Posts Tagged ‘europe’

Cheap Vacations In Europe Are There For The Taking!

Sunday, July 4th, 2010

Cheap vacations in Europe are the dream of many people. They want to walk Paris at night, or see the London stage with their own eyes, or experience the history of Rome. Europe is filled with culture and history just waiting to be explored. You can easily visit two or more countries in a day. It’s not hard to find a place to visit in Europe. It’s getting there that can be the problem.

It comes as no surprise that Europe easily enthralls people. Many people think it costs a small fortune to visit this land of history of atmosphere, but it doesn’t have to. You can easily find cheap vacations in Europe, you just have to know where to look.

Perhaps the greatest resource for European vacations is the internet. There are many websites that advertise cheap flights to Europe, and even a few hotel deals. Putting together these elements on your own, though, can be confusing and frustrating. It doesn’t have to cause you too much strife, though.

If you don’t feel like putting flights and hotels together on your own, it’s possible to find some fantastic, inexpensive packages for vacations in Europe. Some of these packages can be as inexpensive as $800 per person for a total of 6 European nights. You don’t have to break the bank to vacation in Europe. You can sometimes soak up Europe for as much as it costs to vacation just a few hundred miles away.

These cheap vacations in Europe packages usually carry names to let you know what to expect on your adventure. Packages like the 6-night London Theater Experience, or Paris at Its Best, which both give an excellent European experience. You don’t even have to be limited to a single country. There are packages out there that can give you 3 nights in Paris and 3 nights in Amsterdam. Or if Italy is more your style, there’s a package for that. You could visit Rome, Florence, and Venice for as little as $170 a night!

If the internet fails you, the next best bet is a travel agent. They will more than likely have a few packages for you to choose from, offering plenty of European fun. A good rule of thumb is to look for packages with a range of around $150 per person per night. It’s possible to find cheap vacations in Europe, you just have to look around for the options!

Holidays 2010 are at just the right price if you know where to look. Thomson Holidays 2010 offer great vacation deals throughout Europe and beyond this year at just the right price. Find out more with advice from travel expert Simon Carrick.

European Holidays : Cities Not To Miss Out On

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

If you are thinking about visiting Europe then there are some cities, amongst the many great ones, that you absolutely can not leave off your travel itinerary. Within them you will find some of the world’s most famous landmarks and attractions. They provide a real insight into the varied cultures of the Europe, and no European holiday would be complete without seeing at least a couple of them.

London is, arguably, the most diverse city on the planet. More languages are spoken by its inhabitants than in any other city in the world and it is a real melting pot of cultures. There are a huge range of things to keep you entertained in London - theaters, museums, art galleries and famous buildings. You think that you can every major city has those, but what is on offer in London is a cut above what you will find elsewhere. It is a paradise for shoppers, music lovers and sports too. Whether it is designer clothes, live music or star filled sports teams you want, you will not be disappointed.

Do not miss Barcelona. The capital of the Catalan region of Spain; it sits on the Mediterranean coast. Its unique culture and its interesting history are evident in its architecture, galleries and museums. You will find everything from Roman ruins to beautiful churches. Do not forget the beaches. Sports fans can catch a game of football at the Camp Nou. Camp Nou is home to what is considered to be the very best football team on earth.

You must see Venice! This city is actually a group of islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea that are linked together by a system of canals. At one time, Venice was one of the most powerful of European cities. It was a merchant shipping center as well as a bastion of naval power. Venice is the home of incredible architecture. It was also the birthplace of much important Renaissance art and you can still see these important pieces in Venice. Venice can be navigated by foot but, better yet, find some time to travel the “streets” of Venice by Gondala. You will not regret it.

And finally, there’s Paris. Everyone knows that Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world. It is also large and full of life. The center of Paris is home to many famous architectural sites including the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and The Eiffel Tower. Much of Paris’ character comes from the River Seine which runs through the city. Paris is also the home of all sorts of secret city squares and hidden gardens. The most famous art museum in Paris is, of course, The Louvre but there are many, many others. And, of course, Paris is known for its restaurants and shopping.

Next : Co-op Holidays

Clifden Hotels: The Wonderful 3 And 4 Star Hotels In The West Of Ireland

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

The majority of visitors to the town of Clifden in Ireland are there to savor the picturesque scenery of Connemara and the Maumturk Mountains. The 3 Clifden hotels selected here are all in close proximity to these local tourist attractions and feature some stunning sea-views.

Clifden is a quaint Irish village sitting at the mouth of Clifden bay (west of Galway). The town is fondly known as the gateway to Connmara and forms the ideal base for exploring the area during the day and having a relaxing stay in one of the many Clifden hotels at night.

One of the most recognizable buildings in town is the 4-star Abbeyglen Castle Hotel which overlooks the village. Extensive renovations over recent decades have resulted in this authentic castle sporting some of the finest grounds, sea-views and interior design of any hotel in the area.

As you would expect with a castle this size, the rooms all have high ceilings and are elegantly furnished. All rooms have great views of the gardens which are a pleasant location for a walk after dinner. As befits the castle’s environment, the range of dishes in the restaurant mixes classical Irish cuisine with modern style and panache.

For anyone seeking a little more of a rustic location then the 3-star Ardagh Hotel is the ideal spot for enjoying the nearby trails, fishing and golfing on account of its close proximity to the Connemara national park.

The hotel has a great laid-back atmosphere thanks to the friendly staff and all guest rooms are modern in style. The west-facing rooms have the best views of the bay and east-facing rooms have splendid views of the countryside. The award-winning restaurant on the second floor has an excellent menu of modern dishes and the panoramic views from the dining room make it a very popular location on summer evenings for a romantic location to enjoy watching the sun set.

Further out from Clifden, the Renvyle House Hotel has a romantic and secluded location overlooking the sea. The relatively remote location shouldn’t put off guests from visiting as there are superb walks, a beautiful beach and 9-hole golf course to while away the days.

All rooms are spacious and airy with modern en-suites and great views of the bay and the surrounding countryside. The hotel restaurant is a particular draw thanks to the high standard of cuisine on offer with produce sourced from the surrounding Connemara region.

If you enjoyed this article about Clifden hotels then check out our website articles about Clifden, Ireland and other locations

The Popularity Of Cruise And Stay Holidays In The Mediterranean Is On The Rise

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

The popularity of cruise and stay holidays in the Mediterranean is growing. Once you board the ship, you can check into your cabin, unpack your luggage and, that’s it - you’re all done! Now you can kick back and enjoy a cruise holiday of a lifetime, sailing through the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean.

When the ship docks at all the ports of call, you can go and explore each destination. Get to meet the locals and experience their cultures. Visit the historical sites like magnificent cathedrals, museums and galleries. Have lunch at a restaurant and enjoy ethnic cuisine and then do some shopping.

At the end of a tiring day, you can return to the ship, have a hot bath or shower, then enjoy the ship’s many facilities. May to October are the months that most cruises operate because the weather is fine. Not so with Mediterranean cruises - these operate throughout the entire year.

Because of this, many people choose the off-season periods to enjoy a cruise. This is a good choice because during off-peak times, prices are usually cheaper. Another benefit is being able to see all the attractions without being jostled by large crowds everywhere.

The Port of Mahon is a stop-over for most Mediterranean cruise ships. This beautiful place is the capital of Minorca - an island that’s a great favorite with tourists. Huge opulent yachts belonging to the rich and famous are moored in the port. While the island is tranquil and peaceful, there are many interesting attractions. A lot of them show the island’s strong historical ties with Britain.

The other stop-overs are dependent on the different operators that specialize in cruise and stay holidays in the Mediterranean. Most include stops in Turkey, France, Spain, Italy and Croatia, while others also stop in Paris, Greece and London. There are many options to choose from and you can get all the details online. Be sure to check if there are off-season discounts.

Thomson Cruises 2011 offer the chance to enjoy a cruise and stay holiday in amazing locations. Find out more and see a great cruise selection of great deals and offers at www.cruiseselection.co.uk

London - Everything You Could (And More!)

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

London is a thriving city - undoubtedly one the world’s best. It is a city that has never looked back or slowed down since the time of its first founding. Everything that you would want can be found within its center. As you would expect, a city that offers so much is a great place to visit and not somewhere that you could get bored. You could spend a lifetime exploring the place, but if you have just a few days, you can still get a real feel of what the city is about.

A good starting point is to immerse yourself in the city’s history. You will come across everything from dark medieval secrets to glorious, priceless crown jewels. The city’s history is so rich and vast, that there is something for everyone, even those who claim to have little interest in history. Be sure to pay a visit to Madame Tussauds, which is the world’s best lifelike wax museum, where you can see famous people not just from the UK, but from all around the world. Also, do not miss out on the London Dungeon, where the horrors of medieval London are bought to life.

Inside the Tower of London, you will discover the crown jewels and hear tales of prisons made especially for only the most important prisoners. The National Portrait Gallery brings history and art together with exhibits of portraits depicting Britain’s most famous historical figures. Plenty of small museums and art galleries are found in London’s city center that are worth a stop, so make sure to leave time in your schedule to peek your head inside.

For the professional shopper, a stroll down Oxford Street is highly recommended. If the bustle of the city begins to wear on you, however, a stopover in Hyde Park brings the peace of the countryside to the city. Outdoor markets are one of London’s highlights, and you will find Portobello Market northeast of Hyde Park. London’s history does not exist only on the busiest streets. Charming side streets take the visitor to times past and to unexpected treasures such as Covent Gardens in central London. In the center of town, the London eye provides a bird’s eye view of the city and provides a comprehensive display of all that London has to offer.

As day turns to night, it is time to catch up with some friends at the local pub. You are sure to find at least one beer on tap that will hit the spot. Once your thirst is slaked and you are properly hydrated, it is time to dance. An international city like London is brimming with clubs filled with all kinds of dancing; everything from techno, to trance, to hip hop can be found. You are sure to find a rave and some Latin and ethnic dancing too. You can also attend a rugby or football contest if one of London’s countless teams is playing.

Learn More : Budget Hyde Park Hotels London

London Airports - Information & Advice

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

The city of London is one of the most popular capitals of the world and accordingly boasts 5 notable airports to help channel visitors into the UK. Central London is easily reached from each of the airports, as you can see from the brief overview below.

Heathrow Airport - Heathrow is London’s largest airport and is the world’s busiest for international passengers. It has five terminals and acts as a regional base to more than 90 airlines, which fly to over 150 destinations worldwide. It is located 22km west of Central London. The cheapest way to get to Central London from Heathrow is by using the London Underground. The journey takes less than an hour - though it will depend on your final destination - and costs around $6.

Gatwick Airport - Second only to Heathrow, Gatwick can be found 45km to the south of London’s centre. Better known for its frequent charter and discount flights, Gatwick is highly popular and as such it is well connected to London. By bus the journey takes an average of 90 minutes however trains regularly run from Gatwick to London Victoria as well.

Stansted Airport - Although not as big as the major airports Stansted caters for a range of budget airlines, a fact that makes it a popular choice for tourists. The airport is located nearly 50km NE of London’s centre but the variety of transport links make commuting easy. Terravision, Stansted Bus and easyBus are reliable methods of travel into London with Marble Arch, Baker Street and Victoria Station being popular destinations.

Luton Airport - Luton Airport is located 56km north of London. It is a small airport (it has just a single runway airport) and it is predominantly used only by budget airlines flying to various destinations around Europe. As the airport is relatively far from central London, and involves going through busy areas, getting there by care or bus requires time and planning. There is a train station near to the airport though, which will get you to the city center in less than an hour.

London City Airport - This small, central airport is situated just 11km from the centre of London and is suited to light aircraft that specialize in short take-offs and landings. Its location close to Canary Wharf makes it ideal for business flights and private travelers destined for the nearby financial district. In addition, the airport is well connected to London in its entirety through the Docklands Light Railway and a network of bus routes.

Alternatives to the 5 London Airports include the centrally located Birmingham Airport and Manchester Airport to the north. Both of these large international airports have very good transport links to London and the rest of the UK, meaning you can be anywhere within the country with just a few hours traveling.

Continue : Gatwick Hilton Hotel

An Unforgettable Experience: Viewing The Catacombs

Monday, June 28th, 2010

The catacombs are one of the most fascinating sights in Rome. Five of them are open to the public, and admission to them is relatively inexpensive. Admittance to the catacombs includes a free guided tour. Each of the five catacombs closes one day a week on a rotating basis, so that at least four of the catacombs are open each day, except for three holidays: New Years, Easter, and Christmas. The most famous of the five catacombs is that of Saint Callistus (or Callixtus), which is open every day except Wednesdays.

The Catacombs: What Are They?

The catacombs are underground burial chambers fashioned by the early Christians to bury their loved ones.They are situated outside the ancient city walls of Rome. Two of them are alongside the ancient Appian Way.

The early Christians used hand tools to excavate their underground burial chambers. These chambers were dug out of a soft rock known as tuffa. Tuffa rock is very soft and can easily be dug out with hand tools. Yet, once tuffa is exposed to air, it hardens. This characteristic of tuffa rock enabled the early Christians to dig our numerous passageways through the tuffa. The walls of these passages are lined with burial niches, where the bodies of deceased Christians were placed.

Why Are They Called Catacombs?

From where did the term “catacombs” come? In the beginning, it was merely a geographic word of identification. It had nothing to do with the early Christian burial sites. Early Roman maps bore the description, “ad catacumbas,” for a region of land near the Appian Way where the ground sank down and there was a large hollow. Ad catacumbas is merely Latin for “near the hollow.” The name for the area was there long before the Christians created their subterranean tombs there.

Now, not too far from the Catacomb of St. Callistus, there is another underground cemetery named after a saintly Christian called Sebastian. Well, in the late 4th and the 5th centuries, a lot of pilgrims came to Rome to view these underground burial chambers. And maps and guides were made for these pilgrims.

In these guides and other documents, the Sebastian cemetery was given this name: Cymiterium Catacumbas ad sanctum Sebastianum via Appia. This name was merely giving the location of this cemetery, being one of the cemeteries located in the catacumbas region along the Appian Way.

Somehow, during the early Middle Ages, primarily through ignorance, people started referring to all of these underground cemeteries as “catacombs.” And that is how the name got started.

Discovery of the Catacombs

After the year 1200, fewer and fewer pilgrims came to visit the catacombs. Eventually, the local Roman Christians quit giving tours of the catacombs, and these underground cemeteries were forgotten. The entrances to some of the catacombs were covered by rock slides. Shrubs and trees covered the entrances of the other ones. Eventually the time came when nobody could remember where the various entrances to the catacombs were located. And so the catacombs passed into oblivion.

In 1849, a 27-year old Italian archaeologist named Giovanni Rossi was searching for ancient Christian artifacts along the Appian Way. One day, he was looking through the grounds of a vineyard just outside of Rome when he suddenly spied a piece of broken marble. He picked it up and studied it.

The piece of marble had an inscription on it, some of which was missing. But the part that was left said: “. . .nelius martyr.” He pondered it awhile, and then made a smart guess. Perhaps this was from the tomb of Cornelius. Cornelius had been the bishop of Rome in the 3rd century, and he was martyred in the year 253. He was buried somewhere near the Appian Way.

Of course, Giovanni was excited about possibly finding this tomb. But there was something even more electrifying. He knew from ancient records that Cornelius was buried right by the early Christian underground cemetery that was known in the Middle Ages as the catacombs of St. Callistus.

Well, Giovanni had a strong hunch that these catacombs were located right beneath the vineyard where he was working. Being Roman Catholic, he immediately contacted the papal authorities about his hunch. So the papal office bought the vineyard, and Giovanni de Rossi was commissioned to begin excavating. His hunch proved to be right, and within a few years he had uncovered much of the catacomb of St. Callistus, the largest of all of the catacombs. In the years that followed, eventually the other catacombs were found.

Mr. Eckelmann is both a writer and an enthusiastic photographer. He particularly enjoys Rome because of the many historic places and attractions there are to photograph there. To see some amazing photographs of the catacombs, he invites you to visit his website.

Have An Amazing Experience With Coach Holidays In Scotland

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

Sometimes life gets too much and it is time to get away somewhere nice. Many types of people take coach trips all over the Country. Coach holidays in Scotland are a wonderful experience that can take you away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. Aberdeen is just one place to visit when in Scotland. It is known for its shops and is a fantastic place to go when the sales are on.

If you love the beach, there are miles of clean, white sand. It is ideal for walks with partners and many families also enjoy days at the beach. Union Street provides a buzz for shoppers and is a very busy place. No matter what kind of holiday you prefer Aberdeen is the ideal location where you can totally relax from every day life.

If you want to have the time of your life then Aberdeen also has an amazing amusement park with plenty of rides for all ages. Coach holidays often include accommodation as well as perhaps half board or bed and breakfast. Coach holidays are great for families or those who do not have transport. They make taking a holiday a lot easier.

Aberdeen is idyllic with many activities that can be participated in. Extreme sports such as, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, yachting and surfing is all carried out. There are even guides that can teach activity sports. If you like taking breaks where life is in the fast lane then this is the location for you.

In Edinburgh there is the time for theatrical arts and culture. Bed and Breakfast as well as other hotels are plentiful. For those who like to eat out there are many places to eat. As well as all this Edinburgh is one of the best known areas for shopping and maybe getting a bargain or two. There is also the lovely Inverness that makes an exciting area to explore.

Inverness is known as the city in the Highlands because it is exactly that! If you have always fancied going mountain climbing then it is possible to take guided climbs. Quad biking, racing, white water rafting, surfing and many other extreme sports are all on offer. Dolphins also reside in Inverness and you might spot a few.

A coach holiday is a great way to see and visit new places such as Scotland and Shearings Coach Holidays offer them at outstanding value for money prices. Find out more about your perfect coach vacation at the popular coach holiday web site www.acoachholiday.co.uk

Tips And Hints On Finding A Cheap Holiday In The Algarve

Friday, June 11th, 2010

Holidays in the Algarve are very very popular, and so they should be. The Algarve remains one of the most beautiful destinations in the whole of Europe, and attracts visitors from all over Europe, and even the rest of the world. Certainly, it is the nicest beach area in Portugal, and is favoured by families and couples and groups of friends alike are all looking to have a fantastic vacation. However, you are going to want to do this for as cheaply as possible, so the following are a few general guidelines on finding a cheap holiday in the Algarve.

First of all, take advantage of specialist travel services. These will be those who are going to have specialist knowledge of the area, and be able to get you special rates on both flights and hotels. If you go with one of these companies in order to book up your entire trip, then you are likely to be able to save money rather than going with a generic holiday provider.

Yet this is not to say that you should not spend time also doing your own research and looking to find if you can build up your own travel package. Often if you’re able to book flights and accommodation separately, you might find that you are able to get a better overall deal rather than paying for the services of a travel company to create a package for you.

Another tip is to book well in advance. You need to work out when exactly you want to be going, and if you’re able to book your holiday a long time before you are due to go, you are more likely to get a cheaper deal.

Last of all if you are at the other end of the spectrum, and are not necessarily to dead set on a specific time, then it is a good idea to seek out a last-minute deal. These will often be cancellation packages where you will be able to get the whole deal for a much cheaper price.

These are just a couple of tips on how to find cheaper packages to go to the Algarve.

Thompsons Holidays 2010 offer a great holiday solution for holidays in the Algarve, find out how to save money on a visit to the Algarve with Nicole Hill of travel web site A Travel

A Few Things You Must Do While You Are In Budapest

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

Probably Hungary is not on the list of places that you really want to visit. With this article I will try to change your mind and persuade you to give the country a chance. Discover a new culture while you are on holiday this year. Visit Budapest, the capital city, enjoy all the great things that this city has to offer.

If you have never been to Hungary before I would advise you to visit the capital, Budapest first. Since I am a native Hungarian I know the city very well and now I will attempt to recommend you places to visit, things to do. But before I start on that let me mention the language.

Hungarian is very unique, different from other languages surrounding the country. The younger generation speaks English pretty well, and most of them will know another language as well such as German, French or Spanish. However the older generation you might have difficulties communicating with. Therefore have a dictionary and a small phrase book with you just in case. Most restaurants will translate menus from Hungarian to English and in museums you can have an English-speaking guide if you wish.

Now let’s talk about what to do with your time in Budapest. Make sure you go up to the Buda Castle with the funicular and visit the National Gallery within the castle building. After that go into Matthias Church, enjoy the view from the Fishermen’s Bastille, walk around in the castle district and have a cake at Ruszwurm confectionary.

In the evening visit Liszt Ferenc Square where you will find many cute restaurants and teahouses. If you want to go dancing afterwards visit one of the open-air nightclubs, such as Holdudvar, Szimpla Kert, Rio, Buddha Beach or Zold Pardon, which are amazing on a hot summer night.

Katalin Pankotay is from Hungary. She studied economics and marketing and worked in that field for several years. However she entered a new field recently as well which is Hungarian to English translation. So for quality Hungarian English translation visit her website.