Travel to Europe | Europe Tours & Trips | Europe Destination Guide

The very word Europe, has an interesting mythological meaning behind its name. It is taken from the Greek language, and means two words- ‘broad’ and ‘eye’. Of all the continents in the world, not one of them comes close to the history and grandeur that Europe has always possessed. This beautiful continent with its breathtaking geography, beautiful scenery, and interesting monuments, has captured the minds and hearts of people from across the world, over the centuries. Books and poems have been written praising the many countries that make up this continent.  The confluence of many cultures, each with its own individuality be it in language, music, cuisine or dress, lends a magical touch to Europe. Its importance in world history cannot be undermined, for it was not long ago when most of the world as we know it today, was ruled by the many colonial powers based in Europe. Europe is the second smallest continent in the world today in terms of area, and yet remains the third most populated continent after Africa and Asia.

Europe is an important ground for study to archaeologists today. It is because the earliest Hominid, dating more than 1 million years ago was discovered here. Besides that, the Neanderthal man is also believed to have migrated to Europe, more than 150,000 years back. Some of the earliest civilizations to have flourished in Europe are attributed to the Greeks, whose settlements date back to 700 BC followed by the Romans who founded their empire in 400 BC.  History has always placed emphasis on these two cultures especially, as a lot of what we see today can be attributed to their genius. They laid the foundations of state laws, architecture, writing, worship of Gods, weaponry and much more.

It is the period from the Middle Ages, which forms the main material of study for modern day historians. The mayhem within the Roman Catholic church which led to the formation of a new group called the Protestants, is an important hallmark in history. The division eventually led to the creation of more sub groups within the church. The period, which followed soon after in the 14th and 15th centuries, is often called the ‘Golden Age’ of Europe. Masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michaelangelo, astounded the world with their creations in sculpture and painting. The success of printing too, made books readily available to the public. Knowledge in science, arts and history were freely exchanged by the great thinkers of the time, between themselves. This is also the age of exploration, when men were curious to know what lay beyond the lands that they called home. The improvements made on ships, and voyages conducted across the seas, in actually, lay the foundation for the era of colonialism that was to come.  With each voyage that was conducted, men understood that there lay worlds, beyond their imaginations with so much to offer. However, since they could not understand the ways of the natives, the latter were dismissed in their minds as mere uneducated, poor, or illiterate people who needed a helping hand to keep up with the world.

The 18th and 19th centuries to a great extent shaped the world itself. Each country spent their money and resources in building the best armies and naval forces anybody had seen. Patriotism was at its peak, and dying for the country was considered a noble deed. The European powers believed that it was up to them to ‘educate’ the rest of the world, with strange cultures and ways that they did not understand. More importantly, each European country felt that they were the most advanced in every way and had the most to teach the third world. The continent, which for centuries had stood united in a way, soon was thrown into conflicts and battles among themselves for power and hold over the rest of the world. The European nations fought bitterly while many died in the wars for foreign lands and colonies. The influences of the Europeans can be seen most clearly in Africa and Asia, where their systems of administration still prevail, among other communication improvements. One cannot help wondering if things we take for granted such as the postal system would have existed if it hadn’t been for the colonial powers. It was a matter of time before the colonies united and fought for independence and the right to rule themselves. Before long, the world was thrown in the midst of two world wars too.

Europe today, has managed to clean itself of its earlier image of superiority. Today, people from all over the world, travel to its many countries to get a taste of the culture and customs that exist there. Europe is home to some very important Wonders of the World. Catholics world over, consider Italy to be the seat of religious importance as the pope lives there. Many universities and colleges, each with their own specializations have sprung up over the years. The bigger countries such as France, and England have risen in status over the years. Many economic and modern reforms that take place here are replicated worldwide. Yet, even today, it is tourism that is the most important industry for many of these countries.

If you asked a tourist or a traveler why he wished to see Europe, the reasons would be endless. For some, it is taking a trip back in history that is fascinating. For others, it is getting closer to the maestros of music, painting and literature that is more interesting. Yet some others may wish to learn about real life figures such as Napoleon or Beethoven. The beauty of Europe lies in the fact that each country is home to something or somebody famous. France is famed for Paris the romantic city, while Austria is home to the waltz. The royalty in England is much spoken about, while Germany is famed for Beethoven. Europe offers endless possibilities, with much to learn and enjoy wherever one chooses to go.

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