Discount Euro Travel

Old traditions and customs are still firmly embedded in most societies today despite the growing modernity and complexity of life. Cultural traditions are still very much alive which may involve choosing your spouse or even avoiding bad luck. There are traditions that surround almost every aspect of our daily living. Even pregnancy and birth-giving are surrounded with mystified ideas that are often misconceived by many who do not believe in them. Europe may be a very industrialized continent but it is not exempt from these birth traditions that are still believed by many.

Europeans very much believe in pregnant women's cravings. Greeks have the conception that if the craving was not granted, the baby will develop a birthmark that may be in the shape of a fruit or maybe ice cream. They also have a belief that a pregnant woman should wear a boar's tooth brooch because it will protect her from bad spirits and bring prosperity to her baby. In fact many of these amulets are still being sold in jewelry stores in many areas in Europe.

Pregnant women should likewise keep away from the dead like attending a wake or visiting graveyards. Germans believe that if a pregnant woman steps on a grave, her baby could die. The Russians believe that if a couple confesses their past relationships to each other, the wife won't go through a difficult labor. Otherwise, the wife would have to put the blame on her husband if she labors with difficulty.

Perhaps one of the most important eras in European history is the Renaissance. This period saw the fruition of intellectual, philosophical and artistic radiance all over Europe. This era represented Europe's rise from the Dark Ages. The beginning of the Renaissance could not be fully determined since it did not just come out of the blue. The citizens of Europe didn't wake up one day and enjoyed this era of brilliance. It happened at different regions of the continent little by little but Central Italy, particularly Florence, is said to be the starting point of the Renaissance in the latter part of the 13th century.

What started as the Italian Renaissance in Florence gradually spread to Rome and to the Northern regions of Europe where it was developed differently. The artworks in Italian Renaissance did not just focus on religious figures but also the popular figures in those days and the rules of perspective were learned by various talented artists as well. Meanwhile, England became the hometown of some of history's most famous literary figures such as William Shakespeare and John Milton. England also hosted Thomas Tallis and William Byrd; both were famous composers in their days.

Art isn't the only aspect that flourished during the Renaissance. New attitudes in politics, education, and philosophy were also established during this age. A new method to power was introduced which historians call the "new monarchies." Perhaps the biggest negative development during this era was the lowered regard for women in the society.

Cannes is a city in Southern France also called the Star of the French Riviera. It is well-know internationally for its film festival. It is also a popular place for the rich and the famous from all parts of the globe especially during the International Film Festival where Cannes attracts the biggest names in the world of acting. Tourist can take a tour along the famous La Croisette which is an amazing promenade for both local and foreign visitors. It gives you a view of the beaches of Cannes and the Mediterranean Sea.

One can also stroll along the Palais des Festivals, the hottest venues in Cannes for tourism and international festivals. It marks the end of the beaches on La Croisette. The Palais is famous for the handprints of famous Hollywood celebrities like Sharon Stone, Harrison Ford, and Martin Scorsese.

And if those attractions aren’t enough why not try a culinary journey through this bustling city. Restaurants serve sumptuous dishes whether you are craving for Italian, American, Greek, or Mexican food, name it they have it there. But if you'd rather opt for authentic French cuisine, then the list of restaurants and bars that offer them is endless. Cannes' finest dining places include La Villa des Lys, La Palme d'Or, the Royal Gray and the Belle Otéro. These restaurants serve delicious gastronomic delights that will surely be a feast to the palate.

There is truth in the cliché that a true traveler is one that goes on foot, but one who goes on a river cruise might see and experience even more. A cruise down the famous rivers in Europe like the Danube River and Rhine River will give tourist the experience of a lifetime. With captivating scenery and breathtakingly serene environment, European river cruise is a must in any tourist's itinerary.

Take a tour down Europe's greatest river, the Blue Danube, in luxurious cruise ships and relax in their comfortable cabin while sightseeing the many thrills that nine countries have to offer. The Danube stretches from Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, and Hungary. You will be captivated by the beauty of this waterway and discover the old charm of Linz, including the place where Mozart composed his famous Linz Symphony.

And if that historical tour is not enough, why not take a cruise down the Rhine River? This river plays an important role not only for transportation but also for tourism for countries like Switzerland, France, Germany and Holland. A cruise down this romantic waterway will transport you back to the medieval ages because of the castles and fortresses that align its shores such as the Castle Rheinstein, Marksburg Castle and Castle Stolzenfels. Take a trip down Europe's memory lane, cruise down the Danube and Rhine rivers.

Europe is a popular destination for lovers of art and culture. For this, it has been 'the' place to find the best museums that are home to the world's greatest and most expensive art collection in the world. A trip to the museum, for many, is a boring activity. However, for most cultured people it is a source not only of pleasure, but also of enlightenment.

Here are three of the most amazing and exciting museums in Europe that tourists should visit. The Acropolis Museum in Greece is considered as one of the most important museums in the world because of its masterpieces from the Greek civilization like pediments and metopes from the Parthenon, sculptures dated back from hundreds of years Before Christ among others. Another is the Louvre Museum in France. The Louvre is famous all over the world because it is home to over thirty-five thousand art works and masterpieces including Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa.

The Louvre also has collections from ancient civilizations like the Egyptian, Greek, Islam, and Roman Antiquities. Lastly, the Vatican Museum which was founded in 1503 by Pope Julius II della Rovere. The museum houses a collection of religious art, books and paintings of the Pontiffs.

We might not know it but cheese originated in Mesopotomia, our modern day Iraq, some 5,000 years ago. Since then, cheese has been a very important food to most modern cultures. The French considers cheese as a traditional food. In fact there are over 400 cheeses that are made in France.

What makes the cheeses distinct from one another is their flavor and texture. There are hard and soft cheeses. There are also mild to powerful tasting cheeses. French cheeses are made from either cow or goat milk or a combination of both. Regardless of their differences, French cheese is simply the best in the world.

French cheeses come from different regions in the country. Each region has its distinct cheese. The cheese called Camembert comes from Normandy, while Alsace is popular for its Munster cheese. The area of Paris is popular for its Brie while the Alpine region claims as its specialty the Reblochon and Beaumont cheeses. Because of the cheese of France, it has earned its reputation as a haven for cheese lovers. Agreeably, tourists flock to the country not only because of its beautiful scenery but also because of its cheeses.

I bet you are not familiar with the German city named Stuttgart. But if you love beer, then this place is a must for you. This city celebrates two beer fests in a year, one is the Fruhlings' fest during springtime and the other is the Cannstatter fest held during fall.

The city has a very old history which dates back to the 10th Century. No wonder there are a number of old buildings and structures like the Palace Solitude which was built in the 1760s. The palace is a cross between rococo and classic architecture. The New Palace, which is a U-shaped building, has over 365 rooms. It serves as house to the Baden-Württemberg's State Government. However, it is not new at all; the palace was built during the 17th Century. The city also abounds with art museums both old and new. The very modern Kunstmuseum Stuttgart is described as a glass cube museum because the building looks like a giant glass cube from the outside.

Stuttgart is a good place for tourists because it doesn't only offer amazing scenery but also their warm and friendly people. You need not worry if you're not well-versed with German language because a tourist can get by with minimal language skills.

There was a time when people would opt to got to Italy to ski, if their budget cannot take them right in the heart of the Alps. However, today Italy no longer holds that reputation. The country is now one of the prime tourist destinations for skiing enthusiasts from all parts of the world. The mountains of Italy are perfect not only for skiing but also for a relaxed affair which also involves eating, sunbathing, and an exciting nightlife.

Some of the most popular ski resorts in Italy include Courmayeur in Aosta Valley. The resort has complete amenities including hotels where tourists can stay. It is also bustling with activities cross-country skiing, dog sledding, skidoos and a lot more. Another is the Bardonecchia, which is located near the Italy and France border. Like all the other ski resorts in Italy, it also offers good accommodation, friendly price, and amazing scenery.

The ski resort of Bormio could be considered the landmarks of Italian ski resorts because when you think of Italian ski resorts, the first to come up in one's mind is Bormio. This resort offers a variety of both on-snow and off-snow activities. The resort has cafes, shops, bars, and restaurants that is why the resort is perfect for those who still wanted some nightlife amidst snowy mountains.

Europe is the home of castles where dreams and fairytales were made. Magnificent castles can be found all over Europe. These castles were built by kings to show its power and wealth in his time. In Germany, the famous Neuchwanstein Castle was built during the year of 1869 to 1886.

It is one the most famous and most magnificent castle collections in Bavaria of the famous King, Ludwig II. It was featured in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang film and it inspired the creation of the famous Sleeping Beauty fairytale. During summer months, visitors and tourists flock to this castle to experience the beauty and ultimate royal feeling of touring the castle.

So, if you are planning to visit this castle, you can purchase tickets from the castle's entrance. You will need a tour guide in touring the castle in order not to get lost. The Munich airport is the closest airport in Neucwanstein. But, if you travel by car, you will consume ninety minutes of your time to reach Fussen and a few minutes reaching the castle premises. It is closed during holidays like the eve and day of New Year and Christmas, and during Shrove Tuesday.

When I walked down the Stroget, the world's longest pedestrian street I felt like I was transported into time. It’s probably because of Copenhagen's 17th Century architecture which is very distinctive and attractive, reminiscent of the time when Hans Christian Andersen lived. This Danish capital is a sure steal for tourists like no other city in this part of Scandinavia because it offers great shopping, exquisite dining, and a whole lot of other activities.

Copenhagen is Scandinavia's largest city. The city can be synonymous with the words bright, lively, and friendly. The city's sky-scraper will surely captivate anyone. But the biggest attraction in this city is the Tivoli Gardens which is a sort of a mini-Disneyland. The only difference is that it is also a fancifully-manicured park. The Tivoli Garden was established in 1843 and since then it has enchanted people from all over the world. The park is located right in the middle of the city. It is a sure hit for the young and young-at-heart because it feels like you are in a fairytale village.

When in Copenhagen, you might want to go to the Christianborg Palace that houses the Danish Parliament and Denmark's Supreme Court. It is used for royal receptions and official engagements up until this day. One should not miss to visit the statue of the Little Mermaid which is considered the essence of Copenhagen. The Little Mermaid statue was based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale "The Little Mermaid," which is also a hit Disney animated movie. It attracts over one million tourists annually.

Caviar or caviare is known to many as a cuisine eaten only by the rich aristocratic families of Europe. It comes from the eggs or roe of a specie of primitive fish, known as the sturgeon. Dishes with caviar are commonly associated with the French. However, the best caviars come from Eurasian countries near the Caspian and Black Sea. If you want a delicious French caviar recipe that you can share with your family and friends, you have to try Oeufs Farcis Au Caviar or Eggs Stuffed with Caviar. You will need the following ingredients to make this caviar recipe:



8 pieces hard-boiled eggs (peeled)
1 spoon horseradish soup
2 spoons English mustard
2 spoons chopped fresh tarragon
4 spoons of caviar
pinch of salt and pepper

Cut the hard-boiled eggs into two following the length and set them aside. Mix all the other ingredients in a bowl except the caviar then season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently put the caviar into the mixture and stir delicately. Be careful not to ruin the roe. Put the caviar mixture into the egg halves. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve in a platter with lettuce leaves.

A seasoned traveler would know that one of the best places to go to in Europe is Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland. It is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in all Europe and maybe the entire planet. Located in the heart of the country, Zurich still possesses its 19th century charm that is a real come-on to tourists all over. The city abounds with majestic museums and architectures. The Museum of Art in Zurich has a collection of art pieces that date back to the 1600s while the Gothic cathedral of The Church of our Lady is of the more prominent architectural creations in the city with its colorful stained glass windows. Another place of interest for tourists is the Swiss National Museum which is in a historic castle in Zurich. The Museum houses a collection of unique artifacts that play a role in the history of the country.

For tourists who love to shop Zurich would be a good place to do just that. The best shops and boutiques in Zurich are found in the narrow streets between the Bahnhofstrasse and the river of Limmat. A caveat though, be sure to bring enough cash because these streets are famous for its reputation of being the most expensive street in the world. A trip to Zurich would also not be complete without experiencing its nightlife. There are a lot of cool hangout places in the city. Some of the more popular are Blindekuh where you can rub elbows with fashionable Zurchers, Jules Verne which is found atop a building giving a wonderful night view of the Zurich cityscape and Moods, a bar for the trendy ones. Jazz bands play here almost every night.

Accommodation in this city is never a problem for tourists. One of the best hotels among the 83 hotels in Zurich is the Widder Hotel, where you can get to experience lovely ambiance, sumptuous food and impeccable service. Another is the Arabella Sheraton Neues Schloss, a 3-star hotel that has 58 rooms. It boasts of its great location, good service, and great value for tourists.

Europe is full of stories about kings and queens, and there are many castles, most of them are centuries-old, are still standing and send an indescribable feeling to all the visitors. A few castles were closed for public viewing for safety purposes, but some are maintained and continuously being renovated to provide enough proof that such castles did existed and still does. Among the grandest castles in Europe is the Neuschwanstein in Bavaria, Germany. It stands three thousand and six feet above sea-level and exhibits the Romanesque style which depicts arched towers, windows, and portals.

The year was 1869. King Ludwig II of Bavaria built his third castle in Hohenschwangau. The construction of the palace took almost two decades. According to the story, the castle has not been really finished because right before the completion of his fairy tale castle, the King was drowned, and this untimely death also put a stop on the construction. The interior of the Neuschwanstein showcases Catholicism inspired paintings.

This massive, haunting, elegantly-built, and holy castle, though located on a mountain, still receives six thousand visitors on a daily basis during summer time. Unfortunately, digital cameras and video recorders are not permitted inside the castle, but visitors will surely enjoy the exciting walk to the Alps, and the mystery of Neuschwanstein castle.

When you are tired of the astounding Eiffel tower in Paris, or the seemingly leaning tower of Pisa in Italy, then it is high time that you set your sights on exotic Turkey. Otherwise known as Constantinople, Istanbul, the capital of Turkey lies near equally adorable Venice. Istanbul is a vivid fusion of history, culture, tradition, belief, and custom from various invasions that ruled the nation.

Establish around the 7th century as a Byzantium Greek city, it was named after the great ruler Constantine I. Invasion from the Ottomans linked the city to the rest of Europe and extended relations in trade, commerce, military, and diplomatic. At times, the country is torn between Asia and Europe. That is why it is such a great fusion bringing together extremities from both sides.

Istanbul prides itself with the Blue Mosque called as such because of the color of its interior tiles. You can also visit Sultanahmet District where you can see palaces and mosques. Take a Turkish bath at Cemberlitas Haman if you want to relax a bit. These and so much more will gratify you when you visit this city. Plus, dare not to forget to enjoy Turkish cuisine and festivals among others.

Perhaps, you have only heard of Monaco during car racing activities on the television. Personally, I was not aware of the exact location of Monaco. I even thought it was a part of France, until I saw a specific European map and did not see Monaco as one of its cities. My hunch then was it was a country.

I was right. Monaco is, in fact, the second smallest country in the whole world. Although it is not a city of France, it is situated in the lower portion of France, near the Mediterranean. As such, it is not surprising that most of the customs and practices in Monaco have French influences. Take, for instance, food. A lot of the foods and beverages being served in Monaco are of French origin. Plus, the people here speak French, albeit its inhabitants are of mixed races -- Belgians, British, Italians, and Americans.

Even though Monaco is only a tiny part of Europe, there are a number of attractions that the area has to offer to traveling enthusiasts. Aside from the famous Monaco Grand Prix, Monaco is popular for its museums, palaces, and gardens as well as beaches and opera houses. Monaco also has casinos that may rival some of Las Vegas'.

The Icelanders are purportedly the happiest people alive. If you're wondering why, then it should amaze you more that Iceland is not exactly a paradise. It's a place that survives both the temperamental weather changes and the almost-inhabitable topography. It's a cold country rocked by volcanic eruptions. The reason why they are the happiest people is because they have undergone a rich history of conquest and slavery, religious inquisition, national revivals, and economic boom. Today, Iceland is one of the most industrialized countries in Europe.

Historical records have shown that Iceland may be the Ultima Thule of the ancients. Thule is a name given by the ancients to the most northerly land of Europe. It was an island discovered and described (c.310 BC) by the Greek navigator Pytheas and was identified with Iceland, Norway, and the Shetland Islands. Ultima Thule denotes the most distant goal of human endeavor or a land remote beyond all reckoning.

The Irish monks visited it before the 9th century, but abandoned it on the arrival (c.850-875) of Norse settlers, many of whom had fled from the domination of Harold I. The Norse settlements also contained many Irish and Scottish slaves who are mainly women. In 930 a general assembly, the Althing, was established near Reykjavík at Thingvellir, and Christianity was introduced circa 1000 by the Norwegian Olaf I, although paganism seems to have survived for a time. These events are preserved in the literature of 13th-century Iceland, where Old Norse literature reached its cultural bloom.

One of the warmest cities in Europe, Lisbon the capital of Portugal, offers not just enchanting destinations for tourists but its rich diverse culture and warm hospitality. Lisbon is a legendary city that has a twenty-century history. Much of the original architecture from the 1700s survive today and provide a perfect backdrop for an exquisite European vacation.

Lisbon is also called the City of Seven Hills. The hills located in Lisbon are Castelo, Graca, Monte, Penha de Franca, S. Pedro de Alcantara, Santa Catarina, and Estrela. The city is popular for its festivals in honor of their popular saints. Museums also abound the capital. There are over 50 museums in Lisbon, a perfect place to reminisce Portugal’s amazing history. But aside from that it is also a haven for shoppers and partyphiles. There are bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and cafes to hangout.

Shopping is one tempting activity in Lisbon due to the presence of shopping centers that cater to both modern and traditional shoppers. A must-see attraction that tourist should include in their itinerary is the Estoril Cascais. The Cascais is a stylish summer resort filled with small beaches, a perfect get-away for travelers.

Iceland is a wonderful place to explore the beauty of Mother nature with all the glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs and ice-covered mountains. It is also a great place for dining.
Much of the dishes prepared in the country are influenced by its geography.

Dishes are usually with fish or lamb’s meat. A tourist planning to go to Iceland should try their delicacy – the salmon. Salmon is prepared in various ways; the most common is through marinating the meat. They call it in Iceland as gravlax. Growing vegetables in Iceland comes in a unique method. Greenhouses abound the country because they have a lot of geysers to get the heat they need to cultivate vegetables. Dining is an exciting activity in this country. Although there are only a few dining places in the capital Reykjavik, there are a lot of exciting specialty dishes in their menu. Some of them are smoked lamb, dried fish, skyr or curd, and Icelandic sild.

There are also bars and nightclubs in Iceland that serve authentic Icelandic food. A caveat to tourists, alcohol in Iceland is pretty expensive. But, you can enjoy beer or coffee in cafes. You also have to try their local drink called Brennivin which is made from potatoes.

The island of Ile de la Cite in Paris embraces the Gothic glorious religious symbol during the Middle Ages, the Notre Dame de Paris. Paris Bishop Maurice de Sully begun its construction in 1163 and was completed in 1345. The cathedral brings some religious pieces, which are reflected on stained glass, in the portals, and on most paintings. The cathedral participated in some major tales of the century. The Notre-Dame became a prayer place for crusaders during Holy Wars. Polyphonic music was made in this cathedral. During the 17th century, the supremacy of Louis XIV and Louis XV saw the destructions of tombs, and stained glasses. In French revolution era, some treasures of the church were destroyed and robbed; but the grand bells were not melted down. The church was offered to the cult of Reason as well as to the cult of the Supreme Being. The interior of the cathedral became a food storage.

Notre-Dame was rebuilt in 1844, which lasted about twenty-three years. Eugene Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc restored the triforium, sculptures and little clerestory windows of Notre-Dame church. A program for general preservation and repairs began in 1991 and lasted for ten years.