Europe on a Budget
For quite a few years now a group of the airlines labelled “low-cost airlines in Europe have been embroiled in a price war attempting to offer the cheapest fares to a huge number of European cities. It’s quite normal to hear that one of the leading low cost airlines for example Ryanair or Easyjet is offering return flights from the UK to Spain, France or Germany for £1 (approx $1.45). There are airport landing fees and taxes to be added to that, but it remains an absolute bargain if you’re keen to visit a number of cities throughout Europe. One of the biggest disadvantages of flying with the budget airlines is that they frequently make use of to the smaller municipal airports instead of the more well known majorinternational ones. This can mean that a flight that is supposed to be flying to a big European city actually lands anything up to 50 miles away. There can be some plus-points with this situation, the smaller airports often provide a much faster turnround on check-in and luggage because they’re catering for a much smaller number of flights. The downside is that public transport serving these airports can be scrappy at best and a very popular alternative is hiring a car from the airport. The following are a variety of the great cities that we’ve visited with flights from the budget airlines. We are sure that you’ll enjoy a visit to any of these great, you can rest assured that they have plenty to offer the visitor to their country.
Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow, once the butt of so many jokes about the slums of the Gorbals has undergone a Renaissance and is now a wonderful, architecturally divine city welcoming a huge number of visitors throughout the year. The chic West part of the city is home to the fourth oldest university in the U.K.. Perched on a hill amidst the Medieval region of the city, its students bring a cosmopolitan, fun loving atmosphere to the city. The budget carriers utilise Prestwick Airport which is approximately 51 km (35 miles) north east of the centre of the city and there is a good road between the airport and Glasgow city centre. It’s a popular area for sightseeing, so the best idea is to rent a car at Glasgow Airport in advance of your trip. A congestion free half hour journey from the airport along the M77 motorway takes you to the city centre. Glasgow is a perfect base for an adventure in the Trossachs National Park. Just 20 km (13 mile) journey out of the city and you might find yourself enjoying stunning countryside on the back of a pony, whilst a 50 km (30 mile) drive eastwards along another excellent motorway will find you in Edinburgh , the city of festivals complete with Princes Street shopping, castle, palace and the seaside.
Florence, Italy
Undoubtedly one of Europe’s most impressively beautiful locations, Florence is served by Pisa Airport, which is 50 miles (84 km) west of Florence. Rent a car at Florence airport and you will be perfectly positioned to take in Pisa’s leaning tower, the wonders of historic Florence and some of some of the most picturesque countryside in the whole of Europe, that of the majestically beautiful Tuscany. It therefore will not come as a huge surprise that Florence is one of the leading historic cities in the whole of Europe. When you arrive in Florence you will find that much of the centre is pedestrianized protecting its many ancient architectural treasures and statues from the vibrations and pollution caused by hectic traffic. As a result you are overtaken by a feeling of tranquility as you meander from one monument to the next. You don’t have to stray too far before experiencing the evil, ear piercing roar of Florence’s legion of scooter riders. Other than the Ponte Vecchio the remainder of the bridges into the city centre are polluted, noisy places, thus providing an added reason to stay within the ancient alleyways and tranquil sanctuaries of Florence’s beautiful piazzas.
Tours, France
Tours is the perfect centre for touring France’s beautiful Loire valley and its magnificent chateaux The ideal centre for exploring the Loire Valley renowned for its wonderful array of palatial residences, the city boasts a number of charms of its own. Although the little airport is but a few miles from town, you really need to rent a car at Tours airport to fully explore some of the most stunning towns and villages in the whole of France. A large number of cultural treasures can be found along the banks of the Loire. A UNESCO site, the Loire Valley offers scenic countryside, heaps of flamboyant castles plus a good smattering of historic villages. Formerly the “Retreat of Kings” back in the days of the Renaissance and the middle ages, the Loire Valley was a favourite location for the French monarchy. Built originally as working fortified castles, the buildings were converted into the palatial chaeaux that you will find today. The historic towns that line the river banks are a magnet to tourists from all over the world. Towns such as Tours, Blois and Chinon have lots to see and do whilst the most popular chateau is possibly that on the Chambord Estate. Throughout the area you will discover little, family owned vineyards offering a variety of wonderful wines at budget prices. Keep your eyes skinned for the word “degustation”, which means sampling I guess, and as long as ‘Le Patron’ is not in the middle of a long leisurely lunch you will be offered a warm welcome and he will be more than willing to lead you through a tasting of all his wines. Of course, it is strongly advised that you take a non-drinker as your chauffer, some of these tasting sessions can get very serious!.
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