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What are the Best Destinations for a Vacation in Europe?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Traveling to Europe is a dream of many, but with so many different experiences to choose from, it may be difficult to choose the best vacation in Europe. It could take a lifetime to explore all of the beauty, history, and culture found across the region, so it is important to narrow down choices for a vacation in Europe to match personal interests and style. Some of the best choices for a vacation in Europe include ancient and grand cities, unspoiled countrysides, and romantic seaside locations.

Europe is home to more than a dozen spectacular cities boasting fascinating sights. In London, visitors can spend hours touring historic palaces, taking marvelous walking tours, and enjoying some of the best live theater performances in the world. Paris is a famously dramatic city known for magnificent vistas, indulgent cafes featuring famous French cuisine, and fabulous shopping. For romantics, few cities can beat the ancient allure of Rome, with its wandering streets, incredible museums, and numerous sculptures and fountains by the greatest artistic masters in history. For fewer tourists and better prices while on a city vacation in Europe, consider visiting Prague or Amsterdam, both known for their unique architecture and fascinating history.

Vatican City, which contains a number of art museums as well as St. Peter's Basilica, is a major European travel destination.
Vatican City, which contains a number of art museums as well as St. Peter's Basilica, is a major European travel destination.

Those aching for scenic vistas will find no shortage while on vacation in Europe. Consider taking an unforgettable train voyage or coastal cruise through the fjords of Norway, passing astonishing landscapes of waterfalls, towering cliffs, and crystal blue waterways. Some travel experts suggest that backpacking through the tiny country of Luxembourg may be one of the best ways to vacation in Europe, where a day of hiking can lead through ancient groves to alpine valleys with views of spectacular fairy-tale castles. The Rhine river valley in Germany is often recommended as an excellent area to tour by car, winding through history and myth in the area that inspired J.R.R Tolkien's landscapes for The Lord of the Rings.

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a major Slavic cultural center.
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a major Slavic cultural center.

For some, the best vacation in Europe will allow plenty of time for sun-worshiping and relaxing by the shores of a shining sea. The Greek Isles, with their iconic white-washed buildings and unparalleled access to the Mediterranean, offer hundreds of accommodations and tours to suit any budget. Those looking for bargains are often directed to the sunny beaches of Spain, where the lure of the water serves as a peaceful retreat from the fantastic nightlife and world-class sporting events. Those who split their love between beaches and film may do well to visit the famous beaches of Cannes, particularly during the annual cultural explosion of the Cannes Film Festival.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

ZsaZsa56

Does anyone have tips for cheap vacations to Europe? I am going at the end of the summer and I want to see and do as much as I can for as little money as possible.

I do not need to eat in fancy restaurant or stay in nice hotels. I am about the adventure, not the luxury. So any tips on ways that I can save money on the basics in order to spend more money on the fun stuff would be much appreciated.

chivebasil
Instead of picking one destination, why not fly in to a major city, buy a rail pass and travel across the whole continent, or at least to a country or two? I think the best part about Europe is how easy it is to travel within. It makes the US feel like a maze. Between train and discount air it is easy and fast to travel between just about any European city.
Ivan83

For my money there is no more beautiful city in the entire world than Pairs. I have been all over Europe and have seen many beautiful sights, sounds, smells, etc. But I have never been to a city that I found as enchanting as Paris.

The building, the gardens, the food, the people. It is all lovely. Paris is more committed to it's own beauty than any other city I have ever seen. Huge spaces that could be used for commercial development are instead used for museums and parks and gardens. The whole place feels so civilized.

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    • Vatican City, which contains a number of art museums as well as St. Peter's Basilica, is a major European travel destination.
      By: SergiyN
      Vatican City, which contains a number of art museums as well as St. Peter's Basilica, is a major European travel destination.
    • Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a major Slavic cultural center.
      By: Nataliya Hora
      Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a major Slavic cultural center.
    • Famous sights lie everywhere in Europe.
      By: Freesurf
      Famous sights lie everywhere in Europe.
    • A train trip through Europe can make for an unforgettable vacation.
      By: weim
      A train trip through Europe can make for an unforgettable vacation.
    • Romantics may prefer cities like Paris and Rome.
      By: anyaberkut
      Romantics may prefer cities like Paris and Rome.
    • A coastal cruise through the fjords of Norway can be unforgettable.
      By: bogdanserban
      A coastal cruise through the fjords of Norway can be unforgettable.
    • Most of Europe can be easily traveled by bus, airplane, ferry, car, or even on foot.
      By: ilynx_v
      Most of Europe can be easily traveled by bus, airplane, ferry, car, or even on foot.