The Vacation You've Been Dreaming of: 20 of the Best Destinations in Europe
Cyclades Islands, Greece
Ancient ruins, turquoise water and picturesque coastal towns await you in the Cyclades Islands. Located southeast of the Greek mainland, the islands have become a popular holiday destination for their beauty, history and culture. In particular, Santorini and Mykonos attract those looking to lounge on the beach by day and party in clubs and tavernas all night.
To really get a feel for the region and all its islands, charter a yacht and sail the Aegean Sea. Some of the top sites here are the Fira-Oia Hiking Trail in Santorini, the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa in Amorgos and the Venetsanos Winery in Megalochori.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna has emerged as a cultural hub for Central Europe. Former royal palaces now act as national galleries and museums, Mozart concerts are held in churches, and its opera house has the largest repertoire of any in the world.
Sightseeing highlights include the Belvedere Museum, home to Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss,” the Spanish Riding School where you can see the Lipizzaner horses perform, and the Naschmarkt where you can dine on regional and international specialties or shop for fresh produce and spices with the locals.
Plus wienerschnitzel originated in Vienna (the city’s German name is actually Wien), so if you’re a fan of the dish, or have never had it before, this is the place to have some.
There are plenty of things to do in Romania, the issue will be trying to include them all in one trip! This country is brimming with possibility.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam is a city meant to be explored by foot, or even better, by bicycle. Have a picnic or see a concert in Vondelpark, go shopping down the “nine streets,” and wander among the Jordaan, an artistic neighborhood full of quaint gardens, cafes, antique shops and galleries.
While it’s certainly fun to admire all the tulips and windmills (one of which is now a microbrewery), Amsterdam is like Paris in that each neighborhood has its own charm. For touristy sites, be sure to check out the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the city’s scenic canals, which are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Don’t have time for a full vacation? Amsterdam weekend breaks are totally doable and completely satisfying whether you want to spend your time indulging in delicious food or visiting as many museums as you can.
