Built in Rotterdam, sailed from Rotterdam and now back in Rotterdam. Welcome on board of the legendary Holland America Line flagship De Rotterdam where a tour through time awaits you. Besides the ability to drink and eat on deck visitors of De Rotterdam can take a grand tour to discover the ship’s true nature, may this be the engine rooms of deck D and F, the captain’s control unit or the first class guest areas.

Photo courtesy of Ama Dorsman, Rotterdam, Netherlands

History

With it’s long history the Holland America Line flagship De Rotterdam (748 ft. tall, 91 ft. wide and 134 ft. in height) adds high cultural value to sightseeing in the city of Rotterdam. It all started on September 13th 1958 when ten thousand of citizens had gathered to see Queen Juliana officially name the ship after it’s city of birth “Rotterdam”. The builders had very specific demands on the ship’s design for functionality, machinery for speed and interior design for guests. It was one year later September 3th 1959 when the first journey to New York across the Atlantic Ocean meant “a new world” to adventurists.

For a long period no transport type could compete with de Rotterdam, it was not until 1971 when the first commercial airline started boarding planes to New York which meant the immediate end of many successful years. But also during these harsh years de Rotterdam maintained it’s position. After a short period of maintenance it started to offer 5 star Caribbean cruises and journeys around the world.

After 38 years (1997) of loyal duty De Rotterdam gets sold to Premier Cruises which after it’s name changed after one of the world’s greatest artist: Rembrandt. For the next three years De Rembrandt is doing short cruises in and around Europe as well South America. When in 2000 the economy is running slow and interests rate are raising rapidly Premier Cruises are going through stormy weather, financial debt is growing fast. During this year De Rembrandt gets stuck in the Freeport harbor on the Bahamas.

In 2005 local Rotterdam activist society “Behoud Stoomschip Rotterdam” represent trust and pride in De Rotterdam’s cultural and historical value and therefore demands the ship to come back to it’s home city Rotterdam. City hall acknowledged the society’s ideas and decided to give De Rotterdam a permanent spot in the Maashaven, nearby kop van Katendrecht. After several renovations it opened for public, besides historical and cultural value it also holds commercial, creative and social functions for society.

General information

Everyone is welcome aboard of de Rotterdam without purchasing an entrance ticket. You will be allowed inside the restaurant, bar and terrace on deck. If you wish to view the inside of the ship an tour package must be purchased, there’s three type of tour package available which are the Seabreeze Deluxe, The way down below and a combination tour.

Entrance & tours prices for adults
No charge to access the restaurants, bar and terrace on deck.
Tour Seabreeze Deluxe (Outdoors with audio guide) €12,50 ($16.60) approximately one hour.
Tour The way down below (Engines and control panel with audio guide) €10,00 ($13.28) approximately 45 minutes.
Tour All inclusive tour (Both tours with audio guide) €16,00 ($21.25) approximately one hour and 30 minutes.

Entrance & tours prices for children
No charge to access the restaurants, bar and terrace on board.
Tour Seabreeze Deluxe (Outdoors with audio guide) (4-11) €7.50 ($9.96) (0-3) Free approximately one hour.
Tour The way down below (Engines and control panel with audio guide) (4-11) €6.00 ($7.96) (0-3) Free approximately 45 minutes.
Tour All inclusive tour (Both tours with audio guide) (4-11) €9.50 ($12.61) (0-3) Free approximately one hour and 30 minutes.

De Rotterdam facilities
Smoking is prohibited inside De Rotterdam.
De Rotterdam has wheelchair accessible areas: Restaurants Lido and Club Room, Ocean Bar and the expedition area.
No pets are allowed inside De Rotterdam (with exception of guide dogs).
De Rotterdam offers local and international cuisine.
De Rotterdam does not offer free wifi.

De Rotterdam pictures

De Rotterdam is a unique and one of a kind sightseeing attraction. It has a permanent spot in one of the European’s biggest harbors in the heart of the city. With a historical and cultural value this is a not to miss sightseeing for both foreign and local visitors. Have a look at a great select of unique De Rotterdam pictures on a clear and sunny day. These pictures have been taken by Ama Dorsman, a local citizen which made a contribution to Globenavigation.com.

These pictures date July 2010 De Rotterdam, Maashaven.

How to reach

By car
Once you enter the center of Rotterdam city, follow the signs to “Erasmusbrug“.
Once you arrived at the Erasmusbrug, follow the signs “ss Rotterdam”.

By car navigation
Use the address: Street: 3e Katendrechtse hoofd 25 ZIP: 3072 AM City: Rotterdam

By public transport
Use metro line D “Slinge or Spijkenise” – Exit on the Rijnhaven stop, use bus 77 “Katendrecht” and exit on stop “SS Rotterdam”.

By water taxi
Nearby De Rotterdam is the “2e Katendrechtse Haven” dock where the water taxi can drop you. There’s multiple entrance points to enter the water taxi in Rotterdam, for exact locations visit www.watertaxirotterdam.nl or call +31(10) – 4030303

Contact & opening hours

Tour hours
Opening Hours April till October (Mon – Sun) 9 am – 19.30 pm (Ticket window is opened till 19 pm, tour route closes at 19.30 pm)
Opening Hours November till March (Mon – Sun) 10 am – 16 pm (Ticket window is opened till 15 pm, tour route closes at 16 pm)

Restaurant hours
Lido
(Mon – Fri) 6:30 am – 24 pm
(Sat – Sun) 7 am – 24 pm
Club Room
(Mon – Fri) 6 pm – 22 pm (Dinner)
(Saturday) 11 am – 16 pm (High tea) 6 pm – 22 pm (Dinner)
(Sunday) 12 am – 15 pm (Brunch) 6 pm – 22 pm (Dinner)

Guest hours
De Rotterdam is opened 24 hours per day for hotel guests.

3e Katendrechtse hoofd 25
3072 AM Rotterdam
0900-337 68 83
www.opderotterdam.nl

The Euromast Sky Tower is the height pride of Rotterdam and is visible from almost anywhere within the city. Besides the many tourist visitors, locals are also delighted to visit this 50 year old Dutch national monument. Who doesn’t want to eat at a height of 328 ft. (100 meters) with a spectacular 360 degree view on one of Europe‘s largest harbors, the city of Rotterdam and the maas river bridges including Willemsbrug and Erasmusbrug. Besides food facilities the Euromast also offers fun for thrill seekers such as abseiling, the Euroscoop at 606 ft. height (185 meters) and Speedboat Adventure tours across Harbor and maas river. For those who can’t get over the fun, two luxury Euromast hotel rooms await to spend a night in your own Space Tower inclusive of champagne and private balcony.

History

The Euromast Sky Tower is a 606 feet tall “Space Tower” in the city of Rotterdam, designed and built by Hugh Maaskant between 1958 and 1960 in the honor of the 1960 Floriade. The Euromast is a concrete building with an internal diameter of 30 ft. (9 meters) and wall thickness of 1 ft. (30 centimeters) for stability reasons it has been built on a concrete block worth 4,2 million LB (1.9 million kilograms) of established underground. The original height of the Euromast upon completion in 1960 was 331 ft. (100 meters), when in the 1970′s the Euromast lost its position as the tallest tower of Rotterdam the government decided to add an additional 279 ft. (85 meters). The Euromast is member of the World Federation of Great Towers.

General information

Everyone is welcome at the Euromast although an entrance ticket is required. The ticket can be purchased at the service desk upon entrance of the Euromast. This ticket will give access to the 360 degree Brasserie restaurant, the two level balcony and the Euroscoop a rotating elevator that reaches the top of the Euromast at 606 ft (185 meters).

Ticket prices
€8,90 ($10,66) Adults
€5,70 ($6.83) Children 4 till 11 (0-3 free)
€7,70 ($9.22) Seniors (65+)

Euromast facilities
Smoking is prohibited inside the Euromast.
The Euromast is wheelchair accessible.
No pets are allowed inside the Euromast.
The Euromast offers local and international cuisine.
The Euromast offers FREE WIFI.

Euromast pictures

The Euromast isn’t just another sightseeing attraction in the city of Rotterdam, it’s an absolute landmark with over 50 years of history. Have a look at a great selection of unique pictures of the Euromast on a clear sunny day without clouds. These pictures have been taken by Dave from Globenavigation.com

These pictures date Saturday 5th of June 2010 Euromast, Rotterdam.

Fine dining

The Euromast offers a unique dining experience on 314 ft. (96 meters) height with a panoramic 360 degree view of Rotterdam. The view from table or private booth add character to the already fancy designed restaurant named “Brasserie”. The bar is located in the inner circle from where the staff operates. The staff who seemed friendly, cooperative and maintained English skills are plenty available. Visitors can join for lunch, dinner or select a drink and snack from the menu.

In between a food or drink order you can take the stairs to a 360 degree 2 level balcony without additional charge. Although the balconies are 360 degree 1/4th of the total space is being used for thrill factor abseiling. Spread out over the balcony there’s “Super Zoom” machines where you can Zoom-in on Rotterdam City to your hearts content. The restaurant Brasserie serves both local and international food, the kitchen closes 45 minutes before the Euromast closing time (23 pm).

Thrill seekers

The Euromast offers several thrills for adrenaline junkies, using height and surrounding landmarks in their advantage.

Euroscoop [NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE]

The Euroscoop is built only for those who aren’t afraid of heights, the rotating elevator spins until the very top of the Euromast at 606 ft. (185 meter) height. When the sky is clear you can see as far as the Belgium city Antwerp. The Euroscoop is opened during Euromast business hours if the weather and technical conditions allow you to enjoy. The Euroscoop is included in the Euromast ticket price and is therefore without additional charge.

Abseiling [€45.00 INCL. ENTRANCE TICKET]

Cross your personal limit and step over the edge of the Euromast in order to head straight down while enjoying the remarkable skyline of Rotterdam. How is this unique? For one it’s the highest abseiling course in Europe as well that you’re heading straight down instead of jumping the wall on the way down. Abseiling is present every weekend from May till September 2010. Reservation is not required but advisable. Minimum required age is 16 years.

Speedboat Adventure [€47.50 INCL. ENTRANCE TICKET & LUNCH]

The speedboat adventure tour is the newest thrill of the Euromast which allows you to discover Rotterdam from both sea and air. Before or after your luxury and private lunch in the Brasserie restaurant you’ll fly for 20 minutes over the waves of the maas river across landmarks in a Joker Coast 650 up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) speed. Speedboat Adventure can be booked every weekend from June till October 2010 between 11 am and 2 pm. Reservation is required.

Spido [€16.60 INCL. ENTRANCE TICKET]

The last but certainly not least package isn’t so much a thrill but yet a fun combination package for friends, families or group tours. It offers an 75 minutes laid-back sightseeing tour across Rotterdam landmarks on the popular Spido boat as well entrance to the Euromast and Euroscoop. There’s no minimum age requirement to go aboard the Spido, as well there’s no reservation required. Tickets can be booked at the ticket office at the desk of the Euromast.

How to reach
Public transport from Rotterdam Central Station, Tramline 8 (Spangen) stop Euromast.
Private or rental car follow signs “Centrum” / “Maastunnel” from highway and thereafter “Euromast” within city center. There are paid parking spots in front of the Euromast.
Taxi any driver should know the Euromast within city center, the total costs on the meter shouldn’t exceed €20,00.

Contact & opening hours

Opening Hours April till September (Mon – Sun) 9.30 am – 23 pm
Opening Hours October till March (Mon – Sun) 10 am – 23 pm

Parkhaven 20
3016 GM Rotterdam
+31 010 4364811
www.euromast.nl

Please also have a look at Netherlands things to do

Dave from Globenavigation.com at the Euromast

An Globenavigation.com exclusive written and published by Dave Geerts on the 5th of June 2010.

Bucharest, known as ‘the little Paris’ in the past is Romania’s biggest city as well as its capital and its industrial and commercial hub. The city is home to over 2 million people and is expected to become even larger in the next ten years. Bucharest is port of entry to Romania because of its location on the banks of the Dambovita River.

The city is an interesting mix of the old and new. Bucharest is a city with a rich tradition but the recent economic boom is seeing new and modern high structures rising next to Belle Époque buildings. A leisurely stroll through the city’s tree-lined boulevards is perfect after a day of shopping at the city’s trendiest shopping spots. The nightlife is as equally as colorful and sophisticated as the Old City Center is old and charming. A walk through the city’s own version of the Arc de Triomphe at the Soseaua Kiseleff Avenue is enough for a whiff of Paris.

A cheap means of going around Bucharest is by bus or by train. The Metro is quite cheap, although it can sometimes get crowded. If you must take a taxi, take those operated by official taxi companies, as those driven by independent private drivers can charge you higher rates. Tourists are also advised to be wary of taking taxis to areas where large tourists congregate such as the Gara de Nord, since some of these taxis are operated by con men. The best time to visit the city is from April to June and from September to October.

No visas are required of American tourists, as long as a valid passport is present. American tourists are allowed a short stay of a maximum of 90 days or three months, and visitors must hold all other documentation for further travel, return tickets, proof of hotel accommodations and a documentation of the intended period of stay.

Copenhagen is the capital and largest city in Denmark and is located on the Islands of Zealand and Amager. Denmark is part of Northern Europe and one of its biggest countries. Copenhagen is quite a large city and therefore has a population of 1.7 million people.

The city of Copenhagen has a long history yet it has integrated successfully in today’s modern life. Nowadays the city is a multicultural center with worldwide nationals. There’s no doubt for any traveler whether the reason to visit is business or pleasure, that they won’t be charmed by the colorful atmosphere and friendly people Copenhagen has to offer.

As tourist for pleasure you wont be bored in Copenhagen, you could fill up your days being satisfied strolling up and down the 17th century streets and cancels visiting the cafes, tasting some delicious dishes in the Danish kitchen and hopping around shopping centers in the city. But of course there’s more fun things to do such as; theater shows, museums, art galleries, musicals and spacious parks!

Travelers to Copenhagen need a valid passport and visa. American Citizens will receive a 90 days visa upon arrival. Copenhagen suggests travelers to use their public transportation network to get round which has perfect time schedules, routes and is reasonable priced. The best period to visit Copenhagen is in the summer months from June till August with average temperatures of 68 degree Fahrenheit.

Liechtenstein’s capital, Vaduz is found along the Rhine. The city is not Liechtenstein’s largest city and does not even have the largest population; nearby Schaan has laid claim to both superlatives. Schaan itself is not that big a city because the principality of Liechtenstein is the world’s sixth smallest country.

At only 62 square miles, Vaduz is still the focus of tourists’ interest. This is not such a surprise because the tiny city is home to the Prince’s castle along with other treasures, such as museums. A mere 5100 people live in Vaduz according to the latest measurement.

If you want to get caught up in the middle of a fairy tale, you may want to visit Liechtenstein, especially its capital of Vaduz. There, you will experience being in the middle of lush green forests while staring in awe at the Prince’s castle, which is perched on a hill. The sight is definitely gothic and mysterious. Having a camera at hand will definitely be of the most importance during these moments. Vaduz is also a great place for health buffs who want to hike for enjoyment. Even if you have not had a proper exercise regimen, walking through beautiful scenery may just inspire you.

To get to Liechtenstein, you can fly to airports at Zurich, Switzerland or Friedrichshafen, Germany. From there, you take a train to either Sargans or Buchs, both Swiss towns. From either of the two towns, you can take a bus to Vaduz. Just getting to the tiny city is already an adventure. You will probably suspect that you are indeed getting deeper into fairytale land. The temperature varies from cold 20 degrees Fahrenheit to a mild 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are visiting from the United States, you only need a valid passport to visit Liechtenstein. You can stay up to three months if you are visiting as a tourist. If you are visiting because of business or educational purposes, you have to consult the nearest embassy of Liechtenstein.

Brussels is the capital and largest city of Belgium, it is also the administrative center of the European Union. Because of this fact Brussels has earned the title Capital of Europe. In the capital of Brussels there are two official languages which are; French and Dutch. Brussels has a population of about 1 million people.

Brussels has been given its character towards the coexistence of two cultures; the French and the Flemish and is nowadays the home of nationalities worldwide. The vibrant atmosphere of Brussels is further more enhanced by colorful medieval streets, lively squares, impressive monuments, beautiful boulevards, cozy restaurants and cafes and an active cultural life.

Brussels has many different tourist attractions, including world famous peeing boy statue Manneke Piss. In the heart of Brussels you can find the Grand’Place which is a historic market square with its splendid guild houses and impressive Gothic beauty town hall. The Grand’Place is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe.

Travelers to Brussels need a valid passport and visa. American citizens are being issued a 90 days visa upon arrival. The best period to visit Brussels is in the summer months July and August, this is the peak season as well.

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Saranda

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Tirana

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Albania is a parliamentary democracy, members of parliament are elected through general elections. The parliament elects the president and he appoints a prime minister. Current president is Bamir Topi.

Albania has a unique culture and language, varied by different conquests during the long history. There is for example Butrint, an ancient Greek city and an archaeological site in the extreme south of Albania, in the district Sarandë, by the Ionian Sea. There are wonderful remains of the baptistery and the acropolis at Butrint is very well preserved. Butrint is with the historic center of Gjirokastër and Berat on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Gjirokastër is one of the oldest cities of the country and it is also a cultural center of the Greek minority in Albania. It was the birthplace of dictator Enver Hoxha and of the writer Ismail Kadare. The city plays an important role in many of Kadares books, including in “Chronicle of the stone city”. Mother Teresa was born in Albania, she was a world famous Catholic sister and the founder of a charitable religious order, in 2003 she was beatified by Pope John Paul II.

The Albanian cuisine has many Turkish, Greek and Italian influences. A popular dish in Albania is the meat dish musaka. Furthermore, feta cheese and olives are important ingredients in the Albanian cuisine. The national alcoholic drink of Albania is raki.

In the rugged Albanian landscape, nature has a free hand, so there in Albania a wonderful variety of plants and animals. The hills are covered with dense forests and high mountain dominates the alpine meadow vegetation. To the coast is mostly Mediterranean vegetation, swamps and lakes.

Albania is only now discovered by the tourists, with its splendid culture, untouched nature and a beautiful coastline. The country is still under construction, there is no mass tourism, they are improving the infrastructure, and restaurants, bars and a promenade are developed.

Sarande resort is considered the gateway to Albania from the south and the most famous resort of the country. The city is wedged between the mountains and the Ionian Sea . From Corfu, a Greek island, are regularly made trips to the town. Besides the beach there are several activities in Albania. In the south east of the country lies the Ohrid Lake, the deepest lake in the Balkans, known for its clear waters. Here you can fish well for carp and alcoran, a kind of trout. In the mountains you can go skiing, mountain climbing and go for a cave expedition.

Citizens of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland , Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Malta, Cyprus, Norway, Switzerland, U.S.A., Canada, Turkey, Israel, Japan, South Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, Croatia, Malaysia, Bulgaria, Romania do not need a visa, only a valid passport is required. The citizens of other countries can request a visa in the embassies of the Republic of Albania or Albanian Consulates. Citizens of Saudi Arabia, FYR Macedonia, Bahrain, Sultanate of Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt and United Arab Emirates may obtain visa at any entry point by payment.

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Arinsal

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Andorra la Vella

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Andorra is a principality and parliamentary cooperation with the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell, they are co-princes. Andorra is a parliamentary representative democracy, the Prime Minister of Andorra Head of Government, and a multiparty system. Today Andorra is politically strong connected with the European Union without being a member of it. Responsibility for defending Andorra rests with Spain and France.

There are several Romanesque churches and old houses of interest in Andorra. In Ordino there is the beautiful 12th century Romanesque Sant Corneli and Sant Cebrià church with a big bell tower. In the new Meritxell chapel, between Canillo and Encamp, is a replica of the original statue of the Lady of Meritxell . The Lady of Meritxell is the patron saint of Andorra, the apparition of the Virgin Mary has been given weight in the Andorran Roman Catholic statue The original statue dates from the late 12th century, but the statue was destroyed by fire in 1972. Encamp is a parish of Andorra, located on the Valira River , and connected by a 3.9 miles cable car to Lake Engolasters, with a beautiful view over the village with old houses. The town of Ordino is located almost exactly in the center of Andorra, at the foot of slopes Casamanya, a mountain with a spectacular view from the top.

The Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley is the second largest basin of Andorra. The mountainous area covers many icy landscapes, cliffs and glaciers. There are also settlements where the inhabitants still live in a traditional styles in the mountains. The valley is on the World Heritage List

Andorran cuisine is mainly Catalan, but has French and Italian influences. Local dishes include rabbit cooked in tomato sauce, named cunillo. Also well known is escudella, a stew of chicken, meatballs and sausage.

Andorra is a major tourist destination in Europe, it has some great ski resorts like Soldeu, Arinsal, El Tarter and Pal. It is as ideal for less experienced people, but also for families because of the relatively gentle slopes. Andorran ski schools are among the largest in Europe. During the summer months when the snow has melted, Andorra has many hiking trails that can be explored.

The two main roads of Andorra, the CG-1, which runs from Andorra la Vella to the Spanish border, and the CG-2 to the French border via the tunnel Envalira Pas de la Casa. Between Encamp Anyós and in the neighboring parish of La Massana, there was build a tunnel , which opened in 2010, the travel time is then expected to fall from the current 30-45 minutes to 5 minutes. From Barcelona to Andorra and Barcelona Airport, and also to Toulouse and Toulouse Airport, there are often long journey of about 3 hours.

For a maximum stay of three months, you must follow France or Spain VISA rules, there are no visa requirement for Andorra. Andorra is not part of the Schengen area, so if you travel to Andorra you should make sure that your Schengen visa entitles to repeated requests, to get back across the border to Spain or France.

Queensland

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Graz

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Austria is located in the Alps and is therefore a mountainous country, the highest mountains in Austria Großglockner. Austria is a parliamentary representative democracy, the Federal President as head of state, who is directly elected by popular vote. De Chancellor is chairman of the Federal Government, he is appointed by the President.

Many famous composers in Austria have their hometown, like Joseph Haydn, Franz Schubert, Anton Bruckner, Johann Strauss Sr., Johann Strauss Jr. and Gustav Mahler. Wolfgang Amadeus . Mozart was born in Salzburg and much of Mozart’s career was spent in Vienna.

Austria has many famous castles, palaces, and cemeteries. The most famous castles in Austria, Liechtenstein Castle and Schloss Artstetten. Many of these castles were built during the Hapsburg rule. The Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1996 and in 2001, the Historic Centre of Vienna . Two of the most famous Austrian palaces are the baroque-style Belvedere and in Rococo style Schönbrunn.

Schuhplattler, Ländler, Polka and Waltz are known Austrian folk dances.

Yodeling is a type of throat singing that was developed in the Alps. In Austria, it was called juchazn and featured the use of both no lexical syllables and yells that were used to communicate across mountains.

Switzerland and Austria are the winter capital of Europe and in the summer is just as popular for tourists who wish to visit historic towns and villages and hiking in the beautiful scenery of the Alps.

Prominent sports in Austria are: alpine skiing, snowboarding and ski jumping, which are good to practice by the mountainous terrain. Bobsleigh is also popular events with a permanent track located in Igls, which hosted bobsleigh competitions for the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics held in Innsbruck. The first Winter Youth Olympics in 2012 will be held in Innsbruck as well. A popular team sport in Austria is football.

Typical Austrian dishes include Wiener Schnitzel, a thin slice of meat coated in breadcrumbs and fried. Schweinsbraten, Kaiserschmarren, Knödel, Sachertorte and Tafelspitz(boiled beef). Also apple strudel and Kärntner Kasnudeln, a boiled dough-bag filled with cottage cheese and spearmint are popular.

European Community passport holders do not need a visa to visit Austria, for a stay less than 3 months. Visitors from other countries can request a visa at the Austrian Embassy or Consulate.

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Belgium is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. Belgium is a founding member of the European Union and the headquarters is being established, as well as those of another major international organization the NATO, in Brussels.

Belgium is a multicultural and multilingual country. Flanders in the north, is a flat landscape, crossed by canals, there are beautiful medieval cities like Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent. In the south in Wallonia, there are the hills of the Ardennes, the cities of Liege and Namur, and many castles. The city of Brussels is one of the world’s greatest capitals. Belgium is and always was a great meeting place of Western Europe, which has greatly influenced the character, there’s always been a lot of cultural and commercial exchange. In architecture and the lifestyle of the people is the influence of the Austrians, Spaniards, French and Dutch to see There are examples of art and architecture past and present – Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau.

In Belgium you can make a romantic cruise and watch the diamond industry. There are beautiful castles and a large antique market in Liege, Brussels is the fine art museum. There is a good dense rail network, so it is easy and comfortable travel. Already since the Middle Ages Belgium has an excellent reputation for its specialty beers. The most famous beer from Belgium is the lambic, but there are many types of beer such as raspberry, cherry, white beer, chocolate beer, Geuze beer, brown beer and Trappist. Lambic beer is made the old way of brewing, depending on spontaneous fermentation, is a naturally sparkling drink that improves with years in the bottle – just like wine.

The European Union legislation allows only a small area in Belgium can be made. Many chocolatiers in Belgium make their pralines by hand, these pralines are made of the finest chocolate. In Belgium is a wide variety of dishes, because so many cultures live together. Also very famous are the Belgian frites, mussels and waffles.

Many countries in Europe have no visa requirement for visiting Belgium ,for a stay less than 3 months. Visitors from other countries can request a visa at the Belgium Embassy or Consulate.