Be sure to visit Istanbul’s Old Quarter, with its lively Grand Bazaar, atmospheric restaurants and architectural marvels such as the photogenic Blue Mosque, the magnificent Hagia Sophia and the sprawling Topkapi Palace.
Lose yourself in the Black Forest landscape of fantastic woodlands, lush meadows, quaint farmhouses and cascading streams and expect to run into characters straight off the pages of a Brothers Grimm cautionary fairytale.
Book a summer trip to explore the high and mighty landscape around Interlaken, where lakes and villages nestle in spectacular valleys against a mountain backdrop; beautiful at any time of year.
With its unique Magyar language and culture, Hungary feels a little like Central Europe’s exotic cousin. Its pulsating capital city of Budapest is known to stay up late well into the night, while enchanting during the day with the kind of architectural riches that also define the country’s other urban centres.
A place of fairytale castles, health-giving hot springs and colourful history, landlocked Czech Republic is one of the most popular destinations in Central Europe. Tourism is predominantly driven by its vibrant capital Prague, but beyond that, the grape-growing region of Moravia and the picture postcard town of Český Krumlov are also worth exploring.
France is a perennially popular destination for travellers. From the northern windswept beaches of Brittany all the way down to the luxurious and exotic Côte d’Azur in the south, via an ever changing landscape of grand romantic cities, medieval villages, chateauxlined river valleys, lavender fields and towering mountains, France seduces with its beauty, history, cuisine and culture.
Monaco offers visitors a good balance of historical and modern attractions. Visit Port Monaco promenade to admire its luxury yachts, walk through the famous streets where the annual Monaco Grand Prix™ takes place, tour Monaco-Ville, Monaco’s old town, visit the Prince’s Palace and the Cathedral of Monaco which is also the resting place of Princess Grace, explore the colourful Jardin Exotique, visit the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium, the legendary night clubs or try your luck at the famed game arcades of Monte Carlo.
Italy’s reputation for some of the world’s most romantic landscapes, beautiful architecture, superb hospitality and wealth of cultural riches is well founded. The masterpieces of Rome, the impossible grandeur of Venice, the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast and the gourmet utopia of Tuscany are just some of its must-see treasures.
Slovenia is a natural gem, where snow-capped peaks, rivers, lakes and a thick carpet of forests make the landscape an outdoor playground. The attractive capital city of Ljubljana is its vibrant, cultural heart
The beaches of Cyprus are well known for their varied appeal to nature lovers, families and party goers alike, but this Mediterranean beauty has a lot more to offer, from hiking across pine clad mountains, exploring Roman ruins at world-class archaeological sites to sharing a traditional meze platter in an atmospheric taverna.
Greece warmly welcome travellers drawn to the myths and monuments of its ancient culture, whose legacy lives in the striking presence of the Acropolis and Parthenon. Natural treasures include its coastline, with its oceans supporting a staggering 6,000 islands, some of which hold a legendary appeal for countless spellbound visitors.
Spain is a land of great diversity with attractions for all: splendid beaches, contemporary island resorts, magnificent mountains, majestic cities with historic hearts and whitewashed clifftop villages. An exotic and passionate culture of fiestas and flamenco, food adventures for the grazer or the gourmand and fascinating regional flavours thrive throughout this sun-kissed land.
The vibrant Portugal experience is made up of medieval castles, atmospheric villages, beautiful scenery, great food, countless fiestas, and brilliant cities. Its long, open, western coastline experiences great surf conditions, while the southern Algarve coast offers family friendly beaches. Lively Lisbon and romantic Porto both warrant some time to explore.
Belgium specialises in cities and towns with the kind of beautifully preserved medieval features that make a charming environment for enjoying legendary Belgian hospitality. The country has a rightful reputation for producing some of the world’s finest chocolate, moules, frites, waffles and other epicurean delights. But of course there is plenty more to be savoured.
The Netherlands blends its history with modern urban flair to create a unique landscape and culture that are both fascinating to experience. The country’s low-lying nature means traditional old world charm; canal systems, old windmills and vast fields full of colourful bulb flowers, yet elsewhere you will find a very progressive and contemporary society.
Scandinavia is made up of the countries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden; each with its own distinct culture but the shared attributes of stunning natural beauty, hospitable people, and cosmopolitan cities where Scandinavian style, design and fresh cuisine are legendary. Come to hike, island hop, chase the Northern Lights or delight in a winter wonderland.
The United Kingdom’s individual nations – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – have distinct histories, cultures and a range of natural attractions that makes any trip here a diverse and rewarding experience. Whether cosmopolitan London or stately Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands, Lake District, Snowdonia or Giants Causeway; these are all stars on the world map.
This island nation has a big reputation, but rarely disappoints. Breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, elegant cityscapes, rugged coastlines, wonderful seafood, engaging festivities, historical monuments, a culture alive with dance, song, and a good story to be told in a cosy watering hole: Ireland will cast a lingering spell in your heart.
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