Discount Euro Travel

A Vatican official recently appeared in a television special documentary about the Inquisition. Reverend Joseph Di Noia, Under-secretary of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, publically admitted that the use of torture and burning at the stake by the Church's Inquisition was a "mistake."

The Inquisition was infamous for using brutal methods permitted by the Church during the the 13th to the 19th century in European countries. Although the reverend admits the error, he was quick to defend the Church's act saying that it was perfectly accepted by everyone that time thus, it is justified.

Europe isn't just a place that you can explore for a week, it's one of the biggest continents in the world, so, if you're planning to really get to know Europe, its people, and its culture, better prepare yourselves. A tour in Europe requires time, so atleast 5-6 months before you fly there, think of your specific destination.

If you want to go to France first, you better learn the basics of the language - French. Millions of tourists fly there every year, so better book your flights 3-4 months before. You can't just go there and expect that you can sleep anywhere and book a hotel room on the spot, so better check on that the same time you've purchased your air fare. And, let's say you want to really go around, apply for the Eurail pass, that would settle everything, pack your bags and you're off!

So, let's say you're already onboard the European plane travel, or jet, and you have already settled in quite nicely. What are the must-see spots that you should visit then? I suggest taht after you've seen France, and you've experienced the French chateaux, it's time that you visit Holland, and see fresh tulips, the Gouda, and see where the best springtime is.

In the months of March to May, the tulips are in full bloom, everything's so colorful and alive, glowing with bright hues. You can just snack on Holland's famous Gouda cheese, it goes with anything, fruits, fondue, freshly-baked bread, or any gourmet food, it's just a heavenly treat! Go and see Holland, you'll never regret it!

Are you a botanical guru or a simple flower lover? If you are, then perhaps you should take a trip to Spain because in the continent of Europe is the Picos de Europa in Spain.

Picos de Europa is an area where a vast range of flowers and vascular plants are common and specially found. Tourists who visit can enjoy the holiday and be treated to a sight of beautiful orchids, wild tulips, gentians, and other exotic species such as the saxifrage and toadflax.

Amsterdam is the capital of Netherlands that, according to legends, was found by two Frisian fishermen who landed on the shore of Amstel on a boat. In a geogrpahical point of view the city may seem small but with the rich culture it feels more like a big city with a variety of choices for activity.

Amsterdam is notable for it's museums, the major three are: the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk and the Van Gogh. The city is also famous for it's symphony orchestra, the Concertgebouworkest. Amsterdam also has it's share of infamy - they say that anything is legal in the city. There are numerous coffee shops located in the city that sell's cannabis and the city has a red-light district.

I have just been to Prague and allow me to say that New Town Brewery is definitely one must-see pub in the area. Even though vegetables are included in their menu, most of their foods, such as potatoes, pork, chicken, and duck are made especially for big, heavy eaters and meat lovers or large groups of about ten people.

Of course, their special dishes would not be complete without beer, and you can catch a glimpse of the brewing process in their aptly-named dining rooms like Fermenting Cellars or Brewhouse.

Probably the best eateries found in Budapest are not found in commercial areas. But even though you may not know their local language, superb food awaits you in this side of Hungary. Restaurants often display their menus outside so you already have an idea about the food that they serve and how much it costs.

Hungarian dishes are mostly meatless but served with sauces. It's like eating your pancakes or pasta with a twist. Dining in Budapest, especially during peak hours, also entails table sharing. So when a stranger sits at your table, try to strike a conversation and see if you can learn more about their traditions.

If you happen to be in the eastern side of Europe continent for the summer, you may find the markets and some streets lined with numerous vegetable and fruit vendors.

This is not unusual, since the summer signals a season of the fresh and luscious produce, such as currants, berries, sweet carrots, watermelons, cherries, and special herbs, all of which you can get at great prices. So, the next time you are in Europe, just postpone your much-awaited trip to the supermarket and go to the nearest food vender outside the street and practice your bargaining skills.

Spain is one of the most popular places in Europe. It boasts of royalty, rich culture, and beautiful Ibiza. Ibiza? Yes, it's the most popular spot in Spain, let alone, the whole world. Even I have heard of Ibiza, not even knowing that it's paradise-on-earth, well, it's full of surprises and fun!

Ibiza has one of the most beautiful beaches and it has the most happening nightspot around! With all the clubs, the people, the tourists from all over the world, and the warm welcome of the native. Ibiza has become the dwelling place of the world's party people! There are foam parties, beach parties, and there are even parties in the morning! Some clubs open at 8 am! Well, if you're in Ibiza, you just got to have all the fun, better not waste any waking moment, and start the par-teh!

Yummy dumplings? Varenyky! Varenyky is an authentic Ukrainian food, also known as pyrohy or perogies. It's a dough locket stuffed with potato and creamy cheddar cheese. There are also the famous sauerkraut and creamy cheddar cheese. That's not all; there are cherries and blueberries.

It's quite easy to cook, you just roll the dough into a thin pocket. Cut the dough into rounds, stuff in the fillings, sprinkle some water to moisten it, fold the dough and seal the it. Place your varenyky on a baking sheet and freeze it but you should place them on freezing bags. Lastly, cook them in boiling water and when they start to float, they're ready! As easy as 1-2-3!

You haven't completed a satisfactory tour of Europe if you haven't stopped in Madrid city, the capital of Spain and the financial hub of the entire Iberian Peninsula. It is the seat of the Spanish government and the seat of the centuries-old Castillan crown, one of the remaining Catholic monarchies in the world.

No one can resist its unique charm. Its streets are cosmopolitan yet the romanticism lingers, and you can see shops, cafes, and endless establishments that offer Spanish and European products. Of course, there's the ever reliable Spanish hospitality that is waiting to greet foreigners. Madrid is truly one city that you would want to fall in love with again and again.

If you are not originally from Europe, you might think that budget airlines means convenience at less cost. However, considering that Europe is known for its excellent rail transportation, budget airlines might not be really that interesting especially as opposed to the interactive exchange and sightseeing you can get from trains.

On the other hand, budget airlines are excellent for lengthy travels, from Spain to Italy, for instance, and for suburb residents who travel light and bring cars that they can park in the small airports.

Europe has one of the most advanced train railways in the world, but that doesn't stop Europe from having fun on the water! This past few years, water cruise around Europe has become immensely popular among tourists and even the locals.

It's a practical way to go around Europe without going in and out of buses and spending days in a train. Water cruises allow visiting of different places that most travel transporations in Europe cannot go to like Europe's waterways, coasts, oceans and rivers. It's like boarding into a sailing hotel. How fabulous is that?

The continent east of North America, the country where most Americans trace their ancestry, the place kids call Europe is not only the birthplace of philosophy, science and the arts. It is also home to the wackiest, most outrageous, most reasonably insane festivals the western hemisphere has ever invented. Surely, European travel has never been more fun.


If you are looking for the wildest mad rush ever, then why not try Pamplona, Spain as your destination. The town is famous for its nine-day festival called "Encierro" or "The Running of the Bulls." In this tradition duplicated around Spain during fiestas, bulls are let loose to run the streets and chase people. The residents and tourists likewise run after the beasts in the belief that touching the bull's skin will bring good luck.
The event is capped by a bull-fight at night, with loads of drinking sprees at the side.
The festival is held at every first week of July, with the bull running happening usually at around 8 am. Tourist lodgings are scattered around town. Some establishments remain open the whole day during the entire week.

If you are searching for a popular festival in Europe, why don't you try visiting the city of Sardinia, Italy for some horse action? The L'ardia Di San Costantino is one of the largest celebrations in this continent. It re-enacts the Christian figure Constantine and his conquest at Mulvian Bridge.

It is held every year during the months of July and lasts for three days. L'ardia Di San Costantino features outside the grounds of the sanctuary a horse racing that is both a meaningful event for the townspeople of Sedilo and at the same time, an opportunity for travelers to know the spiritual tradition of the locals. Just make sure not to be too excited about the action and get in the way of the horses to enjoy L'ardia Di San Costantino.

Traveling around Europe can be a hassle, especially if it is your first time in the area. Of course, an adventure in England or a vacation in France would not be complete if you did not interact with the city or country inhabitants much. Fortunately, asking for directions is not the only way to deal with the permanent residents of the place.

Take the time to walk and shop because locals do the same thing and they might even offer you some tips on what to buy, see and watch for. Pubs and ordinary transportation like buses are also great venues for meeting those people.

Cars and engines are usually associated with men being their mechanic; all that is about to change. The Base 34 center, a training center near Montpellie, France opened up recently and is training women to be car mechanics, breaking the mold of the age-old traditional stereotype of men being the machine buffs.

As of this moment, 15 women are going through training course and will graduate June next year. However, this doesn't mean that garages will be exclusive for women. Base 34 director Herve Malige said that as soon as these women open up their own garage, jobs will be offered for men as well so in time the number of male and female staff will be equal.

Bollywood's magic is not only entertaining and attracting the market in India, but apparently, also distant European countries like Ireland. This belief is made evident by the plan of the Prime Minister of Ireland to visit India. Sounds interesting?

Although the itinerary is mostly for the purpose of validating and improving the relationship between more than ninety companies, the Prime Minister wishes to do his part in promoting the entertainment industry through getting in touch with celebrities. He hopes to convince Bollywood filmmakers to create their masterpieces in Ireland during the six days of his stay in India. Would Bollywood agree to that? Let's see.

It seems that some European countries are getting more concerned and attracted to the idea of lessening the habit of smoking in public. At present, there are debates going on regarding the proposal of a limited smoking prohibition in England, which exempts private clubs and taverns not offering food on their menus.

In the event that the smoking ban is approved, Englandwill be following the footsteps of other countries such as Scotland and Northern Ireland, where a similar move is supported.

Belgium has at least 80 bars open from 8 in the evening until 8 in the morning. If you've been to every cultural spot in Belgium and you're still looking for some excitement at night, hit the nightspots, you have 80 bars and restaurants to choose from! They have one of the most abundant supplies of beer and not just any beer; they have the best beer around. They have the "Marionette Theater," an establishment open since 1834, which serves extensive collection of beers and entertainment. If you're looking for the ultimate nightspot, try Belgium's St. Gery, you'll be sure to stay and dance the rest of the night, even until morning! Hit the bars and taste that wonderful beer, Belgian style!

Latin and Asian countries are not the only ones who greatly value holidays. This year, United Kingdom and Ireland will have another round of bank holidays. The concept of bank holidays originated in the 1800s, referring to the days on which banks regularly terminate its operations. Bank holidays in Europe allow for long weekends, since these breaks often fall on a Monday, usually following normal holidays that are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays. So, the next time you plan on visiting these European countries, check your itinerary because shops and businesses might be closed.