Spain’s Costa del Sol is one of the most popular areas on the Mediterranean for its beaches and sunny weather.  Costal Del sol translates to “Coast of the Sun” and is your guarantee as well.  This coastal strip enjoys around 300 days of sun a year, and shares the same latitude as southern California, and also claims the warmest winter temperatures of anywhere in Europe.

Originally, the Costa del Sol was only a group of little fishing villages until the 1950s where it took-off as a get-away for Europe’s upper-class and royalty, where they could enjoy the beaches and their privacy.  Now Costa del Sol is a global hot-spot for tourists looking for sun and relaxation in its gorgeous surroundings.

Cuisine here is largely based around all the fine seafood the Mediterranean brings in, such as mussels, squid, prawns and many types of fish.  The coast of Spain offers many types of meats as well, with an emphasis on pork.  Chorizo is a popular one in western culture, and here is where you can find many different varieties to try, but watch out if you are sensitive to hot spices.  Eggs are also a local staple, with huge omelettes full of meat and veggies that are sure to please anyone.  For desert, coffee, chocolate and churros are forever popular.  Churros are a fritter-like snack that is covered in sugar and cinnamon and is dipped in rich hot chocolate, which is also popular with Mexican’s and other Hispanic countries.

There are many tasty drinks to have in Spain, where they have my personal favourite summer beach drink called Sangria.  Sangria is made from Spanish red wine, a local specialty or sometimes white.  It consists of fresh wine, and any number of delicious fruits or other liquors and ice.  You can imagine sitting sea-side at a chiringuitos (a beach restaurant) with a huge iced jug of wine, with a rainbow of fresh fruit packed in, nothing is more refreshing and relaxing. Please note that the Spanish like there drinks strong, their regular servings of liquor are about twice as strong as drinks back here in the States.

Here are some top beaches of the region to check out. Alcaidesa in Cadiz has a giant semi-urban beach which is not usually that crowded due to its size, it also offers the luxuries and convinces of the city and has a large golf course nearby. Tarif, also in Caduz has a beach unspoiled by urbanization, so don’t expect all the services of the bigger beaches here. Carvajal Beach in Benalmadena is another large urbanized beach like the one in Alcaidesa. The golden sands and quiet wave here’s make it a popular spot for families, so expect it to get pretty crowed in the summer. Cabopino in Marbella is another perfect, unspoiled beach with crystal-clear water and fine, soft sand. Spain is a perfect country to cruise around in using your Eurail global pass!

Hope you enjoyed these highlights of Spain’s Costa del Sol. Consider a Eurail global pass, as there are so many beautiful stops along the Costa del Sol as well as across Spain’s Mediterranean Neighbours, so start planning your tour today!

 

Monaco is world famous for its mega-rich residents, super-yachts, casinos and tax breaks.  Even if you don’t worry if you arrive by train instead of a yacht, there is a lot to enjoy for visitors and is definitely worth a day to explore. Here is a list of the major attractions and don’t worry, your France Eurail pass is valid here.

When you first arrive by train, you will find yourself near Monaco’s harbour, known as “Blillionaires Bay”.  Here you can go for a stroll and admire all the beautiful scenery and the multi-million dollar yachts. 

Palais du Prince was built in the 13^th century originally as a fortress, but is now the Royal Palace, home to the Prince of Monaco and his family. Aim to be here before 11:55am for the traditional changing of the guards and note that tours are only available when the Prince and his family are away.

Jardin Exotique is a exotic botanical garden that flourishes in Monaco’s warm climate. The Museum of Prehistory and Anthropology, which displays artifacts from Roman eras of the region is located nearby.

Formula One Grand Prix is held every May till June and sends race cars screaming around its narrow streets at breakneck speeds. The World Championship Grand Prix race hereis considered one of the most challenging tracks in the world.  If you are a car fan, then he Prince of Monaco's Car Collection is not to be missed. The prince is a big fan of exotic and collector cars and you can view a wide selection of them here.

The Oceanographic Museum is built impressively in the side of a cliff. Built in 1911, it houses extensive collections of marine fauna and related exhibits. A statue outside the cliffside building commemorates Prince Albert I, who was a renowned marine scientist.

The cathedral of Monaco is located on the Avenue Saint-Martin and features lovely gardens. Hundred year-old building is where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace married. The cathedral is also her resting place, and the bones of many of the ruling Grimaldi family lie there, too.

Monaco only caters to the high-end market when it comes to shopping. Some shopping places include the Golden Circle near the Avenue Monte Carlo, the Fontvieille Shopping Center or the Condamine Market near the Place d'Ames.

Casinos are what Monaco was built around, and even if you don’t gamble, you must check them out. In the Place du Casino is the Casino de Paris, known as much for its architecture and opulent furnishings as well as its clientele. The Monaco Casino is another well-known casino for high rollers, which enforces a jacket-and-tie dress code.

So if you want a taste of how the mega-wealthy live, plain a stop on your train tour to visit this interesting little country within a country called Monaco.    

 

This city is over 2000 years old and like many other cities in Spain, has had a diverse heritage.  It is also the perfect stop if traveling by Eurail pass through to Portugal.  This area was essential for Spanish progress during the 15^th century.  This is when Christopher Columbus discovered The Americas and Seville became a important hub for trading newly imported goods for across the ocean for the first time.  Here are some attractions for you to visit in Seville.

Seville is  filled with colourful districts such as Triana and La Macarena, with accompanying monuments and buildings dating from  Moorish times. At the heart of the Old Quarter is the Cathedral of Seville. Originally built as a mosque by the Almohads in the late 12th century, it later became the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Attached to the Cathedral is La Giralda, tallest tower in Spain.

Near the river is the Torre del Oro or Golden Tower. Built between 1221 and 1222, it formed part of the last wall of defence from the Alcázar to the River and today houses the Naval Museum. The Alcázar was built in 931AD has glorious gardens to enjoy. The Casa de Pilatos or House of Pilate is a 16th century mansion and a beautiful blend of Mudéjar, Gothic and Renaissance styles.

The fabulousent Plaza de Espana is a great spot for a bit of shopping. For nature lovers, there is much to offer at the Donana Nature Reserve and the Sierra Norte Nature Reserve. For famliles with children Seville has the Isla Mágica Theme Park, Aquópolis Seville Guadalpark Water Park, and nearby Mundo Park. Seville is also renowned for its two major fiestas which take place in spring. During Semana Santa or Easter Week, is a religious festival and there is also the April Fair, which draws large crowds as well. I know that no Eurail tour of Spain would be complete without a visit to stunning Seville.

Ancient Florence was one of the most important cities of old Europe.  It is considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Florence is also credited in using gold as currency, encouraging the start of the modern economy. Florence today is still a remarkable city, filled with history and culture, so definitely consider a stop here if touring by Eurail train pass. Here are some Florence highlights for you.

Florence's most famous square is the Piazza della Signoria, which is considered by many to be Tuscany's heart. It has been Florence's political center since the middle ages and houses the Palazzo Vecchio on its piazza. Surrounding the piazza are many ambient cafes and restaurants while the Palazzo contains decoratively finished public rooms that are worth visiting. The copy of Michelangelo's David can be found here also.

A great place to start is Giotto’s Bell Tower, where you can get a great view of the city. You can them move onto Il Duomo - Cattedrale de Santa Maria del Fiore. This is Florence’s most important cathedral, dating back to 1296 when construction began. It was not consecrated until 1436, some 140 years later. It can hold 20,000 people and has always been conceded a renowned feat of architecture. The exterior is made of different colored marble and the building has numerous elaborately decorative doors and statues. There are 463 steps to the top of Il Duomo's tower, which give another great view of the city, but a ticket is required.

Galleria dell´Academia claim to fame is that it contains Michelangelo's David, which is probably the most famous sculpture in the world. This museum is part of the Medici family legacy, who were one of the most wealthy and influential families in Italian history. There is an interesting collection of musical instruments among the many sculptures on display.

Galleria degli Uffizi contains the most significant collection of Renaissance art in the World. It contains works from the likes of Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Note there are usually wait times to tour this gallery, so get there early of buy tickets in advance.

The Baptistery of John the Baptist is another jaw-dropping piece of architectural and is one of Florence's oldest buildings, found in Piazza San Giovanni. Like the Duomo, its exterior is also made from marble and boasts highly decorative bronze doors, though the ones that are currently in place are reproductions as the originals rest in the Ufizzi museum. The elaborate mosaics and marble pavement definitely make the visit worth it.

Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence and draws thousands of tourists every year to marvel at this ancient Roman landmark. Great photo opportunities are to be had from the two bridges that neighbour the Ponte Vecchio to either side.

The church of Santa Croce is the largest Franciscan church in Italy and contains the tombs of famous Italians including Michelangelo and Dante. The large stained glass windows are extremely impressive at midday when the interior of the church is illuminated in a vast spectrum of colour. Some of the most impressive frescoes can be seen here and Santa Croce is home to Brunelleschi's Capella del Pazzi.

Boboli Garden is spectacular and sits behind the Pitti Palace, Florence's largest plaza. It contains eight different galleries with a diverse collection including jewellery, costumes and art. Its luscious gardens and opulent fountains are set against the stunning background of the Florence skyline. The Fort Belvedere also offers some great views across Florence.

Shopping in Florence is one of the best cities in Europe for high-end, high-quality goods, such as jewellery, leather and personal effects. All of the famous Italian brands are here of course: Gucci, Armani and Dolce and Gabbana. There are a number of large, open-air markets that offer food, clothing and antiques. Some of the best spots to check out include, Mercato Nuovo Via Porta Rosa and the Mercato Centrale. For the best designer shopping try Tuornabuoni or Della Vigna Nova.

So mark Florence down on your Eurail map and start planning your train tour of Italy today!

Marseille has a long history, and is one of the oldest cities in Europe, dating back to 600 B.C.  This city is a strong contrast to the rest of the Riviera. It is France’s second largest city after Paris and its contact with countries all around the Mediterranean has made in a cultural melting pot. This is your option if you want to avoid the huge tourist crowds found in the city of Nice nearby.

The historic port does attract visitors from all over, with culture, history and art filling its streets. When you combine the beautiful architecture and hundreds of years of heritage that characterise Marseille with its warm climate, you really do have a great place to visit. Remnants of Greek and Roman civilisation can be found within the city's boundaries and with its history dating back more than 2,600 years, along with modern styles of architecture.

Its cathedrals and forts a big draws here, the first of these is the Old Major cathedral. Made from the pink stone found in the Couronne quarries give it a unique shade that is the theme of the Riviera. The current church dates back to the 12th century, but there have been buildings in this location since the 6th century.

Another place to stop off on any tour of Marseille's historic sites is the Saint-Jean Fortress, which stands guard at the harbour entrance. One of the attractions of staying in a South France villa is the host of historic buildings that are dotted along the region's coastline. The original stronghold dates back to the 13th century, while more recent additions include its square tower and navigation light tower, which were constructed in the 15th and 17^th century.

The Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde is a 19th century basilica which has been designed on the Romano-Byzantine style. You will find this in the south of Vieux Port and is a major draw for the tourists visiting the region. You’ll see the huge gilded statue of the Virgin standing atop the basilica's 60 meter high belfry. You must not miss the opportunity of watching the sunset views from here which are unforgettable.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Marseille is regarded as one of the finest museums in France. Built in the left wing of the Palais Longchamp, it displays major works of French, Italian and Flemish schools between the 17th to the 19th centuries.

Marseille is another great stop on a Eurail tour of the Riviera, check out these links if you want to read about other popular cities along this Coast: the celebrity-endorsed Cannes, the tranquil beauty of Antibes and the yacht-filled Monaco.

France is one of the top choices for traveling by train by Eurail Flexi Pass.  One important region is Normandy.  This coastal region is famous for its culture, cuisine and of course history, with D-Day being the most notable.   Here are some important sites to visit to experience the culture and history of this region.

Honfleur is a lovely little port village has been draw for artists for many years, including many famous French impressionists. The cobble streets of the town and the old port are full of classy sailboats. There are many shops and galleries, and there are excellent restaurants nearly everywhere. There are several museums and unique old wooden churches to see also.

Deauville and Trouville are worth a trip to sample the cuisine there. On the way to or from Deauville, stop at a cider/calvados tasting location. Several are marked along the road. Grapes are not grown in Normandy to make wine, as the local beverages are made mostly from apples or sometimes pears. The cider is fizzy and has only about one-third the alcohol of wine. It goes well with a local favourite, mussels and fries.  Calvados is brandy made from apples. Speaking of food, Normandy is famous for its dairy products, and you'll no doubt sample the butter and cheeses, especially camembert, pont l'eveque, and livarot.

Caen was levelled by bombings during WWII. The Caen Memorial is the best of the WWII museums. This one tells the story of the events leading up to WWII and the Battle of Normandy. The film is also first rate and shows the American and German sides preparing for the invasion and then after the battles began. There is also a display honoring Nobel Peace Prize winners. Downtown Caen is also very nice, especially the pedestrian street with its many shops and cafes. One can also visit the chateau, constructed by William the Conqueror, and several impressive abbeys and churches.

The city of Bayeux not as damaged by WWII as Caen. The cathedral is imposing and is among the top gothic cathedrals in France. The main attraction in the town, however, is the famous Bayeux Tapestry. This remarkable work made after the conquests of England in 1066, tells the story of William the Conqueror. It was originally meant to hang in the cathedral and is only 19 inches high, with a length of 203 ft.

Mont St. Michel sits beautifully on the border between Normandy and Brittany is one of the most popular tourist locations in Europe.   The tides here rise extra high and can completely surround it with water with a cathedral at the top. There are shops and options to hike of ride horseback around this picturesque location.

Omaha Beach and the neighbouring beaches are hallowed ground for countries involved in WWII. These areas are meticulously maintained by the US government to pay tribute to the lives lost.

 Arromanches were a huge artificial floating port was erected during WWII. The Germans knew the Allies would need a large port, and all of those in France were heavily defended. The sections of the port were constructed in England and were floated across the English Channel just after D-Day. The museum has an excellent model of the port and a good film. There is also a 360 degree theater on the hill overlooking the town.

Pointe du Hoc was a strategic location during WWII where American Rangers scaled the cliff walls on D-Day. There are bomb craters everywhere, destroyed German bunkers, and one gets a feeling of how difficult the fighting must have been. There were many casualties, and the Americans were almost driven back over the cliffs, but for some still unknown reason the Germans pulled the big guns back from the point to the rear. These were found unguarded by an American patrol, and they were quickly destroyed.

So if you are interested in a Eurail pass discount, click here, and start planning a trip to this beautiful costal town with a deep history and delicious local cuisine.  For info on the neighbouring region of Brittany, click here.

Backpacking by train is the most authentic way to experience Europe and is an affordable choice for students.  When picking a train pass, the Eurail Global Pass is the best deal if you’re going to travel to several countries. I do advice to take as much time as you can to experience Europe as there is such a variety of culture in all connected by scenic railways.  Here are some details on the Eurail Global Pass and some tips on traveling as a student through Europe.

The Eurail Global Pass was created in 1959 to be an economical and convenient way to travel Europe by Rail, and remains that way today. It allows you to travel by train through 20 countries. There are two passes: Continuous and Flexi.  The Continuous Global Pass gives you between 25 days to three months of travel.  The Global Flexi Pass gives you between 10 to 15 days, within a two month period. It also has benefits, such as discounts at many hotels, museums, attractions and all other forms of public transportation.  If you are a student under 25, you are eligible for a 30% discount.

Here are some student travel tips:

First make sure to formalize your passport, tourist visas, immunizations and work visa is required. Research online for any safety concerns of any countries you plan to visit. Make sure to shop around for a backpack, and make sure its sized and fitted for you.  Organize a list of what you’re going to pack to go over, you want to make sure you pack right and don’t forget anything. Look into getting a job while in Europe, this can give you some extra money to pay for your trip, plus giving you a great experience as well.  Makes sure to research where to stay, there are thousands of options and you want to make sure you pick a good one.  Being satisfied with your accommodation will definitely be worth it.  Look into getting a pay-as-you-go cell phone and phone cards if you want to stay in contact with friends back home or with fellow travelers.

Hope you are excited to plan your trip, make sure to check out the Eurail Global Pass to get the best deal on traveling around Europe.  Another great article that will help the student traveler is this post on backpacking through Europe.

Berlin is the city to visit if you only had one time for one stop in Germany with your Eurail pass.  Berlin is an historical and cultural icon of Europe and today stands as a truly modern and cosmopolitan city.  Germany has 33,000 trains running daily, which makes it a great country to buy an Eurail pass. Your Eurail pass also give you big discounts on ferries as well to Poland, Finland and Sweden.  Here is a quick list of sightseeing and shopping while in Berlin.

 The Fernsehturm – This TV tower is located on the Alexanderplatz.  This is the tallest building in all of Berlin making it a great place to start your tour of the area, taking advantage of its spectacular panoramic views.  There is a viewing platform which is over 200 metres above the ground as well as a 118 metre TV antenna on top. There is also a revolving restaurant at the top, when you can enjoy a fine meal with your view.  

Berlin Zoo – This zoo is one of the oldest in the world, first opening in 1844. It has two main entrances: the Elephant gate at Budapester Strasse 34 and the Lion Gate located at Hardenbergplatz 8. The zoo has an extensive collection of animals, with over 15,000 animals in this huge zoological park.

The Spree River - This river is a great family attraction with many activities along its length. This river allows visitors with children to have a nice picnic on the river banks or relax on a boat cruise along it.

 The Fernsehturm - The Fernsehturm is a TV tower, which is located on the Alexanderplatz.  This is the tallest building in all of Berlin and offers unparalleled views of the city. There is a viewing platform which is over 200 metres above the ground as well as a 118 metre TV antenna on top. The Fernsehturm is also home to a wonderful revolving restaurant, where patrons can have a meal while enjoying a view of the city of Berlin.

 Tiergarten Park – This park sits beautifully right in the heart of the city. This garden and park has a long history and offers a number of fun activities available for kids and adults.

 Pergamon Museum – This Museum hosts a fantastic collection of artefacts and exhibits is divided into the Near East Collection, the Islamic Collection and the Antiquity collection.

Friedrichstrasse- Right at the heart of Berlin, the Friedrichstrasse area is known for luxury, high-end shopping.  This area is divided into three boutique malls - Quartier 205, 206 and 207.  If high-end shopping is not in your budget, you are sure to enjoy some window shopping with all the amazing fashion and brands in these malls.

Potsdamer Platz- This arcade is a short walk away from Friedrichstrasse but is more accessible to the average budget. These five giant floors is your one stop for all your shopping needs.

Boghagener Platz- You can forget the pricetags of the last two stops I mentioned here.  Boghagener Platz is Berlin`s best and most authentic flea market and is a experience not to be missed.

Bergmannstrasse- This is the trendy, alternative shooping zone of Berlin. Here you find second-hand stores with hours' worth of cheap, but definitely interesting, junk shops overflowing with trinkets, records and other nostalgic collector’s items. This area sits alongside a cool café and bar scene for some fun and relaxation along with some people-watching done in this exciting, hip neighbourhood.

Hope this list gets you excited for a stop in Berlin on your Eurail train tour.

 

The hidden gem of the Mediterranean has to be Croatia, making it a great reason to buy an Eurail pass. What once was a country in turmoil is now a rising tourist hot-spot on the Mediterranean. The gorgeous coastal city of Dubrovnik, along with its bevy of islands, is an affordable beach getaway, with a rich and interesting culture and history.

This ancient walled-city of sits on the southern coast of Croatia is known as the Jewel of the Adriatic and a recognised UNESCO World Heritage site. Being a port town it has a long maritime history, with the city's Old Town remaining unchanged since the 13th century. When visiting old Dubrovnik, will find four gates, including the famous Pile Gate, the defensive walls stretch for over two kilometres around the city. Within these walls lie a city steeped in history, with hotels and cafes nestled in amongst the ancient churches and monasteries. One of the centrepieces of Dubrovnik old town is the Onofrio Fountain, as well as variety of monasteries and churches. The city centre plays host to the annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival - which showcases films, theatre performances and musical events from local and national artists.

The coastal location of Dubrovnik make it a ideal destination for those seeking to participate in extreme sports - such as mountain biking and watersports. And the surrounding mountains are a popular with hikers and cross-country cyclists, allowing the chance to take in the beauty of the Croatian countryside. The region is also popular with divers, with a variety of coral reefs and wrecks to be found off the coast, with many not having been discovered as of yet. Sailing and boat tours are also another draw for tourists who are looking to experience the crystal clear waters, and local restaurants and offer the chance to sample the taste of the ocean with locally caught seafood.  There are, of course, beautiful beaches with turquoise waters spread along Dubrovnik’s coast. 

If you are interested in enjoying all the joys of the Mediterranean, from sunny beaches to a rich culture and history, all at an affordable price, Dubrovnik and Croatia are great reasons to buy an Eurail pass.

When on a Eurail train tour of Italy, no trip is complete without a visit to Venice. Here is a quick run-down on events and places to visit while in this magical city.

Basilica di San Marco; Campanile - This is a great place to start your Venice vacation with a amazing bird’s eye view of the city from the tallest bell tower in the city.

Piazza San Marco – Considered the center of Venice, this is one of the most popular tourists' stops today with its classic architecture and style

Doge's Palace - This gothic palace of Venice once housed the rulers of the city. This popular tourist activity hides some of the best highlights to be seen behind the closed doors and prison-tour of the Doge's Palace.

Grand Canal - A vaporetto boat ride along the Grand Canal is another way to see Venice by the water. This is the busiest canal in the city where you'll find yourself at the heart of Venice life and with beautiful buildings on both sides. This canal ride is cheap and convenient way to get around, which gives you a chance to enjoy the Venice scenery each time.

Squero di San Trovaso – This boatyard has been in existence since the 17th century and still lets visitors watch canal boats be made. It is also next to the famous San Trovaso Church and there are also several lovely scenic locations nearby to enjoy.

Ponte dei Sospiri – This name translates to Bridge of Sighs and it is a famous destination in Venice. This is because it was originally for transporting prisoners, but now is a romantic spot for couples to visit.

Piazza San Marco – Also known as St. Mark's Square, is a center of activity in Venice as it is the location of Venice's first church and Citadel, the Basilica di San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale. The architecture in this Piazza is very unique, being a combination of Islamic and European styles. This location is ideal for a day with the family for roaming through the various tourist sites and taking breaks at one of the many cafés and gelato shops in the area.

Venice Carnival - This carnival is held during February and draws visitors from all over the world. This carnival holds a number of parades, costumed balls, masquerades, ceremonies and other festivities throughout the city. This is a truly unforgettable way of experiencing Venice culture and life.

Venezia In Musica – This international choir competition takes place every year to celebrate the wonder of music. The competition takes place in a series of choral concerts, with a number of genres of music featured. During this festival, several competitions that take place at the various squares and churches across Venice.  A great event for any visiting music lover.

Hope this list helps you plan a must-see stop on your Eurail train tour of Italy.