Mexico ( Estados Unidos Mexicanos ). A voyage to Mexico, North America - Mexico City, Monterrey, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Palenque...

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibioyHK5cbFrWBZ9XOc9vnO40kY_F4ky8kE0cBCaIAdCsIzn0NlPOIzUpNu9S7DzJc9-g7RepXcUSf79Pey4NNuTahKkQwQOP3-CT2uV01hMwdi6Zcpz16A9Ef2Hu6w4OZGIS-Py3TFR5a/s1600/mexico-pyramids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibioyHK5cbFrWBZ9XOc9vnO40kY_F4ky8kE0cBCaIAdCsIzn0NlPOIzUpNu9S7DzJc9-g7RepXcUSf79Pey4NNuTahKkQwQOP3-CT2uV01hMwdi6Zcpz16A9Ef2Hu6w4OZGIS-Py3TFR5a/s640/mexico-pyramids.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJHreyc_Y-OjCYAjnxVfPVp0afQ-62y6806o1k0BOizfpfyBtDZptjFs0JBjC1TY_a4ySZzTsO6wC5pkTvHzgGKgPhFviJRVvOiT0vyS-feSn4Si8uDK7Qxhjskt4FlhiQijKgzWoMx_n/s1600/Mexico+98.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJHreyc_Y-OjCYAjnxVfPVp0afQ-62y6806o1k0BOizfpfyBtDZptjFs0JBjC1TY_a4ySZzTsO6wC5pkTvHzgGKgPhFviJRVvOiT0vyS-feSn4Si8uDK7Qxhjskt4FlhiQijKgzWoMx_n/s640/Mexico+98.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a class="pin toggleMap closed" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico#" id="pinToggleMap" style="display: block;"><span class="showMapText"></span></a> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Jzw7haQGqaSyOYN6_dI5WBqhldKPQVoe1FDBGoD6YPtw6QhMyqrGKFi5DONCGKTRq7dyz_hDEmxPSE_EJl6rSg-OWlq6NdKrqXpws-QtuinrEOUhJJfsnodPZpp6wHlzsRG8PibHbZdP/s1600/culiacan-mexico.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Jzw7haQGqaSyOYN6_dI5WBqhldKPQVoe1FDBGoD6YPtw6QhMyqrGKFi5DONCGKTRq7dyz_hDEmxPSE_EJl6rSg-OWlq6NdKrqXpws-QtuinrEOUhJJfsnodPZpp6wHlzsRG8PibHbZdP/s200/culiacan-mexico.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFDqG8CqIJj71iMmN1rdhkN87ObpN9-KYF_sXE71e1du6NdW0EK6kqbvPtQog7dHkgvxc_SHtpOVe2RqwcbcXfN6sf4GwzvwbDJ5i72tGt9NgNGCXHjytx3PLUY8xZ1Luyjyi2doXr1-z/s1600/mexico-guadalajara-picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFDqG8CqIJj71iMmN1rdhkN87ObpN9-KYF_sXE71e1du6NdW0EK6kqbvPtQog7dHkgvxc_SHtpOVe2RqwcbcXfN6sf4GwzvwbDJ5i72tGt9NgNGCXHjytx3PLUY8xZ1Luyjyi2doXr1-z/s320/mexico-guadalajara-picture.jpg" width="320" /></a>Marvelling at a 1300-year-old Maya palace at <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361648">Palenque</a> as parrots screech and howler monkeys growl in the sweaty emerald jungle around you. This is Mexico. Sliding from a palm-fringed sandy beach into the warm, turquoise waves of the Pacific at <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361529">Puerto Vallarta</a>. This, too, is Mexico. Dining on salmon enchiladas and chrysanthemum salad at a <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361544">Mexico City</a> fusion restaurant, dancing through the night at a high-energy <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361671">Guadalajara</a> nightclub, kayaking at dawn past a colony of <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361469">Baja California</a> sea lions – all these are unique Mexican experiences. Every visitor goes home with their own unforgettable images. Such a large country, straddling temperate and tropical zones, reaching 5km into the sky and stretching 10,000km along its coasts, with a city of 19 million people at its center and countless tiny pueblos everywhere, can hardly fail to provide a huge variety of options for human adventure.<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><div class="mpuWrapper " id="mpuInContent"><div class="mpuInner"><div class="adContainer" id="adContainer_mpuInContent"><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/click;h=v8/3c0d/0/0/%2a/p;44306;0-0;0;56849527;4307-300/250;0/0/0;;%7Eokv=;ctt=north-america;cnty=mexico;tnm=overview;rsi=J08781_10159;rsi=J08781_10291;rsi=J08781_10287;rsi=J08781_10052;rsi=J08781_10205;rsi=J08781_10335;rsi=J08781_10337;%7Esscs=%3f" target="_top"><img alt="Click here to find out more!" border="0" src="http://s0.2mdn.net/viewad/817-grey.gif" /></a> </div></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIL2fQpi0CwDSY5w6YJwY2ApoEuhYs1ouZXJOXXu3YTgEZiarzbqZlc5GIuKZ97vYqgzvkW0fMvM6BmBif7EoDCKLICy2XnxBDzO1uyjEwdRpmP3mxrfKoYQddDWCcnIPz5k5azasa2i_/s1600/catedral-de-puebla-mexico.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIL2fQpi0CwDSY5w6YJwY2ApoEuhYs1ouZXJOXXu3YTgEZiarzbqZlc5GIuKZ97vYqgzvkW0fMvM6BmBif7EoDCKLICy2XnxBDzO1uyjEwdRpmP3mxrfKoYQddDWCcnIPz5k5azasa2i_/s320/catedral-de-puebla-mexico.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TEQSvfgJsnM/Tyh4ymw5XPI/AAAAAAAABg8/rjFXeMGBULg/s1600/Mexico+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TEQSvfgJsnM/Tyh4ymw5XPI/AAAAAAAABg8/rjFXeMGBULg/s200/Mexico+5.jpg" width="200" /></a>Mexico is what you make of it. Its multi-billion-dollar tourism industry is adept at satisfying those who like their travel easy. But adventure is what you’ll undoubtedly have if you take a just a few steps off the pre-packaged path. Activity-based tourism, community tourism and genuine ecotourism – the type that actually helps conserve local environments – are developing fast in rural areas. The opportunities for getting out to Mexico’s spectacular wild places and interacting with local communities are greater than ever – from world-class canyoneering near <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361558">Monterrey</a> or cooking lessons in the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361490">Veracruz</a> countryside to hiking the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361604">Oaxaca</a> cloud forests and snorkeling the coral reefs of the Yucatán.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Bga-lDNFKI/Tyh4qoA3kHI/AAAAAAAABgk/OZUaP0jsdD4/s1600/Mexico+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Bga-lDNFKI/Tyh4qoA3kHI/AAAAAAAABgk/OZUaP0jsdD4/s320/Mexico+2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Planning your first trip to Mexico? Be ready for more crowds, noise, bustle and poverty than you're accustomed to, especially if it's your first trip outside the developed world. But don't worry – most Mexicans will be only too happy to help you feel at home in their country. Invest a little time before your trip in learning even just a few phrases of Spanish – every word you know will make your trip that little bit easier and more enjoyable.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-an5fHjtxd9U/Tyh40k6MiLI/AAAAAAAABhE/iYeEGb69oik/s1600/Mexico+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-an5fHjtxd9U/Tyh40k6MiLI/AAAAAAAABhE/iYeEGb69oik/s320/Mexico+6.jpg" width="320" /></a><i><b>Travel Alert:</b> The level of drug-related violence throughout Mexico is a major problem, with the states of <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361507">Chihuahua</a>, Sinaloa, <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361510">Durango</a> and northern <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361469">Baja California</a> the worst affected. Tourists are not specifically targeted, but any travellers visiting these areas, and in particular the cities of <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361508">Ciudad Juárez</a>, <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361596">Nogales</a> and <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361474">Tijuana</a> should exercise extreme caution. Check <a href="http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/destinations/mexico.shtml" target="_blank">Safe Travel</a> for current government warnings. </i><br /><br /><b>Getting Ready to go?</b><br /><ul class="inBody"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j2ofFR3TGnM/Tyh4wbOc06I/AAAAAAAABg0/Q6zw3uksnMg/s1600/Mexico+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j2ofFR3TGnM/Tyh4wbOc06I/AAAAAAAABg0/Q6zw3uksnMg/s400/Mexico+4.jpg" width="400" /></a><li>Download our new Spanish Offline Translator app. Simply talk or type, and it translates. Available for <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ct5zp*BDP2w&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fapp%252Fspanish-offline-translator%252Fid458769982%253Fmt%253D8%2526partnerId%253D30&u1=MiH-spanish">iPhone, iPad</a> and <a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lonelyplanet.key.en2es&feature=search_result">Android</a>.</li><li>Download the free 20-page <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2011/03/GettingStarted_Mexico.pdf">'Mexico - Getting Started'</a> guide, featuring a detailed overview, highlights, and nine Lonely Planet itineraries.<div class="destinationMapLink clearfix"><a class="pin toggleMap closed" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico#" id="pinToggleMap" style="display: block;"><span class="showMapText">Show in Lonely Planet</span></a> </div></li></ul><div class="relatedLinks clearfix"><h3 class="themeHeading">  More about Mexico </h3><ul><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NmxTYLbfQbU/Tyh4uL7QGWI/AAAAAAAABgs/ck8pFcpHayQ/s1600/Mexico+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NmxTYLbfQbU/Tyh4uL7QGWI/AAAAAAAABgs/ck8pFcpHayQ/s400/Mexico+3.jpg" width="400" /></a><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/places">Places in Mexico <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/weather">When to go & weather <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/transport/getting-there-away">Getting there & around <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/practical-information/money-costs">Practical information <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/history">History <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/work-study-volunteering/study">Work & study <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/travel-tips-and-articles">Tips & articles <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/">Hotels</a></li></ul></div><div class="relatedLinks clearfix"><h3 class="themeHeading"> Make it happen</h3><ul><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/shopSearch?q=mexico">Shop for travel guides</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/">Search hotels</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bookings/flights.do">Cheap flights</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bookings/insurance.do">Travel insurance</a></li></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTq69xGwIk6zKJKx6H0_uQeoZsXK0_TtYBRTuSPrcvyOkKtrxEwAeO1GWx0ElpIgvTLzZ5oFNaGGfqrb2vTTZvgUiCm0Voeh9xgVR7FwkcvRifZsdme2W0wnv50dN_t_cH_MLcYpRoAEio/s1600/Mexico+99.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTq69xGwIk6zKJKx6H0_uQeoZsXK0_TtYBRTuSPrcvyOkKtrxEwAeO1GWx0ElpIgvTLzZ5oFNaGGfqrb2vTTZvgUiCm0Voeh9xgVR7FwkcvRifZsdme2W0wnv50dN_t_cH_MLcYpRoAEio/s640/Mexico+99.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtc1wMXsKs86X94L_kohWt6nqwE_wMzBUqK9KrUm0mxdwrUqloeWjtwh3SF-Zg0GH-xub5Y-AGNwKN6cFjlQEclKmeV_uRBca4ykHtM1DI2BkQ9MBUeqXfkh9050Oee2gILLJIjtJTQWC/s1600/ancient-mayan-ruins-chichen-itza-mexico.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtc1wMXsKs86X94L_kohWt6nqwE_wMzBUqK9KrUm0mxdwrUqloeWjtwh3SF-Zg0GH-xub5Y-AGNwKN6cFjlQEclKmeV_uRBca4ykHtM1DI2BkQ9MBUeqXfkh9050Oee2gILLJIjtJTQWC/s640/ancient-mayan-ruins-chichen-itza-mexico.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul></ul></div><div class="mpuWrapper " id="mpuSponsorLrg"><div class="mpuInner"><div class="adContainer" id="adContainer_mpuSponsorLrg"><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/click;h=v8/3c0d/0/0/%2a/w;44306;0-0;0;56849527;33734-479/303;0/0/0;;%7Eokv=;ctt=north-america;cnty=mexico;tnm=overview;tnm=sponsor-large;rsi=J08781_10159;rsi=J08781_10291;rsi=J08781_10287;rsi=J08781_10052;rsi=J08781_10205;rsi=J08781_10335;%7Esscs=%3f" target="_top"><img alt="Click here to find out more!" border="0" src="http://s0.2mdn.net/viewad/817-grey.gif" /></a> </div></div></div><div class="mainModules" id="listedArticles"><h3> </h3></div></div>

Mexico ( Estados Unidos Mexicanos ). A voyage to Mexico, North America - Mexico City, Monterrey, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Palenque...

Marvelling at a 1300-year-old Maya palace at Palenque as parrots screech and howler monkeys ...

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Bavaria ( Freistaat Bayern). A voyage to Bavaria, Germany, Europe - Munich, Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bavarian Alps...

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UaMOv5a9IQ8/Tyh0FXmcjkI/AAAAAAAABgE/E-HitktVXPA/s1600/Bavaria+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UaMOv5a9IQ8/Tyh0FXmcjkI/AAAAAAAABgE/E-HitktVXPA/s640/Bavaria+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XkgiKngoEPI/Tyhz_a5QY7I/AAAAAAAABfs/oUyu1DICjIg/s1600/Bavaria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XkgiKngoEPI/Tyhz_a5QY7I/AAAAAAAABfs/oUyu1DICjIg/s320/Bavaria.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The largest state in <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=359343">Germany</a>, Bavaria (Bayern) is well endowed with natural riches: snowy Alpine peaks, rushing streams and velvety forests that stir the romantic soul. Bolstering Bavarian pride yet more is a wealth of historic buildings, arguably <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=359343">Germany</a>’s best art museums, and an economy bigger than <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=360777">Sweden</a>’s.<br />The old banking powerhouse, <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=359354">Augsburg</a>, lies in Swabia. To the north the fabulous bishops’ cities of <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=359358">Nuremberg</a>, <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=359355">Bamberg</a> and <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=359363">Würzburg</a> are part of Franconia, where locals don’t regard themselves as Bavarian.<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSmt-IL-Ups/Tyh0D1NZd9I/AAAAAAAABf8/PaJRThKQOXM/s1600/Bavaria+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSmt-IL-Ups/Tyh0D1NZd9I/AAAAAAAABf8/PaJRThKQOXM/s320/Bavaria+2.jpg" width="320" /></a>In the east, the Danube flows past the medieval stronghold of <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=359360">Regensburg</a> towards the Italianate <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=359359">Passau</a>, close to the rugged wilderness of the Bavarian Forest. The most popular route through Bavaria is the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=359361">Romantic Road</a>, a trail of walled towns and ancient watchtowers culminating in the world’s most famous castle, the sugary Neuschwanstein, near <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=359356">Füssen</a> in the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=359351">Bavarian Alps</a>. The mountains have first-class resorts for hiking and skiing, incredible scenery and a wealth of beautiful frescoed villages. But <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=359357">Munich</a> is Bavaria’s real heart and soul. It’s a stylish metropolis, a vortex of art and culture, yet a relaxed place that manages to combine Alpine air with Mediterranean <i>joie de vivre</i>. Wherever you go, be prepared for oceans of beer served with legendary, thigh-slapping hospitality.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-41Cee_ADEUc/Tyh0IpQI0zI/AAAAAAAABgU/TPEaiOADVno/s1600/Bavaria+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-41Cee_ADEUc/Tyh0IpQI0zI/AAAAAAAABgU/TPEaiOADVno/s320/Bavaria+5.jpg" width="320" /></a>Staunchly conservative, but with a flair for innovation, Bavarians see themselves as separate from the rest of <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=359343">Germany</a> although, Bavaria actually embraces three peoples – the Bavarians, Franconians and Swabians. They still pine for an odd 19th-century monarch, Ludwig II, whose opulent palaces draw millions of visitors each year. Traditions are relished and earthy, and lederhosen-clad men still exist, quaffing frothy steins of beer to the strains of an oompah band.<a class="pin toggleMap closed" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/germany/bavaria#" id="pinToggleMap" style="display: block;"><span class="showMapText">Show in Lonely Planet</span></a><br /><b></b><br /><div class="relatedLinks clearfix"><h3 class="themeHeading"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jGAvxIJq01g/Tyh0GzVopYI/AAAAAAAABgM/u0X5v4ztedQ/s1600/Bavaria+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jGAvxIJq01g/Tyh0GzVopYI/AAAAAAAABgM/u0X5v4ztedQ/s400/Bavaria+4.jpg" width="400" /></a>More about Bavaria </h3><ul><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/germany/bavaria/places">Places in Bavaria <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/germany/bavaria/transport/getting-there-around">Getting there & around <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/germany/bavaria/history">History <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/germany/bavaria/travel-tips-and-articles">Tips & articles <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com/hotel/?RegionId=1211">Hotels</a></li></ul></div><div class="relatedLinks clearfix"><h3 class="themeHeading"> Make it happen</h3><ul><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/shopSearch?q=bavaria%5E2+or+Germany">Shop for travel guides</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com/hotel/?RegionId=1211">Search hotels</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bookings/flights.do">Cheap flights</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bookings/insurance.do">Travel insurance</a><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/click;h=v8/3c0d/0/0/%2a/b;44306;0-0;0;56529921;33734-479/303;0/0/0;;%7Eokv=;ctt=europe;cnty=germany;dest=bavaria;tnm=overview;tnm=sponsor-large;rsi=J08781_10159;rsi=J08781_10291;rsi=J08781_10287;rsi=J08781_10052;rsi=J08781_10205;%7Esscs=%3f" target="_top"><img alt="Click here to find out more!" border="0" src="http://s0.2mdn.net/viewad/817-grey.gif" /></a></li></ul></div><div class="mpuWrapper " id="mpuSponsorLrg"><div class="mpuInner"><div class="adContainer" id="adContainer_mpuSponsorLrg"></div></div></div><h3> </h3></div>

Bavaria ( Freistaat Bayern). A voyage to Bavaria, Germany, Europe - Munich, Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bavarian Alps...

The largest state in Germany , Bavaria (Bayern) is well endowed with natural riches: snowy Alpine peaks, rushing streams and velvety fores...

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Scotland ( Alba ). A voyage to Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe - Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen...

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTmbzVgh4ac/UsaCIXnpHqI/AAAAAAABOA8/faumrxmhNVU/s1600/Scotland+53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTmbzVgh4ac/UsaCIXnpHqI/AAAAAAABOA8/faumrxmhNVU/s640/Scotland+53.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_W2T5SpgZ4/TyhnvmrdY8I/AAAAAAAABfU/4IC0UXcDJr8/s1600/Scotland+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_W2T5SpgZ4/TyhnvmrdY8I/AAAAAAAABfU/4IC0UXcDJr8/s640/Scotland+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2u5Qqje2pnZSPuGrGScBnfHGc_tqrHF4cn2-ORChMjtbK1KXY0NrjZ44nptJ_3_LV4ZBC14TuVh3ioFJy5j55XaR84g0WsKMVQQOKl3_zMheXW9JVcwJMVOia7G4QEvCofXRfHu_0eMy/s1600/Scotland+50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2u5Qqje2pnZSPuGrGScBnfHGc_tqrHF4cn2-ORChMjtbK1KXY0NrjZ44nptJ_3_LV4ZBC14TuVh3ioFJy5j55XaR84g0WsKMVQQOKl3_zMheXW9JVcwJMVOia7G4QEvCofXRfHu_0eMy/s640/Scotland+50.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2JdL4WWA-As/UsaCW8ODsnI/AAAAAAABOBE/6iGkYYqxhzE/s1600/Scotland+50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2JdL4WWA-As/UsaCW8ODsnI/AAAAAAABOBE/6iGkYYqxhzE/s200/Scotland+50.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKADMhmb49fTc1RsR4pg7aSk3Hrwu50VIuMGm773A4edUK2p2bVtpyUGboAV4ShBA5lfB7h4Lc847UpT_JG7pjwzG88dJWEDJ6jSM10XygHpr2oItOxBBzBeQUIdkCnuLUZY6trYJNUxCd/s1600/Kilchurn-Castle-Loch-Awe-Scotland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKADMhmb49fTc1RsR4pg7aSk3Hrwu50VIuMGm773A4edUK2p2bVtpyUGboAV4ShBA5lfB7h4Lc847UpT_JG7pjwzG88dJWEDJ6jSM10XygHpr2oItOxBBzBeQUIdkCnuLUZY6trYJNUxCd/s200/Kilchurn-Castle-Loch-Awe-Scotland.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh334_IEWX7LIopdUiO21Yxpg0uuMxT_ysQi_eI-n3ClBITo-XZwAkBiS95mKar9Ta_7L8ehCW07lXkVizue4t2RIdVEhFg1OSvRKtLpDjOVcpUvQSE7W364Nr1a3qKbtUaUX7JpiACG0VS/s1600/Edinburgh++49+Scotland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh334_IEWX7LIopdUiO21Yxpg0uuMxT_ysQi_eI-n3ClBITo-XZwAkBiS95mKar9Ta_7L8ehCW07lXkVizue4t2RIdVEhFg1OSvRKtLpDjOVcpUvQSE7W364Nr1a3qKbtUaUX7JpiACG0VS/s1600/Edinburgh++49+Scotland.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UAysQHoJAsQ/TyhnkR4SCaI/AAAAAAAABe8/OD9MqUpB5EE/s1600/Scotland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UAysQHoJAsQ/TyhnkR4SCaI/AAAAAAAABe8/OD9MqUpB5EE/s200/Scotland.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qkmh7nYvsb0/Tyhnnh-u68I/AAAAAAAABfE/fr3mZt8oDXA/s1600/Scotland+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qkmh7nYvsb0/Tyhnnh-u68I/AAAAAAAABfE/fr3mZt8oDXA/s200/Scotland+2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85XrxN64CSXb1FYcsJPb0MdArzQZM8YiRqEV2GaSeeyr3xoNVwUJmZZgIJN4PHyiUMXy32ZaWkhIB4jGuWBHAxfSv1ss6sXhvi7pciR5I75nq9WCxB64n9B9kl5vPKHnvnXHLAZ7xcji_/s1600/Scotland+51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85XrxN64CSXb1FYcsJPb0MdArzQZM8YiRqEV2GaSeeyr3xoNVwUJmZZgIJN4PHyiUMXy32ZaWkhIB4jGuWBHAxfSv1ss6sXhvi7pciR5I75nq9WCxB64n9B9kl5vPKHnvnXHLAZ7xcji_/s200/Scotland+51.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name="more"></a><br /><div class="destinationMapLink clearfix"><a class="pin toggleMap closed" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/scotland#" id="pinToggleMap" style="display: block;"><span class="showMapText"></span></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GCraGS4cyC0/Tyhnxl2oWVI/AAAAAAAABfc/8loTGlg6pyc/s1600/Scotland+5.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GCraGS4cyC0/Tyhnxl2oWVI/AAAAAAAABfc/8loTGlg6pyc/s640/Scotland+5.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMh2n3x6Cee7058u-trrGg3T4bYF3aQ1NUOg_eZCC6uWMvI2hECL2kpXXrmudUYvagVOe54ijSb-lfq9ZbgU2vruCF3r4-N0Jp3njDjapHgvA85xB-5zMrJ-QCS58WkcoBwaAgnP-7C3x/s1600/aberdeen-wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMh2n3x6Cee7058u-trrGg3T4bYF3aQ1NUOg_eZCC6uWMvI2hECL2kpXXrmudUYvagVOe54ijSb-lfq9ZbgU2vruCF3r4-N0Jp3njDjapHgvA85xB-5zMrJ-QCS58WkcoBwaAgnP-7C3x/s200/aberdeen-wallpaper.jpg" width="200" /></a>As an old Scots saying has it, ‘guid gear comes in sma’ bouk’ (good things come in small packages). And despite its small size, Scotland certainly has many treasures crammed into its compact territory. There’s something for all tastes. For the history buff, few cities compare with <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=360630">Edinburgh</a> and <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=360631">Glasgow</a>; for the hungry, try haggis if you must but don’t miss the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=360596">Aberdeen</a> Angus beef or smoked salmon from <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=360625">Dumfries & Galloway</a> or, for the thirsty, the peerless malt whiskies of the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=360602">Isle of Islay</a> or <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=360607">Oban</a> await. There is wild mountain scenery of the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=360632">Highlands & Northern Islands</a> and cold, sparkling seas washing against the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=360651">Outer Hebrides</a>. Wildlife watchers will find otters, eagles, whales and dolphins, while hill walkers have almost 300 Munros to bag.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iu8RYiuMctA/TyhnzUyPfOI/AAAAAAAABfk/OxOTnPHM-GA/s1600/Scotland+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Click here to find out more!" border="0" src="http://s0.2mdn.net/viewad/817-grey.gif" /> </a>There’s turbulent history and fascinating genealogy, castles and country pubs, canoeing and caber-tossing, golfing and fishing and all-round good <i>craic </i>(lively conversation).<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iu8RYiuMctA/TyhnzUyPfOI/AAAAAAAABfk/OxOTnPHM-GA/s1600/Scotland+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iu8RYiuMctA/TyhnzUyPfOI/AAAAAAAABfk/OxOTnPHM-GA/s320/Scotland+6.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />Although an integral part of <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=773652">Great Britain</a> since 1707, Scotland has maintained a separate and distinct identity throughout the last 300 years. The return of a devolved Scottish parliament to <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=360630">Edinburgh</a> in 1999 marked a growing confidence and sense of pride in the nation’s achievements.<a class="pin toggleMap open" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/scotland#" id="pinToggleMap" style="display: block;"><span class="closeMapText">Show in Lonely Planet</span></a><br /><div class="relatedLinks clearfix"><h3 class="themeHeading"> More about Scotland </h3><ul> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1-3TTNAxE9Y/TyhnqPw_GsI/AAAAAAAABfM/ycqWzLP3_Ck/s1600/Scotland+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1-3TTNAxE9Y/TyhnqPw_GsI/AAAAAAAABfM/ycqWzLP3_Ck/s400/Scotland+3.jpg" width="400" /></a><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/scotland/places">Places in Scotland <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/scotland/weather">When to go & weather <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/scotland/transport/getting-there-away">Getting there & around <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/scotland/practical-information/money-costs">Practical information <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/scotland/history">History <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/scotland/work-study-volunteering/work">Work & study <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/scotland/travel-tips-and-articles">Tips & articles <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com/scotland/">Hotels</a></li></ul></div><div class="relatedLinks clearfix"><h3 class="themeHeading"> Make it happen</h3><ul><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/shopSearch?q=scotland">Shop for travel guides</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com/scotland/">Search hotels</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bookings/flights.do">Cheap flights</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bookings/insurance.do">Travel insurance</a></li></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQ7ycT0ltv8VfxPlcqHPM9K3gf8esOgy98D0398PNfsjPOqJeNjFLSaZwiOJL4wIh3mDU0lBq4wED3PzaGizu_cO2OyItjHVSIwYj7H1f1tqOkjtimzi96Vf4t7RSIHahOMPPFM93G38c/s1600/Scotland+52.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQ7ycT0ltv8VfxPlcqHPM9K3gf8esOgy98D0398PNfsjPOqJeNjFLSaZwiOJL4wIh3mDU0lBq4wED3PzaGizu_cO2OyItjHVSIwYj7H1f1tqOkjtimzi96Vf4t7RSIHahOMPPFM93G38c/s640/Scotland+52.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-RA1SJvR8tUIwLsHVH4aztUDthyphenhyphen_iqK8A9Js3M3sL4ga-au-UA2UP0L4ma7nScRuOkEhokYtJ7-qe3FLjUBnJXwxyZQXX-YOhZKkbw-JXDhJm855nvOyoMS8Zi4QN7wFbxeCpeMeF7tt/s1600/Edinburgh++50+Scotland.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-RA1SJvR8tUIwLsHVH4aztUDthyphenhyphen_iqK8A9Js3M3sL4ga-au-UA2UP0L4ma7nScRuOkEhokYtJ7-qe3FLjUBnJXwxyZQXX-YOhZKkbw-JXDhJm855nvOyoMS8Zi4QN7wFbxeCpeMeF7tt/s1600/Edinburgh++50+Scotland.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQ7ycT0ltv8VfxPlcqHPM9K3gf8esOgy98D0398PNfsjPOqJeNjFLSaZwiOJL4wIh3mDU0lBq4wED3PzaGizu_cO2OyItjHVSIwYj7H1f1tqOkjtimzi96Vf4t7RSIHahOMPPFM93G38c/s1600/Scotland+52.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7ZuOgYJV1k/UtGtTX50umI/AAAAAAABWL8/GPPPlNRqK1E/s1600/Edinburgh+51+Scotland.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7ZuOgYJV1k/UtGtTX50umI/AAAAAAABWL8/GPPPlNRqK1E/s1600/Edinburgh+51+Scotland.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><ul></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div></div>

Scotland ( Alba ). A voyage to Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe - Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen...

As an old Scots saying has it, ‘guid gear comes in sma’ bouk’ (good things come in small packages). And despite its small size, Sc...

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Croatia ( Republika Hrvatska ). A voyage to Croatia, Europe - Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, Dalmatia...

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H8csoaP1mvk/UgiKoU7NgHI/AAAAAAAAtkM/8JOmOJDrSAQ/s1600/SIBENIK,+Croatia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H8csoaP1mvk/UgiKoU7NgHI/AAAAAAAAtkM/8JOmOJDrSAQ/s640/SIBENIK,+Croatia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJNP5mAhncI/UgiKuMwrkMI/AAAAAAAAtkY/T7dokH64opA/s1600/Dubrovnik,+Croatia+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJNP5mAhncI/UgiKuMwrkMI/AAAAAAAAtkY/T7dokH64opA/s640/Dubrovnik,+Croatia+2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQWMpHIv1gk/TyhhSj8EDyI/AAAAAAAABeE/ShhVGM8XhR8/s1600/Croatia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQWMpHIv1gk/TyhhSj8EDyI/AAAAAAAABeE/ShhVGM8XhR8/s640/Croatia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PZH8oP9j8Io/TyhhYKrPFQI/AAAAAAAABec/J09UzTXIFLo/s1600/Croatia+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PZH8oP9j8Io/TyhhYKrPFQI/AAAAAAAABec/J09UzTXIFLo/s320/Croatia+4.jpg" width="320" /></a> Despite the hype, Croatia’s pleasures are more timeless than trendy. Along its 1778km coastline, a glistening sea winds around rocky coves, lapping at pine-fringed beaches. Istrian ports bustle with fishermen while children dive into the sparkling water. In <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=358782">Dalmatia</a>, cities throb with nightlife amid ancient Roman ruins.<br /><div class="mpuWrapper " id="mpuInContent"><div class="mpuInner"><div class="adContainer" id="adContainer_mpuInContent"><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/click;h=v8/3c0d/0/0/%2a/u;44306;0-0;0;56529921;4307-300/250;0/0/0;;~okv=;ctt=europe;cnty=croatia;tnm=overview;rsi=J08781_10159;rsi=J08781_10291;rsi=J08781_10287;rsi=J08781_10052;rsi=J08781_10205;rsi=J08781_10335;rsi=J08781_10337;~sscs=%3f" target="_top"><img alt="Click here to find out more!" border="0" src="http://s0.2mdn.net/viewad/817-grey.gif" /></a> </div></div></div>Yachts glide up the coast, movie stars discreetly arrange to buy one of Croatia’s 1185 islands and no Mediterranean cruise is complete without a stop in <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=358783">Dubrovnik</a>. The interior landscape is as beguiling, even though less visited. Soak in a thermal spa at Istarske Toplice in <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=358796">Istria</a>. Hike through pristine forests watered by mountain streams in the west. Let the waterfalls of Plitvice moisten your face. And then there's the culture. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yjWq1tJZjBw/TyhhewzTVHI/AAAAAAAABe0/U8wUw8jfpzs/s1600/Croatia+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yjWq1tJZjBw/TyhhewzTVHI/AAAAAAAABe0/U8wUw8jfpzs/s320/Croatia+7.jpg" width="320" /></a>The country that endured Roman, Venetian, Italian and Austro-Hungarian rule has a unique and slightly schizoid identity. You’ll find a strong central European flavour in the baroque architecture of <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=358800">Zagreb</a>, and Italian devotion to the good life percolates up from the coast, permeating Croatian food and style. During holidays and festivals the country’s Slavic soul emerges, as colourfully costumed dancers whirl about to traditional folk melodies. Croatians retain a strong attachment to the land and traditions that nourished the dream of independence for so long.<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /> Even as a tide of speculators and developers wash ashore, there is a real commitment to preserving the extraordinary beauty of the coast. Whether the country can hold out against the lure of easy money is an excruciating test of its character. But, so far the signs are promising.<br /><b> Ready to go? Our recommended tours make it easy:</b><a class="pin toggleMap closed" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia#" id="pinToggleMap" style="display: block;"><span class="showMapText"></span></a><br /><ul class="inBody"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1BNWXeHIN5c/TyhhUCGk1VI/AAAAAAAABeM/VNJWbleCMRk/s1600/Croatia+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1BNWXeHIN5c/TyhhUCGk1VI/AAAAAAAABeM/VNJWbleCMRk/s320/Croatia+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><li>Go on an island hopping cycle adventure along Croatia's magical <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/tours/self-guided-cycle/croatia-cycle-adventure?lpaffil=fbta1"> Dalmatian coast</a></li><li>Explore Croatie from <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/tours/small-group-trip/explore-croatia?lpaffil=fbta1">Split to Dubrovnik</a></li><li>Kayak along the magnificent <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/dubrovnik/activities/kayaking-canoeing/sea-kayaking-tour?lpaffil=fbta1">Dubrovnik</a> city walls</li></ul>Want more? Browse through all our <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/tours?lpaffil=fbta1">Croatia tours</a><br /><a class="pin toggleMap closed" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia#" id="pinToggleMap" style="display: block;"><span class="showMapText">Show in Lonely Planet</span></a><br /><div class="relatedLinks clearfix"><h3 class="themeHeading"> More about Croatia </h3><ul><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1RZpHbFXTMY/Tyhhcr3Xa4I/AAAAAAAABes/tNoh_84JzXY/s1600/Croatia+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1RZpHbFXTMY/Tyhhcr3Xa4I/AAAAAAAABes/tNoh_84JzXY/s400/Croatia+6.jpg" width="400" /></a><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/places">Places in Croatia <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/weather">When to go & weather <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/transport/getting-there-away">Getting there & around <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/practical-information/money-costs">Practical information <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/history">History <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/travel-tips-and-articles">Tips & articles <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/">Hotels</a></li></ul></div><div class="relatedLinks clearfix"><h3 class="themeHeading"> Make it happen</h3><ul><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/shopSearch?q=croatia">Shop for travel guides</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/">Search hotels</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bookings/flights.do">Cheap flights</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bookings/insurance.do">Travel insurance</a></li></ul><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YWe_kf-T1YI/UgiKuGSJ58I/AAAAAAAAtkU/tJtZErlXvxU/s1600/Dubrovnik,+Croatia+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YWe_kf-T1YI/UgiKuGSJ58I/AAAAAAAAtkU/tJtZErlXvxU/s640/Dubrovnik,+Croatia+1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><ul></ul></div><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/click;h=v8/3c0d/0/0/%2a/b;44306;0-0;0;56529921;33734-479/303;0/0/0;;~okv=;ctt=europe;cnty=croatia;tnm=overview;tnm=sponsor-large;rsi=J08781_10159;rsi=J08781_10291;rsi=J08781_10287;rsi=J08781_10052;rsi=J08781_10205;rsi=J08781_10335;~sscs=%3f" target="_top"><img alt="Click here to find out more!" border="0" src="http://s0.2mdn.net/viewad/817-grey.gif" /></a></div>

Croatia ( Republika Hrvatska ). A voyage to Croatia, Europe - Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, Dalmatia...

 Despite the hype, Croatia’s pleasures are more timeless than trendy. Along its 1778km coastline, a glistening sea winds around rocky cove...

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Israel ( מדינת ישראל ), the Palestinian Territories ( فلسطين ). A voyage to Israel & the Palestinian Territories, Middle East - Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Eilat, Jaffa, Dead Sea...

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zQhku-CA7uI/Tyg3vlfGP7I/AAAAAAAABdc/WshGE95IEc8/s1600/Israel,+Palestina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zQhku-CA7uI/Tyg3vlfGP7I/AAAAAAAABdc/WshGE95IEc8/s640/Israel,+Palestina.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>  <br /><div class="destinationMapLink clearfix"><a class="pin toggleMap closed" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/israel-and-the-palestinian-territories#" id="pinToggleMap" style="display: block;"><span class="showMapText"></span></a> </div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gsHyYBRVSTc/Tyg32QFwi0I/AAAAAAAABds/u6CONf2DOCw/s1600/Israel,+Palestina+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gsHyYBRVSTc/Tyg32QFwi0I/AAAAAAAABds/u6CONf2DOCw/s320/Israel,+Palestina+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkNcgWF0EKw/Tyg30RJoVQI/AAAAAAAABdk/gPipfampBxo/s1600/Israel,+Palestina+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkNcgWF0EKw/Tyg30RJoVQI/AAAAAAAABdk/gPipfampBxo/s320/Israel,+Palestina+1.jpg" width="320" /></a><i><b>Travel Alert:</b> The security situation in Israel remains extremely uncertain, particularly in the border areas around the Gaza Strip and southwest Israel, and along the border with <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361092">Lebanon</a>. Check travel advisories and news services before travelling. See <a href="http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/destinations/israel.shtml">Safe Travel</a> for updated government warnings and the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/default.stm" target="_blank">BBC</a> for the latest news updates.</i><br /><div class="mpuWrapper " id="mpuInContent"><div class="mpuInner"><div class="adContainer" id="adContainer_mpuInContent"><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/click;h=v8/3c0d/0/0/%2a/l;44306;0-0;0;56846335;4307-300/250;0/0/0;;~okv=;ctt=middle-east;cnty=israel-and-the-palestinian-territories;tnm=overview;rsi=J08781_10159;rsi=J08781_10291;rsi=J08781_10287;rsi=J08781_10052;rsi=J08781_10205;rsi=J08781_10335;rsi=J08781_10337;~sscs=%3f" target="_top"><img alt="Click here to find out more!" border="0" src="http://s0.2mdn.net/viewad/817-grey.gif" /></a> </div></div></div>Israel, or Palestine depending on your politics, is one of the world’s oldest travel destinations. Everyone from Moses to Mark Twain has dreamed of going there. The appearance of prophets seems to be dwindling and the Crusaders have long since hung up their swords and shields, but travellers still come in droves, almost magnetically, to this land still considered holy by countless millions. <br />The appeal of Israel’s ancient and holy past may be obvious enough but many new arrivals are surprised to see that it’s much more than a lesson in history. While <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361047">Jerusalem</a> is a dazzling amalgam of past and present, and a contested hotbed for the world's monotheistic faiths, the whole country is a tightly packed ball of everything from Mt <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361041">Masada</a> and the Negev desert to the beaches of <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361059">Eilat</a>. On a leisurely weekend you could surf, ski, sip wine, ride horses, go clubbing in Tel-Aviv or enjoy some cutting-edge theatre – and that’s just the start. You can also work on a kibbutz, volunteer at a West Bank school, float in the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=361040">Dead Sea</a>, hike across the Israel National Trail…<a class="pin toggleMap closed" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/israel-and-the-palestinian-territories#" id="pinToggleMap" style="display: block;"><span class="showMapText"></span></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYaAjwTtJ00/Tyg36fVLgpI/AAAAAAAABd8/6TMamGlpLHE/s1600/Israel,+Palestina+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYaAjwTtJ00/Tyg36fVLgpI/AAAAAAAABd8/6TMamGlpLHE/s320/Israel,+Palestina+4.jpg" width="320" /></a>Like the patchwork of new arrivals at Ben-Gurion airport, Israel is an amalgamation of peoples who arrived over centuries of time, each one staking their claim to the land. Territorial disputes led to violence, which in turn made for some epic accounts in the Bible – not terribly dissimilar to what is playing out on nightly newscasts where you are today. But contrary to popular belief, Israel is not a war zone to be avoided, and it has such rigid security that travel is surprisingly safe.<br />Somewhere along the line, politics and the bitter facts of life in this uncertain land will nudge their way into your trip. And while Israelis and Palestinians love nothing more than to argue, muse and prognosticate over the latest political currents, it’s best to leave your own opinions at the door. Enter the Holy Land on a clean slate and you’ll never watch the nightly news the same way again.<a class="pin toggleMap closed" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/israel-and-the-palestinian-territories#" id="pinToggleMap" style="display: block;"><span class="showMapText">Show in Lonely Planet</span></a><br /><div class="relatedLinks clearfix"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H8zLAUq7HLY/Tyg34AQ2keI/AAAAAAAABd0/GRTZUXx4kZA/s1600/Israel,+Palestina+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H8zLAUq7HLY/Tyg34AQ2keI/AAAAAAAABd0/GRTZUXx4kZA/s400/Israel,+Palestina+3.jpg" width="257" /></a><br /><h3 class="themeHeading"> </h3><h3 class="themeHeading"> </h3><div class="relatedLinks clearfix"><h3 class="themeHeading"> Make it happen</h3><ul><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/shopSearch?q=israel-palestinian-territories">Shop for travel guides</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com/israel-palestinian-territories/">Search hotels</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bookings/flights.do">Cheap flights</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bookings/insurance.do">Travel insurance</a></li></ul></div><h3 class="themeHeading"> More about Israel & the Palestinian Territories </h3><ul><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/israel-and-the-palestinian-territories/places">Places in Israel & the Palestinian Territories </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/israel-and-the-palestinian-territories/weather">When to go & weather </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/israel-and-the-palestinian-territories/transport/getting-there-away">Getting there & around </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/israel-and-the-palestinian-territories/practical-information/money-costs">Practical information </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/israel-and-the-palestinian-territories/history">History </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/israel-and-the-palestinian-territories/work-study-volunteering/work">Work & study </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/israel-and-the-palestinian-territories/travel-tips-and-articles">Tips & articles </a> </li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com/israel-palestinian-territories/">Hotels</a></li></ul></div><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/click;h=v8/3c0d/0/0/%2a/s;44306;0-0;0;56846335;33734-479/303;0/0/0;;~okv=;ctt=middle-east;cnty=israel-and-the-palestinian-territories;tnm=overview;tnm=sponsor-large;rsi=J08781_10159;rsi=J08781_10291;rsi=J08781_10287;rsi=J08781_10052;rsi=J08781_10205;rsi=J08781_10335;~sscs=%3f" target="_top"><img alt="Click here to find out more!" border="0" src="http://s0.2mdn.net/viewad/817-grey.gif" /></a></div>

Israel ( מדינת ישראל ), the Palestinian Territories ( فلسطين ). A voyage to Israel & the Palestinian Territories, Middle East - Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Eilat, Jaffa, Dead Sea...

  Travel Alert: The security situation in Israel remains extremely uncertain, particularly in the border areas around the Gaza St...

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