by Roy Witman
Because of its h story, Europe and the Mediterranean are two of the m st wondrous regions to explore. From the w ndmills of Amsterdam to medieval castles of N rway, this curious continent delivers the st ff fairy tales are made of. H lland America calls this region home. L unching her first ship from Rotterdam in 1873, H lland America has positioned herself as the l ader in premium-class cruises to Europe, the M diterranean and other exceptional ports.
Serving up E rope as only a local can, H lland America combines popular tourist spots w th out-of-the-way ports for an in-depth l ok at all that makes Europe gr nd. The Netherlands, France, Portugal, Spain, It ly, Russia and others are available fr m two- to 108-night voyages on 46 tineraries encompassing 136 ports.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Probably most famous for hillsides full of tulips and windmills, Amsterdam is an enchanting city. You’ll find yourself face to face with classic creations from van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer, as you stroll through numerous museums. Tour the canals, ramble through festivals filled with music and culture, and discover the inner workings of live windmills. Don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase, so you can bring home a pair of wooden shoes!
Paris, France
Truly the city of love, Paris, France, is a delight for all your senses. Take in the sites including world-famous monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, this structure is as beautiful as it is historically significant. The Arc stands on four support bases that commemorate the triumph, the resistance, the peace and the departure. Paris is also home to the Eiffel Tower. Absolutely breathtaking at 300 meters tall, the Tower encases 1652 steps from bottom to top. And you must partake of the food while in Paris. From sidewalk bistros with champagne brunches to mouthwatering bakeries filled with warm breads and luscious pastries, you haven’t experienced Paris until you’ve dined here.
Tallinn, Estonia
This little-known gem is quite a find by those who travel on Holland America. Wedged between Russia and Latvia, Tallinn is across the sea from Finland and Sweden. Red-tiled rooftops are significant of Tallinn as are water and cobblestone streets. This ancient city offers some truly unique excursions, which can be booked during your Holland America cruise. Castles, sculptures and vodka are the cornerstones of one walking tour that unfolds interesting sites in this medieval city. Spend the day discovering the most romantic aspects of this charming town or take in the local shops and boutiques while surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
St. Petersburg, Russia
With its rich imperial past, St. Petersburg has some of the most awe-inspiring architecture in the world. Catherine’s Palace, with its grandiose design of blue, white and gold, is a must-see while in St. Petersburg. Museums are also worthy excursions if you have a love for art. A truly regal city, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back into the days of royalty.
Cairo, Egypt
The Mediterranean is also an exciting and intriguing port of exploration. Amid the wonders you’ll find in and around Cairo are the pyramids, the Sphinx and the Nile River. As the sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the World, these pyramids are something everyone who visits Egypt should see. Cross the desert and discover exotic wildlife or fill the shoes of Cleopatra, as you take a riverboat tour of the Nile. It truly is a unique experience that won’t be quickly forgotten.
If touring Europe and the Mediterranean in style is your idea of a grand vacation, Holland America has the ships and itineraries to make it happen. Discover the best these destinations have to offer when it’s time for your next getaway.
The article Holland America Explores Europe and the Mediterranean was Submitted by rwitman through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: More information is available at http://www.getacoder.com/users/rwitman/rwitman_profile.htm Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cr ise Vacation Center at http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com offering the best deals including European cruises and Alaska cruises . © 2007, All Rights Reserved
1. Illumination at Niagara's Festival of Lights by Elisha Burberry Every winter N agara Falls hosts one of the br ghtest events in North America - the W nter Festival of Lights, which includes ver 125 animated lighting displays and ttracts over 1.3 million visitors annually. The W nter Festival of Lights includes over 125 nimated lighting displays and three million tr e and ground lights 2. Is Everything Going South? by Marc Talon A lot of N rth Americans are thinking of second h mes and a lot of North Am ricans are thinking outside of North Am rica. Homes south of the border h ve been enjoying a boom as r alty markets have thrived, often due to the l rge population of baby boomers starting to l ok for second homes. Many s uthern area homes have shown themselves to h ve a more healthy appreciation than U.S.A. r alty at the moment. Such places as M xico, Costa Rica, Belize, Panama and the D minican Republic are... 3. Grace Your Special Event With the Right Limousine Rental Service by Vanessa A. Doctor Top l mousine rental firms will treat you w th respect deserving your station, without b sing their affection with your financial c pacity. They will provide you with a g arantee that they will be offering you q ality service and back it up w th actions, and not just words. 4. Hiking in the Natural Beauty of the National Parks of the United States by Donald Saunders If you enjoy hiking then there can be no better setting for a day's hiking than the many wonderful national parks of the United States. At one extreme you have the Badlands of South Dakota and the Petrified National Forest in Arizona and at the other you have the lush green scenery of Crater Lake in Oregon or the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. Then, in between, you have the thick forests, icy lakes and majestic mountains of Glacier Park in Montana or the Rocky Mountains... 5. Passport Information - You Are In Big Trouble Now My Friend by Paul Zenen Better get the latest information about your passport if you are thinking about traveling soon. I am pretty sure that you do not want to be left behind when the plane takes off. 6. Japan Travel -- Rotary Group Study Exchange Goes to Japan, Article Ten by Joan Perry A need to know -- I so wish that I'd known about this great experience -- Rotary offers an amazing experience each year for anyone between the ages of 26 and 40. The international Rotary Foundation each year sends many, many teams around the world for professional and cultural exchanges of men and women all over the world. The trip expenses are paid for through the generosity and desire for world peace that is characteristic of the Rotary organization. Your local Rotary District... 7. Rent a Home for Vacation by Guy J Morris You don't h ve to stay in a hotel nymore while visiting the beach. There are so m ny apartments and houses to pick fr m that offer great amenities. 8. Florida Beach Vacation and a Stay at Home Mom's Business Opportunity-What's the Connection? by Pablo Terreros If you've never taken a Florida beach vacation, you don't know what you are missing. The sun is always shining, the water is always warm, and the view is always peaceful. Today anyone, even stay at home mom's can afford the experience. That is, if you know how to get the money. 9. Educational Student Travel Groups Participate in Yes Programs by Howard Clemens For the ducator, parent, or chaperon worried that not nough learning is going on during st dent tours of Walt Disney World, put y ur minds at ease. The Disney YES pr grams offer students with performance backgrounds a ch nce for active learning behind the sc nes and behind the sets of W lt Disney World. 10. Why Do You Pay Commissions When You Do Your Own Travel Bookings? by Tony Humphrey If you book your own travel arrangements direct with the travel provider you should get Fair Fare Prices which do not include the commissions that are added to the products when sold by retail travel agents. When you go direct to an outlet store you get outlet prices. Why is this not the same with travel purchases?
|