Discover Europe

This is Europe

Europe may be old in spirit, but in many ways it remains eternally young at heart. Whether its sunbathing on the Cte dAzur, cruising along the Danube, sipping wine in an Italian vineyard or simply watching the world go by from a Parisian street cafe, Europe has been setting trends and forming fashions for the rest of the world to follow for centuries, and its still a place that really knows how to appreciate the finer things in life.

Europe is home to some of the worlds most fascinating cities, as well as many of the finest museums, smartest restaurants, greatest galleries and weirdest buildings. Its plagued by more clichs than practically anywhere else on earth, and yet often seems to do everything it can to live up to them. It still leads the world in fashion, art, architecture, gastronomy and design, but often seems stubbornly resistant to change. And while its often fascinatingly forward-thinking, its also a place that remains perpetually in thrall to its turbulent and often troubled past.

Uncovering the contradictions is what makes travel in Europe so rewarding. The continent is complex and contrary, and while you might never quite manage to get a handle on what makes it tick, youll have an enormous amount of fun while you try. The next surprising moment or eye-opening experience is never more than a quick train ride away: in just a few hours, you could find yourself switching the grand boulevards of Paris for the canals of Amsterdam, the coffee shops of Vienna or the ruins of ancient Rome, while watching some of the worlds most magnificent landscapes unfold from the carriage window. Take your time and enjoy the trip: the journey from A to B is often all part of the essential European experience.

Au revoir, auf wiedersehn, arrivederci: however you choose to say farewell, youre in for the journey of a lifetime. Savour every moment.

Neuschwanstein Castle (), Germany
PHOTOGRAPHER: SUPERSTOCK INC/PHOTOLIBRARY

Europes Top Experiences

Ancient Rome

Romes famous seven hills (actually, there are nine) offer some superb vantage points. A favourite is Palatine Hill ( ), a gorgeous green expanse of evocative ruins, towering umbrella pines and unforgettable views over the Roman Forum. This is where it all began, where Romulus supposedly founded the city and where the ancient Roman emperors lived in unimaginable luxury. Nowadays, its a truly haunting spot; as you walk the gravel paths you can almost sense the ghosts in the air.

View of the Colosseum () from the Roman Forum
IZZET KERIBAR/LONELY PLANET IMAGES

The Eiffel Tower

Seven million people visit the Eiffel Tower ( ) annually, and most would agree that each visit is unique. From an evening ascent amid twinkling lights to lunch in the company of a staggering Paris panorama, there are 101 ways to do it. Pedal beneath it, skip the lift and hike up, buy a crpe from a stand or a key ring from the street, snap yourself in front of it, visit at night, or experience the odd special occasion when all 324m of it glows in different colours.

BRUCE BI/LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Nothing feels more quintessentially French than shopping at a busy Parisian street market. ( )

The best place to try Spanish tapas is a traditional neighbourhood taberna. ( )