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Europe has a wealth of culture and beauty, and there is no way anyone could traverse the EU and not be awestruck by the epic history, culinary diversity and glorious scenery. Yet, with an astounding 50 countries currently in the EU, trying to see them all will take you months – a lot of time not everyone can spare.
Deducing where you spend your time on a European adventure can be troublesome, as each country offers its own unique climate, landscape, history, architecture and culinary delights. So, if you have limited time and money, how can you narrow down your choices and select the right destinations for you? To help you, here are the best destinations for a European adventure you’ll never forget.
Georgia
Georgia is a beautiful country. Here you will find rugged mountains, rivers, and picturesque meadows; there are unspoiled natural beauty and a sense of unique culture. If you want a vacation that offers diversity, then Georgia offers snow-capped mountains and beaches by the Black Sea. Therefore, if you want to explore a mountaintop one day and then relax on the beachfront the day after, Georgia makes it possible.
Notable landmarks include Mount Kazbek, Uplistsikhe, Narikala and the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi. Georgia’s popularity is on the rise, so you may want to visit before the crowds start to form.
Italy
Italy is a worldwide favorite with its cuisine, famous landmarks, blissful weather and ancient ruins and history. Due to this country being hugely romanticized, many proposals are made in Italy. However, even if you aren’t looking to pop the question, this is still a glorious destination to visit with a lot of variety to offer.
Visit Rome, the country’s capital. View the Colosseum and the Vatican, and the city’s surrounding ruins. Other major cities include Venice, the city of canals; Milan, the notorious fashion capital, and Florence, known for its Renaissance masterpieces. If you want to head off the tourist track, then hire a car and drive the Amalfi Coast, or travel to Sorrento for an abundance of lemon trees and seascape.
Greece
There are lots to see and do in Greece, and exploring the whole country can take a lot of time in itself. Although it may be tempting to either stay in mainland Greece or stick to one or two islands, you should make the most of it and see as much of it as possible. Due to its close proximity, you could even couple a trip to Italy and Greece all in one, with the help of luxury cruises. However you wish to spend it, make sure to soak in the ancient ruins, impressive landmarks and, of course, the delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
On the mainland, check out Athens, home to the Parthenon, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Acropolis of Athens. Explore the city, and see how it used to be the heart of Ancient Greece, and learn of the empire that used to live there. Once you’ve fully explored mainland Greece, take to the coast and hop onto a boat and stop off at as many Greek Islands as possible.