Iceland was the place chosen by Jules Verne to start his “A Journey to the Centre of the Earth”. The action of volcanic activity on the land throughout time has given the country a characteristic appearance where the blue sea contrasts with black sands. Geologically, Island the youngest country of earth where volcanoes and glaciers, fire and ice fuse together to evoke the dawn of the world.

1) If you visit Island on the winter, you do not want to miss the aurora borealis. On the summer, a magical Midnight Sun hovers over surreal skies. During the months, after 12, the Sun reaches the limit of the horizon. There, it stays and maintains a dreamlike and exciting equilibrium over the land. After three in the morning, the Sun starts rising without having ever hidden itself. If you visit Island during these months, and are looking forward to seeing the Midnight Sun, keep in mind that it is only possible to see it on the north. In the rest of the island, the Sun disappears for two hours leaving behind a strange light that creates the illusion of being in a dream.

2) A must-see destination in Island is a volcano located in Snaefellness. Local gurus have asserted that this is one of the seven great energetic hearts of the planet. Subsequently, they assure that the place connects its cosmic energy with the Egyptian pyramids. Many cults and meditating groups gather here to feel the magical presence of fairies, dwarves and mythological creatures. The mystique of the place is encouraged by locals who have created a refugee for tourists, who undergo a healing process with crystals and gems. Believers or not, everyone feels a hypnotic fascination when they contemplate this enigmatic volcano.

3) Godhafoss, which means “the waterfall of the gods”, is one of the most impressive sites of Iceland. They are located in the north of the country and 90 kilometres from the Arctic Circle. Godhafoss was formed by the erosive action of a glacial river around the lava.

The capital of Spain is known as the city of the 7 skies because independently of the season, the sky is almost always blue. Elegant and cosy, cosmopolitan and with a great sense of identity, lively and warm, Madrid is a big city with all the charm of a small town. There are a number of sites you cannot miss if you visit to Madrid.

1) The Royal Palace is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, even though they do not reside there. Royal Family. The building is partially open to the public and a must-see in the touristic route. The palace is on the site of a ninth-century fortress constructed by Muhammad I of Cordoba. The palace is the largest palace in Europe by floor area and its interior is remarkable for its wealth of art in the use of find materials in its construction and the decoration of its rooms with artwork of all kinds. Paintings by renowned artists by Caravaggio, Velázquez and Francisco de Goya decorate the walls of the building.

2) Santa María la Real de La Almudena is a Catholic cathedral in the capital. The style of the cathedral is Neoclassic on the outside and Neo-Gothic on the inside. The Neo-Gothic interior is uniquely modern, with chapels and statues of contemporary artists, in heterogeneous styles, from historical revivals to “pop-art” décor. The crypt, of Neo-Romanesque style, houses a 16th century image of the Virgen de la Almudena. The decoration of the building is formidable. The cathedral is integrated in the complex of the Royal Palace.

3) The Spanish Square is one of the most visited places in Madrid. In its origin, it was conceived to serve as a festive centre, theatre, bull square and for Inquisition doings. The statue of the king on top of the horse symbolises the centralism of the kingdom. Nowadays, tourists visit the square and enjoy food and drinks in its attractive bars and restaurants.

If beaches don't do it for you don't worry, you can still catch a gorgeous tan as you hit the slopes at some of Europe's best ski resorts.

St Moritz is a chic and elegant winter resort located at 1,856 metres above sea level in the middle of the Upper Engadin lake landscape. Thought to be the birthplace of alpine tourism and winter sports, its famous ‘champagne climate' is legendary and ensures that the sun shines for an average of 322 days a year. The certainty of snow creates an array of winter activities including downhill and Nordic skiing, Cresta Run, bob run, horse racing on the frozen lake, an Olympic ski jump ramp, as well as gourmet food and music festivals.

The Söll resort in Austria has one of the best après ski lifestyles in Europe if you're looking for recreation off as well as on the slopes. This is a great resort for beginners as it offers a great way to ease you into the sport. A word of warning though, this is the hometown of DJ Ötzi so cheesy club remixes saturate the bar scene. Once known for its cheap accommodation the area now has some lovely little three and four star hotels so there will be something here to suit all budgets.

Serre Chevalier is one of the biggest ski resorts in Europe and one of the most family friendly that the French Alps have to offer. It has a good range of nursery slopes that will keep the children safe and entertained. Covering 250 kilometers of pistes, at altitudes of between 1200 and 2800 meters, the resort caters for every type of skier including cross country.

There is nothing more exciting than live sport. Whether it be the thrill of the Oval during a big test match, the majesty of centre court at Wimbledon or the fast paced action, week in week out, at any of the Premier League grounds, being there, soaking in the atmosphere and following your favourite sport live is a breathtaking experience like no other. Imagine, however, not only following your favourite sport live but winning money in the process. That's what's on offer when you place your bets with William Hill.

William Hill offers the most comprehensive sports betting service anywhere online. Here you can wage on your your favourite football teams, your cricket county, your favourite tennis player, rugby club, boxer or UFC star. The options for the type of betting your can lay are almost limitless. Whether you wish to do some tactical spread betting, play the pools or just lay a cheeky tenner on your team before heading off to the big match, they offer every type of price you could hope for to add spice to that all important game.

They also offer great sign up bonuses for those new to online betting with free no-risk bets for first time users and constantly updated promotions for those looking to get a better understanding of the betting systems before they sign on. With so much available you're sure to find something which suits your betting style and enriches your live sport experience.

Perfect for those who only come out to play when it's dark, these nocturnal playgrounds will bring out the hedonist in you.

Berlin – One of the few cities where you can get completely destroyed at a 74 hour rave. While techno may still rule the roost other music genres like dubstep, hip hop, and dancehall are certainly not overlooked. Converted power station Berghain lives up to its worldwide reputation and plays host to some of the notorious nights that Berlin has to offer. The upstairs Panorama bar offers house music as a refrain from the minimal techno spinning in the huge main room and Thursdays sees the club cover the dubstep and experimental genres.
Amsterdam – This city provides crazy club nights in some of the most inventive venues around. Old newspaper offices, art galleries and avant-garde theatres all double as clubbing venues and the music policy is just as varied. The eclectic Kiss Escort parties run by artistic society De Kring at Club Up spin a mixture of underground hip-hop, deep house and soul across two floors to a very crazy, sexy and cool vibe.

The wave of euphoria felt at an outdoor music festival is unparalleled. Europe hosts some of the best music festivals, so here's a collection of a few of the most amazing festivals that Europe has to offer.

Sónar, Barcelona – Billed is a festival of advanced music and new media art and taking place in various venues in and around Barcelona. Sónar is most definitely a pioneering festival, combining entertainment with artistry, featuring the most consolidated artists and trends in electronic music and their inclusions of other genres. Sónar's artistic programme is divided into two sections; Sónar by Day (concerts, showcases, professional zone, exhibition area), whose core is devoted to finding new talent, and the major shows at Sónar by Night, which presents the leading names on the international music landscape.

Pinkpop Festival, The Netherlands – A three day festival attracting 60,000 visitors every year that is thought to be one of the oldest in the world. Attracting the best that the rock and pop industry has to offer acts billed for the 2012 weekend include The Cure, Chase and Status, and the Ting Tings.

Creamfields UK – Producing spin off events in Argentina, Australia and Brazil this festival can only be described as epic. A three day dance music extravaganza held annually on the August Bank Holiday weekend just outside of Liverpool that sees some of the biggest names in trance come out to play. The 2012 August bank holiday line up includes superstar DJs like Deadmau5, Tiësto, and Paul Van Dyke as well as three silent disco stages.

Let's face it, not everyone who visits Europe has the architecture in mind. Some of us are heading there for a plain old good time. If it's party destinations you have in mind, here are a few places known for their love of fun, partying and pleasure:

Amsterdam, Holland

This city is party central all year round. They party so wildly that activities that are seriously frowned upon, or even illegal, in most other places are commonplace. From their world-famous Red Light District, to their marijuana serving coffee shops, Amsterdam is sure to serve up a wild time. They also have a very happening club scene where dancing, music and drinking well into the night, or even the next day, is routine.

This island off the coast of Spain lures many a party seeker. It has a reputation for being a never-ending celebration. Pre-partying starts at around 11pm when crowds gather at bars to get revved up for the main event. At around 2am they really get their party on with music and dancing. The main music genre here is techno. The parties last till 8am the next morning, so you can certainly dance your heart out here.

Budapest is a great party place because the prices are cheap, and there are lots of places to revel. You have the option of nightclubs, wine bars, floating clubs, outdoor pubs and casinos. Between all these options, the great atmosphere, world famous DJs and good music, and the fact that it's easy on your wallet, Budapest keeps the fun rolling.

Plenty of people want a change in the way our environment is treated, but for many it is only in words and action. They go on living the same non eco-friendly way they always have. But luckily there are some who are going the distance for the benefit of all. 

Julia “Butterfly” Hill has been an active environmentalist since 1996 after being involved in an automobile accident. She is well known for having lived for nearly two years in the branches a redwood tree to keep it from being cut down.

Former American vice-president Al Gore has been an important figure at environmental functions and is an active environmentalist, addressing problems such as global warming and has authored a book titled An Inconvenient Truth.
The late Steve Irwin drew attention to the more difficult to love animals and created an understanding of them and encouraged conservation of the habitat and animals.

Some quotes that are note-worthy are from environmentalists and great thinkers alike.

Mother Theresa said, “There must be a reason why some people can afford to live well. They must have worked for it. I only feel angry when I see waste. When I see people throwing away things we could use.”

“The weight of our civilisation has become so great it now ranks as a global force and a significant wild card in the human future along with the Ice Ages and other vicissitudes of a volatile and changeable planetary system.” Dianne Dumanoski Rethinking Environmentalism

“The Truly Healthy environment is not merely safe but stimulating.” William H. Stewart Environmental Science and Technology

“When the well's dry, we know the worth of water.” Benjamin Franklin Poor Richard's Almanac

There's more to fine European cuisine than French restaurants. Not only does Europe house gastronomy's oldest ambassador, it is also home to a wide range of other countries with an impressive culinary tradition, drawing on a ready availability of great cuisines from across the globe.

San Sebastian is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants per square mile than any other city across the globe, beating even Paris and New York. Lying at Spain's northern border, just below the Pyrenees, this beautiful city is worth visiting for it's rich history – but for those in the know however - it is all about the food. For three star fine dining head to the delectable, world renowned Arzak, or for more affordable Basque fayre head for the always popular La Muralla. 

Despite being a little known English village, miraculously, Bray is also home to two of the UK's three star Michelin restaurants: The Fat Duck and the Waterside Inn. The Fat Duck is run by experimental and ground-breaking chef Heston Blumenthal and is regularly cited as one of the top three restaurants in the world (1st in 2005); be sure to book in advance though as it can   have a waiting list over a month long.

An alternative to the more obvious hotspots of Paris, Lyon has a unique culinary tradition of its own and, as such, regularly draws visitors seeking its gourmet charms. It is also deeper into the French countryside, making it a charming place for a holiday base. You may already be familiar with the famous Lyonnaise sausages; however there is a plethora of other amazing produce to be found here. Lyonnaise cooking is usually hearty and typical dishes include sole meuniere and quenelle de brochette (pike wrapped in puff pastry). There are also a great number of food markets to be found here.