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
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"
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.