Europe is such an incredible continent, what with all the different cultures, landscapes, towns and cities. It wasn't easy to pair down a long list of unique experiences, but here are my choices for ten things every adventure traveller should experience in Europe.
Iceland's Þórsmörk to Landmannalaugar trail
The waterfalls, volcanoes, geyser, glaciers, rivers and mountains of Iceland feature on many a bucket list. Most travellers will do a trip around the perimeter of the island, which shows you most of the highlights. What you would be missing though is the four-day Laugavegurinn hiking trail. It starts in Þórsmörk, an area just inland of the south coast, an area so rugged it is only accessible by 4WD. From there it winds past glaciers, mountains in every colour of the rainbow and ancient forests overlook swirling rivers, soothing hot springs, incredible lava flows and deep gorges, before ending in Landmannalaugar.
Don't feel like hiking? Ask us about Superjeep tours to Þórsmörk.
Finland - Northern Lights
There are several good places around the Arctic where you can see the Northern Lights, but there are few countries that have an infrastructure to build a holiday around it. Finland has turned this into an art - not only can you see the lights here, there are plenty of activities in the region too. Think Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, dog sledding, visiting with Sámi reindeer herders, relax in a sauna and they even show you how to build a quinzee (even though this is a Canadian thing!).
Norway's fjords
Unique in Europe, Norway's fjords are a sight to behold. Sognefjord is arguably one of the most beautiful fjords in the world, as it drills into mainland Norway for almost 200 kilometers, splitting into half a dozen smaller fjords towards its eastern end. Sheer rock walls rise a kilometre up into the sky, farms hang onto impossibly narrow strips of land, while waterfalls tumble down its cliffs. Meanwhile, a cruise by ferry along the steep cliffs of emerald-green Geirangerfjord is one of the highlights of a trip to Norway. Alternatively, drop down the impossible steep hairpins of Ørnevegen for some of the most spectacular views in the country.
Andalucia
Flamenco, bullfights and rhythmic guitars; white villages perched on top of cliffs; a Moorish heritage which can still be felt in the forgotten hamlets of the Alpujarras; beautiful hills covered in forests, orange groves and olive trees; an entire region given over to romance and heightened emotions.
Discover the elegance and charm of Seville in the colonial grandeur of Plaza de España, the Giralda tower, the Cathedral and the Alcázar or wander the narrow alleys of the mediaeval Jewish quarter. Over in Córdoba, nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking Mezquita, the Grand Mosque and one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Once the capital of Islamic Spain, and Western Europe's largest and most cultured city, the narrow streets of the old centre of Córdoba are a delight to discover.
And of course not to be missed is the stunning Alhambra in Granada, a monument to sensuality and contemplative decoration. A lively tapas scene and a humming creativity colour this city, set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, Europe's second highest mountain range.
Hike the coast of Italy
Follow ancient footpaths and stairs up the hills to hamlets tucked away in forest-covered hills. Explore covered alleys leading to hidden courtyards and sit down for a glass of wine or some gelato. At the famous Cinque Terre, cliffs plunge into the sea, colourful villages cling to the mountain side and walking trails wend their way through walled farmyards down to the sea. The Cinque Terre is one of Italy's most famous and most picturesque areas. And if that has your attention, how about the Amalfi Coast? Steep mountains rise from the turquoise Mediterranean, their slopes covered in lemon groves, white-washed villages lining deep valleys where the mountains meet the ocean. It all conspires to create some of the most stunning views anywhere on our planet.
Sicily - for history and food
Meeting point between East and West, Africa and Europe, Islam and Christendom, Sicily has been a melting pot of cultures since the days of the ancient Greeks. Seas where fishermen haul their daily catch on to the beach, a smoking volcano, intriguing towns and cities, ancient ruins and a hinterland all its own, Sicily is a mesmerizingly beautiful island and a highlight for many visitors to Italy. Sicily in Depth
Greek Islands
Many of us will have backpacked through the Greek Island in their student days. Now it is time to go back and look at them with fresh eyes. Santorini, while crowded, is like no place on earth. Villages perched precariously on the edge of a volcanic crater, the sunset lighting up the white-washed houses and multi-coloured cliffs. This is the Greece you have always dreamed of. Paros meanwhile is a quieter island featuring ancient footpaths connecting beaches to picturesque quiet villages. Naxos sports a Venetian town with steep cobbled alleyways, isolated beaches, archaeological sites and mediaeval villages, lush valleys covered in ancient olive and citrus groves - it's one island you do not want to miss. Then there's Evia, a hidden gem of an island where old stone paths lead you to quaint villages tucked away in the mountains. An authentic Greek atmosphere pervades this island little known outside of Greece. And my absolute favourite? Crete. Splendid beaches, rugged canyons, Venetian and Turkish architecture reflecting a fascinating history, quiet fishing towns and old labyrinthine cities. The hospitality of the people here is in a class all by itself - Crete is an island worth a visit in its own right.
Cycle the Imperial Cities of the Habsburgs
Prague, Vienna, Budapest. Often overlooked for more famous cities like Paris, Rome and London, or put away until retirement and done on a river cruise. Yet it you want a nice adventure, connect the three by bicycle. Cycle quiet country lanes and bike paths and discover the castles, forgotten villages, river valleys, lakes and historic capitals of the Austro-Hungarian Empire of old. From gorgeous Prague cycle to pretty Český Krumlov with its narrow, crooked streets and beautiful old architecture. Past the vineyards and wine cellars of Moravia, ride to Vienna and soak up the vibes in its famous cafés and admire the imperial heritage. Via Bratislava cross into Hungary and stay at the pretty town of Esztergom before arriving in the capital Budapest, where a well-deserved soak in a thermal bath awaits.
Hike the Alps
Beneath the peaks of Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch, in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland, are some of the Swiss Alps most scenic hiking trails. Using cable cars to get at altitude, walk among towering cliffs and soaring peaks, glacial valleys and flower-strewn alpine meadows.
Meanwhile in France, The Mont Blanc Circuit is one of the finest hikes in all of Europe. Choose to hike the entire circuit or do it as a series of day hikes covering the best sections.
For those looking for a challenge, the Haute Route passes beneath 10 or the 12 highest mountains in the Alps, from Mont Blanc near Chamonix in France to Matterhorn near Zermatt in Switzerland. Spectacular mountain views, stunning valleys and pretty glacial lakes are all around on this fantastic trek through the Alps.
Hike the hilltop towns of Italy
It is the classical Tuscan view of vineyards leading you into a vista of town walls and fortified towers high up on a hill. Enter the town and wander its cobblestones streets, visit its galleries and shops and sit down for a gourmet meal. Discover pretty towns, the renaissance cities of Siena and Florence and sample the famous Chianti wines. This is La Dolce Vita, Tuscan style. Chianti Walking & Wine
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