Keytours Vacations Blog

The 10 Best Stops in Europe

Posted by Erin Wright on Nov 20, 2017 1:04:47 PM

In the industry, we see travellers head to Paris to visit the Louvre or to London to see Big Ben all the time, and there is nothing wrong with that! Those are great sites and definitely worth a trip, however, there is far more to experience in Europe than the major landmarks we all know and love. Ever thought of visiting waterfalls in Croatia? Or, maybe, you want to watch the city of Valencia burn to ash - metephorically. Here you will find the best examples of off-beat experiences all over Europe to make your trip one of a kind!

1. Dublin Pub Crawl

dublin---temple-bar-2.jpg


8 Days - Discover Ireland Castles Self Drive Vacation

One thing you can count on in Dublin, follow the crowds and you'll find the party! Head from one "Dublin snug" to the next and drink of pint of Guiness as you meet locals and make new friends. If you're interested in a little history with your pint, try a literary pub crawl. You'll visit some of the spots frequented by famous authors such as Oscar Wilde and James Joyce.

 2. Valencia's "Burning Man"

Valencia-shutterstock_22838.jpg


10 Days - Classics of Spain Multi City Tour

Once a year, during a several night long festival, residents and visitors of Valencia, Spain celebrate the story of St. Joseph during Las Fallas. Music, food, parades and shops line the streets during this festive time all culminating with "La Crema" the ceremonial burning of 20-30 foot tall effigies in the town square.


3. Istanbul's Princess' Island

Istanbul-Princes-Islands-Bu.jpg


11 Days - Turkish Authentic Adventure Small Group Journey

Take some time away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul with a trip to Buyukada, the largest of 9 islands off the coast of Istanbul. Just a short ferry ride from the Kabatas ferry docks, Princess' Island is the perfect chance to travel back to a simpler time. Make your way to the highest point on the island, Yucetepe, for breathtaking views of the island and Istanbul's skyline. 
4. Iceland's Northern Lights

Polar-Lights-shutterstock_4.jpg


5 Days - Mystical Reykjavik City Escape

Pack heavy and prepare for long, cold nights in Iceland's interior as you seek one of the most covetted sights in all the world: the Northern Lights. This natural light show is best viewed during the winter months between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. We recommend heavy gloves and hot chocolate to keep the chill at bay as the lights are not to be missed.

5. A Pint in the Sky

Garmisch-Partenkirchen-DZT.jpg


12 Days - Germany Explorer Escorted Vacation

Nestled in the heart of the Bavarian Alps lies the highest peak in Germany, Zugspitze. On top of the tallest peak lives the highest beer garden in Germany. While you can only reach the summit via cable car or on foot, you will not regret your frosty brew as you look out over the Alps from your 360 degree vantage point.

6. Formula 1 Grand Prix, Monacco

Monte-Carlo-shutterstock_33.jpg


8 Days - Paris and Nice

Residing along France's Mediterranean coast lies the small city-state of Monaco. Less than 1 square mile, Monaco's population usually averages around 37,000 people, but balloons to 7 times that during the Grand Prix. 

7. Explore Lake Bled

Bled-shutterstock_418537045.jpg


9 Days - Dalmatian Sunshine Croatia Escorted Vacation

Sunday morning arrives and you want to say your weekly mass. You leave your home and make your way to the local docks where you board a 16th-century pletna shuttle boat to the center of Lake Bled. There you pull up to the small islet in the middle of the lake where you disembark and enter what may be the most picturesque church in all Slovenia. Surrounded by the Julian Alps, Lake Bled boasts beautiful scenery and an ideal spot for quiet reflection. You can take one of the shuttle boats or rent a rowboat by the hour and explore all the lake has to offer.

8. The Thermal Baths of Budapest

Budapest-Streets-415754896.jpg


10 Days - Central Europe Explorer Multi City Vacation

Everyone knows the Turkish baths of Istanbul, but few are aware of the thermal baths that can be spotted throughout Budapest. The mineral-infused water comes straight from the ground and fills naturally heated pools and spas around the city. We recommend either the world famous Gellert Baths or either of the 16th century Turkish built bath houses, Kiraly and Rudas Baths.

9. Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens

Copenhagen-Denmark-Castles-.jpg


4 Days - Taste of Copenhagen

Established in 1843, Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest running amusement parks in the world. This not your typical amusement park, however, as Tivoli Gardens feels more like stepping into a waking dream. Chinese pagodas and peacocks line the streets and instead of animal acts, you can catch a live ballet performance. A view of the city's center from the top of the Star Flyer ride is not to be missed.

10. Black Taxi Tour of the Troubles

Belfast-shutterstock_319031.jpg


7 Days - Ireland Wonders Small Group Journey

Though "The Troubles" officially ended in 1998, reminders of this trying time can still be found throughout Belfast. Pile into one of the city's black taxis for a tour of the brightly painted murals and the 18-foot-tall "peace wall" while learning about the long and bloody fight between Irish Catholics and Protestants. Still fresh in residents' minds, your driver likely identifies as either Protestant or Catholic, giving your tour a slightly biased history. 

Topics: Festivals, europe travel, travel, bucket list

Unforgettable Tailor-Made Travel Experiences

Plan Your Next Adventure

With decades of expertise in tailor-made independent trips, small group journeys, and customized group travel, Keytours Vacations’ seasoned travel consultants create unforgettable travel experiences designed to perfectly fit each client’s unique interests and needs. Arranging a private behind-the-scenes tour, recommending hidden gems, or finding the perfect hotel: we’re here with expert support from beginning to end. 

Subscribe to Email Updates

Recent Posts

Posts by Topic

see all

Follow Me