Europe

The world’s most visited country has plenty to show for its indisputable appeal. The vivid lavender fields of lyrical Provence, the swanky French Riviera (Côte d'Azur), the rocky heights of the north and the romantic charm of its city streets have all captured myriad imaginations – and rightfully so. With its internationally renowned wines and a cuisine that was the first to become part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, it’s no wonder France remains a potent magnet for even those travelers who have already summited the Eiffel Tower.

The majesty of modern Italy, successor to one of the mightiest empires ever known, is made immense by its exciting collection of outstanding works of art (some by Michelangelo and Botticelli), ancient ruins and historic spots (Italy contains more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country in the world), internationally revered cuisine, first-rate wines, the rolling hills of Tuscany, postcard-ready Amalfi Coast, and islands small and large, with buoyant Sicily and beach-enveloped Sardinia taking center stage.

The extraordinary beauty of Norway ranges from its coast, with its deep fjords, to densely forested mountain ranges, otherworldly ice fields and pristine glaciers. The wildlife is diverse, with the possibility to observe whales as well as cross paths with reindeer or moose. Norwegian cities may be few in number but burst with cosmopolitan energy and culture. The elegance of Scandinavian design is not only felt in the homes of Norway’s residents but reflected in art museums, landmarks and architecture. With a bit of luck and under the right weather conditions, it is possible to catch the Aurora Borealis in many parts of Norway. This spectacular natural event will touch you deeply and will become a memory you will never forget. Watch the dancing rays and catch the northern lights in Norway.

From the Iberian Peninsula to as far south as the coast of Western Sahara, Spain is a country of incredible natural diversity, with some of the world’s finest beaches, remote volcanic islands, and animated cities. Spain boasts a cultural landscape incredibly varied for a nation of just under 50 million. Any newcomer will quickly discover that Spanish cities never sleep – except, perhaps, for a few after-lunch siesta hours.

Switzerland is a country of still lakes, rolling hills and snowy mountainous landscapes. Located at the crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe, it also separates Germany from Italy, serving as the gateway to Southern Europe from the northern half of the continent. With speakers of French, German, Italian and Romansh, Switzerland is all the best of four cultures jammed into one. The town of Basel, on the German border, is the ‘pocket-sized metropolis’ of Switzerland, complete with stylish architecture, compelling museums and a rich historical city centre. The chic city of Geneva, on the other hand, is almost entirely surrounded by French land. Nestled in cozily around the shores of Lake Geneva, or Lac Léman, the city is elegant and luxurious, as well as vibrant and energetic. Back in the German speaking part of the country you’ll find Zürich. Here you can head down Bahnhofstrasse, a street famous for its shopping destinations, enjoy the burgeoning gastronomical scene or take a trip to the cascading Rhine Falls. Then take a break from the city streets and make your way up to Klosters, a snowy haven for lovers of nature and winter sports. Try out your skiing, go tobogganing or wind down at the Engadin Baths in the town of Scuol.

Sweden is the shimmering pearl of northern Europe, from the sunny Baltic coast of the Blekinge region to the dazzling arctic landscapes of Sápmi, or Lapland, in the north. Anywhere you go you are sure to spot at least one or two of the Scandinavian country’s typical pretty red cottages ('stuga'). Stockholm, the capital, is alive with hip cafés and trend-setting inhabitants, while Gothenburg is its pleasant and easy-going sibling on the west coast. With almost three quarters of Sweden covered in vegetation, it is by far the most forested country in Europe. This, along with the incredibly high number of lakes and the fact that it is the country with most islands in the entire world, accounts for the attractiveness of Sweden as a travel destination. And Swedes know how to make the most of the natural gifts they are so lucky to have been blessed with. ‘Allemansrätten’ is the right every person in Sweden has to make temporary use of every inch of public and private land in the country for recreational purposes. This gives visitors and locals the freedom to respectfully and responsibly roam around and discover every single corner of this northern beauty.

While Prague remains the undisputable crown jewel of Czech cities, those who venture beyond its magnetic Medieval old town will luxuriate in ailment-curing thermal springs of West Bohemian Karlovy Vary, gape at the creepy Bone Church in Kutná Hora, delight in supreme Czech beer in Pilsen (or nearly any other town, for that matter: Pilsner Urquell certainly deserves its regalia, but multiple microbreweries have risen to rival the celebrity brand), and discover the laid-back region of Moravia with its animated, youthful capital of Brno.

Historically positioned at the junction of East and West, Turkey is so much more than its vacationer-beloved Turquoise Coast: it is an aromatic glass of hot Turkish tea in Istanbul, overlooking the Bosporus; a dip into the thermal waters of dazzling white-and-blue Pamukkale; a soar over Cappadocia’s puzzling “fairy chimneys”; a journey into the past via historic ruins of once-mighty Ephesus with its Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

To some, Germany is peaceful towns of timber-framed houses; to others, rolling hills and the mighty Black Forest; to others still, the grungy bars and trendsetting neighbourhoods of metropolises like Hamburg, Munich, and, of course, the immortal capital – Berlin. From the north’s seaside resorts to the Bavarian heartland and its legendary Oktoberfest, Germany is a country of startling many facets, with a natural and cultural diversity rivaled by few.