Post on 23-Dec-2015
More on European Tourist Regions
CGG3O
Benelux
• Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg
• Originally an economic alliance
• Similar cultures, language, lifestyle
• Dutch/Flemish architecture, cathedrals, museums
Iberian Peninsula
• Spain and Portugal
• Beaches, wine, food
• Moorish influence (architecture)
• Generally less expensive than northern Europe
Scandinavia
• Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, (Iceland)
• Outdoors – lakes, mountains, fjords, the sea
• Popular for Cruises
The Mediterranean
• Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Monaco, Spain
• Beaches, islands, warm weather, food, culture, architecture
• Also popular for cruises
The Baltic States
• Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
• Former Soviet Bloc countries, recent editions to the EU, still “off the beaten track” for tourists
• Lots of wilderness, unique culture and (some) architecture
• Very affordable
The Carpathians
• Named for the Carpathian Mountains– the largest mountain range in Europe
• Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia
• Former Soviet Bloc countries
• More affordable than western Europe
• Countryside, architecture, museums, music
The Alps
• Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland
• Very high mountains (80 peaks over 13,000 ft)
• Popular for hiking in the summer, but mostly as ski resorts in the winter
• Expensive
Ways to See Europe
• Eurail• “Backpacking”
– Well developed network of over 10,000 hostels, can be as little as $5/night
• Cycling– Many companies offer tours in various regions
• Cruises– On major rivers, such as Danube, Rhine, etc. - much
smaller boats than ocean-going vessels