The Top Ten Places to See in Europe

The idea of traveling to Europe is a romantic one. The very thought is filled with excitement, mystery, and adventure. After spending a good deal of time exploring this fascinating continent myself, on various trips over the last seven years, I have concluded a few things about travel to Europe. Among these realizations is the wonderful truth that all the dreams and grand impressions were, at least for me, very true.

Europe is amazing. It has gripped me tightly and has kept me coming back for more. I have my own set of "Must See Cities" or areas that I feel deserve at least one visit during anyone's lifetime, if not many more. Some of these, no doubt, will appear in many other top ten lists, and that alone should qualify their position of importance. A few others may be slightly less spoken of, and these I would never miss. I believe that any well rounded trip to Europe should include the large famous sights and cities; however the time to break away from the hordes of tourists and enjoy the authentic small town life of Europe is equally important. I include the following in my list of "Top Ten Places to See in Europe", with fond wishes of an experience of a lifetime.

Top Ten Cities or Areas (in no specific order):

1. The Italian Riviera

The Cinque Terre (five lands) is a beautiful national park on the coastline of the Italian Riveria in Italy's Liguria region. The five quaint villages that populate the park, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, overlook the Ligurian Sea (part of the northern Mediterranean Sea). The towns are connected by hiking and walking trails (the trails between the southern most towns being the easiest and most family friendly) that follow the coastline or climb into the hills above the towns to sanctuaries.

Each is unique, but they all provide a wonderful small town experience, with just enough restaurants and other amenities to let you feel like you have options to explore and discover. They are connected by train between La Spezia and Genoa, and are an easy reach from Pisa or other parts of Tuscany, as well as the Genoa area.

2. Tuscany and its Hill Towns

Ah, Tuscany. The very word makes those who have never experienced it envious, and those who have long for more. Florence is nice, Pisa can be a fun quick trip, but I prefer to spend my time in the smaller towns in the surrounding region. Cortona is a favorite hill town, and is most well known for its appearance in the film "Under the Tuscan Sun". Others Tuscan towns of note include San Gimignano, Volterra, and Siena.

3. Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

I have been to this majestic area in the Alps three times now, and I still feel like I'll never spend enough time here. The Lauterbrunnen area comprises the villages of Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Murren, Gimmelwald, Stechelberg, and Isenfluh. Lauterbrunnen means many springs or fountains, and the area lives up to its name. The valley is home to a vast number of waterfalls that cascade down the canyon walls all around you during the summer. Skiing above the cliffs in the winter is popular, and paragliding after the snow melts is just at home here as in nearby Interlaken.

4. The Greek Islands

Everyone hears about the wonders of the Greek Isles, and wonderful they are! The white homes and blue domed churches clinging to the cliffs, the beautiful beaches and Aegean Sea that grace postcards and magazines the world over call these islands home, particularly the Cycladic Islands. The islands can be visited rather inexpensively, compared to other top destinations, and have quite a bit to offer. Santorini (known locally as Thira) is wonderful. Mykonos, Rhodes, and Crete are all also very well known and heavily visited. I found the Island of Paros, and the town of Naoussa, very relaxing and comfortable.

5. Hallstatt, Austria

Austria is home to beautiful views and wonderful cities. Hallstatt sits across a lake from the train station, perched on the hillside above the water, and is home to the world's oldest salt mine. Boat rentals are available to enjoy the lake, but mostly this little town is a perfect recouping and relaxing point between Vienna and Salzburg.

6. Rome

Rome. Need I say more? Just about every book or article I have ever read point to this city as one not to miss. All of them are right. Some of the most amazing history and architecture in the world live in this busy city.

7. Venice

Venice is my favorite big city in Italy (which just happens to be my favorite country, if you hadn't noticed already). It has its own share of history, art, and architecture, but what makes the city so alluring is the way it invites you to explore its pedestrian only streets and waterways filled with the romantic traffic of Gondolas. It feels much cleaner and smaller than other big Italian cities.

8. London

I first went to London when I was 17, spent 5 days there, and still left behind a lot to see. As with Rome and Paris, London tops many a list of top destinations, and has in its possession a commanding array of places to visit and things to see.

9. Paris

Paris is another city with plenty to offer. From the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame to the food to the street merchants selling anything you could imagine, Paris is quite an experience.

10. Athens

Athens is a newer addition to this list. I visited it for the first time earlier this year, and plan to return with much more time on my hands. Home to some of the most significant and important places in Earth's history, Athens is home to nearly half the Greek population, and is filled with scents and tastes that rival anywhere.

Well, there they are, my big (and not so big) ten. I hope you find this article useful. And remember; make time while you're there to find your own special place. Many marvelous things await you.