Austria

Population - 8.4 million
Language - German
Capital – Vienna

Home of classical music, the Vienna Boys Choir, the Sacher Torte, great coffee and rich, natural beauty. Two-thirds of this landlocked country is mountainous.

• Hofburg Palace
• Swarovski Wien Shop
• Try Viennese coffee & Schnapps

Belgium

Population - 11 million
Language - French, Flemish
Capital – Brussels

Officially a Kingdom, Belgium is a founding member of the European Union, and hosts both the EU and NATO headquarters in the capital city of Brussels.

Lovers of fine beer consider Belgian beer some of the worlds’ finest. Over 800 types of beer are brewed in Belgium from cherry beer to chocolate beer.

• Self-proclaimed 'capital of Europe'
• 'Venice of the North' - Bruges
• Be sure to try Belgian beer Chocolates

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Population - 3.8 million
Language - Bosnian, Serbian, Croatian
Capital – Sarajevo

Although still scarred by the conflict that the country became known for in the 90s, Bosnia- Herzegovina is now a peaceful and fascinating place to visit. Along with stunning mountain landscapes, the country imparts a sense of adventure to visitors, who can also learn about the age-old cultures that Bosnia-Herzegovina is home to.

• Mostar's Old Brudge
• Tunnel Museum in Sarajevo
• Bosnian coffee

Bulgaria

Population - 3.8 million
Language - Bosnian, Serbian, Croatian
Capital – Sarajevo

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• Pyramids
• At massa
• Condimentum

Croatia

Population - 4.3 million
Language - Croatian
Capital – Zagreb

Croatia has a wonderfully interesting history and culture, and is rated as the 18th most popular tourist destination in the world. It is bordered by Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia, and surrounded by Slovenia and Bosnia Herzegovina.

Croatia is a vibrant nation that ranks highly among Central European nations, and is amecca for those seeking sun, sailing and sea.

• Adriatic Coast
• Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Try some Fritule (fried dough)

Czech Republic

Population - 10.5 million
Language - Czech
Capital – Prague

The Czech Republic only became a republic at the beginning of 1993 after the famous Velvet Revolution in 1989, when the Soviet Union collapsed.

The city of a ‘hundred spires’ or the ‘Rome of the North’ as Prague is known, is the biggest drawcard for tourists. Beautiful castles, chapels, cheap beer and food as well as a lively reputation for a good night out, means this beautiful city has something for everyone.

• St.Vitus Cathedral & Hradcany Castle
• Lennon Wall and Vltava River
• Roasted duck, dumplings and apple strudel

Denmark

Population - 5.6 million
Language - Danish
Capital – Copenhagen

Denmark is the smallest and southernmost of the Nordic countries. It is also the oldest. Located north of its only land neighbour, Germany, southwest of Sweden, and south of Norway, it is located in northern Europe.

The Danish monarchy is the oldest existing monarchy in Europe, and the national flag is the oldest state flag in continuous use.

• Pyramids & Sphinx Aswan
• Langelinje Pier
• Eat Danish Pastries!

Egypt

Population - 86.9 million
Language - Arabic
Capital – Cairo

The Red sea, Pyramids, colossal monuments, River Nile, famous bazaars! Egypt is one of the oldest tourist destinations on earth and never fails to astonish. The most populous country of in the Arab world

• Pyramids & Sphinx Aswan
• Valley of the Kings
• Eat red sea fish & Shish Kebab

Estonia

Population - 1.3 million
Language - Estonian
Capital – Tallinn

Estonia is a Baltic state in Northern Europe, sharing land borders with Latvia and Russia. Estonia’s coastline lies on the Baltic sea and the Gulf of Finland. Although the summer is short, beautiful beaches dot the coastline.

• Bastion Tunnels & Kiek in de Kök
• Cathredal of Sain Mary the Virgin
• Estonian cheese & vodka
• Pulvinar augue

Finland

Population - 62 million
Language - Finnish
Capital – Helsinki

Finland borders Russia to the east, Norway to the North and Sweden to the west. Although a modern welfare state with well-planned and comfortable small towns and cities, Finland still offers vast areas of unspoiled natural beauty.

• 188 000 Lakes
• The market Square (Helsinki)
• Pannukakku (oven pancakes)

France

Population - 62 million
Language - French
Capital – Paris

The French pride themselves on one thing above all others - ‘being French’! The population of France is around 62 million and is the largest country in Western Europe.

The Eiffel Tower, which stands proudly near the banks of the Seine River, is the most visited man-made structure in the whole of Europe.

• Eiffel Tower
• The Louvre
• Arc De Triomphe
• Baguette with local cheese and pate

Germany

Population - 82 million
Language - German
Capital – Berlin

No other country has shaped modern European history more than Germany. Germanic tribes warred with and remained ultimately unconquered by the Roman Empire, and shortly after its downfall, proceeded to take over many areas of Europe and influence the style of speech, work and food.

• Holocaust memorial museum
• Ferbsehturm (Berlin)
• German Beer & Ice wine (Rhine valley!)

Greece

Situated at the southernmost corner of Europe and the Balkan Peninsula, Greece is also known as the birthplace of western civilization! Land of the Gods and Goddesses and the home of Greek Mythology.

Greece is home to rock formations, towers of sandstone and the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

• Athens, Mykonos and Santorini
• Greek Mediterranean islands
• Real Greek yoghurt

Hungary

These days, Hungary is ranked within the top 30 most popular tourist destinations of the world! Home of the largest thermal water cave system and the 2nd largest thermal lake in the world. It also has the largest lake in central Europe (Balaton) and the largest natural grasslands in Europe.

• Szechenyi Baths
• Danube River Cruise
• Goulash

Ireland

Ireland is one of the world’s favourite destinations. Blessed with ancient history, beautiful landscapes and fascinating, friendly people, Ireland is unforgettable. Cities like Dublin, Belfast and Galway offer glimpses on a culture that stretches back millennia.

There are museums, traditional music,breath-taking monuments, colourful political murals, quaint villages and ancient castles to explore too!

• Cliffs of Moher
• Giant's Causeway
• Irish fish and chips

Italy

Italy is a country that boasts more monuments of historical significance than any other country in the world. It is, contradictorily, the home of the catholic church and the mafia, and is famed for passion, food and design. It’s Italy!

• Coliseum in Rome
• Venice in a gonodola!
• Pizza, pasta and wine

Latvia

Officially known as the Republic of Latvia, this small nation was tucked behind the Iron Curtain until the early nineties. Today it is one of the most visited countries in the Baltics and lures visitors with its dramatic landscapes, rich heritage and vibrant capital, Riga.

• Centraltirgus (Central market in Riga)
• Peter Baznica (St Peter's Church)
• Bread soup, beer and cheese

Lithuania

Lithuania is located between Latvia, Belarus, Poland and the Russian exclave Kaliningrad Oblast. Quirky and vibrant, Lithuania is undoubtedly one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.

• Užupis district
• Cathedral square and Gedimino prospektas
• Cepelinai (potato dish)

Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe, being only 82km long and 57km wide. It is a strong financial centre and is considered to be the world’s second largest investment fund centre (after the USA) and the most important private banking centre in the Eurozone.

• Beaufort castle
• Mullerthal Region
• Smoked pork and Diekirch beer

Macedonia

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• Pyramids
• At massa
• Condimentum
• Pulvinar augue

Montenegro

'Montenegro' that literally means "Black Mountain" is one of the most Southern countries in Europe. Also known as the pearl of the Mediterranean, Montenegro boasts with stunning beaches, beautiful lakes and a coastline.

• Budva & Kotor
• Gospa od Skrjelo (Our Lady of the Rock)
• Enjoy hearty food like kacamak!

Netherlands

The Netherlands is a low-lying country with approximately a quarter of its area, and 21% of its population, below sea level. Much is made of the Dutch way of life, the quirky Germanic inspired language, the vast wealth accumulated in the 14th century and exploration undertaken to colonise the east.

• Red light district (Amsterdam)
• Canal cruise
• Dutch cheese, pancakes and craft beer

Poland

Wonderfully preserved architecture, picturesque cities, Frederick Chopin. Poland's scenic beauty is as varied as it is extraordinary.

• Royal capital - Krakow
• Auschwitz-Birkenau (Nazi concentration camp)
• Polish dumplings & beer!

Portugal

Sunny beaches, custard tarts and friendly people! Portugal is situated in the southwest of Europe and borders the Atlantic ocean between Europe and North America. Portugal is of the warmest European countries and you can expect a Mediterranean climate, stunning coastlines and remarkable views.

• The Baixa, Lisbon
• Algarve
• Cais de Ribeira in Porto

Russia

Russia is at once breathtaking and baffling. Winston Churchill’s much-quoted line that the world’s largest nation represented “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma” is as true today as it was back then.

• St. Petersburg
• Church on Spilled Blood
• Beef stroganoff

Serbia

Serbia in Southeastern Europe is a geographically diverse country that offers caves, canyons, mountains and well-preserved forests. Geopolitically Serbia plays a vital role in connecting western Europe with the East.

Serbia exports frozen fruit and grows one-third of the world's raspberries

• Belgrade & Novi Sad
• Sava & Danube Rivers
• Gulaš & Serbian coffee

Slovakia

Slovakia, not to be confused with Slovenia is a sovereign state located in Central Europe. The Slovak Republic once known as Czechoslovakia, separated peacefully from the Czech Republic in 1993. Slovak the national language is very closely related to the Czech.

Slovakia is blessed with 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – both natural and cultural.

• Bratislava Castle
• Old Town
• Bread, ham, soup and wine!

Slovenia

Slovenia joined the United Nations in 1993 and the European Union in 2007. Offering pristine nature in the from beautiful lakes, mountains, highlands and the Adriatic sea to museums, castles and markets.

• Triglav National park
• Julian Alps
• Bled Cream cake is a must!

Spain

Population - 10 million
Language - Spanish
Capital – Madrid

From riotous fiestas and sizzling cuisine to world-class museums and cutting edge art galleries, there’s a reason why Spain endures as one of the world’s most popular destinations. Like the country’s famous tapas, Spain itself is a tempting smorgasbord of bustling cities, scenic countryside and sunny islands.

• La Sagrada Familia
• Mont Juic and Catel de Mont
• Tapas - Spanish finger food!

Sweden

Population - 45 million
Language - Swedish
Capital – Stockholm

Sweden is a land of incredible contrasts, from the dense pine forests and craggy mountains of the north, to the rolling hills and glossy golden beaches of the south. But the diversity doesn’t stop at the suburbs, with each of Sweden’s seven major cities boasting its own character, history and unique architectural style.

• Sverige’s Kungahus (The Royal Palace)
• Östermalm
• Pickled herring, lingonberries and green princess cake!

Switzerland

Population - 8 million
Language - Swizz German, French, Italian, Romansch
Capital – Berne

Home of CERN, Swiss bank accounts, Roger Federer, fine chocolate, muesli and some of the best scenery in the world, Switzerland is efficient, safe, beautiful and expensive!

• Jungfrau region
• Trummelbach falls
• The Alpenrose Hotel in Wilderswil
• Swizz cheese and chocolates

Turkey

Population - 75 million
Language - Turkish
Capital – Istanbul

Turkey offers the most colorful mix of cultures, tastes and colours. A country that connects eastern Europe and western Asia! Istanbul - once known as Constantinople - is the capital and a melting pot of cultures. Find attractions like bazaars, mosques and imperial architecture.

• Hagia Sophia
• Sultan Ahmed Mosque
• Turkish Kebab & Baklava

United Kingdom

Population - 64 million
Language - English
Capital – London

They don’t call it ‘Great’ Britain for nothing. The Expat Explore Great Britain Tour takes in the very best of England, Scotland and Wales, where tales of historic battles, Scottish lake monsters, English bards, ancient stone formations and rock and roll bands will be told.

• Cambridge
• York
• Scottish Highlands
• Bangers & mash with Yorkshire pudding!