Tourism is an essentially visual experience: we leave our homes so as to travel to see places, thus adding to our personal knowledge about, and experience of, the world. The study of tourism as a complex social phenomenon, beyond simply business, is increasing in importance, and by providing an examination of perceptions of culture and society in tourism destinations through the tourist's eyes, this book discusses how destinations were, and are, created and perceived through the 'lens' of the tourist's gaze.
Green Spain, as Northern Spain is often known, offers the visitor a great variety of landscapes: lush forests, deep-green valleys, soaring high mountain scenery, and exquisite beaches. For those looking for more than sun and sand, cultural highlights such as Santiago de Compostela, and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao are contrasted with the wonderful national parks that can be found in the Pyrenees.The best beaches and most charming villages are not neglected. Everything is depicted in the glorious visual style for which Eyewitness Travel Guides are known.
With the establishment of the Bulgarian state in 681 on the territories where the Thracians lived, the ancient Romans ruled and the influence of the ancient Greeks was felt, Bulgarians inherited the experience and the traditions of the local population in the cultivation of grapes and wine-production. In 1978, Bulgaria is recognized as the fourth largest wine producer in the World. Nowadays, Bulgaria has 160 thousand ha of vineyards divided into 100 thousand ha for industrial wine production and 60 thousand ha for made wine.
Proud of its unique heritage, Bulgaria is a splendid combination of wonderful nature, interesting history and matchless culture. This is the land of sunny mountains, clear waters, unique folk music and crafts. The modern beach resorts, situated on the golden sands of the Black Sea offer the visitors nature beauty, ancient history and modern architecture. In winter you will spend unforgettable time skiing or snowboarding in Bansko, Borovets, Pamporovo and many other mountain resorts.
