Finland

Finland is located in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. Majority of the tourists come to Finland from Sweden. There are many famous places in Finland. The Finish tourism is promoted by the Finland Promotional Board.

When you visit Finland, the first thing that you will notice is its peaceful atmosphere. The capital city, Helsinki is also very quiet, peaceful and the air is pollution free. The countryside of Finland also has a serene beauty. The weather in Finland is generally very cold but the summers are marked by longer days, where tourists can enjoy a lot.

Finland is characterized by different kinds of landscape, tradition, food and climate.

Important places to visit :

Old Rauma
Old Rauma recently made UNESCO’s World Heritage List on its 550th anniversary. It boasts one of the oldest harbours in Finland as well as an impressive array of ancient vernacular architecture. Fine craftsmen such as lace makers, goldsmiths and furniture makers actively use many of these preserved buildings. Old Rauma also contains one of the narrowest streets in Finland. The 15th century Franciscan Holy Cross Church and the Rauma Museum, located in the town hall, are also well worth a look.

The Island Fortress of Suomenlinna
The 18th century Fortress of Suomenlinna is a must-see on any trip to Finland. It is located on an island at the entrance to Helsinki harbour and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Treasure since 1991. The unique fortress is a fine example of European military architecture. Besides being a being a historical site and tourist attraction, Suomenlinna is also a well-loved recreation area for Helsinki citizens. With 900 permanent inhabitants, Suomenlinna remains a lively island with an impressive array of museums, galleries, restaurants and cafes to keep you occupied!

St. Olaf's Castle, Olavinlinna
Balanced on the edge of a tiny green island in a lake, this beautiful 500-year-old castle resembles something from a fairytale. Founded in 1475, it is comprised of the main castle as well as three towers and a bailey with a surrounding wall reinforced by towers. It is among Finland's most well-known tourist attractions. There is a very interesting orthodox museum in the castle grounds displaying Russian Orthodox artifacts from Finland and Russia.

The King's Road
The King's Road is the historical route between the old northern capitals of Oslo, Stockholm, Turku, Helsinki, and St. Petersburg. Dating back to the 13th century, the ancient road winds along the Finnish southern coastline past castles, manor houses and frame cottages. Originally, the King's Road served as an important connection between the powerful kingdoms of Sweden and Russia. Today, it is a remarkable testament to history. Taverns and inns that offered refuge to the weary traveler are still intact. Old stone churches and iron mills also remain.

Turku
Turku is the oldest and most fascinating of Finland's medieval towns. Once the capital of Finland, this 750-year-old town has a fully restored 13th-century castle which is now a Viking museum. Its medieval Gothic cathedral is one of the most impressive in Finland. The Handicrafts Museum is located in the quaint old town where most of original medieval houses still stand. Make sure to visit the thirty workshops which represent different trades and that tell the story of the old professions. If you happen to visit near Christmas, Turku is regarded as Finland's Christmas City. In the old great square at 12 noon every Christmas Eve, a crowd of several thousand people gather to listen to the proclamation of a Christmas peace declaration which has resounded throughout Finland since the middle ages.

Arktikum Science Museum
The Arktikum is an award-winning multi-disciplinary science museum depicting life in the Arctic region. The museum is divided into two areas - The Arctic Centre and the Provincial Museum of Lapland. The Arctic Centre interprets nature and local life in the far north. The Provincial Museum of Lapland looks at the Lapp wilderness as well as the cultural heritage it has moulded. Discover how ordinary Lapps live in austere surroundings of the Arctic. There are lots of interactive audio-visuals as well as some really captivating exhibits.

Retretti Art Centre, Punkaharju
If you want to experience something truly different, the Retretti Art Centre is the place to go. It is famous for its highly unique exhibition space, which includes a ground level building and an underground space hollowed out of the bedrock. The labyrinthine space is used as an exhibition area for contemporary art. Exhibitions at the art centre exhibition are as stunning as their surroundings. Prepare to be amused, astounded and informed. The centre also houses a concert hall and a restaurant.

The Åland Islands
The Åland Islands are a unique, self-governing set of islands off the Finnish coast. With their own distinct culture, flag and postage stamps, they are dotted with medieval churches and old-world fishing villages and are particularly ideal for get-away-from-it all cycling, camping and cabin holidays.

Lapland
Land of the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights, the Finnish province of Lapland is one of the world’s most wild and unspoiled regions, sparsely populated with truly friendly and welcoming people. Blessed with wide open fells and hills, uninhabited forests, magnificent lakes as clear as crystal, quietly babbling brooks and foaming rapids, this region offers the tourist the holiday of a lifetime. Lapland is also the home of Santa Claus. Pay a visit to Santapark – Santa’s theme park – and meet with Santa himself!

Ainola
Ainola is the place where Finland's greatest composer Jean Sibelius spent much of his life. It is a destination of pilgrimage for Sibelius lovers. Absorb the unbroken tranquility and gain a sense of the world in which the composer and his family lived. When he was composing there Sibelius insisted on silence; he believed that music should be heard without disturbance from extraneous noise. For this reason none of the maestro's work is amplified through loudspeakers in an effort to create the same mood.

France

France is known to be the most traveled holiday destination in the world, offering its visitors endless choice of tourist attractions, which include exceptionally beautiful natural attractions, amazing historical and cultural attractions, as well as breathtaking modern attractions. Tourist attractions in France are scattered all across the country, and every region has something special to offer to its visitors. In fact, there is so much to see and do in France that only a guided tour can help you cover best tourist attractions of France in a single visit. Travour has carefully selected top France tourist attractions to make your vacation an exciting and memorable affair.

France is home to stunning mountain ranges, young and lively rivers, lush forests, and world-class beaches, promising endless choice of recreation for tourists. The Rhone-Alps region in France is known for its stunning natural beauty and endless varieties of recreation that its offers to tourists.

Important places to visit :

Eiffel Tower Paris
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is the most famous tourist attraction in France. The amazing Eiffel Tower was designed and built by an intelligent French engineer Gustave Eiffel for the world exhibition of 1889, commemorating the centenary of the French Revolution. One of the greatest engineering masterpieces in the world, the Eiffel Tower rises to 300 m /984 ft (320/1,052 ft. including the FM and TV antenna) above the ground, weighing about 7,000 tons. At the time of its construction it was the tallest structure in the world.

The Eiffel Tower has three platforms: the first at a height of 57 meters, the second at 115 meters, and the third at 276 m, all of them providing stunning views of Paris and the surrounding Ile de France region. The pre-sunset view of Paris from its third floor is truly a breathtaking one, indeed an unforgettable experience for tourists.

The Eiffel Tower also has two well-maintained restaurants- Altitude 95 on the first platform, and the extremely expensive Jules Verne with a private elevator on the second floor. The top platform of the Eiffel Tower has a bar, a souvenir shop, and the erstwhile office of Gustave Eiffel. To reach the Tower's summit, one needs to cover a staggering 1,665 steps.

French Alps in Rhone
Located in the eastern France, the French Alps in Rhone is one of most enchanting and picturesque moutain landscapes in the world. The French one Rhone Alps are known for their diverse landscapes, consisiting of scenic mountains, lush valleys, lively rivers, and enchnaitng waterfalls and lakes. Lyon, the third largest city of France, is the capital of the French Alps region. Home to the highest mountain of Western Europe- Mount Blanc (4,807meters), the French Alps offer excellent conditions for skiing and hiking, using Chamonix and other skiing resorts in the area as a base.

The French Rhone-Alps region has some of the largest and most famous skiing resorts of the world, including Chamonix, Megève, Avoriaz, La Clusaz and Courchevel. Besides world-class skiing resorts, the French Alps also has many important historical regions and nature reserves of France, including Ain, Drome, Savoie, Haute-Savoie, and the famous Vanoise Nature Reserve. Visit the French Alps in Rhone to explore the diverse attractions of this strikingly beautiful region of France with TSI Holidays. Take a refreshing breath in the pristine and breathtaking surroundings of the French Alps. Drive deep in the Ardeche or Drome gorges; visit the fascinating cities of Lyon, Chambéry and Annecy; or explore the fascinating countryside of Haute-Savoie region. Discover the great museums, roman ruins and some of the finest restaurants at Lyon, or explore the rich and diverse flora and fauna of the Vanoise National Park- the first and one of the only seven national parks in France.

The real charm of the French Alps in Rhone lies in its 180 skiing resorts in 15 mountain ranges. Thousands of skiers from all over the world throng to internationaly renowned resorts of Alpe d'Huez, Chamonix, Courchevel and the Trois Vallées. Besides skiing, you can also enjoy other thrilling activities like hiking, mountain biking, horse safari, white- water rafting, angling, summer skiing, mountain climbing, caving, bungee jumping, and many more.

Annual Film festival in Cannes
world, held annually at the fascinating beach resort of Cannes in France. Started in 1939, in response to the leading Venice Film Festival, which was apparently being run by Fascist Italy, the Cannes Film Festival could screen only one movie in 1939 due to starting of the World War II. The first complete Cannes Film Festival was organized in 1946 at Cannes, and since then, the Festival is held annually in May every year.

The Cannes Film Festival is a non-public festival, primarily attended by people from the world of movies. The Festival draws hundreds of movie stars from all corners of the world and provides a good platform for movie producers to launch their new films and sell them to the eager distributors. The Cannes Festival is also popular for its starlets on the beach, on yachts, and fractious bunfights over controversial screenings. Most of the events are organized at the enchanting Palais des Festivals and are strictly by invitation only, there are film screenings open to the public, all over the town.

The Golden Palm (Palme d'Or) is the most prestigious award given out at Cannes for the best film. Other awards, including the Grand Jury Prize (the second most prestigious award) are decided by the jury of the festival, comprising of a group of internationally renowned movie professionals. Visit Cannes during the famous Cannes Film Festival and see the starlets on beach and enjoy screening of some of the most beautiful movies of the year from all over the world, with TSI Holidays.

Thorens Gli ères' Castle
Located near fascinating medieval town of Annecy, Thorens Glières' Castle is one of the major tourist attractions in France. Built on an 11th century AD fortress, the beautiful Thorens Glières' Castle is made of hypogeum and secret dungeons. The invincible Thorens Glières' Castle commands the entrance of the famous plateau des Glières region- a key stronghold for the resistance and a World War II battle site. The Castle is a must visit attraction for those who want to get an insight into the rich and fascinating history of France.

The Thorens Glières' Castle is known for its valuable Salésian treasure, consisting of the 12th-17th centuries ornaments, ministerial furniture, Episcopalian documents, and amazing tapestry work related to Tobie. Thorens was also the country estate of Camille de Cavour, the founder of the Italian unity, and houses many interesting art collections and souvenirs related to him. The Castle also houses the beautiful chalet of Saint François de Sales, a renowned 17th century Saint, who was Bishop of Geneva and Annecy, and the author of "L'introduction a la vie dévôte," considered the most read book after the bible. A visit to the Thorens Glières' Castle promises to take you through a thousand of years of history of the region.

Thorens Glieres is also known for its enchanting mountain scenery, and the place also provides excellent conditions for hiking the Alps Mountain, sailing on the lake, skiing, wakeboarding, paragliding, mountain biking, cycling, and nature walking. Visit the beautiful Thorens Glières' Castle on your France Tour with TSI Holidays and get enchanted with the fascinating charm of the place that never fails to impress its visitors.

Wine Tours in Burgundy
Located in the eastern France, Burgundy is world-famous for its red wines, and is the second largest wine producing regions in the country, after Bordeaux. Burgundy has some of the finest vineyards in France on its picturesque slopes of the Cotes de Nuits and the Cotes de Beaune, producing excellent red wines. Burgundy wines are among the most sought-after wines in the world, and the most expensive, including those of Domaine de la Romanée Conti. Besides its wines, Burgundy is also known for its enchanting scenic beauty and fascinating cultural charm, which never fails to impress its visitors.

TSI Holidays brings to you exciting and unforgettable Burgundy Wine Tours. Visit this wine lover's paradise, going from one vineyard to another, passing lush and picturesque grape farming villages and tasting their best wines along the way. Besides wine tasting, you'll also discover the natural and architectural beauty of the region, including the world-famous Côte d'Or. Stay in the finest luxury hotels with their breathtaking views of the vineyards in Champagne. Meet the world-class winemakers and discuss about the process of wine making on your Burgundy Wine Tours with TSI Holidays.

Paris Museum Tour
Paris, the capital city of France, is not only known for its towering Eiffel Tower packed, but the city also houses some of the most renowned museums in the world, including the Louvre Museum, known for its world's largest collection of art. Paris houses more than 80 museums and over 200 art galleries, and a visit to Paris for the museums alone is well worth it. Visitors can also purchase a La Carte pass, providing free admission to 60 national and municipal museums in Paris. Visit and explore these world-famous Paris Museums with TSI and discover the amazing collections of arts and artifacts, including dome of the finest paintings and sculptures in the world.

The Louvre Museum, the biggest museum in the world, is the most famous museum in Paris. The museum displays the art from Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, and the western art from the Middle ages to 1848, consisting of some of the finest paintings, drawings, and sculptures in the world, including the world-famous painting of Mona Lisa (La Joconde). Other famous museums, which you can visit on your Paris Museum Tour, include the Rodin Museum- famous for its bronze and marble sculptures by Auguste Rodin (1840-1917); the Maillol Museum- known for its amazing collections of modern art; the Cluny Museum with some of the finest medieval European tapestries, and the Orsay Museum with a superb collection of the 19th and the early 20th century art.

Other worth visiting museums in Paris include the famous Advertising Museum, Picasso Museum, Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, Institut du Monde Arabe, Musée National des Arts et Métiers, Musée National d'Art Moderne and the Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle.

Germany

Germany is one of the leading tourist destinations worldwide.   Scenic landscapes, beautiful villages, quaint castles and a profound sense of history are just a few of the reasons travelers are attracted to this delightful country.  Germany's industrious culture mixes the old with the new, the common with the technologically innovative and, in the process, manages to create a country that is both unique and impressive.

Experience new things, have fun and relax.Vibrant cities with amazing architecture, fabulous shopping and pulsating nightlife. Enchanting medieval villages and traditional wine villages with friendly festivals and regional specialities. Picturesque countryside which is perfect for walking or simply relaxing in. Castles, palaces and abbeys that are the epitome of German romanticism. Fun & sport, wellness & relaxation. A land of a thousand possibilities.

Important places to visit :

Cologne Cathedral
The mighty cathedral towers in Cologne, Germany are just a stone's throw from the banks of the Rhine. Built over 600 years ago entirely in a high-Gothic style, it is Cologne's most famous landmark and an UNESCO World Heritage site. Its most sacred treasure is the Shrine of the Three Magi, a magnificent gilded sarcophagus thought to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men. More than 500 steps lead up the south tower, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

Neuschwanstein
King Ludwig II's world-famous castle stands proudly against the spectacular backdrop of the Alps in southern Bavaria. Neuschwanstein, his fairytale castle, is the most-visited building in Germany, and was designed to resemble a medieval German knight's castle. Walt Disney also found inspiration for his magic kingdom here and based his world-famous Disney Castle on this spectacular Bavarian highlight.

Heidelberg Castle
The charming city of Heidelberg in south-western Germany is one of the mostfantastic places to visit in Germany. The city is home to Heidelberg Castle - its ruins rise majestically on the site of a medieval castle complex high above the lanes and the jumble of roofs of the picturesque old town. The architecture contains elements of the Gothic and Renaissance periods. The castle gardens, the Great Vat (the world's largest wine barrel) and the remarkable Pharmacy Museum are also worth a visit.

Checkpoint Charlie
Established in 1962 next to the legendary Checkpoint Charlie border crossing, the "Haus am Checkpoint Charlie" Museum is an exhibition on the history of the Berlin Wall and the partition of the city. It contains original items used in underground, overground and even airborne attempts to flee East Germany. There are also exhibitions on Berlin's history and on the international non-violent fight for human rights.

Church of Our Lady, Dresden
Dresden's most famous attraction is a masterpiece of baroque architecture on the River Elbe. Destroyed in the bombing raids of 1945 the Church of Our Lady has been rebuilt and is now a symbol for reconciliation and peace. With its marbled pillars and delicately painted balustrades the chancel looks as good as new, while the huge stone dome is once again the dominating feature of the cityscape. Not to be missed as one of the places to visit in Germany.

Marienplatz, Munich
This beautiful square in the heart of the Old Town is home to the town hall and its world-famous carillon (Glockenspiel), which has existed since 1908. The mechanical figures delight the audience on the square below by dancing to chimes at 11 am and midday throughout the year. During Spring and Summer there is an extra performance at 5 pm.

German Emigration Center, Bremerhaven
Situated on Germany's northern coast, in the port of Bremerhaven, is Europe's largest museum specializing in emigration. This modern museum offers a compelling insight into emigrants' lives and their incredible stories. It is also an invaluable source of information for those who want to find out more about their family heritage and offers numerous research possibilities.

Saxony Switzerland
The Saxon Switzerland National Park is one of the jewels in Germany's scenic crown. Strange rock needles, cliffs and deep gorges alternate with wide plains, large, silent forests and valleys, looked down upon by table mountains. Large sections of the neighboring "Bohemian Switzerland" have also been designated a national park. With a little patience it is possible to spot otters, falcons and even the occasional lynx.

Black Forest
The Black Forest, or Schwarzwald to give it its German name, is famous the world over. Deeply rooted in its traditional culture the Black Forest is an area of mountains, waterfalls and forest in the south west of Germany 125 miles long and up to 37 miles wide. This beautfully scenic region is home to the cuckoo clock and of course the delicious Black Forest Cake and is a paradise for hikers, skiers and spa lovers alike offering something for everyone.

Bavarian Alps
The Bavarian Alps in southern Germany is one of the country's most visited vacation regionsand one of the most beautiful places to visit in Germany. Picturesque villages, fairytale castles and crystal-clear lakes are set against the dramatic backdrop of snow-covered mountain peaks. In winter this area is a skier's paradise whilst in summer the lower mountain meadows are perfect to stroll or hike through.

Greece

Greece, the cradle of western culture, has long attracted scholars and tourists interested in its classical past; but in recent years it has also been discovered by a wider public who have come to appreciate its many other attractions. The tourists who are now drawn to Greece in such large numbers do not go only to see its ancient sites and recall the contribution it has made to European cultural and intellectual life, but to enjoy the extraordinary beauty of its scenery, the Mediterranean charm of its islands, the ready hospitality of its people and its beautiful beaches - all combining to form a marvelously seductive holiday land.

No other country is so characteristic of the Mediterranean world as Greece. Slender and intricately articulated, surrounded by a multitude of islands of all shapes and sizes, it pulls away from the more solid structure of south-eastern Europe, reaching far out into the sea to Europe's most southerly outpost, the long island of Crete. It is a land of mountains, deeply penetrated by the ubiquitous sea and wrapped in the mantle of a climate which is everywhere the same. Greek land and the Greek seas - the Ionian Sea in the west, the Aegean in the east - are parts of an indivisible whole, one of which cannot be conceived without the other. No part of the Peloponnese or central Greece is much more than 50km/30 miles from the sea, and even in northern Greece the maximum distance from the sea is not much more than 100km/ 60 miles.

Important places to visit :

The Jewel of Athens Greece: The Acropolis and the Parthenon
The Acropolis and the Parthenon dominate Athens, and the most sightseeing-weary traveler will catch an enticing glimpse and be scrambling toward it before they know it. Even if there were no Parthenon, the Acropolis is worth the visit just for the magnificent view of Athens and the surrounding temples below. And now the New Acropolis Museum nearby is an attraction worth seeing all by itself.

National Archaeological Museum
This extensive collection is housed in the heart of Athens. Greece is rightly proud of its flagship museum. While even a brief visit is dazzling, the true museum junkie should allow 2-3 hours. Even then, you're speeding through millenia of Greek culture, starting with the Cycladic Island civilization and the Minoans and Mycenaeans, and stretching toward the present.

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
A great afternoon trip from Athens, this is one of those spots that is as much a favorite with the locals as it is with the tourists. It's a favorite sunset-viewing spot for everyone, and will give you a classically Greek moment against the ruined monument along with a terrific sea view.

Walking Athens at Night
Athens is one of the safest capital cities in the entire world. While common sense is your best defense anywhere, statistically, you're far safer on the streets of Athens at night than in London, Paris, or Tokyo. So get out there and enjoy yourself!

Piraeus
Can't get away to the Greek islands? Or already missing the one you just left? Slip away to Piraeus, easily reachable by the Metro, and have dinner at one of the pricy but charming seaside taverns of Microlimano. It's not quite a Greek island, but it will do. Allow yourself some extra time and stop by the excellent Piraeus Archaeological Museum or the equally-fascinating Nautical Museum first.

The Plaka & Other Neighborhoods in Athens
The Plaka is the area of winding streets around the Acropolis. It's renowned for its small shops, restaurants, and some good examples of local domestic architecture. The downside? These days it's hopelessly touristy, but it's still engaging. My strategy is to stop somewhere for a frappe (iced instant coffee) every few hundred feet, especially in summer. And it's likely you'll wander into Monastiraki or Thissio without even noticing you've left the Plaka.

Lycabettus Hill
Want to rise above it all, especially on a hot day when the thought of the stony outcrop of the Acropolis seems too warm and bright? Take the easy way up Lycabettus Hill and escape the heat and, if you're lucky, some of the tourist crowds.

Syntagma Square
Also known as "Constitution Square", this is the heart of Athens in many ways. It's a large, open square which often hosts holiday events, it's the location of several of Athens' most renowned luxury hotels, it's an intense public transporation hub, and it actually has the Parliament Building along one side of the square. Pedestrian-only Ermou Street leads off of it, providing access to some of Athens' better upscale shopping.

The Agora
This is one attraction that gets skipped, partly because it is readily confused with the Roman Agora and while you'd be falling over yourself to visit a Roman agora in Italy, well, this is Greece. (For the same reason, the very nice Egyptian antiquities collection at the National Archaeological Museum gets overlooked, too.) But this spot offers an easy hour's wandering, with the almost-perfect temple of Hephaestus, a rebuilt colonnade housing the museum, and many minor monuments. A multiple-site combo ticket makes it a particularly good bargain to combine a visit here with the Acropolis and other nearby sites.

Ireland

Ireland, the green island in north-western Europe, remained for centuries in the shadow of the larger neighboring island of Great Britain and was almost forgotten by the rest of Europe. Only a very few tourist-- such as Prince Puckler-Muskau in the early 19th c. -- spoke of the beauty of the Irish countryside, its stone witnesses to a glorious past, the country houses in their beautiful parks and the friendliness and hospitality of the people, however poor they may be, as well as their ready wit.

It is only in more recent times, with the establishment of the sovereign Republic of Ireland and the country's growing prosperity, that the island has begun to attract increasing numbers of holidaymakers and tourists -- individualists travelling on their own, looking for something out of the ordinary, perhaps fishing or playing golf, who like peace and quiet and who appreciate the friendly reception they receive.

Together with the main island of Great Britain and various smaller islands and groups of islands it forms part of the British Isles -- a term of purely geographical significance. It is separated from Great Britain, to the east, by the North Channel, the Irish Sea -- which can often be rough -- and St George's Channel; the west coast is open to the Atlantic, with numerous rocky offshore islands and islets.

Ireland lies in a region of mild south-westerly winds, subject to the influence of the warm water brought by the Gulf Stream. Since no point on the island is more than 70miles/110km from the sea, the whole country has a relatively temperate climate, with mild winters and cool summers. Rain and wind are regular features of Irish weather, but snow is rare except in the hills and never lies long.

The Irish or Erse language, also called by the philologically incorrect name of Gaelic, belongs to the Celtic group of languages and, within that group, to the Insular Celtic languages. Gaelic in the wider sense includes Scottish as well as Irish Gaelic. Another insular Celtic language is Breton, which was taken into north-western France by immigrants from the British Isles.

Important places to visit :

Brú na Boinne
Not a single sight, but a historic landscape on the banks of the Boyne, dotted with prehistoric monuments. The largest are Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. Newgrange and Knowth can only be visited by tour from the modern visitor centre. Be there early and plan for a half day (at least) to take in the whole experience.

The Burren
Wedged between the rough beauty of the Aran Islands and the bustling university city of Galway, the near featureless desolation of this limestone plateau has often been likened to a moonscape. Ancient monuments and bizarre rock formations abound. Some spectacular sights can be taken in by driving next to Galway Bay.

The Hill of Tara
The ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland, now little more than immense earthworks covered with grass. The excellent audiovisual show in the disused church will help in understanding the importance of this site.Dublin City
Best explored on board of one of the numerous bus tours or on foot, Dublin is relatively small. It is however rich in history as well as full of sights and museums. Dublin can keep the tourist busy for a whole week! Avoid the city center on Saturdays when half the population of Ireland seems to go shopping here!

Glendalough
Here you will find one of the most important early Christian sights here. And its setting is simply beautiful, in a valley beside tranquil lakes. Lovers of history and/or architecture can indulge in two round towers, St Kevin's Kitchen (actually a church) and a cathedral (ruin). Lovers of nature can simply enjoy the walks along the lakes.

Lakes of Killarney and Ring of Kerry
If you want to experience spectacular coastal scenery, breathtaking mountain landscapes, ancient monuments and the tranquil old-world-charm of Killarney's lakes, castles and houses, this is the place to go. Bear in mind that thousands of tourists will have the same idea - the best time here can be had both sides of the summer months.

The Giant's Causeway
Northern Ireland's top sight and accessible by car and shuttlebus (if the fairly steep final mile seems too daunting). Strangely regular basalt columns point the way towards Scotland, seen on the horizon on good days. Travellers with some time on their hands are advised to take in the nearby Old Bushmills Distillery, connected by steam train.

Cliffs of Moher
An undulating landscape suddenly ends in a sheer drop of more than 650 feet, straight down to the Atlantic. One of the most spectacular coastal areas in Europe. The visitor center has been rebuilt on a grand scale - which explains the high price of a visit.

Sligo and Area
The town of Sligo itself is decidedly underwhelming, but the surroundings make more than up for it. Knocknarea has the (reputed) grave of Queen Maeve on top and spectacular sights to enjoy after a steep climb. Carrowmore is the largest stone age cemetery in Ireland. Drumcliff sports a (truncated) round tower, a medieval high cross and the grave of W.B.Yeats right next to the spectacular table mountain of Ben Bulben.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
The tower house of Bunratty was built in 1467 by the O'Brien family and has been renovated with no expenses spared. A medieval banquet is offered in the evenings, complete with period entertainment. During the day the adjoining Bunratty Folk Park allows a glimpse into Ireland's past.