Vatican City Travel Guide - Overview

The Vatican City is situated entirely within the city of Rome, sprawling over a hill west of the River Tiber, and separated from the rest of the city by a wall. Vatican City comprises St Peter’s Church, St Peter’s Square, the Vatican and the Vatican Gardens.

The Vatican City is famous for its magnificent St Peter’s Basilica. Near St Peter’s stands the Vatican Palace, the Pope’s residence. Among the principal features of the Palace are the Stanze, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum, containing major works of art and valuable pictures.

Wales Travel Guide - Overview

Wales is a historic land of castles and mountains, sweeping beaches and strong national identity dating back to pre-Norman times and reinforced in 1999, when Wales was granted its own assembly.

The capital, Cardiff, has seen extensive regeneration, both in the city centre and the nearby Cardiff Bay area, which is now seen as a major entertainment and administrative centre. In the rural north, farming and tourism continue to be the main sources of income.

Populous south Wales incorporates Cardiff, the cities of Swansea and Newport, Carmarthen Bay and two national parks, Pembrokeshire Coast and Brecon Beacons. The Cambrian Mountains and the attractive coastal resorts of Cardigan Bay are highlights of mid Wales, while the north has popular seaside resorts like Llandudno and Rhyl, the island of Anglesey and the scenic delights of Snowdonia National Park.

Scotland Travel Guide - Overview

Scotland is famous primarily for its spectacular scenery, but it also offers a rich historical and cultural heritage, together with a wide range of activities. The populous central belt is the focus of most economic activity, centred primarily on the major cities, Glasgow and the Scottish capital Edinburgh.

Scotland’s landscape is as varied as it is beautiful. Rugged peaks sweep down to breathtaking lochs, glistening in remote glens like Glen Affric near Inverness and Loch Trool in Galloway. A straggling coastline, with white sandy beaches, sheltered bays and rocky cliffs, looks out to the remote islands in the Atlantic. To the south, the rolling hills of the Borders, lush lowland pastures and extensive woodlands present a softer beauty.

Edinburgh is among the outstanding cities of the world, where the medieval Old Town contrasts with the elegant Georgian New Town. Other towns, notably Glasgow, display a wealth of Victorian architecture. Everywhere you can find ancient castles and houses. Prehistoric forts, stone circles and burial mounds can be explored, particularly at the Neolithic Heart of Orkney, Scotland’s latest UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Scotland’s rich musical heritage has feet tapping to bagpipes, fiddles and accordions. The best Celtic music can be heard at either the Girvan Traditional Folk Festival in May or the Newcastleton Festival in July. While the Edinburgh Festival in August is of course an unmissable event on the calendar.

A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, play golf on the world’s most famous course at St Andrews; go fishing, sailing, diving or join the walkers, cyclists and climbers on the hills, in woodlands and on deserted country lanes.

Finally, at the end of the day, relax with Scotland’s greatest export, a dram of fine malt whisky.

Northern Ireland Travel Guide - Overview

Occupying the northeastern corner of an island brimming with superlatives, Northern Ireland contains many hidden facets of the Emerald Isle. This small province enjoys a diverse terrain with a dramatic coastline, gently rolling fields and the lush Mountains of Mourne. The capital, Belfast, is a vibrant city with ornate Victorian architecture and lively nightlife. Londonderry is one of the finest walled towns in Europe. Both have been too long overshadowed by the ‘Troubles’, but seem at last to be enjoying a more peaceful present.

The Antrim Coast is one of the most scenic shorelines in Britain, winding past towering cliffs, sandy beaches, picturesque harbours and family resorts. You can hike deep into the glacier-carved Glens of Antrim or walk along the amazing volcanic columns of the Giant’s Causeway. Inland lies Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the British Isles, and the Fermanagh lakelands, sprinkled with tiny islands, wooded parks and monastic ruins.

The six counties of Northern Ireland belonged to the ancient and powerful kingdom of Ulster. Tales of legendary heroes intertwine with those of St Patrick, who spread Christianity from his base near Downpatrick. The Ulster American Folk Park near Omagh, Old Bushmill’s whiskey distillery, the Belleek pottery, crumbling castle ruins and the stately mansions of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy offer more history and culture in a friendly, easy-going country that is a delight to explore.

Isle of Man Travel Guide - Overview

Viking and Celtic heritage combine to interesting effect on the charismatic Isle of Man. Numerous attractions reflect the island's rich historic mix, branded by Manx National Heritage as the 'Story of Man', an umbrella name applied to sites ranging from prehistoric tombs to multimedia exhibitions.

Also important are Man’s Victorian narrow-gauge railways: the Steam Railway linking Douglas and Port Erin; the Manx Electric Tramway, running north to Ramsey; and the Snaefell Mountain Railway, which climbs 620m (2,034ft) above sea level from Laxey. A smaller line operates on the cliffs at Groudle Glen.

The island is also famous for hosting the annual TT Races and other motorsport events.

Scenic highlights include 17 picturesque national glens, the south coast bays and Snaefell itself, from which England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales are all visible on a clear day.

England Travel Guide - Overview

England’s eventful history and scenic diversity render it one of the world’s most popular visitor destinations. United as a single nation over 1,000 years ago, its origins go back to the dawn of civilisation, and the variety of interest it offers reflects this.

From prehistoric Stonehenge to 21st-century attractions like the London Eye, its inhabitants have contributed much to the appeal of the UK’s largest constituent country. This is not restricted to a material legacy either – England’s cultural mix is rich, thanks to the many invaders, settlers and immigrants who have arrived on its shores through the millennia. Countless others around the globe share aspects of customs, language and history with the English themselves.

England’s heritage, and therefore its appeal as a destination, is many-faceted and deeply rooted, ranging 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, and is often a source of surprise to visitors venturing beyond the cities for the first time – as is the vast range of visitor attractions, resorts and sights to see and enjoy. England is a country of patchwork landscapes: from the rugged coastlines and golden beaches of Devon and Cornwall, to the craggy mountains of the Peak District, ancient forests riddled with folklore, to the picturesque Lake District, and from great cities to centuries-old villages.

England is welcoming, friendly, fascinating and fun, where pomp and circumstance balance the often bizarre idiosyncrasies of its people, and a sense of humour is the passport to certain acceptance.

Sark & Herm Travel Guide - Overview

Sark island’s countryside is characterised by its granite cliffs topped with flowered fields known as cotils. Whilst only 5km (3 miles) long, and 2.5km (1.5 miles) wide, it boasts 65km (40 miles) of picturesque coastlines. There are no cars, giving Sark an enchantment that is quite unique.

After WWII, Herm was left derelict and abandoned until the Guernsey authorities bought it from the Crown for an undisclosed fee. Today, Herm is privately leased, and run as a resort island. It relies heavily on visitors coming to the island via Guernsey. Herm Island is a destination for day visitors from other Channel Islands, as well as a favourite with 'locals' from Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney and Sark. It offers unspoilt beaches and a safe, clean, pollution-free environment. There are no cars, no crowds and definitely no stress. Herm is the perfect place to stay for a truly relaxing island holiday, offering peace, comfort, natural beauty and relaxation.

Jersey Travel Guide - Overview

The largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey has been inhabited for many thousands of years, as can be seen from the neolithic tomb at La Hougue Bie. The Normans made the greatest impact on the Channel Islands, annexing them to the Duchy of Normandy during the 10th century. When William of Normandy gained the English crown in 1066, the Channel Islands became part of the Anglo-Norman realm; they were retained after the loss of Normandy in 1204. As a mark of his gratitude for their loyalty, King John granted Jersey its own constitution; this has been ratified by every successive monarch and the connection between the island and the English throne is expressed in the flag, which contains a crest surmounted by the Plantagenet crown.

Like its neighbours, Jersey has at various times been a haven for smugglers and pirates, and is also vulnerable to attack due to its proximity to France, so often Britain’s enemy in the past. The mixture of languages (English, French and Norman-French) reflects the history of the island.

Jersey is highly developed for tourism. Given its size, it boasts a formidable array of modern attractions and special events catering for its huge number of visitors. The island does not neglect its natural and historical assets though; there is plenty of historical interest as well as many beautiful scenic attractions.

Guernsey Travel Guide - Overview

Think all the quiet charm of Jersey with fewer of the trappings of mass tourism, and what you have is the tranquil island of Guernsey. Indeed tranquil in this case really does mean bucolic: wooded valleys, sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean, botanical gardens, secret coves and cliff-top walks are amongst the island gems that will guarantee relaxation. And this is all available with the added bonus that Guernsey is incredibly child-friendly and an ideal family holiday location. Safe beaches with gorgeously blue water await you.

Beyond the beach, Guernsey has wonderful facilities for activities such as cycling and golf. It also has oodles of history. As far back as the 11th century, Guernsey and the other Channel Islands (les Isles Normandes) were part of the Duchy of Normandy. When William, Duke of Normandy, conquered England, they were incorporated into the combined realm of both England and Normandy. King John of England lost mainland Normandy to the French 140 years later but the Channel Islands stayed loyal to England.

Today, Guernsey enjoys a large degree of internal self-government, having developed its own legal and political institutions, and is also responsible for the government of neighbouring Alderney.

History is apparent all around the island. Evidence of Neolithic man is everywhere, in burial chambers and defensive earth works, long excavated and unveiled. Fortifications, testament to Guernsey's many attempts throughout history to repel invasion, can be seen in edifices like Castle Cornet, now housing an excellent museum. Germany briefly occupied the islands during WWII, and left its mark in bulwarks and buttresses.

Guernsey's sea air encourages a hearty appetite, and the island's fertile sea and soil provides the island's cuisine with a host of ingredients, from seafood to locally grown vegetables. Whether you decide to eat in Guernsey's gourmet restaurants or simply at a beach kiosk, you will be very well catered for.

Alderney Travel Guide - Overview

Alderney, the third-largest of the Channel Islands, has pledged allegiance to the English Crown for close on 1,000 years and is frequently described as the most British of the Channel Islands. Yet, Alderney (Aurigny in French) has a distinctly French flavour, which is not surprising as the island’s closest neighbour, France, is only 13km (8 miles) away. A little oasis where time seems to have stopped, Alderney offers the perfect ingredients for a short or long holiday, at any time of the year.

Unlike the other Channel Islands, Alderney has not been affected by mainstream tourism. Travellers will be able to wind down and enjoy Alderney's quality of life, hospitality and gastronomy. There is something for everyone every week of the year. This little island boasts over 30 social, sporting and cultural clubs and associations who, between them, provide a busy diary of events throughout the year. From golf, tennis, fishing, walks across the common and the rugged cliffs, to sandy and quiet beaches and an abundance of flora and fauna (including wild pheasants, black rabbits and blonde hedgehogs), Alderney has a lot to offer.

Channel Islands Travel Guide - Overview

The Channel Islands include Alderney, Guernsey, Jersey and Sark & Herm. There are other, very small islands in the group, but these are not normally open to visitors. See individual entries for more information.

British Overseas Territories Travel Guide - Overview

The scattered islands that make up British Overseas Territories enjoy the same rights as nationals of Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands, with full British citizenship and residence within the UK. All territories are required to adhere to EU standards, particularly regarding financial regulations and human rights.

The territory is under the sovereignty and formal control of the UK but is not an actual part of the UK. Most Overseas Territories are self-governing but rely on the UK in crucial matters of foreign policy etc. Since they are separate jurisdictions, there is no Overseas Territories' representation in the British parliament. The UK exerts its formal control through a governor of each territory, appointed by the British Monarch.

British Crown Dependencies: These include the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, which are dependencies of the British Crown whilst exercising considerable self-government in domestic affairs. The British Government is solely responsible for defence and international representation. Many British aspects are apparent in the Crown Dependencies, such as the UK telephone numbering plan or a BBC presence, although this is not always the case. Acts of the British parliament rarely – but occasionally – apply to the Crown Dependencies.

Information on the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands has been placed under the United Kingdom section.

The following territories have their own sections in the World Travel Guide: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Turks & Caicos Islands.

United Kingdom Travel Guide - Overview

Despite its relatively small size, the United Kingdom is one of the most culturally diverse countries on Earth, peopled by four main ‘native' nationalities, plus later arrivals from all over the world. The United Kingdom consists of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), plus Northern Ireland. The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands (principally Jersey and Guernsey) are also parts of the British Isles, but somewhat confusingly not officially part of the UK.

The UK is also a topically diverse country, with such landscapes as the rolling moors of Yorkshire, the lakes and mountains of the Lake District and Scotland, and the ancient forests of Nottinghamshire or the stunning beaches of Wales. All this, as well as genteel villages with chocolate-box cottages or vibrant cities at the forefront of modernity, means the UK has something to offer everyone.

London is the natural starting point for visitors and is a great introduction to this varied country, with famous sights such as the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye and renowned exhibitions in the National Gallery, Natural History Museum and Tower of London.

Not far out from the capital are the university cities of Oxford and Cambridge, with their elegant architecture, and Windsor, home to the Queen's famous castle residence.

The British seaside is at its best in the south coast resorts of Brighton and Bournemouth or the harbour villages in Cornwall, Dorset and Devon. For more beautiful, wilder, windswept beaches, head to the Pembrokeshire coast of Wales or the Scottish islands of Skye, Shetland and Orkney.

Walkers have no end of choice with hundreds of miles of hiking trails in the hilly Peak District, the mountainous Lake District, Wales and Scotland or along the coastal paths of southern England. For more gentle pursuits, pretty villages of the Cotswolds and Suffolk offer endless photo opportunities of thatched cottages or leaning timber-framed houses.

Ukraine Travel Guide - Overview

One of the largest and most varied countries in Europe, Ukraine takes in the spectacular Carpathian Mountains in the west, the history-rich central plains and the stunning Black Sea coast in the south. The Crimean Peninsula, ethnically more Russian than Ukrainian, remains a huge draw for holidaymakers from Russia every summer.

Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, is the origin of the Kyiv Rus state, founded in the eighth and ninth centuries, and the origin of the Russian state. Striking examples of baroque and Renaissance architecture can be found in Lviv, one of Europe's oldest cities, while Odessa is probably best known for the Potemkin Stairway, but is also home to one of the world's largest opera houses.

Historically part of the Russian Empire since the 1650s, and later incorporated into the Soviet Union, Ukraine gained its independence in 1991 following the failed Moscow coup of August that year. The country came to international attention in late 2004 when 10 days of mass protests over electoral fraud led to a re-run of the presidential election and the eventual declaration of Viktor Yushchenko as president. The people's Orange Revolution undoubtedly raised Ukraine's profile abroad and the country is beginning to find its place on the tourist map.

Turkey Travel Guide - Overview

Turkey is the only country in the world to sit astride two continents: a unique position that has given rise to a culture that reflects both East and West. It is a country where European aspirations sit comfortably alongside Asian traditions and the volatile atmosphere of the Middle East morphs seamlessly into the relaxed outlook of the Mediterranean world.

Turks have only lived here since medieval times when they arrived as land-hungry nomads from Central Asia. Before that it was Byzantine territory and Istanbul - then Constantinople - was the political centre of a vast Christian empire. Romans, Persians, Lycians and Phrygians were former occupants of the same territory, and earlier still, Hittite tribes had built an Anatolian empire before collapsing around the time of the Trojan Wars.

Such a rich history has left an indelible mark and Turkey abounds with historic sites and archaeological wonders set in a varied and beautiful landscape. The Mediterranean coastline is punctuated with well-preserved Greco-Roman cities such as Pergamom and Ephesus, while the austere and rugged Anatolian plateau has cave churches hidden away in the improbable fairytale landscape of Cappadocia. Istanbul, still very much the pulse of the nation, has even more to offer, with Roman aqueducts, Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques and palaces.

With history at every turn, it is tempting to portray Turkey as a quaint, time-locked country that adheres to tradition but this is far from the truth. The modern republic's first leader, Kemal Atatürk, saw to it that Turkey was reinvented as a modern secular state following the demise of the Ottoman Empire. What you see today, thanks to Atatürk's comprehensive modernisation, is a healthy combination of ancient tradition and contemporary outlook. This outlook sees little contradiction in having modern European ways tempered by Islam and time-honoured traditions of hospitality.

Switzerland Travel Guide - Overview

Small, mountainous and wealthy, with a population of just 7.5 million, Switzerland is renowned for its enviable quality of life in a country that ticks along like clockwork. Its products are sought after the world over, from its delicious cheese and chocolate to luxurious watches whose timekeeping is as sharp as a Swiss Army Knife, another popular export from this sophisticated Alpine nation.

Switzerland's famed political neutrality, financial power and isolated location, ring-fenced by breathtaking mountains, have enabled it to play a safe but central role in European affairs. The conveniently central location in the middle of Europe has also made Switzerland a favourite meeting place for conventions and international conferences - Geneva, for instance, is home to the United Nations.

Switzerland is not only a place for professionals, though. As a stylish tourist destination it offers such top ski resorts as Zermatt, Verbier and celebrity-studded St Moritz, while the white peaks of mountains set against blue skies make a wonderful backdrop for summertime hiking. The ancient capital of Berne provides superb opportunities for sightseeing, shopping and traditional folk entertainment while the largest city, Zürich leads the way in arts, design and nightlife, from opera and world-class theatre to stylish bars and nightclubs.

Switzerland's unique political model is based on consensus-building, and, considering that the country consists of several culturally different groups speaking different languages (Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansch), its peaceful domestic situation is admirable. And while the Swiss in practice have been neutral in foreign affairs for several centuries, they are increasingly willing to get more involved in world affairs and deploy the skills in democracy and diplomacy they have developed domestically on the international stage. Switzerland finally joined the United Nations in 2002, and signed the Schengen treaty in 2005, showing their support for the European Union.

Sweden Travel Guide - Overview

Sweden is a land of cultural contrast, from the Danish influence of the southwest to the nomadic Laplanders in the wild Arctic north. And while urban Sweden is stylish, modern and sophisticated, the countryside offers many simpler pleasures for those in search of tranquillity.

Sweden's scenery has a gentler charm than that of neighbouring Norway's rugged coast. Much of Sweden is forested, and there are thousands of lakes, notably large stretches of water between Gothenburg and the capital, Stockholm. The lakeside resort of Östersund, in the centre of Sweden, is popular with Scandinavians, but most visitors opt first for the cities and the Baltic islands: the largest island, Gotland, with its array of ruined medieval churches, is a particular highlight. Another major attraction is the so-called ‘Kingdom of Crystal', a forested area between Malmö and Stockholm boasting many fine glassworks.

Historically, Sweden has an interesting story. Its contacts with the outside world began in earnest during Viking times, when in addition to the well-documented raiding, there was extensive trading around the Baltic, primarily dealing in furs and weaponry.

Swedish connections with the other Scandinavian countries, Norway and Denmark, have been strong since late medieval times. The monarchies of all three are closely linked, and at various times, one king or queen has ruled over more than one of the countries. Indeed, Norway only fully shed Swedish control for the last time in the early years of the 20th century.

The land and its people have an air of reserved calm, and while best known for its automotive and musical exports - Volvo and Abba are household names - a strong historical undertone bubbles close beneath the surface. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Stockholm, where dozens of museums, medieval and baroque edifices housing boutiques and cafes overlook the attractive harbour.

Tenerife Travel Guide - Overview

Tenerife has undergone something of a metamorphosis recently. The tag of crass commercialism is slowly being replaced with a designer label as the island finally gets to grips with its pies, fries, and beer image. Nowadays, the island is quick to reveal a more colourful picture, promoting golf, nature, and wellness programmes as alternative pursuits to daytime sun baking and night-time devilment.

Vibrant nature
The Gods smiled kindly on Tenerife painting it with the most luxuriant greens, the deepest blues and a technicolour palette of exotic foliage. Bursts of purple bougainvillea electrify the hillsides while delicate orange orchids add the finishing touches to meadows and mountain trails.

Volcanic scenery
The Canary Islands are the aftermath of mighty eruptions. Looming over the island, Tenerife's emblematic natural icon, Mount Teide - the world's third largest volcano - sleeps a majestic slumber.

Varied landscape
Nature's less explosive contributions include jungle-esque rainforests in the mountains of Anaga; soft sandy beaches in the surfer's paradise of El Medano; and the vertiginous cliffs leaning over Los Gigantes in the west, while high in the interior tiny hamlets hide beneath a fringe of pine forest.

Though nature laid the foundations, mere mortals take the credit for harnessing the beauty and furnishing it with playtime accoutrements in the southern resorts that continue to draw in visitors by the millions.

Lanzarote Travel Guide - Overview

Lanzarote, the most easterly of Spain's seven Canary Islands, has managed to harness the calamity of volcanic catastrophes into a tidy garden of sugar-cube villages and compact resorts within a lunar landscape.

Sahara of the sea
Although Spanish by name and Spanish by nature, the island is geographically cosier to the Sahara than to Spain. Climatically too, it has more in common with Africa than Europe. Rain is a virtual rarity and the island receives less precipitation than parts of the Sahara.

Incredible volcanoes
In Timanfaya National Park you'll find the Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains) where in 1730 one of the world's most violent and long-lasting eruptions took place. It devastated much of western Lanzarote, wiping out entire towns and villages, and bruised the blue sky a deep and dark black for six whole years.

Eco credentials
Nowadays the face of Lanzarote has been shaped as much by the work of one man as by Mother Nature. The late Cesar Manarique, an artist turned eco-protector, spent much of his later life successfully campaigning to minimise the environmental impact of the emerging tourism industry. To date almost no high-rise constructions blot the skyline and a policy of traditional building styles has been rigorously maintained.

Gran Canaria Travel Guide - Overview

Known as a ‘continent in miniature', Gran Canaria is the Canary Island's most populated and third largest island. It is also home to the region's greatest variety of climatic conditions. In the north and interior you'll find rolling green hills and flower-speckled meadows. In the south the scene changes to arid plains, sweeping sand dunes and the neon glow of its holiday resorts.

World's best climate
Warm-but-not-unbearably-hot summers and spring-like conditions the rest of the year make it a perfect place to visit at any time. In fact, its capital, Las Palmas was once declared as the city with the best climate in the world by the scientific community.

Aside from the balmy weather, the capital is also notable for its history. Founded in 1478, the cobbled streets and noble mansions in Las Palmas' old quarter are where Christopher Columbus prepared for his famous voyage of discovery.

Beautiful beaches
Whilst the history and cultural attractions are an added bonus, you can't get away from the fact that the vast majority of visitors to Gran Canaria come in search of sun and sand. With 197km (122 miles) of coastline, the island doesn't disappoint.

Of the 50 beaches with facilities, the most popular are San Agustín, Playa del Ingles, Puerto Rico and Maspalomas with its famous sand dunes.