You cannot visit Europe and not be wonderstruck by its natural beauty, legendary history and dazzling artistic and culinary diversity

Features

The Lonely Planet’s destination editor Kate Morgan sums it all up like this: “As a destination for travellers, France virtually has it all. France entices people of all ages with some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, world-class art and architecture, sensational food, stunning beaches, glitzy ski resorts, beautiful countryside and a staggering amount of history.”

Explore history you can touch as you wander the ornate halls of stately homes and trace the footsteps of clans and kings in Edinburgh. Find stories you’ll share, of ground-breaking creative works at the Liverpool Biennial or grand Old Masters in London’s National Gallery. Rediscover views you’ve missed as you roam landscapes immortalized in postcards, film and poetry for centuries, from the sparkling waters of the Lake District to Cornwall’s golden beaches. And taste traditions you’ll savor, like the scent of fish and chips and the sweet aroma of scones at afternoon tea. From places you’ve dreamt of to locals you’ll remember, Britain has all you need to escape the everyday.

With castles steeped in history, majestic landscapes, and the freshest pint of Guinness, it’s no wonder the Emerald Isle welcomes millions of tourists each year. Sunny skies and mild temps are an unexpected bonus in this corner of the world but don’t let that discourage you from booking. Just put on some Wellies, throw on a Mac, and follow this guide to uncover all the beauty this coastal country has to offer — rain or shine.

Rome is a can’t-miss spot on your trip to Europe. The aroma of fresh Italian cooking wafts through the alleys, and historical sights stand proudly at every turn. No visit to Italy’s capital would be complete without checking out the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the awe-inspiring Trevi Fountain. If you have additional time, venture beyond the main attractions to Trastevere and the Spanish Steps

Tuscany with gentle hillsides clad with vineyards, olive groves, cypress, beech and chestnut trees, dotted with Mediaeval villages, farmhouses and fortresses. Ancient Villas to humbler medieval villages.

Florence is history, tradition, art and culture. The Capital of Tuscany, as Stendhal described it, possesses a “subtle charm” and boasts an historical-artistic legacy known throughout the world. Its historic center is a living archive of both European and Italian culture, composed of properties that earned Florence’s nomination as one of the very first Italian UNESCO World Heritage Sites, in 1982.

The country includes 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Greek Seas, of which only 227 islands are inhabited. The Greek coastline offers a diverse landscape: beaches stretching over many kilometres, sheltered bays and coves, sandy beaches, sand-dunes, pebble beaches, wetlands and deltas, caves formed by seawater and dark-coloured sand in volcanic areas.
Explore the beautiful Greek islands!

Greece isn’t only islands, in the Greek Mainland explore unspoilt fishing villages full of tranquil charm, tower towns, traditional stone built villages or try the exciting city breaks on offer. Visit archaeological sites, learn more about the country’s fascinating culture, travel along the spectacular coastline and enjoy its picture-perfect scenery!