- Drinking in the panoramic views while hiking in the Swiss Alps, where all the trails are neatly marked.
- Soaking up ancient history in the ruins of the Roman Forum or the Acropolis in Athens.
- Sailing into Budapest at night on a Danube river cruise, with the Hungarian Parliament Building majestically lit up.
- Biking alongside the canals in Amsterdam en route to the Anne Frank House or the Rijksmuseum.
- Touring the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture.
- Visiting the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican to marvel at the work of Michelangelo.
- Enjoying the steamy saunas in Finland before jumping straight into a cold body of water to get the juices flowing.
- Enjoying a gondola ride in Venice and hearing the sounds of Italian singing through the canals.
- Touring the Old Square in Prague
- Sipping an aperitif at a café with views of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
- Visiting the idyllic Plitvice National Park in Croatia with it's miles of wooden paths through waterfalls and bright blue lakes.
- Touring the incredible natural landscapes in Iceland.
- Cruising on the Elbe River.
Best Things to Do in Europe
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Things to do in Europe - Expert's guide
As of July 1, 2020 the European Union has opened their borders to tourists from 15 different countries.
The reopening plan was based on health criteria, and ultimately officials decided to leave the U.S. off the list. The list of countries allowed to enter Europe will be reviewed every two weeks to keep up with the changing reality of coronavirus outbreaks.
Here is the full list of countries that the European Union has opened up to:
- Algeria
- Australia
- Canada
- China
- Georgia
- Japan
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- New Zealand
- Rwanda
- Serbia
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Uruguay
Read more about the Europe Travel Ban - What you need to know
1. Rome, Italy
There’s a reason why the expression goes “All roads lead to Rome.” Rome is one of a kind. It is a modern city that lives amongst the ancient ruins of one of the world’s biggest empires. Many tourists enjoy visiting Rome because you can stumble upon impressive spaces like the Colosseum, the Pantheon or the Trevi Fountain.
Vatican City, which lies within Rome, is home to the Sistine Chapel and a gorgeous view from the top of St. Peter’s Dome. In between landmark destinations, you will enjoy breaks for delicious Italian food, music or just a moment to take the magic in.
Paris is known for its connection to vibrant aesthetics, winding romantic avenues and a river as a centerpiece for a city. It is a city that is centered around the visual arts with the famous Louvre Museum, where one can see world-renowned artists’ paintings and sculptures.
Stunning architecture is also seen from the streets of Paris through the Eiffel Tower, the famous Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. One is sure to fall in love with a trip to Paris.
London is a stylish and artistic destination for many travelers. Travelers enjoy the unique history, culture and accent that is seen (and heard) through the city’s ties to world-class theater, sports, music and entertainment.
Many visitors to London consider it to be quaint, with its rows of houses, its extravagant Buckingham Palace and iconic “Big Ben” Clock Tower. It is a destination that draws fans of Shakespeare, the Beatles and Harry Potter. This city has charm, class and history!
4. Scandinavia
For more active European tour packages, travelers can enjoy a trip through various countries of Scandinavia. Known for its wild fjords, windswept beaches, untouched forests and cosmopolitan centers, Scandinavia is truly a hidden gem in Europe.
A trip to Scandinavia could include visiting Copenhagen and exploring one of the oldest communal settlements called Christiania, or cross country skiing through the forests of Norway, or immersing yourself in Stockholm's vibrant history and culture. Tour Scandinavia on your next Europe trip for less crowds and more time in nature.
5. Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is an excellent impetus for a trip to Europe. There is a lot of character, history and culture wrapped up in the delectable and unique wines from different countries in Europe. Commonly, travelers enjoy a wine tour through the Tuscan Region of Italy or the Provence region of France.
On the Iberian Peninsula, winos enjoy touring the diverse wine regions of Spain or tasting port wine from Portugal’s Douro Valley. There are numerous wine regions throughout Europe, so you can tailor your experience to your timeline, regions and countries of interest. Don’t forget: a wine tour will certainly be complemented with delicious local cuisines as well.
Budapest is considered a cultural center of Eastern Europe. The Hungarian capital is home to some intriguing experiences such as dipping in the Gellert thermal baths or enjoying craft beverages at a local ruin bar.
The Danube River also serves river cruises through Budapest and throughout Eastern Europe, so it’s a great way to cover a lot of ground with only unpacking once. Gorgeous architecture can also be viewed at the Hungarian Parliament Building or the Buda Castle.
7. The Balkans
The Balkans are a region of Europe that engage all of the senses. With its rustic wilderness, the desolate beaches and profound historical centers, the Balkans treat travelers to a special experience.
Top experiences in this area include Lake Bled in Slovenia, the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro and the charming Dubrovnik in Croatia. Travelers either travel along the seaside or overland to explore some of the interesting capitals and countrysides that make up the Balkans.
Berlin is a place of contrasts between lively arts and culture and challenging historical moments. As a city, it draws visitors for its connection to sites from WWII and the Cold War. Sites that are important to visit on such a tour are the Berlin Wall, the Reichstag and various memorials and museums. One can also enjoy Berlin for its connection to artists that work and create exhibitions of engaging art throughout the city.
Prague is a hotspot in Europe for its unparalleled craft beers, the spires that strike the architecture of the skyline and the Bohemian art that is found throughout the city. It is known as one of the spectacular cities of Europe for its interesting culture, arts, cuisine and history.
There are a range of experiences to have including strolling along the Charles Bridge, enjoying the Old Town Square’s architecture or witnessing the Jewish Ghetto. There’s a reason why Prague is on many people’s lists!
10. Wildlife Viewing
When we think of Europe, we commonly think of it as large metropolitan cities, unique with their ancient architecture and cobblestone streets. Europe is also home to some splendid wilderness areas, where travelers can enjoy wildlife viewing and opportunities to explore nature.
Some of the top national parks in Europe are Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, the jagged countryside of Saxon Switzerland in Germany and the mountains of Belluno Dolomites in Italy. By wandering beyond the enticing cities, one is sure to find beautiful natural surroundings.
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