The European continent covers a land area just slightly larger than the United States. With close to 50 countries and parts of Russia, a world of diverse landscapes, languages, cultures and people awaits. Within every country, many microcultures exist that are filled with their own traditions, customs, and languages. To an outsider, Europe may appear to be one cohesive whole, but once inside, the differences are apparent, making for adventures.
Europe is filled with many interesting places. Tourists are often attracted to the cities where many old structures are preserved and historic culture can be experienced. Castles and churches are often the most visited tourist spots. Other attractions like nature, nightlife and culinary pleasures should not be missed as these can make a trip to Europe even more outstanding. Besides the well-known cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, London or Venice, Europe has more to offer and often it is the more unknown places where visitors can experience Europe's true history and culture.
Seville lies in Andalucia on the Guadalquivir River that leads to the Atlantic Ocean. Seville was the last stop for boats going to America during the 16th century and the first stop for those returning As these boats had to pay tribute to the city, many brought gold and silver mined in the Americas to Europe, illuminating the city in wealth and prosperity--a fact that can be seen today in Seville's beautiful, monuments and buildings. In addition, the Moors left many traces of their culture in Seville's architecture. With the exception of the summer months, when it is too hot, Seville guarantees a pleasant trip. Orange tress decorate the streets and alleys of the city's historic center and its numerous small plazas, where visitors can enjoy a cup of Spanish coffee con leche or listen to the water splashing from a fountain nearby. Tapas bars and Flamenco dancers delight at night, and for those who want to truly dive into Spanish culture, a bullfight in Seville's famous arena is a must.
Bamberg lies in Franconia in Bavaria close to Nuremberg and possesses the largest historically preserved city center in Germany. It is listed as an UNESCO world heritage site. The city's history dates back to 900. when the first people settled. It was built in a fashion similar to Rome, on seven hills, and this is why it is often called the Rome of Franconia. The numerous little bridges that lead over the river remind many visitors of Venice. The city's most impressive monuments are certainly the Dome, built in the 13th century, and the monastery from the 11th century. The early medieval architecture is very well maintained. Bamberg is famous for the wine cultivated in the hills around it and for its numerous local breweries that brew Franconian specialty beers. Its regional food includes bread baked in wood-fire ovens as well as various kinds of sausages, roast and dumplings.
Cesky Krumlov is a little town in Czech Republic, 124 miles south of Prague. It has been awarded an UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for its historic and cultural city center that lies at the base of a castle from the 13th century. The castle is the second largest castle in the Czech Republic. Stroll through the little streets and alleys, visit the town's churches and squares,or sit down in one of the numerous restaurants and cafés on the banks of the Vltava River which flows through the heart of Cesky Krumlov. Situated at the edge of the Sumava National Park, Cesky Krumlov's visitors can camp at many campsites around the city, and hike in the park or canoe and kayak in the river. Lake Lipno, one of the Czech Republic's most famous vacation destinations, is only half an hour away.
