Featured European Destinations

Slovenia is a tiny country, only half the size of Switzerland, often known as "Europe in Miniature" due to its magnificent and varied scenery. It has a rich and complicated history, formerly part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until World War 1.  These days, Slovenia is visited for its diverse and beautiful scenery from mountains that are home to world class ski resorts to the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean. The changing landscape is constantly surprising, time and again. In fact, you can have one eye on the sea, then look in the other direction and be surrounded by high mountains.

Besides the CentrO shopping mall, the area is also home to attractions such as a children's theme park and a water-lined boulevard with restaurants and pubs. The mall was based on Meadowhall, a large shopping centre in Sheffield, England (both malls had the same developer).

Nestled ideally between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is governed by the Swiss and uses Swiss currency, but maintains its own postal system, producing the often-souvenired Liechtenstein postage stamp). The national population stands at only 32,900.

Australian ski instructor, Kate Haring, recently spent some time skiing the magnificent Sassongher in Italy's Dolomites.  Kate was really impressed with the quality of skiing on offer in the Val Scura region and hopes to return again soon.

Kate shares her story with us.

Thanks to George Clooney, many Aussies have heard of Lake Como, where he owns a luxurious lakeside villa, but Italy’s biggest lake, Lake Garda, still remains a virtual unknown to the average Aussie tourist. It is, however, definitely worth a visit, and offers something for all ages.

Switzerland’s capital, Bern, is often overlooked on a European itinerary, but it is a city with plenty to offer the visitor.  Located in the Swiss Mittelland (middle land) region, Bern is within easy reach of many of Switzerland’s more popular destinations but warrants at least of couple of days to discover this historic city which was added to UNESCO’s world heritage list in 1983.

Founded way back in 1191, the city was built to offer protection on three sides with the River Aare providing protection on the fourth.  In 1405 most of the city was destroyed by fire.  Rebuilding started almost immediately in sandstone and many of these buildings still remain.  The clock tower, which still stands today, was the city’s first gate and is one of the most important landmarks in Bern.  More than 800 years later, visitors can watch the clockwork figures perform every hour, and admire the intricate clock face which was added in 1530.

Disneyland in the USA has always been a popular holiday destination for Australian families with both kids and adults alike happy to spend a day or two in their own ‘Fantasyland’ but since 1992 the Disneyland name has also become synonymous with Paris.

Originally called Euro Disney, the Disney Corporation built one of the finest parks of its kind, taking its lead from the original Disneyland in California. The Paris park is home to almost all the famous attractions of the Californian version including Pirates of the Caribbean, It's a Small World and Big Thunder Mountain, but all with a slight French influence. And best of all for the kids, they can meet all their favourite characters, Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy, as they wander through the park.