Europe Travel 101 -

Europe Map - European Travel Planning Map - Europe for Visitors  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors Continental Europe Travel Planning Map Start your travel planning with this interactive map of Western Europe How to Use the European Travel Planning Map Place your mouse cursor over a country with map and traveler essential coverage and it'll turn orange. Click it and you'll be whisked off to that country's map and essentials page, listing all the resources on this site for that country, including tourist destinations, pictures, rail maps, and information that tourists need to be informed: languages, eating out, tipping, weather, and transportation. The red circle on the left represents a distance of 200 miles from the center to the circle's edge. The diameter of the circle represents 400 miles of course, and that's 643.6 kilometers. Position your mouse over the center of the circle (until it changes into a hand) and you can drag it over the map to get a closer approximation of distances. You'll need the flash plugin if you don't see the picture. Countries in yellow use the Euro (€), countries in green use local currency (see our European Currency Quick Guide for more). Map of Europe © 2003 by James Martin, Licensed to About. If you don't see the map and don't want to download the plugin, a non-interactive map of Europe with distances between major cities is available here . List of all the Maps on Europe for Visitors: European Travel Planning Map Germany Map Baden Baden Map Italy Map Rome Travel Map Cinque Terre Map Tuscany Map Lunigiana Map Spain Map Switzerland Map Austria Map France Map Paris Interactive Map Netherlands Map , Belgium Map Portugal Map Turkey Map United Kingdom Map From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Advertisement Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...

Cruise Vacations, West Coast

West Coast Cruises, Cruise Ships, Cruise Lines, West Coast Luxury Cruises West Coast Cruises, Cruise Ships, Cruise Lines, West Coast Luxury Cruises West Coast Cruise Vacations, West Coast Luxury Cruise Guide Virtuoso West Coast Luxury Cruise Consultants West Coast Cruise Vacations: Call 1 800 330 8820 to book. Open every day! West Coast Cruises, Cruise Ships, Cruise Lines, West Coast Luxury Cruises West Coast Cruises: West Coast cruise line, ships, itineraries and guide. In this section you will find great West Coast cruises, all-inclusive luxury cruises, romantic West Coast honeymoon cruises. We are the authority on luxury cruises around the globe, and choose only the most prestigious lines . We feature the finest luxury West Coast cruise tours---with tons of enjoyable virtual tours and streaming videos---You will find everything here except the sunscreen. Below we have a matrix of all the luxury West Coast cruise lines. West Coast cruises, West Coast cruise ships, West Coast cruise lines, West Coast cruise windjammer cruises, West Coast special interest cruises, West Coast honeymoon cruises, West Coast adventure cruise vacations, romantic cruises, Voyager Club. We specialize in deluxe, custom designed cruise vacations for discerning travelers. Remember, our Virtuoso-- luxury cruise consultants can offer amenities no other agencies can offer. Try us, were the best! Our Luxury Vacation and West Coast Cruise Consultants are known around the world by sophisticated traveler's for the extraordinary value of our custom designed vacations, and excellent, dedicated service. Our professional services suit the world's most demanding travelers. Our name opens doors and guarantees value. Our network of specialists span the world. We can get get you the best accommodations, privileged access and extra amenities. No | Yes Ship Size Length of Cruise Cruise Type/Ship Style Cruise Line Small Medium Large 3-7 Days 8-14 Days 15-21 Days 22+ Days Resort Premium Luxury Niche/ Specialty Value/ Trad. American Safari American West Steamboat Cunard Line Holland America Norwegian Cruises Orient Lines Princess Cruises Radisson Line Royal Caribbean Submit a Free, Full Service Cruise Vacation Planner Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your cruise vacation with our full service Virtuoso Travel Consultants . We are recommended, authorized Virtuoso Cruise Travel Consultants, and will arrange every little detail to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree vacation experience at no extra charge! You may call our Cruise Travel Consultants, but first--- we'd really appreciate it if you complete our "Cruise Vacation Planner" so we have all your requirements beforehand and are prepared to present you with all your options and up-to-the-minute specials. Thank you very much! Call 1- 800 -330 -8820 to book your Cruise vacation. For Luxury Vacations: "Submit a Luxury Vacation Planner" For Luxury Tours: "Submit a Tour Planner" After you've completed your vacation planner you may call 1- 800 -330 -8820 to book your luxury vacation. Thank you very much! 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Switzerland Travel & Tourism.

Switzerland Travel & Tourism News - Media Monitoring Service by EIN News Important Notice: Read the Whole Stories, Not Just the Headlines! Register for a Free Trial. Click Here! 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Travel & Tourism - West Virginia Travel & Tourism - Wisconsin Travel & Tourism - Wyoming Travel & Tourism - Yemen Travel & Tourism - Zambia Travel & Tourism - Zimbabwe Yemeni Gunmen Kidnap Ex-German Diplomat 28 Dec 2005 21:05 GMT ... and three children _ were traveling as tourists in a two-car convoy when a group ... the case for two Germans and two Swiss kidnapped separately in recent weeks _ but ... German family kidnapped in Yemen 28 Dec 2005 20:41 GMT ... and three children — were traveling as tourists in a two-car convoy when a group ... it would look into their complaints. Two Swiss tourists were kidnapped in the same area ... Former German Diplomat and Family Kidnapped in Yemen 28 Dec 2005 20:15 GMT ... helped secure the release of 14 German tourists taken hostage in Mali in August 2003. ... the eastern Maarib region. In November, two Swiss holidaymakers were briefly held by tribesmen in ... THESE STORIES ARE NOT PUBLISHED BY EIN AND THESE LINKS WILL TAKE YOU TO OTHER WEBSITES. SOME OF THESE WEBSITES REQUIRE THEIR OWN REGISTRATION TO READ THEIR STORIES. PLEASE READ THE DISCLAIMER FOR MORE DETAILS. >>> German tourists kidnapped in Yemen 28 Dec 2005 19:45 GMT ... and three children — were traveling as tourists in a two-car convoy when a group ... it would look into their complaints. Two Swiss tourists were kidnapped in the same area ... German Diplomat, Family Abducted in Yemen 28 Dec 2005 19:45 GMT ... and three children _ were traveling as tourists in a two-car convoy when a group ... it would look into their complaints. Two Swiss tourists were kidnapped in the same area ... Yemen kidnappers seize German ex-minister, family 28 Dec 2005 19:31 GMT ... central government control is often weak, seize tourists frequently. They are usually freed unharmed after ... ago, another group of tribesmen captured two Swiss tourists . Both kidnappings were aimed at pressuring ... Yemen kidnappers take German ex-minister 28 Dec 2005 19:31 GMT ... central government control is often weak, seize tourists frequently. They are usually freed unharmed after ... ago, another group of tribesmen captured two Swiss tourists . Both kidnappings were aimed at pressuring ... 5 German tourists kidnapped in Yemen 28 Dec 2005 19:30 GMT ... and three children -- were traveling as tourists in a two-car convoy when a group ... it would look into their complaints. Two Swiss tourists were kidnapped in the same area ... German diplomat, family missing in Yemen 28 Dec 2005 19:11 GMT ... state secretary. Yemeni tribesmen seized two Austrians last week, and another group captured two Swiss tourists a month ago, Reuters reported, adding that both kidnappings aimed to pressure the government ... German diplomat missing in Yemen 28 Dec 2005 19:01 GMT ... state secretary. Yemeni tribesmen seized two Austrians last week, and another group captured two Swiss tourists a month ago, Reuters reported, adding that both kidnappings aimed to pressure the government ... Teacher killed in shooting at top Indian university 28 Dec 2005 18:47 GMT ... central government control is often weak, seize tourists frequently. They are usually freed unharmed after ... ago, another group of tribesmen captured two Swiss tourists . Both kidnappings were aimed at pressuring ... Egypt's Ghad Party keeps distance from foreign help 28 Dec 2005 18:47 GMT ... central government control is often weak, seize tourists frequently. They are usually freed unharmed after ... ago, another group of tribesmen captured two Swiss tourists . Both kidnappings were aimed at pressuring ... German ex-diplomat kidnapped in Yemen 28 Dec 2005 18:47 GMT ... and three children - were traveling as tourists in a two-car convoy when a group ... it would look into their complaints. Two Swiss tourists were kidnapped in the same area ... Former German Diplomat and Family Kidnapped in Yemen 28 Dec 2005 18:15 GMT ... charges including murder. Fourth abduction of foreign tourists this year Armed tribal groups in Yemen ... three days and a month previously, two Swiss tourists were taken. Both kidnappings were aimed ... Yemen kidnappers seize German ex-minister, family 28 Dec 2005 18:15 GMT ... (Reuters) - Yemeni tribesmen seized five German tourists on Wednesday in the third kidnapping incident ... ago, another group of tribesmen captured two Swiss tourists . Both kidnappings were aimed at pressuring ... German diplomat missing in Yemen 28 Dec 2005 18:15 GMT ... state secretary. Yemeni tribesmen seized two Austrians last week, and another group captured two Swiss tourists a month ago, Reuters reported, adding that both kidnappings aimed to pressure the government ... Former German Diplomat and Family Kidnapped in Yemen | 28.12.2005 28 Dec 2005 18:11 GMT ... charges including murder. Fourth abduction of foreign tourists this year Armed tribal groups in Yemen ... three days and a month previously, two Swiss tourists were taken. Both kidnappings were aimed ... 4.17am Family snatched from restaurant 28 Dec 2005 18:11 GMT ... helped secure the release of 14 German tourists taken hostage in Mali in August 2003. ... the eastern Maarib region. In November, two Swiss holidaymakers were briefly held by tribesmen in ... Tribesmen kidnap former German deputy minister 28 Dec 2005 18:11 GMT ... today kidnapped a family of five German tourists reportedly including a former deputy foreign ... it would look into their complaints. Two Swiss tourists were kidnapped in the same area ... Family snatched from restaurant 28 Dec 2005 18:10 GMT ... helped secure the release of 14 German tourists taken hostage in Mali in August 2003. ... the eastern Maarib region. In November, two Swiss holidaymakers were briefly held by tribesmen in ... German Ex-Diplomat Kidnapped in Yemen 28 Dec 2005 17:25 GMT ... and three children _ were traveling as tourists in a two-car convoy when a group ... it would look into their complaints. Two Swiss tourists were kidnapped in the same area ... Yemeni Tribe Kidnaps Diplomat 28 Dec 2005 17:25 GMT ... favoring the second tribe. Tribesmen frequently kidnap tourists in an attempt to force concessions from ... it would look into their complaints. Two Swiss tourists were kidnapped in the same area ... Yemeni Tribe Captures Five Germans 28 Dec 2005 17:10 GMT ... favoring the second tribe. Tribesmen frequently kidnap tourists in an attempt to force concessions from ... it would look into their complaints. Two Swiss tourists were kidnapped in the same area ... Swiss hostages freed in Yemen 28 Dec 2005 16:50 GMT ... Saana - Two Swiss tourists seized by kidnappers in Yemen have been freed and were in the care of ... Yemen kidnapper says five Germans are safe 28 Dec 2005 16:26 GMT ... SANAA, Dec 28 (Reuters) - Five German tourists of the same family who were seized ... ago, another group of tribesmen captured two Swiss tourists . Both kidnappings were aimed at pressuring ... 1 - 25 of 951 next > Switzerland News Feeds: General News Switzerland Breaking News Business & Economy Switzerland Business News Switzerland Economy News Switzerland International Trade News Switzerland SWX (Swiss Exchange) News Gov't & Politics Switzerland Elections News Switzerland European Union News Switzerland Government & Politics News Switzerland Pascal Couchepin (Former President) News Switzerland Samuel Schmid (President) News Switzerland United Nations News Industry Switzerland Agriculture News Switzerland Automotive News Switzerland Banking News Switzerland Education News Switzerland Energy News Switzerland Environment News Switzerland Health News Switzerland Law News Switzerland Media News Switzerland Military News Switzerland Music News Switzerland Oil & Gas News Switzerland Technology News Switzerland Telecommunications News Switzerland Travel & Tourism News Miscellaneous Switzerland Accidents News Switzerland Arts & Entertainment News Switzerland Crime News Switzerland Erotica & Sex News Switzerland Human Rights News Switzerland Natural Disasters News Switzerland Olympics News Switzerland Religion News Switzerland Security News Switzerland Terrorism News Regional Switzerland Davos News Come and Visit Travel & Tourism News - Overview Europe News Albania News Andorra News Austria News Belgium News Bosnia News Bulgaria News Croatia News Cyprus News Czech Republic News Denmark News Estonia News Finland News France News Germany News Gibraltar News Greece News Hungary News Iceland News Ireland News Italy News Latvia News Liechtenstein News Lithuania News Luxembourg News Macedonia News Malta News Monaco News Netherlands News Norway News Poland News Portugal News Romania News San Marino News Serbia and Montenegro News Slovakia News Slovenia News Spain News Sweden News Turkey News UK News Vatican News Not a member? Click here to START >> Flowers - Russia Flowers - Ukraine Flowers - Moscow Quote of the Day "A new generation of concerned citizens want prosperity for themselves and progress for the poor, whether living on the other side of the street or the other side of the world." — David Cameron , Leader of the British Conservative Party > United Kingdom News Reader's Picks 28 December 2005 Switzerland blanks Norway at World Juniors Shuttler Chong Wei may have to skip the Swiss Open KPN eyeing TDC's Swiss unit Sunrise -- KPN CEO First Galileo satellite takes off 27 December 2005 2005: a subdued year for direct democracy 26 December 2005 Swiss Pharma giant conducts Radio isotop feasibility study in Bengal 25 December 2005 Post-tsunami Asia takes shape Picture Perfect: Post-Basel, photography rules in Miami's hippest art district 24 December 2005 Milan cool on Lugano talk Show More Readers' Picks Come and Visit EIN NEWS China, Taiwan & Hong Kong News Venture Capital News FDI News News on Pharmaceuticals Aerospace News Textile News Comprehensive News Coverage of Middle East Middle East Breaking News Middle East Oil & Gas News Europe News Baltics News Benelux News Comprehensive News Coverage of Central Europe Central Europe Automotive News CIS News Russia & CIS Investment News Central Asia News Central Asia Oil & Gas News South-East Asia News India & Pakistan News Africa News Horn of Africa News Africa Government & Politics News East Africa News African Union News Bolivia Elections News Australia News Australia Media News Evo Morales News Jakaya Kikwete News Ursula Plassnik News Liberia News Haiti Elections News Global Security News by Country News on Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) News on Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa) China News News on Russian-Ukrainian Relations Russia Business News Russia News U.S. POLITICS TODAY Jeanine Pirro News Intelligent Design News News on Bush Administration & Domestic Spying Bush & Impeachment News Tom DeLay News U.S. Senate Committees News U.S. House Committees News Death Penalty News 2006 Governor Elections News 2006 Senate Elections News Dick Cheney News Patriot Act News News on George Bush & Foreign Policy CIA Spy Leak Investigation News Corruption News Jack Abramoff News U.S. Supreme Court News Samuel Alito News Ann Coulter News Karl Rove News News on Oil Drilling in ANWR INBOX ROBOT Goden Globe Awards BitTorrent News Kazaa News National Hurricane Center News BHP Billiton News Sprint Nextel News Genetics & Cloning News Hwang Woo-Suk News Unilever Group News Boeing 787 Dreamliner News Boeing Vs Airbus News The Big Four News Xbox 360 News Jermain Taylor News The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Brokeback Mountain Pete Doherty & Kate Moss News Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes News Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie News David & Victoria Beckham News HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY NEWS Medicare Drug Plan News Abortion News Morning After Pill News Contraception News Medical Ethics News Stem Cell Research News Hwang Woo-Suk News Sexually Transmitted Diseases News WHO News Bird Flu Virus News Flu Pandemic News Generic Drugs News Roche Group News Wyeth Pharmaceuticals News Tysabri News Tylenol News Celebrex News Advil News Aspirin News Zoloft News Ritalin News Botox News BiDil News Accutane News Domestic Violence News Vioxx News Merck & Co. 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London Vacation

How To Vacation in London Food, Coffee, and People Coffee lovers: relax. Tea may be the morning cocktail of choice for many Britons, but there are plenty of bean havens throughout the city. Also, most hotels offer both at breakfast, but if not, just ask. British hospitality is superb, and it's almost a guarantee that piping hot coffee will be served on request. Another popular misconception is about the food. Yes, some British recipes are simple, maybe even a little on the plain side, but that's not true for the entire gamut of dishes served up, especially in diverse London. As in many other large cities, you'll find a host of restaurants specializing in international cuisine. Lebanese, Thai, Ethiopian, Indonesian, Italian, French, Japanese, Chinese, and the official EuroVacations favorite, Indian, is available all over London, but don't miss an opportunity for fish-n-chips, Scotch eggs, Shepherd's Pie, Ploughman's Lunch, or crumpets with clotted cream. Londoners are generally friendly, talkative folks who will be happy to strike up a conversation about books, history, archeology, or a selection of other topics. In many pubs and restaurants, you may find yourself sharing a table with another patron or even a large group. Settle in for a long chat and get ready to make a few new friends. top of page Going With the Gang Face it: you won't be able to get away without a ride on a double-decker bus if you've got the little guys with you, so whether it makes you look like a tourist or not, you may as well resign yourself to it. But the thrill will pass, and you'll then find all that London has to offer for kids at heart, teenagers, little ones, and even the wee little ones. On weekends, the Victoria & Albert Museum has a fun cart, which has been keeping children busy and entertained for a few years now. The London Eye can be reserved for after they've been extra good, and the Tower of London to teach them a lesson (it's where the Little Princes were hacked by their infamous uncle, but the kids love the place all the same). One note: many pubs in London have special seating areas for groups traveling with children. Ask on entry if the pub allows/serves children and if there's a separate seating area. You Can Probably Skip It Famous Addresses: Elementary! You won't ever find 221B Baker Street. The Abbey National Building Society headquarters takes up the whole block, though you can seek out the Sherlock Holmes museum just down the street. And for those of you who are "looking for the England of English literature" a la Helene Hanff, well, 84 Charing Cross Road is now a Pizza Hut. And, finally, if, like Sabine, you go looking for Griffin at 41 Yeats Avenue, you'll be very disappointed. But maybe he went to find you... top of page Booking a vacation package to London with EuroVacations is easy. Our vacation packages to London offer a great selection of hand-picked London hotels, with free breakfast. Book car rentals, rail tickets and passes, and tours, so you can see more of London at a great value. Click here How to Vacation in London · First Things First · Where to Stay · Getting to Your Hotel · At Your Hotel · Around London · Food, Coffee, and People · Going With the Gang · Top Ten · If You Have Time · You Can Probably Skip It First Things First The land of kings and knights, Shakespeare and Sherlock Holmes, moors and manor houses, Britain is one of those places that is all it's cracked up to be. Fantastic, refined London is the epicenter of all the magical elements of the realm. The unit of currency in the United Kingdom is the pound sterling (£). (Prices below are expressed in U.S. dollars for convenience; check the rate of exchange prior to arrival in Europe.) You shouldn't have any trouble communicating, but remember the hard and fast vocabulary differences (brolly, bobby, banger, etc.). top of page Where to Stay Most of London is at your fingertips via the city's beloved Underground. Nearly the whole of Europe is accessible via the major rail stations. Staying near a rail station is a good idea, especially if you are traveling by rail to more cities than London, and you'll have access to a tourist office, ATMs, and other services t'boot. London is made up of many neighborhoods and districts, each with their own character and flair. Check out: The City: The financial district and real "downtown" London South Kensington, Earls Court: One of the most desirable locations in the city Euston/Kings Cross : The literary area of London Knightsbridge: Home to Harrod's and more fantastic shopping Hampstead Heath/Regents Park: Quaint Georgian neighborhoods Paddington: Excellent tourist-class hotels and access to transportation Victoria: Home to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, the London Eye, Parliament West End/Centre: Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus top of page Getting to Your Hotel ... From London Heathrow Airport Getting downtown from the world's busiest airport is easier than you might think. Most flights from the United States arrive in Terminal 3; the rest in Terminal 4. The best route is the Heathrow Express non-stop rail service between the airport and Paddington Station. It's a 15-minute ride and leaves every 15 minutes from all terminals. Fares are about $16. From 6 a.m. to midnight, you may use the Underground--the Circle Line, which connects to the District Line to downtown London. This will set you back a little more than $6. At the tourist information center in the terminal, ask about bus service between Heathrow and the many bus stations downtown. Of course there are taxis--about $70 for a black cab each way, or roughly $40 for a mini-cab. ...From London Gatwick Airport From the South Terminal, take the convenient, speedy Gatwick Express directly to Victoria Station. This is the most popular way to get from the airport to downtown, takes about 30 minutes, and costs about $18. If you arrive at the North Terminal, take the free shuttle to the South Terminal to connect to Gatwick Express. If you don't have too much luggage and you can spare the time, save a few bucks by taking the regular British Rail service. The trip takes only a few minutes longer and costs a few pounds less. You may also try the Thameslink, regular rail service to Blackfriars, Farringdon, and Kingscross stations in central London. Check the BritRail office in the terminal for more information on both services. And the taxis... about $70 for a black cab each way, or roughly $40 for a mini-cab. ... From Waterloo, Liverpool, Victoria, Kings Cross, Paddington, or other rail stations Rail stations of London are all served by the London Underground. Pick up an Underground map at the information center or tourist center once you arrive. top of page At Your Hotel Free city maps and other information can usually be obtained in hotel lobbies or from the front desk. Check in, freshen up, and, with your bags unpacked, your room key in your pocket, and ready to lose a few pounds, take on London! top of page Around London You have a lot ahead of you. London is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, as well as a pretty well populated city. Sure, you will have a lot of company around, but you won't be bored, not for a second. We compiled a list of things that you absolutely cannot miss, a few more to do if you can squeeze them in, and a few places you shouldn't even look for. Here they are: top of page Top Ten: Tours: It's hard to say which will be the best, but there are fantastic half-day walking tours and, if you don't mind feeling like a tourist, double-decker bus tours of London. It's a great way to get oriented and plan your days ahead. Walking tours are about $7 per person; bus tours vary but start at about $14. MW tours offers a very nice several-hour jaunt through London. While jolly busmasters navigate the increasingly confusing and congested streets on your behalf, very knowledgable guides navigate through history, legend, royalty, and more. Our favorite tour is a little steep but well worth it: start off with a quick tour of the big sights, then head to a traditional pub for lunch (included), then it's off to the Tower of London and a visit to the Crown Jewels. The tour is about $55 and lasts roughly 4 very entertaining hours. British Museum: It's been said that the inspiration behind Britain's centuries-long colonization of lands all over the world was a quest to fill London's museums. It's hard not to consider this among the spoils from the farthest reaches of the globe in the museum's millions of artifacts and more than 2 miles of galleries. The museum is inspiring just for its size. It looks and feels like a good, old-fashioned museum, with enormous, thick walls, high ceilings, massive stone staircases that curve around from here to there, and lots of mummies. The British Museum is also home to the Rosetta Stone and the newly refurbished King's Library. Admission is free; there is a small charge for certain exhibits. The museum is open till 8:30 on Thursday and Friday evenings, the best times to go. Victoria and Albert Museum: Of all the treasures stored at the V&A, some of the most interesting are located in the Fakes and Forgeries gallery--a bona fide collection of counterfeits. Take time to explore the endless other galleries, and consider, as you spend a few hours roaming the halls, that for every artifact you see, the museum has another ten in storage someplace. That means the display is revolving, so this massive space is worth more than one visit. A small donation is requested for entrance. London Eye: The ultimate Ferris wheel is comparatively new to the city and is already quite popular. You may make reservations in advance for a pod "flight" and get a 360° view of the whole kit-n-caboodle. Book online in advance to save a few pounds, or buy a ticket on site (you may not be able to get a ticket for the exact day you wish, though). It costs about $16. Buckingham Palace: Unless you have Windsor someplace in your string of last names, forget hanging out in the royal residence in a smoking jacket with your elbow on the mantle. But informative tours are available at select times of the year. If you're just any old bloke, or if the tours are not available, check out the Changing of the Guard at 11 a.m. Pack breakfast and get there before 10 for a good view. Parliament and Big Ben: The House of Lords and the House of Commons, along with scattered other halls and galleries, make up the Palace of Westminster, otherwise known as Parliament. The lines are longest in the afternoon, as throngs gather to witness Question Time (you've probably caught this occasionally on C-SPAN). As for Big Ben (which is actually just the bell, not the whole tower), views and postcard-perfect pictures are available from the opposite side of the Thames. If you're walking along Birdcage Walk from Buckingham Palace, though, stop a few blocks short of Westminster Abbey and get a great shot of just the clock tower (not the rest of the building). From here, you can manage a nice, vertical shot with old lamposts and, if you time it correctly, cabs and double-deckers. Don't forget to listen for the chimes. Cabinet War Rooms: Churchill and his staff conducted operations from here during World War II. You'll be amazed at what was accomplished with what seems today like so few resources. Reserve an afternoon, at least, for this; if you happen to move through quickly, the Cenotaph, 10 Downing Street, and Westminster Cathedral (not Abbey) are nearby. Admission to the war rooms is about $7. Tower of London and the Tower Bridge: Built as a fortress and used as a royal residence, the Tower became best known in its role as the home of the damned. Sir Walter Raleigh, Anne Boleyn, two little princes, and even QE I were "residents" here. Come to see the royal armory and Crown jewels, among the countless other structures, then walk around to the suicide-proof Tower Bridge, with new exhibits in each tower house at either end. Admission is about $11 to the Tower of London and $7 to the bridge exhibits. Crowds don't show up until about 10:30, but the Tower opens at 9. Get there a little early and see it without the crowds. (See our secret tip below.) Westminster Abbey: Edward the Confessor rebuilt this 8th-century chapel, which has since become a repository of many of England's most famous citizens and a treasure trove of English history. Admission is free and photography is allowed on Wednesday evenings (check for exact times), otherwise admission is about $6 and shutter snapping is verboten. (See our secret tip below.) Trafalgar Square: Get there, then decide what to do... the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, and the church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields (anyone hear a choir?) are all off the square. Climbing up on Admiral Nelson's lions to get your picture taken is technically illegal but popular all the same. top of page If You Have Time: Harrods: Once again, if you don't have a roman numeral after your first name, you can forget buying a lot here, it's very expensive. But it's a great place to browse and get some nosh material to go; eating in the store is a no-no. If you're in London around Christmas time, stopping here to admire the holiday displays is a must. Down the road a piece is the famous Ritz Hotel of London. Just a quick walk through the lobby is impressive enough. Kensington Palace: The former "official" residence of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, the palace is still open to the public. Former state apartments and the Court Dress Collection are included in a tour, which leaves four times an hour and costs about $6. Mayfair: There's a lot here: Marble Arch, Grosvenor Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street, Bond Street, the Shepherd's Market, and Berkeley Square. Westminster Abbey: Make sure you save time for Edward's Chapel, the site of the coronation of English monarchs. The coronation chair has been marred by graffiti artists over the past few decades. Although its defacing is unfortunate, take a peek at the chair and its 20th-century "artwork" so you can have a little chuckle when it's finally time for Charles to be crowned on it. Visitors to the Tower of London often miss the eerie Ceremony of the Keys, performed by the guards to lock up the tower at night. Tickets are free but may only be obtained by requesting them in advance by writing, on plain paper (no letterhead) to: The Ceremony of the Keys, Her Majesty's Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom. top of page Home . Hotel . Air + Hotel . Car . Rail . Packages . How To Vacation In . View Shopping Cart Affiliates . About Us . 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European Vacation Spots Travel

Europe off the beaten track - My favorite European Vacation Spots  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Europe Travel Planning > Europe off the beaten track - My favorite European Vacation Spots Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors Meteora Monastery - Off the beaten tourist track and worth visiting James Martin Stay up to date! Meteora Monastery - Off the beaten tourist track and worth visiting James Martin Email to a friend Print this page European Travel Planning Travel Planning Guide European Maps European Distances Recent Discussions Need Help Planning a Trip Accomodation in london Mediteranean Feries Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors Europe Off the Beaten Track From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! My favorite "undiscovered" European vacation spots It's fine to visit the European capitals. They're all big enough to sop up a glut of tourists. But smaller places that are both uniquely interesting and lightly traveled are getting more difficult to find and often seem amazingly ethereal: travel is so easy today that Rick Steves' back doors stop becoming back doors the minute he mentions them. So my favorite places aren't undiscovered--they're just a bit too far off the beaten track for the mega-tourism companies to worry about. Meteora - Greece Monastic history starts in Meteora in the 11th century when the first hermits sought peace and solitude in the rifts and caves in the isolated pinnacles that rise above the valley of the Pineios (Pinios) river. By the 14th century the Byzantine Empire was coming apart at the seams and the monastic communities of the Athos peninsula were always in danger of Turkish pirate raids and other persecution. After one such encounter, three monks went searching for a rather inaccessible home to avoid it all. They eventually settled on top of a rock called Stylos . Endowments and people followed, and an amazing community of 24 monasteries built pinnacles on was born. Everything got hoisted up (and down) by nets, even people. And the toilets? Off the cliffs went the waste--all of it. Today, a paved road winds between the largest monasteries. The most spectacular vistas in all of Europe are just around the bend. Bring plenty of film. Meteora means "suspended in air" and they mean it. You can find a hotel in Kalambaka and walk to the monasteries from there if you're reasonably fit--Kalambaka is 9kms from the monasteries. There are busses, tours, and taxis as well. Close by: Metsovo, a small community of excellent woodcarvers is just to the northwest of Kalambaka. Much of the really fine carving you'll see in the monasteries comes from the carvers of Metsovo, but if you go to Metsovo (easy by bus) you can buy carvings made for tourists as well. When to go: Spring or Fall to avoid crowds. Yes, this is a place that's "discovered" but remote. Late fall works well, although it'll be cold in the morning, and downright freezing in Metsovo, higher up in the mountains. Still, this allows you to taste Greece's "other" cooking, the hearty and warming stews you don't get in summer. More: Meteora is one of the Great Walks of Europe Also see: Meteora Pictures | Meteora Travel Directory Cathar Country - France I was at a party just before embarking on my first European vacation in the 70's when I asked a French guy I'd just met what his favorite city in Europe was. He answered "Carcassonne," a walled city smack in the heart of Cathar country. By golly, he was right, Carcassonne is definitely worth a day or two in itself. But I've since made a recent trip back to the area and discovered many other interesting things to see in the Aude region--except for tourists--and it was the middle of the season. What's here? Castles perched high on hilltops, the mysteries of Rennes le Chateau, great sparkling wine called Blanquette de Limoux, and great walking trails. Plus, Cathar country is easy on your wallet; the Aude is one of France's poorest areas and lodging is relatively cheap and plentiful. What's nearby: Provence isn't far, and if you're driving it's a great "next stop." More: Cathar Country Travel Directory | Rennes le Chateau | The Best Cathar Castles to Visit Asturias - Spain Northern Spain is ignored by many American tourists, yet it's one of the places I'd go back again and again. Some of the attractions are righfully famous, including the prehistoric painted cave called Altamira--the "Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art". The country around the Picos de Europa range is some of the most beautiful in Europe. Lodging options include nice historic country inns called Posadas, as well as Casa Rurales--rural houses that will allow you to slow down your vacation and see the countryside at a leisurely pace. This is a rural area that preserves its history and way of life in a way that can be attractive to tourists looking to discover a beautiful solitude. Have a cider, some of the local blue cheese called Cabrales, and contemplate a trip to one of the regions prehistoric caves--or a walk along the pilgrimage route passing through the pretty port town of Ribadesella. When to Go: Tempered by the cool Bay of Biscay to the north, Northern Spain doesn't sweltering in the summer, usually. Don't be afraid of going in the high season, although we did witness some incredible thunder storms in July. Did it stop us? Nope--we just dragged a chair out under the covered patio of our casa rurale , got out a camera and some cheese and bread, and watched nature's finest display of natural fireworks. Incredible. Close by: Basque Country More: Asturias and Cantabrian Coast Map and Travel Planner | Summer Storm Pictures | Picos de Europa Visit Europe's most compelling islands next. 1 2 Next        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There