Page 56 - europe
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EUROPE

        EUROPE

        As a touring destination, Europe is second to none. Part of its appeal comes from its astonishing diversity; no two countries nor

        two cities are alike. Each region has its own distinctive traditions, food, culture and sports. In short, Europe provides a wider range

        of holidays than anywhere else in the world, and its countless attractions are served by excellent tourist facilities.

        Western Europe

        France is justly famous for its great food and excellent wine, but the exciting nightlife and culture of the cities and beauty of the provinces offer something for
        every traveler. In Italy visit cities like busy Rome, romantic Venice, fashionable Milan or explore the picturesque Amalfi Coast. Spain has the unique Gaudi art and
        Gothic architecture of Barcelona while the regions are home to medieval towns, whitewashed villages and rugged mountains. Nearby Portugal features beautiful
        beaches and charming villages in addition to the capital of Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in the world. Historic Bruges in Belgium is a popular option, with
        the food and chocolates always a highlight. In The Netherlands explore the canals and museums of Amsterdam and see the iconic windmills in nearby towns.
        Germany has not only majestic castles and palaces but a thriving arts and entertainment scene in cities like Berlin, and of course Oktoberfest in Munich. Cities
        like historic Vienna and beautiful Salzburg combine with stunning Alpine scenery in Austria. For truly spectacular mountain scenery Switzerland is a must, as
        well as lakeside cities like Zurich, Geneva and beautiful Interlaken.

        Eastern Europe

        Croatia offers cities with medieval charm and 1,778km of glistening coastline with over 1,000 islands to explore. In Hungary, visit Budapest, widely considered
        one of the world’s most beautiful capital cities, or choose from numerous other World Heritage sites. Poland is rich in history and culture, with Warsaw and
        Krakow holding plenty of attractions for travelers. Or visit the Czech Republic and explore stunning Prague, with highlights such as Wenceslas Square and the
        thousand year old Prague Castle.

        Scandinavia

        Famous as the land of midnight sun and home to some of the most stunning scenery in Europe, Scandinavia has plenty to offer. Discover Sweden’s capital,
        Stockholm, spread over 14 islands in Lake Malaren and looking out to the Baltic Sea. In Denmark learn about Viking history and see the famous Little Mermaid
        statue in charming Copenhagen. The spectacular fjords of Norway are a popular choice, and the capital city of Oslo has world-class museums and lively nightlife.
        Enjoy the quirky charm of Helsinki and admire how Finland has carefully preserved its heritage.

        Greece & Turkey

        Greece is a cultural highlight, home to some of Europe’s most famous archaeological and historical sites, including the Acropolis in Athens and the Temple of
        Apollo in Delphi. Combined with the beautiful and relaxing Greek Islands, this is an enticing option for travelers. Similarly, Turkey features stunning beaches and
        ancient wonders to explore. From the bustling Grand Bazaar in Istanbul to the touching memorials of Gallipoli and the ancient site of Troy, there is a wealth of
        history on offer.

                                                                                                         Average Temperature (Degrees Celcius)

        Travel tips                                                                           Paris      Winter  Spring  Summer                 Autumn
                                                                                              Rome         1-7    3-17     13-23                  3-20
                                                                                              Amsterdam   3-13    6-21     16-28                  7-26
                                                                                              Athens       1-6    2-16     11-21                  3-17
                                                                                                          6-14   11-23     19-31                 11-28

        What travel documents do I need?                                                      •	 Not all hotels will have porters or lifts, or lifts may not access all floors – we
        New Zealand passport holders are able to spend up to three months visa-free in           recommend enquiring about this at time of booking if it is a concern.
        most European countries (including Turkey). Currently the only European countries
        that require New Zealand passport holders to have a visa for a stay of less than      •	 As buildings may be registered as “Listed Heritage Buildings” room sizes can vary
        three months are Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine. Travellers also need to have      greatly and it is not unusual to have a small room.
        sufficient means of support to maintain and accommodate themselves and hold a
        return ticket back to their departure point or onward destination. Requirements can   •	 Many hotels are in buildings that may be up to several centuries old, adding to the
        change and we recommend to check with your travel agent for up to date information.      charm and atmosphere but affecting the number of modern amenities available.

        Do I need medical insurance?                                                          •	 Single rooms may only offer one single bed. If you specifically require a room with a
        Yes! New Zealand does not have reciprocal health care agreements within Europe,          double bed for single use, the double room rate may apply.
        only in the UK. It is highly recommended that you obtain adequate medical insurance
        before travelling and ensure that any pre-existing conditions are covered.            Climate

        How much should I tip?                                                                Weather throughout Europe can vary greatly by country and throughout the year, with
        Some restaurant bills include a service charge. Where a service charge is not         temperatures in some countries having extremes far above or below New Zealand
        included, it is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% of the bill.                       summer and winter. The chart above give you an average temperature range in
                                                                                              degrees celcius.
        What can I expect from European Hotels?
        •	Hotels in Europe are of a different standard to New Zealand equivalently priced    Taxes

           hotels. It is expected that rooms would not be as large as hotels in New Zealand.  Some European destinations charge compulsory city taxes which are payable locally
                                                                                              to the hotel and cannot be prepaid. These can vary according to the city and the
                                                                                              standard of your accommodation, please enquire for details.

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