Europe

EUROPEAN UNION
The European Union (EU) has evolved from a regional economic agreement among six
neighboring states in 1951 to today?s supranational organization of 26 countries across
the European continent
A new currency, the Euro, was launched in world money markets on 1 January 1999; it
became the unit of exchange for all of the EU states except the United Kingdom,
Sweden, and Denmark. In 2002, citizens of 12 euro-area countries began using the euro
bank notes and coins.
7 February 1992 (Maastricht Treaty signed establishing the EU); 1 November 1993
(Maastricht Treaty entered into force)
Europe Day 9 May (1950); note - a Union-wide holiday, the day that Robert Schuman
proposed the creation of an organized Europe.
27 countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania*, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK.
Candidate countries: Croatia, Turkey; note - the EC has recommended that Macedonia
become a candidate country.
SCHENGEN
The Schengen countries have joined efforts to enhance the quality of their service to
the public. A central database, common procedures and criteria for visa issuance and
use of the same visa sticker with high-level built-in security are all assets for both our
countries and you the visitor. Moreover, the use of a common visa system has enabled
us to re-organize our office network. Today the Schengen countries are represented by
professional and skilled staff at a much wider network than before. We now have over
1,500 offices worldwide, of which nearly 100 are located in the United States.
The Schengen visa helps promote a unified Europe, and is therefore an important
symbol of the European Union.
The name ?Schengen? originates from a small town in Luxembourg. In June 1985, seven
European Union countries signed a treaty to end internal border checkpoints and
controls. More countries have joined the treaty over the past years. At present, there
are 16 Schengen countries, all in Europe.
The 16 Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Iceland, Italy, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, and
Sweden. All these countries except Norway and Iceland are European Union members.
COUNTRIES (REGIONS / STATES)
1
Italy 20 Regions
2
Austria
9 Bundeslanders
3
Liechtenstein
11 communities
4
Switzerland 26 Cantons
5
Germany
16 Federal States
6
Belgium
3 Regions
7
France
22 Regions
8
United Kingdom
4 Countries
9
Netherlands 12 Provinces

10
11
12

Paris 20 Districts
London
32 Burroughs & London City
Brussels
19 Districts, 2 languages

Rivers
ROME TIBER
VENICE
PO/PIAVE DELTA / ADIGE / BRENTA
FLORENCE
ARNO
PISA ARNO
INNSBRUCK INN
LUCERNE
REUSS
COLOGNE
RHINE
HEIDELBERG NECKAR
ANTWERP
SCHELDE
AMSTERDAM AMSTEL / MAAS
PARIS SEINE
LONDON
THAMES
GENEVA
RHONE
BERN AARE
NICE VAR / PAILLON
ZURICH
LIMMAT / SIHL
Heights / Lengths / Weights / Dimensions

ITALY
Area
:
301,250 sq km (20 Regions)
Population
:
58.7 million (2006)
Capital
: Rome
Language
:
Italian & many dialects
Religion
:
85% Roman Catholics & 5% Jewish & Protestants
Head of State
:
President ? Giorgio NAPOLITANO
Prime Minister
:
Romano PRODI
Currency
:
Euro
Major Industries
:
Engineering , Textile, Chemicals, Wine
making, Automobile industry
(Fiat,Lancia,Ferrari,lamborghini,maserati),motor
bikes:Ducati,Piaggio,Aspira,Vespa.
Agriculture
:
Sugar beet,wheat,,maize,tomatoes,wine
potatoes,olives.
Fishing
:Mussels,sardines,trout,shrimps & prawns,suids &
shellfish.
Per Capita Income :
US$ 27,727 (2004)
Tourism
: 20 million annually
Regions
:
20 Regions
Largest Cities
:
Rank City
Population
1
Rome 4.5 million
2
Milan 1.3 million
3
Naples
1.1 million
8
Florence
0.4 million
Italy streches length wise from north to south and is shaped like a shoe.Famous wine is
Chianti,famous cheese are Parmesian,Mozarella,Bolognia.Italy is sorounded by Adriatic
sea,Tyrrhenian sea,Ligurian sea and Ionian seas.About 75% of the Italian peninsula is
mountanious with the Alps separating the country from France,Switzerland &
Austria.Italy has 4 active volcanoes Stromboli and Vulcano in the Aeolian
Island,Vesuvius near naples,Etna in Sicily.
In the 1st century BC,under Julius Caesar,Rome conquered and moved in to Egypt.After
Caesar's assassination by his nephew,Brutus,in 44 BC,a power strugle began between
Mark Antony and Cleopatra in Egypt in 31 BC and establishment of of the roman empire
in 27 BC.Octavius who had been adopted by Julius Ceasar as his son and heir,took the
title of Augustus Ceasar and became the first emperor and ruled for 45 yrs.By the end
of 3rd century,the empire had widely grown that emperor Diocletian divided it between
east & west for adminstrative purposes.His successor Constantine declared religious
freedom for Christians & moved the seat of power to the eastern
capital,Byzantium,which he renamed Constantinople.During the 4th century Christianity
was declared the official state religion and grew in power and influence.

ITALIAN INVENTION: ketchup (300 BC), the fork (11th C),eye glasses (13th
C),mechanical clocks (1335),radio (1901)
ROME ? Area : 150 sq km. Population : 4.5 million.River:Tiber?Tevere 406 kms
long.Rome is also called as the capital of the world ("Caput Mundi")
Region:Lazio GRA ? Grande Raccordo Anulare - 56 km, 33 Exits.
Brief History : A historical city built on 7 hills. Tiberine Islands, located in the Tiber
River, was dedicated by the Romans to the God of medicine, Aesculapius. Legend has it
that a Latin Princess Rhea Silvia, daughter of King Numitor, had twins Romulus &
Remus, fathered by the war God Mars. The king at that time was afraid that the twins
might make claim to his throne so he had them put in a basket & set them adrift on the
Tiber. The twins were found by a female wolf who fed them her own milk. Soon after a
shepherd adopted them & raised them as his own. Upon growing up, the boys vowed to
build a city where they had been abandoned as babies. Each chose a hill & became
leader of a new city. Eventually quarrels broke out & Romulus killed Remus, leaving
Romulus hilltop, Palatine, the center of the new city - ROME. (753 BC). First city in
history to have a population of 1 million.Current city is 30 feet above the ancient city.2
airports in rome Fiumichino & Ciampiano.Gardens in Rome are Tivoli garden.There are
13 obelisk in Rome.
Quotes :
There is a saying that if the Colosseum falls the world will follow,
All Roads lead to Rome,Rome was not built in a day,
When in Rome do as the Romans do.
7 Hills of Rome
QUIRANAL / CAPITOLINE / VININALE / PALATINE / AVENTINE / CAELLON / ESQUILINE
COLOSSEUM : Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre was started by Emperor
Vespasian in 72 AD in the ground of Nero's Golden house,and was completed by his son
Titus. In the ancient world, the oval-shaped Colosseum, took 8 years to build (72-80
AD).The opening was memorable as was the celebration held for 1000th anniversary of
the founding of Rome in 249AD,hundreds of animals,including
elephant,lions,tiger,hippos,giraffes and zebras as wellas 2000 gladiators were killed. It
was the largest structure of its type. It stood 160 ft / 50 mts high, 660 ft by 560 ft, with
4 stories of windows, arches & columns. Each of the three floors had 80 arches, as
many as 50,000 spectators with numbered tickets entered through 76 gates, 2 for
Emperor & 2 for the Gladiators. Romans came to watch Gladiator & animal
fights.Gladiator used to fight with gladiator,animals with gladiator & the emperor use to
watch the spectacle.It became a fortress in middle ages & later on a marble quary also
it is said that this was the place for slaughtering of Christians.They say when the
Colloseum will fall the world will follow.
Driving towards Colloseum you see 4 maps of Roman Empire made by Mussolini on the
opposite side is the staue of Julius Ceasar.
ARCH OF CONSTANTINE : Stands 25 mts high & was constructed in 315 AD. Dedicated
to the first Christian Emperor, Constantine.It was build to honour Constantine's victory
over his rival maxentius at the battle of Milvian Bridge.

PALAZO VENEZIA : Located on Piazza Venezia got its name from Cardinal Venezia from
Venice, Built by Pope Paul II in the 15th century. It was used by Mussolini, to address
people from the balcony. Now it?s a museum of Medieval Art.Opposite is Palazo
Buonaparte where napolean's mother used to live after his deafeat.
TRAJAN COLUMN:Was built in 113 AD,it is 35 mtrs high,the statue of St.Peters was
added in the 17th C,earlier it had a statue of Trajan.On the column are carvings
recounting episodes from the war.
TRITON FOUNTAIN:Designed by Bernini in 1643,it consist of Triton (Merman) blowing a
conch and standing on an open oyster with 4 dolphins.
CASTEL SAINT ANGELO: Built by emperor Hadrian in 130 AD as the emperors tomb,later
converted in a fort.It's name comes from castle of Holly Angels dates from 590 when an
Angel fortelling the end of a Plague epedemic.
SPANISH STEPS:Church of Trinita dei Monti was funded by the French and The Spanish
Embassy,the fountain was made by Pietro Bernini.
TEATRO DI MARCELLO: Was begun by Julius Ceasar it was a theatre.
PIAZZA DELLA REPUBLICA: Has the fountain of Naiads made in 1901.
FONTANA DE QUATTRO FIUMI:(fOUNTAIN OF 4 RIVERS) MADE BY bERNINI IN 1651,IT
REPRESENTS gANGES,Nile,Danube and river Plate.

VICTOR EMMANUEL MONUMENT : It was built in 1885 (designed by Giuseppe Sacconi),

to celebrate Italy?s unification in 1870 & was dedicated in 1911 to the First King,
Victor Emmanuel II. It is also referred to as ?The Typewriter? or ?The Wedding Cake?.
Officially the ?Altar of the Father Land?. The white marble structure stands 80 mts
high. Guarded by soldiers? night & day, it houses the tomb of the Unknown Soldier with
its eternal flame.
ROMAN FORUM (Foro Romano) : Built over 900 years ago, it was the commercial,
political & religious centre of ancient Rome from the republican era to the 4th century
AD. It spreads along the valley floor between Capitoline & Palatine hills.
CIRCUS MAXIMUS : It was a large oval track, where chariot races took place, the circus
had the capacity to accommodate 250,000 people like shown in the movie Benhur.
TREVI FOUNTAIN : It derives its name from its position at the intersection of three
roads (tre vie). According to legend anyone who throws a coin into the water is
guaranteed to return to the Eternal City. Designed by, Nicola Salvi, who finished the
undertaking between 1732 and 1751. The central niche seems to impart movement to
the imposing figure of Neptune who firmly guides a chariot drawn by two Sea Horses, ?
Agitated? & ?Placid?, the names obviously derived from the way the two horses have
been represented. As they gallop over the water, the horses are guided by fine figures
of Tritons which emerge from the water & which were sculpted by P. Bracci in 1762.
Water is supplied from an aqueduct 20 km away.

TIME ELEVATOR : Interactive 4D simulation show, history of Rome.

The hospital on Tiberine Island is called as Fatebenefratelli.

VATICAN CITY
Area
Population
Language
Religion
Head of State
16th April 1927, off
Currency
Political System

:
:
:

0.44 sq km / 0.17 sq miles

925 (July 2005)
Latin (official) & Italian
:
Roman Catholics
: Pope Benedict XVI (265th Pope) , Joseph Ratzinger - dob ? 19th April 2005.
:
Euro
:
Absolute Catholicism (Papal Commission)

Brief : It is the world?s smallest independent state. It emerged as an autonomous

independent state on 11th Feb 1929. It is the administrative & spiritual capital of the
Catholics.The Vatican has its own T.V,Press,Post offices,Police,Stamps,newspaper,radio
station,train station etc. The Pope is guarded by 100 Swiss Guards who are single
under 30 yrs of age,their uniform were designed by Michelangelo.

The Vatican city covers the Vatican hill lying between Monte Mario and the janiculum.In
the 1st Century BC it was the site of caligula's circus,where nero had 100's of christian
martyred.The church rises on the spot where one of nero's victim St.Peter, was burried.
THE VATICAN MUSEUM :
The Vatican Museums comprises the papal apartments of the medieval Apostolic
Palace decorated with frescoes during the Renaissance, the Sistine Chapel, the
exhibition rooms of the Vatican Apostolic Library & the Museums themselves.You also
get to see beautiful tapestry,frescoes and map gallery
St. PETERS CATHEDRAL (Basilica San Pietro) :
The original basilica was founded by Constantine upon the site where St. Peter was
martyred and was built between 324 AD & 349 AD. Pope Julius II decided to build a
completely new cathedral & started construction in 1506 designed by Bramante &
completed by Michelangelo. When finally completed it was consecrated by Pope Urban
VIII on 18th Nov 1626. It is 114.69 mts wide & internal height 120 mts. Upon entering,
on the right you will find Michelangelo?s Pieta-carved in 1499, his only signed work,
this statue is of Virgin Mary mourning over the lifeless body of young Jesus on her
lap,Michelangelo sculpted Pieta when he was only 25 yrs & the only work to carry his
signature on the sash on Mother Mary. This is the 1st of the four Pietas. Two are in
Milan & one is in Florence . Towards the Altar you will find the bronze statue of St
Peter,its feet are worn out by million of people who come and touch & kiss his
feet.There is bernini's heavily sculpted bronze canopy(Baldacchino) over the altar
which is 29 mtrs high,St.Peter's body is burried below the canopy.The dome is designed
by michelangelo. The art on the ceiling is done in mosaic,mosaic is not painting it is
small pieces of colourfull tiles which is stuck together.

THE LARGEST CHURCH IN INDIA IS THE OUR LADY OF DOLOURES ?NEW CHURCH?
BASILICA IN THRISSUR (ALSO THE BIGGEST IN SOUTH ASIA).
St. PETER?S SQUARE (Piazza San Pietro) :
It can accommodate 400,000 people. The square is surrounded by 284 pillars
surmounted by 140 statues of saints & martyrs. In the center is the Obelisk from
Heliopolis (Greece)brought by Caligula to adorn his circus.On top of the obelisk in the
golden sphere is beleived to contain the ashes of Julius Ceasar. On each side of the
obelisk are two Baroque Fountains.When you stand between the fountains,the
colonades appears to have one row of column.The pope resides on the right side
building on the 3rd floor.The square was designed by Michelangelo.From top it looks
like two arms of St.Peter protecting people in the square.There are 2 staues one of
St.Peter holding the keys to heaven and the other of St.Paul he is holding a sword & he
is the protector of heaven.
SISTINE CHAPEL :
Built between 1475 & 1483 (8yrs), in the time of Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere, the Sistine
Chapel had originally served as Palatine Chapel. The chapel is rectangular in shape &
measures 40.93 mts long, 13.41 mts wide & 20.70 mts high, i.e. the exact dimensions of
the temple of Solomon (son of David), as given in the Old Testament. The 1st mass was
held on 9th Aug 1483.The subject in the centre of the ceilingare;separation of light from
Darkness,Creation of the Universe,Separation of land from Sea and Creation of
Animals,Creation of adam,Creation of Eve,fall of man and Expulsion from
paradise,Noah's sacrifice,the flood and the drunkenness of Noah. The architectural
plans were made by Baccio Pontelii & the construction work was supervised by
Giovannino de Dolci. The wall paintings were executed by Pietro Perugino, Sandro
Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Cosimo Roselli, Luca Signorelli & their respective
workshops.
Michelangelo Buonarroti was commissioned by Pope Julius II della Rovere in 1508 to
repaint the ceiling, the work was completed in 1512. He painted the Last Judgment at
the altar, between 1535 & 1541, being commissioned by Pope Paul III Farnese. There is
a painting of the Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci. The large Globe that one sees
before entering the Sistine Chapel is made by Pomodoro.
Hierarchy of the Church
Priest a
a
Cardinal

Vicar

a
a

Vicar General

Bishopa

Archbishop

Pope

PISA
PISA : Area : 185 sq km, Population : 100,000
Region : Tuscany,River :Arno 240 kms
long.
Brief : It is in the state of Tuscany, Birthplace of Galileo, he carried out his famous
experiments on the effects of Gravity. The river Arno passes through Pisa.
CAMPO dei MIRACOLI (Square of Miracles) :
This square has the Baptistry, the Cathedral & the famous Bell Tower.

THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA : (La Torre Pendante)

It is a Bell Tower. Its construction was started in 1174 by Bonano Pisano. When the
tower reached the third level it began to sink on one side & construction was stopped.
It remained like that for 90yrs & was later completed by Giovanni di Simone in 1264.
It is an 8 storied structure ,with 294 steps. It is 55.86 mts (186 FEET) high, 15.50 mts
dia, less than 3 mts foundation, 14 ft off centre and a 5 degree tilt. The whole tower is
made of Carara Marble & weighs 14,500 tons.It has 7 bells tuned on the 7 musical
notes.Galileo carried out his experiments on the effect of gravity.It is one of the 7
wonders of the world.Leaning tower has stoped leaning now beacuse few years back
they pumped lead ignots below making the soil below strong.In Italian it is called as
Torre pendante,the leaning tower is actually a bell tower.
KUTUB MINAR : IT IS APPROX 72.54 M (238 FEET) IN HEIGHT. IT CONTAINS 379 STAIRS.
The BAPTISTRY : (Batistero)
Built in 1153 by Salvi, 55 mts high & 35.5 mts diametre.Baptistry is a place for Christian
to get baptised before entering the church.
THE CATHEDRAL : (Duomo)
Built in 1063 by Puschetto (architect), 100 mts length, 54 mts high & 35 mts width.
There are paintings of Giovanni Pisano in the cathedral.
PERUGIA:Population:6 lakhs,Capital of Umbria,overlooks Tiber river,famous for cultural
events & universities,lake in Perugia is Trasimeno,famous for Perugina chocalate and
olives.
Genova to Pisa you pass 176 Tunnels.Genova is the Capital of Liguria also the Birth
place of Christopher Columbus,the port is the biggest in Italy & also called as
Christopher Columbus.
Comic character Pinachio is from Pistoi/Collodi near Pisa(when he lied his nose became
bigger & bigger)
Pisa airport is called as Galileo Galilei.

FLORENCE - Area : 102 sq km,

Population : 4.2 Lakh,Italian name Firenze,
Capital of
Tuscany Region. FAMOUS FOR LEATHER PRODUCTS
Brief : Italian name is Firenze . River Arno passes through. It was founded by Julius
Caesar in 59 BC . It is also the birth place of the Italian language (Aligari
Dante),Michelangelo & Medicis. Birth place of Renaissance. Florence was briefly
(1865 ? 1871) the capital of the kingdom of Italy. Florence was long ruled by the Medici
family for a total of 282 years.It is an important transport and manufacturing centre. It
is a market of wine,olive oil,vegetable,Fruits & Flowers.In 1252 the first gold coin was
used for trading by the Medici family.

DUOMO (Santa Maria del Fiore) :

The cathedral is noted for its distinctive dome (107 mts) & its structure is made out of
green (Prato), white (Carara) & red (Siena) marble. The name translates ?Saint Mary of
the Flower? referring to the Lily, which is the symbol of Florence.The cathedral was
built on the site of the previou one,Santa Reparta which was too small for the people of
Florence. It was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1294, and took 140 years to build.
The compound includes the Campanile & the Baptistery with its famous ?Gates to
Paradise? made by Lorenzo Gilberti.The Duomo has 463 steps.Behind is the cathedral
museum which has Michelangelo's one of three Pieta.
BAPTISTERY:Built in the 5th century,is a striking 8 sided green & white marble
bldg.The sculpted door on 3 sides are celebrated works,the south door with scenes
from the life of St.John the Baptist,the north door with scenes from the new
testament,and one of the great master peice of early Renaissance art is the door of
paradise sculpted with old Testament stories,Michelangelo called this door the door to
pardise.The Apse is dominated by the huge figure of Christ the saviour in Judgement.
BELL TOWER:CAMANILLE: Giotto started work on the huge green,pink & white belltower
in 1334 & was completed by Andrea Pisano.The bell tower is 85 mtrs tall.
PIAZZA della SIGNORIA :
It is an open air museum of sculptures, where you will see statues of David (marble),
Judith & Holojernes, Hercules & Cacus. One can also see, Perseus with Medusa?s cut
off head, Rape of Sabine woman, Hercules & Centaur,Menelaos carrying the dead
Patroclus and many more, in the square one can also see The Fountain of Neptune in
the centre.On the exteme left is the equestrian staue of Cosimo I the first king of
Florence.
PONTE VECCHIO :
Literally ?Old Bridge?. It is a famous medieval bridge over the river Arno. It was first
erected in Roman times and was originally made of wood. After being destroyed in the
floods in 1333, it was rebuilt in 1345, this time in stone. It has always hosted shops &
merchants ? Legend says this was originally due to tax exemption. They displayed their
goods on a table after authorization of the Bargello (Authority). It is the only bridge on
the River Arno to have survived the 2nd World War.
SANTA CROCE :
It is called the Pantheon of Florence because Michelangelo, Galileo,Machiavelli & many
famous Italian personalities are buried here. One can see the statue of Aligari Dante,
the man who wrote the Italian Language. The only catholic church to have the Jewish
Symbol on the facade.
PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO :
From here one can get an amazing view of the city below. Here one can see the
impressive statue (Bronze replica) of David. It stands at 4.1 mt / 13.5 ft.
MICHELANGELO?S DAVID :

Sculpted between 1501 ? 1504. David is considered to be a masterpiece of Renaissance

sculpture. It portrays the Biblical David at the moment that he decides to engage
Goliath. This 4.1 mt / 13.5 ft marble statue was commissioned as a symbol of the
Florentine Republic. The statue was originally placed in Piazza Signoria, just in front of
the Palazzo della Signoria. To protect it from damage, in 1873 it was moved to the
Academia Gallery in Florence. A replica was placed in Piazza Signoria in 1910.
MICHELANGELO di LODOVICO BUONARROTI SIMONI (6th Mar 1475 ? 18th Feb 1564) :
Born in Caprese near Arezzo, Michelangelo was raised in Florence & later lived with a
sculptor in Satignano where his father owned a marble quarry & had a small farm.
Micheangelo was a Renaissance painter,Sculptor,poet & architect.He is famous for
creating the fresco ceiling of the Sistine Chappel as well as the Last Judgement over
the Altar & also the last supper inside the sistine chappel.Michelangelo also designed
the dome of St Peters Basilica.
ORSANMICHELE: Was built in 1290 as a grain market was latter transformed into a
church in 1404.
UFFIZI GALLERY:Is famous for its art gallery,is one of the finest gallery in Europe was
built in 16th century to house Govt. offices and law courts.
ACADEMIA GALLERY: Is a gallery of fine art,housing many works by
Michelangelo,including his David.
PITTI PALACE:Medici family brought the palace in 1550.
The locks on Ponte Vechio are signs of eternal love,young lovers comes and put locks
on the wall and throw the keys in the Arno river,so their love remains locked.Next to it
is the Pigs statue,if you rub the pig you get lucky.
Florence to Bologna you see Apenine mountain.
Leonardo da vici was born in a small town of Vinci in Tuscanny near Florence in 1452.

VENICE - Population :350,000

kms,Adige 410 kms..

Region : Veneto.River near Venice Po 652 kms,Piave 220

Venice is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world.It is the city of
canals,streches across numerous small island in a marshy lagoon along the adriatic sea
in the north east of Italy.The salt water streches along the shoreline between the
mouth of the Po & Piave river.Venice is the capital of Veneto.It is a port & naval base on
the north eastern coast of Italy.It draws 8 million tourist every year.Venice is built on
117 islands,it has 150 canals and 400 bridges.The entire city is built on millions 7
millions of wooden piles.Venice became a part of Italy in 1866.It is also called as the
sinking city.Transportation is done by traditional Gondola and Vaporetto(water
bus).Industries in venice includes Glassware,mirrors,beads,jewellry,textile,Venetian
mask & Lace(made in Burano island).The winged Lion is the symbol of Venice.3 famous
bridges on the Grand canal The Rialto.The Accademia,The Scalzi.The train station in
Venice is called as Santa Lucia.The back water is called as laggon from Adriatic sea
also called as Gulf of Venezia.We sail on the Guidecca canal from fusinna terme & the
Gondola is on the Grand canal.Island around Venice are St.George,san rocco,Murano
Island<burrano Island & Torcello Island.Airport in Venice is Marco pollo.The boat stops
near Gabreilli & Metropoll hotel.The gondola(Dogana Gondola) is near Monaco Hotel.
The grand canal bisects the whole city is 1.5 kms long & is shaped like an upside "S",it
is 4 kms long,max depth is 5 mtrs and 50 breadh is 50 mtrs.
Venetian trader Marco Pollo in the 13th Century was a prime factor in sparking a great
boom in trading,we have read Shakespeares Merchant of venice.The venice film festival
(The Golden Lion Awards) was founded by Benito Mussolini.Mira Nair won the award for
her movie Monsoon Wedding.
DODGE'S PALACE: Is an Italian Gothic Palace constructed from 1309 to 1424 on the 9th
century origins.It was the residence of the Dodge's.The first floor was the lawyers
office & the naval office,Second floor were the ballot chamber and dodge's
residence,third floor where foreign Ambassadors were received.The bldg also contains
the Bussola chamber where citizens could submit written complaints.Now it houses a
museum.
Opposite the Dodge's palace is the Marciana Library and Archelogical museum.
St MARKS SQUARE ( San Marco) :
It is a large square which was built in the 11th century. * Piazzetta ? The two granite
columns - St. Marks Lion (winged) & St. Theodore slaying a crocodile (brought from
Constantinople). * Three Flag Posts : Symbolize Venetian Kingdoms of Cyprus, Candia &
Morea.The bldg in front facing against the basilica is the Napolean wing,Napolean
called this square the drawing room of europe,on the right side is the Procurative
Vechio , on the left side is the procurative Nuovo.During the time of Venetian republic
these bldgs were the residence of the nine procurators or magistrates from among
whom the Doge or the chief magistrate was selected.
TORRE dell OROLOGIO (Clock Tower) :
Dating from the end of the 15th century,on top the Bronze Moors have being striking
the hour for 500 years. The dial depicts Zodiac signs.
St. MARKS BASILICA :

It is one of the most beautiful & prominent churches of Venice.In 828 the mortal
remains of St.mark the evangelist were brought to Venice from Alexandria in Egypt.The
body was stolen by 2 Venetian merchant from its burial place in Egypt.The basilica is
built in Byzantine style,that is why they have the onion shaped dome like a
mosque,influence of muslim country,Turkey used to rule Venice once.The Basilica was
built between 11th & 15th century.On top are the 4 bronze horses which was cast in the
4th century and brought from the booty of constantinople.These 4 horses were taken by
napolean and placed it on top of Arch of Caroussel inside Lovre museum in Paris,later
on it was returned to Venice after he lost the battle of Waterloo.The original are in the
Basillica Museum.Inside the cathedral behind the Altar is one of the masterpieces of
medieval art,the Pala d'Oro (Golden Screen) made of gold gemstones & enamels,it was
crafted in 10th & 14th century.Inside on the right side is the Baptistry.
BELL TOWER (Campanile) :
It is a 99mt / 320ft tower, built in the 9th century. The tower was used as a watch tower.
The Campanile collapsed in 1902 & was rebuilt in 1912.From top you get a beautiful
view of venice,there is a elevator to go up.
BRIDGE OF SIGHS(Bridge of sorrow) (Ponte dei Sospiri):
It was built in the 17th century. It has a romantic reputation, but it is in fact the bridge
which connected the courtroom to the prison, once sentenced the prisoner would pass
over the bridge & sigh as it would be the last time he would see the city and the grand
canal through the two windows. It connects the Doges Palace to the Prison, where the
famous Casanova was imprisoned & he was the only prisoner who escaped.Befor the
bridge of sighs is the equetrian statue of Victor Emanualle II the first King of Italy.
The two columns at Piazzetta are (1)Staue of St.Theodore,he was the first Patron saint
of venice crushing a crocodille (2)Lion of St.Mark- Lion with wing is the symbol of
Venice.
SANTA MARIA DELLA SALUTE: It was built in 1630 as a thanks giving for the end of
plague epidemic.
Murano is usually described as an island in the Venetian Lagoon, although like Venice
itself it is actually an archipelago of islands linked by bridges. It lies about a mile north
of Venice and is famous for its glass making, particularly lampworking.
What made Murano?s glassmakers so special? For one thing, they were the only people
in Europe who knew how to make a mirror. They also developed or refined technologies
such as crystalline glass, enameled glass (smalto), glass with threads of gold
(aventurine), multicolored glass (millefiori), milk glass (lattimo), and imitation
gemstones made of glass.
Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini (July 29, 1883 ? April 28, 1945) was the PrimeMinister and dictator of Italy from 1922 until his overthrow in 1943. He established a
repressive fascist regime that valued nationalism, militarism and anti-communism
combined with strict censorship and state propaganda. Mussolini became a close ally
of German dictator Adolf Hitler, whom he influenced. Mussolini entered the war in June,
1940 on the side of Nazi Germany. Three years later, the Allies invaded Italy. In April
1945 Mussolini attempted to escape to Austria, only to be captured and executed by
Communist Resistance units.

PADOVA:Population: 2.5 lakhs,lies in Veneto region,it is economic and comunication hub

of Veneto region in northern Italy.It stands on the Bacchiglione river.Famous for
university founded in 1238 by Frederick II,Holy Roman Emperor.Saint anthony of
padua,locally is called as "IL Santo",the bones of the saint rest in the chapell,the
basilica begun in 1230.
FERRARI cars were made by Enzo Ferrari,his birth place is Modena.Ferrari headquarter
is in Maranello,it's in the region of Emilia Romagna in northern Italy,18 kms from
Modena.
Sonia Gandhi
Born to Stefano and Paola Maino, as Edvige Antonia Albina Maino, in Lusiana, a little
village 50 km from Vicenza, Italy, she spent her teenage life in Orbassano, a town near
Turin being raised in a Roman Catholic family and attending a Catholic school.
Italy is the largest wine producing country in the world. The most famous Italian wines
are Chianti, Chardonnay and Amarone.
SAVONA:Pop:60,000,main coastal town in the Province of savona,The Maritime Alps
meet the Ligurian mountains.
APPENE MOUNTAIN:Range stretches 1000 km from north to south of Italy.In the Italian
campaign of WW II,the Germans used Apennines as a defensive barrier known to the
allies as the Gothic line.The allies attacked the line insuccessfully in Sept 1944.
LA SPEZIA: Pop:94000,is the capital city of the Province of La Spezia.It is one of the
major Italian Milatary and commercial Harbour.
LIVORNO:Pop:1,55,000,region-Tuscany,It is a port city on Ligurian sea,It is the capital
of the Province of Livorno & the 3rd largest port on the western coast of Italy.
CARRARA:Pop:65,000,region-Tuscany,Carrara is a city in the Province of MassaCarrara,famous for white or blue-gray marble.It is on the Carrione river.
PRATO:Pop:1,83,000,region-Tuscany,famous for textiles and wool.
MONTE CATINI:Pop:20,000,region-Tuscany,Province of Pistoia,is a spa town in
Tuscany,is one of the famous health resort in Italy,it has Thermal Springs.
ARREZO:Pop:96,000,region-Tuscany,elevation-296 M,it is a old city in central Italy.
ASSISI:Pop:26,000,region-Umbria,elevation-424 M,Is the birth place of St.Francis,who
founded the Franciscan religious order in the town in 1208,and St.Clare the founder of
poor Clares.
SIENNA:Pop:54,500,region-Tuscany,elevation-322 M,the Historic Centre of Sienna has
been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage.

PERUGIA:Pop:1,62,000,region-Umbria,it is the capital of Umbria region,overlooks tiber

river,lake in Perugia is Trasimeno,the symbol of the city is Griffin,is famous for
chocolates and olives.
CHIANCIANO TERME:Pop:7,000,region-Tuscany,famous for Thermal Spas.
FABRO:Pop:2,745,region-Umbria,famous for wines & olives.
ORVIETO:Pop:21,000,region-Umbria,it is situated on the flat summit of a large butte of
Volcanic tuff.It was a major centre of Etruscan Civilization & is 2000 yrs old.
ORTE:Pop:8,364,region-Lazio,is in the Province of Viterbo in lazio region,situated on
Tiber valley,is also an Etruscan settlement 2000 yrs old.
CIVITAVECCHIA:Pop:51,000,region-Lazio,it is a sea port on the Tyrrhenian sea across
the Mignone river.
BOLOGNA:Pop:3,74,000,region-Emilia Romagna,it lies between Po river & the Apennines
mountain.It is home of the oldest university in the world,"ALMA MATER STUDIORUM"
founded in 1088.Bologna is famous for cuisines such as Bolognese sauce,Sphagheti
Bolgna,Cheese,Prosciutto,Mortadella,Salame.Famous companies in Bologna are Ducati
motorcycles,lamborghini,maserati.
FERARA:Pop:1,31,000,region-Emilla Romagna,situated on Po river is an industrial area.
ROVIGO:Region-Tuscany,Has the Italian Rugby Union Club.
VICENZA:Pop:1,19,000,region-Veneto,is the largest industrial area famous for jewelry &
clothing factories.The Gold exposition is world famous & it takes place in Vicenza 3
times a year.
VERONA:Pop:2,60,000,region-Veneto,situated on the Adige river near lake Garda,it is
famous for Roman Amphitheatre,the Arena,which is the 3rd largest after Rome
Coloseum,it has the balcony of Juliet made famous by Shakeseares Romeo & Juliet.
TRENTO:Pop:1,10,000,region-Trentino/Alto/Adige, elevation-190 M,located on Adige
river,it lies in a wide glacial valley at the Alps foothill.
BOLZANO:Pop:1 lakh,region-Trentino-alto-adige,elevation-262 M,the south Tyrol museum
of Archeology is in Bolzano where the Ice-Mummy "OTZI" is kept.26% people speak
German over here,famous for Wine,agriculture,fruits,dairy product & heavy industries.
BRENNER:Pop:2000,region Trentino-alto-adige,it is a famous ski resort,brenner pass is
a mountain pass 19 kms long at 1370 mtrs.

Famous Italian Personalities

Galileo Galilei (1564-1642), astronomy pioneer and physicist

Cristoforo Colombo (Genoa), Marco Polo (Venice)

Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564), painter,sculptor, architect, and poet
Leonardo da Vinci, (1452-1519), painter, sculptor and inventor
Giorgio Armani, Fashion Designer,Dante invented Italian language,Sophia Loren
Hollywood actress,Valentino,Gianni Versace,Frank Capra.

AUSTRIA
Area
:
83,871 sq km (9 Bundes Landers)
Population
:
8.2 million (July 2006 est.)
Capital
:
Vienna
Language
:
German
Religion
:
Christianity
President
:
Dr Heinz Fisher
Chancellor
:
Alfred Gusenbauer
Currency
:
Euro
Major Industries
:
Iron & steel, chemicals, machinery, paper & pulp ,oil
producing & refining,commercial banks,Rail equipment,natural gas and electrical power
production,iron ore & oil deposits, lignite, manganese, lead & some copper. 5th largest
exporter of coniferous swan timber.
Per capita income
:
US$ 32,962 (2005)
Regions
:
9 Bundes Landers
Main River
:
Danube-2850 kms
Largest Cities
:
Rank City
Population
1
Vienna
1,504,100
2
Graz
216,100
3
Linz
184,800
4
Salzburg
145,800
5
Innsbruck
116,400
Austria in German is called as Osterreich,bordered on north by Czech Republic,on the
nortg east by Slovakia,on the north east by Hungary,on the south by Slovenia,Italy,and
on the west by Liechtenstein,Switzerland & Germany.Austria is predominantly a
mountanious country with an average elevation of 910 Mtrs,the lowest point is
Burgenland near Hungary at a elevation of 115 mtrs/377 feet.Austria is a rich
country,prosperous economically,but also rich in scenery & culture.Austria is the birth
place of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Adolf Hitler.CROISSANTS were intentionally
shaped like Muslim cresent moon,were invented in Vienna to celebrate the 1683 deafeat
of the Ottoman Turks at the city gate.The Grosslockner is 3797 mtrs high is the highest
peak in Austria at the border of Italy.Austria's free education dates back from the
education reform act of 1774 instituted by Empress Maria Theresa.The Land of Music is
the name often given to Austria.The composers Mozart,Joseph Haydn,Franz
Schubert,Johann Strauss,Gustav Mahler etc are just a few who enriched Austrian
cultural life.

Brief History: In 1740, Maria Theresa ascended the throne & ruled for 40 yrs. This
period is generally acknowledged as the era in which Austria developed as a modern
state. During her reign, control was centralised, a civil service established, the army &
economy were reformed & a public education system was introduced.
Local meal is called Snidzel
FAMOUS FOR SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL
NOTE : Europabrucke .. A concrete bridge with 6 lanes of Autobahn, It is 190mts high &
820mts long. Built 1956 ? 1963.
[Millau Viaduct is a cable ? stayed bridge, stretches across Tarn river valley near Millau
in south of France. 343 meters (1,132 feet)]
THE TALLEST ROAD BRIDGE IN INDIA IS THE HOWRAH BRIDGE ? 82 M.
Arlberg Tunnel is the 3rd longest tunnel in Europe - 13.972 km., the longest being the
Laerdal in Norway ? 24.510 km.
THE LONGEST ROAD TUNNEL IN INDIA IS UNDER THE 3,978 M HIGH ROHTANG PASS ON
THE MANALI - LEH HIGHWAY ? 8.9 KM.
The longest road tunnel in India is under the 3978 M highr Rotang Pass on the Manali
-Leh highway- 8.9 kms

INNSBRUCK :
Population : 140,000 (2005)
Brief : Innsbruck,city in western Austria,capital of Tirol Province on the Inn river,
literally means bridge over River Inn. Innsbruck is at the junction of 2 imp commercial
routes,the Arlberg Pass conecting western eastern Europe,and the Brenner Pass which
links Austria with Italy. It is Tyrol?s administrative capital & a traditional host city for
the winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976. In the 14th century, the Habsburg captured the
town. Innsbruck enjoyed a period of lavish expansion especially from 1493 during the
reign of Maximilian. He married his second wife in the city. Maria Theresa (mother of
Marie Antoinette wife of Louis XVI emperor of France) and her successors also favoured
the city.
MARIA THERESIEN STRASSE :
This street & square provides an impressive view of the range of mountains rising to
2334 mts / 7586 ft & the St. Ann?s Column in the foreground.
St. ANN?S COLUMN ( Annasaule ) :
Built in 1706 in thanksgiving for the successful defense against the Spanish in 1703.
She is the mother of Mother Mary.

GOLDEN DACHL (Golden Roof) Former Fusternburg castle : It is a 3 storey bldg,it was
commissioned for the occasion of Emperor Maximilian's 2nd wedding to Maria Bianca
Sforza of Milan in 1494 and completed in 1500 by Niklas Turing.It served as a balcony
where Maximilian used to watch tournaments,games & festival on the city square.
The roof is 3.7 mts tall & is made of 2657 copper tiles plated with Gold. The roof is in
fact, an oriel (bay) window, added onto the front of the previous Ducal Palace.Now it
has become the museum of Maximilian which has got the collection of the winter
olympic of 1964 & 1976 held in Innsbrucke.
THE CITY TOWER & CITY HALL:It was built in the 15th century as a watch tower and
clock tower,it is 56 mtrs high.In 1990 it has become the seat of the Innsbrucke Mayor.
HEBLING HOUSE:It is a late Gothic house and decorated with colorful rococo
stucco,work by Anton Gigl in 1730.It is one of the most beautiful Bourgeois houses in
Austria and resembles a wedding cake.
HOFBURG PALACE/IMPERIAL PALACE:The imperial Palace was built in 1754 to 1753
during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa.It contains the grand room & is decorated
with maria Theresa and family,the faces of her 16 children all look identical,one of her
child was Marie Antoinette married to Louis XVI.It now houses a museum.
HOFKIRCHE/IMPERIAL CHURCH:Just opposite the palace,contains the tomb of
Maximilian I.which is covered by 24 carved scenes depicting the Emperor's deed.
LEOPOLD FOUNTAIN:In front of the Imperial church is the Tyrolean Prince Leopold V
equestrian statue,who ruled from 1618 to 1632.The fountain is decorated by Neptune &
Tritone.
THE TRIUMPHAL ARCH:Is on the southern end of Maria Theresian strasse.It was
ordered by Empress Maria Theresa on the occasion of the wedding of her son Leopold &
Maria Ludovica of Spain in 1765.The grand festivities were overshadowed by the sudden
death of the Emperor Francis.
THE INNSBRUCK CONVENTION CENTRE(CONGRESS HOUSE):Was built in 1629,was a
theatre,later a library.It was almost destroyed by bomb in 1944.Now it is a convention
centre.
GOLDEN ADLER HOTEL:Its been a hotel for nearly 600 years, also Mozart stayed over
here.
Driving down to Innsbrucke you see Wilten basilica & monastery.
WATTENS :
SWAROVSKI KRISTALLWELTEN (Crystal World) :
This man made hill with a giant face & water flowing out of his mouth was opened in
1995, attracting millions of visitor. It is an underground fantasy, with 13 linked
chambers. As one enters the giant head, there is a huge wall of crystal with 12 tons the
costliest wall in the world (made in Half a Day) of the finest cut stones in the world.

Today with more than 9000 employees globally, SWAROVSKI, still family owned &
managed (Run by Daniel Swarovski), is now one of the largest & most successful
Austrian companies, with a vast international market for its diverse products. They
manufacture 25 to 30 Tons of crystal per day.
Daniel Swarovski (1852-1956) was an Austrian glass cutter and jeweler, born in
Bohemia. In 1892 he patented an electric cutting machine that facilitated the
production of crystal jewelry.
Famous Austrian Personalities
Arnold Schwarzenegger, (born 1947), bodybuilder, actor, became U.S. citizen, governor
of the U.S. state of California (2003)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, composer & musician, 1756-1791
Ferdinand Porsche, automotive engineer, designed the Volkswagen (the ?people?s
car?), born in Austria-Hungary
Daniel Swarovski, founder of Swarovski AG, world famous crystals
Sigmund Freud, psychiatrist, father of psychoanalysis,Adolf Hitler born in Branau am
Inn.
River Inn - 510 kms long
Salzach river - 316 kms
Danube river -2850 kms

LIECHTENSTEIN (Furstentum Liechtenstein)

Area
:
160 sq km / 62 sq miles
Population
:
33,717
Capital
:
Vaduz
Language
:
German
Religion
:
Roman Catholics 76.2%, Protestants 7%, Others 16.8%.

Head of State
Head of Govt
Currency
Major Industries
Products,
Products.
Per Capita Income

:
:
:

Prince Hans Adam II / son ? Alois.

Otmar Hasler
:
Swiss Franc (CHF)
Electronics, Metal Manufacturing, Textile, Ceramics, Food
Pharmaceuticals, Precision Instruments, CD?s, Dental
US$ 25,000

Liechtenstein, it became a sovereign state in 1806. In 1868, Liechtenstein disbanded its

army of 80 men & declared its permanent NEUTRALITY.
Liechtenstein in 1919 entrusted its external relations to Switzerland. After World War
II , Liechtenstein became important as a Financial centre, & the country became more
prosperous & achieved one of the world?s highest per capita incomes. Its 1998
unemployment rate was 1.4% (311 people).
An average person posts 490 letters in a year, which is the 2nd highest in the world
after USA (600 +). It is very famous for Stamps.
Liechtenstein is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world; i.e., a
landlocked country surrounded by other landlocked countries. The other is Uzbekistan.

SWITZERLAND (Confederation of Helvetia)

Area
Population
Capital
People
Language
Religion
Government

41,295 sq km (26 Cantons) (27 Lakes)

: 7.4 million
: Bern (pop ? 1.5 L)
: 74% German, 20% French, 4% Italian & 1% Romansch
:
German, French, Italian & Romansch
: 49% Roman Catholic & 48% Protestants
:
Federal Republic

President
: Micheline Calmy-Rey
Currency
: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Major Industries
:
Banking, Insurance, Pharmaceuticals, Textile, Jewellery,
Chemicals, Precision Tools, Dairy Products,Timber.
Agriculture
: Sugar beet,potatoes,wheat,apples,cheese,other dairy
products,livestock.
Per Capita Income :
US$ 30,186 (2003)
Tourism
: 20 million annually
Largest Cities
: Rank City
Population
1.
Zurich 366,445
2.
Geneva
177,500,3. Basel165,000
Switzerland is a land locked country surrounded by France, Germany, Liechtenstein,
Austria & Italy.The local names for Switzerland are Schweiz,Suisse & Svizzera.The
largest cities Zurich,Geneva,Basel,Bern.Switz. is made of 20 cantons and 6 half
cantons.Lakes in Switz. are lake
Geneva,Lugano,Maggiore<neuchatel,Lucerne,zurich,thun,& Brienz.Lake geneva is the
largest lake 580 sq kms,72 kms long,max depth is 1015 feet,Lake Constance is the 2nd
largest lake 540 sq kms,74 kms long,max depth is 827 feet. Over 70% of the country is
Mountainous & quarter of it is covered in forest. There are two mountain ranges ? The
ALPS in the central & southern region of the country & The JURA in the north east,
near France.The renowned Swiss watchmaking Co started in Jura. The Dufour Summit
(4634 mts)(15200 ft) of Mt Rosa is the highest peak & Magadino on Lake Maggiore at 16
ft is the lowest point in Switzerland.Except for Hydropower which is harnessed for
electricity there are no natural resources.Salt is the only abundant mineral
resource.Agricultural opportunities are ltd as most of the soil is leached and stony.
Fox & many speices of bird are found in the forest,Trout fish are common in the
streams,and Salmon are found in many rivers.
The temperature is 20 to 25 degree C in summers & 2 to 6 degree C in winters.Zurich &
Geneva are the commercial capital with major banking & finacial centre.Europe's 2nd
longest tunnel is in Switz. called the St.Gothard tunnel 17 kms long,the longest is
Laerdal tunnel in Norway 24.5 kms.On most of the cars you will see CH written on
number plates which means Cofederation of Helvetia,also on Swiss
currency you see CHF which means Confederation Helvetian Francs.
Switz. is a neutral country,Swiss military is compulsory for all males between 20 & 50
years of age.It maintains a 400 thousand strong civilian army,every male keep their war
equipment and rifle at home,if there is a war it can fully mobilize within 48 hours.
Being a neutral country it has many international conferences and is headquarter of
many organisation.The main offices are of Red Cross,United Nation,Unicef & European
Union.
In 1971 Switz granted the right to vote for women in election.
In 1815 Switzerland became independent. Till 1848 Zurich was the capital. It was
Neutral during the World Wars & still is. It is not part of the EU. The only Square Flag in
the world.
Schwyzertutsch (Swiss German) is spoken in majority of cantons,French is spoken in
the canton of Fribourg,jura,vaud,valais,Neuchatel & Geneva,Italian is spoken in canton
of Ticino,Romansh is spoken in the canton of Graubunden (Grissons).

In 1997 Switz. agreed to use its gold reserves in order to create a fund to help victims
of genocide,catastrophes & poverty and to compensate for the failure of some swiss
banks to return money to descendants of Jews who died in the Holocaust during World
War II.Also during WW II Switz. had allowed German trains full of Jews and Italian slave
labourers through its border en route to concentration camps,as well as its refusal of
asylum to Jewish wartime refugees.
Leading commercial banks are 'UBS' united bank of Switz,Swiis bank
corportation,Swiss credit bank& Bank Leu.There are 6 stock exchanges,Zurich Stock
exchange is the largest in Europe.
Famous Swiss cheese are Gruyere,Ementhal,Tilsit & Apenzeller.
FAMOUS FOR WATCHES, CHOCOLATES, SWISS KNIVES, COW BELLS.
ENGELBERG :
Brief : Nearly the centre of Switzerland. 2 ? 2 hours to any border of Switzerland. It
is 1050 mts above sea level. It is also the base station for Mt. Titlis.It lies in the canton
of Obwalden.
MT. TITLIS :
Mt Titlis (3020 mts / 10,000 ft) is the highest point from which you can get a view over
central Switzerland. To reach the top one has to go by the Cable Cars.
CABLE CAR: Engelberg - Gershnialp - Trubsee - Stand - Mt. Titlis
Level 1 : Arrival & Departure area, Ice Grotto & Souvenir Shop. Level 2 : Restaurant,
Pizzeria & Toilets.
Level 3 : Washroom, Phones, Restaurant, Ice cream & Ofen Bar (Highest bar in Europe)
Level 4 : Photo Studio, Shoe Rental, Toporama (view), Video Show & Picnic Room.
Level 5 : Exit to Glacier, Terrace-Runs, Snow Park, Ice Flyer & Swiss Lion Watch Shop.
THE AULI CABLE CAR IS THE HIGHEST AND LONGEST CABLE CAR IN INDIA. IT HAS 25PERSON GONDOLAS, RUNS FOR 4 KM AND TAKES ABOUT 15 MINUTES. THE CABLE CAR
IN GENTING ? MALAYSIA IS 3.2 KM LONG
INTERLAKEN : Population : 5176, Alt : 567 mts
Brief : Literally ?Between two Lakes?. Interlaken is located in the center of the Bernese
Oberland Mountains & has been a posh resort for 300 years. It is between the lakes of
Thun & Brienz. At an Altitude of 567 mts / 1860 ft. Main Road ? Hoeweg, Casino ?
Kursaal.
Lake Brienz the area is 25 sq km,depth is 860 feet.

JUNGFRAUJOCH (Virgin Lady) : Jungfrau was named after the white clad Augustinian
Nuns of medieval Interlaken.
The Peak of Jungfraujoch is 4158 mts / 13,642 ft high, with a Ridge (Joch) lying below
it, where visitors can see the longest Glacier in Europe, the 24 km / 15 miles long
Aletsch Glacier. The best way to take in the region is by train. Jungfrau railway was
started in 1898 & completed in 1912 by Adolf Guyer Zeller, The Jungfraujoc h Railway
takes passengers to the mountain?s summit where they can get off at the highest
railway station in Europe , at the altitude of 3454 mts / 11,333 ft.
To reach the Top - Take the cog-wheeled train from Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidigg
station, at 2029 mts / 6657 ft. The view includes Monch, Eiger Wall & Jungfrau. At
Kleine Scheidigg, change trains to the highest rack railway in Europe, The ?
Jungfraubahn?.You pass a 9 km long tunnel, The train makes two brief stops at
Eigerwand at 2830 mts / 9285 ft & at Eismeer at 3110 mts / 10203 ft.
Eispalast ( Ice Palace) :
Here you?ll be walking inside eternal ice in caverns hewn out of the slowest moving
section of the glacier. Cut 65 ft / 19 mts below the glacier surface, these caverns were
begun in 1934 by a Swiss guide & subsequently enlarged & embellished with additional
sculptures by others. Everything in here is made of ice. (Use Blue Elevator)
Sphinx Terraces :
After returning to the arrival / departure (base level) area, you can take the Sphinx
tunnel to Yellow Elevator. This high speed elevator takes you up 356 ft / 107 mts to an
observation deck called the Sphinx T erraces (3571 mts / 11,717 ft), overlooking the
saddle between the Monch & Jungfrau peaks. You can also see the Aletsch Glacier ?
river of ice ? the longest one in Europe. The snow melts into Lake Geneva & eventually
into the Mediterranean Sea.
Lauterbrunnen - Wengen - Kleine Scheidigg - Eigerwand & Eismeer - Jungfraujoch
Lauterbrunnen
?
784 mts
35 min
Kleine Schedigg
?
2061 mts
40 min
Jungfraujoch
?
3454 mts
TRUMMELBACH FALLS :
A stream of water has cut its way through the hard rock, creating deep crevices, only a
few feet wide. A man made series of tunnels lets visitors access the caves. With its 10
viewing points inside the mountain, made accessible by a tunnel lift, the Trummelbach
Falls are truly unique in Europe. It alone drains enormous glacial walls of Eiger (3970
mts), Monch (4099 mts) & Jungfrau (4158 mts) with up to a spectacular 20,000 liters of
water per second. This stems from a catchment area of 24 sq km of which
approximately half is covered with snow & ice. It has 10 levels with a lift up to the 6th
level.
LUCERNE : Population : 60,000

Brief : Lucerne lies on the western shore of Lake Lucerne & on the banks of Reuss
River which joins Lake Lucerne. Lucerne is at an Altitude of 1424 ft / 434 mts. It is a
town of history, festival, culture & sports, with medieval wooden bridges, spires &
museums.Lucern was originally known as Luciaria,is Lux or light in Latin,the light from
the Angel,that showed the first Inhabitant where to built a chapel.To this day Lucerne
is reffered to as the City of Lights.It is one of the world's six most frequently visited
Cities.About a 1000 years back it was a tiny fishing village.Lucerne symbol and mascot
is the Lion memoralised in the Lion monument.
LAKE LUCERNE (Vierwaldstratersee/means vier is 4, wald is forest,strater means
canton,see means lake/lake between four forest cantons) :
Greatest length (Lucerne ? Fluelen) 38.1 km, Greatest width 3.3 km, Greatest depth
214 mts(702 ft), Altitude 434 mts, 5th largest in Switzerland. The glacial lake is the
meeting point of four Swiss cantons (Uri, Schwiez, Nidwalden/unterwalden & Lucerne).
KAPELLBRUCKE (Chapel Bridge) :
The symbol of Lucerne, this covered wooden foot bridge (oldest road bridge in Europe).
Built in 1333, the bridge is 560 feet long & crosses the river diagonally. The bridge was
always known for its 122 gable paintings glorifying the deeds of the Martyrs. On 18th
August 1993 the bridge caught fire. An identical bridge was reconstructed in 9 months,
though today it is still easy to see where the old wood meets the new. The Wasserturm
(water tower), built in the 13th century, until the 19th century it was used as a
Treasury, Prison, Torture chamber, Lighthouse & today it serves as a Guild hall &
Meeting House.
LION MONUMENT :(LOWENDEKAMAL)
?The Dying Lion of Lucerne? It was carved into a sandstone cliff above the town
between 1820 ? 1821 by a Danish Sculpture Bertel Thornweldsen & completed by Lucas
Ahorn from Constance. Its width is 43 ft & length is 30 ft.It is made of natural rock
stone.
It is dedicated to the memory of the heroic fight & final defeat of the 760 Swiss Guards
& Officers of Louis XVI of France,who fell during the French Revolution while defending
the Royal palace at the Tuileries in Paris on 10 August 1792.Col.Pfyffer,formerly an
officer of this regiment,conceived the idea of having the monument erected.The Swiss
regiment had to lay down its arms by the order of Louis XVI as a result of which they
were literally torn to pieces by the mob.
The LION always considered the Symbol of Courage & Strength strived artist to
demonstrate the tragic event a fight to death. The heart of the Lion is pierced by a
lance & the Lion still holds it's protecting paws over the shield with the Lily coats of
arms, emblem of the Bourbon King.American Author Mark Twain praised it as the
worlds saddest moving piece of stone.
The sculptor wasn't paid his full due,so the outside line of the rock was carved as a pig.
Next to the Lion monument is the Glacier Garden,so called because of it's many potholes,formed by the Glaciers during Ice age.
The parking place at Bucherer is called as Swanen Platz.
SCHAFFHAUSEN : Population : 33,527

Brief : It is the capital of Swiss Canton Schaffhausen. Schaffhausen is documented to

have struck its own coins starting in 1045.It is surrounded by Germany.This place was
accidently bombed by the USA in 1944,thinking it to be a air base of Germany.
RHINE FALLS :
The Rhine falls are the most celebrated & largest waterfalls in central Europe.It is
acclaimed as a natural wonder of the world. It is the most powerful ? 700 cubic mts of
water per second rush over width of 137 mts. The fall is approximately 25 mts high &
185 mtrs wide.
FRIBOURG: POP-33000,The Capital of its French and the English canton.The river is
Saane,It is home of Switz only Bilingual Catholic university.
GENEVA : Area : 282 sq km, Population : 178,400
Brief : Geneva, or officially the Canton & Republic of Geneva, became a canton of
Switzerland in 1815. The first of the Geneva Conventions was signed in 1864, to protect
the sick and wounded in war time.
Geneva is the seat of many international organisations, including the European
headquarters of the United Nations and several other international bodies, such as the
World Health Organization, the International Labour Organization. Notable sights in
Geneva include the Flower Clock, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Museum and the Palais des Nations.
JET d?EAU :
The Jet d?eau, the world?s tallest fountain, shoots water into the air with incredible
force of 200 km/hr & 1360 horse power to create a 140 m / 469ft plume (Weather
permitting). At any given time 7 tons of water is in air. It dates from 1891, but was
improved in 1951. The fountain pumps 132 gallons of water per second into the air.
FLORAL CLOCK :
A symbol of the Geneva watch industry of world renown, since 1955, is a masterpiece
of technology & floral art. It is one of the most photographed sites in Geneva. Over
6500 plants are required to decorate the 5 mt clock, whose floral harmonies are
changed with the seasons.
BRUNSWICK MONUMENT: It is the tomb of the ecentric charles II,Duke of Brunswick
who spent last 3 yrs of his life in Geneva.At his death in 1873he gave his fortune to the
city of geneva on condition that bury him in a mausoleum which would be exact replica
of Verona's 14th century Scaligeri family Mausoleum.Born in 1804,dethroned and
chased from his country in 1830,he took refuge in Paris.He was a distinguised
linguist,outsatnding horseman and musician,his full name was Charles d'este
Guelph,Duke of Brunswick,was also called eccentric and paranoiac.Brunswick is a city
in central Germany.
THE RED CROSS & RED CRESCENT :
The Red Cross was founded in 1863 by the initiative of a Swiss citizen Henri Dunant. It
is a well known international humanitarian aid agency. It is not clearly non?
governmental or governmental organization since its ruled by the international
conference where all the member states are represented & the members of the
committee are all Swiss citizens.

The Red Cross has 7 principles : 1) Humanity 2) Impartiality 3) Neutrality 4)

Independence 5) Voluntary Services 6) Unity 7) Universality.
MONTREUX :
It is on the banks of Lake Geneva. The city is famous for its legendary Montreux Jazz
Festival held each July. Also Montreux, penned in lore (1816 -The Prisoner of Chillon) by
Lord Byron, is the famous Fortress / Castle CHATEAU de CHILLON, dating from the 11th
century. Another author inspired by its ghostly setting was Mary Shelley, who wrote
Frankenstein while in Montreux. With the opening of the country?s first casino in 1881,
Montreux became the Monte Carlo of Switzerland.
ZURICH : Population : 366,000
Brief : It is the largest & most populated city.It is one of Euope's financial and Gold
trading capital with major banks & financial centres. It is the intellectual & cultural
capital of the nation as well as the economic & industrial heart of Switzerland. It is the
city of Museums. The city is situated 400 mts above sea level. It is one of the most
expensive cities in the world.The 13th century St.Peters church has the biggest clock
face in Europe,which is 8.7 mtrs in diametre,It has 16th & 17th century Guild halls.It
has 1030 fountains and water is drinkable.Below the bahnofstrasse are banks & Vaults
crammed full of gold 7 silver. River's Sihl,Limmat .Lake Zurich the length is 40kms
long,area is 88 sq kms,depth is 469 feet. Airport ? KLOTEN 10 km north of city.
BERN : Population : 150,000
Brief : River Aare. Einstein?s House No is 49. Einstein wrote the Theory of Relativity
while in Bern.
BEAR PIT :
Bern owes its name to a huge bear killed by its founder & bear have been kept as pets
by the city fathers ever since. The Bear is the symbol of Bern & is found on the Canton?
s flag. Bern now has two Bear pits to amuse visitors.
CLOCK TOWER :
The clock tower has an impressive clock with performing figures that make an
appearance on the hour since the 16th century. Its chimes start pealing at 4 minutes
before every hour.
GOTHIC FOUNTAIN :
There are 11 Gothic fountains
ZERMATT : Population : 5687 (2005), Altitude : 1620 mts
Brief : It is a village located at the Northern base of the Matterhorn in the Valais
canton. Until the mid 19th century, it was predominantly an agricultural community ?
its name, as well as that of the Matterhorn itself derives from the alpine meadows or
matten in the valley. In German ?Zur Matte? or in the meadow, hence the name.
To prevent air pollution which could disfigure the town?s lovely view of the Matterhorn,
the entire town is a car free zone. A few motor vehicles are permitted with permission
from the cantonal police (generally granted only to some permanent residents)
MATTERHORN :
Its height is 4478 mts / 14,691 ft, It belongs to the Swiss Alps.

A classic peak, a sharp isolated rock pyramid with steep narrow ridges. It is a
mountaineering Mecca as it is an extremely technical climb. Its death rates are one of
the highest in the world.
Famous Swiss Personalities
William Tell, legendary 14th century hero
Ursula Andress, actress
Yul Brynner, actor
Jean Dunant founder of Red Cross,
Martina Hingis, tennis champion: 5-time Grand Slam singles champion
Roger Federer
SWISS INVENTION:Telephone answering machine(1949),Lcd Display(1970)

GERMANY
Area
:
3,57,021 sq km (16 Federal States)
Population
: 82.5 million (2005)
Capita
:
Berlin (Pop-3.5mil)
Political System
: Federal Republic
Language
:
German
Religion
:
90% Christian, Couple of million Muslims & 30,000
Jews.
Chancellor
:
Angela Merkel
Currency
:
Euro
Major Industries
: Motor Vehicles (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Opel, VW), Chemicals,
Engineering, Electrical & Non Electrical Machinery, Food & Beverages, Textile.
Agriculture
:Potatoes,sugar beet,barley,wheat,wine,livestock.
Mining
:Coal,lignite,salt,potash,petroleum,natural gas.
Per Capita Income
: US$ 26,600
Tourism
:
17 million annually.
Largest Cities
:
Rank City
Population
1
Berlin 3,275,000
2
Hamburg
1,686,100

3
4

Mnchen
1,185,400
Kln
965,300

Brief History :Germany,Federal Republic of (Bundesrepublik of Deutschland),country in

central europe. The Unification of East Germany & West Germany took place on 3rd
October 1990. Bonn was the capital of West Germany,Berlin was the capital of east
Germany.After unification Berlin is the capital of unifed Germany. Germany is
surrounded by 9 countries ? Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland,
Austria, Czech Republic, Poland & Denmark.During WW II 6 million Jews were executed
in the concentration camp.Germany is one of the wealthiest & technologically
advanced nation in Europe.In the Ruhr valley many heavy industries & factories are
based here.Every year 120 trade fairs are held in 18 cities.Famous German beer is
Pittsburger & Beck.In october,Munich has the International Beer festival called the
October fest,205 million tourist attend this festival.Germany has given name to famous
meat specialities,hamburger from city of hamburg,Frankfurter from the city of
Frankfurt. The Highway is known as Autobahn & Exit is known as Ausfahrt.
FAMOUS FOR CUCKOO CLOCKS, EAU DE COLOGNE.
Germany has a small variety of wildlife,they include deer,wild boar,hares,badger,wolvws
& foxes.Among reptile is one poisonous snake called the Adder.Herring,cod & flounder
are found in the coastal waters in the North sea & Baltic sea & catfish & trouts are
found in the river's & streams.

TITISEE :
Drive through SCHWARZWALD(Swarz means black,wald means forest) area to Lake
Titisee ? The Heart of BLACK FOREST,it is in southern part of germany, which covers a
rectangular section roughly 170 km long & 40 km wide, between Karlsruhe & Basel. The
pine & birch-studded mountains here are alive with fairy-tale villages, well equipped
spas & modern ski resorts.Dark forest fir trees which are so dense that sunshine can't
penetrate in to them,hence called black.In winter the top of coniferous trees are
covered with snow and looks like a big cake with Icing on it,Thus the name Black forest
cake.The city of Friburg is also known for having the cleanest drainage in the whole of
Europe because of the mountain water running through the city.
TITISEE is the name of the Lake & the Village. The name is derived from the Roman
General & the Emperor called ?Titus?. Titisee area is world famous for original Cuckoo
Clocks (first made in 1640), made by the Drubba Family.
BADEN BADEN: Is the 19th century was one of the most famous spas in europe,famous
for casinos and radio active chloride hot springs.

HEIDELBERG : Population : 135,000

Brief : Heidelberg is a city in southern Germany. River Neckar flows through the city.
During the middle ages, Heidelberg was the political center of Rhineland Palatinate.
The picturesque old section of the city is home of the University of Heidelberg, founded
in 1386 & is Germany?s oldest University called as the Karl Ruprect University,which
also has sanskrit language.They also had a jail for students called as Studentkarzer in
which students commiting heinous crime drinking,smoking & womanising were kept. In
1685, French (Louis XIV) armies had destroyed most of the city & left the Heidelberg
Castle in ruins. The town was rebuilt in Baroque style. The city is known for producing
Cement, Precision Instruments & Printing Machinery, amongst other products.
HEIDELBERG CASTLE :
The Castle dates from the 1500?s, it is the largest castle ruin in Germany. The Majestic
Castle was built of red sand stone from the Neckar river / valley on the terraces of
Jettenbuhl at the foot of Konlgstuhl, & towers the city of Heidelberg, from where one
has a beautiful view of the city, one can also see the 9 arch bridge built by Karl
Theodore from 1786 - 1788.
The first documentary evidence dates back to 1225 at which time the fortified
residence of ? Kurfurstn Von Der Pfatz? It was Prince Elector Ruprecht III ( 1398 to
1410 ) who had erected the first representative building as a Regal Residence in the
inner courtyard. Another Regal building is located opposite the Ruprecht building the ?
Fountain Hall?.
The two dominant buildings at the eastern & northern side of the courtyard were
erected during the rule of Ottheinrich (1556 ? 1559) & Friedrich IV (1583 ? 1610). Today
the hall is used for festivals, e.g. : Dinner?s, Banquets, Ball?s & Theater Performances.
The Cellar of Heidelberg Castle contains the famed Heidelberg Wine Vat(the Grosses
Fass) an enormous 18th century keg, with a capacity of 220,017 liters (58,124 gal). The
present day barrel was constructed in 1751 from 130 Oak tree trunks. It is 8.5 mts wide
& 7 mts high with a dance floor on top. It was built under Karl Theodore, a Baroque
plaque bares his initials.
The Castle was destroyed 3 times
1)
1622 during the 30yr old (1618-1648) Religious war.
2)
1693 during the Grand Alliance war (Louis the XIV & the Holy Roman Empire)
3)
1764 when Lightning struck.

RHEINTAL (Rhine Valley) : The Rhine has 193 castles, vineyards & railways on either
side.The main mode of transportation of goods is done on Barges (flat long wooden
ship).The German part of the river is known as Romantic Rhine.Till 1868 extortion use
to take place to pass through the rhine.Almost 1/2 the castles are in ruins and some are
brought over by Japanese or Arab's and converted in to Hotel or private Manors.The
RHINE RIVER (1320 kms) and fully navigable,is one of the major rivers which originates
from Lake Constanz(Bodensee) in Switzerland & passes through Germany, France,
Liechtenstein (borders) & Netherlands, joining the North Sea at Rotterdam. The river is
very crucial for island shipping, more than 200 million tons of cargo is transported
through the Rhine every year. It is the longest river in western Europe. A few tributaries
of the Rhine are Neckar (Heidelberg), Rhine Main (Mainz), Mosel and Aare (Bern). The
longest river in Europe is the Volga (3,690 km). The Ganga in India is 2510 km.

The long winding river has a long inspired legend ?LORELEI? (cruise from St Goar to
Bopard, 14 km Cruise). One can see a Church, whose entry is a common entry to a Bar
behind, the priest himself is the Bar tender. The deepest point of the Rhine River is at
St. Goar (30 M).
LORELEI ? The Legendary Rock perched 132 mts / 433 ft above the river is a pilgrimage
site for German Romanticism.Lorelei staue was made by a Russian sculptor in
Switzerland in August 1994. The Lorelei was said to bewitch boatmen with her
melodious voice,while sitting on the rock combing her lovely golden hair, drawing them
to their doom, while the treasure of the Nibelungen, which served as the basis of
Wagner?s well ? known opera cycle, is said to still lie on the river bed. The Rhine Valley
enchants with castles & vineyards, providing an initiation into Germany?s mythical
past.
COLOGNE (KOLN): Population : 1.3 million
Brief : It is one of the oldest cities and the fourth largest in Germany, having been
founded by the Romans in A.D. 50. Cologne University is one of Europe?s oldest
universities and internationally renowned for its economics department. Cologne is the
economic and cultural capital of the Rhineland and has a vibrant and thriving art scene.
Its location at the intersection of the Rhine River with one of the major trade routes
between eastern & western Europe which was the foundation of Cologne?s commercial
importance. Cologne counts over 30 museums and hundreds of galleries. Exhibitions
range from local Ancient Roman archaeological findings to contemporary graphics and
sculpture. The city?s Trade Fair Grounds are host to a number of trade shows such as
the Art Cologne Fair, the International Furniture Fair (IMM) and the Photokina. Cologne
is also well known for its celebration of Cologne Carnival and the Cologne Gay Pride
events.
Cologne is the only city in Germany with an explicit tax on prostitution which explains
the city?s relative open-mindedness towards sex businesses.
Famous for Eau de Cologne No. 4711.
COLOGNE CATHEDRAL (Kolner Dom) :It is the tallest cathedral in the world.
The Foundation stone was laid down in 1248 & completed in 1880, it took 632 yr to
build the Cathedral, which is 153 mts long, 86 mts wide & 157 mts high(512 feet). It has
beautiful stained glass windows,it has 509 steps.Behind the high Altar is the Magis
shrine is believed to contain the body of the 3 wise men,these wise men followed the
bright star and reached bethlem where Jesus Christ was born.It has No beams only
Arches for support. During World War II, 14 bombs struck the Cathedral & surprisingly
it survived the bomb raids, when 90% of Cologne was in ruins. Since then Dom has
become a Powerful symbol of Cologne. It is dedicated to St. Peter & Mother Mary. There
is a statue of Mary holding Baby Jesus, it is called Milan Madonna & is 900 yrs old. It
was originally designed to exceed in size all other churches, but today its the Largest
Gothic Church in Northern Europe. It was designated as a World Heritage site in 1996,
and it is the city?s major landmark & unofficial symbol.
Adolf Hitler (April 20, 1889 ? April 30, 1945) was born on April 20, 1889 at Braunau am
Inn, Austria, a small town in Upper Austria, on the border with Germany. He was
Chancellor of Germany from 1933, and ?Fhrer? (leader) of Germany from 1934 until his
death. He was leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party
(Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei or NSDAP), better known as the Nazi
Party.

In the final days of the war, Hitler committed suicide in his underground bunker in
Berlin with his newly wed wife, Eva Braun. Hitler was the person instrumental in the
construction of the Autobahns, so that his armies could move out swiftly. It is also said
that during World War II, even fighter aircrafts used to land on the Autobahns.
BMW- BAVARIAN MOTOR WORKS.
PORCHE Was invented by Ferdinand Porche.
River Rhine-1320 kms,river Neckar-370 kms,river Mosel-550 kms,river Issar-295 kms.
MERCEDES: Founder of Mercedes car were Karl Benz and Gotlieb daimler thats why the
company's name was Daimler Benz.In 1990 Austria/Hungary's Consul General financed
Daimlers production,but on a condition that the car be named after the consul General's
daughter called mercedes.
Famous German Personalities
Johann Sebastian Bach, (1685-1750), composer
Ludwig van Beethoven, (1770-1827), composer
Adolf Hitler, (1889-1945), Reichskanzler and Nazi leader
Karl Marx, (1818-1883), philosopher and sociologist. Founder of Marxist political and
economic philosophy
Rudolf Diesel, (1858-1913), inventor of the Diesel engine
Michael Schumacher,Albert Einstein.
German Invention: Whistling kettle(1931),Printing press(1450),Rocket Engine(1938)

BELGIUM (Kingdom Of Belgium)

Area
:
30,528 sq km ( 3 Regions)
Population
:
10.4 million
Capital
:
Brussels (1 million)
Language
:
Flemish/Dutch, French & German ? All Official
Religion
:
Roman Catholic 90%, Protestants 2%, Muslims 1%,
Jewish 1% & Others 6%
Government
:
King Albert II ? Head of State
Prime Minister
:
Guy Verhofstadt
Currency
:
Euro
Major Industries
:
Agriculture ( Main ? Oat, Rye, Wheat, Potato Barley), Coal,
Steel, Textile, Glass, Fertilizer, Sugar & Heavy Chemicals.
Per Capita Income
:
US$ 29,707 (2004)
Largest Cities
:
Rank City
Population
1
Brussels
1,006,749
2
Antwerp
457,749
3
Gent
230,951
FAMOUS FOR GODIVA CHOCLATES, LACE PRODUCTS

Brief : Belgium in french Belgique,in Dutch Belgie,bounded on the north by Netherlands

& the North sea,on the east by Germany & Luxembourg and on the south & south west
by France.With the Netherlands & luxembourg,Belgium forms the Low,or
Benelux,countries.It is roughfly Triangular in shape,the capital & the largest city is
Brussels,located in the centre of Belgium.Belgium has 3 regions Flemish
regions,Waloon region & Brussells.Belgium named after the Belgae people of ancient
Gaul who crossed the Rhine about 6th century BC. Belgium has had a turbulent history.
It became an independent Monarchy in 1830. During both the World Wars it was
occupied by Germany, but freed its self by the end of the war. It became a Federal state
in February 1993.It offers yhe best Beer,Chocolates and beaches in Europe.
The Flemings speak Dutch,and the Waloons speak French.The predominantly Flemish
provinces are in the northern half of Belgium,called Flanders,and the Waloon provinces
are in the southern half,called Wallonia,A German speaking minority lives in the east.
Belgium is famous for Glassware,hunting weapons,manekin & Tintin
soveneirs,Crystals,Cut glasses,Diamonds,Lace.
Air Sabena is the national airline.
BRUSSELS : Area : 161 sq km, Population : 1 million
It is the capital of Belgium,the French call it Bruxelles,Dutch call it Brussels.The name
of the city is probably derived from Broekzelle,a Dutch word meaning "village of the
marsh".It lies in the province of Brabant,Brussels is the capital of Brabant.Brabant is
unfortunately the site of 6 major wars.The most famous Battle of Waterloo where
Napolean Bonaparte was defeated by Duke of Wellington,Arthur Archive
Wesley..Brussels is a world city divided into 19 Districts & by 2 Languages (French &
Flemish/Dutch), & is quite unlike anywhere else. It is also the Official Residence of the
Countries Royal Family, it is the headquarter of the European Union Agencies & NATO
(North Atlantic Treaty Organisation).The city boast of having the most number of
Embassies then any oyher capital in the world,approx 180.St.Michael is the patron saint
of Brussels.
Brussels is placed under the Patronage of Gambrinus the King of Beer. It's a heart
shaped city.The city has long been known for the production of of fine lace & tapestry
weaving.Brusells is also famous for Waffles you will see many shops selling Waffles.
The river in Brusells is Senne.
SPANISH SQUARE: You see DON QUIXOTE on a horse and Sancho Panza on the
donkey,They fought Windmills thinking that they were giants,story by Cervantes. Opp
them is a modern composer Bella Bartok.
Before Grand Place is a moustache statue of the Mayor Charles Bull.
GRAND PLACE (Dutch - Grote Markt) :
A market place since the 12th century, Consists of the Gothic Town Hall (15th century),
The Kings House (originally from the 13thcent) & a number of Guild Houses.Guild hall is
a society for craftsmen & merchant.You see Guild Houses of
Archer,Boatsmen,bakers,Butchers,Brewers etc.

On 13th Aug 1695 most buildings around the square were destroyed during the War of
the Grand Alliance, by the French troops lead by De Villeroy as retaliation for the lost
battle of Namur. Only the Town Hall remained standing, houses around the square were
rebuilt by the guilds in baroque style. One of the houses was owned by the Brewers
guild & is now the home of a brewers museum.
Every Christmas they have an ice skating competition. ? Every Morning they have a
Flower market,and a colourful sunday morning bird market.On summer nights the entire
square is flooded with lights & music.It also comes alive during local festivals,the
major festival is Ommengenge,that is historical festival and is in early july. Every 2nd
even year (e.g. .. 1998, 00,02,?) on 3rd week of August they have a flower exhibition
called Tapis De Fleurs,where the whole square is covered by a carpet of flower & looks
like a flower carpet.
According to Victor Hugo (famous French writer) he considers the square to be the best
square in the world.
A flower market occupies one corner; antique markets are held on the square on
Saturday and a bird market on Sunday. In the area are other guild houses including
those of keg makers, larders, tailors, bow-and-arrow makers (the one with Romulus and
Remus on the facade) and boat builders (the top looks like the stern of a 17th century
frigate).
TOWN HALL :
It was constructed between 1402 ? 1455. The original architect was probably Jacob
Van Thienen. The Gothic tower was designed by architect Jan Van Ruysbroeck.It is also
called as Hotel de Vile. At the top of the tower there is a statue of St. Michel (Patron
saint of Brussels) slaying the Devil. The Town Hall is the seat of the Mayor of Brussels.
KINGS HOUSE (Dutch - Broodhuis, French - Maison du Roi) :
The house was built in the 13th century, a wooden building, once where bakers used to
sell their bread. It was restored in the 15th century by a stone building for the
administration of the Duke of Brabant. In the 18th century the building was restored in
Neo - Gothic style.Its a king's house but no King ever lived here.Now its houses a
museum,over 650 costumes of manekin is inside this museum.
CHURCH OF St. MICHEL :
It is a catalogue of styles ranging from the Roman to Renaissance styles, with the most
important being Gothic. Building started in 1226 & since that date it has been
constantly enlarged & modified. The Cathedral has 16th century Stained Glass windows
gifted personally by Emperor Charles V.
EVERARD SERCLAES :
He was the hero of the struggle between the Guilds and the patricians.It is a monument
to the guild leader Everard Serclaes who led a rebellion against the Flemish in 1365 and
had his tongue cut out for speaking against the King. If you rub his body or the dog?s
nose it?s supposed to bring you good luck.
MANNEKIN PIS (Pee Pee Boy) :

Records indicate the original Mannekin Pis was created in 1388 & destroyed many
centuries later, but by popular demand, the city of Brussels commissioned Jerome
Duquesnoy to build another in 1619. On special occasions the city dresses him in one of
the 600 + costumes. He has been dressed as Elvis, a Samurai, a Hockey player, Mozart,
etc. Many of his costumes were donated by Government officials & celebrities such as
Elizabeth Taylor.
One such story (many variations) places our ?Wee Boy? as the savior of the city,
drowning out the flames of a deadly fire with his wee wee. Another story is that, he
with his precise aim extinguished the fuse that would have caused a devastating
explosion. But the most believed is that the boy was the son of a wealthy aristocrat
who was missing & feared kidnapped. The father so relieved to find his boy unharmed,
had the statue made in honor of the way he was found ? peeing against a tree. Twice in
a year (special occasions ) he pees Beer.
The statue has been stolen seven times during his long life on display & recovered each
time. One man, Antoine Lucas, was sentenced for 20 yrs, in 1817, he ripped the statue
from the base & fled with it.
ATOMIUM :
It was designed by engineer Andre Waterkeyn for the 1958 World Fair. The structure
stands 102 mts / 334 ft high & weighs 2439 tons above the Heysel Plateau, representing
an iron crystalline molecule enlarged 165 billion times.
Inside the 9 spheres which are connected with 22 tubes of 18 ft diameter, visitors can
see an exhibition showing how the Atomium has been depicted in comic strips through
the years & an audiovisual presentation on the construction of the Atomium. One could
have a splendid view of Brussels from the top.
The Chinese Pagoda & the japenese pagoda has collection of the 17th & 18th
century,and were built by King Leopold II.
The Bourse:(Stock market) Meeting place of yhe belgium finacial world.
BASILIQUE OF SACRE COEUR: Was build by King Leopold II in 1905.
CHURCH OF LAKEN: Where the bodies of the Royal familly's are burried also the place
for coronation of king's & Queens.
ANTWERP : Area : 204.51 sq km, Population : 457,749 (2005), River : Schelde
Brief : In Dutch ? Antwerpen?, & in French ? Anvers?. It is a city & municipality in
Belgium. Antwerp is historically, one of Belgium & the Low Countries most important
cities in terms of economy & culture. It is one of the three primary centers of the
global Diamond industry (along with New York?s diamond district & South Africa),
Traditionally controlled by the city?s Hassidic Jewish population, the largest outside
New York.A large number of Indian's mainly Gujrati's are settled here doing Diamond
buisness.
Antwerp is also well known for its Sea Ports with a high level of cargo shipping & oil
refineries. Since the 1990?s it has been recognized internationally as an important city
of fashion design, as several graduates of the Belgian Royal Academy of Fine Arts have
become internationally successful designers.

Famous Belgian Personalities

Audrey Hepburn, British actress born in Belgium
Jean Claude Van Damme
Kim Clijsters - player, former World #1 and Grand Slam singles champion
Justine Henin-Hardenne - player, olympic champion and former World #1 and Grand
Slam singles champion

NETHERLANDS (Kingdom Of Netherlands)

Area
:
41,526 sq km (12 Provinces)
Population
:
16.4 million
Capital
:
Amsterdam (pop 7 L), Seat of Govt is in Hague
Language
:
Dutch, Frisian
Religion
:
Christianity
Government
:
Constitutional Monarchy
Head of State
:
Beatrix ? Queen of Netherlands (Birthday 30th April)
Prime Minister
:
Jan Peter Balkenende
Currency
:
Euro
Major industries
:
Service Industries, Banking, Electronics, Agro
Industries, Ship Building, Dairy Farming, Diamond Cutting, Export of Flowers, Food
Processing.
Agriculture
:Sugar beet,potatotes,cereals,vegetables,fruits,plants & cut flower.
Fishing
:Mackerel,mussels,herrings,shrimps,eels.
Mining
:Natural gas & Oil
Per Capita Income :
US$ 29,412 (2003)
Tourism
:
6.5 million per year
Largest Cities
:
Rank City
Population
1
Amsterdam 743,905
2
Rotterdam
598,923
3
Den Haag
472,087
FAMOUS FOR CHEESE.(Gouda & Edam)
Netherland ,also known unofficially as Holland is in north wetern Europe.The famous
dutch saying is "God created the world,but the Dutch created Holland" . Netherlands
became a founder member of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1988.
Netherlands was liberated on 5th May 1945 from the Germans. Netherlands is bordered
by the North Sea, Belgium on the South & Germany on the East. Netherlands is a flat,
low lying country. Maximum elevation is 50 mts, highest point ? 321 mts (mountain).
More than 2/3 of the country is below sea level, almost 40% of the land is reclaimed
from the sea through construction of dams & dikes.
Because of the flatness of the country bicycles are one of the main modes of transport.
There are separate lanes for bicycles, with their own traffic lights. It has about 15000
kms of cycle tracks. One bicycle for each Dutch. Cycles are twice the no of cars.Bike
theft is coomon here,people use two chains to lock their bikes and still there is no
Guarantee.

Drugs are easily available here,small amount of soft drugs for personal use are
generally tolerated.Prostitution is legal here and they also pay taxes to the
Govt.Netherland is also famous for Holticulture & Agriculture.The largest auction house
of flowers in the world is in Holland in Aalsmeer.There are two capital Amsterdam &
Hague,Hague is the seat of the Govt,Amsterdam is the commercial capital.
Wasenar is called as the Beverlly hill of Europe because it is the most expensive area
and all the celebrites stay here.
Netherlands is famous for CLOGS (wooden shoes), Farmers use them while working in
the fields, the decorated clogs are used for weddings & also used as vases / decorative
items. This cottage industry produces 3.7 million pairs of clogs annually. Holland is
also famous for Delft Pottery.
Netherlands major rivers are Rhine,and its several tributaries are the Wall,Lek & Mass.
With only 0.008% of the world?s farming area, it is the 3rd largest agricultural exporter
after USA & France. But it is the biggest exporter of Cut Flowers in the world.
A large part of cow milk production is used for Cheese Making. The most famous brands
are the Gouda (flattish, almost like wheel) & Edam (round).
Herring (north Atlantic fish) is eaten raw - plain or between bread roll with onion.
Netherlands favorite sweet ?Salty Licorice?.
The highest point is 321 mtrs is called as mountain in Vaalserberg area.
Its the biggest exporter of cut flowers in the world.
Lowest point is Schipoll airport is 16 feet below sea lewel.
The highest concentration of museums in the world, 42 in Amsterdam alone.
The Netherlands is often referred to by the name Holland. This is not terminologically
precise, since the provinces of North and South Holland in the western Netherlands are
only two of the country?s twelve provinces
Highway ? Autoweg. Exit ? Uit.
NETHERLANDS HAS 12 PROVINCESDrenthe,FLEVOLAND,Friesland,Gelderland,Groningen,Limburg,Noord-Brabant,NoordHolland,Overijssel,Utrecht,Zeeland & Zuid Holland.
WINDMILLS : They have been used since the Middle Ages & are especially popular in
Holland. Windmills were developed from the 12th century, apparently from technology
gained by crusaders who saw windmills in the Middle East, Persian sources indicate
windmill use as early as the 7th century BC. They were used for Grain milling, Water
pumping, Threshing & Saw mills. Over the ages, windmills have evolved into more
sophisticated & efficient wind ? powered water pumps & power generators. Some of the
decommissioned windmills are being used as homes.Now it is a National monument.
AMSTERDAM : Area : 220 sq km, Population : 730,000

Brief :Amsterdam was founded as a fishing village around the 13th century. A dam was
built on the river Amstel, hence its original name is ?AMSTELREDAM?, dam on river
Amstel.The city is also famous polishing & cutting diamond,and is the financial
Headquarter of Netherlands.A major Euopean stock exchange is also located in
Amsterdam.It is the country's capital but all Govt. bldg's are in Hague.Amsterdam is the
2nd largest city and port after Rotterdam.It is also called as the Gay Centre of
Europe.The city is 3 mtrs below sea level.In the 70's it was one of Europe's major drug
capital.Schipoll airport was originally a lake which was pumped dry,it is 16 feet below
sea lewel.
Amsterdam is also known as a land of 1000 (1281) bridges, with 165 canals, 120 water
dikes around 70 canal cruise boats, 8 Wooden drawbridges & about 2500 houseboats.
The Main Canals are 1) Single 2) Heren Gracht 3) Kaiser Gracht & 4) Prinsen Gracht
Airport ? SCHIPOL Airport, 16 ft below sea level.
DAM SQUARE :
The heart of Amsterdam. Around 1270 a dam was constructed at this spot in the River
Amstel, Dam Square was once the central market place where literally everything under
the moon was sold. The main street is Dam Rack.
Dam Square has had a turbulent history ? In 1535 the square was the scene of the
Anabaptists riots. Less than a century later the loot of the silver fleet was the reason
for a revolt. The troubles that erupted because the employment benefits were
decreased in 1935, also focused on this square. Towards the end of the Second World
War German soldiers killed innocent citizens here during a gruesome shoot-out. In the
1960?s & 1970?s students? protests took place here. The demonstration against the
war in Vietnam. It has been quite on Dam Square in the past few decades in contrast
with the old days & now is a very peaceful square. The latest riots were not long ago in
1980 on the occasion of HRH Queen Beatrix investiture in Nieuwe Kerk.
THE ROYAL PALACE :
It is located on the square, but Queen Beatrix does not live here, but she does entertain
her VIP guests in this palace. The red carpet is rolled out & the flag flies on top of the
palace when the Queen is here.
It was built 350 years ago as Amsterdam?s City Hall. In 1808 Louis Napoleon Came to
Amsterdam. He was looking for a suitable place of residence & saw the impressive City
Hall. He kicked the Mayor out & had the offices changed into bedrooms, dining rooms &
ballrooms. After he left, the building maintained its purpose. However one can see some
testimony of the original purpose of this building throughout the palace. Beautiful
paintings & refined sculptures refer to the managerial & administrative purpose the
building once had.
NIEUWE KIRK :
This Church next to the Royal Palace is not quite so new anymore, it is around 600
years old. It was built in the 15th century, to be exact 15th Nov 1408. The Arch Bishop
of Utrecht gave his approval for the construction of a Second Parish Church.
The first Church ?Oude Kerk? is situated on Oudekerksplein Square. Since this Church
had been built, Amsterdam?s population had increased. The ever increasing wealth
made it possible to build a New Church ?Nieuwe Kirk?.

WAR MEMORIAL / NATIONAL MONUMENT :

This monument was unveiled on 4th May 1956. It was erected in memory of those who
died during World War II. Each year on 4th May many Dignitaries, including
representative of the Royal Family, commemorate the victims of the War here.
HOISTING BEAMS/GABLES: Most of the houses in Amsterdam have gables or hooks on
top,it is used to pull furniture on top,because their main doors are small.
HOUSE BOATS: There are 2500 house boats in Amsterdam,all boats have gas,electricity
& water connection.
AMSTERDAM ARENA:In 1996 amsterdam Soccer Club Azax was officially opened.It has a
capacity of 51,500 spectator.The roof can be opened and closed making it suitable for
all weather.
THE RED LIGHT AREA IS CALLED AS " DE WALLEN"
THE HAGUE : Population : 450,000
Dutch ? Den Haag. Officially ? Gravenhage.
Hague is the administrative capital of Netherlands & seat of the Government. As one of
the capitals of the UN, Hague is host to several institutions of the UN, The international
court of justice, located in the Peace Palace. Scheveningen is part of Den Haag. It is a
modern bathing resort with a long sandy beach & a pier. The habour is used both for
fishing & tourism. Hague was originally a hunting location. The Stork is the symbol of
Den Haag.
Queen Beatrix is the second richest women in Europe after Queen Elizabeth II.
ROTTERDAM:The first bridge which was built over river Rotte,thats why the city's name
is Rotterdam.It is the bussiest port in Europe,It has a special port called the Euro
port,it handles 300 ships simultaneously.
MADURODAM :
THIS IS A WORKING miniature city sprawled over 25,603 sq mts,Located between
Scheveningen and Hague. A typical Dutch landscape with famous landmarks are
replicated on a scale of 1:25. The wonder of it all is that this is a working miniature
city, 50,000 tiny lamps light up by night. Kids love it but surprisingly 75% of 1.2 million
annual visitors are adults.Attraction's are Canal house of Amsterdam,Alkamaar Cheese
market,Wind Mills,Harbours,airport,Train station,Bridges,Royal palace etc.
This place was named after Lieutenant George Maduro, a student from Curacao who
died at Dachau concentration camp in 1945, & whose parents donated the money to
start this project.
On 2nd July 1952, Princess Beatrix was appointed as Mayor of Madurodam, She laid
down this function after becoming Queen. Nowadays, the Mayor is elected from the
youth municipal council, which consists of 25 students of schools in the region.

HANS BRINKER: The courageou boy who saved haarlem,one day while he was taking a
stroll at night noticed a hole in one of the dyke,he realised if the hole got any bigger it
would destroy the protective wall of haarlem.He struck his finger in to the hole and
kept it there all night until help arrived.In the morning his finger had turned blue and he
died,but his sacrifice saved the city from overflooding of the dyke,he is a National hero.
LISSE : Area : 16.07 sq km (of which 0.36 sq km is water) , Population : 22,062
Lisse is a south ? western town in Netherlands.
KEUKENHOF :Means Kitchen Garden.
Best time to visit ? Between 4th week of March & the 3rd week of May when the
flowers are in full bloom. It is the world's largest flower Garden in Netherlands & the
largest display of Tulip Bulbs in the world. The garden spreads over 80 acre / 32
hectare, which is filled with over 7 million bulbs, planted in layers of three of Narcissi,
Hyacinths, Daffodils & Tulips. The gardens claim to be among the top three
photographed sites in the world. About 9 lakh people visit Keukenhof during its Eight
Weeks season each year.For Indians it is also Known as Silsila garden because the
movie was shot here.The parking area for bus is called as Kastel parking.
VOLENDAM : Population : 20,000
The word Volent means completed, The declaration of the name Volendam is ? Vol-entdam? the dam has been perfected. Volendam is the most famous place on the
Ijsselmeer Coast. The village is built along the dyke & in its centre there is a small
harbour. It has always been a fishing village & fish of all kinds, specially Black Eels &
Herrings, are on sale. Just behind the dyke there are narrow streets, cottages, stilt
houses, the Maze neighborhood, hotels, restaurants, shops, an old labyrinth,
Volendams? Museum with heritage(shops) interiors with local history & costumes & the
Golden Room which walls are covered by mosaics made from 7 million cigar bands,
narrow canals & clogs still outside doors. During festivals many locals still dress up in
traditional costumes.
It is the most famous village in Netherlands (perhaps the world). Remnants of its 16th &
17th century beckon behind the harbor. Considered as one of the richest villages in the
country, it is also known for its proliferation in giving Netherlands top soccer players &
pop musicians, as well as some typically local family names ? Tol, Veerman, Kwakman,
Schilder.
From Antwerp to Amsterdam you see Holland Deep called as the 3 arms,its the back
water from North sea you see Lek,Waal & Mass river at Rotterdam.
Mass river-925 kms long.
Schelde river-435 kms long.
Famous Dutch Personalities
Rembrandt van Rijn, painter,Vincent Van Gogh
Richard Krajicek, tennis player
Mata Hari, spy
Discoverer of Tasmania(1642),New Zealand,Tonga,Fiji(1643)
Dutch Invention:Doughnuts(16th C),Clock
Pendulum(1656),Bacteria(1683),VCR's(1974),Compact Discs(1980)

FRANCE (French Republic)

Area
:
5,47,030 sq km (22 Regions)
Population
:
61 million (2006)
Capital
:
Paris (pop 13 mill)
People
:
92% French, 3% North African, 2% German, 1% Breton & 2%
Others
Language
:
French
Religion
:
90% R. Catholic, 2% Protestants, 1% Muslims, 1% Jewish &
6% Others
President
:
Jacques Chirac
Prime Minister
:
Dominique De Villepin
Currency
:
Euro
Major Industries
:
Oil Refining, Steel, Cement, Aluminum, Agricultural
Products, Luxury Goods, Chemicals, Energy Products, Wine Making Perfumes &
Cosmetics, Textiles, Machinery &Transport Equipment, Aircraft Building (Airbus), Motor
Manufacturing & Tourism.
Per Capita Income :
US$ 26,000
Largest Cities
:
Rank City
Population
1
Paris 2,152,000
2
Marseille
808,000
5
Nice
346,000
FAMOUS FOR PERFUMES, WINE.
Brief : France is the Largest Country in Europe After Russia & Ukraine.It is hexagon in
shape.Gothic arhitecture was born in france around Paris.France is the second largest
producer of wine after italy,bordeaux wine from bordeaux area and champagne from
champagne/roeun.France is also the world's most visited countries around 75 million
people visit france every year.It is the founding member of europen union.France has
two range of mountains jura towards the east and pyrenees in the south towards the
border of Spain. The French Alps Include Mont Blanc (4807 m)15771 feet, which is
Europe?s highest peak. It is bordered by 8 countries. Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany,
Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Andorra & Spain. It is also the founding member of the
European Union. France has 22 regions which are subdivided into 96 departments. The
vehicle registration plates carry the department number as the prefix [Paris ? 75, Alps
Maritimes (Nice, Cannes) 06]
Champagne is a sparkling wine produced by inducing the in-bottle secondary
fermentation of wine to effect carbonation. It is named after the Champagne region of
France. While the term ?champagne? is often used by makers of sparkling wine in other
parts of the world, it should properly (and legally in several countries) be used to refer
only to the wines made in the Champagne region.
The FRENCH REVOLUTION (1789 ? 1799) is a period in which the Monarchy was
overthrown & radical reconstructing was forced upon the Roman Catholic Church.
Marquis De Lafayette designed the French Flag

Napoleon Bonaparte (15th Aug 1769 ? 5th May 1821) : Napolean was born in Corsica in
Ajjacio exiled in Elba & died in St.Helena.
Functioned as an effective ruler of France beginning in 1799 & as Emperor of France
from 18th May 1804 ? 6th April 1814, he also conquered & ruled over much of western &
central Europe. Napoleon was defeated decisively by the Duke of Wellington at the
Battle of Waterloo in present day Belgium on 18 June 1815, followed shortly afterwards
by his surrender to the British and his exile to the island of Saint Helena, where he died
six years later. The cause of Napoleon?s death has been disputed on numerous
occasions, and the controversy remains to this day. Francesco Antommarchi, Napoleon?
s personal physician, gave stomach cancer as a reason for Napoleon?s death in his
death certificate. He has been buried in 7 caskets in the chapel of Invalideslike that of
pharohs first coffin made of tin,2nd made of mahagony,3rd & 4th made of lead,5th of
ebony,6th of oak these were placed in a huge red granite.The dome of invalide is
guilded with 12.5 kgs of gold.
Napolean bonaparte had 7 brother and 1 sister,napolean I was Napolean Bonaparte the
emperor of france he had 2 wifes his 1st wife was josephine and 2nd wife was marie
louise the arch duchess of Austria,napoleoan II was napolean bonaparte's son from his
2nd wife marie louise & was given the tittleas king of Rome also called as Aiglon (the
eaglet) he died in Austria at the age of 21 of tuberculosis.Napolean III was the nephew
of Napolean I & son of his brother Louis Bonaparte the king of Holland.Napolean 1st
wife was Josephine she was widow of an aristrocrat guillotioned during the french
revolution 7 mother of 2 children.Josephine had no child from Napolean so napolean
divorced josephine and maried Archduchess Marie Louise daughter of Austrian Emperor.
Famous Napolean Quote:ABLE WAS I ERE I SAW ELBA.
Barron Haussmann:(1809 to 1891) was a french civil sevant and urban planner who
redisigned Paris under the rule of Napolean III.He planned for a new & wider
boulewards,railway stations outside the central city and new parks.The avenue outside
Opera & the 12 avenues outside Arch of Triumph & long wide boulewards were designed
by him.

PARIS : Area : 105.86 sq km, Population 12 million: 2.5 m in the city & 10.5 m in the
suburbs.
Ring ? 35 km & 35 Exits (Boulevard Peripherique)
Paris is the capital of France,it evolved around the river Siene when the Prisian (the
celtic/gauls) made their settlement there & thus the citys name is paris.The Fashion
capital of the world, also known as the city of Lights. This city is divided into two by
the Seine River, The Left bank (South) & the Right bank (North). The city is divided into
20 Districts (Arrondisement) ? 14 Arr on the Right Bank & 6 Arr on the Left Bank.The
districts are spiral in shape, district no 5,6,7,13,14,15 are on the left bank rest all the
districts are on the right bank.The left bank is also called as south bank or Rive
gauche,the right bank is called as north bank or Rive droite.There are 220 churches and
440 gardens in paris.Paris has the highest no. of caffes,brasseires and theatres.Tgv
(train grand vittesse)is the fastest train in the world travels at 550 kmph & 2nd fastest
is euro star travels at 450 kmph.Tipu sultans personal envoys had come to Paris to
Versailles palace to seek help from napolean during British rule in India.

There are 2 airport in Paris 1.Roissy-Charles de Gaulle I for all foreign airline(north
east),Charles de Gaulle II for Air France.2.Orly airport is in south of paris.There are 380
metro station in paris.Trees used on bouleward and avenues are called as plane trees
or chestnut trees.Medical & education is provided free by the Govt. unemployed people
get 425 euros per month by the govt.
Stations :
1. Gare du Nord, 2. Gare du Lyon, 3. Gare de l?est, 4. Gare Montparnasse, 5. Gare du
Austerlitz, 6. Gare St Lazare. 7.Gare du Bercy
8 Statues in Concorde Square Representing 8 Cities
BORDEAUX / BREST / LILLE / LYON / ROUEN / MARSEILLE / NANTES / STRASSBOURG
River Seine :
The river (776 km) splits Paris into The Left bank (South) & The Right bank (North). The
river has many features including the Statue of Liberty, many Ponts (bridges) and most
famous of which is Pont Neuf, it is the oldest.
THE EIFFEL TOWER : Built in 1889 (2 yr, 2 mth & 5 day?s)Eiffel tower is also called as
the grand lady of Paris b'cause it completed 100 yrs & was build 100 yrs after the
French revolution which started in 1789.Built for the World fair Exhibition by Gustav
Alexandra Eiffel in 1889 it was almost torn down in 1909 as the contract was only for
20 yrs but was spared for practical reason beacuse it served as a radio/Tv antenna..
While construction only 1 person died. Original height was 300m. Later additions were
made for Telecommunication, which increased the height by 20.75m, making the total
height of 320.75m.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

1652 Steps to the top

7,000 Tons
15,000 pieces of metal put together
25,00,407 Rivets used
35 ? 40 tons of paint, painted every 7 years
Height varies by 6" depending on temperature
Maximum Sway at top is 4" During fiercest winds
1st level ? 57m (187ft), 2nd level ? 115m (377 ft), 3rd level ? 274m (899 ft)
View from the 3rd level may extend to 67 km / 40 miles on a clear day.
Restaurant on 1st Level ? Altitude 95
Restaurant on 2nd level ? Joules Verne

This is the most recognizable structure in the World. Although 7000 tons it exerts about
the same pressure on the ground as an average sized person sitting in a chair. The vast
green esplanade beneath the tower is Parc du Champs de Mars, which extends up to the
Ecole Militaire (Military Academy).
The wrought iron structure wasn?t meant to be permanent. Skeptics said it couldn?t be
built, Eiffel actually wanted to make it taller. For years it held the record of the tallest
man made structure, until the Empire State building surpassed it.
CHAMPS de MARS :

A big formal garden closed on one side by the Ecole Militaire & the other side Chaillot
Hill, upon which is the Eiffel Tower. Was used for the army parades of Ecole Militaire.
Horse races were held here in the 1780?s and also 5 world fairs have been held here
between 1867 and 1937
TROCADERO SQUARE :
It got its name from the military tournament on the site, which enacted the French
capture of fort Trocadero near Cadiz (Spain). This semi circular square is dominated by
an equestrian statue of Marshal Foch (WWII veteran). It is the center point from which
major roads radiate to the Alma Bridge (Place de l?Alma ? Flamme de la Liberte ? in
memory of Lady Diana), the Etoile, the Bois de Bois, de Boulogne & Passy quarter.
CHAILLOT PALACE :
A spectacular, low lying, palace of white sand stone consisting of two pavilions linked
by a portico & extended by wings curving to frame the wide terrace. It houses 4 famous
museums...
Maritime Museum ? Displays French sea power & shipping throughout the centuries in
life size & scaled down models.
Museum of French Monuments ? This exhibits Monumental Art & Mural paintings of
France.
Museum of Man ? Depicts the different races & lifestyles of man through the ages.
Henri Anglois Cinema Museum ? Depicts from the beginning the history of Photography
& Motion Pictures.
Fronting the Chaillot Palace, are the Beautiful Gardens divided by a rectangular pool in
direct line with D?Lena Bridge. This pool is bordered by stone & gilt statues & looks
spectacular at night when the powerful fountains are flood lit.
ECOLE MILITAIRE (MILITARY ACADEMY) :
Was founded by Louis xv & Madame Pompadour and was designed by Jacques Anges
Gabriel.Young men could study & be trained to become accomplished officers. The
parade ground was named Champs de Mars, Napoleon Bonaparte joined the Academy in
1784 on recommendation that he would make an excellent Sailor, He passed out as a
Lieutenant with the mention that he would ?go as far in unfavorable circumstances?.
Hotel Des INVALIDES :
Established by Louis XIV in 1670 & designed by Liberal Braund as the 1st national
hospital and retirement home for soldiers wounded in action. At one time it housed
approx 6000 wounded soldiers and currently there are less than 300.It served as a
military headquarter and was used to store weapons & ammunation now it houses the
museum of Army.On 14th july 1789 the rebels stormed the Invalide & got away with
28000 rifles and marched towards bastile starting the revolution. The Invalides came to
be symbolized the glory of Napoleon when his remains were brought back from St.
Helena in 1840 for burial in the chapel under the golden dome. Napoleon is buried here
in 7 tombs. Napoleon?s son (Aiglon) who died of TB in Vienna, is also buried here. His
remains were sent here by Hitler in 1940.
ILE DE LA CITE : An island on the river Seine. Comprises of
Place du Paris: is where distances to Paris are measured from. Zero Point of Paris.

Pont Neuf (New Bridge) : Means new bridge it is the oldest bridge in paris begun in 1578
under henry III and completed under Henry IV in 1606. The design was completly new
all the other bridges in the city had tall houses built on the sides,hiding the view of the
river Seine.The round arches became famous meeting place for Parisians also dentist
use to remove teeth here.
Palace of Justice : The heart of the French Legal System, stands on the site of the
Roman Palace where emperor Julian was crowned in 360 AD.
Conciergerie : It was originally the residence of the king?s concierge, part of the 14th
century Royal Palace. During the French Revolution it was converted into a prison. In
1793 at the height of the French Revolution, Queen Marie Antionette spent her last
nights here before being guillotined.
Notre Dame Cathedral: Stands 94 mts / 305 ft high, a fine example of Gothic
architecture, dedicated to Our Lady of Paris. Construction began in 1163 during the
reign of Louis VII, by about 1345 the building was completed. Being the most important
Cathedral in Paris most of the coronations of Kings & Queens took place here.
Important among these would be the one on 2nd Dec 1804 when the church was decked
with hangings & decorations to receive Pope Pius VII who came especially for the
Coronation of Napoleon as the Emperor. Going against customs, Napoleon seized the
crown from the pope & crowned himself & then Josephine. In modern times, General
Charles De Gaulle marked the 1944 liberation of Paris with a mass in the cathedral and
in 1970 his death was similarly commemorated. In 1996 a funeral service was held here
for Francios Mitterrand.
LE LOUVRE :
It was constructed as a fortress on the banks of the Seine by Philippe Auguste in 1200,
protecting the weakest point in his new city parameter. Francois I in 1527, after taking
residence in the Louvre, began expansion. All successive kings kept on making
additions to the Louvre, which made it what it is today. Louvre today is the Palace of
Arts & holds one of the richest Museums in the world. Its collection ranges from art of
5000BC to 19th Century works.Its area is 48 acres.
Basically it is divided into 3 main sections ? Sully, Denon & Richelieu. Venus de Milo,
The Winged Victory & The Mona Lisa are just three of its many masterpieces which are
divided into Seven Departments ? Oriental & Islamic Antiquities, Egyptian Antiques,
Greek, Roman & Etruscan Antiques; Paintings, Sculptures, Decorative Arts as well as
Graphic Arts.
It is said that if you spend Five Minutes in front of each of its exhibits from opening to
closing time, it will take almost a decade to see it all. The Louvre has 14 km of
corridors. The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is on the First Level / Denon in the Salle
de Etats of the Italian section. The huge Glass Pyramid designed by I. M. Pei serves as
an entrance to the museum.
THE KOLKATA INDIAN MUSEUM IS THE LARGEST MUSEUM IN INDIA.
JOan of Arch: (1412-1431)Born in Domremy was a national heroine and patron saint of
France who united the nation and turned the 100 yrs war in favour of France.She was
sentenced to life imprisonement and was charged of heresy and burned alive at rouen.
In 1920 Pope Benedict XV cannonized Joan of Arch as saint.

PALAIS ROYAL: Was built between 1624 and 1645 as a private residence of cardinal
Richelieu.Today it is the seat of the council of state.
Two islands in paris on river Seine 1.Ile de la cite 2.Ile Saint Louis.
Arc du Carrousel : It was constructed in 1806 & 1808 to celebrate Napoleons
victories.It is an imitation of the Arch of Septimus Severus in Rome.The 4 bronze horses
on top were brought by Napolean fron Venice's St.Marks Basilica and later returned in
1815.The original were replaced with coppies and a chariot and statue of peace were
latter added.
AVENUE CHAMPS ELYSEES :
This is a 2 km long avenue, lined with departmental stores, Banks, Cinemas, Airline
offices & the famous Lido Show & much more, starting from Arc de Triomphe till Jardin
des Tuileries.Opposite Lido is the most expensive restaurant Fouguet's where also the
french president comes to dine,also the famous bag shop louis Vitton & queens gay bar.
ARC DE TRIOMPHE :
At Place Charles de Gaulle originally known as L?Etoile, it is the most famous landmark
& 12 avenues radiate from it designed by Barron Haussman. Commissioned by
Napoleon, in 1806 to honour the French Grand Army. All four sides depict France?s
various Victories & other military & social events of importance in form of sculptures
on its walls. Jean Chalgrin was the architect.
Napoleon had desired to have his Triumphal March from underneath the Arch but it was
not to be. He died 15 years before the arch was completed in 1836. Also beneath it lies
the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier,the eternal flame is litted every evening. Napoleon
died on 5th May 1821 DOB 15th Aug 1769.
It?s height is over 50m (164 ft). Seeing from the top, one can see in a straight line the
Champs Elysees, the Obelisk at Place de la Concorde & the Louvre. On the other side in
the Grand Arch de la Defense, a multipurpose structure, shaped like an open cube so
large that the Notre Dame could fit beneath it.
PLACE DE LA CONCORDE (CONCORDE SQUARE) : Also known as revolutionary
squar,during French revolution king Louis 16th,Marrie Antoinette,Madam
Rolland,Robespierre were beheaded along with 1200 people.
Placed between Champs Elysees & the Tuileries, It is Octagonal in shape & each
portion of the octagon has a statue, which represents the eight largest cities of France
(Lille,Lyon,Bordeaux,Brest,Marseilles,Nantes,Rouen,strasbourg).
The square has an Obelisk in the center, which comes from the ruins of the Temple at
Luxor, Egypt. Gifted by Mohammed Ali, Viceroy of Egypt to Charles X in 1829 when
seeking French support. The Obelisk is 3300 years old & is covered in Hieroglyphics
(hieroglyph ? picture writing) which illustrates the glorious deed's of the Pharoh
Ramses II. It stands 23m (75 ft) tall & weighs more than 220 tons.Just behind on the
left is hotel Crillon and on the right is ministry of navy building & on extreme left is the
American Embassy .

NATIONAL ASSEMBLE: It was originally built for the daughter of Louis XIV the Duchess
of Bourbon in 1728 that is why it is called as Palais Bourbon. Now it houses the french
parliament (Lok Sabha)
ALEXANDER THE III BRIDGE: tHE MOST BEAUTIFUL BRIDGE IN Paris is made of a single
metal span 350 feet long and 130 feet wide.Built between 1896 and 1900 it is named
after the Czar Alexander III of Russia & was inaugurated by his son Nicholas II. It was
built to celebrate the alliance
between Russia & France.On the 2 pilon are modern France & medieval France,2 rivers
mentioned riven seine & river neva of Russia.
GRAND PALACE & PETIT PALACE :
These halls were built in 1900 World Exhibition of Stone, Steel & Skylight Architecture.
The Petit Palace houses the Museum of Fine Arts of the city & the Grand Palace is now
converted to Conference Rooms, Library & A small exhibition area from that of a place
for annual exhibitions & shows of act, cars, domestic equipment, children etc.
LA MADELEINE :
Also known as the Church of Magdalene. Construction began in 1764, it was razed,
reconstructed, demolished & finally built as a Greek Temple in 1842. 28 steps lead to
the entrance, surrounded by 52 Corinthian Columns, each 20 m (66ft) high. The relief?s
on the massive Bronze doors were inspired by the Ten Commandments. At the high Alter
is the picture of Magdalene. This is the only church without a Cross above the
structure.You see restaurant Maxims and Minims here.
PLACE VENDOME (Vendome Square) :
The square got its name because the Duke of Vendome had his residence here.It is
octagonal in shape.It is surrounded by majestic two storied buildings of 17th century
architecture. These buildings house the Ministry of Justice, the Ritz Hotel,the
Rothschild bank,fashion houses of Boucheron,Gueralain,Van Cleefs & Arpels also house
no 12 where Chopin the famous pianist died in 1849.It also has the house of king of
brunei,has the Sun king emblem & also known as diamond square. In the center is the
famous column of Austerlitzwas made in 1806 and 1810 in hounour of napolean I & it is
inspired by the column of Trajan in Rome.It is 145 feet high.
OPERA (Opera Garnier) : It is the largest theatre lyrics opera in the world,its surface
area is 120000 square feet,it can accomadate 2200 people and the stage has a capacity
of 450 performers.Napolean III commisioned it
Built by architect Charles Garnier, was finally inaugurated in 1875 by Marshal
MacMahon.In front of the building you see the bust of all famous composer like
Mozart,Hayden,Beethoven etc.Charles Garnier also designed the opera in Nice and in
Monte carlo.Avenue de la Opera is the only avenue which is not lined with trees so as to
get a clear view of the Opera.When construction was started of the opera it was
quickly suspended after discovering of a lake and a spring,the lake lies beneath
underground.
MONTMARTRE :
The Butte as it is known locally, is full of contrast, anonymous boulevards alternate
with picturesque stone staircases & steeply sloping streets, there is even a vineyard &
a windmill.

In the afternoon & evening Place du Tertre becomes a tourist centre drawing a
cosmopolitan crowd. Numerous Artists offer paintings, charcoal portraits & cut ? out
silhouettes for sale.
Since the 19th Century, Montmartre has attracted artists & men of letters ; Toulouse
Lautrec drew La Goulue, Valentin le Desosse & Yvette Guilbert at the Moulin Rouge,
founded in 1889. Rue Cortor was home to Renoir, Dufy & Utrillo. The Musee de
Montmartre is rich in mementoes of the Bohemian lifestyle & cabarets of the district.
SACRE COEUR (Sacred Heart) :
In 1870 the Prussian army had laid siege upon Paris, cutting off all her food supplies.
Two wealthy Catholics promised to build a Church if the city was spared by the
Invaders. For a price, the loss of Alsace Lorraine & a massive fine, the Prussians finally
left Paris. The architect Abadie produced the winning design for this vast pilgrimage
church in the Romanesque ? Byzantine style. The work began in 1875 & was completed
in 1914 (39 yrs). The interior is decorated with one of the Largest Mosaics Illustrating
the devotion of France to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Church is 80 mts / 260 ft high,
it has a 19 Ton Bell. On a clear day, the terrace outside offers a splendid panorama.
POMPIDOU CENTRE: In 1969 the then President decided to create an important cultural
centre.Each external pipe line is painted in different colours.Now is the museum of
Modern art.
HOTEL DE VILLE; Was built in 1882 was the site of public execution it is now the
muncipal headquarters of the city and Town hall.
VERSAILLES PALACE : Situated 23 km / 15 miles southwest of Paris, the Palace is one
of the most visited sites in France & famous for its immense size. The palace began as
a modest hunting lodge, built by Louis XIII in 1623 & was transformed by architect
Jules Hardouin Mansart under the guidelines of Louis XIII?s son, Louis XIV, into a
Grande Palace. Apart from the Regency, it served as a seat of government & the
political capital of France from 1682 to 1789.
It has 3 sections ? Ministral Court, Royal Court & Marble Court. The state apartments
include the Reception room, the Hall of Mirrors, the Kings & Queens suites & more. The
Hall of Mirrors was completed by Mansart in 1687, 75m long, 10m wide & 12m high. It is
lit by large windows with corresponding mirrors to catch the Sunrays.It has 17 large
windows which looks out to the garden & it has similar amount of mirror on the
opposite wall so the whole gallery is flooded with light& the peaceful green of the
gardens seems actually to penetrate silently into the palace room.
The palace is surrounded by lavish French & English GARDENS,the garden is 250 acres
has flower beds & artifical lake statues & fountains.The artifical lake is called as Grand
Canals & is more than a mile long where kings & queens use to go on Gondollas.
designed by Andre le Notre. During the Grand Eaux & Evening festivities in the summer,
fountain in the pools & copses embellish the part, which is divided into two by the
Tapis Vert & the Grand Canal stretching 1650 meters. They provide an uninterrupted
view of the horizon. Along the paths, sculptures turn the garden into an immense, open
air museum of classical statuary. The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919 in the
Hall of Mirrors between GB, USA, FR & GER.

STATUE OF LIBERTY :
Original one designed by Fredric Batodi which is in Luxemburg garden, which stands
46.5 mts / 153ft, weighing 225 tons of copper.
THE THINKER :
By Rodin, in the gardens of Musee Rodin
THE PANTHEON :
Victor Hugo (Author of Hunch Back of Notre Dam), Marie & Pierre Curie ( discovered
Radium) are buried here.
PLace de la Bastille : was once the site of Fortress prison of bastille,now there is a
memorial column rising from its centre topped by the statue of spirit of Liberty.The
column is called as July column,next to it is the modern opera of bastille.
ORSAY MUSEUM: The press defined it as the most beautiful museum in europe it was a
railway station in 1889 from Paris to Orleans.
The Channel Tunnel links England and France was completed in 1994,it costed UK &
France 16 billion Dollars.It is 50 kms long and runs from Folkestone,England to Calais in
France at an average depth of 131 feet below sea bed.There are 3 tunnels,East
bound,West bound & one service tunnel.
EURO DISNEY :
Biggest theme park in Europe by Walt Disney. It offers 42 Attractions spread over 55
hectors / 136 acres, includes 5 Fantasy Lands, & around a focal point which is the
Chateau (Castle).
1) Frontierland,
2) Adventureland,
3) Fantasyland,
4) Discoveryland &
5) Main St USA.
Station : Marne la Vallee Chessy
PONTS?
Pont Ch de Gaulle
:
Pont d?Austerlitz
Pont Neuf
Pont des Art?s
Pont du Carrousel
Pont Royal
Pont Solferino
:
Pont de la Concorde
Pont Alexander III :
Pont des Invalides
Pont de l?Alma
Pont d?Lena
Pont de Bir Hakeim
Pont de Grenelle

It is the bridge between Gare D?Austerlitz and Gare Du Lyon

:
Near Gare D?Austerlitz
:
tip of Ile de la Cite
:
end of Louvre
:
mid of Louvre
:
beg of Louvre to Orsay
mid of Tuileries (walking bridge)
:
mid of Concorde to National Assemble
between Grand & Petit Place to Invalides
:
side of Grand Palace to side of Invalides
:
on the turn of the Seine Passerelle Debilly
:
Between Trocadero to Eiffel
:
Between Eiffel Tower and Pont De Javel
:
next to Statue of Liberty

NICE : Area : 71.92 sq km, Population : 347,100,

River : Paillon & Vaar.
Brief : Italian Nizza, It became a part of France in 1860. Nice is a city in Southern
France on the Mediterranean Coast, between Cannes & Monaco. It is the prefecture
(administrative capital) of the Alps-Maritime Department. It lies at the foot of the Alps
near Italy. The city has wide Avenues, Luxurious Hotels & Villas surrounded by gardens.
The Paillon River divides the city into the Old Town to the East & the Modern to the
West. The Alps protect Nice from cold Northern winds & give it a mild winter.The
industies of Nice produce Olive oil,perfumes,procesed fruits,soap,cements & other
product.There is also a railway line to Marseille,Genova & Turin.Greek settlers founded
Nice in 400 B.C,later it became a Roamn colony and was a part of italy but was gifted
to France B'cause Napolean helped italy win a war against Austria.It became a part of
France in 1860.
OLD NICE :
Wedged between the sea front, the castle, place Garibaldi & Promenade du Paillon, this
neighbourhood buzzes with intense activity all day long. The castle provides a sweeping
view of the Bay of Angels & the Pre ? Alps.
PROMENADE DE ANGLAIS:It is a 6 kilometre seafront which is lined with flowers,it took
its name after the English man who did its construction in the 19th century.Cote D'azur
means blue coast.Nice is famous for carnival's and flower festival.
THE COUR SALEYA: Its a flower,fruit & vegetable market.
MARINA BAIE DES ANGES: Is a exclusive swimming resort is famous in particular for its
modern controversial residential complex designed by the architectANDRE
minangoy.Behind is four gigantic white building shaped like Pyramid,each of 20 floors is
a luxurious aprtment at the base of the pyramid are luxurios shops and cafes.
3 CORNICHES IN NICE: Bass,Moyene & Grand corniche.
HOTEL NEGRESCO: One of the most expensive hotel in Nice where the staff is dressed
as Napolean,has one of the longest carpets in the world.
CANNES : Area : 19.62 sq km, Population : 68,214
Brief: (Canas in Provencal), It is a city in southern France, located on the French
Riviera, in the Alps Maritimes department. From the Middle ages to the early 19th
century, Cannes was a small fishing village. In 1830s, foreign & French aristocrats built
holiday homes & gradually turning Cannes into a resort town. It is a splendid natural
harbour is on the edge of Bay of La Napoule,
BOULEVARD de la CROISETTE :
This famous promenade, with its flower filled gardens and tall palm trees, is lined with
fine sandy beaches on one side & luxury hotels & exclusive boutiques on the other.

On the ports eastern side, the Festival & Conference Center (Palais des Festivals & des
Congress), houses the Municipal Casino. The International Film Festival, the towns
most spectacular & prestigious event takes place in May every year.
In front on the ground there are hand prints of stars ? Avenue of Stars?.
Famous French wines are Bordeaux, Burgundy, Claret and Bollinger.
Famous French Personalities
Pierre Cardin ? Fashion Designer
Coco Chanel ? fashion designer
Christian Dior ? fashion designer
Yves Saint-Laurent ? fashion designer
Claude Monet - Painter
Louis Pasteur ? scientist
Louis Braille, blind inventor
Napoleon Buonaparte
FACTS:French are the heaviest wine drinkers (63.5 litres every year),Grenoble is the
birth place of cement.
INVENTION:Safety Razor (1762),Coffee pot(1800),Aspirin(1853),Scuba
Gears(1943),Bikinis(1964)

MONACO
Area
: 1.95 sq km
Population
:
32, 410
Capital
: Monaco
People
: 47% French, 16% Monegasque, 16% Italian
Language
:
Fr, Eng, Mone, Ita
Religion
: Roman Catholic
Government
:
Constitutional Monarchy
Head of State
:
Prince Albert II
Currency
:
Euro
Major Industries
:
Tourism

Per Capita Income

US $ 27,000

Brief : The principality of Monaco, known as Munegu in the local dialect. It is the 2nd
smallest country in the world, wedged between the Mediterranean Sea & France, along
the French Riviera or Cote d?Azur (the Blue Coast).
Founded in 1215 as a colony of Genoa, Monaco has been ruled by the house of Grimaldi
since1297, when Francois Grimaldi seized the fortress protecting the famous rock
dressed up as a Franciscan monk, the only exception to this was from 1789 to 1814,
when Monaco was under French control. Designated as a protectorate of Sardinia from
1815 to 1860 by Congress of Vienna. Monaco?s sovereignty was recognized by the
Franco ? Monegasque Treaty of 1861.
Prince Rainier III was the ruler of Monaco till 6th Apr 05. His successor Prince Albert II
officially took over on 12th July 05.
Prince Rainier III"s wife was Grace kely a Hollywood actress n she died in a car
accident in Monaco,son Prince Albert II,daughter Princess Stephanie & Princess
Caroline.
Four Parts ? Fontvieille (industrial), Monaco-Ville (capital), La Condamine & MonteCarlo.
OCEANOGRAPHIC MUSEUM : It houses the collections made during the course of
numerous cruises of the ?Scientist Prince? - Prince Albert I, whose work provides the
base of modern Oceanography. One of the vocations of the museum in to welcome
scientist from all over the world who have 2000 sq mts of laboratories at their disposal.
The museum also houses a Meteorological Station & a Seismological Observatory.
Outside the museum is the Submarine of Jacques Cousteau. Cousteau was the director
of the museum for many years and was also a French Naval Officer, Explorer, Ecologist,
Filmmaker, Scientist and Researcher who studied the sea and all forms of life in water.
MONTE CARLO :
It is the section of Monaco known for its gambling, beaches & sightings of famous
people. Because of its association with gambling, it has given its name to the Monte
Carlo method of numerical integration.
It is also the venue of the F1 Grand Prix.

Translation of Commonly Used Words

English
Italian German
French
1. Good Morning
Buon giorno Guten Morgen
2. Good Afternoon Buon pomeriggio
Guten Tag

Bonjour
Bonjour

3.
4.
5.
7.
8.
9.

Good Evening
Buona sera Guten Abend Bonsoir
Good NightBuonanotte Guten Nacht Bonne nuit
Please
Per Favore
Bitte Sil vous plait 6. Thank you Grazie Danke Merci
Left
Sinistra
Links Gauche
Right
Destra Recht Droite
Straight
Dritto Gerades
Directement 10. Reverse
Opposto
Gegentiel
Invers
11. Friend
Amico Freund
Ami
12. Vegetarian
Verdure
der Vegetarier
Vgtarian
13. Milk
Latte Milch Lait
14. Cold Milk Freddo Latte Kalte Milch Lait Froid
15. Hot Milk Caldo Latte Heisse Milch Lait chaud
16. Coffee
Caff Der kaffe
Caf
17. Fruits
Frutta / Frutto
Frucht Fruit
18. Chicken Pollo Das huhn
Poulet
19. Pork
Carne di Miale
Schweinefleisch
Porc
20. Fish
Pesci Fisch Poisson
21. Beef
Carne di bovino
Rindfleisch B?uf
22. Cheese
Formaggio
der Kse
Fromage
23. Bread
Pane das Brot
Pain
24. Here
Qui
Hier
Ici
25. There
L
Dort
L-bas
26. Breakfast Colazione
Frhstck
Petit Djeuner
27. Lunch
PranzoMittagessen Djeuner
28. Dinner
Cena Abendessen Dner

29. How Much

Quanto
Wie Viel
30. When
Quando
Wenn Quand

Combien

Some Commonly Used Sentences

1.
English
Do you speak English?
Inglese?
German
Sprechen sie Englisch?
French
Parlez vous anglais?
2.
English
The menu, please.
Italian Il menu, per favore.
German
Die speisakarte, bitte.
FrenchLe menu, s?il vous plait.
3.
English
I would like
Italian Vorrei
German
Ich mochte
FrenchJe voudrais
4.
English
Where is the bathroom?
Italian Dov?e un gabi netto?
German
Wo ist die toilette?
FrenchO est la salle de bain?
5.
English
The check, please.
Italian Il conto, per favore.
German
Der scheck, bitte.
FrenchL?addition, s?il vous plait.

Italian Parla

6.

English
Is the service included?
Italian E incluso il servizio?
German
Ist das mit Bedienung?
FrenchLe service est compris?
Road Signs
Town center FrenchCentre ville
Italian Centro Paese
German
Centrum/ Zentrum
Entrance
FrenchEntree
Italian Entrata
German
Einfahrt
Roadworks ahead
FrenchAttention travaux
Italian Lavori in corso
German
Bauarbeiten / Baustelle
Police FrenchGendarmerie
Italian Polizia
German
Polizei
ClosedFrenchFerm
Italian Chiuso
German
Geschlossen
Traffic FrenchCirculation
Italian Traffico
German
Verkehr

HIGHWAY NAMES
COUNTRY
NAME EXIT
Italy Autostrada
Uscita
Austria
Autobahn
Ausfahrt
Switzerland Autobahn
Ausfahrt
Germany
Autobahn
Ausfahrt
Belgium
Autoweg
Uit/Sortie
Holland
Autoweg
Uit
France
Autoroute
Sortie
UK
Motorway
Exit

UNITED KINGDOM
Area
Population
Capital
People
Language
Religion
Government
Head of State
Prime Minister
Currency

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

244,820 sq km
60.4 mill
London
Anglo Saxon, Scots, Welsh, Irish, W.Ind, Pak, Indians.
English
Church of England, Methodist, Baptist, Catholics & Muslim
Parliamentary Democracy
Queen Elizabeth II (6th Feb 1952)
Anthony [Tony] Blair
Pound Sterling

Major Industries
:
Banking & Finance, Steel, Transport Equipment, Aircraft &
Ship Building, Oil & Gas, Food Processing, Chemicals, Tourism.
Per Capita Income :
US$ 30,900 (2005)
LONDON : Area : 625 miles, Population : 7 mil.
Brief : London is divided into 32 Burroughs + London City. London has 2 canals the
Grand Canal & the Regent Canal.
RIVER THAMES :
210 miles - Originates in the Cotswold Hills.
BUCKINGHAM PALACE :
Built 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham. It is home to Royalty since 1837, when Queen
Victoria decided to live here. When the Queen is home, the Royal Standard is flown from
the roof. Changing of Guards takes place at 1130 hrs.
HYDE PARK :
340 acres of green parkland, served as hunting ground for the Royalty. Speakers corner
is near Marble Arch, where people can speak out their mind.
BIG BEN ( St Stephen?s Tower) :
320 ft high ? Clock Tower ? Name refers to the 13.5 Ton Bell ? Got its name from Sir
Benjamin Hall, commissioner of works ? Located on the east of House of Parliament ?
The Bell was cast in 1858 ? The clock face is a little over 7 mts diameter.
WEST MINSTER ABBEY :
Means West Monastery ? Benedictine Abbey housing monks since 750 AD ? Coronation
place of William the Conqueror in 1066 & for subsequent Monarchs,also the tomb of
Queen Elizabeth I.
HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT :
House in the place of West Minster. The 19th Century Gothic revival building has over
1000 rooms & 2 miles long corridors - Green Roof is House of Commons & Red Roof is
House of Lords

TRAFALGAR SQUARE :
One of the best known square ? Towering above the square is Nelsons Column with a
statue of Lord Nelson (Admiral Horatio Nelson), who defeated France & lost his life at
the battle of Trafalgar, stands atop this 145 ft high granite column guarded by two
huge stone Lions. Erected in 1830.
The battle of Trafalgar was fought in 1805, Nelson the Royal navy chief of England's
Admiral defeated Villeneuve,navy of france and spain,Cape Trafalgar is near coast of
Spain.
CLEOPATRA'S NEEDLE in London,there is a Obelisk and staue of Sphinx.
CUTTY SARK is the vessel which is docked at Greenwich,was used for English &
Chinese Tea trade in 1870,now is a sailing museum.
Prince charles & Pamela got married in Windsor Castle on 9th april 2005.
THE LANES BURROUGH HOTEL near Wellington Arch is the most expensive hotel,500
pound's a day without breakfast,20 yrs before was a Govt.hospital.
PICCADILLY CIRCUS :
A busy street lined with Grand & very English shops like Fortnum & Mason ? grocers to
the Royalty. 6 busy streets come together here ( Piccadilly, Regent, Shaftsbury Avenue,
Coventry, Haymarket & Lower Regent), at EROS ( statue of charity / love ? Greek God of
Love)
TOWER BRIDGE :
Can walk across the magnificent Bridge - Check the Hydraulic, Victorian Engineering ?
completed in 1894. Gothic architecture of the middle ages.It is a draw bridge which
opens for ships to pass through.
LONDON EYE (Millennium Wheel) :
On the south bank - Conceived by architects David Marks & Julia Barfield ? Six yrs,
hundreds of people ? 135 mts/450 feet, 80 spokes, 6 km of cable, 1700 Tonnes of steel
(heaver than 250 double decker buses), Structure supported by an A-Frame - 32
capsules, 25 pax, 15000 visitors a day - It makes 8000 rotations in one yr at a speed of
0.26 mts / sec.
TOWER OF LONDON :
Founded nearly a millennium ago and expanded upon over the centuries since, the
Tower of London has protected, housed, imprisoned and been for many the last sight
they saw on Earth. It has been the seat of British government and the living quarters of
monarchs, the site of renown political intrigue, and the repository of the Crown Jewels.
It has housed lions, bears, and (to this day) flightless ravens, not to mention notorious
traitors and framed members of court, lords and ministers, clergymen and knights.

The Tower of London has been home to some of the jewels and precious metal objects
of the English monarchy since at least the 13th century. The Crown Jewels have
remained at the Tower, housed in a variety of different buildings within the fortress, and
were last used collectively for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The famous
Kohinoor Diamond is also housed in here.
The Tower of London was one of a number of places where coins of the realm were
minted in the Middle Ages.
3 Arches in London,The Marble arch,Wellington arch & the Admirality arch.
Gherkin bldg is a Swiss insurance Bldg.
Albert Hall where singer Mukesh died during a performance.
2 Canals in London The Grand canal & the Regent canal.
SWAMINARAYAN TEMPLE :
At Neasden - First Traditional Hindu Temple in Europe since Aug 1995 ? 5,000 tons of
Carrara Marble & Bulgarian Lime Stone ? Hand Carved into 26,300 pieces ? 1,526
skilled craftsmen ? 3.5 million visitors ? Burma Teak & English Oak (226 oaks) ? 2300
English Oak samplings have been planted in Devon & in India to Compensate the use of
wood ? 17,760 sq ft of Intricate Haveli carvings in 2 yrs.
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill (30 November 1874 ? 24 January 1965) was an
English statesman and author, best known as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
during the Second World War. Well-known as an orator, strategist, and politician,
Churchill was one of the most important leaders in modern British and world history. He
won the 1953 Nobel Prize in Literature for his many books on English and world history.
Sir Winston Churchill was voted the greatest-ever Briton in the 2002 BBC poll the 100
Greatest Britons.
Airports
London City
Gatwick
Heathrow
Luton
Stanstead

Famous English Personalities

Sir Alec Guinness, (1914-2000)
Sir Roger Moore, (born 1928)
Sir Laurence Olivier, (1907-1989)
Sir Isaac Newton, (1642-1727), founder of modern physics, inventor of the reflector
telescope
Sir Frank Whittle, (1907-1996), inventor of the jet engine
Sir Winston Churchill, (1874-1965), British prime minister
Charles Darwin, (1809-1882), Founder of The Theory of Evolution
The Beatles,The Rolling Stone,Pink Floyd,The Police.
BRITISH INVENTION: Flush toilet,computer(1882),Lawn Mover,Christmas cards,Vacuum
cleaner(1901),Table Tennis (1880)

SCOTLAND
Area :
78,772 km (2nd in UK)
Capital
:
Edinburgh
Population
:
5,094,800 (2nd in UK) (2005 est.)
Official language
:
English, Gaelic, Scots.
UK Prime Minister :
Tony Blair
Currency
:
Pound sterling (GBP)

Scotland is a nation in northwest Europe and one of the four constituent countries of
the United Kingdom. It occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain.
Scottish waters have some of Europe?s largest oil reserve. Scotland is a major
producer of wool and wool textiles. Apart from the mainland, Scotland consists of over
790 islands.
Edinburgh, the capital and second largest city, is one of Europe?s largest financial
centres. Scotland?s largest city is Glasgow, which is the centre of the Greater Glasgow
conurbation. Greater Glasgow is home to approximately 40% of Scotland?s population.
Scottish waters consist of a large sector of the North Atlantic and the North Sea,
containing the largest oil reserves in the European Union. Scotland comprises the
northern third of the island of Great Britain. Modern Scotland is subdivided in various
ways depending on the purpose. For local government, 32 council areas. There are six
cities in Scotland: Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and more recently Inverness,
and Stirling.
Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since 1437 and is the seat of the country?s
parliament. The Old Town and New Town districts of Edinburgh were listed as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Edinburgh was the first city in the world with its
own fire-brigade.
Edinburgh Castle is an ancient fortress which, from its position atop Castle Rock,
dominates the sky-line of the city of Edinburgh, and is Scotland?s most famous (and
most visited) landmark. Uniquely as an ancient fortress within Britain, Edinburgh castle
still has a military garrison albeit mostly for ceremonial purposes, and is spiritual home
to the Royal Scots regiment. Serving soldiers still stand watch at the castle gatehouse
between 6 pm and 9 am, with responsibility for the Honours of Scotland.
York is a city in North Yorkshire, England, at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and
Foss. York is the traditional county town of Yorkshire, to which it lends its name. York
is home to the University of York, founded in 1963, and York St John University, which
was founded in 1841 and gained university status in 2006.
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland. The City of Glasgow is the most populous
unitary authority area. It is situated on the River Clyde in the country?s west central
lowlands. People from Glasgow are known as Glaswegians; Glaswegian is also the name
of the local dialect popularly referred to as the ?Glasgow Patter?.The city centre is
home to most of Glasgow?s main cultural venues: The Theatre Royal (home of Scottish
Opera and Scottish Ballet), The Pavilion, The King?s Theatre, Glasgow Royal Concert
Hall, Glasgow Film Theatre, RSAMD, GoMA, Mitchell Library, the Centre for
Contemporary Arts, McLellan Galleries and The Lighthouse Museum of Architecture,
Design and the City. The world?s tallest cinema, the 18 screen Cineworld is sited on
Renfrew Street.
Stratford-upon-Avon is a town on the River Avon in south Warwickshire, England. In
2001 the town had a population of 23,676.
The town is the birthplace and deathbed of William Shakespeare and because of its
Shakespearian connections the area is a popular tourist destination, receiving about
three million visitors a year from all over the world.

Oxford is a city and local government district in Oxfordshire, England, with a population
of 134,248 (2001 census). It is home to the University of Oxford, the oldest university in
the English-speaking world.It is known as the ?city of dreaming spires?, a term coined
by Matthew Arnold in reference to the harmonious architecture of the university
buildings. The River Thames runs through Oxford, where for a distance of some 10
miles it is known as the Isis. The Oxford suburb of Cowley has a long history of
carmaking and now produces the BMW MINI.
Windermere is the largest natural lake in England, and is entirely within the Lake
District National Park. It has been one of the country?s most popular places for
holidays and summer homes since 1847, when the Kendal and Windermere Railway built
a branch line to it. Since ?mere? means ?lake?, referring to Windermere as ?Lake
Windermere? is tautologous, though common.

CAIRO
The Cairo Tower is free-standing concrete TV tower in Cairo, Egypt. It stands in
Zamalek district on Gezira Island in the River Nile, in the city centre. At 187 metres, it
is 43 metres higher than the Great Pyramid of Giza, which stands some 15 km to the
southwest.
The Great Sphinx of Giza is a large half-human, half-lion Sphinx statue in Egypt, on the
Giza Plateau at the west bank of the Nile River, near modern-day Cairo. It is one of the
largest single-stone statues on Earth, and is commonly believed to have been built by
ancient Egyptians in the 3rd millennium BC.
The Great Sphinx is a statue with the face of a man and the body of a lion. Carved out
of the surrounding limestone bedrock, it is 57 metres (260 feet) long, 6 m (20 ft) wide,
and has a height of 20 m (65 ft), making it the largest single-stone statue in the world.
Blocks of stone weighing upwards of 200 tons were quarried in the construction phase
to build the adjoining Sphinx Temple. It is located on the west bank of the Nile River
within the confines of the Giza pyramid field. The Great Sphinx faces due east, with a
small temple between its paws.
ISTANBUL
The city has had many names through its history and according to the culture, language
and religion of its rulers. Byzantium, Constantinople and Stamboul are examples that
may still be found in active use. The etymology of the names and an extended list of old
names can be found under Names of Istanbul. It has also been nicknamed ?The City on
Seven Hills? because the historic peninsula (the oldest part of the city) was built on
seven hills, also represented with seven mosques, one at the top of each hill.
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Turkish: Sultanahmet Camii) is a mosque in Istanbul, the
largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire (from 1453 to 1923). The
mosque is famously known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of
its interior. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is the only mosque in Turkey that has six
minarets.

The Hippodrome of Constantinople (Sultanahmet Meydan) was a horse-racing track

that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine
Empire and the largest city in Europe. Today it is a square named Sultanahmet Meydani
in the Turkish city of Istanbul, with only a few fragments of the original structure
surviving.

Dubai
It is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates on the Persian
Gulf, or that emirate?s main city, sometimes called ?Dubai City? to distinguish it from
the emirate.
Dubai has the largest population and is the second largest emirate by area, after Abu
Dhabi. Dubai is distinct from other members of the UAE in that revenues from oil
account for only 6% of its gross domestic product. A majority of the emirate?s revenues
are from the Jebel Ali Free Zone and, increasingly, from tourism.
The Burj Al Arab (Tower of the Arabs) is a luxury hotel in Dubai. It stands on an
artificial island connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge.
Dubai is famous for its shopping malls including Lamcy Plaza, City Centre, Gold Souk
etc.
The Dhow is a traditional Wooden boat. The Dhow cruise takes you along the Dubai
Creek where you see the unique blend of the modern and the traditional.
The Desert Safari takes you for a unique and memorable experience on the sand dunes
of the desert.

TOUR CODES
TCEH
TCEZ
TCEB
TCSW
TCGH
TCEN
TCEX

Thomas
Thomas
Thomas
Thomas
Thomas
Thomas
Thomas

Cook
Cook
Cook
Cook
Cook
Cook
Cook

Hallmarks Of Europe
European Extravaganza
Best Of Europe
Swiss Delights
European Grandeur
European Bargain
Exclusive Europe (NRI)

ABBREVIATIONS
SGL
DBL

Single Occupancy / Single Room

Double Occupancy / Double Room

TWN
TRPL
GIT
FIT
IVML
AVML
HNML
SPML
BTQ
PNR
JD
CNB
CWB

Twin Room
Triple Occupancy
Group Inclusive Tour
Free Individual Travel
Indian Vegetarian Meal
Asian Vegetarian Meal
Hindu Non-vegetarian Meal
Special Meal (Jain)
Basic Travel Quota
Passenger Name Record
Joining Direct
Child No Bed
Child With Bed

Notes NUMBERS
MR. MADHAV PAI
(EXT) 1370
(R)

(M)
+ 919821146712
+ 912226058256

THOMAS COOK
(O)
+ 912222048556/7/8 (F)
MS. SHIBANI PHADKAR

+ 912222872823

(M)

+ 919821331435

(EXT) 1110

MS. ANAITA ELAVIA

(M)
+ 919820171782

(EXT) 1197

MR. GAURAV SHETH

(M)
+ 919820207545

(EXT) 1108

MS. VIDYA PRAKASH

(M)
+ 919870483928

(EXT) 1112

CHR TRAVELS
STEVE GALPIN
CHRISTINA (M)
IAN SCRIMGOUR

(O)
+ 441799581070
(M) + 44-7769692008
+ 447947172462
(M)
+ 447931964880

SIT
MONICA

+ 393482210861

(M)

MAASKANT REISEN
ARTHUR SMITS
(M)
+ 31412482828
RESTAURANTS
(R) = Restaurant (M) = Mobile
NICE

Noori?s - Anaz / Lubna

(R) +33493822833
(M) +33611513179
Lal Qila - Riyaz
(R) +33493268535
(M) +33612167845
Bombay Palace - Shiva / Tahir
(R) +33493561220
(M)
PISA
Emilio?s - Giotti
(R) +39050562141
(M) +393356016452
PRATO
Kali - Ashutosh
(M) +393473321192
FLORENCE
Haveli - Giotti
(R)
(M) +393356016452
ROME
India House - Thomas
(R) +39065818508
(M) +393355375318
Maharaja - Rafael
(R) +39064747144
(M)
Mother India - Rafael
(R) +39064740777
(M)
Jaipur
(R) +39065803992
(M)
Bombay - Raghu / Sanjeev Kumar Arora

(R) +3967001945
(M) + 393348305122
(M) +393336110647
CONSELVE
Kali - Anees (M)+393392184996
VENICE
Kali - Anees (M)+393392184996
INNSBRUCK
Sahib - Ranju / Swiny
(R) +43512571468
(M)+4369915001948
FELDKIRCH
Sangam - Michael / Sheryl
(R) +43552273514
(M)
India Palace - Walia
(R) +43552284475
(M)
LUCERNE
Kanchi - Shiva
(R)
(M) +41786188759
JUNGFRAU
Bollywood - Urs
(R) +41338287888
(M)
TITLIS
Stand Restaurant - Homiyar
(R)
(M) +41793884405 Sujith (M) +41795944254
ZURICH

Ravi?s - Sharma
(R) +41443616656
(M) +41795683136
(M) +41798286309 (M) +41794114641
GENEVA
La Darshana - Mohan
(R) +41227363648
(M)
BERN
Maharaja Palace
(R) +41313826464
(M)
DRUBBA
Zum Muhle - Peter / Alison
(R) +497651981200 (M)
MANNHEIM
Indian Palace - Jagadish Patel
(R) +4962120408
(M)
HEPPENHEIM
Indian Palace - Jagadish Patel
(R) +4962526061
(M)
HEIDELBERG
Indian Palace - Anil Patel
(R) +496221167740 (M)
MAINZ
Dormotel - Cathrina / Chetan
(R) +492242917661 (R) +491604416756

(M)
COLOGNE
Jaipur - Anil / Surinder
(R) +49221137322
(R) +49221135965
(M)
ANTWERP
Kali - Raju
(M) +32495403512
AMSTERDAM
Mayur - Sharma
(R) +31206232142
(M)
Gandhi - Rajendra
(R) +31206383222
(M)+31625097294
PARIS
Bhojan 1 - Mehernosh
(R) +33148662198
(M) +33633480042
Bhojan 2 - Kanti
(R) +33148697404
(M) +33632044593
Bhojan 3 - Narender
(R) +33146551667
(M) +33630505955
Rani Mahal - Rajpal
(R) +33142975324
(M) +33621778434
LONDON
Kasturi - Basheer
(R) +442074807402 (R) +442074810048

(M)
Mala - Vinnie
(R) +442074806356 (R) +442074805031
(M)
Bombay Palace - Peter
(R) +442077238855 (M)
Mela - Deepak Arora
(R) +442078368635 (M)
La Porte Des Indes - Chetan / Ghulam
(R) +442072240055 (M)
Coconut Lagoon - Lizo
(R) +442074905127 (M)
Rasamaricham
(R) +442078339787 (M)
HOTEL PHONE / FAX
Hotel Park Inn Arenas, Nice
Tel. : +33-493183400
Fax : +33-493714063
Novotel Cannes, Mount Fluery
Tel. : +33-493688686
Fax : +33-493688787
Suite Hotel, Cannes
Tel. : +33-497067777
Fax : +33-497067778
Hotel Wall Art, Prato

Tel. : +39-0574596600
Fax : +39-0574575335
Hotel Euro, Cascina
Tel. : +39-050710494
Fax : +39-050710570
Hotel President, Prato
Tel. : Fax :
Hotel A.C, Pisa
Tel. : +39-050575395
Fax :
Hotel Grand San Marco, Pisa
Tel. : Fax :
Hotel Jolly Midas, Rome
Tel. : +39-06663961 Fax : +39-0666418457
Domina Hotel, Rome
Tel. : +39-0641224707
Fax : +39-0641224737
Hotel Parco Tirreno, Rome
Tel. : +39-06664911 Fax : +39-0666491036
Hotel Eurostar Roma Congress, Rome
Tel. : +396227791/706
Fax : +3962288794
Hotel Point, Conselve
Tel. : +39-0499501588
Fax : +39-0499501584
Hotel Point, Piove di Sacco
Tel. : Fax :
Hotel Park Villa Fiorita, Venice
Tel. : Fax :
Hotel Grauer Baer, Innsbruck

Tel. : +43-51259240 Fax : +43-512574535

Hotel Austrotel Congress, Innsbruck
Tel.: +43-5123443330
Fax : +43-512344428
Hotel Alpin Park, Innsbruck
Tel. : +43-512348600
Fax : +43-512364172
Hotel Bon Alpina, Innsbruck
Tel. : +43-512377600
Fax : +43-51237721910
Hotel Hilton, Innsbruck
Tel. : +43-51259350 Fax :
Hotel Ramada Treff, Engelberg
Tel. : +41-416372828
Fax : +41-416372392
Hotel Europe, Engelberg
Tel. : +41-416370094
Fax : +41-416397576
Hotel Schweizerhof, Engelberg
Tel. : +41-416371105
Fax : +41-416374147
Hotel Bellevue, Engelberg
Tel. : Fax :
Hotel Terrace, Engelberg
Tel. : Fax :
Edelweiss
Tel. : +41-416397878
Fax : +41-416397878
Courtyard By Marriott, Zurich Nord
Tel. : +41-445640404
Fax : +41-445640400
Hotel Best Western, Ludwigshafen

Tel. : +49-62159510 Fax : +49-6215951342

Hotel Mercure, Heppenheim
Tel. : +49-62521290 Fax : +49-6252129100
Hotel Ramada Micador, Wiesbaden
Tel. : +49-61279010 Fax : +49-6127901641
Hotel Ramada, Wiesbaden, Nordenstadt
Tel. : +49-61228010 Fax : +49-6122801164
Hotel Ramada, Frankfurt Airport West
Tel. : +49-61929500 Fax : +49-61923000
Hotel Starkenburger Hof, Heppenheim
Tel. : +49-6326970444
Fax : +49-6326970446
Hotel Novotel, Mannheim
Tel. : +49-62142340 Fax :
Hotel Scandic, Antwerp
Tel. : +32-32359191 Fax : +32-32350896
Hotel Corinthia, Antwerp
Tel. : 0032-32448211
Fax :
Hotel Novotel Antwerpen North
Tel. : +32-35420320 Fax : +32-35417093
Hotel Crown Plaza, Antwerp
Tel. : 0032-32372900
Fax : 0032-32160296
Holiday Inn, Brussels Airport
Tel. : Fax :
Hotel Novotel Est, Paris

Tel. : +33-149936300
Fax : +33-143608395
Hotel Marriott Courtyard, Neuilly
Tel. : +33-155636465
Fax : +33-155636466
Hotel Express By Holiday Inn, Porte De Italie, Paris
Hotel Mercure, Ivry Seine, Paris
Tel. : Fax :
Hotel Holiday Inn, London, Ealing
Tel. : +44-8704009114
Fax : +44-2082333201
Hotel Ramada, London, Ealing
Tel. : +44-2088968400
Fax : +44-2089927082
Hotel Ramada Encore, London
Tel. : Fax :

TELEPHONE NUMBERS (SERVICES)

Local Coach, Nice Fragonard Perfume Factory, Nice
Ms. Zhaohui Chen - Cell +33-0676685711
Off +33-0493364465 Fax +33-0493365732
Time Elevator, Rome
Deborah Biagetti +39-0697746243
Fusina - Claudio - Cell +39-3498367608
Fusina - Claudio - Off. +39-0415470160

Tel. :

Fax :

Laguna Murano, Venice-DiegoBosetti +39-0415287138

Gondola, Traghetto San Toma +39-0415205275
Gondola, Traghetto San Toma-Giorgio +39-03497879490
Murano - Alex - Cell +393487016080
Murano - Alex - Off +39-0412718702
Murano - Pauly - Off +39-415209899
Murano - Pauly - Andrea +39-3474800458
Murano - Pauly - Marco +39-3384770522
Swarovski - Ext:3842 / 3831 - +43-522451080
Swarovski - +43-52245000
Citytrain, Vaduz - Daniel Real - Cell +423-7773490
Local Coach, Engelberg Jungfrau Railways (Direct Resv) +41-338287253
Jungfrau Railways Office,
Interlaken +41-38287111
Jungfrau Railways, Interlaken Stn. +41-338287038
Jungfrau Railways, Lauterbrunnen +41-338287040
Jungfrau Railways,
KleineScheidegg +41-338287513 Trummelbach Falls, Mr.Urs Von Almen +41-338553232
Mt.Titlis +41-416395056/50
Mt.Pilatus +41-413291131
SNG Lake Cruise - AnitaSchmied +41-413680808/09
Emergency
+41-796432717/3676720
Heidelberg Castle Parking +49-1726200063
Loreley Line, Rhine Cruise Ursula Weinand +49-6773341
Rembrandt Hoeve,
Amsterdam +31-206431323 Volendam-Thomas Klomp / Jannie +31-299 365828
Canal
Bus,AmstCC.
Mon-Fri 1st Try +31-20 6239886
Mon-Fri 2nd Try +31-20 6265574
Emergency-Sun +31-20 5353311/15
Keukenhof, Lisse (0800-1800 Hrs.) +31-252465564
Madurodam +31-704162400 Press
4 Eng + 3 Bookings Visual Coach - Paris +33-169308250
Visual Coach - Emergency +33-169308224/23
Visual Coach - Ida +33-619598874
Versailles Entrance & Guide Guida Tours +33-139020518
Versailles Palace,Paris,
Infm. +33-130837788/7620 Louvre Museum, Paris, Infm. +33-1 40205317/177
La
Tour Eiffel, Paris +33-1 44112311
LIDO
Koji Abe, Reception Group +33-140765648/73
Gerard Roger,
Reception Group +33-140765695 Euro Disney, Paris, Mr.Jean Marc Murre +33164746796
Madam Tussauds, London +44-20 8704003000

London Eye +44-20 8709908881

Swaminarayan Temple +44-2089652651
Emirates Customer Service +44-2078080007
Emirates Reservation - Airport +44-08702432222
Alitalia Customer Service
Alitalia Reservation - Airport
Flight Information - Heathrow +44-08700000123 Flight Information - Gatwick +4408700002468 Minicab - Saqib, Kamran, Chris +44-20 87419000
Minicab - Wajid,
Abbas +44-07956219574
VP Coaches - +44
Clarkes of London - John Fax-+44-2087780389 Travellers Choice - +44
INDIAN EMBASSIES
1.

2.

3.

Embassy of India, Paris

Tel. : +33 1 40507070
Fax : +33 1 40500996
Consular Section
Tel. : 00 33 1 40507171
Fax : 00 33 1 42247141
Office Hours
09:00 AM to 01:00 PM / 02:00 PM to 05:30 PM
Embassy of India, Rome
Tel. +39-06-4884642/3/4/5
Fax +39-06-4819539
Embassy of India (Annex building), Vienna
Tel : 5850793-46 (1400-1600 hrs)

4.

Embassy of India, Bern

Tel:
+41 31 3511110, 3511046
Fax:
+41 s31 3511557
5.
Embassy of India, Berlin
TEL: +49 30 25795820 / +49 30 25795831
FAX: +49 30 25795620
6.
Embassy of India, Brussels
Tel.:
+32 (0)2 6409140
+32 (0)2 6451850
(Chancery)
+32 (0)2 6451869 (Consular wing)
7.
Embassy of India, The Hague
Tel.:
+31 070-3469771 (General)
+31 070-4273812 (Consular Section)
Fax:
+31 070-3617072 / 3462594
8.
High Commission of India, London
Tel:
Main switchboard +44 020 78368484
Visa Enquiries:
+44 020 76323149
+44 020 76323152
+44 020 76323153
Night line :
+44 020 73796242
9.
Consulate General of India, Edinburgh
Tel:
+44 131 229 2144
Fax:
+44 131 229 2155
10.
Embassy of India, Czech Republic
Tel.:
+420 2 57533490 - 91 - 92 - 93 - 94
Fax:
+420 2 57533378 (Chancery)
+420 2 57533285 (Commercial Section)

Fax:

+32 (0)2 6489638