The majestic Austrian Alps stretch across the country, an awe-striking area of Ice Age valleys, verdant heaths and alluvial cones within Europe's largest national park, 700-square-mile Hohe Tauern. Taking in the dramatic cities of Salzburg and Innsbruck and the beautiful province of Tirol, home to spectacular skiing and hiking, as well as Gross Glockner, Austria's highest peak, and some of the world's best winter and summer sports playgrounds, the Austrian Alps are an outdoor lover's paradise.
As home to majestic mountains, opulent palaces, and high culture, Austria's attractions are classically sumptuous and enduring. But beyond the waltzes, the strudels, the alpine summits, and Habsburg architecture, its modern cities are proof of just how easily Austria combines the contemporary with the historic.
The legendary birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, Cyprus has been coveted and fought over by a succession of admirers: Mycenaeans, Egyptians, Assyrians and Persians, to name a few. The former British colony was most recently fought over by the Turks and the Greeks. A result of this turbulent past is an impressive range of cultural treasures, from Crusader castles to the tomb of Mohammed's aunt. The island's geography - plentiful coastline with a mountainous center - ensures plenty of year-round activity.
Icecaps and glaciers, spouting geysers and steaming solfataras, volcanoes, raging rivers and magnificent waterfalls, a bevy of birds, cavorting whales offshore and much more are on your Iceland itinerary. Among lively Reykjavik's multitude of attractions are Hallgrimur's Church, a bevy of geothermal baths and sizzling hot nightlife. The Icelandic capital is the starting point for the Golden Circle Route driving tour through the southwest. The mineral-rich Blue Lagoon is a 40-minute drive from the city.
Discover the best Ranches in Finland including Hotel & Spa Resort Jarvisydan, Santalahti Resort, Ollilan Lomamajat, Matkailumaja Heikkala Cottages, Loma-Rantala, Oivangin Lomakartano, Pellas Gasthem, Holiday Village Meripesa, Storfinnhova Gard, Vuoksi Fishing Park.
Discover the best Ranches in West Coast including Roda Stallet Bed & Breakfast, Tivedens Vandrarhem, Hajstorp Slusscafe & Vandrarhem, Hagbards By Gardspensionat, Stakaberg Konferens & Gardshotell, Wapno Gardshotell, Krokstorps Gard, Lanthotell Lognas Gard, Stallet B&b.
Discover the best Ranches in Sweden including Torekov Hotell, Framby Udde Resort, Roda Stallet Bed & Breakfast, Tivedens Vandrarhem, Stall Stratjara, Hajstorp Slusscafe & Vandrarhem, STF Solberga Gard, Sillegardens Sommarpensionat, Sundsta Sateri, Saters Camping.
Discover the best Ranches in Denmark including Ost Trogelborg Farm Holiday, Bremsmaj Farm Holiday, B&B TiendeGaarden, Pension Stenvang, Hotel Vadstrup1771, BlushojGaard Kursus- & Feriecenter Ebeltoft, Houdam, Romo Sommerhusferie, Skrobelev Gods Manor House, Skovboferie Bed & Breakfast.
Brimming with both history and natural wonder, Northern Portugal is home to Porto, the city that gave the country its name, as well as the important ancient town of Braga. Also here is Peneda-Gerês, Portugal’s only national park, a gorgeous wilderness area of mountains, gorges, water features and wildlife. Many picturesque villages and manor houses dot the countryside. Two areas are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Alto Douro Wine Region, and the Paleolithic rock art in the Côa Valley.
Discover the best Ranches in Alentejo including Quinta Do Chocalhinho, Monte do Vale, Outeiro Da Vila, Casas das Amoreiras, Herdade Do Azinhal, Herdade do Vau, Moinho Do Alamo, Monte Do Caneiro, Monte da Morena Agroturismo, Quinta Paraiso.
Portugal’s Mediterranean charm is most prominent on the golden beaches of the Algarve; in the wilderness of the Azores islands; among the vineyards of Douro Valley; and on the cobbled streets of Lisbon and Porto, where old-world culture meets cosmopolitan bars and restaurants.
From canal-laced, fairy-tale cities like Bruges and Ghent to the urban centers of Antwerp and Brussels, Belgium sits at the crossroads of medieval and modern Europe. The chance to sample famous exports such as chocolate and beer straight from the source only sweetens a visit.
Discover the real Holland and experience the true essence of Dutch culture for yourself. Admire the stunning tulip fields bursting with vibrant color, taste award-winning cheese, take a relaxing canal cruise around the city or explore the pretty, flat landscape like the locals do - by bike.
From the storybook villages and dizzying peaks of the Swiss Alps to the lakeside resorts of Geneva and Lucerne, landlocked Switzerland serves up some of Europe’s most enchanting scenery (along with some of its most delicious cheeses and chocolates, too).
Best known as the birthplace of St. Francis, Italy's patron saint, Assisi lies amid Umbria's rolling hills. Religious pilgrims have come here for centuries to visit the Basilica of San Francesco (where St. Francis is buried) and the Basilica of Santa Chiara (to see the tomb of St. Clare). Visit the Eremo delle Carceri to see caves where medieval hermits withdrew from the world. (You may find such solitude quite appealing—especially if you're here on a daytrip from Rome!)
Centrally located Umbria's principal cities include Spoleto, Assisi, and Terni. The capital, Perugia, is famed for its chocolate. Take a tour bus or prepare for daredevil Italian drivers if you opt to rent a car. Assisi's Basilica has a host of treasures, including works by Giotto. The town is also home to the crypt of St. Clare, patron saint of television. St. Francis' meditation retreat is in the mountains to the north. Classes at Velia's Cooking Style in Terni make good use of local produce.
The achingly beautiful Tuscany region of Italy is a touchstone of art, food, and culture. Made up of stunning countryside and distinguished cities, Tuscany is the perfect escape for gastronomes, cognoscenti, and fans of the Italian Renaissance. Visit the stunning Roman Catholic cathedrals and galleries of Florence and Arezzo, or make your way to Pisa to see its hallmark Leaning Tower. A bike tour through olive groves and vineyards is a popular way to literally breathe in the Tuscan atmosphere.
A visit to Sicily is truly a feast for all senses. The Mediterranean island is a foodie’s paradise, offering rustic fare that makes the most of local bounty. Crispy/creamy arancini – fried balls of rice filled with cheese and sauce – are mouthfuls of heaven. The Sicilian sweet tooth has manifested in some of the world’s finest desserts, like icy granita and sinful cannoli. Give your stomach a quick break and visually devour the Baroque architecture of Catania or the awesome holy monuments of Agrigento.
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