Europe
Luxury meets culture
Europe holds the key to our hearts. The continent has no two countries alike. Since this list will be long. Buckle up and see which country fits your taste. There is a paradise for every budget in Europe. Because of the history, culture and food, you will fall in love. Our Wanderlusters curated a list of their favorite spots for you to explore. Here we go.
Croatia
Croatia sits in the warm turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. It was originally part of Yugoslavia until its independence in 1991. The terracotta roofs and stunning beaches adorn the coastlines. You can find mountainous terrain and flat plains that hug the Hungarian border, and a multitude of islands. In mountainous regions, winters are cold and snowy and the summers are mild. in the south of the country, around the town Djurdjevac, there is even a desert. The people are super welcoming to tourists and very friendly. Croatian culture values community over individualism. This means family and friends are more important than ambition and work, therefore, you will find a relaxed atmosphere everywhere you go. The food is excellent and decadent. Depending of which region you decide to visit, the food will wildly vary. The seafood from the coastal areas is absolutely to die for. The Slovenian side of the country boasts some delicious meats, top quality cheeses and dairy products, cured meat products, high quality wines, schnapps, as well as, honey. This serene country has a lot to offer. Here are some of our favorite spots.
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Pula
Pula is a sleepy coastal town full of old-world charm. We loved taking a long bike ride across the town, the beach and the marinas. It has Michelin restaurants and quaint eateries. You can take excursions into the islands near by and explore caverns and crystal clear waters. It is known for its multitude of ancient Roman buildings, the most famous of which is the Pula Arena, one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters
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Zagreb
This charming city is the capital of Croatia and has Hungarian influence due to its proximity to the border. It is a lively city with many museums, along with a great shopping, dining, and café culture. The city’s strength comes from its amalgam of European sensibilities; a place where Mediterranean vibes and Slavic Continental climes combine.
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Plitvice
Do you want to see the most beautiful falls in the universe? Plitvice National Park boasts jaw-dropping sights. You can swim and snorkel in many lakes, walk the alpine forests, explore caves, plus hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Making this destination is perfect for our nature lovers. handful of tourist-friendly eateries dot Plitvice Lakes, doling out bowls of grah, sausages and simple grills.
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Denmark
Denmark is rich with sapphire waters, striking rock formations and beautiful culture. The Kingdom of Denmark, a Scandinavian country situated on the Jutland Peninsula and several islands, north of Germany. It is known as the happiest nation in the world. It is also one of the safest countries in the world, making it great for single and women travelers. The people are caring and friendly and welcome chatting it up with tourists. Enjoy the countryside with vast mountain scapes. Or go fishing on deep sea treks. There is even a sand dune. Denmark's very own "Sahara Desert". The summers are warm and mild. Be mindful, the winters can be very cold, but, don't be mistaken, Denmark has its special charm in the winter. You can expect the landscapes to be decadent with lush greenery in the spring and summer. The lakes and beaches are pristine. Denmark is something out of Game of Thrones.
Møns Klint, Moen
Just a short drive from Copenhagen, you can find yourself staring at some spectacular chalk cliffs. The contrasting white cliffs reflecting on the clear blue turquoise waters. This oasis of serenity is worth the trip. If you're into camping, stay the night and experience the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it's also Scandinavia's first Dark Sky Park. The beach is also covered in fossils dating back to 70 million years old.
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Copenhagen
Historic and dynamic. You can find yourself in a panorama of modern luxury mixed in with gigantic medieval castles. Little villages line the town with their charming Danish architecture. There are many fabulous restaurants boasting 5 star and Michelin titles. Visit King's Garden designed in the early 1600s by King Christian IV for a tranquil moment. Visit Nyhavn Harbour for a view worthy of a thousand postcards. No matter where you wander off, you will find an adventure.
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Faroe Islands
Technically speaking, this archipelago is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark and is self-governing. It is relatively small, but will knock your socks off. It is divinely beautiful. It is a short ride from the mainland and is a perfect place for our adventure-seeking wanderlusters. There are many bird sanctuaries, hiking trails and cliffs out of your wildest dreams. There are small villages, and quaint hotels to spend a couple nights.
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France
Obviously this popular country had to make the list. France is geographically speaking a rather large country, and with every border you will find a vast difference in not only landscape, but culture and cuisine. France has so much more to offer than the gorgeous city of Paris. If you are looking for a less-touristic adventure, we have a list for you. The northwest region of France includes Normandy and Brittany. You could visit the medieval town of Bernay, or the mind-blowing castle of Mont Saint Michel accessible at low tide. The northwest region is influenced by the United Kingdom and even has their own dialect that native french speakers have trouble understanding. The cuisine is excellent and quite different than the rest of the Country. The northeast region of France, once again, is drastically different than the latter. This region hosts Germanic influence and hosts the famous Rhine river. Viking Cruise Lines is a smaller overnight cruise ship that takes curious travelers up and down the Rhine amongst the dreamy landscapes. The northeast has fantastic towns to visit like historic Strasbourg and Lille which lies on Belgium's border. Lille, as you guessed it, has Flemish and Belgian influence, with its ornate architecture and cobblestone streets. The southeast of France is a popular summer destination for the wealthy. Canne, St. Tropez, Cap D'antibe, Nice and Menton are all personal favorites of ours. You have the dramatic landscapes of the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean lined with snow-capped mountains of the Alps. The year round warm weather draws tourism for every season. Here, you will find marinas filled with giant yachts and sailboats, sparkling beaches and some of the best seafood in the world. It is no secret that the French know how to cook, and the south of France, takes the cake. The lavender fields you see on Instagram are also located in this area, in Valensole and Aix-de-Provence. The southwest of France has Spanish and Portuguese influence due to the close proximity and the border they share. Known as the wine region, the world's best and most sought after wines, Champagne, Armagnac, and Cognac come from here. The architecture is Mediterranean with clay roofs and stucco siding. The cuisine is more tapas and seafood based and is absolutely decadent. All in all, France is a Magical country and has a vast contrast of activities and adventures that will please every palate.
Calais
A town strongly influenced by the British, it is calm and historic. Taking strolls by the sea and visiting lighthouses, to seeing quaint shoppes and drinking cappuccinos at small cafes on the street, it is quite a delight. There are white chalk cliffs by the seaside and many day cruises to take across the English Channel. There are many fantastic light pink sand beaches to relax on. Life is just easy in Calais.
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Nice
Nice is an out-of-this-world experience. The shopping is exquisite, with fashion you can not find anywhere else in the world. The pristine beaches and marinas are full of giant yachts and catamarans. Some of the world's best 5 star restaurants call Nice home. Even being a relatively small city, it is very lively and packs a punch. There is never a dull moment with hundreds of shops, cafes, wine bars, exhibitions, museums, tours, and island excursions. Whether you are looking for a low-key experience or you want a high-spirited adventure, you can never go wrong with Nice, no matter the season. Always warm, even in its coldest months, Nice is a dream.
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Chamonix
Frankly, if you are seeking the outdoors, Chamonix won't fail you. You will find yourself in the French Alps region of the country. Hiking, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, skydiving, base jumping, rock climbing, you name it. It's also a fun place to relax. There are lots of natural spas and lakes to see. There is even an ice grotto. Just walking around and taking light strolls or taking cable cars up and down the mountain is worth the trip.
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Iceland
Iceland is generally skipped over due to the cold winters, however it is not to be discounted. During, spring, summer and fall, Iceland is to die for. Northern lights dance in the night sky. There are dark sky parks where you can observe the most beautiful backdrop of the Milky Way Galaxy. There are fabulous hiking trails, blue lagoons, volcanoes, waterfalls, giant cliffs, and beautiful black sand beaches. It is known as the "Land of Ice and Fire." Anywhere you go in this country will be straight out of a Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings novel. You can head out for a day in a natural geothermal spa or take a cruise through majestic Fjords. Icelanders are very warm and welcoming. The food consists of Lamb, a plethora of seafood, and fresh ingredients. Icelanders love locally sourced food and clean eating. Fresh herbs and stews are very common. Obviously you will find amazing seafood and a never ending list of the best fish you ever tasted. There are many 5 star and Michelin Starred restaurants everywhere. Iceland is a dreamy and vivacious country you will forever dream of returning to.
Kópavogur.
This is the second largest city in Iceland. The largest shopping mall in the country is located here. It is almost a peninsula surrounded by sapphire waters. There are many gorgeous natural spas and blue lagoons. You are also a short drive to staying in glass yurts with the northern lights right outside your window. Kópavogur, can either be an exciting and lively location or you can go rejuvenate your soul.
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Reykjavik
Being the capital of the country, Reykjavik is serving all the fun. Rich with Viking history, it is where old and new collide. The cafe scene dominates the day, while night is reborn with people filling restaurants serving local delicacies. From the city, many day trips can also be taken to the surrounding mountains, glaciers, volcanoes and hot springs. Day-excursions from Reykjavík include horseback riding, glacier climbing, river rafting, caving, and whale watching.
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Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss waterfall along Iceland’s southern coast is fed by melting water from the famed glacier- capped Eyjafjallajokull volcano. It is a magical waterfall hugged by beautiful meadows. In the area there are endless trails and rock climbing opportunities. It is a real paradise for photographers, droners, and adrenaline-junkies. You can walk behind the waterfall, and if you go during winter, you can experience the northern lights dancing behind it. Mind-blowing!
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Czech Republic
The original Bohemia, Czech Republic, also known as Czechia is a culturally rich country full of surprises. Royal chateaus, medieval castles and endless mountain ranges. The best way to break down the country due to its vast differences is by region. North Bohemia a.k.a. Bohemian Switzerland is out of a fairytale. Large snow-capped mountains and the stunning Bohemian Paradise – UNESCO Geopark. A perfect place to get in touch with nature. East Bohemia has rock cities, monasteries and a monumental Renaissance chateau. Making this area great for romantic getaways. West Bohemia has a darling cafe scene and many notorious Czech spas. Enjoy the Baroque architecture through out this region and get swept off your feet.
Moravia and Silesia is known for its wine, mountains and traditional villages. There are four UNESCO World Heritage sites located here: the chateau and gardens in Kroměříž, the Baroque plague column in Olomouc, the Functionalist Villa Tugendhat in Brno and the Lednice-Valtice Complex, the most extensive landscaped countryside in the world. No matter what area you choose to visit, you will fall in love with Czech Republic.
Poděbrady
The town’s renowned PodÄ›bradka mineral spring is used to successfully treat diseases of the circulatory system, heart and blood vessels, and metabolism disorders. Take a stroll into the Baroque chateaus with dazzling gardens. Go visit nearby Kutná Hora. A delightful town, it boasts two Gothic cathedrals and appears on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List.
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Prague
Prague is rustic and rich with heritage. It is sensational. There are so many museums and Cafes enticing you to come and have a seat, boutiques and sight-seeing cruises on the Vltava. From tons of delicious restaurants to parks in every part of the city to virtual reality and selfie museums, it is impossible to ever get bored here. You must visit the famous astronomical clock and the spectacular Prague Castle.
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Koněprusy Caves
Koněprusy Caves is the largest cave system in the heart of the limestone region known as Bohemian Karst in the Central Bohemian Region. Bones of prehistoric animals have been unearthed here. The stalactite and stalagmite ornamentation is jaw-dropping. Hike through the secret passageways or take a guided tour. Not only is it a very aesthetically pleasing cave, full of Instagramable moments, but adrenaline enducing too!
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Belgium
Belgium is full of surprises. You can find a fusion of French and Dutch culture. Most Belgians speak Flemish, French, English and German. The people are warm and friendly. The cobblestone streets and mix of Neoclassical, Renaissance and Art Nouveau architecture is lovely. Even though the country itself is relatively small, it has a lifetime of fun and immersive adventures waiting for you to explore. We loved Belgium's food scene. Moule-fritte, Belgian waffles, Belgian chocolate *drool*, Waterzooi, Stoemp, and Sirop de Liege are all to die for! There are amazing Brasseries on every corner, which are just high-end versions of bars that serve delicious foods and beer. Also, for our art connoisseurs, the museums in Belgium are world-class. There are countless museums and art galleries for you to frequent. The weather seems to mirror the UK. The summers are cooler and humid and the winters are mild and rainy. The best months to visit are April- October. Personally, we find all seasons have their own charm and anytime you decide to go will be magical. Brussels is the capital and very lively, however, based on our travels, we found some fantastic, lesser known, less touristic locations for you to visit.
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Durbuy
Stone houses and cobblestone streets, Durbuy is truly out of a fairytale. It claims the "smallest city in the world" title, yet packs a punch. Some areas of the city dates back to 8,000 B.C. A great place to relax and take in the historic setting. If you go during December, you will find the small streets filled with Christmas markets. During the spring and summer, Durbuy infused with flowers and street cafes. An absolutely enchanting village.
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Ghent
Ghent is an underrated destination. Gothic and Medieval architecture is prominent in this gorgeous city. We would rate Ghent as the most beautiful city in Belgium. Many rivers outline and run through the city, giving it a magical atmosphere. You can even take a canal cruise. The nightlife is dynamic, with many pubs, brasseries and bars staying open quite late. There are always concerts and street markets happening. You will get your fill of adventure here.
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The Ardennes
The Ardennes is a region of unspoiled nature and beauty. Lush forests, rocky pillars and highlands. The sunrises and sunsets are mind-blowing. The Ardennes are notorious for their hiking trails and rock climbs. You can also find medieval castles, forts and citadels to explore. One of our favorite mineral spas in the world is located in Spa, Belgium, in The Ardenne region. There are endless activities to do for our active travelers in the stunning region.
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