Europe and Middle East

My Burgundy & Provence river cruise with Avalon Waterways was the most relaxing vacation I ever experienced. The lovely ship Avalon Scenery was modern, and the crew was so accommodating.

The most southern area of Spain is an autonomous community called Andalusia. The region is so rich in culture and history, and it's the home of flamenco and bullfighting.

Coastal Barcelona and inland Madrid are both booming cities in Spain. But they also contain treasure-troves of historic buildings, ancient churches, pretty plazas and interesting neighborhoods.

A three day weekend is plenty of time to see the best of Eastern Austria. While the region is beautiful any time of year, it is transformed into a magical snowy fairytale setting during late autumn and as a bonus the Christmas markets (open air craft and food markets sprinkled throughout the region spreading holiday cheer) are open from November through the end of the year.

Here's a look at two quintessential Austrian cities; one straddles the Danube River in the eastern part of the country, and the other is further west, and a bit inland from a significant waterway, but it's a popular day trip on many cruises along the Danube River.

With its history, sophistication and culture, London is not only the United Kingdom's capital city, but a treasure-trove of important architectural sites, royal buildings, theatre experiences, and myriad of shops and world-famous department stores.

This AffordableTours.com staffer thoroughly enjoyed her "Burgandy and Provence" river cruise aboard the River Royale.

This Tauck cruise-and-tour vacation combines touring in Turkey and Greece with a magnificent 7-night cruise aboard a 148-passenger motor yacht. It is a delightful way to explore this ancient part of the world by land and by sea.

Ephesus in present-day western Turkey was an important trade center in ancient Greek times, later growing to become the second-largest city in the Roman Empire. Today, visitors can tour the archaeological site to see the ruins of the Temple of Artemis.

A shore excursion is rarely enough time to delve into a destination, but the author got enough of a glimpse to know he wants to return.

Who doesn't like free attractions? Check out these options for a budget-friendly trip to Amsterdam.

What to see and do during a short visit to Casablanca, Morroco's largest city.

With less than five hours in Barcelona, here's what you might see and do on a mostly driving tour of the city. Keep a close eye on your purse and wallet! Unfortunately, pickpockets are common in Barcelona.

A myriad of performances -- from military bands to stiltwalkers to dancers -- take place at this annual event at Edinburgh Castle, held every August for more than 200,000 visitors.

If your time in London is limited, here are five not-to-be-missed experiences to enjoy in England's capital city.

While you might stay in Naples, Italy, to take in its charm, many cruisers take the day trip to nearby Pompeii, to see the ancient town preserved in ash after Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D.

Karon Warren is a freelance lifestyle and travel writer living in Ellijay, Georgia. Learn more about Karon at her website, www.karonwarren.com.

Situated on the Oslo fjord, the capital city of Norway is compact, making it a great place to explore on foot. Here are some must-see sights.

Get up close and personal with these quintessential hallmarks of the Dutch country on a river cruise throughout Holland -- and neighboring Belgium -- in the colorful springtime months.

From ancient archaeological sites to the plethora of beaches, active volcanoes to white adobe architecture hugging seaside cliffs, the islands of Greece beckon visitors with so much to see and do.

Water is a major player in Copenhagen, where you’ll find a wonderful blend of ancient city streets and lively canals, all intertwined to create the capital of Denmark.

AffordableTours.com Travel Consultant Jan Warzecha Details her journey along the Danube at Christmastime.

Away from the crowds, this Aegean jewel is rich in legendary and natural wonders. Take the time to explore Mykonos off the beaten path during a day-long cruise stop or tour of multiple Greek islands.

Germany's reborn capital provides plenty of natural and man-made action. Watch windsurfers on an urban lake, rent a bike and ride in the dedicated cycling lanes, or stroll through history at the Olympic Stadium.

Astounding views of Mount Vesuvius pale against the sky, lingering scents of lemon groves, quiet winding wide streets, busy town squares abuzz with traffic--all combine to make this seaside resort as alluring a mix today as it has been for visitors throughout the ages.

A feast for all the senses, the culinary delights of Barcelona are easily savored while visiting this cosmopolitan hub of the Mediterranean.

Rome is awash in the exciting culmination of nearly 2,700 years of history -- from the weathered arches of the Roman Forum and Renaissance palaces to hand-sculpted Baroque fountains and Michelangelo's marvelous artwork that glorifies the Vatican's Sistine Chapel.

Every year more than 6 million people travel to this tiny village at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains for spiritual healing.

Every great city in Europe is a spectacle, pulsating with drama. Prague is a lyric opera. Get to know this enchanting capital on an escorted tour of the Czech Republic.

Make sure you arrive hungry for your meal at Malzmuhle beer hall in Cologne. Huge portions of "hearty peasant fare" will stuff you silly -- but not break the bank. And the beer's pretty tasty, too.

If you want to see the most active volcano in Europe burst lava in the darkness, you need to get up at the crack of dawn. And even then, an eruption is not guaranteed!

If you've already toured Thira, Santorini's main town, consider a boat trip to Nea Kamini, an uninhabited island that is also a dormant volcano.

Originally, the Temple of Debod stood on the right bank of the River Nile, just above the First Cataract near Aswan, dedicated to the god Amun and the goddess Isis. Today, it's a stone's throw from the Puerto del Sol plaza in Madrid, Spain.

One traveler's impressions of what remains of the Berlin Wall,which once stopped the migration of Germans from East to West. Its rubble is a reminder of the Cold War.

Here's what to see and do on this intriguing island -- Britain's last colony.

Get gussied up and enjoy an afternoon of elegance and tradition. High tea at one of London's finest hotels is an experience you won't soon forget. And it's not just tea: choose from an array of sandwiches, scones, champagne and other treats!

Here's what to see and do in Lisbon, Portugal's capital city on the Atlantic coast.

No trip to Ireland is complete without a visit to Blarney Castle in County Cork to kiss the famous Blarney Stone.

A detailed review of a 9-day journey in the Burgundy and Provence regions of France, including 7 nights on the MS River Royale.

If you've never been to Italy, taking an escorted tour that visits three of the most popular cities is an excellent way to get an overview of Italian culture, art, cuisine and history.

A city known for its coffee culture, opera, classical music and ultra-rich Sachertorte, Vienna is a wonderful city to visit.

A relaxed trip to Italy features good food, medieval architecture, a scenic boat ride and plenty of Italian art.

Since the 12th century, pilgrimages to this seaside town in southern Provence, France, have taken place to honor Mary Jacob and Mary Salome, as well as Black Sara -- patroness of the Romany gypsy people.

It's hard to beat cycling for delivering so much of the rhythm of the city in such a short period of time -- from the sound of a marching band at the Eiffel Tower, to the scent of spring blooms at Jardin des Tuileries, to the thrill of the find at the Carreau du Temple flea market.

Tour these fascinating limestone caverns on your Costa del Sol vacation. Discovered accidentally by a group of young boys in 1959, the caves contain skeletal remains and artifacts that show they were inhabited from about 25,000 B.C.

An incredible feat of construction and engineering, Rome's iconic Colosseum has entertained Romans and visitors for 2,000 years.

Pleasant temperatures, very little rain, an efficient transit system and reasonable prices make the Sun Coast a wonderful winter destination.

The most popular museums in Florence are The Accademia and Uffizi, housing truly the best Renaissance art collections in the world. But Florence also features smaller, equally jaw-droppingly impressive art museums.

The best restaurants in Florence, Italy, run the gamut from formal and ornate, to casual and fun. Whatever your style, you are sure to enjoy a fine Italian meal at these eateries.

An overview of the art and architecture of Florence, Italy. This city is home to the largest collection of Renaissance art and architecture in the world.

AffordableTours.com Travel Consultant Brenda Priest details her journey along France’s Seine River

River cruising is one of the fastest-growing modes of travel worldwide. From castles to Christmas markets, here’s what you can expect to see on this famous waterway in Germany.

A journey through this Mediterranean country is a feast for the senses. Enjoy its wonderfully savory cuisine � from pasta and pizza to polenta and Parmesan.