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