Europe
Overview | Traveller's Facts | Destinations: Austria | Spain
OVERVIEW
The old world is really quite old. Every other town in Europe is packed with monuments dating back several centuries. The countries are small, but most were once the center of a great empire. Europe offers more than most other regions in the world. There is hardly anything that cannot be found in one of the megacities, like London, Paris, Rome or Berlin.
Southern Europe offers great beaches and "Dolce Vita": great food, good weather, beautiful people and charming towns. It is hardly surprising that Italy, Spain, Greece and France are the most popular holiday destinations.
Since 1990's Eastern Europe has become a very popular destination as well. Magnificent cities such as Prague, Budapest, Moscow and St.Petersburg all attract many visitors.
Germany, the most populated country of Western Europe, has romantic castles, beautiful nature, fast paced life in big cities like Munich and Frankfurt and great highways. South of Germany, the Alps are great for skiing, but Austria and Switzerland have even more to offer. Vienna, capital of Austria, for example is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
The North of Europe is not as cold as you might think. In summer cities like Stockholm, Copenhagen and Amsterdam are among the most pleasant places to be. The people are easy going and very friendly and cultural life is rich.
The United Kingdom and Ireland have a special island mentality that keeps you coming back. The Celtic spirit is very much alive in many of the more remote areas of the islands.

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TRAVELLER'S FACTS

DEPARTURE TAX
Your New Zealand departure tax must be paid as you leave New Zealand. All other departure taxes should be pre-paid on your airline ticket.

VISAS
Please check with your travel agent regarding entry/visa requirements for the countries you plan to visit.

CURRENCY
If you intend to visit various European countries, the most easily exchanged currencies are British Pounds, US dollars and the Euro.

SEASONS
The seasons in Europe are the opposite to New Zealand, so when it is summer-time in New Zealand it is winter in Europe, etc.

DRIVING
Driving in the UK and Ireland is on the left-hand side of the road (as in New Zealand). Driving on mainland Europe is on the right-hand side of the road.

PHONE HOME
Hotel phones can be extremely expensive. We recommend you take a Clear Card or Telecom Calling Card with you, which is sure to save you money.

HOTEL CHECK-IN/ CHECK-OUT TIMES
Check-in time is usually around 3pm, and check-out time around 11am. If you arrive early in the morning and would like your room immediatelly on arrival (especially after a long flight), you should ask your travel agent to book an additional night, to cover the night prior to your arrival.

INSURANCE
We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance for when you are away. Your travel agent will be able to provide you with further information.

HOTEL ROOMS
UK/Europe hotel rooms are traditionally very small compared to what you would get for a similar price in other parts of the world. Please discuss your expectations thoroughly with your travel agent before booking to avoid disappointment.

 
DESTINATIONS
AUSTRIA
Under the rule of the mighty Habsburgs, Austria was the dominant political force in Central Europe. Today it may be politically reconciled to being a minor player in the European Union but it has few peers as a year-round holiday destination, with plenty of winter sports in the Schwarzenegger-sized Alps, some of the most impressive and overblown architecture in Europe and an unrivalled musical tradition that even The Sound of Music couldn't sully.

CLICK HERE FOR AUSTRIA ON THE MAP OF EUROPE
CLICK HERE FOR THE MAP OF AUSTRIA

 
SPAIN
Spain is renown for its sunshine and beaches, but beyond there is a rich culture, fascinating history, famous architecture and art, charming villages, and spectacular nature reserves. Spain is a country just waiting to be touched, breathed and enjoyed. At the same time the people young and old combine tradition with joie de vivre in a way that is not found elsewhere. See some of the most breathtaking countryside and starkly countrasting scenery as you study the customs of Spain's people and towns, and share in their local fiestas and traditions. There is something special about Spain!

CLICK HERE FOR SPAIN ON THE MAP OF EUROPE
CLICK HERE FOR THE MAP OF SPAIN