Europe is the most popular destination in the world and it's not hard to see why. There are so many facets to Europe, you can see this complex continent for yourself and make it anything you want it to be. You might be seeking a holiday of total relaxation and bliss, or a full-tilt adventure with the adrenalin factor cranked up to the limit. Perhaps you want to immerse yourself in history, and learn more about what and who were standing here, hundreds or maybe even hundreds of thousands of years ago. Europe is a fabulous mix shaped by time, history, politics and economy just to name a few. Yet, this is a continent where distinct cultures, languages, cuisines, customs and beliefs have survived, regardless of international borders or the impact of world events.
Fabulous France
France is the most visited country in Europe, which is no surprise to the people lucky enough to live there. It is a place that seemed to receive an extra helping of beauty. There's so much breathtaking scenery, from soaring mountain ranges, glistening rivers, coastlines of dramatic cliffs and gorgeous beaches, it almost doesn't seem fair that all this natural splendour is in one place.
France's capital Paris is a must. Not only is it one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it is renowned for its impeccable style, love of art and distinctive cuisine, and is synonymous with culture, love and passion. It's a vibrant, modern city, with non-stop action and excitement. It's here you'll find the classic sights of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Coeur and the stylish cafés for which Paris is famous.
The city of Nice is renowned as the hub of the French Riviera. While away the hours sipping refreshing drinks, metres from the Mediterranean and explore the lovely art-deco façades. Enjoy one of the city's biggest drawcards the famous Cours Saleya Flower Market, with the market edges lined with cafés and souvenir shops, and the stand themselves packed with amazing produce and a myriad of flowers. Other must do activities include visits to the Matisse Museum, ancient Roman ruins and the Russian Cathedral.
France is also home to some of the best wine producing areas in the world, including the great Champagne regions, and the city of Bordeaux. Stroll through charming vineyards and sample fine drops from the many wineries dotted throughout. Burgundy is one of the most fascinating regions of France, often labelled as the land of fine art and living, where local life has a slow, laid-back pace. The Burgundy Canal (Le Canal de Bourgogne) slowly winds in smooth curves along the plains and is a masterpiece of pre-Industrial Revolution technology, spanning more than 250 kilometres.
Italian delights
It's hard to resist the appeal of beautiful Italy. There are so many aspects to the country, the hard part will be deciding what you love most. The art and culture, the delicious food, the wonderful scenery, or the sheer magnitude of Italy's history -- how could anyone be expected to make a choice? The city of Rome is simultaneously romantic, historic and vibrant. It is timeless with its ancient history, art and architecture, containing more historic treasures than anywhere else in the world. It is the city where Caesar was assasinated, Charlemagne was crowned, and was home to the most powerful ancient civilisation for centuries. In between all this history and culture, enjoy succulent fresh pasta or pizza and a glass of fine wine in one the city's splendid squares, perhaps where Michelangelo once stood.
Built on 117 small islands, the intriguing city of Venice holds 150 canals, connected by an amazing 409 bridges. It's the perfect city to 'get lost' in. Away from the main streets you'll discover mysterious alleyways leading off from the city, endless mazes of backstreets and deserted squares -- the perfect place to explore for hours on end.
Florence is one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in Italy. It is the birthplace of many of the people who have profoundly influenced the course of human history in every field of art, literature and philosophy. Known as the city of flowers, it is the place where the Renaissance grew and embraced enlightenment. Its striking buildings, formidable galleries and treasure-crammed churches attest to the Florentine love of display and with its skyline, all russet rooftops and lofty domes, it is indeed picturesque.
Beyond the cities there are even more delights. Explore Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany and Umbria, Naples and other regions, each famed for their splendid food and wine specialties.
Wonders of Central Europe
Travel deep into the heart of the continent and discover yet another different side to fascinating Europe. In Central Europe there are more than enough intriguing sites, beautiful scenery and exciting events to last a lifetime.
Germany is a smorgasboard of charms; cosmopolitan cities, small picture-postcard towns, festivals, a wealth of art and culture, huge tracts of forest, delightful castles and fine wine and beer are all there for the savouring. The home of techno music, the city of Frankfurt is a world travel hub and a cosmopolitan metropolis, while Berlin is a panorama of lakes, woodlands and parks that cover one third of the city's area. Berlin is the heart of modern Germany, with grand public buildings, glorious museums and theatres, urban restaurants and bustling pubs.
The fairytale Gothic city of Munich, is a sophisticated city that boasts a staggering array of museums, a vibrant arts scene and the infamous revels of Oktoberfest.
Austria has little competition as a year-round holiday destination, with plenty of winter sports in the Alps, some of the most impressive architecture in Europe and an unrivalled musical tradition. Austria's cities have plenty to engage visitors: Vienna is the capital, hub of the country's musical life and dotted with beautiful buildings, while music, art and architecture reach Baroque perfection in Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace.
Switzerland evokes images of towering mountain peaks, alpine villages and lofty pastures, but there's much more to this country than just its stunning landscapes: its cities are also first class when it comes to holiday photo opportunities. And Zurich is a great place to start. First impressions of Switzerland's largest city show a small metropolis with church steeples towering above a crystal-blue river and lake, but it is also home to Europe's largest annual street party and radiates a year-round lively atmosphere.
The Czech Republic's compact medieval centre of Prague remains an exquisite maze of cobbled lanes, ancient courtyards and churches beyond number, all watched over by an 1100-year-old castle.
Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is also an historic city of immense beauty; a graceful cityscape of waterways, bridges and townhouses, recalling the 17th century Golden Age. It is also one of the coolest cities in Europe -- hip and laid back, with lots to see and do, many pubs, food from all over the world and friendly people.
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