Europe Tourism Guide
Europe is the most visited continent in the world – and with good reason too. From stunning natural beauty that will take your breath away to deep-rooted culture and  raditions that stand strong till date, and from vibrant culinary experiences that delight your taste buds in the best kind of way to fun festivals that promise something for everyone – you will find that no matter which countries you visit, Europe tourism truly offers it all. You’ve seen it in movies, you’ve read about it in books and you’ve dreamt of it deeply. Now, it’s time to stop dreaming and start planning!

Europe Tourism	Information
Official Language	English, French, German
Also Known as	the land of the Franks
Currency	Euro (EUR)
Time Zone	UTC+1
Area	10,180,000 Square kilometer
Best known for	Eiffel Tower, Beaches and Islands
Things To Do	Visit Churches And Cathedrals, Art Galleries And Museums And Shopping
Places To Visit	Italy, Spain, France And United Kingdom

Geography Of Europe
Located in the Northern Hemisphere, Europe is the union of several peninsulas and islands. The largest peninsulas, Mainland Europe and Scandinavia to the north, are divided by the Baltic Sea, while the Iberian peninsula, Italy and the Balkans can be found down south. The Black and Aegean Seas clearly separate the Balkans from Asia, while the Adriatic Sea separates the Balkans from Italy, and the Mediterranean Sea separates the Balkans from Iberia, and Europe from Africa.
The sheer size of Europe means that topography and terrain tends to change from region to region as well. To the north, you are likely to find rocky terrain, glaciers and the iconic Scandinavian fjords, which are formed when a glacier recedes. Central Europe is less rugged and more wooded than its northern counterpart. Its most notable highlands include the Ardennes in Belgium, the Vosges in France and the Black Forest in Germany.
However, some of the most popular Europe tourism places can be found in the Balkan and Italian peninsulas. Collectively known as the Alpine Mountain Range, this area includes the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Apennines, the Balkans and the Carpathians, as well as the infamous volcano, Mount Vesuvius. If you’re looking for a winter adventure, including some skiing, snowboarding and après-ski fun, look no further than the European Alps – a must-do in Europe tourism.

Europe Climate
Just like its terrain, Europe’s weather varies dramatically across seasons and regions. As Europe sits entirely in the Northern hemisphere, Spring falls from March to May, Summer from June to August, Autumn from September to November and Winter from December to February. However, rest assured that ‘summer’ can mean very different things for temperature and climate, depending on how far north or south you find yourself.
As a rule of thumb, countries like Spain, Portugal and Italy, that lie near the Mediterranean, tend to be warmer than their Scandinavian counterparts that lie in the north, meaning that their summers will be significantly drier and hotter and their winters will be much milder. This makes Mediterranean countries a first-choice for many when it comes Europe tourism, but rest assured that Northern Europe holds its own charm, too. In fact, the best time to visit Europe during summertime in Scandinavia is the endless daylight, often marked by the celebration of Midsummer festivals across the region.

European Culture
European culture is strongly marked by an appreciation for the arts. Music, literature, philosophy, film, architecture and fine art are not only an important part of the continent’s history, but its present. Therefore, a key aspect of Europe tourism is immersing yourself in this wonderful world – visiting the Louvre in Paris, experience open-air opera in Rome, enjoying a flamenco festival in Spain or participating in one of the many film festivals that take place throughout the year in Europe.
However, don’t forget that Europe is one of the most multicultural parts of the world! This makes the continent a melting pot for interesting ideas and experiences. Today, you can feast on both authentic and updated versions of traditional European cuisine, enjoy music that is a pleasant fusion of old and new sounds, and even, enjoy a taste of the East by visiting one of the many Chinatowns that dot the continent.

Europe Tour 
Europe tourism has been booming for decades, with the immense popularity of destinations like Paris, Rome, Venice and London. But in recent years, there has been a rising interest in lesser-explored countries in Europe, like Croatia, Montenegro, Malta, Iceland and more. The beauty of travelling to and within Europe is that you can always find and create an exciting itinerary, no matter what your preferences and budget may be.
Today, it’s very easy to get around Europe as well, with the well-connected Eurail which links 28 countries together, intercity buses that are safe and easy on the pocket, and cheap flight tickets from low-cost providers like Easy Jet, Ryan Air and the likes. If you’re travelling with a large group of family or friends, it is often convenient – and really fun – to rent a car and make it a road trip to remember. Most European cities have good taxi availability and ride-sharing applications like Uber are often available as well. Local taxis tend to run by the meter and are usually quite safe and comfortable to take during the day and night; however, you often don’t need them, because most
places are very well connected by the local train and bus systems. These become even cheaper when you opt for a daily or weekly travel pass.
If you’re craving some retail therapy, Europe is the ideal place to shop – not only for popular high-street brands, but also, for unique, unusual trinkets that you will find in the flea markets and stalls that are frequent in most countries. Avoid tourist-traps and purchasing souvenirs from neighbourhoods that are popular with tourists, as prices will almost certainly be inflated. Instead, venture down the off-beaten track, and explore local shopping destinations wherever you go – you will not only find better prices, but better products as well.
Now, that you have got the low-down on the world’s most loved travel destination – it’s time to start planning a “EuroTrip” of your own. At ATMSH TOURS, we offer a wide range of Europe tour packages  that allow you to visit Europe in your own way and your own time. Head over to your nearest ATMSH TOURS branch or give us a call to make your European travel dreams a reality!

Language Spoken
English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Italian, Swedish, Portugese Currency used:
Euro
DEC-FEB-5 to 5 oC
JUN-SEP14 to 20 oC
OCT-NOV10 oC
MAR-MAY5 to 12 oC

Things to do in Europe
Your mind has been made. Your leave has been approved. You are finally going to Europe. But where? Choosing the things to do in Europe can be overwhelming, even for the most experienced travellers – after all, there is so much to see and never enough time! To ensure that you make the most of your trip and tick as much as you possibly can from your bucket list, we’ve put together a nifty list of what to see in Europe.
Europe tourist attractions combine the very best of history, culture, art and architecture, giving tourists an insight into the rich evolution of the continent. While every city has its own attractions, you will find some commonalities across the continent. 
If you’re ready to start seeing the very best of things to do in Europe. We promise you, it will be the trip of a lifetime!

Europe is a beautiful country with multiple places which are a must see for any traveller. We’ve highlighted some which we feel are a must visit when you travel to Europe.
• Italy
• Spain
• France
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• Greece
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
Europe is the world’s most visited continent, and with good reason too. Located in the Northern hemisphere, it is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea on the south, the Arctic Ocean to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It is separated from Asia by the Ural river, the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea and the Turkish Straits. Although the reach and region of Europe has been defined and redefined many times over the years, today, the continent is made up of forty-four countries, the largest being Russia and the smallest being Vatican City. Every country and city offers a unique cultural experience for tourists, featuring arts and theatre, attractions and monuments, food and drink,
and festivals and celebrations.
We’ve put together a list of the most important places to visit in Europe, to help you plan your next holiday to the continent.
Whether you have your heart set on one country or are keen to visit multiple, we will help you plan your dream Europe trip and make it a reality. Contact us or explore the multitude of packages available on our website to learn more. 

Best Time to Visit Europe
One of the most important aspects of planning any holiday is deciding when to go – but it isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. Europe is one of the most favored destinations for holiday makers. Surrounded by mountains, flora and fauna and with its history, tourism in Europe has seen a considerable spike thanks to hordes of visitors.
If you are on a holiday planning mode, then Europe should be on top of the list. The best time to visit Europe is during the summer months of June to September. This is the time when the sun is high, the beaches are warm and the weather is sunny.  Temperatures are known to touch the higher side of the thirties and it is advisable to check the conditions before you head out. This is also the time when most of the countries boast of cultural events, galas and even end of season fashion sale.  This is also an ideal time for hikes, road trips and adventure activities.
If you have planned for a winter vacation, keep in mind that there are possibilities of showers and snow.   If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, then winter would be the perfect time for you to plan a trip. However, before you book your Europe holiday, you should remember that not all the countries will have the same weather at the same time.  If Southern Europe is warm, then the chances of Northern Europe having the same weather are minuscule. Finding the best time to visit Europe depends on many factors, including the weather, the cities you plan to visit and of course, your own personal preferences and holiday budget. With that in mind, we have broken down the year into three key travel seasons for Europe, outlining what you should expect from each of them.

European Summer
The peak season runs from June to August. Many consider the summer months of June to August to be the best season to go to Europe.The weather is warmer, the days are longer and the sheer level of activity and buzz is higher – but keep in mind that travelling to Europeduring the peak season comes with certain caveats.
First and foremost, expect to find crowds of other tourists wherever you go, but more so in popular cities like Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Amsterdam. This means longer waiting times – whether to get into popular tourist attractions or simply have a meal at a restaurant. Of course, it is easy to work around this by purchasing your tickets for key tourist attractions and monuments in advance (many have the option to buy priority passes online), and by making restaurant reservations a few weeks before you fly. By planning out your day and making sure that you visit tourist hotspots early in the morning or later in the evening, you can avoid the worst of it. Still, you will face throngs of tourists – and this can be an overwhelming experience for some.
In addition to the crowds, travelling during the peak seasons means that most aspects of your trip will be more expensive. Ensure that you book your flight tickets, hotels and rental cars well in advance, so that you avoid facing unnecessarily high fees or worse – options getting sold out altogether!
Having said that, Europe in the summer is absolutely beautiful – and for some key cities (especially beach destinations) summer really is the best time to travel to Europe. In addition, certain experiences such as celebrating Bastille Day in France or participating in the La Tomatina festival held in Spain, can only be experienced in the summertime. And if you’re travelling with children, they will certainly enjoy the hustle  and bustle of peak season!

Off Peak Season Europe Travel
The months before and after peak season – April to June and September to November – are a smart choice. If you have a certain level of flexibility and you’re not planning around fixed dates such as school holidays, the months directly before or after the summertime can be the best time to go to Europe. You can enjoy good weather and long days without the crowds of tourists that come during the summer, allowing you to maximise your time in every city and have a more authentic experience.
In addition, you are likely to be able to do more with the same amount of money – flight tickets will be cheaper, hotel rooms will not only be more reasonably priced but also, more widely available in good neighborhoods and many other expenses like car rental or city tours will be lower as well. The only down-side with travelling before or after peak seasons is the unpredictable weather, so make sure to pack for both warm and cool weather.
When it comes to choosing between visiting during Spring or Autumn, you must consider the places and cities that you plan to visit, to decide which is the best time to visit Europe for you and your travel companions. Again, certain experiences can only be had during certain seasons – such as the Tulip Festival in Amsterdam that takes place in spring or the iconic Oktoberfest in Munich that is a must-do in autumn.

European Winter
The off-season runs from November to March and allows you to see a completely different side of Europe. If you are a solo traveller, budget- conscious adventurer or simply more flexible when it comes to timing your travel, the cold months of winter are definitely the best time to visit Europe. The months of November to March are the cheapest time to visit the continent. Besides, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy many tourist attractions and monuments thoroughly and in your own time, without being crowded and overwhelmed by other tourists at every turn. Having said that, it is important to note that many destinations that are buzzing during the summertime are often closed or lacklustre during the winter months – so make sure to plan your itinerary wisely.
While the days are shorter and the weather is dramatically cooler, winter in Europe is a very different experience. You will have the opportunity to see how the continent celebrates Christmas, which is one of the biggest holidays across Europe. Experiences like visiting Christmas markets, staying in ice hotels or enjoying skiing and other snow-based activities, can only be enjoyed during the wintertime – and are definitely a quintessential part of experiencing Europe. And if you’re looking to spy the Northern Lights, this is definitely the best time to visit Europe to maximise your chances. Just make sure you pack a trusty winter jacket and don’t forget your woollens, either!
It’s clear that Europe has a wide range of delightful activities and experiences to offer for every type of traveller, regardless of the season. To ensure that you maximise your time and your money – and see nothing but the very best of Europe.

Europe Currency 
Europe continues to reign at the number one spot in the ‘most frequently travelled tourist destination’ category. And there are a number of reasons for that. The scenic varied topography from the amazing Alps to the magnificent Mediterranean coastline, rich history and cultural heritage, diverse climates in beautiful natural regions, authentic wide-ranging cuisines and world-famous architecture in Europe invite travellers from every corner of the world. The European visa processing is less cumbersome and most importantly, most of the countries belonging to European continent are safe to travel. Tourists can either focus their itinerary on a single European nation or they may opt for a host of countries at one stroke. There are many Europe tour packages available with tour planners in the market. A well-thought plan on what are the places to visit in Europe will surely make it a memorable trip. The compact geography of European continent added with a meticulously developed transport infrastructural system makes the travel enjoyable, convenient and fast. 

Europe Currency Information  
Out of the 28 member states, the currency used in Europe, Euro (€) is the official currency of 19 member states of the European Union (EU). The group of states is named Euro zone or Euro area. After the US dollar, the EU’s currency is the second largest and second most traded currency in the foreign market. In addition, the European Euro has one of the highest combined values of banknotes and coins in circulation globally. The institutions of the EU as well as four European microstates—viz. Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco and San Marino that are not EU members—officially use this currency. Moreover, more than 200 million people across the world use currencies pegged to Europe’s Euro. One current Euro currency is 1.11 US dollars and 79.12 Indian rupees. 

History Of Europe Currency  
Almost all of Europe nowadays uses the single currency, Euro and this has made things simpler, especially for travellers like you. Prior to 1999, every European nation had its own currency. But after that, the EU took an important move towards a unified Europe. An economic and political structure in Europe was formed by 11 European nations and its membership became important. The organisation extended significant support and financial aid to the nations meeting the required criteria and seeking to join the same. Foreseeing that the adoption of a single currency across 23 participating nations would make things easier, the individual monetary unit of every EU nation was decided to
be replaced by Euro and since 2002 onwards, these Eurozone nations started to use Euro as their official currency. 

Best Place To Exchange Currency In Europe   
It is always prudent to inform your bank that you will be travelling to Europe and that should be intimated in advance before the date of your travel. In doing so, you will probably save some good percentage of fees, which you would have normally paid while using the currency exchange outlets. You can carry your bank’s debit card to the country you are visiting and use it there withdrawing foreign currency for negligible or no fee depending on your bank. You might only have to pay a small percentage of the transaction fee. You might even exchange money at your bank itself. If you are a high net worth privileged customer of the same, this actually is not a bad idea as the bank is likely to waive off your fees. Another good option is to use credit cards that offer 0% foreign transaction fee and which has a chip and PIN card. It is a much better deal compared to other possibilities. However, try to keep the airports and hotel desks your absolute last resort with respect to currency exchange as it is going to cost you as much as 25% in fees.  

Digital Transactions In Europe  
There is a significant upsurge in digital payments across Europe. And the demand for digital transactions is on the rise. The introduction of digital payments and digital wallets has changed the entire scenario of digital transaction. It is already extremely popular among users, especially among the youth. However, with the rise in service providers along with the upsurge in the convenience of payment methods, cyber security has become a critical factor across European nations. Effective steps have been taken up to curb the menace and maintain things under a tight grip.

Tipping In Europe  
While some European countries think it is excessive and unnecessary as people in service earn a decent salary, some think that tipping is generally not a common practice in Europe. What should be the amount for the tip depends on the country you are visiting, because it varies from country to country. However, a gesture of generosity is quite welcome wherever you visit. Try and see you don’t exceed 10% of the final bill because if it is beyond that, it may be considered excessive.

Europe Travel Guide
After much contemplation and speculation, you have finally chosen Europe as your destination. Travelling abroad is exciting but could also be unnerving at the same time. However, European travel comes in two folds- Western and Eastern. Confused? Do not worry, we will give you a sneak peek of both to help you make the right decision! Let’s make sure that your plan works out by creating a timeline and guiding you step by step. 
Pre-trip jitters are no strangers to us, which is why it is essential to prep yourself for the trip way before the travel date! Here are a few tips to make yourself trip-ready and ensure everything’s in place before the D-day! Be it two weeks prior to the trip or just a few days before it, we have got you covered with all the necessities that you need. 
Two Weeks Prior

Here are some questions you may have before you head on to that fun trip in Europe:
What are the Important Documents required to Travel To Europe?
Visa – The earliest time to apply for a visa would be three months. However, the latest you could apply is two weeks prior to your trip. The documents required are:
• Application form signed as per passport signature
• Passport with a validity of six months 
• Two passport sized colour photographs taken at least three months prior  
• You will also have to give an interview at your nearest visa application centre. Once that is done, pay the visa fee and wait for your visa to be processed. This usually takes up to 15 days post the visa interview.

What Do I Pack?
Be it Western or Eastern Europe, here are some essentials you’ll need:  
• Clothing depending on the season of travel
• Comfortable light clothing
• Body pouch to conceal important documents and money
• Formal clothing 
• Day backpacks
• Sun-smart gear
• Heavy-duty deodorant
• Comfortable shoes
• Some tit bits to munch on for the journey 
• A book to read

What is the Maximum Luggage Allowed by Airlines?
• Your luggage should not weigh more than 23 kgs for Economy class and 32 kgs for Business class for storage in the luggage section of the aircraft. 
• For cabin baggage, the limit is 7kgs.
However, please check the luggage rules of the airline you are flying as these tend to differ across carriers.


Two To Three Days Before The Trip
Foreign Currency
• Western Europe – ATMSH TOURS provides you with currency notes and Forex Cards which can be used for ATM withdrawals and electronic transactions at retail outlets. The currency accepted in Western European countries such as France, Britain and Switzerland respectively are-
• €1= 80 INR (Euro)
• £1= 89 INR (Pound Sterling)
• One Swiss franc= 72 INR
• Eastern Europe – The Currency accepted in Eastern European countries such as Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia and Kosovo is (€) Euro Power Banks And Adapters You need to make sure that you are always accessible. It is essential to stay connected with the people you are travelling with and to have access to information while on the go. Hence, make sure that your power banks are always charged in case your phone batteries run out during the trip. You do not want a dead phone when you reach an unknown destination. Also, do not forget to carry universal plug chargers and adapters with you. Europe uses the same two round pronged outlets and Type C plugs and sockets. To be on the safer side, you should get all-in-one adapter since they may differ as per the European country you are visiting.  

Toiletries
• Hand sanitizers is a must to protect yourself from any germs you may have been exposed to during the trip. 
• Toothpaste and toothbrush, though available in the hotel, is a more hygienic option if it’s your own. 
• A sunscreen and moisturizer at all times, to protect your skin from the sun and the dryness that one’s face is susceptible to in the winters. 
• Your own face wash, which you can use anywhere and anytime during the trip to feel fresh. 
• Shampoo and conditioner, since you know your hair type best; the hotel provided ones may not suit your skin.
• Your personal hair comb or brush, which ideally, must not be shared with anyone. 

Clothes
• Winter clothes
• Swimwear if you are visiting in the summers and wish to laze around in the pool or the sea
• A cardigan or two keep yourself warm
• A lightweight jacket
• A pair of woollen leggings
• An elegant outfit

• Sports shoes
• A pair or two of formal shoes for the night

Medicines
• Always keep a first aid kit handy with you in case of any emergencies.
• Pain killers
• Antiseptic cream
• Safety pins
• Crepe rolled bandages 
• Skin rash cream
• Cough and cold medicines
• Vitamins 
• Prescription medicine with the prescription
• Antidiarrheal medicines

The Day Of Travel
Food
You could carry some ready to eat food like biscuits, nuts, sandwiches or rolls to keep your stomach full during the trip or just in case the airlines food doesn’t suit you. Homemade food is safer as you do not want an upset stomach on a flight.

Important Documents
• Valid photo identification proofs such as your passport to enter the airport and even to access certain places in Europe
• Visa
• A printed copy of your ticket
• Photocopies of important documents such as your tickets, passports, visas, valid photo identification proofs, credit/debit/forex cards, and hotel and other sightseeing bookings
• Scanned copies of the above, which must be emailed to yourself 

Insurance
God forbid, if unwanted circumstances were to interrupt your trip or cut it short after the bookings have been made, travel insurance is a way to get some of your money back. Most international travel insurance companies provide you services such as medical assistance on your phone and reimbursement of medical costs during the trip, no matter where you are. 

Important Numbers
Always keep handy the numbers of the local Consulate, police and other emergency services as well as of the travel consultants and agents you have organised your trip through. 

Hotel Bookings
Confirm your hotel bookings and insist on the payment receipt or booking voucher before you reach your destination. Some hotels also provide pick up and drop facilities from and to the airport. ATMSH TOURS also organises hotel bookings for you as a part of its Europe tour packages. 

Cash/Card
Credit cards are accepted by most hotels and restaurants in Europe. You will also find 24/7 ATMs. MasterCard and Visa are the widely accepted credit cards in Europe. However, do notify your credit card company of your travel dates before you leave and check on the surcharges that may be applicable on international travel. 

During The Trip
Western Europe – If you are visiting Western Europe, knowing a few French/Italian phrases could prove to be handy. Here are some phrases
in French, the most widely spoken language in Western Europe:
• Hello/Good Morning- Bonjour
• My name is – Je m’appelle 
• Can you help me? –  Pouvez-vous m’aider?
• Where? – Où?
• I feel sick- J’ai mal au cœur.
Eastern Europe – If you are visiting Eastern Europe, knowing a few Russian phrases could prove to be handy. Here are some phrases in the
most widely spoken language in Eastern Europe:
• Hello/Good Morning – Privet
• My name is – Menya zovut
• Can you help me? – Mozhete vy pomoch’mne?
• Where? – Gde?
• I feel sick – Menya toshnit

Tips For Travelling In Europe
Western Europe 
• If you are backpacking across Western Europe and are looking for some peace and solitude with some entertainment for your kids, head to the bikeable city of Amsterdam. If you are an art lover, do visit the Anne Frank and Van Gogh Museums. Head to Dublin to admire its doors as Irish eyes smile back at you. Pack a hearty lunch and head to the National Museum of Ireland.

• Paris, London and Rome are some of the most frequented cites to enjoy in Western Europe.
• Getting around – The most convenient way to explore Western Europe would be to hop onto a Megabus, a cheap mode of transport to get around Europe. Use the European rail system and get a Eurail pass for short city-to-city travel. 
• If you are looking to try out some local dishes, try Currywurst in Germany or grab a freshly baked baguette in France! 

Eastern Europe 
• If you are taking the road less travelled and are looking for some breathtaking Instagram worthy locations, head to Prague and stroll across Charles Bridge. Head to Budapest to witness its larger than life buildings and dramatic architecture.  If you want some adventure, head to Slovakia’s picturesque High Tatras to hike and ski. 
• Budapest, Croatia and Russia are some of the most frequented places to enjoy in Eastern Europe.
• Getting around – The most convenient way to explore Eastern Europe would be by using the metro networks in places like Russia, Poland, Czech Republic and Budapest. You can also hop on to shared minibuses if you are travelling between mountain towns. 
• If you are looking to try out some local dishes, try Trukli (Cheese pastry) when in Croatia. Also try the Apple strudel and Sacher Torte in Austria. 
• Tipping is considered unnecessary by most European countries. However, if you do plan to tip, do pay a modest one since people in the service sector already earn a decent wage.

Social Etiquette
• Try to keep your volume down 
• Greet shopkeepers when you enter and leave a store
• Make sure your hands are visible as you eat
• Do not assume that everybody converses in English. Make an attempt to speak some French before you resort to English. Cost of living in Europe

Western Europe –
• A double room in a decent hotel would cost you around €70-120 
• Meals in good restaurants could go up to €20-40 per person depending upon the type of restaurant and what you order
• A short taxi trip would cost you €10-20 approximately

Eastern Europe –
• A double room in a decent hotel would cost you around €40
• Meals in good restaurants start from €10 per person depending upon the type of restaurant and what you order
• A short taxi trip would cost you €10-15 approximately
When to visit Europe

Western Europe –
• The best time to visit Western Europe would be between Mid-May to Mid-September, especially if you want to take a dip in the lake or sea. There are hardly any fluctuations in the weather and the temperature more or less remains the same.
• To engage in some skiing, do travel during late November and April. Eastern Europe –
• The best time to visit Eastern Europe would be between July to August, especially if you want to head to the beach or go hiking.
• If you are a party animal, do travel during May to June and September to October since that is when spring and music festivals unfold.

A Glimpse of Europe through Art:
Movie – Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge: this iconic film captures scenic locations across Europe
Music – Ho gaya hai tujhko: shot at King’s Cross Station in London