Only in Europe do we find such a richness of history, culture and lifestyles open to the visitor. The diversity of Europe is, of course, essential to its charm. Its peoples have a different way of doing everything, from cooking to talking. Every region has its own dialect. Belgium has two official languages; Switzerland, hardly less compact, has four. Italy has many official "dialects" true languages on their own.  Few are concerned that the peoples of Europe will soon shed their incredible diversity of history, religion, language and cuisine. After all, each country - each region and city has been developing its own personality for centuries.

Another pleasing side of visiting is that it can still be very affordable: Atlantic airfares are very attractive and Europe is unequaled in the availability of comfortable accommodations at all price levels – all offered at special rates from us - just click here or the banner above!. And you'll find the adventure and satisfaction of in-depth discovering inexhaustible. That is the greatest attraction of Europe: There is no end of things to do and see, no matter how many times one goes.

"Borderless Europe" has evolved over the past decade. As recently as 1992, crossing borders between most countries involved customs checks as well as passport examinations. Then the 15-nation European Union eliminated customs controls under the Single Market. The long lines of trucks and autos that built up at the busiest crossing began to evaporate.

Several EU countries followed up this success in 1995 by implementing the Schengen Agreement on their common borders. Today, "Schengenland" includes all the EU nations except Britain and Ireland, as well as two non EU-members, Iceland and Norway. The Scandinavian countries had already previously dropped controls among themselves. The latest development ends controls between them and the other Schengen countries to the south. The agreement is named for the small Luxembourg village where it was first negotiated. 

Passports: A passport is still required of U.S. citizens traveling to Europe.  No visas are required of American tourists by countries of the European Travel Commission.

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To Europe we offer an incredible variety of visiting programs. From hotel stays in most European cities (we offer over 4000 hotels in Europe alone), to barge cruising and biking tours, you will find here the itinerary you desire, or we can help you create it exactly as you wish!

Due to the simplicity of travel between countries and the familiarity as many Americans have their roots in Europe, many visitors choose to visit any country by self-drive car: we typically arrange for hotel stays in major cities (where you do not need a car) and offer car rental with hotel accommodations throughout the countries. It is a great way to discover an area in-depth in a way not normally possible if joining a touring group.

Europe also offers a great selection of levels of accommodation and sports availability. You can go biking, horse-back riding, hiking, skiing, etc. in almost any country - and you can select to stay in simple inns or in great ambiance resorts, as you like!

THE EURO - Jan. 1, 2002 was a turning point in the history of Europe and the world. That is when 14 billion euro banknotes and 55 billion coins were introduced to more than 300 million people in 12 countries of the European Union. In turn, billions of notes and coins in old national currencies will begin to pass out of the economy. Never before has there been such a massive shift in the basic money of so many people over such a large area. The euro is the new single currency of 12 European Union nations: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain and Portugal. Monaco, which uses the French franc, will also be included.