Beyond Merry-Go-Rounds
Push your limits at Europe’s most exhilarating and unusual theme parks!
Europe’s culture is not limited to its numerous art museums and palaces. Some of Europe’s greatest stories can be heard over a glass of wine, beer or other drink within the walls of a pub or finest alcohol outlets off the beaten track.
Interactive Map
© LukHt
1/
Land of Golden Nectar, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has the highest per-capita beer consumption in the world, not surprising if one considers that it is the homeland of both Pilsner and Budweiser beers. Whilst there is a multitude of tours on offer, and a variety of Czech beer experiences to be had, the most authentic must be that of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery in Plzeň where you can see the beer production process in action. “Pivo” is the one Czech word a tourist is sure to know by the end of their trip!
© Silky
2/
From Porto with Love, Portugal
Douro Valley is home to the famous Portuguese fortified wine, simply known as “port”. Seeing the wine produced first hand is an unforgettable experience! Vila Nova de Gaia is the best area to visit the wine cellars before venturing into the Douro Valley to visit the vineyards. A great base for a tour is Oporto, the city where “port” leaves its native land to be exported around the world.
© Ramon L. Farinos
3/
A Traditional Tipple, United Kingdom
Real Ale is a term referring to a flavorsome form of beer left to mature in a cask container from which it is served in a pub, through a process
called secondary fermentation. Often brewed in small local breweries, Real Ale is also the term used to distinguish these unique beers from generic beers produced by large breweries. For a traditional nibbles and Real Ale experience, you can visit Derby, a city crammed with delightful pubs.
© Javarman
4/
Short and Sweet Sips, Spain
Travellers will love a sweet sip of Sherry whilst they take in the South of Spain. Sherry is a fortified white wine traditionally from Andalusia where the unique microclimates in the producing areas make for sherry’s unique taste. This tantalizing tipple is available from light to darker and heavier versions. Sherry can be found in Andalusia’s bodegas. These are unique storehouses which work on the long-term maturation of the sherry.
© Pbombaert
5/
Beer paradise, Belgium
With some bars having beer lists as long as some books, Belgian beer is characterized by its immense variety, from pale lagers to lambic beers. Particularly special are the Trappist beers, which are especially brewed in Trappist monasteries by monks. Specialist beer tours abound in Belgium and you can simultaneously take in Belgium’s finest sights, from the bustle of Brussels to the tranquility of the Trappist breweries.
© FreeProd33
6/
In defeat we need it; in victory we deserve it, France
The name of the drink equates with the name of the region, and a tour of the lovely land of bubbles will not disappoint. The region is home to rural growers and famous champagne houses, with many vineyards even opening their own small hotels in the area. The region is only one hour from Paris by train, and various tours offer the epitome of rural luxury.
© Piotr Debowski
7/
Keeping the most cowardly warm, Poland
Polish vodka is world-renowned. A particular special is Żubrówka, vodka infused with a herb known as bison grass. Another great example is named after Poland’s most famous musician, Chopin. The Chopin Vodka distillery is one of the few distilleries to offer tours. Visitors can view the distilling process from raised catwalks and gain a rare insight into the making of the key ingredient of many a cocktail.
© Iulian Dragomir
8/
A vampire’s favourite, Romania
Romania’s wine market is growing and increasingly attracting buyers as its affordable prices, yet fine tastes, attract people from across the globe. The vineyards in Muntenia and Oltenia offer fine examples of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir or the native Fetească Neagră. A tour is sure to combine wine-tasting with sightseeing of some of Romania’s dramatic castles.
© RossHelen
9/
Just a taste before dinner, Italy
Take part in a tempting Italian pre-dinner habit! In Italy the before dinner drink has taken on a life of its own with Vermouth, Campari, Martini and Aperol Spritz often served alongside a delicious spread of snacks. In Turin, Milan and Rome, the aperitivo scene is buzzing, and trying a selection of bars across those cities is recommended.
© Vitalez
10/
Light and refreshing, Hungary
The best known of Hungarian white wines is the delicious dessert wine Tokaji, and a tour of the famous region is sure not to disappoint. The mist that comes in from the River Bodrog is essential to the production of the grapes as it produces a mysterious mold in the area. Tokaj is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in Europe dating back to 16th Century. The town itself is full of narrow streets with plenty of stops to sample the wine along the way.
Galleries
Europe – A Thousand Different Stories
Europe is home to a fascinating array of museums, devoted to every subject imaginable. From Vikings in the north, broken relationships in Croatia to vampires in Brasov. Here is the lowdown on Europes original and unusual museums.
Europe Off-Piste
Whether you aim for Olympic speed or gentle slopes, here is a list of the coolest and lesser-ridden ski resorts in Europe, which are waiting for you.
Sea Cruises in Europe
Set sail on Europe’s high seas with a cruise. Explore the water and coastal destinations of one of Europe’s many cruise options, from big luxury cruise lines to chartering a small fishing boat.
Featured Experiences
Switzerland’s Bernese Fasnacht
Bern’s iconic Carnival is 40 years strong.
12 of the Sweetest Treats in Europe
Europe is a treat in more ways than one, and the local confections make it all the sweeter. You may already know about Belgian chocolate and Italian gelato. But that’s just the start of the sweet treats found in Europe. Let your taste buds travel the continent with these 12 sweet treats.
CHECK OUT OUR
LATEST GUIDE
Portugal’s abundant veggies
Savoring Portugal as a vegetarian.
Soak up music in Coimbra!
Coimbra will sooth you with its sensuous music, sumptuous food, and stunning medieval architecture.
Flemish Vol-au-Vent
A vol-au-vent is the French name for a baked puff pastry batter. The name means ‘windblown’ and describes the lightness of the pastry. A round opening is cut in the top and the pastry cut out for the opening is replaced as a lid after the case is filled. In Flanders the pastry is filled with a chicken, meatball and mushroom sauce.
Slovakia on two wheels
Explore fantastic bike routes.
Mountain Thrills: Hiking and Skiing in Slovenia and Croatia
Welcome to paradise. Between Slovenia’s hundreds of peaks and Croatia’s mountain-lined coast, you’re spoiled with hiking and skiing options.