Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations for anyone within Europe, and is frequently visited by those from all over the world as well. If you are looking to go on holidays in Spain, you will need to consider several things before you set off. Here are some tips on how you can prepare for your trip.

The number one priority that you will have will be working out where you want to go. Within Spain there are numerous options. You can either heads to some of the major cities of Barcelona or Madrid, or you can simply enjoy the wonderful coastline that dips into the Mediterranean. If you wanted to head to one of the islands of the Canaries or Balearics to enjoy some amazing beaches and wonderful watersports, this would also be an available option.






When deciding where you want to go you also need to think about what type of trip you want to take. These will obviously be interlinked and if you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, somewhere like Lanzarote, Tenerife, or Gran canaria in the Canaries will be suitable. If you want more of a cultural holiday then it would be more suitable for you to head to the capital of Madrid or one of the other major cities.

Once you have decided where you want to go and what you want to do you then need to decide when the holiday is going to take place and how long it is going to be. Are you aiming to travel for a week, two weeks, or more? Figure out what prices are like at different times of year and then find a time that is suitable for your budget.



Once you have figured out the above details it is simply a case of finding some decent deals. Look for suitable accommodation and try to locate some budget flights from the country you are flying from. If you are heading to a beach resort then it may be a good idea to consider an all-inclusive package.

Once a few options have been gathered together you should compare them and identify the one that ticks all of the necessary boxes.

Travel Tour to Croatia
Croatia Tourism culture and History tour

Croatia overview

In the period prior to 1991, Croatia (then part of Yugoslavia, now Serbia and Montenegro) was the way to becoming the new Costa del Sol Many planes loaded with passengers from Western Europe (10 million per year) landed on the shores of the Adriatic in search of sun, a low cost of living, and perhaps some curiosity medieval nude beach. But with the push Croatian independence during the violent separation of Yugoslavia, the war turned that dream into a nightmare tour. Despite recent tragedies, the charms of Croatia remain free and the country has been converted into a magnet for tourism.

His aura still lingers in the medieval cobbled streets of Rovinj and the Stari Grad (Old Town) from Dubrovnik, recently restored. Croatia is also home to some of the best Roman ruins in Europe, including the immense palace of Diocletian in Split. The climate and the beaches are still superb, and if one may want to practice nudism

best time to travel Croatia

Taking into account the weather, the months of May through September are the best to visit the country, although in July and August, the Adriatic coast can accommodate an excess of visitors. September is perhaps the most propitious time since the influx of tourism has declined, the prices are adapted to the low season and plenty of figs and grapes. In April and October you can too cold to camp, although the climate of the coast is usually benign and easy to find accommodation. One can swim in the sea from mid-June to late September

Croatia Holidays and festival

From March 21 to April 4, Zagreb is the pace of Spring Time Jazz Fever, only surpassed by the International Days of Jazz, held in mid October in the capital. Also worth a pop group acting Dalmatian style at the Split Summer Festival in July, held at the same time as the Summer Festival in Zagreb, where you can enjoy traditional Croatian music. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival, which celebrates in July and August, has the great classical and country music stars. In these same months, the tambura Omis park to host a festival of singing a capella.

Zagreb organized during the month of June, the European theater festival Eurokraz addition to the International Animation Festival and the International Folklore Festival in July. That same month Opatje enjoy the traditional music of Istria, the Slovenian culture shift arrives in September in the Golden Strings Festival (festival golden string) Pozega. In Sibenik, June brings the International Children's Festival

Croatia best places to travel

Zagreb

The capital of Croatia since 1557 has retained much of its medieval quarter. The city suffered a bombing in 1995, but the damage was minor and the recovery has been rapid, its people have regained their habits and enjoy the new city. Even many museums are closed, some for renewal. There are several elegant and expensive hotels near the train station, it is difficult to find accommodation at affordable prices.

The two twins neogothic capitals of St. Stephen's Cathedral was built in 1899, but you can still find remnants of the old medieval cathedral that was previously in place. Particularly interesting are the frescoes of the thirteenth century, Renaissance chairs, marble altars and the baroque pulpit. From the tower Lotrsac, northwest of the historic center, you can enjoy a 360 ° panoramic view of the city, another point of interest is unavoidable Muzejski Prostor, which offers splendid art exhibitions. Are also in the church of San Marcos, with sculptures by Ivan Mestrovic and colorful tiles; the Museum of Natural History, the Historical Museum of Croatia and the City Museum, located in a former convent.

The bottom is formed by a variety of museums: the Exhibition Pavilion hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, the gallery maintains Strossmayer of Old Master paintings and an inscription in old Croatian, the Archaeological Museum with prehistoric and medieval artifacts, in addition of Egyptian mummies and is in the rear, a garden decorated with Roman sculptures.

To the west lies the Museum Mimara, one of the best art galleries of Europe. Housed in a neo-Renaissance building, retains the private collection of Ante Topic Mimara, who donated thousands to her hometown of objects of incalculable value. The main attraction is the Italian paintings, Spanish and Dutch, but also provides examples of glassware, sculpture and Oriental art. Another wonder of Zagreb by the Mirogoj located to the north, one of the most beautiful cemeteries where rest of the continent proud mausoleums, the layout of the site follows the English style and is surrounded by an arcade-style neo-Renaissance of the nineteenth century.
Dubrovnik

Founded 1300 years ago, the charm of Dubrovnik lies in the old neighborhood of Stari Grad, with its marble floors, its steep cobbled streets, high houses, convents, churches, palaces, fountains and museums, all carved in the stone clear tone. The ancient city wall, near the renovated old town after the earthquake of 1667, keeps away the drivers. Thanks to its location at the southern end of the Adriatic coast, the city has a pleasant climate and lush vegetation. Although suffered heavy bombing in 1991, Dubrovnik has an ambitious restoration plan coordinated by Unesco, the ancient city had added to its catalog in 1994. Travelers who have recently visited the state now offers a better look, especially because it has not yet returned to suffer the invasion of tourists.

Plate, its beautiful promenade stretching from the bus stop is outside of the door pillar to the clock tower, across the city. Inside the door pillar of the Franciscan monastery houses a pharmacy that carries released from 1391. At the opposite end of the plate is the church of San Blas, beautiful building of Italian Baroque and Gothic palace of the rectory, built in 1441. This palace is now a museum with furnished rooms, baroque paintings and historical exhibitions. Is located just opposite a lively market that opens in the morning.

The walls of Dubrovnik was built between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries and have remained intact until today. It is probably the world's most magnificent fortress, measuring more than 2 km long and 25 m high, with 16 towers. No other place offers a landscape like this. A walk around the wall is one of the greatest pleasures this city offers.

You can enjoy the sun on its beaches, but travel by ferry to the island of Lokrum may be a more interesting alternative. The entire island is classified as national park, with a rocky beach for nudists, a botanical garden and the ruins of a Benedictine monastery. The cheapest way to stay in Dubrovnik supposed to accept the offer of private accommodation on offer at the ferry terminal, since the hotels are much more expensive.

To get there you can catch a plane in Zagreb, a bus at one of the many towns that have this service or on a ferry Hvar, Split, Zadar and Rijeka. The boats are more expensive but much more comfortable than the bus. The bus crossed the border town of Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina where it reaches the Adriatic coast, separating the southern Croatian coast the rest of the country.
Split

Located 150 km north of Dubrovnik, Split appears as the center of the province of Dalmatia. It is the largest city in the Croatian Adriatic coast. Founded in the fourth century, when the Emperor Diocletian, known for his habit of throwing the followers of Jesus to the lions, he built his summer palace. When the barbarians left the nearby Roman colony of Salona, many of its inhabitants fled to Split and hid behind the high walls of the palace. Split has become an industrial city, but the old town, which I felt the joy and the many attractions it offers make it one of the most fascinating cities of Europe.

Diocletian's palace stands as one of the remains of Roman architecture in the world most impressive. In fact, it was more of a fortress than a palace, its wall measuring 215 by 180 m past, inside it was the imperial residence, the temples and a mausoleum. You can still appreciate the original hall of the palace, the square with a colonnade, the temple of Jupiter and the remains of the Diocletian's mausoleum, now converted cathedral. In the few medieval buildings remain outside, including the City Council of the fifteenth century. You could walk for hours by the complex historical World Heritage Site in 1979, where the vibrant daily life seems to be developing into an outdoor museum.

Maritime Museum, one of the most interesting of the city, is located inside the fortress of the XVII century. It houses a large collection of maps, artifacts and models. It is also worth visiting the Archaeological Museum, part of his collection is exposed on the outside. Mestrovic Gallery has an extensive collection, well organized Croatian sculptor's most important.

It is rather difficult to find accommodation in Split, as many of their hotel stay for refugees and the business of renting private houses, which sank during the war, is still trying to overcome. Can be reached by plane or by train from Zagreb, by bus from anywhere in the country by ferry from several ports on the continent and islands, including Dubrovnik, Hvar and Korcula.
Rovinj

The quiet Rovinj be highlighted by a picturesque town of cobblestone streets along the coast of Istria, a heart-shaped peninsula situated to the northwest, bordering Slovenia. The population is surrounded by wooded hills and small hotels; thirteen wooded islands of the archipelago of Rovinj offer wonderful marine scene. This active fishing port is located within walking distance of the historic shipping port of Trieste Italian, which explains the presence of a significant Italian community.

The Cathedral of St. Euphemia dominates the city from its 57 m tall, and is considered the largest Baroque building in Istria. Rovinj was built when served as a bulwark for the Venetian fleet. The remains of St. Euphemia was moved from Constantinople in the year 800 AD, five years after he was martyred, and each September 16 devotees gather around his grave.

Rovinj Aquarium, more than a century old, houses an excellent collection of local marine wildlife, including poisonous scorpion fish and anemones of many colors. The forest park Punta Corrente, the South is an ideal place for swimming and the sea. You can get to Rovinj by bus from the majority of Croatian cities, and in summer, by ferry from Trieste (Italy)

Rab

The island of Rab, near the center of the archipelago of the Kvarner islands, to the northwest of Croatia, is considered one of the most seductive of the Adriatic. Its northwest corner is desert and rocky, while the far southwest is covered by a lush pine forest. The medieval town of Rab, one of the most beautiful in the region, is built on a narrow peninsula that encloses a well protected port, numerous stone buildings overlooking the sea rising from the port towards the cliff. Rab was dominated by Venice and Austria, at present it is usual to hear in both German and Croatian.

It is easy to recognize the four towers of the churches of the mass of red tile roofs of the city. The monastery of San Antonio was built in 1175, the Romanesque cathedral has a pleasant terrace overlooking the sea, and the church of Santa Justina has become the headquarters of a small museum of religious art. All that survives of his oldest church is the tower and foundation. To enjoy a spectacular view, we should not miss the walk around the wall or stroll in the shadow of City Park, further north. On the island of Rab is reached by ferry from the port and bus Jablanac.
Korcula

The island of Korcula is populated with abundant vineyards and olive trees make up the southern coastline with small beaches and quiet coves. City Korkula appears as a typical medieval Dalmatian town, with defensive towers and red roofs crowded houses also colorados.

In the plaza of the cathedral is sensed a strong Venetian influence, even has its own cathedral of San Marcos, with two paintings by Tintoretto. Next to the museum stands the palace of the abbey, from the fourteenth century, where the treasure of the city, just opposite the palace is Gabriellis (XV century) where it is now located the Museum of the City, in laying out objects of Greek pottery, Roman pottery and furniture. According to the local tourist office, Marco Polo was born in the city, and until you can look at the house where he lived.

Since the city can move to Lumbarda, a picturesque town in the southeast of the island, which offers a beautiful beach and is surrounded by vineyards producing a dry white wine. It can also be reached by outboard Badija to the island, where there is a nudist beach. Overnight at Badja includes the experience of spending the night in a XV century monastery, now converted into a hotel.

Korcula is located approximately 20 km from the southern Croatian coast, halfway between Dubrovnik and Split. The ferry makes the trip from both ports to the island.
Solin

Among the vineyards northeast of Split are scattered the ruins of the ancient city of Salona (today Solin), the most interesting archaeological environment of Croatia. Salona was the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia from the time of Julius Caesar to the year 614 AD, when he fell into the hands of the barbarians.

In Manastrine, outside the old town, were buried the first Christian martyrs, one can admire the tombs excavated in a rock-century basilica V. At the top of the cemetery is the Archaeological Museum. In the south lie the ruins of an ancient center of Christian worship and a V-century cathedral with three aisles, restrooms and a small baptismal font. At the western end stands a huge amphitheater of the second century which was destroyed by the Venetians in the seventeenth century to the Turkish brigands not used as a shelter. From Split you can go to Solin and visit one day.
Island of Mljet

One third of the narrow island of Mljet is a national park. Among its main attractions are two salt water lakes surrounded by small hills covered with pines. Can be visited in one day but if you spend the night on the island, you can enjoy alone. In the middle of the lake is located a larger island to reach it mean to enjoy a lunch in the twelfth century Benedictine monastery, now converted into the hotel to the park. Mljet is an ideal place to swim and sunbathe or rent a bike and take a stroll through the park. Located some 15 km from the southern Adriatic coast of Croatia, between Korcula and Dubrovnik, where you can also get a ferry

Croatia activities

The long and steep mountainous islands of the Croatian coast is a paradise for walking on a yacht. The coast is formed by numerous deep channels, picturesque ports and is plagued by constant winds. It is also a great place to go canoeing, especially around the islands and Kornati Elafiti. Croatian diving industry has just been born and have started to appear the first specialty shops in cities like Hvar and the island of Rab, but if a team has, the country offers plenty of water and marine animals to watch. For freshwater fishermen, nature parks of Paklenica Risnjak and excellent hiking trails home

History of Croatia

In the year 229 BC, the Roman Empire wrested the land from the native Illyrian Croatia, in the year 285 AD, Emperor Diocletian built the fortress in Split, today one of the most popular Roman ruin in eastern Europe. The fall of Western Roman Empire was in the V century, and around 625 Slavic tribes migrated to Croatia from Poland today. The Croatian tribe, who arrived in what is now known as Croatia, the former occupied the Roman provinces of Dalmatian Croatia and Pannonian Croatia, the Northeast. The two counties joined together in forming a single 925 kingdom flourished in the twelfth century.

A Tatar invasion devastated Croatia in 1242. In the sixteenth century, following the Turkish threat to invade the Balkans, Croatia went to the Habsburgs of Austria for protection, and was under his influence until 1918. In parallel, the Dalmatian coast was taken by Venice in the early fifteenth century, which lasted until the seventeenth century, when Napoleonic France was with her to incorporate it into the Illyrian Provinces, along with Istria and Slovenia.

The Croatian political and cultural life experienced a rebirth in 1835 was freed the slaves and the north was being ruled by Hungary, which gave internal autonomy. When the Austro-Hungarian Empire was defeated in World War I, Croatia joined the kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, which was reduced to name Yugoslavia in 1929. Croat nationalists did not accept the appointment of Belgrade as the capital of the union and with the help of the Macedonian separatists, prepared the assassination of King Alexander I in 1934 in protest.

In 1941 Germany invaded Yugoslavia and Croatia established a fascist puppet government (the Ustasa) who tried to expel the Serbs from Croatia, to fail, introduced ethnic cleansing killing 350,000 Serbs, Jews and Gypsies. Part of the Croats differ from this policy, and many joined the Communist partisans to defeat Ustasa. At the end of the contest about one million people had died in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

After the war, Croatia was the status of republic within the Yugoslav Federation ruling Communist Marshal Tito. To excel economically to the republics of the South, demanded more autonomy and more obligations imposed on its residents in the 1970s. When Tito died in 1980 established a political system that was inconsistent in the annual rotation of presidency among the republics, which plunged the booming Croatian economy into a deep recession.

In the late eighties, the harsh repression of the Albanian majority in the Serbian province of Kosovo led to a fear of Serbia, which sought to impose on the rest of the Federation. While communist governments fell in Eastern Europe, the Croats launched a campaign for autonomy and the end of communism. In 1990, the Croatian Democratic Union of Franjo Tudjman won the elections. We wrote a new constitution that changed the situation of Serbs in Croatia, became a "national minority" instead of an "integrated nation. The new constitution guaranteed the rights are not Serbs, many of whom lost their government jobs.

In June 1991 Croatia declared its independence from the Federation and the Serbian enclave of Krajina was also independent Croatia. There was a bitter fight across the country and the Yugoslav People's Army, dominated by the Serb community, spoke in favor of them. The situation worsened when Croatia agreed to suspend its declaration of independence for three months. However, the struggle continued and one quarter of the country fell into the hands of the militia and the federal army serbia. In October 1991 the federal army and advanced towards Dubrovnik shelled the presidential palace in Zagreb, at the beginning of European Union sanctions against Serbia. In November, the Serbs went on to control of Vukovar after a siege of three months. In half a year ten thousand people died, hundreds of thousands had fled the country and tens of thousands of houses had been destroyed.

After several unsuccessful attempts to cease-fire in January 1992, the UN deployed a protection force in Croatia occupied by Serbs. The federal army withdrew, and in May the same year was admitted to the United Nations after changing its constitution to protect minority groups and human rights. Serbian paramilitaries remained in power in Krajina and in January 1993, Croatia launched an attack in the area. Krajina declared independent republic, and responded by reducing their population by 98% Croatian. In 1994 Krajina signed a cease-fire in May 1995 but returned to the violence erupted. Krajina lost the support of Belgrade, Croatian troops overran the area and, therefore, 150,000 Serbs fled, leaving behind many homes in which their ancestors had lived for centuries.

The Dayton in December of 1995 finally provided a relative stability to the country and let the government handle the situation of unemployment among ex-soldiers, housing for displaced Croats and its infrastructure severely damaged.

President Franjo Tudjman died in December 1999 and a month later, his party, the Croatian Democratic Union, which had ruled since 1990, was defeated by a coalition of center-left. The charismatic and practical Stipe Mesic was elected president. The new government has promised to improve international relations, freedom of the press, the economy and reduce the record of atrocities against human rights that the country possesses. In the 2005 elections, Stjepan Mesic was re-elected

Croatia people and culture

The sculptor Ivan Mestrovic is more valued in the arts Croatian. The traveler can appreciate your work in most places in the country, in addition to several impressive buildings such as the Croatian History Museum in Zagreb. Among the great literary figures include the sixteenth-century playwright Marin Držić and novelist, playwright and poet Miroslav Krleza of the twentieth century, whose latest work, The Banner, the work of several volumes, novel life in Croatia during the turn of the century.

The traditional music comes from a mixture of styles. Slavonic kolo dance is performed in a circle accompanied by violinists and gypsy style of the tambura, a Croatian mandolin. Dalmatian soft guitar and accordion bands reflect a strong Italian influence.

Most Croats profess Catholicism, while virtually all Serbs are Orthodox. Besides doctrinal differences, Orthodox Christians venerate icons, allow priests to marry and do not follow the principles papal.

Catholicism is coming back strongly after being suppressed during the communist Yugoslavia, the Sunday services are coming under increasing influx of devotees. Muslims constitute 1.1% of the population and Protestants, 0.4%. Zagreb is also home to a Jewish minority.

Cuisine abounds in oil, as in the delicious Burek, a cooked cake from layers of meat or cheese and Piroska, a cheese donut from the Zagreb region. The Adriatic coast offers excellent seafood, regional dishes include fried shrimp, the prstaci (shellfish) and the Dalmatian brodet (several varieties of fish stewed with rice). Inland, Excel manistra specialties od bobica (beans and corn soup) or struckle (curd cakes). Almost all regions produce their own varieties of wine

Croatia Map

Travel to Cyprus
Cyprus Tourism culture and History tour

If it could be to sneak across the Green Line established by the UN and supervised by local security guards and patrols, you may find two countries at the price of one.
Unfortunately, its territory was divided from the island was split in two after the occupation of Turkey in 1974 as a response to the coup d'état during the dictatorship of the Greek colonels, visitors have had to choose between the North and the Turkish experience Greek South. Most prefer the South and as a result, this part of the country has risen exponentially, the infrastructure to accommodate this mass, reducing the quality and reducing the local cuisine and landscape. But with a little effort it is possible to escape the hordes of tourists, and immerse themselves in a drinking culture of Europe, the Middle East and nine thousand years of constant invasion. The castles of the Crusaders stand alongside centenary vineyards, citrus crops surrounding monasteries adorned with frescoes and toes toasty in the sun tour decorated with Roman mosaics.

Cyprus best time to travel

April, May, September and October are the most pleasant months to visit Cyprus. The summer can be very hot and winter, mild, although sometimes it is wet.

Cyprus Holidays and festival

Travel Tour to Belgium
Tourism culture and History tour

Belgium travel overview

A pitcher of frothy beer, chocolate, paint and bureaucrats, Belgium off to a strong odor bourgeoisie. But if you are still looking for an 'artificial state' roughly made up two thirds of Flemings and Walloons from third. Divided by pride first and then by language, Belgian family shared a strong sense and an indomitable entrepreneurial spirit. And if the Belgian role in the European scene seems to be decreasing, it is because the people hardly boast of it. This country has more history, art, cuisine and architecture per square centimeter as many of its older and noisy neighbors.

best time to visit Belgium

It is usually difficult to find the extreme weather conditions in Belgium. From April to September are the warmest months, but we must not forget that regardless of the season can occur days, gray skies and wet streets. Arguably, the umbrellas and raincoats are almost the Belgian national dress.

Belgium vacation and Holidays

Apart from the traditional Catholic celebration, the festive months are July and August. The first Thursday of July is the Ommegang, a huge parade of nobles dressed in time. Belgian National Day is celebrated on July 21 and marks the opening of the Exhibition of Belgium, which lasts a month

Belgium attraction and places

Brussels

Brussels is a modest town that combines magnificent buildings with modern skyscrapers classic to which many visitors have become accustomed. Since it is the capital of the European Union, is full of bureaucrats and officials who give the place an air of efficiency without it becoming a place of great animation. The city is built on a pentagon of boulevards known as the Petit Ring. In the center is the Grand Place, which is said to be the Europe's most beautiful square. A twenty-minute walk leads to the area that houses the majority of accommodations in the city, will reach the majority of them by tram, bus or metro.
Near the Grand Place there are several museums, architectural gems and rarities. To the south, you can see the famous Manneken Pis, a statue of a boy doing pee in a street corner. To the north, Tintin lovers should not fail to visit the Comic Strip Center, located in an Art Nouveau building designed by Horta. To the east, near the Royal Palace, the Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Modern Art is complemented by brilliant.
In the Rue des Bouchers (street of butchers), near the Grand Place, are the majority of restaurants. In the area you can find specialties such as lobsters, crabs, mussels and fish waiting to be served in a restaurant after another. And none of Brussels sprouts.

Antwerp

The compact city of Antwerp, with a rich history, is one of the tourist resorts around the country side. Situated on the River Scheldt, is bordered by the 'Ring', a railway built in the sixteenth century a moat surrounding the city in a vain attempt to prevent the arrival of the Spaniards.

It is one of the most important ports in Europe, has an international air but something left. However, after its humble facade hides the Jewish quarter of the diamond industry more prosperous. Few places combine the old with the (relatively) new one so accomplished. Besides eclectic mansions with art nouveau and neo-Renaissance villas are medieval castles provide a myriad of cafes and a touch of magic.

Antwerp, which houses the largest gothic cathedral in the country (Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Katedraal), and the birthplace of Rubens, is an ideal place for art lovers, architecture lovers and globetrotters aimlessly fixed. In the Royal Museum of Fine Arts you can visit a magnificent collection of paintings of the early Flemish painters. The Antwerp Zoo is also highly recommended for its collection of exotic beasts. Located some 40 km north of Brussels, Antwerp has airport also offers connections by bus or train to Brussels and the neighboring countries.
Bruges

Bruges is the best preserved medieval city in Europe and the most visited Belgium. This "living museum" of the thirteenth century seems stopped in time since it closed its port. With two medieval centers, the Markt and the Burg, the city also boasts one of the best collections of art in the city. Groeninge Museum displays works by early Flemish painters and Stadhuis (City Hall) of XIV century contains excellent collections of paintings and furniture. For a spectacular view of the city, to climb the 366 steps to the belfry.
From Antwerp or Brussels can be rea ched this city from the northeast. Coaches from Antwerp and London route for Calais (France) stop at Bruges. Also recommended are visits a day from the city to the poppy fields of Flanders.

Ghent

If it were not for Paris, Ghent is the largest city of medieval Europe. With a rich history, dominated by the spirit of revolt and industrious effort, is at the confluence of the rivers Scheldt and Lys. Was the scene of bloody battles, led by its citizens, who rebelled against the heavy taxes and restrictions on their civil liberties. Ghent is a city gray and somewhat less picturesque than Bruges, but more realistic. It also has a bell that is worth the climb and the Sint-Baafskathedral (Bavon Cathedral) houses a masterpiece by Jan van Eyck, Adoration of the Lamb.
Situated between Brussels and Bruges, it is best to take the train or coach.
Ardennes

Travelers tend to overlook the far southeast Belgium, with many deep valleys and great forests. This area includes village hidden among the rows of the valleys of the Meuse and Lesse Ourthe or on top of green hills. Was the scene of the Battle of Bulge. There are many routes that allow the most visited cities in the region.
The town of Namur is the best starting point - with a station on the railway line leading to Luxembourg, also has connections to train or bus to some of more difficult access

Jeaneke Pis

You've heard of the statue of the young child is on track to Brussels but did you know that you have a sister? You can visit her in the Rue des Bouchers (street of butchers), where most restaurants in town.
Menin Gate

In the town of Ypres, in this memorial are written the names of 55,000 British soldiers killed in the trenches of Flanders during the First World War. Every afternoon, at 20 h sounds a bugle.
Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent

After about 10 minutes walk to the northeast of the central station of Ghent, the Museum of Fine Arts is well worth a visit. It houses works of the early Flemish artists and a couple of scenes of demonic Bosch.
Tongeren

To the east, near the city of Liege, has the honor Tongeren (near Tournai) to be the oldest city in the country. Founded in the 15th century BC as a base for Roman troops, the city maintains an important collection of Gallo-Roman ruins and is surrounded by Roman walls and medieval

activities in Belgium

Lovers of the outdoors can be directed to the Bulge, the largest forest in the country. In this area you can ski in winter and practice kayak, excursions or out mountain biking, besides having a good network of forest roads. Another possible activity is to visit the prehistoric caves in the area (especially those who are near the cities of Han-sur-Lesse, Rochefort and Dinant), which are interesting for those who enjoy exploring the underground terrain

History of Belgium

The residents of this country, France, Germany and the United Kingdom (across the North Sea) will soon set in Belgium as a nice place to kill each other. Conquered by Germanic tribes, Christianized in the seventh century and divided during the French rule in 1100, much of the country experienced a golden era of prosperity and flourishing of the arts under the French Duke of Burgundy during the fourteenth century. During this period saw the rise of the Flemish towns of Ypres, Ghent and Bruges, principally engaged in the textile industry. With the death of Bruges due to competition from the British and the closure of the river, Antwerp became the first European port.
The golden age began to go into decline in the mid-fifteenth century when the Netherlands were inherited by Spain, and began a long struggle against Spanish domination. Philip II sent the Inquisition to be adhered to Catholicism. Thousands were imprisoned and executed before the outbreak of war in 1568.
Revolt of the Netherlands took 80 years and ended when the Netherlands and the provinces allied to the Spanish thrown. Belgium and Luxembourg remained under Spanish dominion. The defeat of Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo led to the creation in 1814, the United Kingdom of The Netherlands, including Belgium and Luxembourg to the territory of the Netherlands. But the Catholic Belgians rebelled and became independent in 1830.
Despite the neutral position of Belgium, the Germans invaded in 1914. In 1940 the country was again attacked by the Germans, who were with the territory in three weeks. Questioned the rapid capitulation of the king Leopold III led to abdicate in favor of his son, King Baudouin, whose popular reign ended with his death in 1993. By not having children, what happened on the throne his brother Albert II.
The Kingdom of Belgium after the war was marked by economic growth that is later promoted to be designated headquarters of the European Union (EU) and Organization of the North Atlantic Treaty (NATO). Belgium today is a country that houses an army of diplomats, with whom he has come a wave of internationalism. While the capital was dedicated to working for the rest of Europe, the rest of Belgians remain unconcerned, the true spirit of the Belgians will continue to emanate from its people and its past.
In 1999 Crown Prince Felipe married a speech speech with both ball like flamenco roots.
In 1996, the Belgian government was accused of incompetence in the investigation into a case of pedophilia. This prompted 300,000 Belgians to protest in the streets of Brussels. In 2004, Marc Dutroux was sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of several adolescents.

In 2003, Belgium agreed to restrict the law of war crimes. These arrangements were carried out under U.S. pressure. Among those charged are George J. Bush Sr. and former Secretary of State Colin Powell

Belgium culture and people

The origin of the diversity of languages in Belgium dates back to the time of the Franks, who was sent to the Celts and Gauls to the southern regions, while the north remained a form of Dutch. Currently, the French is the language of the south. Brussels is one of the few officially bilingual capitals. Most Belgians are Catholics, and despite not practicing, religious traditions still existing in the country every day.
The first Belgian artists credited with the invention of oil painting, so it's no surprise the amount of artwork that has produced the country. The painter Jan van Eyck was pioneered in the fifteenth century, Pieter Brueghel followed with his scenes of peasant life in the sixteenth century, and Pieter Paul Rubens dominated in the art of the early seventeenth century for his use of light during the Baroque. In Antwerp, Rubens has opened a production workshop of painters who left their magnificent religious allegories famous Christ on the cross.
At the end of the twentieth century, originated in Brussels the sinuous Art Nouveau architecture of the hands of Henri van de Velde and Victor Horta. Horta is known for its interior, which prevents the straight lines - the roofs became an extension of the curved walls. The windows and wrought iron were very used to accentuate their creations in the form of coup whip.
The comics are other strengths of the Belgians, and while there are many local artists, Hergé, creator of the reporter Tintin is the best known.
Belgian food is very good reputation throughout Europe. Can be defined as a mixture of French and German, the main ingredients are meat and seafood. The Belgians have invented swear frits (french fries), and judging by their abundance, few dare to discuss. And although it did not invent beer or chocolate, could well have done

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Travel Tour to Austria
Tourism culture and History tour

Austria overview

Under the domination of the powerful dynasty of the Habsburgs, Austria became one of the most important powers of continental Europe between the fifteenth century and early twentieth century. At present, its political role has been reduced to a secondary place within the European Union, but there are few countries that, like her, are a tourist destination throughout the year, and its imposing Alps that can be practiced in many winter sports also has one of the richest and impressive architecture of the whole continent and a musical tradition unmatched.

Austria best time to travel

The summer tourism and winter sports make Austria a vacation destination all year round. July and August are the peak season, when the number of visitors is higher, as did prices. In cities, temperatures amount significantly, and many of its famous institutions closed during these dates. During the winter, reduces the number of visitors in the cities and thus the price of accommodation, except at Christmas and Easter. From December to late March will come to winter sports, and Christmas, New Year and February periods of more influx of tourists. Between April and May and in November the stations are crowded alpine leave until, in June, beginning of spring and the Alps are covered in wildflowers.

Austria Festival & Holidays

Music festivals take place continuously throughout the year. New Year's concerts in Vienna represent their point of departure. In February, the Faschich or Vienna Carnival is celebrated with parades in the streets and popular dances, followed by Corpus Christi (the second Thursday after Pentecost), which was announced more carnival, some in the area of Salzkammergut lakes. The International Festival of Vienna, between May and June, offers a varied program of entertainment and is considered one of the most important events of the year. On June 23 the sky was illuminated by bonfires during the celebrations of the Summer Solstice night and, between July and August is held the International Festival of Salzburg, which includes much of the repertoire of the son of the city, Mozart. The National Day is October 26, when izan flags across the country. Finally, the December 6 is celebrated the feast of Saint Nicholas, with a parade heralding the start of Christmas.

Austria Attraction & places

Vienna

The Austrian capital symbolizes the glorious legacy of the dynasty of the Habsburgs, who controlled much of Europe for more than six years. Despite being a city full of architectural gems and an impressive musical past, in recent years tourism has been reduced to Viennese travelers older. Fortunately, today the city has returned to retrieve their grace and enthusiasm, developing an important role as ambassador of Austria in the European Union, which together with its tradition and culture are drawn as a uniquely attractive to be visited.

The city experienced its glory years as a cultural center of Europe during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Most of the architecture can be seen today is due to the efforts of Franz Joseph I to create a city that reflects the power of the House of Austria. For this, the Emperor ordered the demolition of some of the many existing fortifications, enabled the land surrounding the Innere Stadt (city center), and between the years 1858 and 1865, ordered the foundation of the Ringstrasse (Ring street). In the following decade, began to build the most impressive buildings that comprise this circuit.

Not far away, stands the Imperial Hofburg Palace, residence of the Habsburgs until 1918 that houses many treasures of the Austrian cultural heritage. It consists of Agustina church of the fourteenth century, the ostentatious real units, the royal chapel where the Boys Choir of Vienna Singers sing Mass on Sunday, the Imperial Treasury, which includes the imperial crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire Germanicus, the National Library, the Baroque Prunksaal room and a magnificent collection of old musical instruments.

Also worth visiting the Academy of Fine Arts, which hosts the Masters gallery exhibiting the works of Danish and Flemish painters of the seventeenth century, such as Rubens and Van Dyck. The building that houses the museum itself is another precious piece of art. Will require more than one visit to admire all the details, including ceilings, beautifully decorated. The Sigmund Freud Museum, located at the place where he lived and worked psychiatrist before emigrating to Britain retains furniture, antiques and personal belongings, documents and original photographs.

Prince Eugene of Savoy commissioned Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt to design the Belvedere Palace, one of the world's most beautiful baroque. The upper floor houses the Austrian Gallery of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, among other shows the well-known work of Gustav Klimt, The Kiss. Baroque Schönbrunn Palace, summer residence of the Habsburgs, its interior is decorated in accordance with the Rococo style and its many rooms are the Hall of Mirrors where Mozart performed his first concert at 6 years, and Lounge Napoleon, which interestingly exhibits a lark dissected.

Finding affordable housing can be a daunting task, especially at Easter, Christmas and summer holidays, so we recommend booking as early as possible. The elegant area of the city center is an ideal place to stay, due to its proximity to places of interest, but is expensive because it lacks hostels. Between the Ringstrasse and Gürtel sector pensions and hostels can be found at affordable prices. To eat for little money, it is advisable to turn to the northwest of the city center, near the university, and nightlife is in the area near the central canal of the Danube, near Ruprechtsplatz, Seitenstettengasse, and Rabensteig Salzgries, known as the Bermuda Triangle by the large number of pubs and clubs hosting.

Salzburg

Austrian Baroque center and birthplace of the great composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg offers a unique scenery, being surrounded by mountains and divided by the Salzach River, near the German border. Its historic center was built during the reign of the Prince Archbishops in the late sixteenth century and early seventeenth and the style of its architecture is based on the Italian Renaissance. Its skyline lost countless medieval towers shaped needle, domes, steeples and towers. The old town's baroque masterpiece, is situated on the south bank of Salzach and consists of beautiful churches, plazas, courtyards and fountains. Mozart's footprint is maintained in every corner of this city, in museums, houses, squares, chocolates, liqueurs ...
Hohensalzburg Castle, built in 1077, is the best preserved fortress in Central Europe and is considered one of the symbols of Salzburg. Among its attractions is its torture chambers, state rooms, a tower and two museums. East of downtown is the impressive Museum of Natural History with its permanent exhibition of wildlife and interactive exhibits on Physics. Another point of interest lies in the catacombs of the cemetery of the abbey of St. Peter, the ninth century.
If the traveler seeks to discover the musical Salzburg, we recommend a visit to Mozart's birthplace into a museum, and you can see where you used the violin in his childhood, his concert violin, his clavichord, piano, portraits and correspondence of family. The International Summer Festival, held during July and August, honors the work of the Austrian musician.
A 4 km south of Salzburg, is the palace of Hellbrunn, construction of the seventeenth century baroque building that he ordered the bishop Sitticus Marcus. In the vicinity of the palace outstanding and ingenious hydraulic water sources with little tricks, which enabled visitors to soak unexpected bishop's strange fascination.

San Antón

The Arlberg region is considered one of the country's best areas for skiing, and in it, stand several seasons of winter. San Antón, located on the route by train from Bregenz and Innsbruck, is the largest and least elitist, with a relaxed atmosphere and great nightlife. In Gampe Kapall this season and has excellent slopes of medium difficulty and high, in addition to nursery slopes. Within the history of skiing, St. Anton is known as the place where, in the early twentieth century, Hannes Schneider first developed the style Arlberg, which is basically to ski with your legs together.

Caves Eisriesenwelt

Situated at an elevation of 1640 m near Werfen, Eisriesenwelt caves are the largest ice caves open to the public of the world. Are over 40 km of passages explored and 30,000 cubic meters of ice. The entrance to the caves is controlled and accessed through a guided tour which lasts approximately 75 minutes running through huge caverns with elaborate ice formations and frozen waterfalls. The first exploration of the caves was made in 1879, but it was Alexander von Mork who conducted a more thorough recognition; its ashes rest in an urn in the Cathedral Cave. It is advisable to bring some warm clothing during scanning. The caves are open from May to October.

Grossglockner Road

On the road to Grossglockner, you can walk a fine circuit of 50 km through the mountains and enjoy one of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The road was built between 1930 and 1935 on the former route of a major trade route between the Middle Ages Germany and Italy. The most beautiful part of the journey is up to the Hohe Tauern National Park, from where there are summits of many mountains, including the mighty Grossglockner, which arises through the broad language formed by the glacier Pasterze with its 3797 m altitude. It is a toll road and is open to traffic from May to November. It is recommended to start the trip in Zell am See and finalize it in Heiligenblut.

Rust

This town, whose name derives from the German word "elm" is known for its wine and storks. It is a prosperous city with beautiful homes that for centuries has built its economy in the production of wine. The storks arrive in the population at the end of March and, after breeding, they go in August. Many of its buildings have their roofs with a metal platform to attract these birds to build their nests there.

Gurken

The beautiful cathedral of Gurken is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Austria. It was built between the years 1140 and 1200, and its simple exterior structure, two giant spherical domes that crown the twin towers. Inside you will find the reticulated domes and most of its ornaments are of baroque or rococo. The altar belongs to the early Baroque and consists of 72 statues and 82 heads of angels. Gurken is located in the heart of Carinthia area, north of Klagenfurt.

Mauthausen

The Nazis chose the small town of Mauthausen, site of known quarries in Upper Austria, to establish a concentration camp. The prisoners worked very hard on the granite quarry and often died in the so-called Stairs of Death, leading from the quarry to the camp. An estimated two hundred thousand prisoners died or were executed in this area between 1938 and 1945. Its museum features the history of German in this and other German concentration camps in Austria, illustrated with maps, artifacts used in the time and harrowing photographs. The visit included the barracks of the prisoners and the famous gas chamber.

Austria activities

Skiing is a sport deeply rooted in the Austrian tradition, with most of its inhabitants have a high level, which makes it appear to a beginner who is not. The most popular are the Tyrol and Vorarlberg, but also have good tracks the province of Salzburg, Upper Austria and Carinthia. Kitzbühel Lech and are the most exclusive ski resorts. Those who fit your budget, have a special aversion to crowds and a good physical preparation may find greater reward in skiing, which can be practiced in most parts of the Austrian territory, if there is enough snow and not many buildings.

There are thousands of miles of well marked paths for hiking and exploring the Alps. Kaisergebirge Mountain, north of Tyrol, is a favorite of climbers, but are advised not to climb alone and without the appropriate equipment, in addition to talking to the locals about the weather and avalanche risk . Both paragliding and hang gliding attract many fans, and most ski resorts can hire equipment and lessons. It is also possible to fly in a balloon, but the cost is high. The lakes of Salzkammergut and Carinthia offer the possibility to practice water skiing, sailing and windsurfing. It is highly recommended to join a cruise on the Danube river, especially for lovers of the works of Johann Strauss.

Austria History

The Romans settled in the territory that later became Austria until the end of the V. From the sixth century and because of its strategic location as a means of communication, various Germanic tribes invaded the area, as the Bavarians, who were later defeated by the Avars. In the year 803, Charlemagne befell the army and created the miser Ostmark (mark of the East) in the valley of the Danube, an area Christianised and predominantly Germanic. The Hungarians took over the country until it was reconquered in 955 by the Otón Grande.

Rudolf of Habsburg territory occupied in 1278 after defeating Otakar of Bohemia in the Battle of Marchfeld, this dynasty would remain in power until the beginning of the First World War. Their methods of territorial conquest focused on acquiring domains and a marriage. The junction of Philip of Habsburg, son of Emperor Maximilian I and Mary of Burgundy, and Joanna of Castile, a descendant of the Catholic Kings were born two sons, the eldest of them became Charles I of Spain in 1516, to change its title by Charles V Holy Roman Empire three years later, the youngest son, Ferdinand, became the first Habsburg who lived in Vienna and ruled Austria, Hungary and Bohemia. Charles abdicated in 1556, leaving the government of the Empire in the hands of Fernando I, and in 1555 resigned from the crowns of Castile, Leon, Aragon, Sicily and Sardinia in favor of his son Philip II. This triggered the split of the Habsburg dynasty into two distinct branches, the Spanish and Austrian.

In 1571 the emperor declared the freedom of worship, and most returned to profess Protestantism. However, in 1576 the new Emperor Rudolf II took the counter again and imposed Catholicism in much of the country. Fernando II in power, the pursuit led to Protestantism in the Thirty Years War, which began in 1618 and devastated much of Central Europe. The peace treaty signed at Westphalia in 1648. During the seventeenth century, in addition to its fight against Protestantism, Austria had an armed confrontation against Turkish and French. In 1683, Vienna was besieged by the Turkish army, but German and Polish forces Christians to move to intervene to end the Turkish southeastern Europe, these confrontations resulted in the Turks yield Hungary, Walachia, Bosnia and Serbia to the Alpine country. After the hostilities, they built a multitude of Baroque buildings and under the rule of Emperor Leopold I, a great lover of music, Vienna became a focus of attraction for performers and composers.

Empress Maria Theresa acceded to the throne in 1740 and ruled for over forty years, during which Austria became a modern state. During his reign, power was centralized, created a public service, the army was reformed and the economy, and a public education system. These developments were interrupted with the defeat Austrian troops against Napoleon in the year 1805. The conflict lasted until the European Congress of Vienna (1814-1815), after which Austria became the leading power of the Germanic Confederation. The policy of the country was characterized by its immobility, and Catholicism along with the aristocracy supported the conservative traditions. Revolutionary movements of 1848 generated by a liberal sentiment also broke out in Vienna, Italy and Hungary, but it would soon be suffocated. In 1866 Austria entered into war with Prussia, and after his final defeat, its territory was excluded from the new German empire unified by Bismarck, and was restricted to their domains Danube. The outcome of the Austro-Prussian War also led to the formation of an Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy in 1867, under the rule of Emperor Franz Joseph. After this stage, the country experienced a period of splendor, but its expansionist tendencies in the Balkans and the violent annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908 led to the assassination of Crown Prince Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in June de1914. The attack sparked the First World War, when the Austro-Hungarians declared war on Serbia, an ally of Russia.

At the end of the contest was proclaimed the Republic of Austria and forced the country to recognize the independence of the states of Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary and Yugoslavia, along with Romania and Bulgaria, had been under the control of the House of Habsburg. The new republic suffered economic divisions that led new political formations, including the Austrian Nazis, supporters of the Nazi regime. In 1938 he joined the Third Reich after the invasion of German troops, annexation was supported by a national referendum that same year. During World War II, Austria suffered heavy bombardment, but in 1945 it had recovered the borders it had before the war. The Alpine country was divided into four zones occupied by U.S. troops, British, French and Russian, where it remained for a decade until it was declared neutral country.

During the postwar Austria struggled to restore its economic situation, and in 1972 established a free trade agreement with the EEC (now European Union). Except for the election of Kurt Waldheim, a former German army officer and former Secretary General of the United Nations for the presidency in 1986, the Austrian policy focused on achieving a consensus before resolving internal conflicts. In the late eighties, the increase in immigration from Eastern Europe, coupled with the political situation in the Eastern bloc, resulted in the increased popularity of the Liberal Party ideology and extreme anti-immigration. The recent influx of refugees from the former Yugoslavia has raised concern among the moderate parties.

The Austrian people broadly supported its entry into the European Union through a referendum in 1994, with the formal admission January 1, 1995. Since then, there remains a great debate among the public about the benefits of Union membership.

In the last general elections in 2000, the Liberal Party became the second political force, behind the Social Democrats to form coalition government with the Democrats. Both parties have 52 parliamentary seats each, while the Social Democrats have 65. Entry into the ultra-government party led by Jörg Haider, the xenophobic ideas, which led the other members of the European Union imposed diplomatic sanctions against Austria. In the municipal elections of March 2001, Haider's party lost almost one third of the votes while the Social Democrats won comfortably with. In the presidential elections of April 2004, the Social Democrat Heinz Fischer won 52.41% of the vote and won the presidency of the country. The reform of pensions and compensation to victims of holocasuto are topical issues.

In 2004, the irreverent Austrian writer Elfriede Jelinek won the Nobel Prize for Literature, in recognition of his poetic work force as "The Pianist."

Austria Culture

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, composers from across Europe came to this country, attracted by the generous patronage of the House of Austria, Vienna and became a haven for classical music. In fact, many members of this dynasty were talented musicians, as Leopold I (composer), Charles VI (violin), Maria Teresa (bass) and Joseph II (harpsichord and cello). Teachers as Beethoven, Brahms, Gluck, Hayden, Mahler, Mozart, Schubert, Strauss and Schoenberg lived in the Viennese court. At present, institutions like the Vienna Philharmonic, the angelic choir Cantores Children Vienna, the Staatsoper (National Opera), the Musikverein and the Konzerthaus are incomparable.

Austrian architecture is characterized by its wealth of styles, ranging from the Romanesque to the more current flows. Met the gothic splendor between XIV and XVI centuries, as evidenced by the large number of imposing buildings with buttresses flyers, point of arches and ribbed vaults. St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, is considered the masterpiece of the Gothic Austria. But the major influence in Austria was the stylistic Baroque. Following the Italian model, Fischer von Erlach created called the Austrian Baroque, whose best example is also illustrated by the National Library and the church of San Carlos in Vienna. Meanwhile, the Empress Maria Teresa distinguished the Rococo, a style that emerged as the renovation of the Baroque and is characterized by a very refined taste and a rich decoration, as can be seen inside the palace Schönbrunn in Vienna. Modern architecture is represented by the works of Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who joined in the residential blocks of straight lines, bright colors and contrasts, plus a very elaborate ornamentation, asymmetrical and organic, based on natural forms.

There are many fine examples of Gothic art, Renaissance and Baroque churches in Austria. The Biedermeier style, known for furniture under its parameters, was seen in galleries in spite of his bourgeois home, and even one of their representatives, the artist Michael Moritz Daffinger stressed in the world of music. Among the most famous Austrian painter Gustav Klimt stress, the highest representative of Art Nouveau and co-founder of the Viennese Secession, and the expressionist Oskar Kokoschka, but the most outrageous advertising is reserved for the Viennese Actionism, art collective created in the early sixties which was based on the performance to access the subconscious.

However, Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis, was one of the major influences in the world of art. Among his legacies as outstanding works The Interpretation of Dreams, The Ego and the Id, and the concept of penis envy, surrealism, symbolic language and complete a novel, and psychoanalysis. The great filmmaker Fritz Lang created masterpieces such as Metropolis, M, the vampire of Dusseldorf and New York while you sleep.

The traditional Austrian food is abundant and very diverse. Its most famous dish is the Wiener Schnitzel, the Viennese escalope, which now can taste all over the world. Other examples of Austrian cuisine are tafelspitz, beef cooked with garnish and schweinsbraten or knuckle roast. The beuschel are thin slices of calf's lung and heart, very tasty. Austrian pastries and cakes are known for their delicacy, the country's most famous dessert is the strudel, fruit cake, raisins and cinnamon, which are recommended together with a national cold beer or a glass of Austrian wine, another highlight is sweet exclusive Sachertorte, chocolate cake, created in the Hotel Sacher in Vienna

Austria Map