Western Europe on a shoestring [antikvár]

Introduction Western Europe is many things to many people. Some marvel at the diversity of cultures and languages crammed into such a small area; the wealth of museums, theatre and architecture unmatched anywhere in the world; or the shopping, restaurants and nightlife in the bustling cities. Others are attracted to Western Europe's varied scenery, from sun-drenched beaches and dense forests to snow-capped peaks. Residents of the Americas and Australasia see Western Europe as the source of their culture and civilisation, while almost all visitors are pleased with the minimal bureaucracy, well-developed tourist facilities and efficient transport, which make it possible to explore the region with a minimum of fuss. Western Europe is often considered to be the hub of the developed world, at least historically. Although other regions may be changing faster today, Westem Europe is still an economic powerhouse and a leader in art, literature and music. For the visitor to the region the biggest problem is simply choosing what to do and see; which dishes to select from an overloaded table. There are magnificent museums and galleries like the British Museum in London, the Louvre in Paris and the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. There are architectural set pieces like the ancient Colosseum in Rome, Gaudi's fantastic church in Barcelona, or fantasy German castles like Neuschwanstein in Bavaria (pictured on the cover of this book). There are superb natural features like the soaring Swiss Alps, the magnificent stretches of coastline in Ireland or the dense forests of Germany. For the energetic, there are walking trails from the Circuit of Mt Blanc to the Cotswolds Way in England; ski runs from Albertville to Zfirmatt; and water sports all along the Atlantic, Baltic and Mediterranean coasts. And there are places where it's simply fun to be, whether it's after dark in Amsterdam, pub-crawling through Dublin or watching the world go by from a sidewalk café in Paris. Western Europe on a shoestring covers this diverse collection of countries with an insight into their history, people and culture as well as practical information to help you make the most of your time and money. It takes you through Western Europe from pre-departure preparations to packing your bag for the return home. There's information on how to get to Europe and how to get around once you're there. There are extensive details on what to see, when to see it and how much it all costs. The thousands of recommendations about places to stay range from Spanish camp sites, German youth hostels and French pensions to Irish bed & breakfasts. Cafés, restaurants and bars are covered in equally exhaustive detail with suggestions ranging from the cheapest cheap eats to the ideal place for that long-awaited big splurge. There are even recommendations on what to buy and where to buy it. Westem Europe is a great place; there's lots out there waiting to be enjoyed. All you have to do is go.