The Vacation You've Been Dreaming of: 20 of the Best Destinations in Europe
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Until recently, Dubrovnik flew relatively under the radar due to the damages it incurred during Croatia’s War of Independence in the ’90s. However, its use as a filming location for HBO’s “Game of Thrones” has renewed interest in this fascinating medieval city.
Its Old Town and coastal fortresses are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are even more impressive when viewed by boat or from above on the city’s cable car system. You’ll find numerous monasteries turned museums, palaces, towers and cathedrals that all warrant exploration on a visit.
Dubrovnik’s walls are also some of the finest in the world and are one of its top attractions. You can walk along them or venture into the city and still feel like you’re following in the footsteps of past residents and visitors from hundreds of years ago.
Edinburgh, UK
Edinburgh is one of those cities where there are a seemingly endless number of things to do. Start in Old Town and walk the Royal Mile where you can visit some of the city’s top sites: Holyroodhouse Palace, the Scottish Parliament building and St. Giles Cathedral.
The Edinburgh attractions don’t end there. Stop in for a pint along Rose or George Street. Take in the National Museum, the unfinished pillared monument on Calton Hill and of course the spectacular Edinburgh Castle. If you’re feeling outdoorsy, there’s a fabulous hike to Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano, with impressive vistas of the city from above.
If you have time, take a side trip to the Scottish Highlands —Loch Ness will give you a greater sense of the timeless beauty of Scotland and all its myths and legends.
Dubrovnik, Croatia Until recently, Dubrovnik flew relatively under the radar due to the damages it incurred during Croatia’s War of Independence in the '90s....
Athens, Greece
As the heart of Greek culture, Athens provides a window into the past when the country’s early ancestors worshiped multiple gods and goddesses. At the Acropolis, the city’s citadel-on-a-hill, several temple ruins, including the Parthenon, offer spectacular panoramic views that stretch for miles.
The modern Olympics also started here, at the Panathenaic Stadium, which is sometimes still used for concerts. Despite its ancient structures, Athens is a thoroughly modern city full of archaeological museums, romantic coastal scenery and a thriving taverna scene.
