Experiencing Europe as a family
My story of traveling the continent with my kids—where to go, how to go, what to do.
My story of traveling the continent with my kids—where to go, how to go, what to do.
Europe’s rivers are famous throughout the world. The Seine. The Rhine. The Danube. The Douro. The Thames. These iconic names alone inspire people from around the globe to travel along Europe’s winding rivers and visit the port cities that stand proudly among them. River cruises are an easy and scenic way to travel through Europe without renting a car or navigating various public transit systems. No matter what your travel purposes are, river cruises have a way to fulfill them.
Eager to explore the remarkable nature of the European continent? Do it with your eyes and your tastebuds.
What better way to explore Europe than on foot, in the wilderness, among some of the most beautiful terrain on the planet.
Even if the only music lesson you ever had was more than four presidential administrations ago, it’s never too late to learn and appreciate different kinds of music. Families, college students and lifelong learners flock to Europe to take advantage of its plentiful opportunities for cultural enrichment through music.
If you want to explore the best of modern, contemporary theater, Europe is the ideal destination.
Touch the sand and dirt where the greatest generation fought for freedom and prosperity for all.
Europe’s cities are filled with every style of architecture imaginable. Oftentimes, these styles coexist side by side and somehow make each city even greater than the sum of its parts. Government buildings, hundreds of years old, stand in regal fashion next to sleek, modern museums and libraries, making for an enjoyable juxtaposition that just begs to be captured by your camera. From old castles in San Marino to grandiose Lithuanian cathedrals, you’ll be inspired by the markedly different buildings designed by the famous architects of Europe.
Europe has always been irresistible to shoppers, but beyond the big brands and famous streets of some of the world’s most famous cities are lesser-known districts that are inspiring a new generation of European creativity.
Modern day Europe is crossed by ancient medieval pilgrimage and trade routes, travelled by walkers and ramblers on a slow adventure, discovering castles, vineyards and olive trees, delicious food and local wines. One of the most famous routes in Europe is the Via Francigena – or the route from France how it was called in medieval Italy. Crossing Europe from Canterbury (England) to Rome (Italy), it reaches Santa Maria di Leuca on the very tip of the Italian heel. The route takes you from Northern Europe to the harbors of the Mediterranean Sea along 3200km, which are manageable in 4 months on foot. Browse the gallery to discover, region by region, some of the most beautiful places along the Via Francigena.
Could you imagine so much variety in Europe? From Finland to Azores or From Malta to Ireland, 71 destinations decided to gather to promote sustainable tourism under two words: Eden Network. The Eden Network: surprise yourself with Europe!
The EU’s drive for smarter tourism
European Heritage Sites include archives, monuments, archeological sites, and places of seminal cultural or political value, from the classic age to the present. Since the label’s inception in 2013, thirty-eight sites have been designated, bringing passages in Europe’s history to the foreground to honor, celebrate, and remember who built Europe, how, and why. They are lessons from the past to guide the future of Europe.
More than 2,000 gardens (including historic, contemporary and vegetable gardens, according to the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau) will be open to the public during this three-day festival from June 1 to 3.
The therapeutic use of hot springs has been present in Europe from ancient times to the present day, giving birth to a number of spa towns well-known for the beauty of their buildings, or long tradition of welcoming guests and the healing properties of its springs.
One of the best parts of international travel is getting to try the local cuisine, and some of the best dishes in Europe come from the countries on the Mediterranean Sea. Starting in Spain, we’ll highlight some great entrees from all around the coast and on into Turkey.
Post-retirement is an excellent time to go see the world, as you’re less likely to have pressing engagements and can spend more time at your destination. Europe is a great option for seniors as many of the top destinations are not too far from each other cutting down on travel time, while still providing an exciting and enriching travel experience. It’s also relatively easy to find a tour group that goes to the specific destinations you want to see in Europe, and travel in comfort at the same time.
Europe Makes Traveling with Children Easier.
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.
How architecture and contrasts changed Europe’s cities.
With a past as storied as Europe’s, it’s impossible not to take in some history while on your trip. Find out more about UNESCO World Heritage Site in the European territory.
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.
Europe’s beaches are rated amongst the world’s best for a variety of reasons: their stunning scenery, their unique nature and their lively entertainment offerings. Here is a selection of some of the most unique spots Europe’s coastline has to offer.
Admire the works of da Vinci, Rembrandt and Klimt firsthand at some of the finest classical art museums in the world.
Looking for the coolest destinations in Europe? Visit during November to February, the European winter season. Northern skies are glowing, ski slopes are glistening and Christmas markets are magical.
With close to 66,000 km of the coastline in the old continent and thousands of lakes, rivers and canals, exploring Europe by boat is an unforgettable experience.
Europe is a very bike-friendly continent, both in the cities and out in the countryside. Turn your sightseeing into exercise and cover more ground on Europe’s great bike paths.
La Fête du Citron® (Lemon Festival) is a unique event in the world, which attracts more than 160,000 visitors every year – a number which is constantly rising! Visitors can discover a whole new fantasy world made up of processions of floats, gardens of lights and the exhibition of giant designs, created by more than 300 professionals and 145 tons of citrus fruits.
At the end of October, chocolate lovers should head to Salon du Chocolat in Paris, a worldwide event that hosts more than 550 international participants and attracts thousands of visitors who, together, celebrate the magic of chocolate. Chocolate and pastry show demonstrations, conferences, courses and a Chocolate Fashion Show are just some of the activities that visitors can enjoy at this five day long chocolate experience!
For centuries some of the greatest sporting events have occurred throughout Europe’s historic stadiums, coliseums and arenas. Today, spectators come from around the globe to witness the world’s best athletes compete on these hallowed grounds. Consider this your brief guide to Europe’s best spots to watch football, tennis, cycling, rugby, racing and more.
Europe is home to some of the World’s most beautiful mountain ranges. The Alps, The Pyrenees and the Carpathian Mountains all stretch along Europe’s landscape. And atop these ranges you’ll find marvelous snowcapped peaks. Browse this gallery to learn more about Europe’s tallest peaks. Then, experience their natural grandeur in person on your next European adventure.
Wine has influenced the culture of Europe for centuries. Dating back to 1600 BC, the Romans spread wine grapes throughout Europe and quickly became skilled at classifying grape varieties and colors, observing characteristics, and building fertilization techniques. By the first century AD, wine was being exported from Italy to Spain, Germany, England and France. The world’s oldest operating winery, the Château de Goulaine in France, is still open to visitors today and was a reason the country and its surrounding area quickly dominated the world wine market.
If you love cooking as much as you love traveling, why not combine your passions and embark on the ultimate tasting tour? With gastronomic tourism on the rise, travellers from all over the world are able to get a unique perspective on a country’s native cuisine and how it’s prepared while sampling the local culture, sights and attractions. Try a cooking class in Europe and learn culinary secrets from world-renowned chefs in some of Europe’s most spectacular settings. Learn to make paella in Valencia, how they make cheese in the South of France, or about nose-to-tail butchering in the English countryside.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that has been awarded as having cultural or environmental importance. Luckily, Europe has plenty of UNESCO sites to explore. From ancient castles to quaint seaside towns, you’ll find natural and cultural beauty everywhere you go. Consider this gallery your guide to some of the best UNESCO sites in Europe to discover on your next trip.
When it’s made in Europe, it’s usually something special. From world-renowned beers to luxury automobiles, Europe has a knack for handcrafting greatness. Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the factories and museums you can tour while in Europe.
Searching for the perfect beach can be a difficult task, especially in an area you are not familiar with. However, in Europe, you’ll know you’ve found the ideal surf and sand thanks to an iconic marker – a blue flag. Europe’s Blue Flag Beaches meet strict standards for water quality, safety and eco-friendliness, making them the ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and playing. Luckily for travelers, there are over 4,000 beaches that have achieved Blue Flag status in the world – and Europe has a large majority of them.
Europe has been around for a long time. That’s why some of its most celebrated buildings are some of the oldest. But newer, more modern buildings can also be found. From Italy to Denmark, modern architecture has found its way into Europe’s heart. Browse this gallery to see some of the newest architectural marvels found throughout Europe.
Europe is a jolly place to be any time of the year. But when Christmas time rolls around, some places become nothing short of magical. It all starts at the Christmas markets sprinkled throughout the continent. From Finland to France, unwrap the wonder of European Christmas markets with this gallery. Then, find your way here in December to experience it firsthand.
Europe’s vast landscapes create some breathtaking views. And some of the most awe-inspiring views in Europe occur where cliffs meet the water. From Ireland to Greece, picture-perfect spots can be found tucked away from everything else. Enjoy eight of the best European views right here in this photo gallery. Then, see them for yourself on your next trip.
Mirabelle, the ‘golden fruit’, is known for being sweet and full of flavor. Have a look at this popular recipe and you’ll understand why French pastries are so famous.