Your Fantasy Trip to Europe: Must See Attractions
Europe was the most popular international destination for Americans in 2004, receiving over 12.2 million US citizens from January to December. According to research done by the European Travel Commission, American travelers highly perceive the Old World for its history, culture, and food. In addition, the diverse experiences offered allows for a wider demographic to find attractions according to his or her preference. Its fashion, architecture, arts, gastronomy, and overall antiquity constitute the dream-like quality of any European vacation. Although the list of things to see here is virtually endless, there are some places that should occupy the upper echelons.
Tower of London
It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, recognized for its significant efforts in preserving the culture and heritage of Britain. The same structure that now houses England’s Crown Jewels was also the place where its former owners, members of the Royal Family, were imprisoned or executed. Not surprisingly, stories abound of the headless ghosts of Sir Walter Raleigh and Anne Boleyn (one of Henry VIII’s wives) walking the premises.
The Louvre Museum
If you see only one museum in Europe, this should be it. The Mona Lisa and The Venus de Milo alone are enough reasons to brave the crowds here but the Louvre is houses priceless Oriental, Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman artifacts.
Eiffel Tower
It was constructed in 1889 for the International Exposition of Paris and named after Gustav Eiffel, the same engineer who built the Statue of Liberty. The Eiffel Tower stands at 317 meters and was the tallest building in the world at the time of its opening. There are three observation platforms open to the public and each with stunning views of Paris.
Acropolis
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Acropolis (loosely translated as “high city”) was where Grecian civilization once thrived. Today, the ruins of four structures—the Parthenon, the Erectheion, the Temple of Nike, and the Propylaea—provide equally arresting glimpses into Greece’s past. Located at the center of Athens, the Acropolis is accessible through any form of transport or on foot.
Tivoli Gardens
Situated at the center Denmark’s capital city Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is known to be one of the world’s first amusement parks. The best time to visit is at night when all the parks lights are lit giving the place an even more magical feel.
Anne Frank House After the discovery of their hiding place, Nazis took Anne Frank and her family from their secret quarters in the attic of an office building in Amsterdam. They were immediately sent off to concentration camps where Anne would later die of typhus. Back at the house, a friend of the family found the now famous diary Anne had kept while they hid. In it was written the thoughts and aspirations of the young girl, filled with courage and optimism despite their living conditions. Now restored and well-preserved, the house showcases the family’s secret annex with photos and multimedia exhibits running all throughout. The site never fails to grip the hearts of its visitors from all corners of the world.
The Sistine Chapel
Golden stars on a blue sky is what you would see on the Sistine Chapel ceiling if Michelangelo hadn’t agreed to take on the task Pope Julius II appointed to him in 1508. He hesitated initially, not being as confident in his painting skills since he generally sculpted. But he proved himself wrong, eventually creating an elaborate illustration of the whole Bible while on his back. Most recently, it was the focus of the world’s attention as the College of Cardinals voted Pope Benedict XVI to be the new leader of the Catholic Church.
Leeds Castle
No European holiday will be complete without a visit to a castle. Deemed as “the loveliest castle in the world,” Leeds Castle was built in the year 1119 on a lake surrounded by lush green parkland. It has been home to many of British Royalty’s most famous names, most notably, Henry VIII whose portrait hangs on the wall of the Banqueting Room named after him. Leeds Castle today is a venue for conferences, weddings, and other social gatherings. One unique attraction is the Dog Collar Museum with almost a hundred antique collars dating as far back as the 15th century.
The universal theme one will realize from going around Europe’s many attractions is that modern advancements can and do complement the classic and traditional. Since technology is ever changing, it’s exciting to ponder the future it will provide to the treasures of the past.
More Articles
Top 10 Vacations To Meet A Mate
1. Winter Park, Colorado has everything you need for the perfect ski vacation. A sybaritic ...
top-10-vacations-to-meet-a-mate.php
Top 10 Winter Getaways
1. Hershey. If you are traveling before or during the Christmas season, consider Hershey, Pennsylv...
top-10-winter-getaways.php
Amtrak A New Adventure
During your trip by train, you will likely find that traveling by train is far easier than traveling by ...
amtrak--a-new-adventure.php
Airport Security Tips For Getting In And Out Quickly
Here are five easy tips for getting through airport security with time to spare. ...
airport-security-tips-for-getting-in-and-out-quickly.php
The Great Outdoors Best Campsites In The Us
Camping can be enjoyed as an individual or as a family. Campsites are available almost everywhere ...
the-great-outdoors-best-campsites-in-the-us.php
So You Wanna See A Volcano
Visiting Stromboli...
so-you-wanna-see-a-volcano.php
Whadya Bring Me Souvenirs That Everyone Will Love
If you drive yourself or your family to your vacation destination, it’s nice to stop in each state you cross through...
whadya-bring-me-souvenirs-that-everyone-will-love.php
Vacation In 4 Hours How To Getaway In Your Hometown
The Hometown Getaway...
vacation-in-4-hours-how-to-getaway-in-your-hometown.php
Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations In The Us
1. The top honeymoon destination in the United States has long ...
top-5-honeymoon-destinations-in-the-us.php
Cheap Seats How To Get A Great Price On Airline Tickets
JetBlue Airlines is one airline built on the goal of creati...
cheap-seats--how-to-get-a-great-price-on-airline-tickets.php
Plan The Perfect Vacation Getaway Tips For Making Your Vacation Stressless
First off, make sure you have planned your vacation well. Most stressful vacation scenarios arise because of rese...
plan-the-perfect-vacation-getaway-tips-for-making-your-vacation-stressless.php
The Perfect Spa Getaway 5 Places To Go
1. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa...
the-perfect-spa-getaway-5-places-to-go.php
Pony Up Vacations For The Cowboy In All Of Us
The Hartley Guest Ranch located in Northeastern New Mexi...
pony-up-vacations-for-the-cowboy-in-all-of-us.php
Traveling The Us What To Do And Where To Go
New York City is perhaps the most diverse city in the ...
traveling-the-us--what-to-do-and-where-to-go.php
Sailing Skiing And Surfing Best Vacations For The Water Sports Enthusiast
Set your sails for adventure and prepare your body, mind and soul for paradise when you visit the Is...
sailing-skiing-and-surfing-best-vacations-for-the-water-sports-enthusiast.php
Take A Trip Back In Time Historic Vacation Destinations In The Us
History-themed holidays are a creative way to directly augment your child’s education while inspiring enjoyable family ...
take-a-trip-back-in-time--historic-vacation-destinations-in-the-us.php
Ten Vacations For Under 100000
1. Take a family of four camping for a week at a State Forest or National Park. Camping gea...
ten-vacations-for-under-100000.php
A Whole New World Things To See And Do In Disney World
The average vacation to Disney World is five to seven days. This is actually as much time it takes to s...
a-whole-new-world-things-to-see-and-do-in-disney-world.php
Travel Insurance Necessity Or Not
There are a number of unexpected circumstances that could arise prior to your trip that would make travel insu...
travel-insurance-necessity-or-not.php
Two If By Sea How To Plan Your Cruise
The first step to planning your cruise is to decide where you want to cruise to. Nowadays you can cruise to almo...
two-if-by-sea-how-to-plan-your-cruise.php
Tips For Choosing A Travel Agent
Using a travel agent can provide you with a number of benefits you wo...
tips-for-choosing-a-travel-agent.php
Are We There Yet A Travel Guide For Parents
For kids, going away on a family vacation can be the highlight of their summer....
are-we-there-yet--a-travel-guide-for-parents.php
Top 5 International Honeymoon Destinations
1. While planning your honeymoon you will...
top-5-international-honeymoon-destinations.php
Best Theme Park Destinations
1. The Magic Kingdom at Disney World (FL)...
best-theme-park-destinations.php
The Ancient City Ten Things To See And Do In Greece
1. Visit the Acropolis. The most recognized symbol of the Greek natio...
the-ancient-city--ten-things-to-see-and-do-in-greece.php
The Grand Canyon 10 Things To Know Before You Go
1. You must decide how you will get there. Will you drive across country as...
the-grand-canyon-10-things-to-know-before-you-go.php
Vacation With The Stars Where Hollywood Goes To Relax
For an exotic getaway fit for a star try the South Pacific Island of Fiji. Fiji offers solitude from the rest of the ...
vacation-with-the-stars-where-hollywood-goes-to-relax.php
Condos And Time Shares How Does It All Work
Once purchasing a timeshare, these are owned by a number of people who ...
condos-and-time-shares--how-does-it-all-work.php
On The Road Again Money Savers For Car Trips
One of the biggest areas where money can be saved on road trips is food. If you are traveling with kids (or adult fast...
on-the-road-again-money-savers-for-car-trips.php
Top Ten Places To Get A Tan
1. Located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Copacabana Beach...
top-ten-places-to-get-a-tan.php
International Cruises What To Expect When You Get Off The Boat
When traveling internationally on a cruise it might be a go...
international-cruises--what-to-expect-when-you-get-off-the-boat.php
Shop Til You Drop The Ultimate Shopping Vacations
Camp Snoopy is the largest indoor family theme pa...
shop-til-you-drop-the-ultimate-shopping-vacations.php
Bargain Vacations Your Dream Getaway On Ebay
Stay at a bed & breakfast, a hotel, or rent a h...
bargain-vacations-your-dream-getaway-on-ebay.php
Top Of The Mornin To Ya Ten Reasons To Visit Ireland
1. Once in Ireland the first thing you will notice is the breathtaking scenery all around you. Ireland is a bea...
top-of-the-mornin-to-ya-ten-reasons-to-visit-ireland.php
Cold Hard Cash A Guide To Currency Conversion
The world currencies started to measure th...
cold-hard-cash-a-guide-to-currency-conversion.php
Top 5 Kid Friendly Vacation Spots
1. The top family vacation destination in the world has long be...
top-5-kid-friendly-vacation-spots.php
Kissimmee Ten Attractions That Arent Disney World
Kissimmee has its own popular and family oriented attractions that entice thousands of...
kissimmee-ten-attractions-that-arent-disney-world.php
Budget Busters When You Want To Splurge
Why not start your vacation off on the rig...
budget-busters-when-you-want-to-splurge.php
Air Hotel Rental Car Best Buys In Travel
JetBlue Airlines is one airline built on the goal of creating affor...
air-hotel--rental-car-best-buys-in-travel.php
5 Bad Vacation Destinations And Why You Dont Want To Go There
In order to prevent one bad vacation turning into two, let me give you a list of the top five BAD vacation dest...
5-bad-vacation-destinations-and-why-you-dont-want-to-go-there.php
Rving A Vacation Worth Taking
RVs of all sizes are available for purchase. Depending on t...
rving--a-vacation-worth-taking.php
Top 5 Hotels In The Us
1. Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa, located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is, without que...
top-5-hotels-in-the-us.php
A Christmas Gift To Yourself Best Places To Travel During The Holidays
What better place to visit during the holiday season than the North Pole – N...
a-christmas-gift-to-yourself--best-places-to-travel-during-the-holidays.php
Rome If You Want To A Travelers Guide To Rome
Rome has a population of about 2.7 million people. Climate is m...
rome-if-you-want-to--a-travelers-guide-to-rome.php
Top 6 Getaway Spots You Havent Thought Of
1. For a historical, scenic vacation spot away from it all, try Quebec City. Located northe...
top-6-getaway-spots-you-havent-thought-of.php
Tips For Making Vacation Reservations Online
Before booking your vacation, make sure to do your research. If you are smart you will want to get you...
tips-for-making-vacation-reservations-online.php
Passport Please Tips For International Travel
When traveling internationally it might be a good idea to invest in travel insurance. Not only does travel i...
passport-please-tips-for-international-travel.php
Call Of The Wild Best Safari Vacations
The Serengeti is well known for the wildebe...
call-of-the-wild-best-safari-vacations.php
Frequent Flyer Miles How Does It All Work
Frequent flyer programs are somewhat easy to understand. For each mile that frequent flyer customers travel, ...
frequent-flyer-miles-how-does-it-all-work.php
Menu
Articles