Top 5 European Travel Destinations

Last week I posted on my top 5 United States travel destinations. This week, with Passport in hand, we expand our horizons and travel times. Since 2001, I have been afforded the opportunity to travel across "The Pond" better known as the Atlantic Ocean a dozen times. Western Europe is full of incredible sites where old meets new. Modern cities and ancient villages some are separated by just a few steps. These are my top 5 regions/cities:

Photo by John Jason - Unsplash

5. Ireland

Ireland is beautiful especially late in the spring. It is easy to see why it is called the Emerald Isle. The lush landscape changes shades of green depending on the cloud cover. It was difficult to narrow my favorite region to one destination. One location stirred my Irish blood like no other: Galway, on the west coast. The reason … pubs, pubs, and more pubs. These local hangouts are each unique and also have great food. I could sit in them for hours and listen to great Irish folk music. The locals are inviting and friendly. Be prepared to have them walk in, sit at your table. and strike up a conversation like you were old friends. Your best bet to find your favorite pub is along Quay Street. Here you'll also find other local merchants. Take a day trip south of Galway to the Cliffs of Moher and take in the spectacular scenery.

4. Scotland Highlands

Just across the Irish Sea is Scotland's Highlands. South of Inverness, in the heart of the highlands, is the sleepy farming village called Tomintoul. It has two dining options, a hotel, and a couple of merchants selling what this region is most known for … Scotch Whiskey. The most famous being Glenlivet. Stop in for a tour and a taste. We stayed at the Richmond Arms Hotel, and our hosts, who had just visited Las Vegas, were outstanding. It is a rustic hotel but extremely comfortable. Our second floor corner room was huge with a beautiful old stone fireplace. Breakfast and dinner were also served on site. Just a few miles outside of town you can explore one the world's most famous lakes, Loch Ness. Take a boat trip on the Loch and you may see Nessie, the famous legendary serpent.

3. Bavaria

We head to the mainland for our next European region. Fly into Munich to visit the region known as Bavaria, located in southern Germany, and bordered by the Alps to the south. Caution … this town is packed in late September through October. Oktoberfest takes over in a big way. Head to the Bavarian Alps to escape the throngs of parties. A visit to Neuschwanstein Castle is on every tourist's travel list in Bavaria. It gets busy so get an early start. It was once the home of Mad King Ludwig. He was obsessed with Richard Wagner a very famous German composer. The castle is enormous and opulent. Continue ascending the Alps to the village of Oberammergau. This charming village is pretty quiet for nine out of ten years. Once a decade the townspeople go all in on a performance known as The Passion Play. A reenactment of the last days of Jesus Christ. The next performance is in 2020. Book now, they sell out up to a year in advance. If you're up for a visit to a historical site, that's quite sobering, visit the concentration camp of Dachau outside of Munich. One of several opened during Hitler's reign over Europe.

2. Czech Republic

South of Germany you'll find the Czech Republic. In the heart of this country is a region known as Bohemia. The must-see city of Prague was a pleasant surprise. This is the home of the Velvet Revolution; a peaceful liberation from communism in 1989. As a result of freedom, the population is very young and exciting. There are so many things to see all within a short walk from each other. After a visit to the famous astronomical clock in Old Town Square venture through Prague's Jewish Quarter. The architecture is beautiful. Next, wind through the narrow streets of Old Town toward the Charles Bridge. A stroll across takes you to Prague Castle. It's easy to find, sitting prominently on a hill overlooking the Vltava River. On your last day take the day trip to Cesky Krumlov. It is a small scenic town located on a bend of the meandering Vltava River. It is very popular for river rafting ventures. Climb the baroque castle spire for an awesome view.

1. Provence

In the south of France bordering the Mediterranean Sea is a region of France known as the Provence. In my opinion, it's Europe's best region for food and wine. This region is known for its rustic comfort foods, and you won't find better Rose wines on the planet. Visit the outdoor market in Veille Ville (Old Town). Of course, a stroll on the Promenade d' Anglais at sunset is memorable. During the summer, the beaches are packed. Stake your claim early. Some sections require a fee. Take a short drive along the Mediterranean to the village of Eze. Stroll along Eze's winding streets and explore charming little shops and restaurants. Make the Chateau Eze your place for a break. Sip some champagne on the outside patio and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean … 1400 feet below you.

I hope you've enjoyed my top 5 European travel destinations. Check them out and let me know what you think. You may have noticed I didn't list any Italian destinations. There are so many spectacular places in Italy I decided to dedicate next week's blog to my favorite European country. Each region in Italy has its own unique blend of food, culture, and scenery. It's going to be Magnifico! Until next week … Ciao.