Europe is a huge continent that has an overwhelming amount to offer any traveler.
Marked by a fusion of history and progressive ideas, each country is a treat waiting to be unwrapped.
Diverse offerings can make planning a trip to Europe difficult to navigate, but a little investigation can make the job infinitely easier.
Find out what attractions cities have to offer such as historical monuments, landscapes and architecture.
Build a vacation around these points of interest and excitement will fill the trip.
Barcelona, Spain
Located in the Northeast region of Spain, this port city is a center for arts and discovery. Immediately upon arrival, most discover that Barcelona is a giant canvas for artists. Impressive architecture marks the landscape of the city.
Antoni Gaudi, Joan Miro and Salvador Dali are only a few of the famous artists whose work stand in the city. Visit Gaudi’s most impressive sites: Iglesia Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell or Casa Mila.
Take a day-trip to Dali’s home just outside of Barcelona city limits and be stunned. Climb Montjuic and see the Olympic stadium or visit the Joan Miro Foundation. Barcelona excites the artistic imagination.
Lisbon, Portugal
Walking amongst the cobbled streets, laundry hangs from apartment buildings, and trolleys twist around impossibly tiny curves. Large squares stand open like storefronts where people are selling their wares.
Time a visit right and visit the infamous “Thieves Market” where treasures from both old and new Europe are found. Distinctive markings of this city are yellow trolley cars and romantic-style architecture.
Lisbon keeps tourists exploring for days but if a day-trip seems exciting, Sintra is a beautiful city about an hour away. A temperate rain forest and Palacio Nacional de Pena, an intricate Romantic Period castle, reside here.
Lively happenings and beautiful surroundings in Lisbon awaken a spirit of exploration in any visitor.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh stands between the old and new worlds. Visit old-town to walk amongst cobbled streets and classic store fronts. Edinburgh Castle stands as the crown jewel of the city, watching over all its happenings.
A trip to the castle finds tourists standing in Royal chambers and viewing prisoner’s shackles, peering over cannon heads and inside chapels.
The city itself is full of artisans and literary-folk who fill the place with entertainment and festivities. Shop in thrift stores, visit art museums, see a film in one of the many art theaters or take a day trip to catch a glimpse of the Lochness Monster. Edinburgh is full of history and lights the flame of imagination.