Top Travel Destinations in Europe
Europe Vacations on Sale: Discover the UK, Italy, & France
Feeling over-whelmed planning your European vacation? Look no further, because with the great travel and accommodation deals you will find on Travelocity.ca's Spring Europe Sale, and this handy reference of Europe's most popular and tourist-friendly destinations, we have you covered.
In this overview, we have done the groundwork on five major European countries and their must-see cities or regions in each. We have done our best to research attractions that interest all types of travelers. Whether you are a Foodie, an Outdoors Enthusiast, or a Culture Vulture, we have sifted through the reams of information out there to spotlight some of the most popular activities in some of the most beautiful places in the world.
Check out Travelocity.ca's Top European Travel Destinations:
- United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland
- Italy: Rome, Venice, Florence
- France: Paris, French Riviera, Wine Country
The UK is made up of four countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The proximity of the four countries make the UK easy, and relatively cost-effective, to see in one trip which is one of the reasons it's such a popular tourist destination. Each of the countries is jam-packed with their own culture and attractions so don't assume that you are getting a real taste of the UK by visiting just one!
England
England has an abundance of well-known tourist attractions, not the least of which reside in their capital city of London.
London is home to a number of World Heritage Sites namely the Tower of London; Kew Gardens (the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church); and Greenwich. Other famous landmarks include Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, 30 St Mary Axe ("The Gherkin"), St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and Trafalgar Square. The thought of all these sites may seem overwhelming at first, but several bus companies offer narrated tours of the city's most iconic landmarks - with on/off privileges - giving you the choice to see as much (or as little) as you wish!
Check out this handy resource on Travelocity.ca for easy access to the top activities in London.
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Must See!
Foodies: Don't miss England's famous gastro pubs, and exotic post-bar pickings of mouth-watering shawarmas, and curry and rice. Some of the worlds greatest chefs hail from England and with Greater London being home to more than 300 languages, the country once renowned for it's bland cuisine will not disappoint foodies today! Less More…
Outdoor Enthusiasts: Stay active with the many walking tours in London, including Jack the Ripper and Royal Wedding walks. If you are looking to escape the city, get out to Stonehenge or the Cotswalds to soak up a piece of history and the quaint cottages of the English countryside. Don't miss attending stadium events like football, cricket, and tennis (Wimbledon). Less More…
Culture Vultures: Don't miss London's numerous museums, galleries, and libraries. Cultural institutions including the British Museum, National Gallery, and British Library can be enjoyed free of admission for the most part. London also boasts over forty theatres showing some of the world's most famous musicals and plays. Less More…
Scotland
Many don't realize it, but Scotland is made up of the mainland (bordering England) and a cluster of over 790 islands – only 99 of which are inhabited. The three major cities of Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Glasgow are all situated on the mainland. Although Scotland is predominantly English speaking, it is quite common to see Scottish Gaelic on signage nowadays.
Scotland's rich history ensures plenty of attractions to keep you busy. It is renowned for it's cultural offerings in cities and towns including gothic architecture, museums, and cathedrals, while the highlands, lochs and coastlines are also popular tourist destinations.
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Must See!
Foodies: Over a million tourists a year enjoy tours of Scotland's many Scotch whiskey distilleries. While Scotland also offers many fine dining experiences, don't miss the opportunity to try traditional foods like haggis – a mixture of sheep's heart, lungs, liver, onion, and oatmeal stuffed into the animal's stomach! Less More…
Outdoor Enthusiasts: Don't miss challenging climbs on craggy islands, hikes on the Scottish moors, or a possible glimpse of the famous Loch Ness monster. Scotland is a dream destination for golf enthusiasts, hosting some of the worlds most famous golf courses including St. Andrews, Gleneagles, Royal Troon, Carnoustie, and Muirfield. Less More…
Culture Vultures: Don't miss the opportunity to find your clan! An increasingly popular reason to visit Scotland is to explore ancestral and familial roots. Scotland's many historic sites including Edinburgh's Castle, The Royal Mile, and Holyroodhouse; Glasgow's cathedral and exquisite Gothic and Victorian architecture; and “Gateway to the Highlands”, Stirling's Castle and the Wallace National Monument, are just a glimpse of the rich culture waiting to be explored. Less More…
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland borders the Republic of Ireland and is situated on the northeast tip of the island. Northern Ireland has a rich history of violent and bitter political conflict stemming from the division between nationalists (Catholics) who wanted it to be reunited with the rest of Ireland, and unionists (Protestants) who wanted it to remain part of the UK, but since the 1998 “Good Friday Agreement”, the violence has all but ceased.
Northern Ireland is rich in historical, cultural, and natural tourist attractions. From castles and ancient religious sites to the lively pub scene and traditional Irish music, there is plenty to keep all ages and interests engaged.
Must See!
Foodies: Whether you are looking for the comfort of traditional dishes like hearty Irish stew, boxties, Lough Neagh eel, or an Ultser Fry; or have more of a flavour for the contemporary offerings of the vibrant restaurant scene, Northern Ireland caters for every taste. Don't miss the gentle warming blends of aged malt whiskeys from Bushmills or delicious ales, beers, and ciders from their many microbreweries! Less More…
Outdoor Enthusiasts: Don't miss surfing the North Coast's waves, zorbing in the Sperrins Mountains, or canoeing on Fermanagh's lakes. Lough Erne is a bird-watcher's paradise and a favourite destination for anglers and water-sports enthusiasts. There are countless forests to explore including Glenariff near Belfast, and be sure to slot in a visit to the very unique Peatlands Park. Less More…
Culture Vultures: Don't miss Giant's Causeway; a spectacular geological formation shrouded in the magical legend of giant Finn McCool. The city walls of Derry, built in 1618, form an attractive walk along the perimeter of the Old Town. The Titanic dock and pump house, St. Columb's Cathedral, the Grand Opera House, and the Crumlin Road Gaol are interesting stops in Belfast. Also of note are Steeple House in Antrim, Island Magee, and Carrickfergus Castle. Less More…
Italy is one of the world's most celebrated tourist destinations for it's mild climate, mouthwatering and nationally diverse food and wines, sweeping landscapes, and culturally rich cities that house a notable collection of art treasures and architectural masterpieces.
Rome
Legend has it that Rome, otherwise known as the Eternal City, was formed by Romulus in 753 BC and during the rise of the Roman Empire it was considered the capital of the world. Rome was later named the capital of Italy after the unification of the country in the 1800s.
Because of its vibrant history, you will probably never be able to see everything the city has to offer. Rome is home to an unfathomable number of churches, cathedrals, museums, archeological sites, galleries, monuments, fountains, bridges – the list is endless.
Check out this handy resource on Travelocity.ca for easy access to the top activities in Rome.
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Must See!
Foodies: Don't miss the Testaccio rione for a taste of some of Rome's most traditional foods including pig's trotters, brains, and animal genitals. Too adventurous for you? Luckily, pasta is the most important element in Roman cuisine and Museo Nazionale della Paste Alimentari (National Museum of Pasta) in Rome is there to prove it! Spaghetti is Rome's most common pasta shape and the city is known specifically for their carbonara and matriciana sauces. Less More…
Outdoor Enthusiasts: Don't miss a visit to the breathtaking beaches near Rome, although they do get busy so it's advisable to arrive early to avoid crowds. Italy's biggest horse show jumping contest is held in the amphitheatre of Piazza di Siena and they are also hosts to the Italian Open tennis tournament in May. Cycling is a great way to see the sights of Rome and there are many rental shops and safe bike routes to choose from. Less More…
Culture Vultures: Don't miss the Vatican City; home to many historical sites including St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican museum, the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo's famous painting on the domed ceiling. Italy's towns and cities boast many squares referred to as piazza. Two of the most famous in Rome are the piazza di Spagna, which is home to the Spanish Steps; and the Piazza Trevi, which is home to the beautiful Trevi fountain. The Roman Forum is a must-see archeological site, as are the ruins of the Coliseum where gladiator competitions and naval battles were held – right in the middle of the city! Less More…
Venice
Venice is one of Italy's top travel destinations, consisting of 117 bodies of land connected by upwards of 400 bridges over its 150 canals. The main canal – Grand Canal – is their “main” street and runs through the center of the city.
Beautiful Venice is full of romantic attractions and activities including lively squares, great shopping, magnificent architecture, and quaint traffic-free streets for interesting walking.
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Must See!
Foodies: Don't miss risotto nero; a popular rice dish that gets its unique colouring from cuttlefish ink, as well as the numerous tasty dishes like zuppa di pesce, prepared with the stunningly fresh seafood that Venice is so widely known for. Cicchetti, similar to Spanish tapas, are served in bars and often eaten as a snack before lunch. Less More…
Outdoor Enthusiasts: Because the streets are traffic-free, Venice provides a beautiful backdrop for walkers. Don't miss the opportunity to take a romantic gondola ride – once the best way to navigate the canals of Venice, gondolas have been replaced by vaporetti (Venice's public transportation) and are mostly used by tourists today. Less More…
Culture Vultures: Don't miss St. Mark's Square; Venice's main piazza surrounded by cafes and shopping, with live music nightly. Basilica di San Marco is a beautiful church off the square, as is Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace) which was connected to its prisons by the “Bridge of Sighs”. You will become familiar with the Grand Canal, and be sure to visit the Rialto Bridge that crosses it, and the nearby Rialto Market. While Venice is packed with galleries and museums, perhaps the most famous are the Galleria dell'Accademia for housing Michelangelo's world-renowned drawing Vitruvian Man, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (museum for modern art). Less More…
Florence
Florence is the capital city of the Tuscany region in the Florence province of Italy, and it is also the largest in population. This picturesque world heritage site is built along the River Arno and is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
It's no surprise that Florence ranked as the most desirable tourist destination in the world according to a 2007 poll. The city is built around beautiful palaces or palazzi from the Renaissance times, piazzas, churches, monasteries, museums, galleries and parks.
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Must See!
Foodies: Florence locals are known for making a real occasion of eating out. Many restaurants will post signs noting, “we only serve full meals” meaning a pasta course, a meat and a vegetable course. Alternatives to this kind of dining in Florence can be enjoyed at less formal establishments like wine bars. Traditional dishes include fagioli all'uccelletto, a bean side dish; trippa alla fiorentina, a tripe dish; and the unforgettable "fiorentina", a cut of meat from the Chianina cow. Don't miss the enormous selection of gelatos which are every bit as delicious as they are beautiful to look at; and of course the world famous wines from the Chianti region in Tuscany, namely Chiantis and Pomino. Less More…
Outdoor Enthusiasts: Florence is situated in the middle of the beautiful Tuscan countryside. There are plenty of cycling tours of the wine regions and the smaller surrounding towns. If you prefer a less strenuous way of seeing the gorgeous vistas of Tuscany, horseback tours offered just outside of the city are a great alternative. Within the city, there are guided and self-guided bike tours that will lead you past the most magnificent monuments and acquaint you with the most breathtaking charms Florence has to offer. Don't miss the Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte to experience an enchanting view of Florence. Less More…
Culture Vultures: Florence is home to some of the most influential artistic treasures in the world. With a rich history throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, there are no shortage of cultural attractions in the city. The most popular sites in Florence include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello, and of course, Galleria dell'Accedemia, the home of Michelangelo's David. Don't miss a stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, which will lead you to the Oltramo district of the city. Art lovers will be in heaven at the churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce, as well as the library of San Lorenzo where you can take in Michelangelo's architectural genius. Less More…
France is one of the largest countries in Europe and is regarded by many as the geographical gateway to Europe offering several major airports, ferry terminals, and railway networks.
Its diverse geographical and cultural offerings scattered over the many regions of the country make France an attractive tourist destination for travelers all year round.
Paris
Paris is arguably one of the most majestic capital cities in the world but many consider it the capital of world fashion as well. It is one of the biggest cities in Europe, boasting fabulous architecture, museums, galleries, restaurants, and shopping.
Check out this handy resource on Travelocity.ca for easy access to the top activities in Paris.
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Must See!
Foodies: Parisians are very serious about their food! Don't miss tasting delicious cakes and pastries like Niflette, Paris-Brest, Puits d'amour and tart bourdaloue. Coffee, breads and cheeses are staples in Paris and the traditional baguette is a favourite amongst the locals. Many large French meals involve 3 or 4 courses served with cheese, wine and freshly baked breads. Traditional main dishes include Coq au vin, Coquilles Saint-Jacques, and Noisettes d'Agneau. Less More…
Outdoor Enthusiasts: Don't miss Friday night rollerblading! Between 10pm and 1am approximately 12,000 – 15,000 people hit the streets of Paris on their rollerblades. The main meeting point is Montparnasse tower, but you can join anywhere en route. The Seine, Marne and Oise rivers, as well as the canals offer views of the city by your choice of boat, while the Vélib' bike rental system in Paris dispenses bikes from depots throughout the city. Hot air balloons provide a peaceful aerial perspective of the “city of love”. Less More…
Culture Vultures: Paris is brimming with amazing cultural sites not the least of which are famous galleries like the Louvre for pre-20th century art; and the nearby Musée d'Orsay for impressionist and post-impressionist art. Also not to be missed are the Notre Dame Cathedral, and Sacre Coeur basilica with its winding streets of Montmartre, as well as the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysées. Paris is said to be the most romantic city in the world and is often referred to as the “city of lights” – visiting the Eiffel Tower by night will give you a true sense of why. Less More…
French Riviera
The Côte d'Azur or French Riviera runs along the Mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France, from the Italian border to Saint Tropez. The French Riviera has long been a playground for European aristocrats, artists, writers and more recently celebrities from all over the world.
The largest city in the area is Nice, and the area also includes the principality of Monaco and seaside resorts like Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
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Must See!
Foodies: The Riviera's cuisine can be split out to the influence of 3 main regions and each delivers “must-have” specialties. The Hautes-Alpes (mountains) is known for sweet and savoury fritters, pâtés, cheeses, oreilles d'âne (spinach dish), ravioli, and fresh pasta. Niçoise cuisine or Southern cuisine is famous for pissaladière, socca and pan bagnat, as well as the better-known salad niçoise and ratatouille. Don't miss the wines from Châteauneuf du Pape and the famous Provençal rosés of this region. Finally the Provence Alps serve up delicious bouillabaisse, synonymous with Marseille and known the world over. Less More…
Outdoor Enthusiasts: The Riviera caters to outdoors enthusiasts with 115km of coastline and beaches, 18 golf courses, and 14 ski resorts. It is also boasts several marinas hosting 50% of the world's “superyacht” fleet at various times of the year. Don't miss hiking the protected area of Le Massif de l'Estérel, a volcanic mass offering up beautiful panoramic views of the area. Less More…
Culture Vultures: Monet, Renoir, Picasso, Chagall, Matisse, and Dufy are but a few of the great painters who were captured by the azure landscape of the Côte d'Azur. Discover their works on "The painters of the Côte d'Azur" trail, and don't miss the many galleries dedicated to Pablo Picasso. The area is also home to beautiful monuments, museums, churches, and cathedrals. Check out the Abbaye de Lerins in Cannes, Sanctuaire de Notre Dame de Lachet in La Trinite, Trophee des Alpes in La Turbie, Les Arenes de Cimiez in Nice (home to the Nice Jazz Festival), and the enchanting Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild in St. Jean Cap Ferrat. Less More…
Wine Country
French wine country encompasses all the areas in the French countryside where vineyards are cultivated, and is home to some of the world's oldest and finest producers. Many of France's best-known wine varietals are named for the regions in which they are produced, perhaps the most famous being Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne.
Vineyards are scattered throughout the countryside, surrounding quaint villages and welcoming inns. Organized wine tours are easy to come by, but navigating the various regions by car is easy to do on your own as well.
Must See!
Foodies: Until recently, many famed wine regions in France were notoriously unwelcoming to tourists, with wine producers preferring to focus on their craft in peace. Nowadays, many villages within wine country have tasting rooms featuring samples of wines of the region, and delicious foods in establishments varying from Michelin-multistarred and casual restaurants to cozy inns. Don't miss the opportunity to attend a cooking school while you are there! Less More…
Outdoor Enthusiasts: Bike tours are an active and scenic way to see France's wine country. Don't miss the opportunity to take in the picturesque countryside and latticed vineyards from an aerial perspective in a hot air balloon. Less More…
Culture Vultures: Because wine country covers most of France, you are never far from a museum, gallery, or church. The vineyards themselves however are often rich with historical significance and there is a lot to learn while tasting in the various regions of France's wine county. Don't miss Burgundy for how the most renowned wines came to be named after religious orders, or Champagne for how Dom Pérignon first found use for carbon dioxide in wine. Less More…
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