CU-BSC.TTM-SEM-III-Tourism Products Europe & America- Second Draft

4. Côte d'Azur Figure: 8.6 Côte d'Azur  The most fashionable stretch of coastline in France, the Côte d'Azur extends from Saint- Tropez to Manton near the border with Italy. Côte d'Azur translates to \"Coast of Blue,\" a fitting name to describe the Mediterranean's mesmerizing cerulean waters. To English speakers, this glamorous seaside destination is known as the French Riviera, words that have a ring of sun-drenched decadence.  During summer, the seaside resorts are packed with beach lovers and sun-worshippers. The rich and famous are also found here in their lavish villas and luxury yachts. The town of Nice has panoramic sea views and stellar art museums. Cannes is famous for its celebrity film festival and legendary hotels.  The best sandy beaches are found in Antibes, which also has an atmospheric Old Town and superb museums. Saint-Tropez offers fabulous public and private beaches along with the charm of a Provençal fishing village, while Monaco seduces with its exclusive ambience and stunning scenery. 5. Mont Saint-Michel 151 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 8.7 - Normandy Coast Rising dramatically from a rocky islet off the Normandy coast, the UNESCO-listed Mont Saint-Michel is one of France's most striking landmarks. This \"Pyramid of the Seas\" is a mystical sight, perched 80 meters above the bay and surrounded by imposing defensive walls and bastions.  The main tourist attraction, the Abbaye de Saint-Michel is a marvel of medieval architecture with soaring Gothic spires. Visitors are awed by the serene beauty of the Abbey Church, with its harmonious Romanesque nave and ornate high-vaulted choir.  Since it was built in the 11th century, the Abbey Church has been an important Christian pilgrimage destination, known as \"The Heavenly Jerusalem.\" Modern-day pilgrims are still inspired by Mont Saint-Michel and continue the tradition of crossing the bay by foot as it was done in the Middle Ages. 6. Loire Valley Châteaux Figure: 8.8 - Loire Valley 152 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Traveling through the Loire Valley feels like turning the pages of a children's storybook. Throughout the enchanting countryside of woodlands and river valleys are fairy-tale castles complete with moats and turreted towers. The entire area of the Loire Valley, a lush area known as the \"Garden of France,\" is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Some of the Loire castles are medieval fortresses built on hilltops and surrounded by ramparts. However, the most famous Loire châteaux are sumptuous Renaissance palaces that were designed purely for enjoyment and entertaining, as an extension of court life outside of Paris.  The Château de Chambord, built for King Francis I, is the most magnificent château; Château de Clemenceau has a distinctive feminine style; and the Château deCheverny is a Neoclassical-style manor house in idyllic surroundings.  It is also worth visiting the UNESCO-listed cathedrals in Chartres and Bourges as well as the city of Orléans, where Joan of Arc helped defeat the English army in 1429, and the Château Royal d'Amboise, the residence of French kings for five hundred years. 7. Cathedral Notre-Dame de Chartres Figure: 8.9 - Chartres cathedral  For more than eight centuries, the magnificence of Chartres Cathedral has inspired the faithful, and some say this sublime sanctuary has restored belief in the doubtful. The UNESCO-listed cathedral exemplifies the glory of medieval Gothic architecture.  The Chartres Cathedral is renowned for its marvelous stained-glass windows, most dating to the 13th century. Covering 2,500 square meters, the brilliant stained-glass windows allow 153 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

colorful light to filter into the vast nave, creating an ethereal effect. The intricately detailed windows reveal the incredible craftsmanship in depicting biblical stories.  The rose windows are especially noteworthy for their incredible size and details. Other highlights are the Passion window, one of the most original in its style and expression, and the Blue Virgin window that dates from the 12th century.  From April through October, the city of Chartres hosts a Festival of Lights (Chartres endLumiere’s). This free public event includes spectacular evening light shows, illuminating the cathedral and over 20 other monuments in the city. The cathedral is enlivened by multicolor scenes that resemble the monument's medieval-era painted facade. The light shows are accompanied by music for a truly dazzling presentation. 8. Provence Figure: 8.10 Lavender fields  Provence is a gorgeous landscape of olive groves, sun-drenched rolling hills, and deep purple lavender fields, with little villages nestled in the valleys and perched on rocky outcrops. The vibrant scenery has enchanted many famous artists, including Cézanne, Matisse, Chagall, and Picasso.  The rustic natural beauty and country charm of Provence immerses visitors in a place where the art de vivre is a way of life. Sultry weather encourages leisurely strolls along cobblestone streets and afternoons spent on sunny terraces of outdoor cafés. Provence is also a region known for its delicious cuisine, which is based on olive oil, vegetables, and aromatic herbs.  The quintessential Provençal town, Aix-en-Provence is famous for its colorful open-air markets and the hundreds of fountains that are typical of southern France. Fascinating ancient 154 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

ruins and traditional festivals distinguish the town of Arles. The medieval city of Avignon is home to the UNESCO-listed Palais de Papas.  Even tiny villages, like Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Saint-Rémy, and Gordes, have amazing historic sites, fantastic museums, and an irresistibly quaint ambience. 9. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Figure: 8.11 Mont Blanc  The awesome spectacle of Mont Blanc in the French Alps is an unforgettable sight. The highest mountain peak in Europe, Mont Blanc soars to 4,810 meters. Thanks to its elevation, Mont Blanc (\"White Mountain\") is always blanketed in snow.  Beneath its heavenly peak is the traditional alpine village of Chamonix, nestled in a high- mountain valley. This quaint little town is filled with historic churches, cozy chalet restaurants, and charming auberges.  Chamonix is a great base for skiing, hiking, rock climbing, and outdoor adventures, or just relaxing. This delightful village is one of the best places to visit in France for inspiring natural scenery and alpine accommodations. Upscale mountain lodges and cozy chalets welcome guests in style.  Catering to diners with good appetites, local restaurants serve hearty traditional French meals, as well as international cuisine. To sample the regional Savoyard specialties, try the charcuterie, fondue, and raclette (melted Gruyère, Comté or Emmentaler cheese served with boiled potatoes). 10. Alsace Villages 155 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 8.12 Homes at villages  Some of the prettiest villages in France are tucked away in the green, rolling hills of Alsace, where the Vosges Mountains border the Rhine River of Germany. These picturesque Alsatian villages feature pastel-painted, half-timbered houses clustered around small parish churches. Cheerful flowering balconies and pedestrian cobblestone streets add to the appeal.  Many of the villages have won France's \"Villages Fleuris\" award for their lovely floral decorations, such as Obernai, with its characteristic burghers' houses; the charming little village of Ribeauvillé, where many homes are adorned with potted flowers; the \"town of art and history\" Guebwiller; and the captivating medieval village of Bergheim.  Other flower-bedecked Alsatian villages are so pretty that they have been designated as both \"Villages Fleuris\" and \"Plus Beaux Villages de France\" (Most Beautiful Villages of France), including the storybook hamlet of Riquewihr, with its quaint historic houses, and the enchanting village of Eguisheim, nestled in a valley. Another \"Most Beautiful Village\" is Mittel bergheim, known for its gastronomy and gorgeous pastoral landscape, at the foot of the verdant Mont Saint-Odile.  For those planning an Alsace vacation itinerary, Colmar is a good base to explore the Alsatian villages and surrounding nature trails. 11. Carcassonne 156 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 8.13 Carcassonne  With its turreted towers and crenellated ramparts, Carcassonne seems straight out of a fairy-tale scene. This well-preserved (and renovated) fortified city offers a total immersion into the world of the Middle Ages.  Known as la Cité, the UNESCO-listed walled medieval town of Carcassonne is a warren of narrow, winding cobblestone lanes and quaint old houses. Nearly every street, square, and building has retained its historic character. Within la Cité, the 12th-century Château Comtal is particularly interesting and reveals the fascinating heritage of the Cathar country in the Languedoc region.  Must-see tourist attractions are the double-circuited ramparts with 54 towers and the Basilique Saint-Nazaire with spectacular stained-glass windows. One of the other popular things to do here is view the Bastille Day fireworks on July 14th. 12. Brittany Figure: 8.14 - Brittany 157 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Brittany is a beautiful historic region on the northeastern coast of France. A rugged coastline, quaint fishing villages, and weathered sea ports characterize this region, which is steeped in ancient traditions and famous for its costumed religious festivals.  A mystical land of myths and legends, Brittany has a Celtic influence and a dialect related to Gaelic. The local cuisine is delicious, best known for its savory buckwheat crêpes and sweet dessert crêpes.  The quintessential Breton port is Saint-Malo surrounded by ancient walls. Quimper is a picture-postcard historic town with handsome half-timbered houses, pleasant squares, and an impressive Gothic cathedral. Nantes has a spectacular château and is where the Edict of Nantes was signed in 1598 granting freedom of religious belief to Protestants.  Other highlights of Brittany are the pristine sandy beaches, tiny remote islands, and ancient castles. Belle-Île-end-Mer, the largest of the Breton islands, appeals to vacationers in search of a peaceful seaside setting. Ferry boats run from Quiberon, Port Navalo, and Vannes to Belle-Île-end-Mer. 13. Biarritz Figure: 8.15 - Biarritz  Biarritz is a fashionable beach town on the beautiful Bay of Biscay in France's Basque country. This celebrated seaside resort has an elegant and aristocratic air; it was a favorite destination of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III.  The imperial couple's grandiose Second-Empire-style palace has been converted into the Hôtel du Palais, a luxury hotel featuring a gastronomic restaurant and sensational views of the Grande Plage beach. This large sandy beach, with its broad seafront promenade, has attracted high-society vacation goers since the Belle Epoque. 158 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Other must-see sights are related to the ocean: theAquarium de Biarritz; Lighthouse; and Rocher de la Vierge (Virgin of the Rock) figure, which stands along the coastline on an immense rock beaten by the Atlantic's wild waves. For a taste of the town's regal past, visit the chic Miremont Tearoom that has served exceptional pastries since 1872. 14. Rocamadour Figure: 8.16 - Rocamadour  Suspended between heaven and earth on a sheer limestone cliff, Rocamadour is an unforgettable sacred site. In the 11th century, this pilgrimage destination was the third most important in Christendom after Jerusalem and Rome. Rocamadour was also a stop on the medieval Way of Saint James pilgrimage trail to Santiago de la Compostela in Spain.  The village has seven ancient sanctuaries, but pilgrims flock to the Chapelle Notre-Dame (Chapelle Miraculeuse), which possesses the venerated Black Virgin (Notre-Dame de Rocamadour). This precious Virgin Mary figure was carved from walnut wood that naturally darkened over the centuries and is associated with miracles.  Another must-see sight is the UNESCO-listed Basilique Saint-Sauveur, the largest church of Rocamadour built in Romanesque and Gothic style between the 11th and 13th centuries. For a challenging spiritual experience, pilgrims can ascend the steep flight of steps, with 12 Stations of the Cross, leading up to the château at the highest point in the village.  About 145 kilometers from Limoges in the Limousin, Rocamadour is surrounded by the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy, a natural park of the Dordogne region. 15. Prehistoric Cave Paintings in Lascaux 159 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 8.17 - Prehistoric cave paintings  Visitors can delve into the fascinating world of prehistoric art in Lascaux, the finest example of Paleolithic art in the world. This UNESCO-listed site is in the Vézère Valley of the Dordogne region. Discovered in 1940, the Lascaux Cave contains exquisite prehistoric paintings, but in 1963 was closed to the public to prevent damage.  A replica of the cave was created at the nearby Lascaux II site, 200 meters from the actual cave. Opened in 1983, Lascaux II is a faithful reproduction of the Lascaux Cave and its paintings. The Paleolithic art has been carefully recreated, including every detail of the animal paintings in authentic ochre hues. Lascaux II represents 90 percent of the paintings depicted in the prehistoric cave. Tourists must take a guided tour to visit Lascaux II.  Opened in 2016, the sleek ultra-modern International Centre for Cave Art presents a complete replica (Lascaux IV) of the original Lascaux Cave along with museum exhibits that provide context for the prehistoric artworks. Virtual reality exhibits and a 3-D film help bring the prehistoric period to life. To visit the Lascaux IV cave, tourists must go on a guided tour. The museum portion of the visit is self-guided.  Highlights of the Lascaux prehistoric cave paintings are the Salle des Taureaux (Hall of the Bulls) with panels featuring unicorns and bears and the Diverticule Axial, a narrow 30- meter-long hall with impressive drawings of bulls, cows, and horses. The art reproductions of the replica caves are so accurate that visitors would not be able to tell the difference from the original. 160 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

8.3 SUMMARY  Continental France is slightly smaller than the state of Texas in the USA.  France is known for its tourist attracting landmarks and its exotic locations  It has some super tourist attracting points, which is famous all around the world  The French food is also famous all around the world  The France is one of the Famous tourist attractions of the World 8.4 KEYWORDS  Liberté - Liberté is a 2019 drama film written and directed by Albert Serra. Set in the 18th century, it tells the story of the libertines that spend a night of sexual debauchery in the forest.  Egalité- social and political equality  Fraternité - a feeling of friendship and support  haute couture- the houses or designers that create exclusive and often trend-setting fashions for women  ITER- an international nuclear fusion research and engineering megaproject that will be the world's largest magnetic confinement plasma physics experiment. 8.5 LEARNING ACTIVITY 1. Find out everything about the Eiffel tower and why was it made ___________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 2. Take any one of the French foods and why does it differ from all over the world ___________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 3. Talk to anyone who visited France and ask them about their experience of visiting the romance capital of the world 161 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

___________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 8.6 UNIT END QUESTIONS A. Descriptive Questions Short Questions 1. What all countries does France share its borders with? 2. How many overseas departments are there for France and what are they? 3. What is the population of France as of 2021? 4. How much does France contribute in worlds population? 5. What are the UNESCO sites in France? Long Questions 1. Explain the geographic features of France 2. Describe any 5-tourist destination in France 3. Elaborate the superlatives of France. 4. Discuss the beauty and history of Eiffel tower. B. Multiple choice Questions 1. Which of the below is the motto of France a. Liberty, equality, fraternity b. Liberty, democracy, freedom c. Peace, happiness, equality d. Non-violence, democracy, equality 2. No of colours present in the flag of France 162 a.4 b.5 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

c. 3 163 d.1 3.France is generally a ____ country? a. hilly b. curvy c. island d. flat 4. Mainland France is also known as a. interior France b. Metropolitan France c. exterior France d. Rural France 5. Eiffel tower's nick name a. Iron lady b. beauty tower c. symbol of love d. sky buddy Answer 1-a, 2- c,3-d,4-b,5-a CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

8.7 REFERENCES Reference books:  Specific Country Guide Books of Lonely Planet Publication.  DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Europe  A.K Bhatia – International Tourism Mgt.  International Geography for Travel and Tourism by John P.Wrades 164 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

UNIT 9 TOURIST DESTINATIONS – SPAIN & ITALY Structure 9.0 Learning objective 9.1 General & Basic facts of Spain 9.1.1 Where is Spain 9.1.2 Geology 9.1.3 Islands of Spain 9.1.4 Spanish people 9.1.5 Spanish language 9.2 General & Basic facts of Italy 9.2.1 National anthem 9.2.2 Where is Italy 9.2.3 Geography 9.3 Various tourist destinations of Spain 9.4 Various tourist destination of Italy 9.5 Summary 9.6 Keywords 9.7 Learning activity 9.8 Unit end Question 9.9. References 9.0 LEARNING OBJECTIVE After studying this unit, the students will be able to  State the basic and general facts of Spain  List the basic and general facts of Italy  Outline the tourist destinations of Spain  Explain the tourist spots of Italy 165 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 9.1 Location of Spain in European Map 166 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 9.2 Location of Italy in European Map 9.1 BASIC & GENERAL FACTS OF SPAIN  Population: 48 million people live in Spain (2019)  Capital: Madrid, with 3.3 million inhabitants, is Spain's biggest city. Figure: 9.3-Spanish flag 167  Name: Reino de España (Kingdom of Spain), short form: España  Government: Parliamentary Monarchy  Languages: Castilian Spanish 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician, Basque  Literacy: More than 98% can read and write.  Religion: mainly Christians (Roman Catholics 94%)  Currency: 1 Euro=100 cents, before 2001 Spanish peseta CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 National Symbol: National flag and coat of arms, the short-toed eagle (national bird), red carnation (national flower), the bull (national animal). The official Spanish anthem \"La Marcha Real\" (the Royal March) is one of only four anthems in the world without lyrics.  History: From 711 to 1492 Islamic Moors ruled in Spain. In 1492 Christopher Columbus discovers America and the Spanish rulers start forming their empire. In the 16th century Spanish kings ruled over many European countries, Portugal, Netherlands, parts of France, Germany, Italy and Austria. The Spanish Civil War rages in Spain from 1936 to 1939 when dictator General Franco takes over the country. In 1975 Franco dies and Juan Carlos I becomes King of Spain. In 2014, his son Felipe followed him on the throne when Juan Carlos resigned due to old age.  National Day: 12 October (Fiesta Nacional de España) 9.1.1 Where is Spain? • Spainlies in Southern Europe, a flight to Madrid takes roughly 2.5 hours from London/England, 7 hours from New York/USA Spain borders the countries Portugal, Andorra, France, Gibraltar (which is a British Overseas Territory). Spain also shares borders with Morocco, as the two Spanish enclaves (Spanish territories) Ceuta and Melilla are located within Morocco. Spain is separated from Africa by the Straits of Gibraltar. 168 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 9.4 - Straits of Gibraltar This passage connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. The narrowest point in the Straits of Gibraltar between the two continents Europe and Africa is 14.3km/8.9 miles wide. The Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea as well as the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the African coastline belong to Spain. The Spanish nation is divided in 17 'autonomous communities' which are regions where people have their own regional government. 9.1.2 Geography Spain lies on the Iberian Peninsula. The country borders the Mediterranean Sea in the South and East and the Atlantic Ocean in the Northwest. Spain is the fourth largest country in Europe after Russia, Ukraine and France. In the North, the Pyrenees mountain ranges are forming a natural border with the tiny country Andorra and with France. To the west of Spain is Portugal. 169 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Spain is a bit slightly larger than twice the size of the United Kingdom and about twice the size of Oregon. The climate in Spain ranges considerably between the different regions. In the northern mountainous regions, the climate is alpine, while most of the country appreciates a Mediterranean mild climate. The climate in the southwestern parts is semi-arid while the north western parts experience an oceanic climate. On the Canary Islands the climate is subtropical and semi-arid. 9.1.3 Islands of Spain Here are some more interesting facts regarding the islands of Spain: Figure: 9.5- Islands of Spain The Balearic Islands lie roughly 80 km/ 50 miles of Spain's easter coastline in the Mediterranean Sea. The four islands belonging to the Islas Baleares (Balearic Islands) are:  Mallorca  Menorca  Ibiza  Formentera The Canary Islands lie roughly 100 km/ 62 miles of the African continent's coastline. The seven biggest islands belonging to the Islas Canarese (Canary Islands) are: 170 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Tenerife (the largest island of the Canary Islands)  Fuerteventura  Gran Canarias  Lanzarote  La Palma  La Gomera  El Herero (the smallest island of the Canaries) There are several other much smaller islands. More than 2 million people live on the Canary Islands. 9.1.4 Spanish people The Spanish people have their own royal family who lives in the royal place, the 'Zarzuela Palace', outside of Madrid. The Royal Palace, Palacio Real, in the city of Madrid is the place where official functions take place. On 19 June 2014, the son of former king Juan Carlos, Felipe VI, was crowned the new king of Spain. Juan Carlos retired due to old age. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia have two daughters. Many Spanish people are soccer fans. The top soccer clubs are: Real Madrid and Barça (FC Barcelona). Spain is known for its flamenco dance. In Andalusia, in many towns and villages people dance the flamenco for special festivities. Some of the best flamenco dancers are said to be the Romani people ('gitanos' in Spanish). The gitanos arrived to Spain in the XV century and still conserve their own language and traditions. In the image you can see girls performing the flamenco at a fiesta in Seville. The Spanish are also known for their great festivals, such as the 'Tomatina' and the 'Running of the Bulls'. The 'Tomatina' festival in the small town of Bunol, to the west of Valencia, is the world's biggest food fight, as the people throw tomatoes at each other. The festival takes place every year in August, but the event only takes one hour, as the people throw tomatoes at each other. Another famous Spanish festival takes place in the town of Pamplona in Northern Spain. The highlight of the festival is the 'Running of the Bulls'. Six bulls are chasing people who try to run away in front of the animals. Bullfights also are popular events in the arenas of several cities, but are banned in others. 171 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

The people of Tarragona gather every two years at the Castells Festival in October to build human towers. Figure: 9.6 Human towers The competition includes four teams of athletes from the city and in total more than 40 teams from all over Spain. Sometimes the human towers reach up to 11 metres! As summers get very hot in the Spanish cities of the inland, many Spaniards flock to the seaside during summer holidays or go to the mountainous areas in the north of the country. 9.1.5 Spanish Language Spanish is the world's second-most spoken native language. Spanish is spoken in Spain and in various South American countries, among them Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. Which language is spoken in Spain? Castilian Spanish is spoken in all 17 regions, but other languages and dialects are spoken in various regions of the country:  Castilian Spanish is recognized as 'typical' Spanish and is spoken across the country of Spain.  Catalan is spoken in the region around Barcelona, and the province of Cataluña, as well as in Valencia. This language reads and sounds quite different to Castilian Spanish. 172 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Basque is spoken in the Basque Country in the north of Spain  Galician is spoken in Galicia, in Spain's northwest. 9.2 BASIC & GENERAL FACTS OF ITALY  Population: About 60 million people live in Italy (2020)  Capital: Roma (Rome) with 4 million inhabitants  Name: Repubblica Italian (Italian Republic) or simply: Italia, Nickname: 'Bel Pease' which means beautiful country  Government: Democracy, Republic  Language: Italian. Official minority languages are German, French and Ladin in some regions in Northern Italy  Literacy: More than 98% can read and write  Religion: mainly Christians (80%, of theses most are Roman Catholics)  Currency: 1 Euro = 100 cents, before 2001: Italian Lira  History: Rome was founded in 753 BC by the twins Romulus and Remus. The Roman Empire was founded in 27 BC and Augustus Caesar proclaimed himself emperor of Rome in 31 BC. After the Roman Empire broke down in 395 ADS, there were many separate kingdoms and city states. Italy became one nation only in 1861. Since then, the country also includes the islands of Sicily and Sardana. The 'Kingdom of Italy' lasted from 1861 until 1946. During the Second World War, Italy's Prime Minister Benito Mussolini sided with the German Nazi regime. The Italian Republic was formed in 1946. 9.2.1 Italian anthem  National Day: 2 June (Festa Della Repubblica)  Flag: 'Tricolore' with green, white and red colored vertical bands. The flag colors are said to represent these virtues: hope (green), faith (white), and charity (red)  National Symbols: Italian grey wolf (national animal), red rose or white lily (national flowers) and the white five-pointed star with a thin red border line 9.2.2 Where is Italy? Italy is a country in Southern Europe. The country is located on a peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea. 173 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Italy borders six countries: France, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Vatican City and San Marino. A flight to Italy's capital city Rome takes roughly 2.5 hours from London/England and 8 hours from New York/USA. Italy Map Italy is easy to recognize on any world map, as the country is shaped like a high-heeled boot, as you can see on the map above. It looks like the boot is kicking a ball, which is the island of Sicily, don’t you think? The country is slightly larger in size than the three countries of the UK, the Netherlands and Belgium combined or about as big as the state of Arizona/USA. 9.2.3 Italy Geography Figure: 9.7 Italy, Mediterranean Sea coastline.  Italy has more than 7,600 km/ 4,722 miles of coastline as the peninsula is located for a large part in the Mediterranean Sea.  Italy is popular for its many picturesque ports and sandy beaches. 174 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Italy has two bigger islands Sicily and Sardegna and many smaller islands such as Capri, Ischia and Elba.  The Alps and the Apennines are the two main mountain ranges in Italy.  In the North, the mountain range of the Alps separates Italy from the other European countries France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The highest mountains of Italy can be found in the Alps. The Dolomites are a part of the Alps mountain range in Italy's north and many of the peaks are above 3,000 m/ 9,843 ft high! Figure:9.8 Alps  There are many lakes in northern Italy, in the Centre of the country, the landscape flattens, this flat area is called the Po Valley.  The Apennines mountain range run all the way down the boot and separate the eastern and the western regions of Italy. And did you know that in Italy, there are still active volcanos? 175 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 9.9 – Active volcanoes in Italy  In the South of Italy, you will find Italy’s three active volcanoes: Vesuvius near Naples, Etna on Sicily and Stromboli off the Coast of Italy. 9.3 VARIOUS TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN SPAIN  Spain is a surprise to those who have the image of having to fight for towel space at one of its crowded beaches or sipping sangria while watching a bull fight or flamenco. From the ancient monuments left by the Romans and Moors, the medieval castles of the interior, the white villages in inland Andalucía or the vibrant cities of Barcelona and Madrid, there is a great mixture of cultural attractions in Spain.  The landscape varies just as widely. The evergreen estuaries of Galicia could hardly be more different from the deserts of Almería or the rugged mountains of the Sierra Nevada. And then there are the countless glittering beaches that dot the Spanish coast. Although busy in summer even along the coast of the big tourist Costas some enjoyable beaches can easily be found. Here’s a look at the top tourist attractions in Spain. 1. Palacio Real 176 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 9.10 Palacio Real  The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) of Madrid is the official residence of the King of Spain although it is only used for state ceremonies. The Royal Palace was built between 1738 to 1755 and King Carlos III took up residence in the palace in 1764. 2. Running of the Bulls Figure: 9.11 Running the Bulls  Pamplona is a city in Navarra, famous for its San Fermín festival held each year from July 6th – 14th. At the heart of the festival is El Encierro, the Running of the Bulls, an 177 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

activity that involves running in front of a dozen bulls that have been let loose, on a course of the town’s streets. 3. La Concha Figure: 9.12 - La concha  Protected from strong winds by steep cliffs and islands, La Concha in San Sebastian is said by many to be one of the best city beaches in Europe, let alone Spain. Here you can go surfing, walk along the promenade in search of good restaurants and enjoy the beautiful views of the beach. 4. Aqueduct of Segovia 178 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 9. 13- Aqueduct of Segovia  The Aqueduct of Segovia is one of the best-preserved monuments left by the Romans in Spain. The ancient aqueduct carries water 16 km (10 miles) from the Frío River to Segovia and was built of some 24,000 massive granite blocks without the use of mortar. Probably constructed around 50 AD it still provided water to the city in the 20th century. 5. Cuenca Figure: 9.14 - Hanging Houses in Cuenca Spain.  Situated between Madrid and Valencia, Cuenca is a marvelous example of a medieval city, built on the steep sides of a mountain. The many “hanging houses” are built right up to the cliff edge, making Cuenca one of the most striking towns in Spain, a gem in the province of Castilla La Mancha. 6. Ibiza 179 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 9.15 – Ibiza Coast of Spain  Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Spain. The island is one of the most popular party destinations in all of Europe. During summer, the island’s population doubles as tourists flock to Ibiza to enjoy the night clubs, beach bars and restaurants. 7. Sagrada Familia Figure: 9.16 - Sagrada Familia, Roman Catholic Church in Barcelona.  The Sagrada Familia is a large Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, and one of Spain’s most visited tourist attractions. It’s a design by Antoni Gaudí, a Catalan architect who worked on this project for almost 40 years until his death in 1926. The construction of the basilica began in 1882 and still as yet not finished. 180 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

8. El Escorial Figure: 9.17 - El Escorial Political Centre of Spanish Empire under King Philip II  Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, El Escorial was the political center of the Spanish empire under King Philip II. Philip appointed Juan Bautista de Toledo as the architect in 1559 and together they designed El Escorial as a monument to Spain’s role as a center of the Christian world. Today it functions as a monastery, royal palace, museum, and school. 9. Mesquita of Cordoba 181 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 9.18 - Mesquita of Cordoba, Spanish Mosque.  The Mesquita (Spanish for “Mosque”) of Cordoba is a fascinating building famous for the forest of pillars and arches inside the main hall. The site was originally a Roman temple, then a Visigoth church, before the Umayyad Moors built the Mesquita. After the Spanish Reconquista a cathedral was built into the center of the large Moorish building. 10. Alhambra Figure: 9.19 Alhambra Palace garden 182 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Part fortress, part palace and part garden the Alhambra is situated on a plateau overlooking the city of Granada in southern Spain. The palace was constructed in the 14th century by the Nasrid sultans. The Alhambra is now one of Spain’s major tourist attractions and many visitors come to Granada just to see the Alhambra. 9.4 VARIOUS TOURIST DESTINATION OF ITALY  As the birthplace of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, it's not surprising that Italy should be so rich in masterpieces of art and architecture, or that it should have more UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites than any other country in the world.  But Italy's top attractions for tourists are not all art and architecture; the country is blessed with lakes, mountains, and a dramatic coastline that give it outstanding natural attractions, as well. You could plan an entire itinerary inspired by a single interest, from Renaissance art to hiking, but most first-time visitors like to get a sampling of the best Italy offers in several different kinds of experiences.  The attractions that follow show off Italy's art, architecture, stunning landscapes, and history, and provide opportunities for active pursuits, as well. To be sure you find the best places to visit and things to do, plan your itinerary using this list of the top attractions in Italy. 1. Colosseum Figure: 9.20 – The Colosseum 183 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 This huge amphitheater, the largest of its kind ever built by the Roman Empire and the largest of their constructions to survive, remained a model for sports facilities right up to modern times. Built by Vespasian in AD 72 and enlarged by the addition of a fourth story by his son, Titus, it was a venue for public spectacles and shows - even mock sea battles.  A wooden floor that was 83 by 48 meters covered two additional underground stories with tunnels, rooms, cells, and passages that provided space for gladiators, workers, wild animals, and storage.  Today, the structure stands in stark contrast to the modern development that surrounds it and is a prominent reminder of ancient times and the extensive history of Rome. 2. Florence Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore Figure: 9.21 Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore  Regarded as one of the finest cathedrals in the world, the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, dominates the Florence skyline. The cathedral was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, with the most famous piece being the extraordinary dome, completed by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1434.  The cathedral's bell tower stands close beside the cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, covered in the same patterned marble typical of Tuscan Romanesque architecture.  Designed by Giotto, the campanile stands 82 meters tall, and you can climb the 414 steps up to a viewing platform with fantastic views of the city and the dome. 184 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Opposite the Duomo is a magnificent baptistery, famed for its bronze paneled doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti. To see the original, exquisitely crafted panels, which have been replaced by exact replicas to protect the originals from weathering, visit the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, the cathedral museum. 3. The Grand Canal in Venice Figure: 9.22 - Venice  A gondola ride through the canals of Venice is a tradition that travelers have been enjoying for centuries. Venice is a city of islands, and the canals have long been the city's main streets, connected by a labyrinth of narrow passageways.  The Grand Canal is the largest and most famous of these waterways, cutting a wide S- shaped route through the city. Along its sides are the grandest of the palaces once owned by the wealthiest and most powerful families of the Venetian Republic. The best way to see many of the grand palaces, whose fronts face the water, is from a Vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal.  Be sure your gondola ride - and your sightseeing explorations on foot - include some of the more atmospheric smaller canals, lined by old buildings that have remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years. 4. Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius 185 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 9.23 - Pompeii  The still smoking volcano of Mt. Vesuvius looks down on the remains of the city it destroyed in AD 79. But that same eruption also preserved many of the city's art treasures: frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures that were encased in the lava as it cooled.  Several centuries of excavations have revealed the remains of houses, markets, baths, temples, theaters, streets, and human remains. Visitors can tour the site, walk along the old streets scarred by the tracks of chariots, and see the engineering used by Romans more than 2,000 years ago.  Near Pompeii is the excavated city of Herculaneum, destroyed by the same eruption in AD 79, but buried in lava and ash that solidified and froze the town just as it was. You can combine visits to the two sites in one day, but a longer stay allows time to ascend to the very rim of still-active Vesuvius. 5. Leaning Tower of Pisa 186 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 9.24 – The Leaning Tower of Pisa  The Leaning Tower of Pisa (La Torre Pendente) is just one of many attractions in the city of Pisa, one whose world fame comes not from the considerable elegance of its design, but from a flaw. Work began on the tower in the 1100s, and the sinking, which led to the lean, began by the time the tower reached the third story.  Leaning more and more over the centuries, before restoration work in the 1990s, it was predicted to topple over by the year 2000. Today, visitors can climb up the stairs of the tower for a fabulous view over the city.  The Leaning Tower stands on the Piazza deiMiracoli, a setting it shares with the beautiful Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and a round freestanding baptistery. Each of these features outstanding works of medieval stone carving. 6. Lake Como 187 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 9.25 - Lake Como  Lake Como is one of Italy's most scenic areas, surrounded by mountains and lined by small picturesque towns. A haunt of the wealthy since Roman times, the lake has many opulent villas and palaces along its wooded shores; Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta are the best known, both surrounded by gardens that are open to the public.  The mild climate that makes the lake shore ideal for gardens is also a draw for tourists, with characteristics similar to that of the Mediterranean. Along with the resort towns around the lake, there's an 11th-century abbey.  At the foot of the lake, the small city of Como, important since Roman times, is a short train ride from Milan. From its waterfront, you can embark on excursions around the lake on regularly scheduled steamers that make visiting the lakeside attractions easy. 7. Amalfi Coast Figure: 9.26 - Amalfi coast, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Naples.  The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning stretch of coastline along the Sorrentine Peninsula, south of Naples and Sorrento. Hillside towns are built precariously along the steep mountainsides that cascade down to the sea.  The main towns along here are Positano and Amalfi, with its colorfully domed cathedral. You can tour the coast by road, or hop between towns by boat for different perspectives of the dramatic and almost vertical shore.  While walking paths stretch all along the coast, the most breathtaking scenery for walkers is the Sentierodegli Dei, Footpath of the Gods, at the western end from Positano. 8. Cinque Terre 188 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 9.27 - Cinque Terre  Cinque Terre is a lovely coastal region with steep hills and sheer cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. The five picturesque villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore can be reached by several means, joined to each other by walking paths, a railroad that tunnels through the headlands to emerge at each town, or a scenic narrow road high on the hillside above.  Hiking between the villages is one of the most popular things to do as it gives travelers the chance to enjoy the landscape. The small towns have maintained a feel of old-world fishing villages and offer a sense of remoteness even in the face of modern tourism. 9.5 SUMMARY  From 711 to 1492 Islamic Moors ruled in Spain  Spain lies in Southern Europe, a flight to Madrid takes roughly 2.5 hours from London/England, 7 hours from New York/USA  A gondola ride through the canals of Venice is a tradition that travelers have been enjoying for centuries  Pamplona is a city in Navarra, famous for its San Fermín festival held each year from July 6th – 14th  The Alps and the Apennines are the two main mountain ranges in Italy.  From 711 to 1492 Islamic Moors ruled in Spain 189 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

9.6 KEYWORD  Gondola ride- The gondolas plying the busy Grand Canal and smaller waterways of Venice are one of the most iconic images in the world.  Fermin Festival - The festival of San Fermín is a weeklong, historically rooted celebration held annually in the city of Pamplona, Navarra, in northern Spain.  Sheer Cliffs – a steep or an extremely sharp cliff/ point.  Vesuvius - Mount Vesuvius is a somma-stratovolcano located on the Gulf of Naples in Campania, Italy, about 9 km east of Naples and a short distance from the shore. It is one of several volcanoes which form the Campanian volcanic arc  Tarrango in Spain- Tarragona is an excellent place to savor a taste of artisanal vermouth which is enjoying a bit of renaissance here and across the rest of Spain. 9.7 LEARNING ACTIVITY 1. Find out what is the tradition behind the human tower function of tarrango in Spain ___________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 2. Find out where in India the same function is conducted ___________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 9.8 UNIT END QUESTIONS A. Descriptive Questions Short Questions 1. What is the population of Spain and Italy as on 2020? 2. When did Columbus discovered Spain? 3. What are the active volcanoes in Italy? 4. Explain briefly about the mountain ranges of Italy? 5. Describe the flags of Italy and Spain 190 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Long Questions 191 1. Explain any 5 tourist destinations in Sprain. 2. Elaborate 5 tourist destination in Italy 3. Describe Pisa tower. 4. Discuss the geography of Spain 5. Discuss the geography of Italy. B. Multiple choice Questions 1. Spain has the ______________ form of government. a. republic b. parliamentary monarchy c. Monarchy d. parliamentary 2. Spain is separated from _________by the Straits of Gibraltar. a. Africa b. Asia c. America d. London 3. Italy is a country in ________ Europe a. southern b. northern c. western d. eastern CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

4. A gondola ride through the canals of ____________is a tradition that travellers have been enjoying for centuries a. Venice b. Spain c. London d. Chile 5. Capital of Spain a. Madrid b. Rome c. brazil d. chile Answers 1-b, 2-a, 3-a, 4-a, 5-a 9.9 REFERENCES Reference books:  Specific Country Guide Books of Lonely Planet Publication.  DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Europe  A.K Bhatia – International Tourism Mgt.  International Geography for Travel and Tourism by John P.Wrades 192 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

UNIT 10 TOURIST DESTINATIONS OF SWITZERLAND Structure 10.0 Learning objective 10.1 General and basic facts of Switzerland 10.2 Various tourist destinations of Switzerland 10.3 Summary 10.4 Key words 10.5 Learning activity 10.6 Unit End Questions 10.7 References 10.0 LEARNING OBJECTIVE After studying this unit, the students will be able to  Explore the tourist destinations in Switzerland.  List the interesting facts about Switzerland. 193 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 10.1 Location of Switzerland on Europe Map 194 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 10.2 Map of Switzerland 10.1 GENERAL AND BASIC FACTS OF SWITZERLAND  Population: 8.6 million people live in Switzerland (2021)  Capital: Bern with about 500,000 inhabitants.  Official Name: Swiss Confederation. From “Confoederatio Helvetica” in Latin, which means Swiss Confederation, thus the country code abbreviation is CH.  Government: Federal republic with 26 cantons  President: Guy Parmelin (2021)  Language: German, French, Italian and Romansh  Religion: Most people are Christians (66%)  Currency: 1 Swiss franc = 100 centimes  National Day: 1 August  Swiss Flag: square flag with white cross on red background  National Anthem: Schweizerpsalm (Swiss Psalm)  National Motto: \"One for all, all for one\"  National Symbols: Helvetia (personification), Edelweiss (national flower) Geography 195 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Switzerland is located in Europe. Switzerland is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country shares a land border with Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy and France. The capital city of Switzerland is Bern. However, the largest city of Switzerland is Zürich with a population of 1.3 million inhabitants. Switzerland is about half the size of Austria or slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey/USA. A flight to Switzerland's main airport in Zurich takes less than 2 hours from London/England, 7.5 hours from New York/USA. 10 Geo Superlatives Here are some fascinating Switzerland facts and stunning superlatives: 1. Switzerland has the highest mountains in Europe. 48 of the mountains are over 4,000 metres/ 13,120 feet high. 2. The Swiss Aletsch Glacier is the longest glacier in Europe. The glacier is about 23 km/ 14 miles but shrinking every year. See here a 3D model of the shrinking Aletsch glacier. 3. The highest mountain summit in Switzerland is the Dufour-Spitze of Monte Rosa with a height of 4,634 m/ 15,203 ft. 4. The steepest cog railway in the world is going up Pilatus mountain in Lucerne. The gradient of the track reaches up to 48%. 5. Switzerland’s longest river is the Rhine River with about 375 km/ 233 miles. The Rhein river's source is in the Swiss Alps. 6. The Rhein Falls are the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. They are 23 m/ 75 ft high and 150 m/ 470 ft wide. 7. The deepest lake of Switzerland is the Lago Maggiore in the southern part of Switzerland. 8. Switzerland’s largest lake is called Lake Neuchâtel which is less than half the size of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), that is shared by Switzerland and France. 9. Switzerland’s Grande Dixence Dam is not only the tallest dam in Europe but the tallest gravity dam in the world. The dam wall is 285 m/ 935 ft high. 196 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

10. The world's longest and deepest rail tunnel is the Gotthard tunnel and the rail track are 57 km/ 35 miles long. Five Swiss Landmarks to Know  The most famous Swiss mountain is the Matterhorn near Zermatt. Matterhorn is 4,478 m/ 14,692 ft. high and is located near the village of Zermatt. Did you know that since 1970 the Toblerone chocolate bar's logo depicts the Matterhorn? The Jungfrau is one of the highest mountains in Switzerland with 3,454 m/11,332 ft. This mountain also spots the highest railway station in the world, a museum and an ice palace that are carved into the mountain.  This Swiss landmark, also called Jungfrau with the Water tower are located in Lucerne. The famous footbridge in central Switzerland is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. In 1993, parts of the bridge burned down and almost two thirds of the painted panels that are affixed inside the roof were destroyed and only 30 paintings could be fully restored.  The Geneva Water Fountain, also called Jet deal, jets water as high as 140 m/ 460 ft. and can be seen also when flying over the lake at a height of 10,000 m/33,000 ft.  The CERN Globe of Science is a visitor Centre of the European Center for Nuclear Research. The site houses the largest particle physics laboratory in the world and six particle accelerators. The globe is huge, it is 27 m/ 89 ft high and has a diameter of 44 m/ 144 ft. Switzerland Facts | Family Attractions Figure: 10.3 Snow mountains 197 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Switzerland is great for families. There are outdoor and nature barefoot trails, extensive bicycle trails throughout the country. If your family is an outdoor family, then that’s the place to be. You can walk, run and there are tons of playgrounds! If you like museums and middle-aged cities, then you should go to the north. There are many old fortresses and modern and historical museums, so if you're a history buff, take a quick visit to the north like the city of Basel. Nearby is the famous Augusta Raurica, which is a roman archeological site and an open-air museum. This is the site of the oldest Roman colony on the Rhine. It was founded in 44 BC.  In the south, there are lakes and palm trees. You can swim, take boat rides and much more fun. If you want to see palm trees and take a swim, south is the place to be. The region is called Ticino (or Tessin in German) and its main language is Italian. Lake Maggiore has at least two islands and Brissago island has a botanical garden on it that can be visited.  Zip lining and various aerial adventure parks as well as the Glacier Express train, which runs through scenic mountain landscape, can be accessed in the center of Switzerland.  The main attraction in the East is Heidiland, have you ever heard of the book or movie of Heidi? Well, then go to the East to see where they filmed Heidi. Famous Swiss People  Johanna Spyri: Author of the children’s book “Heidi” which tells the adventures of a little girl that is raised by her grandfather on an alm high up in the mountains. This popular novel written in 1881 has been translated into more than 50 languages.  Henry Dunant: funder of the red cross. Auguste Piccard: Swiss physicist, inventor and explorer known for his record-breaking helium filled balloon flights.  Roger Federer: tennis player  Martina Hingis: tennis player People in Switzerland  The northern part of Switzerland is more populated than the southern part of the country due to the high mountains. The least populated canton is Graubünden which is located in the Alps.  The biggest cities in Switzerland are: Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern and Lausanne.  The Swiss people like skiing, soccer, ice hockey, tennis and basketball. Winter sports were developed in Switzerland as one of the first countries. The Swiss like to be active and one in 198 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

four people belong to a sports club. Some of the special sports in Switzerland are flag swinging, Summer bobsledding and Schwingen, which is a type of Swiss wrestling as you can see in the image above. Some people also practice Alphorn blowing and participate in yodeling choirs. Switzerland Facts | Swiss Food  Food in Switzerland is very rich in taste and they have many specialties like fondue, swiss chocolate, raclette, muesli and alplermacaroni. They say, there are over 450 different kinds of cheeses in Switzerland! In most Swiss homes, you will find always an assortment of yogurts in the refrigerator. Bread is an important staple and is usually eaten for breakfast and dinner. The Swiss prefer artisan breads with seeds and nuts. Figure :10.4 Image of Artisans Bread  Each region of Switzerland has its own specialty. For example, flour soup in Basel (Basler Mehlsuppe), cherry cake in Zug (ZugerKirschtorte), spiced sausage in Neuenburg/Neuchatel (Neuenburger sausage) or honey cake in Bern (Berner Honiglebkuchen). Popular food in Switzerland:  Fondue: When eating a fondue, people sit around the pot of melted cheese and with a special long-handled fork dip a small piece of white bread into the cheese and then eat it.  Raclette: A half cheese round is heated and the melting cheese gets scraped onto the plate. 199 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Rösti: thinly grated potatoes and pan fried until crisp and golden. Rösti is the Swiss version of hash browns. Rösti is one of Switzerland's national and iconic dishes. Traditionally, farmers would eat it for breakfast. Figure: 10.5 Rosti Dish an Iconic Dish in Swiss  Geschnätzlets: veal strips in creamy mushroom sauce  Spätzli: dough noodles  Bircher Müesli: soft breakfast cereal made with pre-soaked oat flakes, grated nuts and grated apple  Ricola: sweets made from a blend of 13 different herbs And of course, there is chocolate. Chocolate in all its variations, white, brown and black chocolates. It is not uncommon to find a shelf in a grocery store with about 154 or more different chocolate products. En guede! Enjoy your meal! Bon Appétit! Switzerland Facts | Animals  When you think about animals in Switzerland, you most probably will immediately come up with cows and sheep. And maybe you remember the famous St. Bernard dogs as well. The Alpine Mountain Dogs that are still popular working dogs on many farms in the Swiss Alps.  In the Alpine regions you will most certainly encounter marmots. Marmots live in groups of up to 15 family members and these cute mammals can be seen regularly when hiking in the Alps. They whistle and quickly hide when people get to near to them or they feel threatened. 200 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)