England
From prehistoric Stonehenge to 21st-century attractions like London's Millennium Eye, England's heritage and appeal as a destination ranges from the literary genius of Shakespeare to 'everyday' pageantry in the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. The variety and contrast in the nation's countryside is enormous, too, with a vast range of visitor attractions, resorts and sights to see and enjoy. England, a country of patchwork landscapes: from the rugged coastlines and golden beaches of Devon and Cornwall, to the craggy mountains of the Peak District, the ancient forests riddled with folklore, to the picturesque Lake District, to great cities and to centuries-old villages of heart-warming charm.
France
It is hard to generalize about France, yet there is something about this magnificent land which draws millions of visitors back year after year. Could it be the chic boulevards of Paris, the sparkling ski slopes of the Alps, sunlit vineyards and sun-baked beaches, or coffee and croissants in an undiscovered village? Or perhaps it is a tour of the majestic chateaux of the Loire that appeals, the glamorous jet-set lifestyle of the Mediterranean, or a relaxing picnic in Provence. Consider also the delights of other lesser-known regions such as Franche-Comte, deep in the green heart of France whose sleepy villages offer visitors a chance to sample the true douceur de vivre of provincial France and the unspoiled and rugged atmosphere of the island of Corsica, described as "a mountain in the sea".
Germany
Germany is an intoxicating brew of fast cars and fairytale castles, although an equally enduring image is of lederhosen-clad Bavarians hoisting beer steins at Munich's famous Oktoberfest. Neither of these stereotypes reflects the diversity of Germany's towns and cities, from romantic Heidelberg, the medieval Nuremberg, to the cosmopolitan decadence of Berlin. The country boasts 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each awash with a torrent of enchanting sites to explore, plus thrilling activities to pursue. Every area has its distinct regional foods and offers a huge choice of local wines and beers.
Greece
Greece today offers the traveler the comforts of modern Europe in close proximity to the stark beauty of the ancient world. There is no denying the historical and cultural heritage of Greece continues to resonate throughout the modern Western world - in its literature, art, philosophy and politics. All over Greece, there are reminders of the country's glory - from Athens' Parthenon and Delphi's Temple of Apollo, to the ruins on Crete of the Minoan city of Knossos, a civilization reaching even further back into history.
Hungary
Immense pride in their homeland may lead Hungarians to persuade the tourist in Budapest to spend some time also exploring Hungary's thousands of acres of vineyards and orchards. Nevertheless, Budapest is a fantastic capital city in its own right, situated on a beautiful stretch of the Danube. The city is made up of two parts - Buda, the older, more graceful and cobbled part, and Pest, the commercial center. The capital is a lively city that has long been a haven for writers, artists and musicians. Budapest is also filled with the strains of much more modern music, which spills out of nightclubs, trendy bars and discos.
Ireland
In 1973, Ireland became a member of (as it then was) the EEC and adopted the Euro in 2002. European membership has proved to be of huge economic benefit. But this might not be the only reason behind the good cheer of the Irish. Besides a fantastic capital city, Dublin, bound in rich layers of history and now overflowing with trendy bars and nightclubs, are mountains, heather moors, coastline, valleys, waterfalls and lakes, dotted with prehistoric and religious sites and a wealth of dramatic castles.
Italy
Besides the renowned cities of Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan, each with its own unique identity and architecture, Italy features romantic Medieval hill towns, such as San Gimignano in Tuscany, and unspoiled fishing villages, like the unforgettable Positano on the Amalfi coast. It combines art, history and contemporary fashion with stunning natural landscapes. Visit vineyards and cellars to taste the very best regional wines: the Veneto, famed for the sparkling white prosecco, and Tuscany, home of the highly acclaimed robust red, Brunello di Montalcino. And to really get away from it all, take a boat to the islands of Sicily or Sardinia to experience rural hospitality in the blissful Mediterranean.
Russia
The history of the Russian Federation is overwhelming. It is apparent on every corner of the country's staggeringly awesome cities, such as Moscow and St Petersburg, with their architectural marvels. But it also dwells in huge and remote expanses such as Siberia, filled with ancient forests and the world's deepest lake. Everything exists here on a mammoth level. Since the 15th century, when the Grand Prince of Moscow, Ivan III (the Great), annexed the rival principalities of Russia, Russia's ambitions have been as great as this first national sovereign's appellation.
Spain
Everywhere are reminders of Spain's rich and varied past, from the Alhambra in Granada to Don Quixote's windmills in La Mancha. Old mixes with new in cities such as Toledo, Barcelona, Salamanca and the capital, Madrid, as celebrated museums, galleries and Baroque churches rub shoulders with blaring bars and thumping discos. Spain's cultural heritage brims with flamenco, painting, opera, literature, sport, bullfighting and flamboyant, colorful fiestas.
