* E U R O P E *

Enticing, stimulating and alluring. With 2% of the Earth’s surface, Europe is the second smallest continent on earth but the third most populated. It is home to 50 states and dependencies with Russia being the largest in both area and population, while the Vatican City is the smallest. Being the “Old country,” few areas of untouched nature remain, however, Europe does have a number of exceptional and wonderful national parks. By strict geographic definitions, Europe is really not a continent, but part of the peninsula of Eurasia which includes Europe and Asia. However, it is still widely referred to as a continent and treated as such. Portions of Turkey and Russia overlap into both Asia and Europe. Historically, Armenia and Azerbaijan have long been associated with Asia and the Middle East, but recently almost everyone considers them to be more closely aligned with Europe based on their modern economic and political trends.

The continent is separated from Asia by Russia's Ural Mountains, the Caspian and the Black Seas. It’s highest point is Mt. Elbrus in European Russia at 18,481 ft (5,633m) just north of the Georgia/Russian border and its lowest point is on the surface of the Caspian Sea, at 92 ft (28m) below sea level.

The continent’s appeal stems from its long history and rich culture as it is considered the birthplace of Western society and in some terms it is America’s “first cousin.” It boasts a rich culture that flourished in the continent from the earliest stages of history. It saw many ancient civilizations come and go, such as the ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. It witnessed countless reformations, revolutions, and wars. It was also the birthplace of Renaissance and Reformation. Great western thinkers and philosophers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle; artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo; explorers and scientists like Christopher Columbus, Galileo, Newton and Einstein, were all born on European soil. Europe was also the birthplace of the Great Industrial Revolution, which brought major changes in the field of agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing. The cultural, historical and political diversity of Europe is by far greater than any other continent of the world. And each and every country in Europe offers its own unique charm to a traveller. Its diverse and long history and culture can be discovered in its cities and man-made monuments, making it one of the most diverse and fascinating places on Earth to visit. The continent is so rich in its offering that you can plan any imaginable travel program into the region: from Archeology to Winery, from Birdwatching to War Memorial and everything and anything in-between. You can discover Holland from a Barge... or discover Britain by rail. Relax in the hot springs in Spain and Italy... Cruise the Mediterranean and discover the historic islands of Greece and Turkey.... Go wine tasting in the Wineries of France. You can make your dreams come true in the mountain resorts of Switzerland or discover Mozart and Folk Music in Austria. If excitement runs through your blood, then drive the Autobahns in Germany while you discover its medieval castles. Wonder around for days in the museums of St Petersburg. Go east and visit the old cities of Prague or Dubrovnik.... or relax on the beautiful beaches of Corsica. London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, Frankfurt are familiar names on a businessperson’ s itinerary...

...BUT these were the trips a regular visitor to Europe normally did. In the past. In fact, we ourselves planned and operated many of these trips for our travellers – only better. But that was the then Europe... And this is the now Europe...

We provide you with something that offers you an unaccustomed pleasure. We offer you a different take on the continent. We offer to take you back to the continent to places that you have not been... and in ways that you have not experienced. We will take you on a 8-day exploration of the Cantabrian Sea in northern Spain aboard the The Luxurious Transcantabrico Train – where you will discover hidden harbours and rustic villages... steep mountains and green meadows....Roman walls and mosaics... old spa towns and craftsmen at work... regional cuisine and wines in elegant restaurants along the way.

We will send you on a cultural tour of Albania where you will explore historic and cultural sites, picturesque traditional villages, art and handicrafts and enjoy pristine natural beauty without hordes of tourists. You may even go on a hiking adventure in the strikingly beautiful Valbona Valley or at the foothills of the Albanian Alps... with even fewer or no tourists at all... Add Greece and Macedonia to the above and you will be on an adventure to explore and discover unique cultural cites; be overwhelmed by long and glorious past; graceful temples, centuries-old monasteries and ornate Byzantine churches. We will take you to Armenia on an in-depth archeological journey – lost cities, prehistoric rock paintings and impressive ruins. We will escort you to discover the jewels of the former Austro-Hungarian empire as you visit the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary - and their capitals, the formal jewels – Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest among others. We will treat you to the best beer in the world. Dine you at the oldest restaurant in Europe and walk you through the narrowest streets in the world. Explore the most preserved city in Europe. You will have a perfect combination of a natural and a cultural excursions on your trip to Moravia and Bohemia in the Czech Republic. For an epicurean delight you will attend cooking classes in Spain, Portugal or Italy . If you delight in fishing, wildlife and natural history, we will take you to discover the Caucasian and Dagestan borders of Azerbaijan and in Belarus. If you are looking for crystal clear seas, cliffs & caves, abundant sunshine, medieval walled and vibrant cities, stone villages, uninhabited islands, and Mediterranean cuisine then we will plan your fabulous and a splendid trip to Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Disciples of the Byzantine and the Ottoman times ? No problem. You will find magic in the romantic world of the Bulgarian monasteries. While here discover why 11 of the 300 of the UNESCO’s World Heritage & Cultural sites are located in Bulgaria. Observe the splendid architectural ensembles, catch sight of ancient icons and superb woodcuts and awe at rare incunabula...

If you have a taste for the eerie and the uncanny, let us take you to the ancient castle of Vlad Dracula – in Romania... Or if scared, then ride horses or hike the Transylvania Carpathians in the land of Dracula and Sekely. For train buffs let us plan your once in a lifetime must – The Trans Siberian Express Train from Moscow to Vladivostok... or even further....

Sailing ? Then discover the jewels of the Adriatic sailing in Croatia. Moving north, perceive the ancient and dynamic cultures in the Baltics: Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania – one of the most fascinating areas in Europe with a rich history, unspoiled nature, medieval cities, pristine beaches and enormous woods. Or travel to Armenia and Georgia – a cultural delight – where you will experience Caucasian hospitality at its best. If feeling more energetic, then climb Mount Kazbek (5,047m/16,550ft), one of the highest and the most beautiful peaks of the Caucasus. And if this is not high enough... how about literally going to the stratosphere and touching the "Edge of Space" aboard a Russian Mig25 jet fighter flown from Zhukovsky AF base (near Moscow). Getting back to sea-level, how about Kayaking in Greenland – a voyage of pure exploration among the largest fjords in the world! Even more adventurous ? Then go on a weeks Dog sledging the Arctic Greenland... and then experience the surrealistic Northern Lights from Nuuk.

Something a little sedate ? Then join us on a Zeppelin tour of the major cities of Europe. Float peacefully in the most modern, ultra contemporary and one of a kind travel experiences aboard a Zeppelin...

And you thought you had “been there and done that” Europe ?

Call us and re-visit Europe – a different Europe with Travel Interlink.