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THIS IS WHAT AWAITS IN EUROPE

Towering castles. Untamed natural beauty. Captivating history. Can’t-miss cuisine. This is your time, your moment, your chance to discover Europe.

Destination Must-Sees

One of the most well-known tourist destinations in Greece, Olympia is located in the western Peloponnese, known as the “Valley of the Gods.” Surrounded by beautiful scenery from the Arcadian Mountains, it is home of the first Olympic Games that were held in 776 B. Step into history when you walk through the ruins of the ancient Olympic stadium or witness amazing sculptures at the museum.

France’s romantic capital is a must-see destination, and a gorgeous gateway to the wonders the rest of this country has to offer. Whether your ideal Parisian getaway has you spending some free time sipping coffee at a café and watching the bustling city life, roaming the halls of art at the Louvre, or exploring the bohemian artist’s haven — the Montmartre neighborhood, there’s rich history and culture abound in every corner of the City of Light.

Irish countryside:

Take in the atmosphere of quaint seaside villages, see awe inspiring views of the Lakes of Killarney and explore the picturesque town of Kinsale. Wherever you travel in the countryside, you’ll find that the rolling hills and friendly people you encounter will become a part of your fabric.

Ancient cities of Italy:

Italy is positively brimming with the world’s most famous Roman ruins like the Colosseum, Pompeii and many other relics from the ancient past. In fact, many cities in Italy still hold evidence of what once was. You can find an aqueduct, city gate, Roman theater or the ruins of an entire city there.

Destination Must-Dos

Meteora Monastery:

Over 600 years ago Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community atop limestone rock “towers” that extend nearly 900 feet into the air, making them virtually inaccessible. It is one of the greatest monuments in the world, and is the most important monastic center in Greece. You can climb these rocks and travel the paths hidden behind the massive rocks.

The Palace of Versailles

The iconic Palace of Versailles (UNESCO) and its gardens reflect the extravagant tastes of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King." Alongside a local guide, learn the history and admire the various rooms of the State Apartments, including the Queen's bedchamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors. Be sure to explore the incredible gardens, some of the most famous in the world, which took over 40 years to complete and include intricate architecture, elaborate fountains, and gorgeous statues.

Drift down a canal:

While canals are found across Europe, nothing beats a romantic gondola ride in Venice. Locals like to say the best way to explore the city is to ‘get lost.’ So take a ride along these waterways, step off and then wind your way through the intricate blend of bridges, narrow streets and grand squares.

This was the first capital of Spain located about 43 miles south of Madrid. The history of Toledo dates back to the Roman occupation circa 192 B.C. The old city of Toledo sits atop of a small mountain surrounded on three sides by the Tagus River, and medieval walls on the fourth. From the top of the mountain you can get a 180 degree view of the surrounding landscape.

Expert Advice

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Magnificent landscapes combined with the country’s charming traditions and customs offer new experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. Famous for bullfighting, Spain allows you to grab life by the horns and dive into adventure. Whether it’s the eye-catching architecture of Madrid, the bold Spanish wines, or the shimmering Costa del Sol, this country remains a delight to the senses. Once you experience Spain, you’ll never want to leave and when you do, you’ll always be craving more.

Whether it’s old-world traditions and wonderful culture, cuisine, history, fashion or natural beauty, Italy is special to many people for different reasons. Few other countries boast so many legendary cities. There are also many charming hill towns and coastal villages that showcase Italy’s amazing natural beauty. From the big cities to the small towns, there is always something exciting to see in Italy. With so many reasons to visit, the rest is up to you!

A rendezvous with a magnifique experience awaits! As cliché as it sounds, France truly has something for everyone. With over two dozen cities, each with their own nuances of the French culture and contributions to its history, architecture, art and last but not least, the gastronomical delights that the French are famous for throughout the world are yours to explore, experience and fall in love with during your stay. Coast to coast, border to border, there are seemingly endless variations on your French experience to be had. Rolling hills and scenic valleys lined with the fruit of the gods; seaside towns, along sandy beaches with views you just might be sharing with royalty; or maybe snowcapped mountain ranges providing some of the best skiing in the world and an adrenaline rush to match is what you seek. Whatever you decide, France easily makes you feel as if you have stepped out of reality and into the art you learned about and loved since you were a child.

A gem of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is a paradise. On the coasts, sun-soaked beaches meet breathtaking hillside towns all down the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. In the cities, ancient structures rise up shoulder-to-shoulder with modern living. Everywhere you turn, you can find mouth-watering food paired with delicious local wines, medieval architecture paired with Moorish artistic influence, and friendly locals paired with charming attitudes. No matter what you seek, when you go, where you look, or how long you stay, Portugal offers something for every traveler.

At the heart of Europe, monumental contemporary and historic events shape today’s Germany. From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the rise of the Beatles in Hamburg, the culture of the country is marked by its influential past and present. Imagine yourself exploring postcard-worthy castles such as Neuschwanstein or wandering through medieval cities such as Regensburg. From the Bavarian Alps to the Rhine Gorge to the plains of the north, the range of Germany’s landscapes will capture your heart. Perhaps you’ll also indulge your taste buds as you sample the delicious Marzipan sweet treats of the Hanseatic port of Lubeck, which have been produced there for over 200 years. Whether on a journey on the ‘Romantic Road’ or cruising along the Rhine, know that a stein of German beer or a glass of wine from the Rhine vineyards are both a worthy compliment to a destination that offers far more than the average traveler anticipates.

Switzerland

Incredible skiing on the Swiss Alps and delectable Swiss chocolate are only two reasons for visiting Switzerland. Located between Austria, France, Germany and Italy, you can get quite a diverse European cultural experience depending on which region of Switzerland you choose. And though the food, music, art and people themselves are very much influenced by their European neighbors, they are all still uniquely Swiss. You will leave with plenty of memories to savor for a lifetime.

Listen for the music of the great classical composers. Seek out grand capitals and wide boulevards. Austria travel takes you to fairytale landscapes and glorious castles. You are in Austria, a country that brings together a distinct culture with a diverse landscape.

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"The Europe Escape 12 day tour by Expat was AMAZING. It was well thought, allowing us to visit so many bucket list stops." Anthony, traveled in April 2024

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"The hotels were good, but some hotels were packed for breakfast time. It was a chance to meet new friends and learning the history and culture of different countries." Tram, traveled in April 2024

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"The trip is compact and efficient and the optional excursions add on the contents. A really caring and professional tour leader." Aihong, traveled in October 2023

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"It was quick paced, and just a taste of each country. I especially liked the extra experiences, the added excursions." Pamela, traveled in August 2023

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"It was a nice trip and we have enjoyed it. We were 42 and could have introduced each other." Adebabay, traveled in May 2024

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"Tour was more than we could have expected. Patrick (Director) and Tyson (Driver) were excellent." Dennis, traveled in June 2019

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Europe Tours & Vacations

Enduring, eclectic, endlessly appealing – Europe is easy to explore and impossible to forget. 

Trying to decide between hiking through rugged wilderness, touring 13th-century churches and sipping wine in the sun? In Europe you can do it all and do it well. The walkable ruins of Italy will transport you back to a time when the Romans ruled an empire. Sweden’s indulgent national dishes will have your tastebuds begging for more. The natural beauty found in Scotland is guaranteed to ignite the mythical side of your imagination. And that’s only the beginning. From the breezy Mediterranean to the chilly Baltics, our European tours have something for every traveler.

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Browse by holiday destination, europe travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do you need a visa to travel to Europe?

Whether or not you need a visa to travel to European countries largely depends on the nationality on your passport and whether the country you're traveling to is part of the Schengen Agreement.

This agreement sees 26 European countries offer visa-free travel to nationals from 60 other countries including Australia, the United States, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom. 

To determine whether the country you're traveling to requires a visa, head to the   Schengen Visa's information website.  

What is the internet access like in Europe?

You can easily access the internet in most countries in Europe, generally in capital cities and other major towns. Internet access may be limited in regional locations such as national parks or remote villages in some countries. 

Can I use my cell phone in Europe?

You shouldn't have a problem using your cell phone while traveling throughout Europe, however, your international data roaming will need to be activated in order to connect to the internet or send messages (unless you connect to the local wi-fi). 

What are the toilets like in Europe?

Modern, flushable toilets are the standard in the majority of European countries. 

Can I drink the water in Europe?

Tap water in most European countries is considered safe to drink unless it is otherwise marked. 

When should I book a tour in Europe?

There is no 'best time' to travel around Europe as most countries offer plenty to do in every season of the year.

T he most popular time to travel to countries like Greece, Italy, and Croatia is during the summer months (June, July, and August) so you can make the most of each country's respective beaches and warm weather.

C ountries such as Iceland, Norway, and Sweden are known for their snowy landscapes and northern lights sightings during Winter (December, January, and February).

How much does a Europe tour cost?

A tour in Europe can vary depending on the countries you want to visit, the style of tour, and how long you want to go for but you can expect to pay anywhere between USD$1,000 to USD$5,000, with most tours around USD$2,500. 

Is tipping common in Europe?

Tipping isn't as prevalent in Europe as it is in some other countries and definitely isn't expected, but if you like the quality of service you've been given at hotels, restaurants etc then a tip is always appreciated. 

Are credit cards widely accepted in Europe?

While credit cards are accepted in all European countries (especially in capital cities and other larger cities), smaller cafes or local run businesses may not have EFTPOS machines so it's always best to carry around a little cash to cover these expenses. 

What is ATM access like in Europe?

You should have no problem finding ATMs in most European cities. 

What currency will I need on a Europe tour?

The official currency of Europe is the Euro (€), however, only 19 of the 28 countries in the European Union use this. Countries that still use their own currency include Norway, Switzerland, Belarus, Croatia, Denmark, and Sweden. 

Is Europe safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

Europe is considered a reasonably safe continent for LGBTQIA+ travelers with plenty of countries openly accepting, welcoming, and embracing the community.

This is evident in large capital cities such as Paris, Berlin, Madrid, and Vienna.

Some countries still hold traditional religious beliefs such as Belarus and Poland so a degree of caution should be taken when travelling around cities and remote regions in those countries.

Will I need a socket adapter for Europe?

If you plan on traveling to multiple countries throughout Europe then purchasing an all-in-one, worldwide adapter is the safest way to go.

I f you don't want to do that, your safest bet is to buy an adapter that uses C or E/F-type plugs as most European countries recognize this. 

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

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Explore more explore more your guide to travelling through europe.

23 April, 2024

Situated at the crossroads of Europe and the Balkans, Bulgaria is a hidden treasure just waiting to be discovered. The history of this enchanting Eastern European country is one that spans from the ancient Thracian civilisations to the magnificence of the Bulgarian Empire. The region beckons...

25 March, 2024

Morocco is a captivating destination where its vivid culture and historical depth converge, presenting a landscape as varied as it is fascinating. Bordered by both sea and sand, its terrain spans from serene coastlines to rugged mountains, and offers an incredibly diverse range of climates...

12 February, 2024

Ciao Italy! TruTravels is back, unveiling their latest European tour, 'Slice of Italy'. Get ready to leave a pizza your heart in Italy, with this amazing new Italian tour launching in October 2024. As the go-to crew for social adventure experiences, TruTravels redefine touring for the new...

08 May, 2023

Offering a rich tapestry of vibrant colours, flavours, character and history, there are plenty of reasons to visit Greece. Every corner of this Aegean paradise is laden with awe-inspiring scenes. Greece is turquoise waters, breathtaking mountain ranges, dramatic hillsides punctuated with...

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Travel tips for our Europe tours

There are plenty of options when it comes to exploring the continent. Some of the most popular destinations to visit on a tour of Europe include Italy, Greece, Spain, and Ireland.

On our travel packages to Europe, you can choose to explore a particular location in depth, such as on a week-long Paris City Stay or a two-week Grand Tour of Italy .

If you're looking for a multi-country trip, you can join our Grand Tour of Europe: London to Rome , for a taste of several destinations. Our team of regional experts is available to help you find the adventure that aligns with your interests.

Discover six things to experience your first time traveling to Europe →

Europe is a year-round destination with varying climates across its many countries and regions. The best time to visit Europe depends on what type of experience you’d like to have and which destinations you’ll be visiting.

• Summer. A popular time to travel to Europe is summer because warm, sunny days lend themselves to exploring the outdoors. In July, the average high temperature in London, England, is in the 70s Fahrenheit—while in Rome, Italy, the average high is in the 80s.
• Spring and Fall. Some travelers prefer to travel on our Europe tour packages during the spring and fall because temperatures are more comfortable and popular sites are less crowded.
• Winter. A wonderful time to take a European tour is the winter. During this time of year, travelers can stroll through festive holiday markets, visit excellent museums, and settle in for tasty meals of seasonal specialties. To take the stress out of planning a winter trip, we even offer Europe trip packages specifically designed for visiting  Christmas markets .

One of the main benefits of joining our guided tours of Europe is having the opportunity to visit must-see sites with an expert leading the way. When you go guided with Go Ahead we’ll help you skip the long lines at popular landmarks. Here are some attractions you’ll get the opportunity to see on our group tours of Europe:

• The Colosseum in Rome, Italy
• The National Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy
• St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy
• The Alhambra in Granada, Spain
• The Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain
• La Sagrada Família church in Barcelona, Spain
• The Acropolis in Athens, Greece
• The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland
• The Titanic Museum in Belfast, Northern Ireland
• The Hungarian Parliament building in Budapest, Hungary
• Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria
• The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, Norway
• Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, Denmark

We recommend you spend at least six days in Europe. While our most popular Europe tours run from 10–14 days, you can enjoy a shorter trip if you limit your tour to one country or visit a handful of cities in neighboring countries.

Looking for ideas on where to spend a week in Europe? Check out our recommendations for Europe trips →

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and fantastic food, Italy is a popular destination for your first European trip. But plenty of other countries are worth visiting depending on your interests and concerns about international travel. For example, if the language barrier makes you nervous, Ireland, Scotland, or England make great first-time trips for visiting Europe.

Learn about the best international trips for first-time travelers  →

Yes! On our Europe tours, you’ll get the chance to explore multiple countries. Europe’s compact size and efficient transportation network make it easier—and more enticing—to take in numerous countries on one trip.

Some of our popular multi-country trips to Europe are Italy & Greece ; England & France ; Portugal & Spain ; Scotland & Ireland ; Germany, Switzerland & Austria ; and Norway, Sweden, Finland & Denmark .

Check out the best multi-country trips to book now →

Experiencing Europe—for the first time or your 10th time—should be all about taking in the culture, the food, the history, and the sheer joy of new discoveries. Imagine doing all that without researching or booking any of these travel essentials. That’s the advantage of our all-in-one tour packages. Every Go Ahead tour includes an expert Tour Director and talented local guides to lead the way, so you can sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty, history, and culture of Europe. No figuring out transportation, researching hotels, or booking flights is required.

Read about the 10 big benefits of seeing Europe on a guided tour →

The typical timeframe to book a trip to Europe is about six months or more. However, there are plenty of benefits to planning even further in advance. On our European tours, you can set up an automatic payment plan, work out what you want to see and do in your free time, and even connect with fellow travelers on our free EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app .

Looking to travel to Europe soon? Shop our Last-Minute Specials →

Yes! The holidays are an exciting time to travel on our Europe trips because they offer an exceptional opportunity to visit Europe’s Christmas Markets  and to experience countries’ unique holiday traditions. The holidays are a magical time in many European countries, allowing you to soak in the seasonal ambiance, enjoy festive food, and pick up unique gifts.

Thankfully, that’s a tough question to answer, as so many European countries offer delicious food. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference, so you’re sure to find something you love no matter which country you visit. One strong contender for the top spot, however, is Italy.

Best known for its pasta, pizza, cheeses, and gelato, Italy is a foodie’s delight. That’s because the purest expression of Italian cooking relies on farm-fresh ingredients, and the cuisine changes from region to region. Fresh, delicious, and unlike anything you’ve tried outside the country, Italian food never disappoints the palate.

Wondering what to eat in Italy? Check out these regional dishes →

Another foodie's favorite destination in Europe is France. From its boeuf bourguignon to its pain au chocolat, France is known for its world-class culinary scene and timeless favorite dishes. While you’re guaranteed to taste delicious dishes no matter where you travel to France , the type of French food you’ll find depends on the region and season. The north of France features heavier dishes; the south features fresh fish, lean meat, and grilled vegetables.

Wondering what to eat in France? Check out these delicious dishes →

While individual countries take pride in their languages, English is widely spoken in Europe.

For tips on using the euro while on a trip to Europe, check out our blog post about currency exchange →

We recommend packing light for your trip to Europe. One suitcase and one carry-on per person is a good guideline to follow; you should feel comfortable managing your baggage at the airport. After you’ve reserved one of our Europe tour packages, we’ll give you information about how to prepare for your particular trip and even share a packing list in our mobile app.

• Sun protection. For all our trips, especially during the summer months in Europe, we recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the sun.
• Layers. For tours of Europe, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• Comfortable walking shoes. Because you’ll be exploring new destinations with local guides while on your trip, a comfortable pair of walking shoes is essential. Whether hitting the landmarks of London or on a walking tour of Amsterdam, you’ll be glad you brought your most comfortable footwear.
• Dressier attire. You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance on any of our Europe trips.
• Full-coverage layers for religious sites. In Europe, it is preferable not to visit churches, temples, or other religious sites with bare legs or shoulders, and entrance may be denied on this basis.
• Other must-bring items. A camera to take photos during your journey, and a notebook for jotting down notes or recommendations your Tour Director shares.

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Europe's travel strikes: Flight and train disruption you can expect in July

Our guide is updated as soon as a new European strike is announced.

Strikes are a regular occurrence in Europe, as employees withhold their labour to fight for better pay and conditions.

Walkouts are sometimes planned months ahead but others are announced last minute, showing that it always pays to check before you travel.

Luckily, we have gathered all of the strike information together below.

Read on to find out where and when are walkouts taking place.

If your flight or train is cancelled or delayed, you will be entitled to a new ticket or compensation. Read our guide for the full details.

• Why I’m racing to get my French citizenship before the EU’s Entry/Exit System launches in October
• Cancelled flight? EU and UK consumer rights and what you’re entitled to

Italy: Airport workers plan nationwide walkout

Unionised staff at various airports across Italy plan to strike on 5 July .

Affected airports include Bologna, Crotone, Lamezia Terme, Milan, Reggio Calabria, Rome and Venice, with walk outs hitting at different times of day. Disruption to flights is likely.

Ireland: Pilots continue indefinite strike

Pilots for Ireland 's flag carrier Aer Lingus began an indefinite 'work-to-rule' strike on 26 June. This means they will not work outside of their set hours or accept changes to their schedules. About 400 flights have been cancelled up until 7 July .

Ongoing pay talks have seen formal intervention from the country's Labour Court, with a hearing scheduled for Wednesday 3 July.

Affected passengers will be notified by text or email but if you have a booking with the airline, it's best to check your flight status before you leave home.

UK: Gatwick braces for disruption in July

Workers at London Gatwick Airport will walk out later this month in a dispute over pay.

Around 300 security and passenger services staff will strike from 12-14 July and 18-21 July . It could delays in baggage screening and affect passengers in need of special assistance.

Further action could take place over the busy summer holidays if the dispute is not settled.

• UK passport holders warned to check expiry date after hundreds stopped from flying
• Refunds and compensation: Everything you are entitled to if your flight is delayed or cancelled

France strikes: Could strikes hit the Paris Olympics?

CGT-RATP union members announced a seven-month strike notice from 5 February to 9 September that could hit the Ile-de-France bus and metro network - including during this summer's Olympic Games.

However, the French Senate adopted a bill on 9 April to allow the state to ban transport strikes for set periods each year to avoid disruption during major events like Paris 2024 . It also calls for more advance warning of strikes and increased minimum service obligations.

The bill faces opposition and must be adopted by the French National Assembly before it becomes law.

Workers at the state-owned public transport company say they are walking out over pay.

Netherlands: Public transport strikes planned in September

A public transport strike has been announced in the Netherland's biggest cities on 12 September , with more walk outs possible.

It comes ahead of the Cabinet's budget proposal, which workers hope will include plans to allow those in physically demanding jobs to retire earlier.

Services in Amsterdam , The Hague and Rotterdam will be impacted.

If you know of a big strike happening in your country that we have missed, we'd love to hear from you via Twitter .

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When and why are Heathrow Airport staff striking?

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US military bases in Europe raise security threat levels

The Spangdahlem Air Base main gate March 2020. Spangdahlem issued an alert that said 52nd Fighter Wing airmen were prohibited from wearing their uniforms off base as a precaution, and must commute in civilian clothing. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

STUTTGART, Germany — U.S. military bases in Europe were put on a heightened state of alert over the weekend as installations urged vigilance among their members.

At U.S. European Command headquarters in Stuttgart, the Army garrison on Sunday issued a communitywide alert that the force protection threat level was elevated to condition “Charlie” until further notice.

Similar directives were sent to other bases in Germany, including the Army’s Rheinland-Pfalz and Ramstein Air Base, which together form the largest U.S. military community overseas. The Rheinland-Pfalz garrison alert includes Baumholder and outlying installations in Romania and Bulgaria.

Aviano Air Base in Italy also rose its condition level to Charlie, and other installations in Italy introduced enhanced security measures.

The Charlie threat level “applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely,” according to the Army’s website.

Service members and others should anticipate significant delays at gate entry points because of increased security, according to the alerts.

U.S. Army garrison in Stuttgart referred questions about the change in force protection to EUCOM.

EUCOM said in a statement Sunday that it is “constantly assessing a variety of factors that play into the safety of the U.S. military community abroad. As part of that effort, we often times take additional steps to ensure the safety of our service members.”

Military community members should report any suspicious activity, monitor State Department travel advisories and take precautions to minimize personal risk, the statement added.

Typically, military commands decline to get into specifics about changes in force protection measures for security reasons.

On Saturday, Spangdahlem Air Base, an installation in rural western Germany, issued its own alert that said 52nd Fighter Wing airmen were prohibited from wearing their uniforms off base as a precaution, and must commute in civilian clothing.

Spangdahlem officials on Saturday said that measures are in place to protect the community but that for “operational security reasons,” the base could not provide more details.

In years past, commands have taken similar action on uniform wearing over concerns about terrorism threats. In 2010, EUCOM issued a directive that temporarily prohibited troops from wearing uniforms off post.

In 2014, EUCOM limited uniform wearing off base to commuting, a restriction that the command began to relax in 2022.

The military sets force protection levels at either Normal, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie or Delta, the highest state of alert. Bravo became common on bases for many years following the 9/11 attacks.

Charlie sets in motion “curtailment plans for nonessential personnel,” according to the Army.

Garrison officials in Stuttgart said that a variety of services would not be available because of the increased threat level. From Sunday until further notice, some of those reduced services included access to some eateries and on-post barber shops.

“Many other services will have significant numbers of employees teleworking or offices will be opened with reduced staff. Customers should maintain flexibility and allow for longer-than-normal service times,” the garrison said in a statement.

In recent weeks, U.S. officials have been sounding the alarm on increased terrorism threats, stemming from the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the ongoing war in Gaza.

“We’ve seen the threat from foreign terrorists rise to a whole ‘nother level after October 7,” FBI director Christopher Wray said in June 4 written testimony before the Senate.

Stars and Stripes reporter Jennifer H. Svan and Phillip Walter Wellman contributed to this report.

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• US service members at some locations in Europe can wear uniforms off base again

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The Taylor Swift Economy Has Landed in Europe

Economists are debating what effect the singer’s sweep through Europe will have this summer as swarms of fans increase demand for hotels and services.

By Eshe Nelson

Reporting from London

It’s not just Taylor Swift fans keeping a close eye on her Eras Tour dates. One of Europe’s most prominent economists is acutely aware that the singer is spending the summer jetting between Europe’s stadiums.

Philip Lane, the chief economist at the European Central Bank, had the pop star on his mind when he spoke at an event on Monday. The interviewer had asked him about the risk that stubborn inflation in the services sector could intensify, especially with Europe heading into a particularly busy summer with the Olympics in Paris and the Euro 2024 soccer championship in Germany.

“Well, that’s very interesting,” he said at the event . “You managed to say all that without saying Taylor Swift.”

Ms. Swift is touring Europe this summer, bringing in her wake hundreds of thousands of Swifties spending on airfare, hotels, restaurants and friendship bracelets . On Friday, she will perform the first of eight shows at London’s Wembley Stadium; about 700,000 people are expected to see the shows in the British capital. And analysts are debating the economic footprint it will leave.

Economists in the United States know that Eras is an economic tour de force. As consumers splurged on concerts, meals, vacations and other recreational experiences they missed out on during pandemic lockdowns, one company estimated that the tour could generate $4.6 billion in North America alone from spending on tickets, merchandise and travel.

Central bankers are justified in scrutinizing the potential inflationary effects of the arrival of a global superstar: In May last year, when Beyoncé kicked off her Renaissance World Tour in Stockholm, an economist attributed a blip in the inflation data to the singer’s concert, as fans traveled from afar to witness the first show.

Europe’s central banks have started to cut interest rates — or are poised to — as inflation has slowed substantially over the past year, putting their 2 percent target rates within sight. But there are lingering concerns that inflationary pressures have not been stamped out because price gains for services, which include hotels and restaurants, are repeatedly higher than expected.

The demand that the Eras Tour creates for hotel rooms and flights across Europe could push up prices that feed into each country’s inflation rate. Central bankers are sensitive to even minute changes in the data as they try to distinguish one-off effects from lasting ones. If central bankers worry that inflation is not slowing as expected, they could hold off cutting rates.

“All those tiny quirks are going to matter a lot,” said Lucas Krishan, a strategist at TD Securities in London. They can “muddle the picture for central banks heading into these decisions.”

Last month, Portugal’s inflation rate accelerated, in part because of a jump in hotel prices in Lisbon “resulting from a major cultural event,” the country’s statistics office said. Ms. Swift performed in Lisbon on May 24 and 25.

The impact that events like Ms. Swift’s tour have on inflation can be mitigated by how well a country’s economists anticipate the effect of her concerts so investors and others are not surprised by the data. Policymakers at the European Central Bank have said that the path back to 2 percent inflation will be “bumpy” and that a relatively strong tourism season is already baked into their forecasts.

But Mr. Krishan said it was possible that Ms. Swift's concerts in August, when the tour swings back through London, could increase services inflation in Britain, especially because one of her tour dates may coincide with the day that the nation’s statistics agency records price data. If hotel prices follow the pattern set when she played in Liverpool this month, services inflation could rise as much as 0.3 percentage points. Higher-than-expected inflation data in August could encourage Bank of England officials to hold off on cutting rates in September, Mr. Krishan said.

Other analysts are skeptical of Ms. Swift’s ability to have a seismic impact that shows up in national statistics.

“Taylor Swift is unlikely to be affecting central bank policy. She’s unlikely to be affecting government policy,” said George Moran, an economist at Nomura. “And I don’t think it’s a sustainable option for growth in a country to rely on having superstar concerts.”

Barclays predicted that Ms. Swift's tour would lead to a bump of nearly 1 billion pounds ($1.3 billion) in the British economy , but those suggestions are hard to substantiate, Mr. Moran said, because no one knows how much people are diverting their spending from other activities. Even then, £1 billion would not be enough to revitalize Britain’s stagnant economy .

Still, Mr. Moran added that for individual cities and certain sectors, the tour could have a meaningful impact. When tickets went on sale last summer, Airbnb searches in host cities increased more than 300 percent on average, the company said. The Greater London authority estimated that Ms. Swift’s eight London shows would generate £300 million for the economy .

“The impact is going to be more local than macro,” Mr. Moran said. “Taylor Swift is obviously a massive phenomenon, and the areas that she’s visiting is causing a big buzz in the hospitality sector.”

Eshe Nelson is a reporter based in London, covering economics and business news for The New York Times. More about Eshe Nelson

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Taylor swift surprises dublin crowd with debut of new song in set, pearl jam cancels additional european tour dates due to unspecified illness: “the band has yet to make a full recovery”.

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Pearl Jam is canceling two European tour dates due to a continued unspecified illness.

The band shared a statement on social media on Sunday informing fans in Berlin that they would not be making an appearance.

“We are sorry to share that the Pearl Jam concerts scheduled for Tuesday, July 2nd and Wednesday, July 3rd in Berlin are cancelled,” read the statement shared on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “Tickets will be refunded at the point of purchase. Thank you for continued understanding and support, it means the world.”

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Pearl Jam said that the band doesn’t “take these decisions lightly and try to do everything possible to show up for” the fans.

“We wish a reschedule had been possible for this tour leg and hope to come back to Berlin soon,” the band added. “Tickets will be refunded at the point of purchase. Thank you for continued understanding and support, it means the world.”

We are sorry to share that the Pearl Jam concerts scheduled for Tuesday, July 2nd and Wednesday, July 3rd in Berlin are cancelled. Tickets will be refunded at the point of purchase. Thank you for continued understanding and support, it means the world. – Pearl Jam pic.twitter.com/fXIcjizGX8 — Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) June 30, 2024

The band previously had canceled an appearance set for Saturday, June 29, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London “due to illness in the band.”

Pearl Jam’s next scheduled appearance is for July 6 in Barcelona.

The Pearl Jam concert scheduled for Saturday, June 29th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London has regrettably been canceled due to illness in the band. Tickets will be refunded at point of purchase. pic.twitter.com/mocdoxw5no — Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) June 28, 2024

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Zelensky hails 'historic' day as Biden makes surprise visit to Kyiv

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And that's all we have time for

Thank you for joining us.

• There's a full recap of the day's events in our latest news story here
• If you want to find out how the president's surprise visit was kept a secret, we have this account for you
• And our full coverage of the war in Ukraine can be found here .

Today's writers were Laura Gozzi, Thomas Mackintosh, Rachel Russell and Charley Adams.

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What's happened today?

It's been a busy start to the week for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as his US counterpart Joe Biden paid him a visit first thing on Monday.

Here are some of the highlights of the day:

• US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv - his first since the start of the war. He left Ukraine early on Monday afternoon ahead of a three-day visit to Poland
• Before leaving, Biden and Zelensky gave a joint address in Kyiv, where Zelensky thanked Biden for the "unwavering" support Ukraine had received from the US
• Biden also pledged another $500m in military aid including weapons and moves to further tighten sanctions against Russia
• The US president received praise for his visit to the country, with the trip being described as “very important” in showing Russia that it is not winning the war
• Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers have been meeting in Brussels to discuss the bloc's latest sanctions package against Russia, which will be announced over the course of the week
• Russian President Putin is due to give his State of the Union speech on Tuesday that will be largely about the war in Ukraine - just a day after Biden said he was "dead wrong" on the conflict and warned the US would back Ukraine in its fight against Russia for "as long as it takes"

Ukrainians remind us that freedom is priceless - Biden

US President Joe Biden tweeted a little earlier at the end of his surprise visit to Ukraine.

"Putin thought Ukraine was weak and the West was divided. He thought he could outlast us," he said.

"He was just plain wrong. One year later, here we stand together - united with the people of Ukraine."

In a separate tweet, he shared pictures of his meeting with Zelensky and said the US would support Ukraine "for as long as it takes".

EU approval of further Russian sanctions imminent, says foreign policy chief

Further EU sanctions against Russia should be approved by the end of the week at the latest, according to the bloc’s foreign policy chief.

Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Joseph Borrell said the measures would target four Russian banks, as well as imports and exports.

He told reporters it would be "approved in the next hours" or at least before Friday, according to Reuters.

It comes after foreign ministers met in Brussels to discuss the bloc's latest sanctions package against Russia.

The 10th package of sanctions, which still require the unanimous support of all EU states, would target rubber imports and exports including heavy vehicles.

Ukraine is on the frontier of global freedom - adviser

More now on President's Biden's "historic" visit to Kyiv, the importance of which is difficult to overestimate, according to an adviser to Ukraine's defence ministry.

Yuriy Sak says Biden's surprise arrival shows how important it is that Ukraine wins in the fight against its Russian invaders.

"We have shown to the world during the last 12 months that we are committed to protecting our country, we are committed to protecting [the] European future, we are fighting for the global values of democracy and freedom," he told the BBC World Service's Newshour programme.

"And of course today's visit highlights and underlines this simple truth that today Ukraine is on the frontier of global freedom and the Western allies stand with us firmly until our victory."

How Biden's surprise visit was kept a secret

Sarah Smith

North America Editor

It was an audacious trip almost unheard of for a US president.

Appearing in a war zone under regular attack, White House officials describe Joe Biden's unexpected visit to Ukraine's capital Kyiv as "unprecedented in modern times".

They say previous presidential trips to wartime Iraq and Afghanistan had the back up of a heavy US military presence.

And despite widespread speculation among the press corps that Biden might be planning a trip to Ukraine while he was in Poland, the visit still took everyone completely by surprise.

The sight of him appearing beside President Volodymyr Zelensky in the heart of Kyiv and under the sound of air raid sirens, makes a louder statement than anything he can say in a speech in Poland.

"It was risky and should leave no doubt in anyone's mind that Joe Biden is a leader who takes commitment seriously," said White House communications director Kate Bedingfield.

• Read the full story of how Joe Biden made it to Kyiv here

US stands 'united with Ukraine' with weapons pledge

We heard earlier that President Biden has promised almost $500m (£415m) worth of weapons to Ukraine, including extra artillery ammunition and anti-armour weapons.

The US president announced his weapons pledge during a surprise visit to Kyiv today.

In a subsequent statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said an extra $10m (£8.3m) is also being authorised to provide emergency assistance to keep Ukraine's energy infrastructure up and running in the face of Russia's attacks.

The US continues to "rally the world to support Ukraine", said Blinken, adding that: "We applaud the more than 50 countries who have come together in solidarity with Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Quote Message: Russia could end its war today. Until it does so, we will stand united with Ukraine for as long as it takes to strengthen its military on the battlefield so that they will be in the strongest possible position at any future negotiating table." from Antony Blinken US Secretary of State Russia could end its war today. Until it does so, we will stand united with Ukraine for as long as it takes to strengthen its military on the battlefield so that they will be in the strongest possible position at any future negotiating table." Antony Blinken US Secretary of State

Biden's visit couldn't have come at a more dramatic time

John Simpson

World Affairs Editor

As a move on the geopolitical chessboard, Biden's visit comes at a highly critical moment. Vladimir Putin is to make a major statement tomorrow about the future of the war.

And China's top diplomat has just arrived in Moscow at a time when the Americans are warning that China's thinking of supplying Russia with weapons.

For his part, Ukraine's President Zelensky is in an optimistic mood. He told me the other day that Ukraine just had to hold on until it could launch its own counter offensive.

But the EU's foreign affairs Chief Joseph Borrell gave a stark warning yesterday that unless Europe supplied Ukraine with more weapons, the war would be lost.

So President Biden's appearance in Kyiv couldn't have happened at a more dramatic time.

It was a rallying cry to the West ,a warning to Russia and China, and above all a binding assurance to Ukraine that the US wouldn't let it be defeated.

Diplomats with long memories are already comparing it to President Kennedy's speech at the Berlin Wall in 1961.

In pictures: Biden and Zelensky meet in Kyiv

US President Joe Biden has today made a surprise visit to Kyiv, as the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches.

Ukraine's President Zelensky thanked Biden for his support and described the visit as "the most important visit in the history of Ukrainian-American relations".

Biden leaves note for Zelensky after visit

US President Joe Biden said Kyiv had "captured a part of my heart" after his surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital today.

He has since shared a note he left to mark his visit in which he thanked President Zelensky for his welcome and praised his courage and leadership.

Japan pledges extra $5.5bn in aid to Ukraine

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said Japan will offer Ukraine a further $5.5bn (£4.5bn) in financial support as the one-year anniversary of the war breaking out approaches this week.

Japan had already given Ukraine around $600m, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of emergency humanitarian assistance, according to the prime minister's office.

Kishida, speaking at a think tank symposium in Tokyo, said: "There is still a need to assist people whose livelihoods have been destroyed by the war, and to restore destroyed infrastructure."

He also announced Japan would host a video conference of the G7 leaders with Zelensky on Friday, the day of the invasion's anniversary.

We will defeat Goliath - Ukrainian defence minister

Ukraine's defence minister has alluded to the pledge of further military support by comparing the Russian invasion to the battle of David and Goliath.

Oleksii Reznikov said on Twitter : "No-one believed that David would defeat Goliath, but it happened thanks to that stone in a sling. In our case, David, with the help of the weapons from our friends, will defeat Goliath."

It follows an unannounced visit by US President Joe Biden to Kyiv today, where he promised a new military aid package for Ukraine worth $500m (£415m).

In an interview with Forbes magazine on Sunday , Reznikov said the world "now believes it’s possible to stop Russia on the battlefield".

"Our president, Zelensky, together with the US and Europe, let the entire world know how Ukraine would fight 'the second army in the world', and the world believes that's possible," he added.

Difficult for West to accept Russia's invasion of Ukraine - Polish PM

Adam Easton

Reporting from Warsaw

Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has said many Western politicians found it difficult to accept the idea that Russia could invade Ukraine.

“For many, Putin’s decision to attack Ukraine was as difficult to accept as Copernicus’ theses that the Earth revolves around the Sun,” the prime minister said during a speech in the Polish astronomer’s hometown of Torun today.

“The greenhouse conditions in which many Western politicians and Western elites have come to live in have put their minds to sleep,” he added.

Biden was offered other locations in Ukraine to visit

Lyse Doucet

Chief international correspondent, in Kyiv

You don't get much more powerful than Joe Biden and in his address today he emphasised he was the first world leader to speak to President Zelensky when Russian troops first rumbled over the border last year.

He mentioned in his comments when he spoke to President Zelensky he could hear the explosions in the backdrop, and one year on here we are.

Now, Biden is back in Kyiv, in the middle of a war and the choice of Kyiv is very symbolic.

We understand from sources that other locations were suggested to the American president, including Lviv in the west, which would have been much safer and easier to get to.

But he made the 10-hour train journey to the capital to send as strong a symbol as possible, all the while discussing the very difficult substance of this war which seems to have no end.

Talks were meaningful and important - Zelensky

Earlier, Zelensky praised the visit of the US president as "the most important visit in the history of Ukrainian-American relations".

He said Ukraine was fighting "for its freedom and freedom for all Europeans, for all people of the free world...

"It emphasises how much we have already achieved and what historical results we can achieve together with the whole world, with Ukraine, with the United States, with the whole of Europe.

Quote Message: Today's talks with Joseph Biden were exactly as meaningful and important as it has already become a tradition for relations between our countries." from Volodymyr Zelensky Ukrainian President Today's talks with Joseph Biden were exactly as meaningful and important as it has already become a tradition for relations between our countries." Volodymyr Zelensky Ukrainian President

The logistics of getting a president to a country at war

There had been widespread speculation among the press corps that President Biden might be planning a trip to Kyiv. Yet today's visit still took everyone completely by surprise.

According to the White House schedule issued yesterday, Biden was due to fly to Warsaw later tonight.

There were two suspiciously lengthy gaps in the itinerary of his two-day trip to Poland and we wondered if that might be when he would slip into Ukraine. Instead, journalists in Washington woke up to find the trip had already happened.

Air Force One took off at 04.15 EST (09.15 GMT) on Sunday. The small pool of reporters travelling with the president were sworn to secrecy and not allowed to report the trip until after his arrival. BBC teams in Kyiv had noticed increased security measures around the city, but did not know for sure who was due to visit.

President Biden made a 10-hour train journey to Kyiv from Poland, as air travel is not safe in the war zone, leaving reporters like me, who thought they were travelling with the president tonight, making a trip on an aircraft that will not be called Air Force One. That call sign is only used when the president is on board.

Israeli officials arrive in Kyiv to reiterate support

Apart from the rather high-profile visit of a certain Mr Biden, high ranking officials from other countries are visiting Ukraine this week to share their support for the country.

Members from Israel's house of representatives - otherwise known as Knesset - were pictured on social media arriving in Kyiv today.

These included former Israeli Health Minister Yuli-Yoel Edelstein and Ze'ev Elkin, who is also a Knesset member and deputy chairman of the Tikva New Hope party.

Biden's visit is 'important political theatre'

Scott Lucas, professor of International politics at University College Dublin, says Biden’s visit to Kyiv this morning is “huge, it’s huge as political theatre, and political theatre is important in this resistance to the Russian invasion".

“Biden is there showing US support for President Zelensky, but he repeatedly talked about international support for Ukraine, more than 50 countries providing economic and military support and continuing to do so," he tells BBC News.

“There are the practical outcomes to this visit, such as the US commitment to the $500m in military aid.

“But also I think it is setting out the fact that this is not going to be a matter of days or weeks.

“We now know that the first phase of the war has ended really with a Russian defeat.

"Russia hasn’t been able to take Kyiv - again symbolised by Biden’s visit today - they haven’t been able to take over much of the country, they will struggle even with their last-ditch offensive in most of the east. And now we enter the second phase, the second year of the war and how far Ukraine can go with its counter-offensive.”

Visit shows Ukraine is 'closer to victory'

Alice Cuddy

Reporting from Kyiv

We’ve been getting more reaction from people on the streets of the Ukrainian capital.

Dmytro Yakovets, 26, says the visit is “very important”.

“When a leader of a nation comes, it shows the government supports us and that the people of that country support us,” he says.

“It also helps Ukrainians see that we’re not alone in this war and that such a powerful player in the international arena - as the US is - is supporting us.”

Dmytro adds he thinks the visit has brought Ukraine “closer to victory”.

Europe fights to maintain solidarity

Katya Adler

Europe Editor

Joe Biden's surprise visit to Ukraine on Monday is a striking show of solidarity - an intentionally powerful message to Moscow - as Kyiv prepares to mark the grim and bloody one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion.

Ukraine's government was understandably thrilled to see the US president, but - as a professional Europe watcher - one comment stood out for me in particular.

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Melnyk celebrated what he described as "the presence of our important, main partner".

Shouldn't that be Europe?

Vladimir Putin's aggressive ambition is a threat to European security first and foremost. His invasion of Ukraine has brought conventional warfare back to this continent on a scale not seen since World War Two.

Read Katya Adler's analysis in full here.

BBC News Services

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Terrorism threats cause Pentagon to raise security alert at US military bases in Europe

WASHINGTON – U.S. military bases in Europe have been placed on higher security alert due to "a combination of factors" that could affect the safety of troops and their families, military officials said Monday.

U.S. European Command oversees 83,000 American troops at Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps installations across the continent. The command "is redoubling its efforts to stress vigilance during the summer months," according to a statement released Monday.

Russia's continuing war in Ukraine and the Paris Olympics are some of the factors that affect the security environment in Europe.

Concerns about security at the Olympics was one of the primary reasons for tightening security, according to a senior Defense official who was not authorized to speak publicly. The move appears to be proactive rather than a response to a specific threat.

European Command "constantly monitors the security environment to ensure its personnel are informed and best armed to assure the safety of their individual person, family and loved ones," according to the statement.

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Romanian village set to become Nato's biggest airbase in Europe

Six RAF Eurofighter Typhoons sit on the taxiway, engines roaring on two, as the ground staff hurry about, adding the finishing touches before take-off.

In the distance, a cloud of dust rises in the summer haze over the construction site of the second runway, 3.5km (2 miles) long, beside the first. The hot northerly wind buffets the new hangars and the old.

Mihai Kogalniceanu (MK) airbase takes its name from the village nearby, itself named after a 19th Century liberal politician.

Now, it is the unlikely setting for what is turning into the biggest Nato base in Europe, bigger even than Ramstein in Germany.

Russian President Vladimir Putin justified his war in Ukraine on the grounds that Nato is encroaching on Russia’s European flank. In response to his invasion, more pieces have moved forward on the Nato chessboard.

The MK base will soon have a squadron of Romanian F-16s - recently bought from Norway - as well as MQ-9 Reaper drones, and a military city through which Nato army, air force and naval personnel from 32 countries will rotate.

The latest arrivals are the Finns. Just 20km (12 miles) from the Black Sea coast, the base is 300km from Odesa, as the fighter flies, and 400km from Sevastopol in Russian-occupied Crimea.

This is RAF pilot Flt Lt Charlie Tagg’s third and final tour of duty here.

“There's a much bigger US presence here, a lot more infrastructure, accommodation, people and equipment.”

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has changed both the areas he flies over, he says, and the strategic posture of the mission. In 2021, on his last tour, Nato fighter pilots flew far out over international waters in the Black Sea. But now they stick to the 12 nautical mile zone above Romanian and Bulgarian territorial waters, “to avoid misunderstandings, escalatory situations with the Russians”.

“Previously we were here as a deterrence to any Russian aggression. Now it’s more as a reassurance to other Nato countries, such as Romania, that we are here, and we're willing to defend.”

There has been no call to intercept a Russian plane since he arrived, he says, though there were on previous missions, over the Baltic.

“They will just be blundering through - it's not against any international law, they are entitled to do that. But we’ll put an aircraft next to that adversary aircraft. From a posturing point of view, it shows the Russians… that we are active. We're flying with armed jets, so it sends a clear message.

"And it also provides valuable intelligence for us, we're recording serial numbers of aircraft, and the weapons that those aircraft are carrying, so it feeds into the whole intelligence picture as well.”

Late at night at the British compound on the MK base he watches the war unfold in neighbouring Ukraine on his radar screens.

“We could see Shahed drones going into Odesa. The heat sources on the ground, where the weapons are impacting, to radar feeds that are tracking aircraft, both friendly aircraft and not so friendly aircraft as well. So it is quite surreal.”

While Nato jets avoid unnecessary encounters with the Russians, there have been two known incidents over the Black Sea. In September 2022 a Russian pilot misunderstood a command from ground control, and narrowly failed to shoot down a British intelligence-gathering plane with a crew of up to 30.

In March 2023, a US MQ-9 Reaper drone, flown from Romania, was deliberately brought down by a Russian SU-27 “Flanker” jet, over international waters.

Everyday life at MK base, for all this, is mostly calm. In front of base commander Nicolae Cretu’s office block, the seagulls and crows are noisily harvesting a row of cherry trees. In his semi-permanent office, Scott Delay of American Army Support - Black Sea, plans logistics for the 1,840 US personnel the base currently supports.

“We try to provide a home-like feel for them while they're here. So it's really no different than any community. It just has a fence around it.”

One thing US soldiers have trouble getting used to, he says, is that delivery times for items ordered on the internet can be weeks in Romania, rather than hours.

Before I leave the base, British pilot Charlie Tagg shows me round his plane. Up close, the Typhoon looks potent but a little aged. But the weapons, he explains, are upgraded all the time. It can now drop three different kinds of bombs.

“And we're getting new radars in, which will allow us to detect and engage threats even further away.”

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Turkey closes Syria border after violence flares in both countries

Turkey closed its main border crossings into northwest Syria on Tuesday after Turkish troops came under fire from Syrians angered by violence against their compatriots in Turkey, a Syrian opposition source and residents said.