Black Sea

East meets West in a tempting blend of culture along these exotic shores. Breathe the same air where the Greeks, earliest Christians, and the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires flourished ages ago. Make a modern-day pilgrimage to the Sumela monastery, clinging to the cliffs outside Trabzon since the 14th century. Cast off and sail from Constanta, the Black Sea port where Jason and his legendary Argonauts landed. Absorb the peaceful balance of nature while surrounded by unsullied wildernesses and then flock to the Danube Delta, a birdwatcher’s paradise. Find your sense of adventure and run the rapids of the River Coruh, one of the fastest flowing in the world. As the countryside transitions into Asia on the western edge of Europe, discover centuries of peoples and cultures converging in one remarkable region.

  • Through the Grapevine

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    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.
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  • Catch Some Waves, Sun and Sand

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    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.
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  • Savour the Catch of the Day

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    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.
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  • Experience The Hidden Wine Treasures of Europe

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    You’re probably already familiar with the big-time European wine producers of France, Italy and Spain. But there are many more wines to discover in the rest of the continent – and they’re as drinkable as they are affordable. Get to know six lesser-known European wine regions that are just begging to be explored.
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