For most travelers, visiting Europe is a dream come true, but planning an itinerary may be challenging because there are so many interesting and varied things to do. But don’t worry—we’re on hand to assist! To assist you in creating the perfect Europe bucket list, we’ve compiled a list of 19 of the most amazing vacation destinations and activities that you must attempt at least once.
1. See the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland is arguably the best place in the world to stargaze and see the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. The glowing green lights might look cool in photos, but nothing compares to seeing the real thing. Tick the Northern Lights off your bucket list by visiting towns like Vik, Thingvellir National Park or Threngsli. Find out more about the best time to visit here.
Sightseeing excursions are planned around this amazing, albeit erratic, natural occurrence on clear winter nights. The greatest places to witness sightings vary, and knowledgeable excursion guides are adept at “hunting” for the finest spots to see them on any given night.
2. In Naples, indulge in pizza
Italy? Pizza? revolutionary. However, how could you go to the location where pizza originated and not eat a slice—or seven? Naples, a city located on the Amalfi Coast, is well-known for its pizza, a number of castles, and Mount Vesuvius. Pizza neapolitana is light and airy, with just tomatoes, basil, and buffalo mozzarella on top. That belongs on a traveler’s wish list for Europe. Check out our list of the world’s top pizzas.
3. Highland hike in Scotland
Enjoy breathtaking scenery while exploring the Scottish Highlands. The Cairngorms mountain range, Glencoe valley, and Aonach Mòr hills are just a few of the breathtaking landscapes and hiking routes found in the highlands. Look out for adorable wildlife; you may spot highland cattle, wild cats, and red squirrels in the valleys.
Taking a hike in Scotland? Get back to nature by exploring Scotland’s top hiking and walking routes. Whether you’re an expert hiker or a beginner, Scotland’s long-distance walking routes, such the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way, are among the top hiking paths.
Scotland’s walking routes are clearly signposted, mainly off-road, free of traffic, and offer a variety of visitor facilities along the way. These make them ideal for multi-day walks or overnight stays.
Residents of Skye, a Scottish island, are pleading for immediate assistance to alleviate overcrowding at some of the island’s most well-known tourist attractions due to a spike in visitation.
Islanders bemoan the fact that vehicles, tour buses, and camper vans clog their winding, single-track roads; that trash scatters around rest areas; and that guests relieve themselves outside.
The most well-known locations on Skye are where the issue is most noticeable. These include the fairy pools, which are a sequence of vibrant green and blue pools and waterfalls in Glen Brittle; the Neist Point lighthouse, which offers views of the Uist islands; and the island’s remarkable ridges and stone outcrops at the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr.
Rob Ware, who rents out a self-catering home on the southern part of the island, claimed that Skye is collapsing under the strain of more tourists this year. “It’s not everywhere on the island: in actuality, there are many locations that aren’t suffering too much, but it’s the main, iconic locations, like the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr.
4. Experience Voss whitewater rafting
Norway’s capital, Voss, is a bustling city that should be on your itinerary. Hike, cycle, skydive, do the arctic plunge, or attempt waterfall repelling are all options. Everything is there! However, white-water rafting is a must-do activity if you’re in this area; it’s the most well-liked sport for visitors seeking extreme sports.
5. Remain in a Chateau in France
This is as luxurious as it gets, right? Take a couple of nights to relax in your very own French château and experience true fairy tale luxury. There are plenty of possibilities because a growing number of these historic locations are being meticulously restored and made accessible to the public. Spend two nights in your very own 16th-century château in Beaujolais when you travel with Contiki on the European Escapade or French Cycle to Château tours.
This impressive building is the epitome of a French château, with its towers and keep towering boldly above the ground, its wall-walk and machicolations, and its large moat at the base of its strong walls! An amazing and magnificent medieval stronghold. Head for the roofs to ensure you don’t miss any of its numerous riches. Admire its amazing roof beams made of wood and chestnut from the fourteenth century. The ‘blue grid’, or gateway door, has a flaming cannonball design on either side that serves as a reminder that the first Duke of Sully, the manor’s master, served as Henri IV, King of France’s Grand Master of Artillery. Constructed on the banks of the Loire in the late 14th century, this magnificent castle holds opulent chambers that are decorated with opulent memories of the Duke and his heirs.
6. Take a European path and celebrate Pride.
Celebrate Pride with Contiki and embark on an incredible journey you won’t soon forget, from Germany to the Netherlands. As you follow the floats across the continent, making stops in Frankfurt, Reims, and Bruges along the way, take in the parades, performances, and after-parties in Berlin Pride and Pride Amsterdam.
7. Explore Iceland and go waterfall chasing
Another thing on Iceland’s bucket list for Europe! You should allot a significant amount of time to waterfall chasing if you’re considering a trip to this enchanted nation. Located in the southern region of Iceland, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Gljufrabui are some of the most spectacular waterfalls to behold. Who could overlook the Gullfoss Waterfall when driving the Golden Circle from Reykjavik? Among the many breathtaking natural sites in this nation, it’s one of the most well-known.
8. Snack beneath the Eiffel Tower
A journey to Europe would not be complete without a stop in Paris. You could, of course, but it would be foolish of you to miss this amazing metropolis. Even if it sounds cliche, you will feel quite special while you are eating a picnic with fresh baguettes, cheese, and wine while taking in views of the Eiffel Tower. It’s cliched for a reason, so put it on your must-see list for Europe right away.
9. Destroy the Alps’ inclines
Take on the snow-covered peaks of Austria’s Hopfgarten, Soelden, Saint Anton am Arlberg, and countless other villages. The Austrian Tyrol has a plethora of mountain peaks that you should definitely include to your list of things to see in Europe. You want to be able to look back on your skiing experience in the Alps and say, “Remember that time I skied?” Don’t forget to visit Contiki’s own Austrian Chalet!
10. Slide down Sicily’s active volcano
In search of a surge of adrenaline? How about riding a bike down Mount Etna, the tallest active stratovolcano in Europe? The well-liked cycling route in Taormina passes among luscious orchards and vineyards, so it’s not only volcanic rock.
Italy’s Mount Etna is a restless volcano that sits on the northeastern border of Sicily and is known for its lightning-surrounded pyrotechnics and glowing lava flows. It’s creeping into the Ionian Sea as well, and a recent study offers new insights into why.
The so-called Roof of the Mediterranean has been moving, as has been known for some time. The average pace of etna migration is several times slower than the growth rate of your fingernails, so it’s not slipping quickly. However, since the movement of the volcano is associated with the possibility of a catastrophic collapse of the flaming mountain, geologists have been searching for the precise source of the volcano’s motion.
11. Take a Dublin pub crawl
You’ve undoubtedly heard of Temple Bar, the famous Irish pub known for its vivid red exterior. But this city is much more than just one great location. Take a stroll down the cobblestone streets and visit pubs such as Mulligan’s, The Palace Bar, The Old Storehouse, and The Long Hall to experience the legendary Irish hospitality and live music.
12. Ride your bike to Schloss Neuschwanstein
This fairytale-like castle in Germany, which is only a short drive from Munich, has undoubtedly appeared in pictures. Even though taking a typical tour of the breathtaking site is always enjoyable, you might make the experience even more exciting by going on a bike ride and hiking through the surrounding area. You’ll get a close-up look at the most beautiful parts of the Bavarian Alps and, of course, tour the historic Neuschwanstein Castle.
