A magical trip to Europe
"A magical trip to Europe" is a travel photography squidoo lens, including landscape and cityscape photos of Greece, Germany, Spain, Italy, France and Switzerland as well as a selection of books, travel guides, gourmet food and other useful links.
The trip starts in Greece, my homeland. Our first stop is the awesome landscape of the Meteora monasteries, built on natural sandstone rock pillars!
Then we take the plane to Munich, Germany, my actual location. We visit some of my favorite places: the English Garden, the Odeonsplatz, the Botanical Garden and the Zoo.
We continue the trip by car. We visit the German Alps, then we travel to the Austrian Alps, then to the Italian Alps, to arrive to the idyllic and picturesque Garda Lake (Lago di Garda) in Italy and Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet.
After that, we take the plane to Barcelona, Spain, a city characterized by the original architecture of Antoni Gaudi.
My favorite European city is Paris, so this will be our last stop.
Thank you for visiting my site and have a nice trip!
Links
- Bel Phos on Artistrising.com
- Buy affordable photographic prints and posters with beautiful European landscapes!
FIRST STOP: GREECE
In Santorini, I got dehydrated and was rushed to hospital; I knew absolutely nobody on this island because it was our second day there. Curiously so many people came visit me in hospital! The hotel director and her husband because "they felt responsible for me" (that's what they said!), the owner of the Cafe where we used to take our breakfast because he saw me collapse, as well as some other people I didn't know, because "they heard about it and were a bit concerned"! The next day, many people were talking to me on the road, they even knew my name: "hello marina, how are you today? i'm the cousin of...". The 5-room hospital never sent me a bill, because they saw I have no social security in Greece but "I am Greek so it should be free"... This is how Greek people really are: they open their heart and give you their last piece of bread, if they see you are in need. Unfortunately, in big cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, most people are not like that any more - they barely offer you a smile.
Do you want to hear about the REAL Greece? Greece is a country blessed and cherished by gods and nature, and devastated by its own people, a country where individualism and money count more than preserving your own culture and land. I'm sure you've heard of the fires that devastated Greece in August 2007. The firefighter force asked the Greek government to give them more equipment, more planes, more firemen, but the government replied that the Greek state had no money. After the Peloponese was completely destroyed by the fires, the government offered some millions of euro to whom could give information on the arsonists! It's insane! Why not invest the money in equipment to fight the fire before this happens? To replant trees? Why not invest this money to rebuild all those destroyed schools and buy books, pencils and school bags for the poor children who lost their homes? That's Greece - 1 person is fighting the fire (volunteer fireman), 10 persons are organizing his work (the Greek administration), 100 persons are commenting on how he is doing his job (the Greek media), 1000 persons are investing money in investigating who was the arsonist (politicians) while 10,000,000 persons are watching this on TV without reacting, just screaming about the political situation (the Greek people). Who is helt as responsible? The one and only firefighter who didn't do his job right! At the same time, another 10,000,000 of people, incapable of helping, are crying for their country turned into ashes (we, immigrants). That is the real Greece if you ask my opinion.
The real Greece is a holiday paradise and an administrative and political hell to live in...
GREECE - The Meteora Monasteries
Framed prints and calendars by Bel Phos
GREECE - The Meteora Monasteries
"Suspended in the air"
GREECE - Artwork - Greek Figures
From the series "Ethnic Figures" by Ina Mar

Visit the following three lenses
"It's All Greek to Me!" Gift Shop - Buy some Greek products: gods and goddesses on T-shirt, clock or mousepad, because "Classical Art Never Goes Out of Style"! (that's the shop's slogan)
"Athens, Greece Travel Guide" - Visit a Japanesese visitor's point of view: he lived two years in Greece and gives many useful advise. The lens includes photos of Meteora, Santorini, Plaka - Athens, as well as culinary and reading tips!
Just click on the links bellow.
Greece - Featured Lenses
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Athens, Greece Travel Guide
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Greece should be on every bodies checklist to go on VACATION. I was lucky enough to be assigned to Hellenikon Air Base from 1987 to 1989. My nick name was "Sony". My sponsor could not say my name so he gave me a nickname that stuck with me...
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Ancient Greece Odyssey: A Traveler's Journal
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Myth major seeks armchair travelers, art lovers, and born-again pagans for a ramble through the ruins of ancient Greece. Odyssey Latest Update: Sanctuary of Epidaurus Posted 11.26.09 I visited Greece in spring 2005 for the first time, whe...
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"It's All Greek to Me!" Gift Shop
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Welcome to the Squidoo lens for my "It's All Greek to Me" Gift Shop, selling unique gifts with an ancient Greek twist! Many of you have visited my Ancient Greece Odyssey: A Traveller's Journal travel diary with photos, stories, and...
GIFT SUGGESTIONS!
"It's All Greek to Me!" Wall Clock
Fun classics humor clock for teachers, students, professors and educators in the humanities, Latin, Greek, or art history departments! Perfect for museums and libraries. Same numerals Aristotle used!
Wall Clock
Athena Art Greeting Cards (Pk of 10)
Unique gift from ancient Greece for the art lover, student, teacher, or history buff! Athena, Greek goddess of wisdom, leans on her spear. Original art based on the 5th-century BC "Mourning Athena".
Greeting Cards (Pk of 10)
SECOND STOP: MUNICH GERMANY
The city of Munich, city of Oktoberfest, is multi-faceted with places of interest for all tastes: art lovers, architecture lovers, sport lovers, nature lovers... Here are some of my favorite places in Munich:-The "English Garden", an enormous park in the centre of the city. For Munich residents it's the weekend paradise: a place to stroll and forget the stress of a working week. Take a look at my "surfers in the English Garden" photo bellow: Yes! Crazy people are often surfing in the Munich river!
-The baroque "Nymphenburg Palace", its beautiful park and the Botanical Garden (see a photo of the Botanical Garden bellow).
-The Olympic Park (Olympiapark) - take a walk or a bike tour in the site of the 1972 Olympics, stroll along the Olympic lake, lie in the grass... Visit the Olympic Stadion with its impressive architecture and climb on the Olympia Hill. Are you now on the hill enjoying a Munich Panorama? The remains of the Second World War are under your feet! After the Second World War, the rubble cleared from the city was moved here and formed the basis of this hill!
-Don't forget to visit the world's most famous beer hall, the "Hofbräuhaus", where you can enjoy live traditional music, Bavarian food and ... lots of beer!

Bel Phos - Surfing In The English Garden In Munich
GERMANY - Munich, the city of Oktoberfest
GERMANY - The Munich Zoo
GERMANY - The German Alps
GERMANY - Munich Travel Guides
New Orbitz!
JUST A SHORT STOP: THE AUSTRIAN-ITALIAN ALPS

Bel Phos - Timmelsjoch Panorama Street
The Alps, South Tirol, Austria-Italy

Bel Phos - Timmelsjoch Panorama Street
The Alps, South Tirol, Austria-Italy
AUSTRIA .... ITALY - The Alps
Timmelsjoch Panorama Street #1, Alps, South Tirol, Austria-Italy Transportation Photographic Poster Print by Bel Phos, 10x8
Süd Tirol, Austria-Italy. Street sign for motorcycles.
THIRD STOP: ITALY
We stayed there for 3 days: Every day we used to take the car and just drive, without a plan, until the next city or landscape that impresses us. This would happen every 10 minutes... We visited between other the cities of Malcesine, Brenzone, Torri del Benaco, Bardolino, Lazise (a really nice one!) and of course Sirmione, the so-called "Lake Garda pearl", whose history dates back to the 6th-5th millennia BCE.
The main historical landmarks of Sirmione are "Grotte di Catullo" (the Grotto of Catullus), a Roman private villa, and the 13th Century Scaligera Fortress. Here under you will find photos of both landmarks.
The last day of our trip we visited Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. Juliet's balcony is a popular tourist spot in Verona - you will not find any photos of Juliet's balcony on my site because in fact there were so many tourists that it was absolutely impossible to take a photo. And to tell you the truth, I'm not the type of person who would queue 2 hours just to be on Juliet's tiny balcony together with another 20 tourists. So we just pushed some stinky tourists, took a short look at the place and then went to the Verona Arena (Arena di Verona), an impressive Roman amphitheatre. Between June and August there are always productions mounted - we had the chance to get two tickets for Aida by Verdi! The opera started late at the evening, we sat on the stone steps and enjoyed an unforgettable evening! There is an original tradition every time there is a performance in the arena: Candles are passed out to the public and they are lit after sunset. Every visitor has at least one candle and the whole Arena is candle lit - an incredible feeling that I could never describe in pictures or words. You'll just have to visit Verona and book a ticket for the Arena performance...
ITALY - Buy Italian Cafe and Gourmet Food !
Lavazza Italian Coffee, Caffe Espresso, 100% Premium Arabica Ground Coffee, 8-Ounce Cans (Pack of 4)
Brew Lavazza by filter, drip or with any kind of e more...1 point
Italian Gift Basket - Classic (3.8 Pound) by igourmet.com
From Tuscany to Sicily, Italy has a food-based cul more...0 points
Parmigiano Reggiano (1 Pound) by igourmet.com
The Italians are horrified by our usage of this, t more...0 points
Mutti Italian Tomato Paste Concentrate - 2 packs
Mutti of Parma is one of the most renowned produce more...0 points
Dreamfields Pasta, Healthy Carb Living, Elbow Macaroni, 16-Ounce Box (Pack of 6)
Authentic Italian pasta. Great taste!0 points
ITALY - Garda Lake, Sirmione, Verona...
Grottoes Of Catullus #2 - Olive trees Botanical Poster Print by Bel Phos, 20x16
Olive trees, Grottoes Of Catullus, Remains Of A Grandiose Roman Villa In Sirmione The Pearl Of Garda Lake (Lago di Garda), Italy.
Scaligera fortress in Sirmione #1 - Italy Architecture Photographic Poster Print by Bel Phos, 20x16
Fortress in the Italian city Sirmione, Lago di Garda.
View of river Adige seen from the bridge Ponte Scaligero, Verona, Italy Architecture Photographic Poster Print by Bel Phos, 10x8
Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet.
Sirmione The Pearl Of Garda Lake #2 Places Photographic Poster Print by Bel Phos, 10x8
The beautiful city of Sirmione.
Fishing Boats, Lazise, Garda Lake, Italy Transportation Photographic Poster Print by Bel Phos, 10x8
City Lazise, Lago di Garda, Italy. Picturesque boats.
ITALY - Travel Guides
Lonely Planet Italy
Buzz through Rome on a scooter, cook up a feast in Tuscany, float down Venice's Grand Canal and hang out with the glitterati on the Amalfi Coast - Italy is the real deal. Make sure you are pointing in the right direction with this best-selling guide. (Source of this text: Amazon.com book description)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009) ![]()
List Price: $25.99
Used Price: $0.46
Fodor's Italy 2007 (Fodor's Gold Guides)
Hike among olive groves clinging to a rugged coastline, go to the source for the world's best pasta or spend the night in a grotto overlooking the Adriatic. Whatever you choose to do, planning a trip to Italy has never been this much fun, or this easy! (Source of this text: Amazon.com book description)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009) ![]()
List Price: $23.95
Used Price: $0.11
Italy (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
Reader's review: "Every page has well laid out and well labeled full color pictures to augment the text. Once you look at this it's hard to go back to a dry, sterile book that's all text with a handful of color pages in the middle..." (Mark)
Amazon Price: $19.80 (as of 12/23/2009) ![]()
List Price: $30.00
Used Price: $14.00
Usually ships in 24 hours
Rome (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE)
Reader's review: "The best travel guides hands down. They are extremely well illustrated, have extensive and detailed maps (thank god, because I tend to get lost very easily and it is even easier to get lost in Rome), up to date information on hotels (rates, rooms etc), restaurants (costs and reservation policies), and sites to see. This is a more detailed look at Rome than their Italy book, which is also fabulous." (Karen)
Amazon Price: $16.50 (as of 12/23/2009) ![]()
List Price: $25.00
Used Price: $11.67
Usually ships in 24 hours
Florence and Tuscany (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
There is something for just about everyone in Florence and Tuscany. From viewing some of the world's greatest Renaissance art to wandering around designer boutiques. Discover a whole new side of Florence and Tuscany with the Eyewitness Travel Guide. This guide will give you practical information without any hassle. All of the important towns and other places to visit are described individually. Within each town or city, there is detailed information on important buildings and other sites. Make the most of your trip with the Eyewitness Travel Guide. (Source of this text: Amazon.com book description)
Amazon Price: $18.00 (as of 12/23/2009) ![]()
List Price: $25.00
Used Price: $7.83
Usually ships in 24 hours
ITALY - A selection of books about the city of Sirmione
Pearl of the Garda Lake
Please help me complete this list. Please post books relative to Garda Lake, Sirmione, Malcesine... No general Italy travel guides.
Lake of Garda (Lago di Gardo) Italy's Largest Lake
Welcome at Lake Garda! Lake Garda is the entrance more...0 points
FOURTH STOP: SPAIN
SPAIN - Barcelona
SPAIN - Barcelona Poll
SPAIN - A selection of books on Antoni Gaudi
Building on Nature: The Life of Antoni Gaudi
Release Date: 09/01/2009
Amazon Price: $11.55 (as of 12/23/2009) ![]()
List Price: $16.99
Used Price: $7.46
Antoni Gaudi, 1852-1926: From Nature to Architecture (Taschen Basic Architecture)
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/23/2009) ![]()
List Price: $9.99
Used Price: $0.50
Antonio Gaudi: Master Architect (Tiny Folio)
Amazon Price: $10.21 (as of 12/23/2009) ![]()
List Price: $11.95
Used Price: $5.10
LAST STOP: FRANCE
A Paris Quand Un Amour Fleurit...

"J'adore Paris" Wall Clock
FRANCE - Paris and the Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower J'adore Paris Wall Clock
"J'adore Paris" (I adore Paris), for Paris lovers. Minimalist Eiffel Tower design in red/white/black.
Colorful Paris / Eiffel Tower Infant Bodysuit
"Paris - Eiffel Tower" design for kids. Colorful products for home, school and office: notebooks, clothing, mugs.
PARIS BY NIGHT Wall Clock
"Paris By Night", especially designed for kids, cute and colorful. Five little persons climbing on the Eiffel Tower on a starry night. In three languages: English (Paris by night), French (Paris la nuit) and Spanish (Paris la noche).
Paris Eiffel Tower Note Cards (Pk of 20)
Paris and the Eiffel Tower. Colorful design with three Eiffel Towers whose colours remind of the French flag: blue, white, red. Gift idea.
Eiffel Tower French Flag Journal
Composition with the Eiffel Tower and French flag, for Paris fans.
FRANCE - Paris - More amazing products!
FRANCE - Buy Gourmet Cheese and Foie Gras On Amazon!
French Cheese Poll !
Reader Feedback

Got feedback? New ideas? Comments? Just post them here!
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Reply
- GHouse GHouse Nov 30, 2008 @ 1:10 am
- Hi!! Just come to see your nice lens. I did my travel lens too. It's about my hotel in hua hin Thailand. Hua Hin is a charming town of clean white sandy beach. If you come to Thailand, please visit us.
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Reply
- rose08 rose08 Sep 25, 2008 @ 10:26 pm
- Love your lens! amazing lens and very in depth. I give you 5 stars. Tons of beautiful photos. Very informative site. Great vacation destinations you have. I'm planning a vacation in Madrid, interested in the sites related to show Madrid now. I saw you also have some pictures in Madrid. Thanks for sharing your real feeling and experience.
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Reply
- JaguarJulie JaguarJulie Sep 3, 2008 @ 7:47 am
- So sorry to hear about what happened to you in Santorini, but glad that the people there were so kind. Your lens is truly remarkable and gives the reader a real feel for a true journey. 5*****
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Reply
- Margo_Arrowsmith Margo_Arrowsmith Aug 3, 2008 @ 8:03 am
- After reading some of your lenses, I knew I liked you. Then I see this and see that you are Greek and I know why! I loved Greece, but the people even more.
I have some wonderful stories on my newest lense: http://www.squidoo.com/Greekodyssey. I didn't feel qualified to talk about the history etc, but I think I am an expert on the Greek people! Thumbs up to you and them! Five stars all around!
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Reply
- Margo_Arrowsmith Margo_Arrowsmith Aug 3, 2008 @ 8:03 am
- After reading some of your lenses, I knew I liked you. Then I see this and see that you are Greek and I know why! I loved Greece, but the people even more.
I have some wonderful stories on my newest lense: http://www.squidoo.com/Greekodyssey. I didn't feel qualified to talk about the history etc, but I think I am an expert on the Greek people! Thumbs up to you and them! Five stars all around!
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Travel Poll !
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