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The EU’s drive for smarter tourism

Ιntroduced in 1985 with the noble aim of bringing our continent closer together, the European Capital of Culture scheme offered few early surprises.

The Eden Network : surprise yourself with Europe !

Traveling internationally with your children can be difficult for a lot of reasons, but one of the hardest aspects of planning the trip can be accounting for everyone’s tastes and interests. While spending time in museums or going to wine tastings might be your ideal vacation, those activities might not appeal to the kiddos. That doesn’t mean your trip has to revolve around your kids, but you should try to plan at least one kid-centric activity a day.

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.

From the cool winds of the Atlantic to the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Europe’s coastline defines the continent in every way. It has created communities, inspired exploration, driven trade and attracted tourism, while remaining a constant source of natural wonder.

The sovereign power of Europe’s royal families may be a thing of the past, but in the 21st century, modern royals continue to cast a spell over travelers.

With a past as storied as Europe’s, it’s impossible not to take in some history while on your trip, especially when every other pub or church seems to be older than some countries. Get your fix of some of the oldest and most spectacular archaeological sites in Europe.

All Natural. All Delicious.

Rich with diversity and beaming with culture, Europe is home to everything from pride parades to museums that celebrate the LGBT community. You can find an entire district of high-end shopping in one city – then go skiing down whitewashed mountains in the next. So inspire your upcoming European stay with some of the area’s most enticing settings.

In spite of a turbulent history, the remarkable legacy of the Jewish faith is readily found all over Europe. Whether you practice Judaism or not, there is much to discover and enjoy in Europe’s many Jewish heritage sites.

Christianity has changed over the centuries. Europe has been at the crux of that change. Rome is the heart of the Catholic Church. Germany is the birthplace of the Reformation. Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania monasteries have been greatly influenced by Orthodox Christianity. From the underground religious practices during the Roman Empire to the modern acceptance of all types of faith, Christianity has evolved in Europe, and is worth exploring today more than ever.

Every traveller has their place (or places) they want to visit in Europe. But whether you prefer snowkiting in Norway or relaxing in the natural hot springs of Hungary, discovering fortresses in San Marino or photographing Dutch windmills in The Netherlands, find the activities and destinations you’ve dreamed of by knowing what style of vacation appeals to you.

Hungry for a fulfilling cultural experience? Europe offers no shortage of delicious choices when it comes to food-centric festivals and gastronomy trails. From a bizarre city-sponsored tomato-throwing event in Buñol, Spain, to a celebration of oysters in Galway, Ireland, there is a food festival that is sure to please any palate.

There are ways to lodge in Europe that are simply more European. Perhaps the most unique one is in a hostel. Affordable and creative, these small hotels and inns are found in all European countries. Whether you’re backpacking through Spain or on holiday in Sweden, spend your nights in a hostel for a more immersive experience.

Europe has always maintained a thriving music scene, from classical times to today. Discover the origins of the British Invasion, Swedish disco sensations and Irish folk music inspirations. Don’t miss the amazing European music festivals in the summer, either.

Some of the most luxurious items in the world, from Rolls Royce to Rolex can trace their beginnings to Europe. Many of these brands have enticed shoppers for generations and show no signs of going out of style. From top-of-the-line automobiles to hand-crafted jewelry and every knick-knack in between, discover Europe’s finest products firsthand.

The mystery of the Celtic people continues to entice people to visit the ancient sites and ponder the meaning of what’s been left behind. You can explore well-known passage graves and monastic settlements of Ireland and Scotland to catch a glimpse into the sacred and storied Celts, but you can also find their mark on a number of other places throughout Europe that are just as fascinating.

A visit to Europe is unforgettable in itself, but people often find themselves dreaming about all the delicious foods they tried, long after they’ve returned. From sweet to salty and every flavor in between, fondly remember your trip when you bring home a taste of Europe.

Europe’s rich literary traditions have filled libraries with some of the world’s best-loved poems, plays and novels. Many of the settings in famous stories, or places where your favorite authors wrote their masterworks, still exist today. Turn to the pages of a map and pick your adventure. Classic stories, authors and history await.

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.

There are a number of ways to travel through Europe. But only some of these ways bring you closer to Europe’s core, making how you travel part of the adventure. It’s traveling by vigor instead of motorized vehicle. And sprawling paths called greenways stretching throughout Europe make it possible.

Europe’s wonder shines brightest in its most natural locations. With over 350 national parks scattered throughout the continent, there’s plenty of wonder to take in during your next trip. From Spain to Finland, Denmark to Greece and everywhere in between, you’ll find national parks featuring unique terrains, breathtaking views and endless activities. One thing is certain: outdoor adventure abounds at each and every European park.

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.

The Kaunertal Valley in Austria is a land of continuous contrasts that mirror the changing seasons. The panoramic Kaunertal Glacier Road weaves through snow-covered forests and ends at eternal ice. Lush greenery, babbling brooks, and sweet-smelling pastures are all made accessible to guests with reduced mobility. That’s why The Kaunertal Valley was chosen as Austria’s most recent EDEN winner. The theme was accessible tourism.

Every European country has natural treasures to explore, but where to begin and what to do? From iconic natural formations to national and regional parks, an ecotourism vacation provides the chance to experience natural settings, observe unique wildlife and support conservation efforts.

Europe holds many impressive cathedrals, synagogues and mosques. These houses of worship hold important cultural, historic and religious significance. Many of these great buildings took centuries to build with ornate design and unique architecture.

Before planes, trains and automobiles, Europeans traveled by foot to visit famous religious sites. Today, many tourists embark on Europe’s religious routes to explore their spirituality, experience an epic adventure, and learn more about European culture. No matter what their motivations may be, every traveler seems to get their spiritual fix on these European pilgrimages.

Europe is the home of some of classical music’s most famous maestros. Today, travelers can experience the sweeping, exhilarating and emotional sounds of the world’s well-known classical music pieces in museums, concert halls and at classical music festivals. Listen and enjoy the suites, cantatas and concertos from the masters of sound and learn about the life and times of Europe’s amazing composers.

Even if you’ve never climbed a mountain in your life, there are peaks all over Europe that are quite accessible to avid climbers and flat-landers alike. Simply pack your love of the outdoors, a sense of adventure and your hiking boots, and you’ll be ready to make your way to the top of the continent.

Europeans were first lured to explore the oceans of the world centuries ago. Many countries and cultures have grown prosperous economies since then in ports built on the efforts of these first inspired sailors. Today, curious travelers are tempted to explore the history, industry and scale of Europe’s fascinating port cities.

Fewer tourists, cooler weather, and cheaper airfares and hotels lure many travelers to Europe during the off-season. But when exactly is the European off-season and where are good places to visit?

Learning about a country through its culinary arts is one of travel’s principle pleasures. Food is a tangible reflection of geography, history, and culture; there are few more pleasurable ways to become well acquainted with a country than through its gastronomy, and each region has something unique to add to the menu. From breakfast to dessert, exploring the many flavors of Europe will be one of the most fulfilling parts of your trip.

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.

An art form throughout Europe, brewing’s tradition can be traced back to the trappist monks and continues to live in today’s breweries. Visit the oldest breweries in Europe for a stout experience, rich in history.

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 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.

There’s nothing like enjoying a night at the opera in the very place where it was born. From Teatro alla Scala in Milan to London’s Covent Garden, Europe is home to many of the world’s finest opera houses. Don’t miss the chance to take your European vacation to new heights of action, drama and romance – all within the span of a few hours – with a trip to one of Europe’s famed opera houses

Europe has many famous museums that are must-see attractions, but there are lots of smaller, unexpectedly entertaining museums just waiting to be explored. Stop following the crowds and head off the beaten path to discover these lesser-known gems. They just might surprise you and become highlights on your trip to Europe.

From the virtuosos of the Renaissance to the modern masters, Europe has hundreds of museums and galleries to house them. Experience the movements that started in Europe, such as Surrealism with Salvador Dalí and Cubism with Picasso. Europe was the center of a revolution in art, the Renaissance.

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.

The most majestic of all landscapes is the fjord, a glacial formation that carves out deep, narrow valleys filled with sparkling waters. High walls preside over the water, providing spectacular views and excellent hiking. Although there are many glacial features that resemble fjords throughout the world, the truest and most beautiful fjords can be found in Europe.

From fresh Atlantic cod to giant king crab, Europe has an amazing selection of seafood. Explore the regional cuisine of traditional plates from around the coasts of Europe. Find the freshest seafood at a fishing village market or in a five-star restaurant. Head onto the waters with a guide and catch your own fish and learn how to prepare it. Whether it’s caught in the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean or the North Sea, European seafood is a treat.

The snow-white scenery of the Dolomites is an ideal destination for those who love skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, climbing, snowshoeing and trekking. Internationally famous for its ski resorts, it’s a magic realm offering numerous slopes in one track for hundreds of kilometers while being surrounded by magnificent heights and enchanting landscapes. There are so many sports to practice on Mount Rosa and its valleys; the three valleys of Ayas, Gressoney and Valsesia have some of Italy’s biggest ski resorts.

Europe has a well-connected railway system. Not only does this make travel super convenient, but it also shows off some of the best views in Europe. From coastlines to alpine peaks, you can see the most scenic vistas of Europe.

Europe’s thermal spas invite you to relax in the lap of luxury. Filled with natural waters and accompanied by lavish treatments, Europe’s pools and modern resorts provide you with the perfect opportunity to unplug, relax and unwind.