France
Few cities in the world can compete with the architectural beauty of Paris. Grand, tree lined boulevards and street side brasseries are around every corner. After enjoying croissants along the Seine, art lovers will find no shortage of world class museums including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. Food is also an art form in France, who boasts the most Michelin stars in the world. Beyond Paris, sun seekers and honeymooners can spend their days along the famous Cote d’Azur, swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Cannes, Nice and St. Tropez are all within reach here and there is no shortage of macaroons or Rose.
Greece
A Greek holiday begins in Athens with a visit to the towering Acropolis, which has stood guard over the city since ancient times. For lunch – cool Tzatziki can be paired with Greek classics like souvlaki, moussaka, gyros or dolmades (and for dessert, let’s not forget baklava). Just a quick flight away, speckled amongst the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, the islands of Greece are paradise. Crystal clear water, stunning calderas and white washed buildings are truly postcard material. The Cyclades offer enough variety to keep any type of traveler happy. Milos, Hydra, Serifos and Paxos are perfect for those looking for quiet and culture. Santorini’s caldera views wow even seasoned travelers and those seeking a lively social scene will love the festivals and music of Mykonos.
Iberian Peninsula
The sun soaked Iberian Peninsula is home to Spain and Portugal. The seafaring histories of these nations have made them a melting pot of cultural elements from South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These influences are found in the Moorish architecture of Andalusia in Spain and the fiery spice of Peri Peri chicken in Portugal. The beaches of Barcelona bring a laid back feel to a city where Football is a way of life. To the south, vibrant Flamenco music pairs wonderfully with a cool glass of sangria. To the west, natural splendors abound in the coastal Algarve region of Portugal where quaint fishing villages dot the coast and seafood is king. Whether you are drinking port in Porto, or eating tapas in Toledo, a visit to the Iberian peninsula satisfies the senses.
Italy
Starting in the North, Cinque Terre is a UNESCO world heritage site filled
with hiking trails along the coastal vistas. After a hike you can visit the quaint beaches of these sleepy fishing villages and nosh of focaccia, fresh seafood, and locally produced pesto. Traveling to the East, Venice is known as the ‘City of Canals’ and offers visitors romantic gondola rides, leisurely walks over the iconic Rialto Bridge, and a view into the artistry of Murano blown glass.
Moving now South, guests take in Tuscany and its rolling hills, vineyards full of Sangiovese, and farms producing the regions delicacy; Bistecca. When you’re looking for more art and architectural delights, travelers can head into Florence. Here, artistry abounds at the Uffizi Gallery with works from Michelangelo and Leonardo di Vinci. A stroll across the Ponte Vecchio Bridge or through the Piazza Duomo brings the Italian Renaissance to present day. Honeymooners may now want to traipse south to the Amalfi Coast, where breathtaking vistas and Limoncello abound.
The seaside towns of Amalfi and Positano bring a laid-back beach vibe to any vacation while a visit to Ravello allows for dramatic views of the entire Sorrentino coast. And no one can visit Italy without a sojourn to Rome and the Vatican City. The architectural majesty of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon allows for a historic walk around this city. Try it with either a gelato or an espresso in hand and you will see why Rome captures travelers hearts and begs for them to return again and again.