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The castles and gardens of Flanders
The green belt around Brussels is an oasis of peace and beauty. Its hidden gems take you away from urban bustle, leading you past imposing castles and beautiful gardens. Enjoy nature and heritage on foot or by bike in the green belt around Brussels. Brussels , a vibrant city at the heart of Europe, is brimming with grandeur and history, heritage and pralines, craft-brewed Belgian beers, comic book culture, surrealism, a world-class cuisine scene, and much more — but just beyond the buzz of the …
Malta off the beaten path
Authentic peace, charm, and character A different side of Malta awaits: charming alleyways, historic towns, quiet markets, and cultural gems, all far from the crowds. This is where you can experience the real Malta in a relaxed and authentic way. Tranquility and timelessness in Mdina and Malta’s gardens Begin in the heart of the island, where silence still comes naturally. Mdina, Malta’s former capital, is one of the island’s most enchanting places. Its narrow, winding streets and honey-colored …
Europe: enduring cultural roots
Europe awakens each spring with an atmosphere that transforms many of its cities and towns. The light, aromas, and sounds herald a period in which memory, art, and tradition emerge everywhere. Lent, Holy Week, and Easter create a narrative that lives on in much of the continent, uniting spirituality, identity, and culture through universal values such as community, artistic beauty, and regeneration. These celebrations transcend religion and reveal the power of a shared heritage. Cultural …
Europe's hidden island gems
Island life in the late summer sun. Is there anything better than that during the warm yet breezy month of September? Europe has some of the world’s most gorgeous islands, and today, we’re here to let you know where to go and what to experience, especially as nature lovers. The aim? To help you take full advantage of the final mellow weeks of the season and ensure that you head into autumn refreshed and filled with memories. The Azores, Canarias, Madeira, Cyprus, and Malta have a few things …
Leiden: Offbeat & Authentic
Tucked away on the west coast of the Netherlands is Leiden , known as the city of discoveries thanks to its rich history of science. And discoveries you will make as well! It’s historic, gorgeous, and lined with canals in nearly the same way as Amsterdam yet with a major difference: it’s off the tourist track and far from the crowds. Here are three things to do in Leiden, a hidden Dutch gem that gives you access to real local culture, history, and heritage. Explore the city on the water If you …
Unplug, Relax, Unwind
Plunge into the Thermal Spas 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. Why are spas and bathhouses such a huge part of European culture? It all dates back to the Roman period, when hot springs became a popular way to purify the body and soul. Bath, England, is home to the ruins of a famous Roman …
Catch Some Waves, Sun and Sand
The Quest for the Perfect European Beach 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 …
A Night at the Opera
Exploring the Exciting World of European Opera There’s nothing like enjoying a night at the opera in the very place where it was born. From Teatro della 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. Opera has been an essential European entertainment for …
Heritage Worth Celebrating
Taking Part in Europe’s Cultural Heritage Festivals One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a particular culture is to attend a heritage festival. Learn how the locals celebrate their colorful customs by sharing what makes their homeland special, namely through music, art, food, and a multitude of engaging activities and events. It’s an excellent opportunity to discover the rich history and varied traditions of a culture as presented and celebrated by its own people. You’ll find that many …
Stop Following the Crowd
Try Off-Season Travel in Europe 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? Generally, the European travel off-season runs September through May. High season, or peak season, is typically the summer months of June through August. A destination’s off-season depends on several factors. Weather plays an important role. Quiet mountain villages in …