Travelling to Europe is such an eye-opening adventure that it ought to be a subsidised rite of passage for every single person around the world. Witnessing life beyond the pond is educational, inspiring and just plain awe-inspiring. Here are some of the reasons why we get so excited about escorting travelers on coach trips around Europe. All aboard!
You get to walk amidst living history
Civilization has been going strong in Europe for quite some time now, and the continent has the buildings to prove it. The cities are old, REALLY old. Some of the buildings you’ll see date back around 2000 years, particularly in places like Rome. Take note of the buildings around you, visit the museums and take loads of pictures! These cities are living, breathing remnants of times long past filled with fascinating stories just waiting to be heard. Whether you choose to ponder the wisdom of Socrates while trekking up the Acropolis, get lost along the cobblestone walkways of Construction on Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) started in 1386! One of the many historic and architectural sights in Europe.
It’s so darn tasty!
Whether it’s Belgian beer, French cheese, Italian pizza or German bratwurst and ice wine, some culinary experiences are best enjoyed in their countries of origin. We make a point of including quintessential taste experiences as a part of our travel repertoire. We’ve rustled up some of the best cafes, restaurants and street vendors in every city we visit, so you can rest assured that you’ll go home thoroughly versed in European cuisine.
One of the highlights of any trip is the food!
It’s undeniably gorgeous
From the snow-capped mountains of the Swiss Alps, to the golden charm of the Italian coastline, Europe is filled to the rafters with jaw-dropping views and spine-tingling vistas. Even the urban scenery has its own unique charm! No matter where your European travels take you, you are bound to stand agape at the exceptional scenic beauty that abounds throughout its reaches.
From the snow-capped mountains of the Swiss Alps, to the golden charm of the Italian coastline, Europe is filled to the rafters with jaw-dropping views…
One word: CULTURE
Europe has some of the finest theatres on the planet. Not too mention art museums! Did you know that Italy has more masterpieces per square metre than any other country in the world? Or that the Musée du Louvre contains more than 380,000 objects and displays 35,000 works of art in eight curatorial departments that cover more more than 60,600 square metres? That’s a lot of culture just waiting to be explored and it’s not even the tip of the iceberg!
Museum of Art History in Vienna is one of the many museums in Europe to visit. With 559k visitors in 2010, the museum is among 100 most visited museums worldwide.
It’s easy to get around
European countries have generally had the time and resources to get things like urban planning and public transport under control. This makes getting around a breeze, giving visitors the chance to enjoy a truly astonishing variety of sights in a relatively short space of time. Where else could you see incredible Renaissance artworks, go shopping, visit a few famous landmarks, eat brilliant food, take in the medieval architecture and have time to relax – all in one day? Additionally, the the open borders of the Schengen Area, which includes many countries within the European Union as well as cooperating countries like Switzerland, makes it possible to travel throughout much of Europe with a single passport stamp on entry, and another upon returning home.
The red tram in Bern, the capital of Switzerland ready to take you to any Swiss town in the region.
The shopping is phenomenal
Europe is home to some of the world’s fashion capitals, making high street shopping even more exciting than usual. But even if your budget is a little scant, you are sure to find some well-priced keepsakes at markets and small, local vendors. Visiting during winter? You are in for a treat! Europe has some of the most magical Christmas markets you’ll ever encounter.
Outdoor street food festival in Ljubljana, Slovenia.Street food, Slovenian culture and perfect shopping opportunity.
Europeans celebrate EVERYTHING
Europe is renowned for its exceptional festival calendar. From the historically important (e.g. the Semana Santa holy week in Seville or CarnivaleVenezia) and cutting-edge (e.g. Sonar in Barcelona), to the downright ridiculous (e.g. the annual Cheese Rolling competition in Gloucestershire), there are myriad opportunity to mingle with like-minded locals and visitors at festive events throughout the year. Music, film, comedy, food & wine, beer, fashion – you name it, Europe has a festival that celebrates it!
Locals performing traditional Polish folk dances in Lowicz, Poland. The Polish national dances are the Krakowiak, Kujawiak, Mazurek, Oberek, and Polonaise.
Travelers are welcomed with open arms
For most Europeans, hospitality is a way of life. No matter where you travel, you are sure to be welcomed with open arms and eagerly pointed in the direction of the best attractions.
Top tip: If you really want to get a feel for the country you visit, try to grab a beer or a coffee at the ‘local’- that little hole in the wall off the beaten track where the locals gather.
You’ve got a great travelling partner all lined up
At Expat Explore, we’re passionate about providing our guests with the very best European travelling experience possible. We’ve travelled far and wide to pinpoint great accommodation venues, swift routes, exceptional attractions and renowned activity providers, in order to tailor great European coach tour packages that allow you to enjoy the best the continent has to offer. Get in touch to learn more about all of our exciting tour options and get readyto give in to that itching wanderlust!
We look forward to welcoming you aboard.
Paris
The Buildings and Monuments
Paris has some beautiful and historic buildings and monuments. Here are some that you must see (click on the links to get more information and see a photograph):
The Eiffel Tower – the most famous of all, and one of the most iconic constructions in the World.
The Arc de Triomphe, at the end of the Champs Elysees.
Notre Dame Cathedral, the most visited attraction, which dates back to 1163.
The Sacre Coeur Basilica, located high above the City in Montmartre.
The Louvre Museum, which contains the Mona Lisa and many other works of art.
The Food and Wine
Sample the many delicious cheeses, bread, patisserie, pates, the great French wines, the gourmet restaurants, as well as paying a visit to the Champagne Region, which is just a day trip away.
The Shopping and Fashion
Go for the Sales, visit the great department stores Lafayette and Printemps, stroll along the Champs Elysees, or visit the annual fashion shows.
The Culture
Visit The Louvre to see the Mona Lisa and so much more.
Admire the art at the Musée d’Orsay, Musée Picasso, the modern art at the Pompidou Centre, and Monet’s famous “Nymphéas” (Water Lilies) at Musée de l’Orangerie.
See Rodin’s wonderful sculptures at the Musée Rodin, including the famous “The Thinker.”
The Theme Parks
Great days out for the children (actually for the whole family) at Disneyland® Paris and ParcAsterix.
The History
There is so much so much history to see in Paris. Just selecting 3 favourites, I suggest the following:
Notre Dame, the great Gothic Cathedral, built in the 12th and 13th centuries.
La Conciergerie, famous as the prison, where so many were held before execution at the guillotine during the French Revolution in the 1790s. Here you can see Marie Antoinette’s prison cell, which was converted into a chapel in her memory.
The Palace of Versailles, the royal castle and hub of French political power for a century, after King Louis moved there in 1682. This is a little outside Paris, but only a short journey, and well worth a visit.
ROME
Top 10 Reasons To Vacation In Rome, Italy
When people think of the world’s greatest cities, a short list can come to mind quite quickly – New York, London, Paris and Rome. Named Trip Advisor’s second best destination, behind Istanbul and ahead of London and Paris, Rome is a fabulous city rich in history, art and culture. You probably don’t need many reasons to visit Rome but here is a look at 10 of the best. The best part of all is that you can see many of the top attractions in the Eternal City in a matter of days, allowing you to consider visiting other fascinating cities in Italy.
Architecture
A look at Rome’s architecture is like a look into more than two thousand years of innovative designs now familiar all over the world. The Romans are credited with developing architectural structures such as arched construction and aqueducts. Examples of Roman influence in other parts of the world include Paris’ Arch of Triumph, the U.S. Supreme Court Building, New York Public Library and Washington Square Arch in Greenwich Village.
Roman Forum
Some of the world’s most famous structures can be visited in the Roman Forum, including the iconic Colosseum. The Roman Forum was the center of all activity in the city during the time when most of Europe and parts of Asia and Africa were ruled by the Roman Empire. Among the structures to see are the Arch of Titus and Circus Maximus, the site of the fictional chariot race from the classic 1959 movie “Ben Hur.”
Vatican City
Each year, millions of people from all over the world flock to Vatican City to see one of the holiest sites of the Christian religion and, upon occasion, the Pope. St. Peter’s Basilica is considered to be the world’s largest church and along with its massive square and other buildings, comprises the smallest country in the world. There is no admission fee to enter St. Peter’s Basilica but visitors are advised to act and dress properly. Once inside, visitors will get a better feel of the sheer enormity of the church, with its towering arched ceilings, meticulously crafted mosaics and priceless artwork and sculptures such as Michelangelo’s “Pietà.”
Sistine Chapel
Although there is no admission fee to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, there are fees to visit other sections of Vatican City. For many visitors to Rome, the Sistine Chapel is the ultimate highlight of their trip, with a chance to gaze at the ceiling artwork by Michelangelo, with nine scenes from the Book of Genesis including one of the world’s most famous paintings – “The Creation of Adam.” The famous chapel is located within the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope.
Museums
The most important museum in Rome is the Vatican Museum, of which the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms are part of the tour. Drawing nearly six million visitors annually, the Vatican Museum is the world’s fifth most visited museum. But other museums are also worth visiting during a Roman holiday and among them are the National Roman Museum, National Museum of Art and the Capitoline Museums, home to the famous Capitoline She-Wolf, the symbol of the city.
Trevi Fountain
Completed in 1762, Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque-style fountain in Rome. Also one of the world’s most famous fountains, Trevi Fountain has been featured in several movies, including “La Dolce Vita,” “Roman Holiday” and “Three Coins in the Fountain.” Visitors to the fountain can toss a coin into the fountain over their shoulder, signifying a return trip to the Eternal City.
Food and Shopping
The food is a big part of why a vacation in Rome can be so unforgettable. From cheap eats to high-end restaurants like La Pergola, visitors can enjoy a variety of excellent Italian cuisine to fit their budget. Pizza can be found most anywhere but it’s hard to find any other city that serves better gelato. Rome is also well known for its shopping districts, most notably Campo de’ Fiori, the oldest market in the city, Via del Corso and the luxury designer stores like Gucci, Prada and Bulgari on Via Condotti, near the very popular attraction the Spanish Steps.
Pantheon
Completed in the year 128, the Pantheon is one of the world’s most famous churches and considered a precursor to modern places of worship. Originally built as a temple to all gods, it is also one of the best preserved buildings of Ancient Rome. The nearly two thousand-year-old structure is believed to be the site where Romulus, the founder of Rome, ascended to heaven. The Pantheon’s dome is the world’s largest dome made of unreinforced concrete.
Other Sightseeing
Because Rome’s Metro subway service has only two lines, most of the city’s popular attractions can be visited more easily than those in Paris and London. St. Peter’s Basilica and the Colosseum are must-see attractions, but visitors should also visit the famous squares, such as Piazza Navona with its Fountain of Four Rivers and Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna), especially during the traditional evening stroll. Other attractions include Altaredella Patria (Altar of the Fatherland), the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the official seat of the Bishop of Rome and Bocca Della Verità (Mouth of Truth) at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin.
Proximity to Other Famous Cities in Italy
If it fits within the budget and length of the trip, visitors should venture out to other cities. Like the rest of Europe, Italy has an efficient train system with stations at all of the most important cities, including Naples, Florence, Pisa, Milan and Venice. Several trains depart from the Rome train station (Roma Termini) to Florence (Firenze), and most one-way trips takes just 90 minutes. A trip to Venice will takes about three to four hours on average but a visit to this magical city is likely to be an unforgettable experience