Europe's Mulititude of Treasures
One of the most traveled regions in the world, Europe is chalk full of cultural, historical, architectural, and active adventures for everyone—from great hiking and biking in Belgium and France to superb skiing and climbing in the Alps of Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. And don’t forget Scandinavia with its fjord cruises, the northern lights, and the land of the midnight sun. Travel opportunities here are endless. Here are a few other World Trekker favorites:
The UK and Ireland—From Guinness to Golf
Encompassing England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland are steeped in culture and history. London, England is a gateway to the British Isles and terrific starting point for museums highlighting the former British Empire. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate that Scotland is the birthplace of the sport, with many links style courses such as the famous St. Andrews Old Course. And don’t miss Ireland’s rolling green hills, quaint countryside inns, and traditional pubs.
Italy—Live La Dolce Vita
The land of La Dolce Vita (the “sweet life”), Italy offers amazing culture, history, and cuisine. From the Colosseum in Rome to Michelangelo’s David and the renowned Uffuzi Gallery in Florence, ancient art and architecture abounds. Venice, once the hub of trade throughout Europe and the world, is a true treasure with its narrow canals, romantic gondola rides, pedestrian walkways, St. Mark’s basilica, and Doge's Palace. For outdoor activities and gastronomic delights, consider a visit to Tuscany where you’ll find rolling vineyards, cypress-lined country roads, fields of sunflowers and remote hilltop villages to sit back and soak up the incredible wine and food. Enjoy water views? Venture to the Almalfi coast and its string of beautiful towns such as Positano, pictured on many-a-postcard with its brightly painted houses and bougainvillea.
Russia—Land of the Czar
Russia is rich in history and culture. Built in 1703 by Peter the Great and often called Venice of the North, St. Petersburg beams with tsarist architecture, wide boulevards, tranquil canals, and bridges spread across 42 islands in the River Neva. Visit the Hermitage gallery which houses the great treasures of the czars. Then, venture outside the city to visit the ornate Summer Palaces, vacation homes of the czars. Or, trek to Moscow, the country’s political epicenter founded in 1147 and home to Red Square, the Kremlin, the Belfry of Ivan the Great, and the domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral.
Czech Republic—Discover Paris of the East
The wonderfully maintained city of Prague is known for its magnificent Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque architecture and is the cultural epicenter of Eastern Europe. A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, and one of the few cities to elude bombing in World War II, Prague has rapidly regained its former glory since the fall of Communism and is once again the “Paris of the East.” Witness fairytale views over the Vltava River, spanned by many bridges, including the famous medieval Karluv or Charles Bridge. Or wind through the narrow streets of Old Town strewn with small artisan houses, palaces from the 17th and 18th centuries, and important sites like the Old Town Hall with its astronomical clock and Gothic Tyn Church.