25 Best Places to Visit in Europe - Travel Europe

Summary

This script highlights Europe's allure as a top tourist destination, with a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, history, and efficient infrastructure. It takes viewers on a journey through iconic landmarks, from Vienna's imperial grandeur and Stonehenge's ancient mystery to the natural wonders of the Matterhorn and Plitvice Lakes. The narrative sweeps through cities like Budapest, Lisbon, and Athens, each with its own unique charm, before delving into Russia's historic Moscow, Italy's romantic Venice, and the glitz of Monte Carlo. The summary also touches on the Renaissance birthplace of Florence, London's rich history, and the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle. It concludes with must-visits like Amsterdam, Prague, Istanbul, and the breathtaking Geirangerfjord, rounding up with Barcelona's Gaudi architecture, Dubrovnik's medieval charm, Santorini's idyllic scenery, the romantic Paris, and the ancient magnificence of Rome.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Europe is the second smallest continent but attracts over half of all tourists worldwide.
• 🏰 7 out of the top 10 most visited countries globally are in Europe, known for their cultural heritage and efficient infrastructure.
• 🎵 Vienna, the former seat of the Hapsburg Empire, is known as 'the City of Music' and is rich in imperial architecture.
• 🪨 Stonehenge, a prehistoric site, is famous for its massive monoliths and possible association with early astrology.
• 🏞️ The Matterhorn in Italy and Switzerland is a popular destination for climbers and offers awe-inspiring natural views.
• 💧 Plitvice Lakes in Croatia is a national park with 16 interconnected lakes surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls.
• 🏛️ Budapest is a historic city with a rich collection of art and architecture, including the Museum of Fine Arts.
• 🌊 Lisbon is a Portuguese capital with a history of exploration and landmarks like Belem Tower and Saint George Castle.
• 🇮🇸 Gullfoss in Iceland is a spectacular waterfall, fed by a glacier and a top attraction for tourists.
• 🏛 Athens, the birthplace of democracy, is home to historical landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
• 🏞️ Bay of Kotor in Montenegro offers breathtaking scenery with medieval towns and religious sites.
• 🏰 Moscow, the capital of Russia, boasts attractions like the Red Square, the Kremlin, and St. Basil’s Cathedral.
• 🛶 Venice is a romantic city known for gondola rides, St. Mark’s Basilica, and its many bridges.
• 🏰 Monte Carlo is known for its glitz, glamour, and the famous Monaco Grand Prix.
• 🏰 The Alhambra in Spain is a palace-fortress complex with a blend of architectural styles and rich history.
• 🎨 Florence is credited with the Renaissance and is home to the Uffizi gallery and the original David sculpture.
• 🏰 Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany is a fairy-tale-like castle that inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty.
• 🌷 Amsterdam is known for its canals, Anne Frank's house, and famous art museums.
• 🏰 Prague offers a rich history with its Old Town, Charles Bridge, and vibrant nightlife.
• 🛍️ Istanbul is a city where Europe meets Asia, with attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
• 🏞️ Geirangerfjord in Norway is a scenic fjord with waterfalls and picturesque villages.
• 🏙️ Barcelona is known for Gaudi's architecture, including the unfinished La Sagrada Familia.
• 🏰 Dubrovnik is a fortified city with a rich maritime history and is a popular Mediterranean destination.
• 🏖️ Santorini is a Greek island with picturesque villages, an active volcano, and famous sunsets.
• 🗼 Paris is a city of history, culture, and fashion, with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
• 🏛️ Rome is home to ancient landmarks such as the Colosseum and Vatican City, with its St. Peter’s Basilica.

Q & A

Why is Europe a popular tourist destination?

Europe is popular due to its well-preserved cultural heritage, rich history, safety, and efficient infrastructure, making it a breeze for tourists to visit.

How many of the top 10 most visited countries in the world are European?

7 out of the 10 most visited countries in the world are European nations.

What is the nickname of Vienna and why?

Vienna is nicknamed 'the City of Music' because of its association with famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert.

What is the significance of Stonehenge and when was its construction started?

Stonehenge is significant for its prehistoric origins, with construction starting around 3000 BC. It is believed to be associated with early astrology.

What is unique about the Matterhorn mountain?

The Matterhorn is unique as a nature-made pyramid, being one of the highest mountains in Europe, and is popular with climbers since the first ascent in 1865.

Why are the Plitvice Lakes a notable tourist attraction?

The Plitvice Lakes are notable for their natural beauty, consisting of 16 interconnected lakes surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls, attracting over a million visitors a year.

What is special about Budapest's Museum of Fine Arts?

Budapest's Museum of Fine Arts is special for its extensive collection of more than 100,000 works of art.

Why is Lisbon historically significant?

Lisbon is historically significant as the starting point for many explorers during the Age of Discovery in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries.

What makes Gullfoss waterfalls in Iceland a top tourist attraction?

Gullfoss waterfalls are a top attraction due to their spectacular nature, being fed by a glacier, and their unique three-step cascade into a deep canyon.

What is the historical significance of the Acropolis in Athens?

The Acropolis in Athens is historically significant as it houses major landmarks like the Parthenon and is a symbol of the birthplace of Western civilization and democracy.

Why is the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, considered one of the great wonders?

The Alhambra is considered a wonder due to its architectural blend over the centuries, starting as a small fortress and expanding into a palace-fortress complex with grand art and gardens.

Outlines

00:00

🏰 Cultural Heritage and European Landmarks

This paragraph introduces Europe as a top tourist destination, welcoming over half of the world's tourists, with 7 out of the 10 most visited countries being European. It highlights the continent's preserved cultural heritage, rich history, safety, and efficient infrastructure. The paragraph then lists notable places to visit, starting with Vienna, known for its imperial architecture and musical legacy, followed by Stonehenge, a prehistoric mystery with massive stones, the Matterhorn for its challenging climbs and natural beauty, and the Plitvice Lakes for their scenic beauty and wildlife.

05:04

🏙️ European Capitals and Natural Wonders

The second paragraph delves into the historical and cultural richness of European capitals and natural sites. It starts with Budapest, known for its museums, churches, and the Parliament building, and moves on to Lisbon, significant for its role in the Age of Exploration, featuring landmarks like Belem Tower and Saint George Castle. The paragraph then shifts to Iceland's Gullfoss waterfalls, a natural spectacle fed by a glacier, and Athens, the cradle of democracy with landmarks around the Acropolis. The Bay of Kotor in Montenegro and Moscow's historical sites, including Red Square and the Kremlin, are also highlighted.

10:07

🛶 Venice, Monte Carlo, and Alhambra's Architectural Marvels

This section of the script focuses on the romantic and glamorous aspects of European travel. It begins with Venice, famous for its canals, gondolas, and landmarks like San Marco Square and St. Mark's Basilica. Monte Carlo is portrayed as a glamorous destination with its elite casino and yachts, while the Alhambra in Granada is celebrated for its historical significance and architectural styles. Each location offers a unique blend of history, culture, and luxury.

15:09

🏛️ Renaissance Art and Royal Landmarks

The paragraph explores the artistic and royal heritage of European cities. It starts with Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, featuring works by Michelangelo and the iconic Ponte Vecchio. London is then highlighted for its historical sites, including Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and shopping districts. The narrative moves to Neuschwanstein Castle, a fairy-tale-like structure in Bavaria, and Amsterdam, known for its canals, Anne Frank's house, and art museums.

20:10

🏙️ Historic Cities and Natural Beauty

This paragraph showcases the historic and natural attractions of Prague, Istanbul, and Geirangerfjord. Prague is described as a city with a rich history, featuring the Old Town, Prague Castle, and Charles Bridge. Istanbul, on the edge of Europe, is a city of history, markets, and mosques, with attractions like the Bosporus, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar. Geirangerfjord in Norway offers a cool respite with its scenic fjord and waterfalls.

25:13

🏙️ Barcelona, Dubrovnik, and Santorini's Charms

The script highlights the unique characteristics of Barcelona, known for Gaudi's architecture and vibrant streets; Dubrovnik, a small but historically significant city with a maritime past; and Santorini, an Aegean island with picturesque villages and an active volcano. Each destination offers a distinct experience, from architectural wonders to historical richness and natural beauty.

🏰 Paris and Rome: Cities of Love and History

The final paragraph of the script focuses on the timeless appeal of Paris and Rome. Paris is celebrated for its history, culture, food, and fashion, with iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Versailles. Rome is recognized for its ancient Roman monuments, including the Colosseum, and the Vatican City, home to St. Peter's Basilica and Michelangelo's art. Both cities offer a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors.

🕌 The Vatican and Papal Audiences

In the concluding paragraph, the script briefly mentions the possibility of witnessing the pope during his Wednesday audiences in Vatican City, adding a unique cultural and religious experience to the visit to Rome.

Keywords

💡Europe

Europe is the second smallest continent in the world but is a major tourist destination, welcoming more than half of all international tourists. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and efficient infrastructure, which makes it an attractive place for visitors. The script mentions 7 of the top 10 most visited countries being European, highlighting its importance in the context of the video's theme of travel and tourism.

💡Cultural Heritage

Cultural heritage refers to the legacy of physical artifacts, traditions, and values that are inherited from the past and are preserved in the present. In the script, Europe's well-preserved cultural heritage is one of the main reasons why it is a popular tourist destination, as it provides a window into the continent's history and traditions, exemplified by the mention of Vienna's imperial buildings and palaces.

💡Infrastructure

Infrastructure encompasses the basic physical and organizational structures needed for a society to function, such as transportation, communication, and public institutions. The script highlights the efficiency of Europe's infrastructure as a factor that makes visiting the continent a breeze, suggesting that it is well-organized and facilitates easy travel for tourists.

💡Vienna

Vienna is the capital of Austria and is known as the 'City of Music' due to its rich musical history and the influence of composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. The script positions Vienna as a significant travel destination in Europe, emphasizing its historical significance as the former seat of the Hapsburg Empire and its cultural contributions.

💡Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in England, consisting of a ring of standing stones, each weighing around 25 tons. The script marvels at the determination of prehistoric man in constructing this monument, which started around 3000 BC, and its association with early astrology, showcasing it as a testament to ancient engineering and cultural practices.

💡Matterhorn

The Matterhorn is a mountain in the Alps on the border between Italy and Switzerland, known for its distinctive pyramid shape and rugged terrain. The script describes the Matterhorn as a popular destination for climbers and a natural wonder that offers awe-inspiring views, emphasizing its significance in the context of Europe's natural beauty and outdoor activities.

💡Plitvice Lakes

The Plitvice Lakes are a series of 16 interconnected lakes in Croatia, known for their stunning beauty and the surrounding lush forests. The script mentions the lakes as a national park that attracts over a million visitors annually, illustrating the importance of natural landscapes in Europe's tourism appeal.

💡Budapest

Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary, with a rich history that includes rule by the Mongols and Ottomans. The script highlights Budapest as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, featuring cultural institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts and historical sites such as the Old Town and Parliament building.

💡Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, located along the Atlantic coast, and is known for its role in the Age of Discovery during the 15th to 17th centuries. The script mentions landmarks such as Belem Tower and Saint George Castle, emphasizing Lisbon's historical significance and its contribution to global exploration.

💡Gullfoss

Gullfoss is a waterfall in southern Iceland, one of the country's top tourist attractions. The script describes Gullfoss as a spectacular natural feature that is fed by a glacier, illustrating the unique beauty and geological significance of Iceland's landscape.

💡Athens

Athens is the capital of Greece and is considered the birthplace of Western civilization, having been inhabited since the 5th century BC. The script mentions the Acropolis and its surrounding landmarks, such as the Parthenon, as symbols of ancient Greek culture and democracy, highlighting Athens' historical and cultural importance.

Highlights

Europe is the world's second smallest continent but attracts over half of all tourists worldwide.

7 of the 10 most visited countries are in Europe due to preserved cultural heritage and efficient infrastructure.

Vienna, the former Hapsburg Empire seat, is known for its imperial architecture and as 'the City of Music'.

Stonehenge is a prehistoric marvel with monoliths weighing 25 tons moved over 150 miles.

The Matterhorn, shared by Italy and Switzerland, is a popular challenge for climbers with its rugged faces.

Plitvice Lakes in Croatia is a national park with 16 interconnected lakes and abundant wildlife.

Budapest is a historical city with a rich collection of art and architecture, including the Museum of Fine Arts.

Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, was a starting point for many explorers and features Belem Tower and Saint George Castle.

Gullfoss waterfalls in Iceland are fed by a glacier and are a top attraction with a unique three-step cascade.

Athens, the birthplace of democracy, is home to the Acropolis and significant landmarks of Western civilization.

The Bay of Kotor in Montenegro offers picturesque scenery with medieval towns and religious sites.

Moscow's Red Square and the Kremlin are historical landmarks that showcase Russia's rich past.

Venice is renowned for its romantic canals, gondola rides, and iconic St. Mark's Basilica.

Monte Carlo in Monaco is known for its luxury, casinos, and yachts of the rich and famous.

The Alhambra in Granada is a palace-fortress complex with a blend of architectural styles from different eras.

Florence is credited with the Renaissance and houses works by Michelangelo at the Uffizi gallery.

London offers a wealth of English history with palaces, the Tower of London, and efficient public transport.

Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria is a fairy tale-like castle that inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty.

Amsterdam is known for its canals, Anne Frank's house, and famous art museums.

Prague's Old Town and pedestrian zones offer a delightful walk through history and vibrant nightlife.

Istanbul bridges Europe and Asia with historical sites like Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar.

Geirangerfjord in Norway is a scenic fjord with crystal blue waters and picturesque waterfalls.

Barcelona is known for Gaudi's architectural wonders and the bustling pedestrian street, La Rambla.

Dubrovnik's fortified old town and maritime history make it a popular Mediterranean destination.

Santorini is a relaxing Aegean island with postcard villages, an active volcano, and famous wines.

Paris is celebrated for its history, culture, Eiffel Tower, and renowned art collections at the Louvre.

Rome is home to the Colosseum and Vatican City, a significant religious and cultural center.

Transcripts

Although it is the world’s second smallest continent, Europe welcomes more than half

of all the tourists worldwide.

In fact, 7 of the 10 most visited countries in the world are European nations.

It’s easy to see why; a well-preserved cultural heritage, rich history, safety and efficient

infrastructure makes visiting Europe a breeze.

Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Europe:

Number 25.

Vienna.

As the former seat of the Hapsburg Empire, Vienna is awash with impressive imperial buildings

and palaces, which so comprehensively convey the wealth and power of its former monarchs.

Now the capital of Austria, the city is a delight to get lost in.

Nicknamed ‘the City of Music’, the names of its famous residents roll off the tongue,

with Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert among those who once graced its streets.

Number 24.

Stonehenge.

You have to marvel at the determination of prehistoric man when you look at Stonehenge.

Construction started about 3000 BC on what was originally burial grounds.

Huge monoliths, weighing 25 tons, were dragged 150 miles to the site a few hundred years

later.

It’s not known exactly how many humungous rocks were moved to a field near Amesbury

but there are 13 standing today.

It’s also not known why Stonehenge was built, but many believe this great English landmark

is associated with early astrology.

Number 23.

Matterhorn.

Egypt may have its pyramids, but Italy and Switzerland have a nature-made pyramid of

their own: the Matterhorn.

At 14,692 feet high, this famous mountain is one of the highest in Europe.

The mountain has four faces, each equally rugged.

The legendary mountain has been popular with climbers since the first ascent in 1865; during

the summer 150 people a day try to climb it.

Couch potatoes may be just as happy to stay below and gaze in awe at the summit playing

hide and seek with the clouds.

Number 22.

Plitvice Lakes.

The Plitvice Lakes are so pretty, officials turned them into a national park.

Located in central Croatia, Plitvice Lakes consists of 16 lakes that attract more than

a million visitors a year.

The lakes are surrounded by lush forests and connected by waterfalls cascading down from

one lake to another.

The lakes are divided into two sections, lower and upper, because of the difference in elevation.

The best way to see the lakes is walking; on the route you might even see some wildlife.

Number 21.

Budapest.

Budapest was already an established city when the Hungarians took over in the ninth century.

Today, Budapest is the country’s capital and largest city.

In between these two events, Budapest was ruled by the Mongols and Ottomans, among others.

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest is home to the Museum

of Fine Arts with its collection of more than 100,000 works.

Be sure to visit the centrally located Old Town with its many museums, churches, palaces

and Parliament building.

Number 20.

Lisbon.

The Portuguese capital of Lisbon lies on the Tagus River along the Atlantic coast.

It is this location that encouraged explorers to sail far and wide around the world in the

15th, 16th and 17th centuries.

One of the things you’ll want to see is Belem Tower, a 16th century fortress on the

Tagus’ north bank.

If you’re looking for good views of old Lisbon, head to Saint George Castle that was

built on a hilltop by the Moors.

Number 19.

Gullfoss

You probably don’t know too too many people who’ve been to Iceland.

But it may be worth a trip there to visit the spectacular Gullfoss waterfalls.

Located in southern Iceland, Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s top tourist attractions.

At times it almost appears glacier-like, appropriate, perhaps, since it is fed by a glacier.

The waterfalls begins just after the Ölfusá River makes a perpendicular turn and then

cascades down a three-step staircase into a canyon that is 115 feet deep.

Number 18.

Athens

Athens, a city that’s been inhabited since the fifth century BC, gave the world the concept

of democracy and is the birthplace of Western civilization.

Many of the city’s major landmarks can be found in the old town, particularly around

the Acropolis.

The list includes the temple of Zeus; the Theatre of Dionysus where Sophocles works

were performed and the Parthenon, which sits atop the Acropolis.

Number 17.

Bay of Kotor

When you’re hungry for breathtaking scenery, feast your eyes on Kotor Bay in southwestern

Montenegro.

This bay off the Adriatic is just downright picturesque: hemmed in by mountains, with

quaint villages sandwiched between the cliffs and the gorgeous blue water.

Several well-preserved medieval towns ring the bay.

People make pilgrimages here, not only to take in the scenery but also to visit the

many Orthodox and Christian churches spread among the villages.

Number 16.

Moscow

For nearly 900 years, Moscow has been the capital of Russia.

As such, this old city has plenty to offer visitors.

Let’s start with the 15th century Red Square since many of the city’s key attractions

surround it.

A top landmark is the Kremlin, a former fortress that houses museums and the president of the

Russian federation.

Lenin’s Tomb sits in the middle of the square, while the iconic onion-domed St. Basil’s

Cathedral, now a museum, is on one side.

Number 15.

Venice

Venice is for romantics who love gliding through the Grand Canal with a gondolier singing Italian

love songs.

This is, after all, the city that sent Marco Polo off on his journey to China.

Start your exploration of Venice at San Marco Square, the city’s most famous square.

Here you’ll find the Doge’s Palace, the seat of Venetian government, and St. Mark’s

Basilica, the main church in Venice with stunning views from the tower.

Venice also is famous for its bridges across the canals.

Number 14.

Monte Carlo

If you’re into glitz and glamour, look no further than Monte Carlo, the major city in

the tiny principality of Monaco.

Monaco has always been known for these qualities which reached new heights when its prince

made Grace Kelly his princess.

Sitting on the shores of the Mediterranean, Monte Carlo is known for fast car races and

its elite casino.

Take a walk along the harbor to see yachts that belong to the rich and famous.

Number 13.

Alhambra

The Alhambra is one of the great wonders of Spain.

It’s a gorgeous palace-fortress complex that can be found in Granada in southern Spain’s

Andalusia province.

This imposing complex started out as a small fortress in the late ninth century, though

it was built on the ruins of a former Roman fortress.

Taken over by Christian rulers, it is the site where Columbus got the go-ahead to discover

the New World.

The blending of architectural styles over the centuries is stunning.

You’ll find great art and grand gardens throughout.

Number 12.

Florence

If it weren’t for Florence, the Renaissance might not have happened.

Florence is generally credited with bringing Europe out of the dark ages with great artists

like Michelangelo.

You can see their works at the Uffizi gallery, or the Academia that displays the original

David.

Eat a gelato while strolling the Ponte Vecchio that bridges the Arno River.

Ogle the over-the-top riches of the Medici family at the Pitti Palace.

Marvel at the early engineering that created the great Duomo.

This is Florence at its best.

Number 11.

London.

English history buffs will have a field day in London.

This city on the Thames is chock full of palaces, from Buckingham Palace to Hampton Court Palace

. More a prison than a palace, the Tower of London is home to the crowns jewels.

And from Knightsbridge – don’t forget to visit the magnificent food halls at Harrods

– to Carnaby Street, the shopping is awesome.

You can get around London quickly and efficiently by riding the famous Tube.

Number 10.

Neuschwanstein Castle.

“Fairy tale castle” is a phrase that aptly describes Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian

Alps.

This 19th century Romanesque Revival castles looks like it just stepped out of a fairy

tale; some say Neuschwanstein provided the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s Sleeping

Beauty.

The castle was built as a retreat for King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who viewed it as a romanticization

of the Middle Ages The castle was built of brick, then covered in rock, including the

white limestone that is visible from afar.

Number 9.

Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a pleasant city marked with meandering canals lined with tall, narrow row houses.

It is the city where Anne Frank kept her famous diary, so visiting the house where she wrote

is a must.

This “Venice of the North” also is a city of great art, beginning with the Rijksmuseum,

home to great European masterpieces; Rembrandt’s house and the more modern van Gogh museum.

Take a break from sightseeing to tour and sample Holland’s beer at the Heineken Brewery.

Number 8.

Prague.

Prague, with a long history of war and destruction, is considered one of the best places to visit

in Europe.

Despite devastation caused by World War II, Prague has a very nice Old Town that is worth

more than a few hours of your time.

Prague has many pedestrian zones, which making walking a delight, as you wander by Prague

Castle, through the Jewish Quarter and over the Charles Bridge.

Wenceslas Square, situated in the New Town, hums with a vibrant nightlife and entertainment

air.

Number 7.

Istanbul.

Istanbul may be on the outer fringes of Europe but well worth a visit when you’re traveling

abroad.

Turkey’s biggest city is a fascinating place, filled with rich history, colorful markets

and mosques.

Top attractions include the Bosporus that separates Europe and Asia; the ecumenical

Hagia Sophia that’s been a Greek Orthodox Christian basilica, then an imperial mosque

and now a museum, and the 15th century Topkapi Palace, also a museum today.

Get in a little shopping at the Grand Bazaar that’s been in operation since 1461.

Number 6.

Geirangerfjord.

When the summer heat of Europe gets you down, head to Norway with its pretty cool scenery.

Geirangerfjord is a 9.3-mile long fjord with crystal blue waters fed by picturesque cascading

waterfalls.

Take a sightseeing trip on a car ferry through the fjord, passing villages on the shores.

Look out for the Seven Sisters and Suitor waterfalls so named because legend says he’s

trying to court the sisters.

Also look for Bridal Veil – when the light is right, it looks like a thin veil covering

the rocks.

Number 5.

Barcelona.

Founded by the Romans, Barcelona today is a bustling city on the Mediterranean Sea.

As the capital of Catalonia, it is a powerhouse in the region.

It is perhaps best known for the unusual buildings designed by the architect Antoni Gaudi.

These landmark structures include La Sagrada Familia, a church that’s been under construction

since 1892.

You could build your entire visit around his buildings, but then you’d miss out on other

Barcelona delights, such as La Rambla, a popular pedestrian street in the central part of the

city.

Number 4.

Dubrovnik.

As European cities go, Dubrovnik isn’t very big, but don’t let its size deter you.

This little jewel, with less than 43,000 people, is one of the most visited cities on the Mediterranean.

Dubrovnik transports visitors back to a time when the fortified city was a major maritime

power commanding the third-largest navy in the Mediterranean.

As you wander the streets, you’ll likely come across sculptures of St. Viaho, the city’s

patron saint whose life is celebrated every February.

Number 3.

Santorini.

When it’s time to sit back and relax, take yourself to to Santorini, an island in the

Aegean.

Top travel magazines consider this a prime destination; once there, you can’t help

but agree.

The island has picture-postcard villages, an active volcano and stunning sunsets.

Be sure to visit Fira, a village perched atop a cliff.

You’ll also want to sample wines, such as the dessert wine Vincanto as well as the produce

that is made sweeter and tastier because of the volcanic ash soil it grows in.

Number 2.

Paris

Songs laud Paris in the springtime, but any time of year is a good time to visit this

riveting city on the River Seine.

It’s a city loaded to the brim with history, culture, great food and high fashion.

The iconic Eiffel Tower is one landmark you won’t want to miss.

The Louvre houses one of the greatest art collections in the world.

Its great churches include Sacred Heart and Notre Dame.

When it comes to opulence, there’s Versailles with its famed Hall of Mirrors.

Number 1.

Rome

The ancient Romans established outposts as far away as Great Britain.

They didn’t ignore their home city, however, when it came to building great monuments.

One must-see landmark is the Colosseum, an arena that could hold up to 80,000 people

for gladiator contests.

One of the biggest draws is a tiny country inside the city: The Vatican City, with its

impressive St. Peter’s Basilica with art provided by Michelangelo.

Maybe you’ll get a glimpse of the pope at his Wednesday audiences.