Search
My visit to Omaha Beach
I visited Normandy to see the beaches where my grandfather fought during WWII. Throughout my childhood, my grandfather told me about the Second World War. At first, I only heard snippets of information—a mention here, a reference there. Perhaps he thought I was too young to hear about such violent history. As I reached my teens, however, that changed. On Sunday evenings, when my whole family went to grandpa’s for dinner, he would often take me aside and tell me about the war. Sometimes, he …
European Contemporary Theater
Like many other people around the world, I spent time in school studying Europe’s ancient theater traditions. The great tragedies and comedies the Greeks created, and the beautiful, outdoor amphitheaters they built to stage these plays, sparked my imagination for many years as a child. When I finally got to travel to Europe as a young adult, I was thrilled to see some of those ancient theatres, with their rings of stone seats rising up before the stage. It felt almost as though I was back in …
Music on the Brain
Learn about Music in Europe 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 more out of your trip to Europe than just a stamp in your passport, why not arrange to have a private music lesson through a university or …
Edible Europe
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. Start with the most important meal of the day: breakfast. In …
Symphonies of Sound
Classical Music in Europe 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. Most of Europe’s cities and villages are populated with decorative …
Europe's rich medieval past
Through books, movies and television series, Europe of medieval times is known to so many of us. We are familiar with the knights in hand-forged armor, the fast and nimble horses that took these men into battle, and the great castles that once offered shelter to kings, queens, and royal courts. We can even recognize the musical cues of the medieval era, with its lute strumming and flute playing minstrels who performed songs in the great halls of chateaux. But what if we told you that in Europe, …
Two secret UNESCO Sites for the Historically Curious
Europe is the home to a myriad of remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which connect visitors to the past in the most tangible of ways. Whether it’s a grand palace, a historic city center, an ancient monastery, or a Roman aqueduct, Europe has them all. What’s more, soon they will be ready to welcome historically curious visitors just like you. To whet your palate for a wonderful future of travel to Europe, here are two UNESCO sites to consider visiting. Both have distinct and exceptional …
The Cities by the Sea
Explore the Power and Beauty of Europe’s Port Cities 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. Start in Rotterdam in The Netherlands, the largest port in Europe. Visit during its annual World Port Days for a …
A People on the Move
Tracing the Routes of Jewish Heritage in Europe 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. Discover the ancient origins of Judaism and follow a winding path through centuries of persecution, resilience and cultural enlightenment. The journey is likely to be just as inspiring as the destinations themselves. One of the …
Awake to reindeer, witness a volcano’s glow
I wanted to discover Europe’s outdoors at opposite ends of the continent— I chose Sweden in the north and Italy in the south. It was the sound of splashing that woke me up—that alongside the occasional snort or playful whinny. I thought to myself, what could that possibly be? Curious, I unzipped my tent, which I had pitched near the river the night before, and was shocked at what I saw before me: a heard of reindeer, perhaps two hundred of them, drinking from the cold, clear water, …