Home to countries with a diverse range of cultural and historical backgrounds, the continent of Europe offers visitors the chance to see it all. With the second smallest land area of all the continents and the third largest population, Europe is home to the buzzing atmosphere of countries such as Italy and England, the serene backdrops of Ireland and Switzerland, and the antiquity of Greece. The name “Europe” itself was derived from an ancient Greek myth involving Europa, a Phoenician princess kidnapped by Zeus and taken to Crete. In Greek it means, “broad-face.” Having existed alongside humanity for many years, Europe’s only remaining true wildernesses are in Scandinavia and Northern Russia. Other than that, the civilized portions have been the settings for the growth of civilization. Today, Europe is the setting for the juxtaposition of the ancient and the modern world.
Italy’s rich history offers visitors a glimpse at the beginnings of our own civilization. The antiquity of the ancient Roman ruins and temples and the remains of the statues of the mythological religion live side by side the lively cosmopolitan city of the new Rome. Tourism brings in a main part of the country’s revenue and for good reason. In Rome alone, travelers can take a tour of the commanding and majestic Parthenon. Here, ancient Roman’s paid tribute to the seven gods and goddesses. If you’re looking for some of the best art produced during the Renaissance, the Vatican Museum is the place to go next. It is home to the largest collection of art in all of Rome and includes Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, a Tapestry and a Raphael room. The golden ages of the Roman Empire gave rise to many other cities of splendor. A trip to Venice is like stepping back in time. One look at the canal water streets of this city will captivate your imagination. Gondola rides are still available for romantics and those seeking to immerse themselves in Venetian culture. Also, a trip to the Ca’Rezzonico palace offers visitors the chance to see a part of Venice’s opulent history. Housing a vast collection of eighteenth-century Venetian art, the palace is a great place to get the complete experience of Venice. Also, some of the best shopping in Europe can be done at the lush boutiques of Milan’s Golden Triangle.
Another rustic yet modern country visitors to Europe will enjoy is England. In London, visitors will be struck by Big Ben, the famous clock tower. After that awakening, the magnificence of England can be experienced by visiting Windsor Castle and the Jubilee Gardens. A brief educational tour through the castle will leave plenty of time to go strolling along the gardens with the entire family. Also, experience how the histories of all the countries in Europe intertwine by visiting Bath, the location of the ancient Roman baths. Get a sense of the antiquity of this nation by visiting the prehistoric monuments of Stonehenge. Here, visitors will be awed by the grand display of primeval capabilities. England is also the place to go for literature lovers of all kinds. Although the houses of Keats and Austen are popular sights, Stanford-Upon-Avon of Shakespeare is a huge draw for thousands from around the world. Also, the real life Sherwood Forest is sure to fascinate the kids in the family while the Imperial War Museum entertains the adults. The museum contains weapons, vehicles, and models of the wars of the 20th century.
Greece is one European country so fantastic that the ancient Romans based their entire society upon it. Lined with amazing beaches, small towns, and a charming atmosphere, Greece is the perfect vacation destination for every traveler. Visitors can take a tour and go to the Acropolis of Athens, which also makes for beautiful photographs as well as an enlightening and entertaining time. Afterwards, the Acropolis Museum is a must see with its ancient collection of religious statues. If museums and ruins are not allowing you to immerse yourself as completely into the Greek culture as you would like, the marketplace ruins of Agora are a must see. Here, visitors can get a glimpse of what life must have been like 2400 years ago. Also, no trip to Greece would be complete without a visit to the famous Parthenon. This is where the ancients gathered to worship the Gods and the structure is made to evoke a sense of wonder and trepidation. Also, to get a modern feel of Greece, be sure and visit Kolonaki Street. Lined with numerous colorful boutiques and coffee shops, visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of the city while relaxing with a good cup of Greek coffee.
The continent also includes wonders such as the luxurious rococo Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain. Even the Royal Botanic Garden is a sight to behold as visitors take in the awesome grandeur of Spain’s golden age. Spain is one country that includes cultural events alongside modern entertainment. Visitors will definitely enjoy the street jugglers, dancers, and musicians of The Plaza Mayor square as well as a night on the town at the Kapital club. The Palace of Catalan Music in Barcelona is an amazing place for visitors to enjoy classical guitar, orchestra and flamenco performances during their stay in Spain.
Ireland offers visitors a majestic countryside and unusual museum. After an interesting introduction to the history of the country at the Kilmainham Goal Historical Museum, a 19th-century jail, visitors can tread on to the Guinnes Storehouse. Here, visitors can stroll the building and have free samples after their tour. After a few days of sight-seeing, the Easkey beach in Sligo is the perfect place to relax. Beauty, great surf, friendly locals, and inexpensive and good food are what make this beach a wonderful vacation spot to visit.
Austria is one country still steeped in old-fashioned traditions. The famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna offers visitors an amazing exhibition of the agility and grace of their highly trained horses. People from all over the world come to enjoy this spectacle. Also, with the waltz the official dance of Austria, the country participates in throwing grand balls for citizens. Feel like royalty for one evening while waltzing in the ballroom of an actual Austrian castle.
Whether it is the antiquity, old-world charm, or the modern fascinations that draw you, a vacation in Europe is sure to be memorable and lots of fun.
The second largest continent of the world, Africa is bustling with life at every turn. It even contains the Sahara desert, the largest desert in the world. Africa also includes one of the worlds longest rivers, the worlds largest waterfall and the worlds largest inland delta. Safar adventures are common and exploring this continent will give vacationers something to talk about for years on end. Travelers are encouraged to hurry to this extraordinary continent to experience the natural wonders which have yet escaped civilizations grasp.
Egypt is a nation completely in touch with its rich, ancient past. Egypt contains 2 of the ancient wonders of the world and has numerous locations dedicated to preserving and showcasing its ancient relics. The only surviving ancient wonder, the Pyramid of Giza inspires the imaginations of all who gaze upon its grand scale. The limestone carved Sphinx is also on the grounds and stands as an astounding sight to behold. The Egyptian Antiquities Museum in Cairo houses a vast and intriguing collection of more than 120,000 items of Egypt’s history. After examining the relics themselves, the Saqqara site is a great place to see where they were found. Here stands the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the Pyramid of Unas, the Pyramid of Sekhemket, and the Persian Tombs. In Alexandria, visitors can enjoy the other ancient wonder of the world Egypt has to offer, the Lighthouse of Alexandria. This lighthouse had a practical purpose along with its architecturally inspiring form. It guided soldiers safely to the Great Harbor. The city of Luxor contains the infamous, Valley of the Kings where King Tuts tomb was found, untouched. Also, visitors can get a glimpse at Egypt’s most famous Queens by visiting the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari.
Kenya is a combination of wilderness and modernity. Giraffe, impala, and waterbuck freely roam Crescent Island and give visitors to see a part of Africa unscathed by boundaries. Horse back riding, hot-air balloon tours, and breathtaking views are all part of this safari adventure. During the night, cultural fiestas on the Luhvia Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi awaken the sense and embark a piece of colorful tradition, through dance and music, to visitors. Watamu National Marine Park includes diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing as well the opportunity for tourists to sit back and relax in the sand.
If Kenya is too scenic for you, the lively atmosphere of Morocco is sure to enthrall all your senses. At the Jemaa el Fna square, storytellers, teeth-pullers, snake charmers all line the streets ready to converse and take pictures with tourists. Come back with a bit of Henna artwork adorning your hands. Although Morocco has some great restaurants, the best places to eat are the stands on the streets where food is cheap and delicious. Get a sense of the regal days of Morocco with a visit to the Royal Palace of Casablanca. The texture and variety of Moroccan design will astound you and a trip to the Dar Batha Museum will allow you to view its famous cobalt blue pottery.
Visitors can also visit the thrilling land of South Africa for an unforgettable vacation. The South African National Museum of Military History is a good place to begin your touring. There, visitors can enjoy an interesting education into South Africa’s history. The old jail on Robber Island is also a good place to learn about the city of Cape Town. The Two Oceans Aquarium is sure to captivate young minds with its weekly shark feedings and boundless array of marine exhibits. Also, one cannot possibly leave South Africa without first checking out the Wesselton Diamond Cutting Company in Johannesburg. The tour allows visitors a chance to see how diamonds are cut, shaped, and polished to be showcased. If just viewing precious stones is not cutting it for you, a trip to the Gold Reef City theme park, where you can mind for your own gold, is a great way to spend the day.
Because of the European colonialism of the late 19th-century, Africa was left with the independent Liberia, a mostly black populated region, and the Orthodox Christian Abyssinia (Ethiopia). Today, Africa is home to 53 independent countries who are striving to survive against poverty, disease, and governmental corruption. Although Asia and India are pushing forward in modernism, Africa is moving backwards in terms of foreign trade, investment, and per capita income. Religion in Africa includes Christianity and Islam, while the indigenous African religions are mainly animism and ancestor worship. Africa’s wilderness contains some of the deadliest animals in the world. The Puff Adder snake, with its zigzag pattern of diamonds, is the most deadliest reptile of Africa. The rest of the top five include Lions, Leopards, Cheetah, and Buffalo. South African hunters have come up with The Big Five, five of the most dangerous animals to hunt. The list is surprisingly topped off by the elephant, black rhinoceros, the white rhinoceros, the leopard, the lion, and the Cape Buffalo. African weather can get extremely hot. Prepare yourselves by packing light clothing, a sunhat, and sunglasses.
Summer temperatures can reach 27 to 37 degree Celcius. Also, at night, temperatures fall to 20 degrees Celsius and may include the occasional thunderstorm. Winter seasons are harsh as well, with temperatures dropping to 7 degrees Celsius.
For a wonderful safari adventure lead by expert guides, the Krugar Park Safaris in South Africa are excellent choices. Here, vacationers can either plan a camping, casual, lion, open-vehicle, expedition, or luxury safari. Each includes meals and travel guides along with an exciting experience.
Places such as Uganda offer visitors an up-close-and-personal look into the lives of gorillas in their natural habitats. Also, Uganda is a rare example of success against the HIV-AIDS epidemic. Through educational programs and heavy campaigning, Uganda’s has dropped drastically as a nation at the risk from the AIDS virus.
Overall, a vacation to Africa is sure to bring about an enlightening and entertaining time, filled with adventure and exploration.