paceville
Paceville-St. Julian's is the main tourist hub
outside of Valetta. Here you will find the biggest hotels and
the rowdiest crowds at night. |
|
Portugal |
 lisbon
Portugal's capital
features monuments, shopping and nightlife. Not to mention a
UNESCO World Heritage sight. You won't want to miss this great
city! |
 BAIXA AND PRAÇA DO COMERCIO
Praça do Comercio (Commerce Square), on the Tagus
River, is the beginning of Lisbon's Baixa, or downtown
district. |
 BAIRRO ALTO AND
ELEVADOR DE SANTA JUSTA
This
area functions as a residential, shopping, and entertainment
district.
|
 ALFAMA AND CASTEL SÃO JORGE
This district retains a Moorish flavor, and is topped by the Castel
São Jorge (St. George's Castle). |
 TORRE DE
BELÉM & MONOSTEIRO DOS JERONIMOS
This monument-packed neighborhood on the Tagus River,
west of downtown, features a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
 PARQUE DAS NAÇÕES
Visit this popular pedestrian area featuring shops, restaurants,
and one of the world's largest aquariums. |
PANORAMA
PHOTOS
Check out our Lisbon and Sintra panoramas. |
MY TRIP TO PORTUGAL
Read what I did to learn from my discoveries...and
mistakes. |
LISBON AND SINTRA MAPS
Take a look at our maps
to get
acquainted with the city, landmarks, and public
transportation system. |
 SINTRA
Visit the exotic castles and palaces of
Portugal's royal past. This is a second UNESCO World Heritage
Site in central Portugal.
|
 CASTELO DOS MOUROS
Explore the walls and parapets of this 9th Century
Moorish Castle perched on a hill high above town. |
 PENA PALACE
This 19th
Century castle contains an eclectic mixture of tastes and
concepts from Europe, Asia, and Africa. |
 SINTRA NATIONAL PALACE
The best preserved
medieval royal palace in Portugal. |
PANORAMA
PHOTOS
Check out our Lisbon and Sintra panoramas. |
MY TRIP TO PORTUGAL
Read what I did to learn from my discoveries...and
mistakes. |
LISBON AND SINTRA MAPS
Take a look at our maps
to get
acquainted with the city, landmarks, and public
transportation system. |
|
Slovakia |
 BRATISLAVA
The capital and largest city of
Slovakia boasts a beautifully restored city center featuring Gothic
or Baroque architecture and cobblestone streets. |
|
Slovenia |
 BLED
Astoundingly beautiful church nestled on an island in a blue alpine
lake -- you will scarcely believe your eyes. This jaw-dropping
vista is straight out of a fairytale.
|
 LJUBLJANA
Charming, compact, and easy to explore on foot. Ljubljana boasts
outdoor cafes and a hearty nightlife. |
PANORAMA
PHOTO
Check out our Panorama of Lake Bled and Bled Castle. |
|
|
Spain |
 bARCELONA
Barcelona is the
ideal destination for tourists looking for a bit of sun,
history, seafood, architecture, and an excellent nightlife.
Read our vacation and travel tips on what to see and do in
about this exuberant, vibrant city! |
 BOQUERÍA
MARKET
(Mercat De La
Boquería)
This Barcelona market located just off of La Rambla is a
fantastic place to visit and to eat. |
 CATHEDRAL
(Catedral)
Barcelona's magnificent Gothic Cathedral is the highlight of
the city's Gothic Quarter and
Old City. |
 TEMPLE
EXPIATORI DE LA SAGRADA FAMILÍA
is Barcelona's most outstanding landmark, and was the
brainchild of the famous Catalonian architect and artist
Antoni Gaudí. |
 LA
RAMBLA
is the most famous street in Barcelona, and one of the most
famous boulevards in the world. At all times of night
and day, you will find pedestrians, tourists, and vendors on
this busy street. |
 MONTSERRAT
is a wonderful day trip from Barcelona into the mountains inland
from the city. |
 OLD
CITY
(Ciutat Vella) is a
jumble of narrow pedestrian streets and squares which are
the remnants of the old Roman garrison. |
 OLD
PORT
(Port Vell) is a
renovated recreation area that features bridges, walkways,
restaurants, and Europe's largest aquarium. |
 OLYMPIC
RING
(Anella Olímpica)
is the 1992 Summer Olympic Complex, which overlooks the
city.
|
 OLYMPIC
VILLAGE
(Villa Olímpica)
district is where you will find Barcelona's beaches and the
largest concentration of restaurants, pubs, and clubs in the
city. |
|
|
Switzerland |
 Appenzell
This area in Eastern Switzerland is a hiking wonderland.
The extensive network or trails and alpine huts make this
village and its amazing scenery a must-see for any
traveler.
|
 HIKING
TRAILS
Appenzell is a hiker's
paradise. Check out our recommended routes.
|
 EBENALP
CABLE CAR STATION
The Wasserauen-Ebenalp cable car station is the gateway
to Appenzellerland. |
 INTERLAKEN AND
LAUTERBRUNNEN
The Bernese Oberland is known for its extremes.
Extreme heights, extreme slopes, and extreme sports. This is
the home of canyoning, waterfall bathing, and the world famous
Jungfrau. |
INTERLAKEN
MAPS
Take a look at our maps
to get
acquainted with the Interlaken area of Central Switzerland. |
|
 LUCERNE
This
remarkable town in Central Switzerland is perfectly positioned on
the lake with beautiful mountain sights all around. |
 MONTREUX
"Ritzy" and "Gorgeous" are two words that sum up
this retreat on the shores of Lake Geneva. This town is also
home to the world famous Montreux Jazz Festival. |
 SPIEZ AND THUN
These cozy Swiss towns on Lake Thun feature old
wooden bridges, castles, and a beautiful lakeside location for
relaxing and kayaking.
|
 ZERMATT AND Z'MUTT
Zermatt is well known as a skiing destination.
However, this town in the shadow of the world famous Matterhorn i
also a wonderful place to spend your summer holiday. |
|
United Kingdom |
 NORTHERN
IRELAND
This area in Eastern Switzerland is a hiking wonderland.
The extensive network or trails and alpine huts make this
village and its amazing scenery a must-see for any
traveler.
|
 BELFAST
The once war-torn capital of Northern Ireland
has bounced back in the past decade to become one of the most
popular destinations in the United Kingdom. |
 Antrim
Coast
North Antrim's rugged coastline is home to tower cliffs,
rope bridges, secluded harbors, and green islets.
|
 GIANT'S
CAUSEWAY
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the
natural wonders of the world, these rock formations on Northern
Ireland's coast are truly a sight to behold. |
|
|
Other |
CASTLES
If you want to visit a castle, you won't have to look too
far. Castles, whether they be new or old, large or
small, dot the landscape of every country in Europe.
Here are our favorites. |
 FESTIVALS
If there's one thing European's know how to do, it's
throwing a big party. Europeans just love to celebrate life
in general, and will take any reason to throw a good party.
Here are our favorite European Festivals. |
| |
