Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Republic of Ireland Travel Guide
Republic of Ireland – Tours & Adventure Travel Guide
PureTravel Says“The Republic of Ireland has a rich geology and a diverse terrain helped by the warmth from the North Atlantic. There are ancient mountains, ocean and lush green landscapes with lakes and bogs. Explore the east from the granite Wicklow Hills to the west and Connemara the "many-coloured land." Ireland is steeped in mythological traditions from "Diarmuid and Gráinne's Bed" and is famous for its literature and writers and traditional music. Explore Ireland and its wealth of history and culture within the castles, monuments and museums. There are also incredible prehistoric tombs, stone circles and hill forts. Visit neoclassical buildings and Georgian areas in Dublin. Come to Ireland and soak up the craic, the true spirit of this magical country.”
Republic of Ireland Holiday Highlights
History & Culture - The Republic of Ireland consists of 26 counties with a population of 4.2 million and has some fascinating historical and cultural sites. The modern and bustling capital city, Dublin is nestled in Dublin Bay and has the River Liffey running through it. Explore the architecture of Trinity College, the gold treasures at The National Museum and Irish art and the Yeats collection at The National Gallery. See also the historic Kilmainham Gaol and Croke Park stadium.Close to Dublin are the modern counties of Wicklow, Kildare and Meath and whilst here visit the monastic site of Glendalough, learn about the major industry of horse racing at The National Stud in Kildare and see Castletown, a Palladian mansion. Historic Trim has the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, there are Neolithic remains at Loughcrew Cairns and visit the popular prehistoric Bru na Boinne.
Louth, Monaghan and Cavan in the north has the historic town of Drogheda, relics at Monasterboice and stunning mountains at The Cooley Peninsula where you can see Carlingford Loughand the poet Patrick Kavanagh was born at Inniskeen.
The Midlands area of Westmeath, Longford, Offaly and Laois offers the magnificent Georgian lodge of Belvedere House, the Seven Wonders of The Fore Valley, Clonmacnois which looks over the River Shannon and Birr Castle.
Visit Kilkenny, Carlow and Wexford and see medieval Kilkenny City, the ruins of Jerpoint Abbey, medieval Wexford town and the seaside village of Duncannon.
Explore Tipperary and Waterford and see the medieval religious site The Rock of Cashel, the Anglo-Norman Cahir Castle, Waterford Treasures from Viking times, the town of Dungarvan and the pretty village of Ardmore.
Cork, the largest county has the mansion of Fota House, Kinsale harbor and forts, art at Bantry House and take a trip to Garinish Island.
Kerry has an abundance of beautiful landscapes and culture in The Puck Fair, a Bacchanalian festival that is held in August, the remote Skelligs islands, Caherdaniel village, The Blaskets Islands and architecture at Gallarus Oratory.
Discover Limerick and Clare with stunning art and antiques at the Hunt Museum, Neolithic remains at Lough Gur, Quin Abbey, lively music at Ennis, Scattery Island in the Shannin estuary, The Cliffs of Moher with Iron Age remains at The Burren.
Visit vibrant Galway and Mayo with its islands Arans and forts of Dun Aengus, Inishmore and the National Museum of Country Life at Castlebar.
Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon offer the Neoclassical mansion of Lissadell House, remains of a Bronze Age Village at Carrowkeel Cemetery, Cavan and Leitrim Railway, minis experience at Arigna and Strokestown Park House, a plantation mansion.
Finally, Donegal has rich scenery and sites to visit including modern art at Glebe House, the restored fort with amazing views at The Grianan Ailigh and unspoiled landscape at Malin Head and Tory Island.
Adventures & Activities - Ireland has a landmass of 84,000km2 and a coastline of 3,152km. This promises a country full of land and water based sports to satisfy everybody that is seeking an abundance of adventure and activity whilst here. There are opportunities to try archery, bowling, horse rising, clay pigeon shooting and go karting. Try hand gliding, helicopter trips, motor sports, parachuting and paragliding.
Water Sports - There is a huge choice of water sports whilst in the Republic of Ireland such as boat trips, rowing and power boating. Those seeking excitement will not be disappointed with canoeing, deep sea diving, sail boarding, wind surfing, scuba diving, surfing, water skiing and yachting all on offer. Brandon Bay, Easkey and Portrush are great areas for water sports including surfing.
Hurling & Gaelic Football - Ireland has two indigenous sports; hurling and Gaelic football, both of which are popular here. If you can’t get to see the sports in action then a trip to Croke Park GAA Museum in Dublin will give you a chance to investigate these sports further.
Walking & Hiking - Whilst here you can go mountaineering, caving, potholing and rock climbing. There are also great trails to walk, hike and trek such as The Sheep’s Head Way, the shortest and easiest walking route in southwestern Ireland that goes round a wild desolate peninsula. Try beautiful Killarney National Park which is popular with its mountains and lakes. The Kerry Way is a 213km route through the Iveragh Peninsula. Walk the Slieve League in Donegal along tops of mountain and cliffs. Walk in the Wicklow Mountains through wild terrain and yet close to Dublin. Walk through ornamental gardens and see Ireland’s highest waterfalls at Powerscourt. A walk in Connemara will take you through mountains, bogs and lakes. Croagh Patrick is a rough climb and you will see historical and religious relics.
Boating, Birdwatching & Fishing - The Lakes of Cavan linked by waterways are popular with anglers and for boating. There are boat trips from Athlone and you can cruise around the islands of Lough Ree in the north and the approach to Clonmacnois in the south. In Cork explore Lough Hyne, a marine lake and Clear Island with its walking routes whilst bird watching.
When To Go
Generally May and June see the most sun and July and August are the warmest. Ireland can be wet and/or windy, especially along the Atlantic (west) coast and it rains on 150 days a year on average on east and southeast coasts and up to 225 days a year on average in part of the west and southwest. April is the driest month and December and January are the wettest. Summer can see temperatures of around 20C (68F) and the winter see average temperatures of 2C (36F).Top Tips
- Check the latest travel advice prior to travel.
- Check the entry and visa requirements prior to travel.
- Respect the culture, history and traditions of the country.
Classic Itineraries
- Explore the capital Dublin with its Georgian architecture and modern landmark of The Spike which is 120 meters high.
- Try a famous pint of Guinness in the numerous pubs and bars throughout the Republic of Ireland, and in its home city of Dublin which has over 700 bars.
- See the Jack B Yeats collection in the National Gallery in Dublin.
- Experience the traditional music and dance in the bars across the country.
- Go walking and hiking on numerous trails through the mountains, green landscapes and cliffs.
- Go to a horse racing festival and soak up the atmosphere.
- Visit during one the country’s numerous festivals the most famous being March 17, St Patrick's Day.
- Explore The Barren in County Clare with its limestone terraces and megalithic remains.
- Visit Chester Beatty Library in Dublin with manuscripts and artwork from around the world.
Switzerland Travel Guide
Switzerland Holidays – Tours & Adventures Travel Guide
PureTravel Says“Switzerland offers stylish and exciting holidays where top ski resorts dot the country and you can trek through the Alps in the summer. There are opportunities for sightseeing, activities, adventures and you can sample the nightlife and spot celebrities. The largest city, Zurich, leads the way in world-class bars and nightclubs with opera and the arts to entertain and delight. Explore the culture and history of the capital and of Geneva, Luzern and Bern.”
Switzerland Holiday Highlights
History & Culture – Switzerland is known for its quality of life, with a population of over seven million Swiss. You will discover fascinating historic sites and cultures. Famous Swiss produce includes cheese, chocolate and watches. The arts and theatre are also popular in Switzerland.Walking & Trekking – Walking, hiking and trekking in Switzerland provides some stunning scenery as you wind through the mountainous regions and witness the majestic peaks, the fertile valleys, the sounds of the wild. You can go in large groups or small. Go on planned tours or be completely spontaneous.
Skiing – Some of the most famous ski resorts are in Switzerland, such as Zermatt and St. Moritz and there is skiing available for all abilities and there are spectacular views from some of the highest cable cars in the world.
Cycling – There are cycling trails and paths in Switzerland for all abilities. There are many well-marked trails that interlink and most of them offer easy cycling. You can rent bikes at many of the railroad stations throughout the country, and just return them to another station when you arrive at your destination. In between, you will find stunning scenery and a terrific ride.
Climbing – Whilst in Switzerland try climbing the high slopes and cliffs. Rock and ice climbing are attractions and you’ll find a number of outfitters waiting to help you get the equipment you need.
White Water Rafting – The best place in Switzerland for white water rafting is at Interlaken and the surrounding area of the Jungfrau District of the Bernese Oberland where rafting holidays and other adventures are offered.
When To Go
Summer is from June to September and has a pleasant climate for outdoor activities (except winter sports). The peak period is July and August. Try instead April, May and October when the weather is still good but there are less crowds. Winter in the Alpine resorts is from mid-December to mid-April.Top Tips
- You’ll have no problem finding an excellent pharmacy in the cities in Switzerland, but outside the bigger cities it will be difficult to get a prescription filled.
- Usually you are going to need a transformer or adapter to plug in your personal appliances, however some of the international hotels have special wiring to accommodate you.
- The official age to drink is 16.
- The penalties for illegal drug possession are very severe in Switzerland, more so than in the United States or Canada.
- If you bring a pet, you will need to have a certificate stating that they have been vaccinated against rabies, and not less than 30 days prior or not more than one year prior to entry.
Switzerland Holidays In Focus
History and Culture – Switzerland is filled with history and culture and a theatre production held at the Zürcher Schauspielhaus will have you enthralled with this prestigious German-speaking theatre. During July you can visit the Montreux International Jazz Festival to listen to some great jazz and blues music. For a tour of some great arts in Zürich, don’t miss the stained-glass windows by Chagall in the Fraumünster’s gothic structure. View the modern art at the Kunsthaus Zürich and stop at the Swiss National Museum. Experience the historical architecture in Geneva at the Cathédrale de St Pierre or visit Bern with the unique medieval arcade streets from the 11th century. The ancient city of St. Gallen holds fascinating history in the baroque cathedral of the Benedictine monastery. Alexander Dumas described the medieval yellow stone buildings in Neuchâtel as “carved from butter.” If you love castles, you must see Bellinzona and the three unbelievable medieval castles there.Walking and Trekking – Switzerland has more than 31,000 miles of marked trails for walking, hiking and trekking. Try the Jura Mountains, Fribourg and Valais. Trek the Alps and Mont Blanc and loop around the highest mountain in Europe. Try the high routes in the Chamonix and Zermatt areas and tour the glaciers. Also visit the famous Haute Route and witness the Matterhorn.
Skiing – Some of the top ski areas in Switzerland are Zermatt, Verbier, Portes du Soleil and St. Moritz. At St. Moritz you can also play snow-polo and see the Olympic Bob run. There is also the Jungfrau region, Adelboden, Valais and Davos. At the Little Matterhorn in Zermatt, you can take Europe’s highest aerial cable car to the top and ski back to Zermatt, and you’ll be skiing one of the longest runs in Europe. At Engelberg ski resort, you can get to the top of Mount Titlis where you will be sitting upon the highest lookout spot in central Switzerland. You can meet celebrities on the gentle slopes of Gstaad. If you intend to do some cross-country skiing, Lauterbrunnen is for you.
Cycling – There are cycling terrains available for all abilities in Switzerland including flat lands in the valleys and near lakes and steep and rugged roads in the Swiss Alps. Take in the amazing scenery and wonderful fresh air. Before departing on your cycling tour, you need to go to a post office to get a cycling permit, and then you are free to travel anywhere in Switzerland with road tax and one year of cycling insurance. Once this is done, you will start off on one of the many cycling routes throughout the country. Cycle along the River Birs, move through a gorge and into the ravines of Gorges de Pichoux, and finally reach the grassy landscape of Franches Montagnes. You can start in Basel and bike through amazing scenery and over the Alps to Chiasso. If you love the river woodlands and seeing farmlands and small towns, have your cycling trip begin in Biel/Bienne and end in Luzern. There are many more routes you can take to see the entire country of Switzerland, and you should try at least one. If you need a break, all the trains in the country accommodate bicycles, and you can place yours in a special compartment and rest on your way to a new location.
Climbing – Whilst in Switzerland, try mountain and rock climbing on the peaks of Mont-Blanc, a top climb and the Matterhorn, in all its bold beauty. Try the Great St Bernard Pass where many easy peaks exist for skiing and for viewing unbelievable mountain groups. You can ski at nine different peaks at the Monte Rosa group, all of which are over 12,000 feet.
White Water Rafting – With several rivers in the Interlaken area, you’ll find some excitement on your white water rafting holiday in Switzerland. In some truly beautiful river runs, you can take short trips or even multi-day excursions through the Alps.
Classic Itineraries
- Tour du Mont Blanc for a trekking adventure to remember.
- Be sure to stop and visit the famous baroque castle of Stockalperschloss in the town of Brig.
- Go to Interlaken for a wide array of outdoor sports, such as skydiving or bungee jumping.
- Cycle from Andermatt to Genève for incredible views and a real feel of the palm-lined promenades and vineyards of Switzerland.
- Experience a Mediterranean style south of the Alps; eat in a café plaza, meet new friends, laugh, love, and find peace.
United Kingdom Tour - The Road of Bones: Motorcycle London to Magadan YE05
We take in some of the world’s most scenic regions as we cross Switzerland and the stunning Tyrol region of Austria. Crossing Hungary we enter the beautiful Romania, visiting Dracula’s castle along the way, before passing through Bulgaria and entering Turkey. We spend time in Istanbul, the crossroads of Asia, wandering the mosques and fantastic bazaars before riding out along the Black Sea coast and into an area littered with remnants of the once great Ottoman Empire. No ride to Turkey is complete without a visit to the Troglodyte region of Goreme. Crossing the Black Sea we enter the world’s largest country, Russia, via the mighty Caucasus as we ride for Moscow. Starting out on the longest highway on earth, the Trans Siberian, we soon depart Russia and enter the storybook lands of Central Asia, the home of Ghengis Khan, Tamerlane and countless Silk Road traders as we ride across the vast empty and utterly silent Kazakh Steppe on our way to the jewel in the Silk Road crown, Uzbekistan.
Blazing deserts, inland seas, mighty mountains, stunning Islamic architecture and a vastness nobody thought could still exist in today’s world greet us as we ride these ancient trade routes. Wonderful Alpine valleys that tumble out of the Central Tien Shan Mountains provide us with memorable days of riding in Kyrgyzstan. Back on the Kazakh Steppe we once again enter Russia and rejoin the Trans Siberian as we ride on for the wonderful Lake Baikal, often described as the world’s most beautiful lake. Mongolia will leave you on a high as we ride this indescribably beautiful and remote land, the riding here provides us with a great introduction of what is to come. The Trans Siberian now turns to dirt as we ride east across Siberia before riding north toward the impossibly remote Yakutsk in the heart of Siberia.
Our last challenge is the infamous “Road of Bones” officially, the Kolyma Highway, this incredible ride travels over a thousand kilometres through the mountains to Magadan, on the Sea of Okhotsk . This is a road that has a tragic history yet is a road that will provide us with some of the most inspiring landscapes and challenging rides available, it truly is a challenge but one that is completely do-able with the right support. For an experience that will stay with you forever, join us as we ride the “Road of Bones”.
Information
- Duration: 105 days
- Distance: 25000 ks/15600 miles approx
- Days on bike: 80 approx
- Accommodation: 73 nights Hotels up to 4 star, 4 nights Ger camp & 28 nights wild camping
Note on Price
Rider: US$ 27,990 / Co-Rider: US$ 18,990
Bike Rental: F 800 GS US$ 120.00 per day / R 1200 GS US$ 140.00 per day
Description
A full day by day itinerary will be provided by the tour operator when you make an enquiry about this holiday.Includes
- Pre-Expedition training
- Shipping of own bike included to your home port
- Flights from Magadan to Vladivostok
- Rental of BMW F 800 GS or BMW R 1200 GS bikes available
- In-comparable list of sights and inclusions
Excludes
- To be confirmed
Prices per person, based on 2 people traveling - please submit an enquiry to receive a personalized itinerary and costs.
UK Travel - United Kingdom Travel Guide
United Kingdom Holidays – Tours & Adventure Travel Guide
“The United Kingdom, or UK for short, comprises England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man and is also referred to as Britain. The UK is a member of the European Union, EU, and has a population of 60 million. The UK is home to an amazing array of history and culture within its bustling cities, regional towns and sleepy villages. Many famous landmarks also call the UK home such as Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and York Cathedral. There is also a very active sports scene, plenty of nightlife and some wonderful restaurants. Add to this an abundance of shops, museums and galleries and you will release that you need weeks, if not months, to explore this great country.”
Holiday Highlights
Overview – Four countries make up the UK with their own capital cities; England (London), Wales (Cardiff), Scotland (Edinburgh) and Northern Ireland (Belfast). The UK as a nation is very diverse and has a strong culture of racial integration and a strong sense of unity.History & Culture - The UK is a diverse and progressive country and was a super power in the 19th century with its industrial and maritime power. At its peak, the British Empire equated a quarter of the world’s surface. This UK has a constitutional monarchy and Parliament is made up of The Queen, House of Lords and House of Commons, which is elected. Christianity is the most practiced religion in the UK although it is also multi-faith with Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam and Sikhism are freely practised.
England
England has the largest city in Europe and more than 600 miles of stunning coastline. England is divided into six areas: East Midlands, East of England, North Country, Heart or England, London, South East and South West. An image of Englishness is double-decker buses, cream teas, roast dinners and local pubs. Home to Big Ben, Althorp House, birthplace of Princess Diana and Royal Ascot horse racing.East Midlands - Dramatic landscapes and the rolling Leicestershire Wolds as well as the smallest county in the UK, Rutland. There is the county of Lincolnshire with The Fun Coast and The Rural Coast. Also in this area is The Peak District, the most popular National Park with moorland, valleys and villages. There is culture and history in its cities of Nottingham, Lincoln, Leicester and derby.
East of England - Historic cities and towns, country gardens, seaside resorts and miles of pretty landscapes and coasts. Norwich, the heart of East Anglia, has two cathedrals, a castle, art galleries including the modern Sainsbury Centre and the oldest covered daily market. The North Norfolk Coast is very picturesque and has been used as a setting for many films and music videos. Peterborough has 3,000 years of history and Luton is nestled in the Chiltern Hills. Ipswich is the country’s oldest settled Anglo-Saxon town with mediaeval streets and architecture from Sir Norman Foster. Great Yarmouth is a popular beach resort with beaches, attractions and historical monuments. Colchester is a diverse mix of 2,000 years of history and 21st century culture. Also visit Cambridge with its historic college buildings, museums and shopping.
North Country – Explore beautiful lakes and mountains, stunning coastlines and National Parks. York has 2,000 years of history and Sheffield is home to a wide array of activities and the natural wonder of the Peak District. Newcastle is a blend of historical and modern with its architecture, arts and famed nightlife. Manchester has been called the coolest city in the country and is contemporary with art and culture. Liverpool was the European Capital of Culture 2008 and deservedly so, with more theatres, galleries and museums than any other city in the UK, apart from London. Leeds has an amazing shopping scene and pretty countryside. The North is also home to Cumbria and the Lake District with the opportunity to walk, trek and hike in England’s highest mountains and 16 lakes. Finally Blackpool is the country’s favorite seaside resort and had donkey rides and punch and Judy shows in days gone by.
Heart of England – Worcester and the River Severn are in this areas as is the home of Shakespeare; Stratford-upon-Avon. Stoke-on-Trent is home to pottery, ceramics and leisure facilities. Half-timbered houses can be found in Shrewsbury and Ludlow was called the ‘loveliest town in England’ by the poet John Betjeman. See Hereford with its Norman cathedral and the famous Mappa Mundi exhibition. Coventry is vibrant and Birmingham is dynamic with its culture, shopping and attractions.
South East – This area is diverse with something to offer all visitors including the beautiful and lively south coast. Windsor is home to Windsor Castle and Eton College. The ancient university city of Oxford has churches, arts and a great social scene. Explore the wilderness of the New Forest, created by William the Conqueror in 1079, leading to the Solent River. The Isle of Wight, just off the coast is also here as is Dover. Canterbury is a historic cathedral city mentioned in Chaucer’s’ Tales and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Brighton is the country’s favorite seaside city with a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
South West – This region has the Isles of Scilly and the Forest of Dean and some lovely beaches. Wiltshire is a rural paradise and The Cotswolds has stunning scenery and walks. Exmoor National Park is in Somerset as is Glastonbury and is home to Cheddar Cheese, cider and King Arthur. Poole is home to the luxury development of Sandbanks and is Europe’s largest natural harbor. Plymouth is modern and The Isles of Scilly are actually 100 islands, 20 minutes off the Cornwall coast. Gloucestershire is a typical English scene with market towns, castles, churches and antique shops. Visit Dorset’s natural countryside, Devon’s hills, moors and cities and Cornwall’s 320 miles of stunning coastline. The city of Bath is a Georgian spa city with the Royal Crescent, Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa and is a world heritage site founded by the Romans. Bournemouth has lovely parks and gardens and Bristol has a nautical heritage.
London – Vibrant and multi-cultural, London is packed with opportunities to discover its culture, history and heritage. It’s also cosmopolitan with an abundance of top-class restaurants, buzzing nightlife and of course pubs and bars. London is home to Wimbledon Tennis Tournament, The West End with its theatres and South Bank where the London Eye and Tate Modern are situated. The Royalty reside at Richmond and Notting Hill is chic and smart. Kew Gardens are 300 acres and Greenwich has markets and historical buildings.
Scotland
The home of whisky, kilts, tartan and golf and of course castles and the Highlands. There is also a wealth of history and culture in the cities and clans. There is skiing at Aviemore, the fable of the Loch Ness Monster and home to deep-fried everything (including chocolate bars). If that doesn’t take your fancy there is always haggis, neeps and tatties. Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, has neo-classical inspired architecture and also hosts the world’s largest arts festival each year, the Edinburgh Festival. Visit Aberdeen and the Winter Gardens and Dundee with its culture, arts and university. Glasgow has art deco buildings and more than 30 museums and galleries. Capital of the Highlands is Inverness. In the Outer Hebrides is Lewis with amazing beaches, and lochs. The Orkney Islands have prehistory and wildlife to explore.Wales
Home to 400 castles, daffodils, sheep and yet only one motorway! Vibrant Cardiff is the capital and has shopping, nightlife, culture and arts. History dates back to roman times. Visit Victorian seaside resort Aberystwyth at Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian mountains. See lively Carmarthen and Celtic Caernarfon with its castle and magnificent heritage. The Holy Grail is said to be buried at Llangollen, in the ruins of castle Castell Dinas Bran. Pembrokeshire has beaches and Swansea Bay has lovely landscapes.Northern Ireland
Explore the nightlife, shopping and festivals as well as the history and heritage. The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast, has all this and more, as does the other points of interest; Causeway Coast and Glens with the Giant’s Causeway, Downpatrick home of St Patrick and Enniskillen town. Explore also Fermanagh Lakelands with caves, forests and stately homes and Londonderry and Omagh the market town.United Kingdom Holidays In Focus
As well as history, culture and it heritage as detailed above, the UK also boasts an abundance of outdoor activities, sports and leisure pursuits.Walking, Trekking & Hiking – The UK has an incredible 49 designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and 40 National Scenic Areas. There are also 14 National Parks and 27 World Heritage Sites.
Extreme Sports – Including hand gliding, paragliding, hot air ballooning and sky diving. Try rock climbing, mountaineering, caving and potholing. Water activities include white water rafting, surfing, canyoning and coasteering. Adrenaline fuelled activities include quadbiking, mountain boarding, paintball and zorbing.
Boating & Water Activities – try white water rafting, sailing, canal tours, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Sail the River Thames which is 215 miles long.
Natural Beauty – Explore the 14 National Parks in the UK and walk, cycle and horse ride through the stunning countryside. National Parks in England; Dartmoor, Exmoor, New Forest, The Broads in the East, Peak District, Lake District, North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales. Scotland; Cairngorms, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Wales; Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire Coast and Snowdonia.
Nature & Countryside – Discover beautiful beaches at Holkham Bay Norfolk, Bournemouth, Nairn in Scotland and Benllech Beach in Wales. There are also heritage sites, natural beauty areas and World Heritage Sites.
Sports – the UK is the home of Wimbledon, London Marathon and the Grand National. Football is a popular pastime with world famous teams and leagues including the English Premier League, Scottish Premier League and the FA Cup. People also play football here with football academies actively promoting the sport.
When To Go
The UK has an undeserved reputation for its rain! The climate does vary day to day but as a guide there are four defined seasons.Summer is generally from June-August and is typically 14-30C with long evenings. Autumn is September- November and around 7-18C. Winter is December-February and can be from 1-5C. Generally the south of the country experiences warmer weather than the north. Spring then occurs March-May and is usually 6-12C.
Top Tips
- Overall the UK is a safe country but do exercise the usual caution especially at night and in crowded areas.
- Layer clothes up and allow for changes in the seasons.
- When walking the fells and national parks, ensure you carry a map and basic supplies.
- Be a responsible traveler.
- Obey the countryside rules and take all rubbish away with you.
- Check the latest travel advice.
Classic Itineraries
ScotlandUK Festivals & Events 2009
- New Year's Day (All UK) - 1 January- Extra New Year's Bank holiday (Scotland only) - 2 January
- St Patrick's Day (N. Ireland only) - 17 March
- Good Friday (All UK) - 10 April
- Easter Monday (England, Wales and N. Ireland) - 13 April
- Early May Bank Holiday (All UK) - 4 May
- Spring Bank Holiday (All UK) - 25 May
- Battle of the Boyne (Northern Ireland only) - 13 July
- Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland only) - 3 August
- Summer Bank Holiday (England, Wales and N. Ireland) - 31 August
- Christmas Day (All UK) - 25 December
- Boxing Day (All UK) - 28 December
UK Quick Facts
Area - Land and water area is 152,000 square miles.Languages – Two languages; English and welsh, with Gaelic spoken in some parts of Scotland.
People – Majority are English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish.
Religion – Mostly Christian and Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam and Sikhism are also practiced.
Government – Constitutional monarchy with Queen as the head of state and an elected Prime Minister as head of government.
Currency – Pound sterling £, also shown as GBP.
Electricity – 240 volts AC, standard 3 pin.
Weights & Measures – Metric system is compulsory although the Imperial system was used until recently.
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