Have you noticed? The days are getting longer and we’re catching more hours of sun. In the morning I can hear the occasional tweet which means the birds have noticed it too: Spring is almost upon us! It also indicates it’s time to plan a spring getaway. But where to spend your spring break? Isn’t it obvious? In Europe ofcourse!
Europe’s the smallest continent of the world, but it offers a variety of travel experiences both for short and for long visits. Whether a citytrip or a planned itinerary across the continent with several stops, a trip to Europe provides memories that last a lifetime.
On the plus side, Europe’s borders are open. So even during a short visit, it’s possible to discover several countries. You can rent a car to get around or purchase a railpass and explore Europe by train. The trains are very comfortable, even in second class.
Europe, as a travel destination, has it all: a great variety of architecture, landscapes, white sandy beaches, medieval cities, great historical markers, etc. You just choose what type of vacation you want and then decide on the destination.
Architecture
Europe is ofcourse known for it’s great architecture. If you want to spend a vacation discovering great buildings, bridges, churches, etc. you’re on the right track.
Barcelona is filled with fantastically impressive architecture that springs from it’s Catalan culture of which the Sagrada Familia is a great example. It’s considered the master-work of renowned Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi. It’s one of Barcelona’s top tourist attraction for many years.
England is home to splendid gardens, stately homes and great castles! It’s capital, London, has a very iconic skyline. The tower of London, the Tower bridge, the Palace of Westminster, St.-Margaret’s Westminster Abbey and St.-Paul’s Cathedral are but a few of London’s magnificent buildings which have stood the test of time. One of the most recent additions is the Shard, a striking 87-storey skyscraper.
Culture and art
Europe boasts cultural destinations, art exhibitions and has a rich historical past.
In Rome for example there’s plenty of opportunities to soak up the grandeur of yesteryear. There’s the iconic Colloseo, the Foro Romano, the Pantheon di Roma, etc. but there are also loads of museums with a great collection of historical art and archeology like the Musei Capitolini.
In Prague you get overwhelmed by Gothic beauty and medieval charm. Prague’s colourful cultural past lives on in it’s streets, architecture and museums. Among the city’s sights are the Prague Castle, the largest medieval castle in Europe, the Prague city museum, etc.
Paris is one of the world’s leading cultural centres. Entertainment, music, fashion and art all contribute to its status. Paris is home to several notable cultural attractions such as the Musée du Louvre, the Museé D’Orsay, le Centre Pompidou,…
Nature
There is some fine walking afoot in Europe. There are beautiful mountains, grand gardens, natural landscapes and seductive islands to explore. For those travelers who like to take it slow there are some fine destinations to take in the natural beauty of this continent.
Scotland, Ireland, England or Wales no matter which of these destinations you choose, they all offer great trails with some of the best scenery in the world. The beauty of their dramatic landscapes can be both mysterious and breathtaking thanks to the lochs, moors, castles, winding roads and lush rolling hills.
The Beaches
From secluded coves and idyllic golden expanses to dramatic coasts and glamorous party beaches, there’s absolutely no way you won’t be able to find your perfect seaside spot in Europe.
Situated between Le Havre and Fécamp, Étretat is a region well know for its beautiful beaches and breathtaking cliffs (Falaises).These cliffs and the associated resort beach attracted artists including Eugène Boudin, Gustave Courbet and Claude Monet, and were featured prominently in the 1909 Arsène Lupin novel The Hollow Needle by Maurice Leblanc.
La Côte d’Azur is the mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France also including Monaco. The French Riviera is known for it’s glamour, sunshine, beaches and sophistication of resorts such as Nice, Saint-Tropez and Cannes.
Gastronomy
There’s no greater way to experience the history, culture and tradition of a region than through it’s food. As you travel through Europe you can delight your tastebuds with the unique local products and dishes. Whether it’s an amazing pasta dish on the Piazza Navona in Roma or a bottle of wine and some cheese in the Auvergne, this continent has some fine gastronomic treasures in store for you.
If you’re planning a holiday in Europe and need some more information, feel free to visit our blog or website for more information.
