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Great Britain, the dominant industrial and maritime power of the 19th
century, played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in
advancing literature and science. At its zenith, the British Empire
stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. The first half of the 20th
century saw the UK's strength seriously depleted in two World Wars. The
second half witnessed the dismantling of the Empire and the UK rebuilding
itself into a modern and prosperous European nation. As one of five
permanent members of the UN Security Council, a founding member of NATO, and
of the Commonwealth, the UK pursues a global approach to foreign policy; it
currently is weighing the degree of its integration with continental Europe.
A member of the EU, it chose to remain outside of the European Monetary
Union for the time being. Constitutional reform is also a significant issue
in the UK. Regional assemblies with varying degrees of power opened in
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in 1999.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain can be subdivided in 5 areas :
Northern England, Southern England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Each and every area has its own language, culture and historical background.
Both the English parts form the largest, most densily populated and thriving
part of the country. The capital London lies in Southeast England.
Northern Ireland also belongs to the Kingdom, as well as a number of
smaller islands, such as the desolate Hebrides west of Scotland, the Scilly
Islands in the Channel and the Shetland Islands in the North Sea. Some
Islands are not really a part of Great Britain but have strong adminitrative
ties with the UK : the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, the Channel Islands
Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney in front of the French coast. They have
self-rule, but the British are responsible for defense and foreign affairs.
Also outside of Europe remainders can be found of the Empire "where the
sun never sets" : Gibraltar, islands in the Pacific and Indian Ocean and the
Falkland Islands close to Argentina. All these oversea areas are called
"British Dependent Territories".
England
Visit England and discover a country of great contrast and diversity both in
the places you go to and in the people you meet. All the regions of England
are within easy reach of the exciting capital city, London, famed for first
class culture, fascinating history and pageantry, its world-class
restaurants and theatre.Travel to London
- London is a cosmopolitan mixture of the Third and First Worlds, of
chauffeurs and beggars, of the establishment, the avowedly working class and
the avant-garde. Unlike comparable European cities, much of London looks
unplanned and grubby, but that is part of its appeal. Visiting London is
like being let loose on a giant-sized Monopoly board clogged with traffic.
Even though you probably won't know where you are exactly, the names will at
least look reassuringly familiar. The city is so enormous, visitors will
need to make maximum use of the underground train system: unfortunately,
this dislocates the city's geography and makes it hard to get your bearings.
Doing some traveling by bus helps fit the city together
Scotland
Scotland is everything you imagine – whisky, golf, romance of the clans and
a wealth of castles and historic sites. The Highlands area is one of the
last wildernesses in Europe.
Travel to Glasgow - Glasgow,
Scotland’s largest city, is famous for its culture, architecture, and
design. This is Scotland with style. Your encounter with the city’s people
will be your most cherished experience. The great warm-heartedness that
already greets you in Edinburgh will be even greater in Glasgow!
Visit Edinburgh - The capital of Scotland since
the 15th Century, Edinburgh stands on 7 hills creating a dramatic skyline.
Tour highlights include the Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyrood House, the
historic Royal Mile and Our Dynamic Earth.
Loch Ness and Inverness Highland by Minicoach 2 days / 1 night
 Discover the mystery of the Loch Ness, together with experiencing Inverness
and Glencoe. Explore the magnificent Caledonian Forest in Glen Affric, with
scenery that takes you back 500 years to the glory of the Caledonian pine
forest. Pass the set of Monty Python's 'Holy Grail'. Don't forget your
binoculars when visiting the famous Loch Ness! There is a good chance you
may spot the monster, nicknamed "Nessie".
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Wales
Wales captivates visitors with its rich character and landscapes. The Welsh
speak their own Celtic language as well as English and have their own
culture, poetry and song, which they celebrate in concerts and unique summer
festivals known as 'eisteddfodau'.
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Travel to Cardiff - For travelers in the United
Kingdom, the Welsh capital of Cardiff is a welcome respite from the summer
crush in London. Cardiff is less than two hours by rail, and trains leave
frequently from London's Paddington station. Top attractions include the
Millennium Stadium and its cutting-edge architecture; the Wales Millennium
Centre, an arts complex for opera, theater and other performances; the
waterfront area, which buzzes with cafes and boutiques; and the National
Museum Cardiff, which has the second-largest collection of impressionist
paintings after Paris. |
City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Tour of Cardiff
 The
best way to see Cardiff! Join us for a 50 minute guided open top bus
trip. The tour includes Cardiff Castle, Techniquest and Millennium
Stadium. This is a 'Hop on, Hop off' service, which allows you to use
this tour as a convenient way to access all major highlights in Cardiff.
Click here for more information and Booking Details »
More CARDIFF Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions |
Northern Ireland
Vibrant cities with shopping, nightlife and festivals, outdoor activities,
fabulous food and unspoilt retreats where you can unwind, relax and
recharge.
Travel to Belfast - Belfast is the city where the past still breathes, be
it, its squares, avenues & streets of magnificent Victorian & Edwardian
architecture, in its atmospheric pubs, old markets, In the humour & stories of
its people, in the miles of docks & crane-lined quays where the magic that
created Titanic still lingers. To attract visitor’s fabulous hotels,
state-of-the-art conference centers & incredible apartment blocks are fast
emerging. Belfast’s chefs are famous for their creative cuisines.
Belfast is passionate about celebrating arts, there is always a festival or an
event going on. The city is famous worldwide for the uniqueness of its bars &
high energy dance clubs. Its trendy markets make it one of the Europe’s hot
shopping destinations.
Places to visit
- -Magnificent classical renaissance style City Hall.
- -Enjoy Guinness & Oysters at the beautiful 19th century Crown Liquor
Saloon.
- -Boat trip to the Harland & Wolff Shipyards where the renowned ship
Titanic was built.
- -Spectacular views over Belfast & the Lough from Belfast Castle.
- -Black taxi tour of the famous murals of West Bengal.
Night Time
- -Enjoy a trip around Belfast‘s famous & historic pubs with the Historic
Pub Walking Tour.
- - Finest dining at perfect fusion style restaurants.
- - Stylish bars for infinite cocktails.
- - Grand Opera House for an enjoyable west end production.
- - Traditional music at city’s charming historic hostelries.
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Bright Side of The Road - Van Morrison Walking Tour
 What was the inspiration for Van Morrison classics like "Brown Eyed
Girl" and "Bright Side of The Road"? Book your spot on this popular
walking tour today to find out more about the life of one of Ireland's
most successful and loved musicians.
Click here for more information and Booking Details »
More BELFAST Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions |
 Park Plaza Belfast International Airport
The hotel is located directly opposite Belfast International Airport. The rooms
are all fairly large in size and in good condition. They are all very well
appointed with computer connections, hospitality trays and every thing else you
would expect from a good four star hotel. Circles restaurant offers fine dining
and is a very warm welcoming place. There is also Foyers bar serving light
snacks and drinks all hours. A very well designed hotel, there is also an
excecutive lounge at the hotel for those wishing to pop in and do a few hours
work should their flight be delayed.
Click here for more information and Booking Details » |
Channel Islands
Friendly communities, a rugged coastline and gentle, unspoiled scenery make
the islands ideal for anyone who wants to ‘get out there’ and explore on
foot or by bike.
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British
Airways London Eye
Caswell
Hotel London