Travel to Europe

Exploring the continent

Although Europe is the second smallest continent, it offers one of the most culturally diverse land masses on Earth. Architecture spans medieval fortresses, renaissance buildings, baroque churches and ultra modern sky scrapers. Food ranges from stodgy fish stews to classic cuisines that battle for top honors. The birthplace of democracy, classical music and modern plumbing, Europe is known for its ingenuity and creativity. Not surprisingly, the weather is just as varied, ranging from cool, damp Nordic shores to scorching Mediterranean hills.

• Eastern Europe - Barons, counts and kings built the hilltop castles and walled fortresses Eastern Europe is famed for, but this region is not stuck in the past despite some late entries into the European Union. From the stunning palaces of Czarist Russia to the cosmopolitan advances of Poland, Eastern Europe has much to offer tourists willing to stray from the standard itinerary.
• Northern Europe - Memories of a Viking past surface occasionally in Northern Europe through runes and intricate designs. Whether Scandinavian, Celtic or Anglo Saxon, all northern countries are tied to a sometimes violent sea and offer tourists spectacular shorelines punctuated by a robust and colorful history. British theater, Irish music, Finnish saunas and Danish cheese are just a few of the delights this tiny slice of Europe offers.
• Southern Europe - Mild winters and abundant sunshine yield olives, fine wine and a healthy Mediterranean cuisine. World class cosmopolitan cities, secluded islands and miles and miles of sandy shores make Southern Europe one of the most visited regions on the continent. Whether you explore ancient ruins, stroll through world class botanical gardens or take part in the dance-till-dawn nightlife, there's something for everyone.
• Western Europe - Mountains made for skiing, some of the best wine in the world and beautiful lakes are just a few of the draws that make Western Europe popular year-round. While the food ranges from classic French cuisine and solid German fare to rich Swiss chocolate and light Belgian waffles, the culture, architecture and approach to life are equally diverse.