Classical Europe From Rome to Amsterdam

Italy's eternal capital boasts historic sites, ancient ruins, fine architecture, rich culture, superb food, and vibrant nightlife.

Make a wish and toss a coin into this world-famous Baroque fountain, admire its sculptures, then head off to explore the nearby cafes.

This iconic landmark is a triumph of Roman architecture, dating to the 1C and hailed as the largest amphitheater ever built.

A very lively neighborhood in the heart of Rome. Great for an evening stroll and a good meal.

Once the political and commercial center of ancient Rome, this archaeological park now houses nicely-preserved ruins.

Dramatically set on an eroding volcanic plateau overlooking the area, this town retains much of its historic architecture and charm.

The romantic gardens feature medieval ruins, a variety of trees, meadows, exotic plants, and roses that grow over the ruins.

Set in the Vatican City, these 54 museums house an exquisite art collection dating to the 16C, including the famed Sistine Chapel.

Climb up the elegant 18C Spanish Steps to visit the church, or spend your time loafing on the square below, soaking in the ambiance.

This beautiful 20C villa houses an exquisite 17C collection of artwork and historic artefacts, including choice pieces by Caravaggio.

Erected by the Torlonia family in the 18C and occupied by Mussolini in the 20C, this Neoclassical mansion now hosts a small art museum.

Flanked by two gorgeous 16C villas, these elegant gardens boast an intricate design, fountains, sculptures, and a wealth of blossoms.

Boasting a fascinating history dating back to the Bronze Age, this town was abandoned during the 18C but retains some interesting remnants.

Originally a Roman temple, this famed 2C rotonda is a superbly-preserved cultural monument, as well as a feat of Roman engineering.

The veritable heart of Rome, this hill is an archaeological park featuring a wealth of remarkable ancient ruins and a museum.

Once a wealthy suburb of ancient Rome full of elegant villas and rich gardens, the district is now a great spot for a stroll.

This magnificent 19C monument commemorates Italy's first king, and features an array of artistic and architectural elements.

Evacuated by the government and repopulated by artists and artisans decades later, this quaint town on top of a volcano bursts with culture.

Visit the ruins of this once thriving Etruscan metropolis, sacked in the 1C BC, but still retaining remnants of its former grandeur.

Take a walk through the residential Aventine Hill quarter, famed for the Santa Maria Church whose keyhole offers a superb view.

A Neoclassical square strewn with fountains, cultural monuments, and restaurants, offering a great opportunity for people-watching.

Stroll through the tranquil expanse dotted with fine tombstones, admiring the fruit trees and noting some of the historic relics.

Once a Roman arena used for games, this lively Baroque square is a great spot to rest your feet and enjoy some people-watching.

This lush peninsula in the south of Tuscany is full of small towns, hidden beaches, biking roads, and hiking trails.

Not far from Rome rests the mountaintop Tivoli, whose long history has left an array of villas, temples, and landmarks in its wake.

Tuscany's capital is full of history, boasting beautiful architecture, great art venues, superb food, and unforgettable atmosphere.

Succumb to the charms of this historic center, venturing through the streets to discover quaint shops, cafes, and historic sites.

A famous museum, exhibiting some of the greatest classical art pieces from major Italian masters. A must visit for art lovers!

An 11C Romanesque church with rich geometrical design, featuring uniquely ornate interior, including mosaics, murals, and frescoes.

This superb art gallery houses a wealth of Renaissance art, including Michelangelo's world-famous sculpture of David.

One of the best areas to take a scenic drive in Tuscany, this valley offers great views of the countryside at its best.

A top destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Siena is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, and medieval cityscape.

Strewn with 16C-18C sculptures and architectural curios, these lovely gardens are home to a notable Fountain of Neptune.

Florence's largest church is an architectural gem boasting Gothic-Revival architecture, superb decorations, and an exquisite facade.

Admire the superb design, then climb 414 stairs up this beautiful Gothic tower to enjoy the stunning views of Florence awaiting you.

This popular hilltop square offers the best views of the city, and is lauded for its magical atmosphere during sunset.

Erected during the Renaissance period, this villa now boasts a superb parkland dotted with fountains, statues, and lovely scenery.

This 16C boasts exquisite Moorish Revival architecture and breathtaking decor. Be sure to check its opening hours in advance.

The city's Town Hall dates to the 13C and features several lovely courtyards, as well as an array of chambers with historic decor.

Stretching between two palaces, this covered passageway features several notable paintings.

Hemmed with various cultural and historic landmarks, this central square is a great spot for a meet up or for some people-watching.

Formerly a prisonhouse, this 13C building houses an art museum displaying important sculptures and artworks by Renaissance masters.

Dramatically set on an eroding volcanic plateau overlooking the area, this town retains much of its historic architecture and charm.

This marvelous hilltop town boasts architectural variety, historic towers, a fun medieval atmosphere, and superb local wine.

Famed worldwide for its romantic canals and gorgeous masks, this thriving city offers its visitors a wealth of cultural attractions.

Venice's famous main square is beautifully designed, lined with gorgeous arcaded buildings, and is a great spot for people-watching.

Lined with a fascinating array of architectural curios, the Grand Canal is the city's largest water transportation vein.

Boasting superb Italian-Byzantine style, this 11C basilica hosts a wealth of gilded mosaics, elegant frescoes, and other decorations.

Set on one of Venice's major arteries, this superb museum hosts an array of modern art, from Cubism, to Expressionist, to Futurism.

Immortalized in several Shakespearean plays, Verona lures travelers with its culture, rich history, and unforgettable atmosphere.

Once a thriving hub of the Venetian Republic, this lagoon island features several remarkable churches and a few historic sites.

If you allow yourself one touristy act, let it be this - take a ride on a gondola, exploring the city as it should be explored.

Dating to the 15C, this clock town boasts an ornate facade and fine architectural blend, as well as offering tours behind the mechanism.

Wander around the famed City of Canals, exploring the winding streets by foot or a gondola, soaking up the carnivalesque ambiance.

Located on the long sandbar, this beach rests on the Adriatic Sea, and offers wonderful seaside scenery, clear water, and fine sand.

Dedicated to the life and work of Antonio Canova, a renowned 18C Neoclassical artist, this museum exhibits his sculptures and technique.

Pack up your hiking boots because the wild beauty of the Dolomites awaits your exploration, boasting streams, mountains, and rich fauna.

Established as part of a monastery in the 12C, this 16C reconstruction retains a notable collection of fine artwork and a beautiful facade.

Featuring a long monastic history, this isle also invites travelers to walk among its gardens, enjoy the views, or visit a cultural event.

Stretching for 11km parallel the shore, this sandbar is a resort of its own, known for its elegant villas and a great beach.

A bridge of white limestone, best known for various legends explaining the etymology of its name, be it prisoners' or lovers' sighs.

World's second-largest accessible cave system boasts a wealth of rock formations, as well as an adjacent speleological museum.

With its plentiful museums, lovely churches, large piazzas, and superb palaces, this cosmopolitan city is rich with culture.

Comprised of five colorful villages, this Italian town sprawls over terraced rocks along the coast and offers spectacular scenery.

A hiking trail high above the Cinque Terre villages that affords breathtaking views of the area. Takes a full day of moderate effort.

If you have one day to explore the Cinque Terre villages, this gorgeous coastal trail connecting the villages is the best way to do so.

The second smallest and possibly the oldest of Cinque Terre's towns, Manarola is famous for its bright and colorful houses.

One Cinque Terre's five towns, Vernazza is known as one of the most authentic fishing villages on the Italian Riviera.

Spanning 70km, only 2 of which are open to the public, this marvelous karst cave system is rich with mesmerizing rock formations.

Riddled with trails of various lengths, this limestone cave system features stalactites, subterranean lakes, mud formations, and more.

One of the five towns of Cinque Terre, it is known for its famous convent which is visible from all parts of Cinque Terre.

The most southern of Cinque Terre's five towns, it is is known for its historic charm and its excellent locally produced wine.

The only town of Cinque Terre not directly adjacent to the sea, Corniglia connects to the other towns by natural stone terraces.

A striking rock formation reaching the height of over 1,000m, boasting a national park and an array of tropical vegetation.

With its undeniable medieval charm, this town is full of history, churches, quaint streets, museums, and stately villas.

Ideally located on Lake Leman, Geneva has become a thriving metropolis full of cultural events, museums, music venues, and festivals.

Take an afternoon to stroll through the historic center, discovering local monuments and interesting antique shops.

Set on the bank of Lake Leman, this English-style garden boasts many cultural curios, an aviary, and is linked to another two parks.

Decked with flowers and ancient trees, this park also features an 18C mansion and affords wonderful grounds for an afternoon stroll.

A spectacular landscaped park, featuring a splendid rose garden, an 18C palace, picnic areas, and beautiful lawns.

One of Western Europe's largest lakes is lined with settlements, offering a natural respite in the heart of busy cities such as Geneva.

Hike up to the peak to enjoy the views of the countryside below, the splendid Lake Geneva, and the majestic Alps in the distance.

An exceptional historical library, housing ancient manuscripts, clay tablets, papyri , illuminated tomes, and other literary relics.

Switzerland's largest art museum is home to diverse and fascinating collections, including art, icons, jewelry, archaeology, and more.

This museum hosts many exhibitions on botany, mineralogy, and taxidermy, as well as glass models of animal skeletons and other curios.

Founded in the 12C and boasting remarkable architecture, the cathedral is famed for the 4C archaeological relics found beneath it.

Reaching an altitude of nearly 3,000m, this beautiful mountain is a superb ski challenge, offering breathtaking views of the area.

Catch a train up the mountain or hike to the peak for breathtaking views of the Alps, a small botanical garden, and a serene ambiance.

Known as MAMCO for short, this museum houses a diverse collection of over 1,000 pieces of international modern and contemporary art.

This popular museums traces the history of watch-making since the 16C onwards, exhibits exquisite timepieces, mechanism, and tools.

Home to over 9,000 Chinese and Japanese artifacts, this impressive museum exhibits a wealth of Far Eastern art spanning a millennium.

Surrounded with beautiful parkland and overviewing the lake, this 20th century palace is a base of the United Nations.

One of the world's highest dams, this 250m-high structure is an impressive feat of human ingenuity surrounded with majestic scenery.

Ringed with glaciers, this summit reaches 3,300m and is easily accessible with a cable-car, offering spectacular views and great skiing.

The City of Lights boasts fascinating architecture, rich culture, and amazing cuisine, making it one of the best destinations in the world.

This avenue is the most vivid place in Paris, with excellent restaurants, theaters, and luxury boutiques at every turn.

With its antique shops, art galleries, squares, and great restaurants, the Place des Vosges is an incarnation of charm.

As the most renowned art gallery in the world, with the Mona Lisa as its crown jewel, the Louvre could take a week or more to visit in depth.

Enjoy an amazing view of Paris at the romantic surroundings this basilica offers.

The town of Versailles is the symbol of the French monarchy, and considered as the apogee of classical arts in France.

Considered the capital of the Centre region, this city is excellent for lovers of history and quality dining.

The most iconic monument of Paris, The Eiffel Tower is a Symbol of France and offers the highest observation deck in Europe at 276m high.

These French gardens are some of the most lovely and romantic in all of Paris.

Stroll through the narrow streets and discover the restaurants and boutiques in the Marais quarter.

One of the most lively quarters of Paris, the nightlife, dining and entertainment options here seem endless.

Built in the 17C in typical Classical style, this castle is one of the most prestigious in the region.

This small town is dominated by its massive castle and amazing forest, and is a popular weekend destination for Parisians.

If you're in the mood for a luxurious shopping experience, visit the shops in this square, including Boucheron and Van Cleef and Arpels.

With its "Fontaine des Fleuves" and obelisk, this is one of the most picturesque sites in Paris.

At more than 900 ha, this is a welcome greenspace in Paris, including its lakes, fountains, zoo, and more.

Dedicated to the work of Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel, this museum is home to "The Thinker". 

This romantic town in the Picadry region proudly displays its Medieval heritage, architecture, monuments, and art.

Easily accessible from Paris or Orleans, this town features the must-see Chartres Cathedral and offers a medieval atmosphere.

A 13C architectural masterpiece, the Notre Dame Cathedral is a monument of Paris and a historical gem worth exploring.

This breathtaking museum in an old train station focuses on 19C art, and holds concerts and other performance on an ongoing basis.

Hidden beneath the streets of Paris are these amazing ossuaries, made up of the remains of over 6 million people.

This mostly residential island in the middle of the Seine is a peaceful place to walk at and get a wonderful meal.

This small town is famous for its magnificent attractions: Chantilly Castle and the vast park and forest that surround it.

Known for Notre Dame Cathedral, charming canals, and superb cuisine, Amiens is the incarnation of Picardy.

Belgium's capital is the seat of the EU and boasts a metropolitan cultural diversity, many historic curiosities, and great museums.

A wonderful square in the heart of the city, surrounded on all sides by historic buildings, including the Town Hall and a city museum.

A must-see museum, this collection thoroughly covers the European masters from the 14C-20C. Visitors often stay for several hours.

Get pleasantly lost in this fabulous historic center that takes you along cobbled streets to museums, homes, and historic sites.

Built for the 1910 Universal Exposition, this area was revitalized to what today is a lovely district of museums and amazing city views.

Steeped in history, Antwerp is highly cosmopolitan yet youthful while remaining one of the largest port cities in the world.

Known as the "Venice of the North," Bruges boasts superb Flemish art, scenic canals, and a prosperous past.

Built in the 19C, this complex of greenhouses are built from alluring glass and iron architecture and house stunning flora.

Home to Europe’s largest exhibit of dinosaurs, this museum also excels in its presentation of evolution, minerals, and marine life.

A must-see museum, it features work by Bruegel the Elder and Rubens among its unsurpassed collection of early Flemish art.

This Gothic town hall boasts a 95 m tall tower, statues, a mirrored hall, and amazing artwork.

Ghent is alive with activity day and night, with a large port, major university, and history that goes back at least 1,500 years.

Home to Belgium's oldest university, Louvain is largely known for its history, culture, and beer.