By Hank Schrader, USMA ’71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
I am a former high school world geography and AP human geography teacher. Ok, class is in session–Good Luck!
1) One famous square in London commemorates a famous naval battle in which the English defeated the combined French & Spanish Fleets in 1805. The hero of that battle was an admiral named Lord Nelson and he stands tall above the square on a column. What is the name of the square (it is also the name of the cape in southwest Spain where the naval battle took place)? Maybe this picture will help.
2) What two European Countries claim to be the originator of French Fries? Perhaps this photo will help you identify one of these countries. What are French Fries known as in the United Kingdom and Ireland?
3) Europe is a continent of peninsulas (a peninsula has water on 3 sides)–it has 5 major peninsulas. Only one of these 5 is occupied by one country. Can you name the country that occupies this peninsula? (Hint-the name of the country is also the name of the peninsula) Sadly, no photo here—it would give it away.
4) One of the really scenic places of Europe is Lake Bled in Slovenia. Part of this beauty is the rugged mountain range near the lake. What is the name of this mountain range (hint-the answer is two words). Here is your photo to help:
5) One of the most renowned train rides of the world starts in Paris and ends in Istanbul. What is this train ride most commonly known as? (Hint-Agatha Christie wrote a famous story about this train ride for her Belgium detective, Hercule Poirot and it has been made into several movies.)
Each question is worth 20 points. For Question 2, each correct country is worth 10 points.
Scoring
90-100 You are a smart Europe Geo genius!
70-85 You know a lot!
60 or less You spent too much time in the Pub with Hank, but this quiz will boost your Geo IQ!
Answers
- Trafalgar Square. Here is what I wrote about Trafalgar Square in our London Guide: This is London’s central square, which commemorates Lord Nelson’s victory of the combined fleets of France & Spain in the Napoleonic Wars. The National Art Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are nearby The Tube stop is Charing Cross.
- Belgium and France. French fries are called chips in the British Isles. I have provided some information about Belgium fries from the tourist official website: Belgians “would cut the potatoes in the shape of fish and fry them. And that is why we say Belgian fries. Belgian national dish “les frites’ was wrongly given the name ‘French Fries’ by American servicemen when they arrived in Belgium at the end of the First World War. They named the fries after the French language spoken in Wallonia creating confusion with the invention’s nationality.
- Italy occupies all the land mass of the Italian Peninsula. Here are some Italy facts from our Pinterest page: This unique country with so many famous sites has 20 regions that have their own distinct character. This peninsula country is about 850 miles long & 150 miles wide & it has over 5,000 miles of coastline. It is a land of food & wine and the “sweet life” but it is still the world’s 7th largest industrial power.
Amalfi Coast 
Amalfi Coast cliff side Villa - The Julian Alps. These Alps were named after Julius Caesar. In the center of these mountains are Mt Triglav (3 heads). Slovenes say the 3 peaks are the guardians of water, air & earth. This 9,396 ft. peak is on the national flag. Here is a good photo of Mt. Triglav.
Mt. Triglav, Solvenia - The Orient Express. The official name of this luxury train ride is the Venice-Simplon-Orient Express. If you want to go bring your tux and formal wear and a lot of cash-it costs $19,900 for a suite cabin shared by two!
Our Final Thoughts
For us, learning about Europe and its culture and history makes us want to go back again and again. You might be inspired to see sights you never knew existed. Why not let us plan a trip to Europe for you? Please reach out to us by sending me an email at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com or better yet, call me at 713-397-0188. We want to be your trusted travel advisors. We want to help you: Savor life . . . make memories . . . Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 45 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
- AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
- Viking River Cruise Specialist
- Scenic River Cruise Specialist
- Emerald Waterways Specialist
- Avalon Waterways Specialist
- Brit Agent
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