TOURS OF EUROPE

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 421, 30 April 1937, Page 5

TOURS OF EUROPE

BIG SEASON LIKELY Italy Is The Cheapest Travel organisations in Britain are greatly extending their programmes for the coming season to meet ths demand which they expect will be made for Continental holidays. Belgium, with her "cities of art,” coastal resorts, the Liege country, Luxembourg, and the Ardennes, offers many and varied attractions to the holiday-maker, with the added advantage of the devaluated Belgian franc. The Dover-Ostend route gives through services to all parts of the Continent/ Italy, too, presents an almost embar: passing choice. There, also, the English pound goes further, and although there has been an increase of 20 per cent in retail prices since last October, it is claimed that Italy is still the cheapest country in Europe for the tourist. Prices are rigidly controlled, and terms at hotels have remained unaltered for the past 18 months. Warm-hearted Austria. Austria seeks to attract visitors at all seasons, and not merely for the winter sports, and increasing numbers of people are going there each year. The height of the tourist season in Vienna is during July and August. The Salzburg festival falls in this period, when a warm welcome is assured from a friendly people. Visitors spending not fewer than seven days in Germany are granted a reduction of 60 per cent in fares on German railways. Circular tickets for all the best-known tourist districts are also issued at a reduction of 25 per cent. It is claimed that these and other concessions make the cost ot a tour in Germany less than almost anywhere else, and that the country is becoming one of the most popular holiday resorts. France makes a holiday appeal in many different directions. There is the choice of the Riviera and its sunshine: of a pilgrimage to the ancient and modern shrines in town and country; of a tour of the chateaux of the Loire Valley; or of a visit to the numerous spas. This year in Paris there is being held, from May until November, the Initrrnational Exposition of Arts and Crafts., Portugal, possibly one of the least travelled, countries in Europe, suggests many interesting possibilities. Each of its eight counties has individual characteristics, and It is claimed that the country offers everything that can interest and please the internaional itourist. Czechoslovakia will also present to many people a new line of country. For the sportsman there is admirable hunting, shooting, and fishing, and for the tourist there are the attractions ot mountains and forests, spas and health resorts, and a people who have remained faithful to national dress and popular customs.