As a matter of fact, with an Ireland Vacation Package, everything will be taken care of in advance. You will not have to worry about hotels, transportation, and depending on your type of vacations, rental of car, tee time reservations, guided tours of Ireland reservations and much more.

Looking for a fairytale? Visit one of Ireland's castle...

photo credit : Jim Linwood

During your next vacation to amazing European destination, you may discovery many villages with some of the greatest historical sites in the country, a wide variety of other attractions and sightseeing places that otherwise you would never had heard of. Ireland travel packages allow you to enjoy your vacations to Ireland without the stress that usually goes with touring Europe.

So what types of options are available in Ireland vacation packages?

Tours of Ireland
A popular option is to included a guided tour of Ireland in your Ireland travel package. If you light sightseeing and adventure, a guided tour is what you need. And there are all sorts of tours such as bus tours in coach with a guide, a private tour with only your, your family/friends and a private guide or chauffeur, biking tours, trekking tours, tours in the country side, tours on the coast lines, tours tours tours. Tours of Ireland will bring you to the most interesting and breathtaking parts of Ireland. While you could probably visit some of the most famous attractions by yourself, your guide will bring you to some more hidden beauties in the country.

How you will choose your tour will depend on many factors. What is your budget? What would you like to see? Are you more the comfy/cozy type of guy/gal or are you more the adventurous type? Are you traveling with your family, young kids, older parents, a spouse? How long are your vacations to Ireland? Are you planning to visit other countries as well? Remember that two other European countries, England and Scotland are literally across the border and you could add them to your stay.

Ireland Pub tours
Another type of add-on to your Ireland vacation package are the Ireland Pub tours, or as many would say, the “real Irish experience”. This type of tour brings your to Ireland most famous pubs, and allow you to have a taste of the pub life, a way of living for Irish people. Most Ireland Pub tours are 5 days long and include of course some of the most famous Irish pubs but also other well-known sightseeing sites and historical building in Ireland.

Ireland golf trip package
If you are an adept of golfing, you probably already know Ireland for its 400 dream golf courses. Ireland is a world’s premier golf destinations. Indeed, some of the best ranked golf courses can be found here : Ballybunion, Royal County Down and Royal Portrush. Whether you are a beginner or are playing at a pro level, Ireland is the greatest place for golf lovers. Choose between the numerous Ireland golf packages available to you or create your own dream golf package.

Ireland is a golfer's paradise with over 400 golf courses

photo credit : tiarescott

Relax vacations to Ireland
Family vacations? Romantic gateway? Traveling solo? Why not rent a cottage and enjoy a nice an relax vacation. Enjoy the outdoors or share quiet moments by a nice warm fire. Choose your preferred location : near a golf course, by the beach, on the country side, on the grounds of luxury hotels? Make sure to include a spa session. Look for activities for the kids nearby. Are there any seasonal activities? What are the possible family activities? Do you need a fitness center? What kind of adventure are you looking for? Make sure to include all of what interests you or your family when planning or booking your Ireland vacation packages.

Self-drive vacations
If you are worried about planning to much or too little activities and would like to be able to go on your own pace, consider self-drive vacations. This type of vacation/package give you more independence on what your when to see and when you want to travel. With this type of Ireland Vacation Packages, you can sightsee and enjoy leisure tim with no rush. Many self-drive tour include accommodations, where you will be staying in B&Bs, hotels and castles. In these types of Ireland travel packages, you have an endless number of options.

Honeymooners
Are you honeymooners looking for romance, breathtaking scenery and a place to relax after your stressing wedding planning? Ireland is a unique and romantic location, a fairytale destination for many honeymooners. From romantic castles to cozy bed and breakfasts or hotels, from luxurious spas to romantic walks along the coast, candlelit dinners and much more. Make sure to request the special suites for newlywed couples and enjoy a lifetime vacation for your honeymoon.

Enjoy what Ireland has to offer : slpendor

photo credit : atomicpuppy68 on flickr

Splendor, relax, luxury, historical sites, traditional music great outdoors all describe Ireland. Vacation to Ireland truly provide a little something for everyone. For more information about Ireland vacation packages, visit European Cruises, a number one reference for travelers to Europe.

Made up of three tiny main islands on the southern edge of Europe, Malta has a rich and tumultuous history, unusual geography and eclectic mix of cultural influences. With its strong North African- and Arabic-influences, Sicilian-style menu and 1950s British feel, Malta is a place unlike any other and demands to be seen at any cost.

For more information, visit European Cruises.

There is a lot to love about Rome. You can choose between seeing Rome’s famous ruins on one side of the Tiber River or St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum on the other side, or both if you have two days or more in Rome. If you have three days or more, you can visit another museum, or explore the city’s surrounding area. To make the most of your stay in Rome, I recommend renting a hotel room in the center of the city, like the Concordia, which is just a block away from the Spanish Steps. The location is great, the rooms are clean, and you can take a breakfast on the rooftop while enjoying the view of Vatican City.

When you are ready, take a taxi or subway and head to the Colosseum, Rome’s iconic monument and one Italy’s top tourist attractions. Started in AD 72 and completed in AD 80, the Colosseum was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. Inside, was a sand-covered arena encircled by tiered seating and built over underground chambers where animals were caged. You can almost picture the terrible fights that pitted gladiators against wild animals or each other.

Across the street from Colosseum is the Roman Forum, a social, political and commercial center of the Roman Republic. From the Forum, go to the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin over your shoulder. Designed by Nicola Salvi in 1732 and completed in 1762, the Trevi Fountain is fed with water form the Acqua Vergine aqueduct and depicts Neptune’s chariot being led by Tritons, with sea horses representing the moods of the sea. Buy a gelato at a shop and watch people passing by.

Next to the Trevi Fountain, is a church where Popes were buried. Apparently, it was to this church that Popes willed their hearts and intestines, and there is even a legend that claims the church was built on the site of a spring that appeared at the time when St. Paul was beheaded. According to the legend, it was one of the three sites where his head have bounced off after being severed.

When you leave the Trevi Fountain, take the back street and head to the Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps. Designed by an Italian architect, funded by the French, but named after the Spanish embassy to the Holy See, the Spanish Steps were built to link the piazza with the wealthy people living above it and have attracted foreigners since the 18th century.

If you’re interested in fashion, you might want to take a look at the famous fashion houses on the Via condotti street. There’s something special about seeing the famous name brands in their original home.

By the evening, you may start to feel hungry. Look for outdoor restaurants near the Pantheon in the Piazza della Rotonda. Built in its current form by Emperor Hadrian in AD 120, the Pantheon is the best-preserved ancient monument in Rome. It was originally a temple dedicated to Roman deities, but was transformed into a church by Pope Boniface in AD 690. The Pantheon is topped by the one of the largest domes ever built. Considered the Romans’ greatest architectural achievement, the dome has been surpassed in size since the 15th, but is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built. Take a look inside and see the tombs of Raphael and kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto 1.

picture by Giampaolo Macorig

For more information, visit Best European Cruises.

With the growing number of high-rise hotels, apartment blocks, shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, Valletta’s satellite towns of Sliema, St Julian’s and Paceville is where many tourists base themselves. To get to Sliema, you can take the bus (62, 64, and 67) from Valetta, or use the ferry service between Sliema and Valletta. There isn’t much to see in Sliema itself, but visitors can enjoy good views on Valetta from Triq ix-Xatt (The Strand).

Triq ix-Catt and Triq it-Torri (Tower Rd) make for a great waterfront promenade, with plenty of bars and cafés along the way. Beaches have little more to offer than bare rock, so you might want to rest at one of the private lidos along the coast instead, which offer swimming pools, sun lounges, bars and water sports. Captain Morgan Cruises (www.captainmorgan.com.mt) operates from the waterfront area of Sliema known as The Ferries and provides a wide choice of cruises and excursions, including a tour of Grand Harbor and Underwater Safaris.

If you feel hungry, head to 19/21 Paceville avenue, Paceville. The Olivers restaurant has a classy, dark-red interior, discrete service, and serves the best food in town, including braised rabbit on tomato fondue, sea bass with almond, pesto gnocchi, red king prawns, egg noodles and leaks. When the night comes, you can go party at one of Paceville’s bars and clubs. Malta’s biggest and best nightclub is the Axis, which houses three separate clubs, the Axis Main, The Matrix and the Styx.

Mdina & Rabat

Elegant, aristocratic Mdina (nicknamed the Silent City) sits on bedrock in the country’s southwest. The 3000 year-old walled city was Malta’s political center for centuries, before Valetta became the lifeblood of the Islands. Outside the walls is the town settlement of Rabat. The city can be accessed by bus from Valletta (80 or 81) or Sliema (65).

Mdina’s main square is dominated by the late 17th-century St. Paul’s Cathedral. Built on the site of the house of Governor Plubius, the St. Paul Cathedral was designed by architect Lorenzo Gafa and features a magnificent dome with red-and-white stripes that dominates the skyline. Take a look at the impressive façade as you emerge from Mdina’s narrow streets, and check out the huge fresco of St. Paul’s shipwreck.

The entry ticket is also valid for the Cathedral Museum opposite. Housed in a baroque 18th-century palace, the Cathedral Museum has a collection of coins, silver plate, religious vestments and woodcuts by the German artist Albert Dürer.

You’ll find accommodation at the Point de Vue Guesthouse & Restaurants. Built a century ago, this popular guesthouse offers rooms at affordable rates and is located just metres from Mdina’s town walls.

For more information about what to do on a European cruise, what to expect from European cruises and much more, visit http://www.best-european-cruises.com.

Valletta

With its elaborate architecture buildings and old cathedrals, the Maltese capital is a stunner. Valletta is a small city located on the northeast portion of the Malta Island and overlooks the Grand Harbor to the southeast and Marsamxett Harbor to the northwest. Cruise ship passengers can see the old sixteenth-century, Baroque style buildings as they approach the Valletta cruise terminal, and walk the city’s lively streets like Triq ir-Repubblika and Triq il-Merkanti when the ship docks at the port. Valleta is officially recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and serves as the principal cultural center of Malta.

1- Where to stay

Asti Guesthouse
A 350 year-old building converted into a guesthouse, Asti has an old-school Valletta charm and offers the best-value accommodation in town, including a hospitable host, simple, spacious rooms and spotless shared bathrooms. Breakfast is served in a dining room under a chandelier.
Tel: 2123 9506

http://mol.net.mt/asti

18 Triq Sant’Orsla

Coronation Guesthouse
An affordable and cheerful place, with shared bathroom.
Tel: 2123 7652
10E Triq MA Vasalli

Midland Guesthouse
Decent rooms, with shared bathroom. Close to Grand Harbor.
Tel: 2123 6024
255 Triq Sant’Orsla

2- Where to eat

Agius Pastizzerija
A hole-in-the-wall place, Agius Pastizzerija offers traditional pastizzi and other snacks at rock-bottom prices.
273 Triq San Pawl
Open 7.30am-5.30pm Mon-St

Caffé Cordina
Established in 1837, Caffé Cordina gives you the choice of dining indoors or outside on the bustling square where you can watch people passing by. Serves coffee, snacks and decadent sweets.
Tel: 2123 4385
244 Triq ir-Repubblika
Open breakfast and lunch

Rubino
Hands down the best Valletta restaurant, Rubino is a great place for lunch or dinner. The menu changes daily and offers modern takes on traditional Maltese plates. Great mixed starter selection.
Tel: 2122 4656
53 Triq L-Ifran
Open noon-2.30pm Mon-Fri, 7.45-10.30pm Tue & Thu-Sat

3- Sights

If you European cruise ship stops in Malta, make sure to take advantage of what Valletta has to offer. This beautiful city has a lot to offer from museums and churches to beautiful palaces. Be sure to stop at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in the southwest for a great view of the Grand Harbor. Check out the Baroque interior of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which was built in the 1570s and houses signed paintings by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.

Another famous landmark is the 16th-century Grand Master’s Palace, the seat of the Maltese parliament. Check out the works of art in the State Apartments, which can be accessed from the entrance on Triq il-Merkanti.

A unique and valuable building worth viewing is the Manoel Theatre, one of the oldest theatres in Europe. Built in 1731, the Manoel Theatre offers a varied program of events October to May and guided tours in the Baroque auditorium.

Check out the female figurines known as “fat ladies” and other intriguing prehistoric objects at the National Museum of Archaeology.

At the furthest point of Valletta, you will find the Fort St. Elmo, built in 1552 by the Knights of St. John, but it is usually closed to the public. Next to the fort, at the National War Museum, you will learn about Malta’s heroic involvement in WWII, with photographs depicting the terrible conditions endured by the civilians, and several exhibits such as an Italian submarine and an anti-aircraft gun.

Make sure to highlight these restaurants/museums/churches as they are some of the favorite places of European Cruise tourists.

Costa Concordia berthed at the Sea Passenger Terminal; The Grand Harbour, Valletta - Best European Cruises

For more information, visit Best European Cruises.

Photo credit : http://www.flickr.com/photos/foxypar4/3178686875/

Let’s look at why this beautiful island is a perfect stop for cruise ships. The Maltese archipelago lies in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, 93km south of Sicily and 300km from Libya, and consists of three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Camino. They are made up of rock and limestone, with no major hills and little greenery, and have no permanent creeks or rivers. The eastern side of Malta Island is broken up in 3 large bays, capable of receiving the largest ships, including cruise ships.

This is why Malta is such a great port of call for European cruises, as the bays allows tourists to easily visit the island.

For more information, visit European Cruises.

Malta’s culture was heavily influenced by foreign invaders and has a strong feeling of tradition. Roman Catholics make up to 98 % of the population. Businesses are closed on Sunday, divorce legislation is inexistent, and abortion is illegal.

For more information, visit http://www.best-european-cruises.com.

The early years
Malta’s earliest monuments, the megalithic temples of Ggantija on the Gozo Island, and Hagar Qim and Mnajdra on the main island, were built between 3800 and 2500 BC and are the world’s oldest surviving freestanding structures. Phoenicians and Carthaginians colonized Malta from around 800 to 218 BC. In 218 BC, Malta rebelled against its Carthaginian rulers and was incorporated in the Roman Empire. In AD 60 St Paul shipwrecked on the island and cured the father of Roman governor Plubius from a desperate illness. According to folklore, governor Plubius, grateful, converted to Christianity and became the bishop of Malta. Arabs arrived in 870 and introduced their language as well as improved agriculture and irrigation systems. Later, Malta was successively conquered by Normans, French, Aragonese and Spanish.

1500-1800
In 1530 Charles I of Spain gave the island to the Knights of the Order of St John, a military religious organization founded in Jerusalem. The Knights won a major battle against Ottoman Turks in 1565 and were hailed as heroes throughout Europe. However, following the rise of Protestantism and French Egalitarianism, the order declined and surrendered to Napoleon in 1798 without a fight. In 1800, Malta, supported by Great Britain, revolted against the French and became a British dominion. The island was transformed into a major naval base and suffered greatly from WWII bombing.

Malta in the 1900’s and 2000’s
Malta was given some autonomy in 1947 and gained full independence in 1964. The country became a republic in 1974 and introduced the euro after entering the EU in 2004.

If you European Cruise stops by Malta, make sure to visit Ggantija Temples as they are an important part of Malta's history.

Need more information? Visit Best European Cruises.

photo credit : http://www.flickr.com/photos/donotlick/4227537623/

Hotels by Best European Cruises

There is a variety of hotels available in Croatia, ranking from one to five stars with the most in the two- and the three-star range. In August you may be charged additional fees for stays of less than four nights, so if you’re not planning to spend more than three days in Croatia I suggest you book a hotel during the rest of the year, when prices drop sharply. Hotel prices include breakfast.

Private rooms

Private rooms are the cheapest and most comfortable option in Croatia. They are clean and the service is excellent. Book through any of the indistinguishable agencies to ensure that the place you’re staying in is legally registered and has insurance. There’s a 30 % surcharge for stays of less than 4 nights and a 50 % to 100 % more for a one-night stay.

Activities

The Adriatic Sea, having been largely untouched by pollution thanks to the absence of heavy industry in Croatia, has a thriving underwater ecosystem and a flourishing dive industry along the Croatian coast. The most popular activity is cave diving, but night diving and wreck diving are also offered. You can also dive among coral reefs, but they are located in rather deep water. For boat diving, a permit is required: go to the harbor captain in any port with your passport, diving certification card, and 100 KN. A permit is valid for a year. See Diving Croatia (www.diving-hrs.hr) for contact information.

HIGHLIGHT

Dubrovnik

To many, Dubrovnik is Eastern Europe’s most beautiful city: Lord Byron called it “the pearl of the Adriatic” and Bernard Shaw knew it as “Paradise on Earth”. The luminous marble streets and nicely ornamented baroque buildings surrounded by the shiny Adriatic Sea are sure to inspire any visitor. A former war-zone, the walled Stari Grad (Old Town) has been home to a civilised, sophisticated republic for centuries. Take a sunset look into the sea from the city wall and you’ll understand why Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s top destinations.

1- Orientation

The Jadronilija ferry and the bus station are located several kilometres northwest of Dubrovnik, which is closed to cars. The Old Town’s main street is Placa, or Stradun as it is often called. You’ll find accommodation on the Lapad peninsula, west of the bus station.

2- Where to stay

Apartmani Burum

A popular guesthouse, with clean, comfortable rooms and apartments. Kitchen available. April-May 100 kn; June-September 150-250 kn. Cash only.

Dubravnika 16, in Babin Kuk.
Tel: 020 43 54 67
www.burumaccommodation.com

Bergovic Boarding House

Spacious doubles and apartments in a cozy villa. If you call ahead, the owner will come to pick you up. Private bathrooms. Internet first 30 minutes free, 10kn per 30 minutes. Book ahead in July-August. June-September singles 150-200kn; doubles 240-300kn; triples 300-360kn. October-may 100-120kn, 200-240kn, 300-360kn. Cash.

Primorska 17
Tel: 020 43 51 91
www.begovic-boarding-house.com

3- Where to eat

Lokanda Peskarija

Lokanda Peskarija has tasty seafood at reasonable prices. Seafood at 35-60kn.

Na Ponti bb
Tel: 020 32 47 50
Open daily 8am-1am

Express

Located in the center of Old Town, this self-serving restaurant serves up excellent, affordable meals of pastas, soups, and salads. Entrées 25-50kn

Marojice Kaboge 1
Tel: 020 32 39 94
Open daily 10am-10pm

4- Sights

The 2km limestone City Walls has an entrance just inside the Pile Gate. These great walls are the finest in the world and the Old Town’s trademark. Take a look at the huge Onofrio Fountain, completed in 1438, and check the monastery museum’s collection of liturgical objects, paintings, and pharmacy equipment. The Franciscan monastery has a sumptuous cloister and the third-oldest function pharmacy, dating from 1391, in Europe.

When you’re done, walk along Dubrovnik’s main street, the Placa, and go all the way to the clock tower, at the eastern end of the street. In front of the clock, are the Orlando column, which dates from 1419, the 16th century Sponza Palace, and the St-Blaise’s church, an Italian baroque building. At the end of the Pred Dvorom Street, you’ll find the baroque Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, built on the site of a Romanesque cathedral and 7th-century Byzantine cathedral, and, between the two churches, the gothic Rector’s Palace.

On your way to the clock tower, you might want to check the Museum of the Orthodox Church for its amazing collection on 15th- to 19th-century icons. You can also stop at the Dominican monastery for a look at a fascinating collection of paintings from Dubrovnik’s finest 15th- and 16th-century artists.

When you’ve seen everything, head to Banje Beach, outside Ploce Gate, or go to one of the hotel beaches on the Lapad Peninsula.

Split

The second largest city in Croatia, Split (or Spalato in Italian) is more a cultural center than a beach resort. This is a city where centuries of history collide with modernity, where hip bars, restaurants, and shops thrive amid medieval streets and old walls. Explore the Dicletian Palace and behold the world’s most spectacular Roman monuments. With a unique setting and an exuberant nature, Split is definitely one of the most amazing cities in Europe.

1- Orientation

The ferry terminals are on the eastern side of the ferry, a few steps away from the Old Town. The seafront pedestrian street, Obala hrvatskog narodnog preporoda (better known as Riva by the locals), is a good central reference point.

2- Where to stay

Tour de Croatia

You can book private rooms, exchange currency, and organize excursions at the small travel agency Tour de Croatia.

Obala kneza domagoja 1
Tel: 023 338 319
www.tourdecroatia.com

Turist Biro

Book private accommodation through the Turist Biro. A double room costs between 145 and 220kn.

Obala hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 12
Tel/Fax: 342 142
www.turistbiro-split.hr

Hostel Split Mediterranean House

A hospitable, family-run business set in a charming old stone building. Only ten minutes away from the Northern Gate. Two six-bed dormitories and some newer en suite three-bed dormitories.

Vukasoviceva 21
Tel: 098 987 1312
www.hotel-split.com
dorms from 100kn

Split Hostel booze & snooze

Run by friendly Australian Croats, the Split Hostel is the perfect place for revellers, with a nice terrace and 23 beds to sleep on. Free lockers and Wi-fi. Located right in the center of town.

Narodni Trg 8
Tel: 342 787
www.splithostel.com
dorms 180kn

3- Where to eat

Makrovega

Makrovega offers a meat-free menu that alternates between macrobiotic and vegetarian. The interior is spacious, and the buffet is simply delicious.

Lestina 2
Tel: 394 440
www.makrogeva.hr

Supermarket/delicatessen

This place has a wide array of meat and cheese for sandwiches.

Svaciceva 1

Konoba Varos

Konoba Varos serves delicious Croatian food. Entrées 60kn-80kn.

Ban Mladenova 7
Tel : 021 396 138

4- Sights

Facing the harbor, are the ruins of a luxurious open-air palace, where the Roman emperor Diocletian spent his summers when not persecuting Christians. Built as a strong rectangular fortress, Diocletian’s Palace is the most impressive Roman ruins in existence, with walls measuring 215m from east to west, and 181m wide at the southernmost point and reinforced by square corner towers. South of the main street, now called Kresimirova, are the palace’s main features, including Peristyle, a charming colonnaded square, the Temple of Jupiter, now a baptistery, and the Cathedral, built on the site of Diocletian’s mausoleum.

It was in this palace that the nobility and rich merchants built their homes during the Middle Ages. The Town Museum (formerly the Papalic Palace) presents a fascinating collection of artefacts, paintings, furniture and clothes from Split. When you pass through the North Palace Gate, take a look at Ivan Mestrovic’s powerful statue of Gregorius of Nin. Learn more about the history of Split, from Illyrian times to the Middle Ages, at the Archaeological Museum, north of town. The Mestrovic Gallery, the finest art museum at Split, houses a splendid, well-arranged collection of works from Ivan Mestrovic, Croatia’s most celebrated sculptor.

For more information, make sure to visit http://www.best-european-cruises.com/.

picture byPeter Fenďa

For more information, visit http://www.best-european-cruises.com/.

]]> http://www.best-european-cruises.com/croatia-geography/feed/ 0