European destinations for your bucket list
There’s always so many wonderful places to discover and experience in Europe with new and exciting destinations that are constantly evolving and reinventing themselves to appeal to particular crowds or interests. If you’ve done all the big capital cities around the continent along with some of those grand European tours covering many countries in a limited time frame, why not try some of the smaller cities or try a unique travel experience that is focused on one region or a special interest or hobby? Following are five destinations or regional tours that are fun and filled with unique travel experiences. Hopefully you’ll put them on your bucket list to visit someday and have a personal discovery of your own.
Split harbor view
Road trip through the Dalmatian coastline of Croatia
Croatia has been on the travel radar for some time as a travel alternative to Italy. The stunning Dalmatian coastline would make a fantastic road trip starting from the medieval city of Dubrovnik all the way north to the medieval fortress and city of Zadar. This entire region is filled with amazing Unesco sites, scenic landscapes, quaint towns and Venetian style cities that are spaced out perfectly for a road trip. Along the way, you should try some Dalmatian foods, especially the abundant seafood found in many places serving delicious regional foods and specialties from the area. Of course each restaurant will always prepare some special Dalmatian dish worth trying, especially when it includes wonderful shellfish and fish caught locally. Please check out my visit to the coastal city of Split here and my first impressions visiting the historic city center and other beautiful locations in and around Split.
Visiting France’s regional food capital in Lyon
Lyon, in the center of France, is considered the heart and belly of French specialty food and regional cuisine. With an abundance of freshly grown produce, finished goods and local products, the city is full of food inspired venues from the waterfront markets, street food, the streets lined with international food venues to the historic medieval area with restaurants serving traditional French fare. You will find local favorites including Salad Lyonnaise to a popular bean cassoulet (stew) from the region. Besides eating, there’s plenty of historic attractions, landmarks and neighborhoods to visit before your next indulgent meal. For inspiration, check out my first impression of Lyon here and see if this is something that will make you want to explore the region.
River cruising Europe’s grand waterways
For a different take on slowly traveling around Europe, why not experience a European River Cruise? There are many rivers and regions around. There are many European river cruises to choose from depending on your interest, hobbies or region that you want to visit. One of the most popular cruises to take is on the iconic Danube river which passes through some of the grandest cities, fanciful towns and scenic landscapes along the Danube. These include the capital cities of Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade and the baroque town of Melk. While slowly cruising through pleasant countryside with ornate castles on hills, you can take part in a variety of day trips or shore excursions to visit some of these impressive cities that line the majestic shores of the Danube. Cruising is a unique way to relax and travel at a slower pace, giving you more quality, enjoyment and an elegant way of seeing Europe.
Visiting Spain’s Costa Brava
Not as well-known as the Costa del Sol in Southern Spain, the Costa Brava region in the eastern part of Catalonia and bordering France is worth a visit, especially with easy regional access from the Catalan capital of Barcelona. The Costa Brava, is low-key and not so glamorous like its southern counterpart, but it doesn’t lack in charm, historic sites, beautiful and quiet beaches and yes amazing Spanish tapas and regional seafood specialties. Easy train connections from Barcelona take you to the largest regional city of Girona, which is a medieval city filled with gorgeous architecture, attractive plazas and an old city center that’s fun to explore. From Girona, it’s easy to explore the rest of the surrounding area with public transport or by car to visit some lovely beach towns, scenic landscapes and ancient roman monuments and historic buildings throughout the region. If your a Game of Thrones fan, then look to Costa Brava for some of the magnificent landscapes that are going to be shown on Season Six here.
Bologna from above – European destinations for your bucket list
Experience Italy’s Emilia Romagna region
There are so many wonderful areas in Italy worth visiting outside of just the popular tourist destinations of Rome, Florence and Venice. If you are looking for amazing regional food, stunning hilltop castles and Unesco sites, then look no further than the Eastern side of Italy in the Emilia-Romagna region. With easy access to the main hub in Bologna, there are many lovely little towns, villages and unique travel experiences to in this scenic region. Starting off in the regional capital at Bologna which is filled with lovely medieval churches, architecture and markets, you can easily visit many of the surrounding cities including Parma, Ravenna and Rimini. The countryside of Emilia-Romagna is truly romantic with rolling hills and vineyards, ancient hilltop castles and ruins, and beautiful old cities that are off the beaten path. Here’s my first impression of visiting Romagna and the medieval cities of Riole Terme, Faenza and Rimini.
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What do you think, are these inspiring you to visit any of these destinations and explore the regions or travel experiences? Thanks for visiting today and checking out this post on European destinations for your bucket list. If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post.
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Hey Noel,
I visited the Dalmatian coastline last year, the places were breathtaking. Thank you for bringing back nice memories.
Cheers,
Lara
I do not believe this
This is so beautiful
Croatia is indeed a top bucket list destination. I’ve road trip the Dalmatian coast was amongst the best holidays I’ve ever had!
All of these are places I’d love to go, but I’m especially interested in a European river cruise and the Emilia-Romagna region since I love to visit places with good food, wine, and art.
Great photos Noel and great post. Can I suggest Montenegro for the Bucket List? More undiscovered than Croatia, wilder beauty, cheaper food & accommodation…
This post came just in time Noel! I’m planning to spend the summer in Europe and will use your list for some ideas on where to go.
There are some great “less traveled” European options here. I’ve always wanted to do a European river cruise!
Oh wow, I really love your pictures. I think among the places in your bucket list, I would put Italy on top of mine.
Some great suggestions. Bologna looks so beautiful
I’ve been to a lot of European countries, however, I haven’t seen any of the places you mentioned in this article! I clearly have some catching-up to do.
Great list, although I haven’t been to Croatia yet. Wonderful photos, as always.
We have just finished a road trip through France with a detour through Belgium. One of our most favorite stops was Lyon because of its fantastic food. From Brasseries, to Bouchon’s to food markets, we just had to most amazing treats every day we were there. We also love Emiglia-Romagna in Italy.
The image of Lyon is stunning. I’ve only been to Costa Brava from the places on this list but I do hope to visit the Emilia Romagna region this year.
The Costa Brava is truly beautiful. However, if you want a more all-year-round destination to discover Spain’s beaches, you can’t beat the Canary Islands.
These are some great suggestions. They are not the obvious ones one would think about when mentioning those countries. That Dalmatian coast is really something. From the top right down to the bottom. Loved Split & Dubrovnik. Absolutely stunning. Great post.
I’m doing a bit of Croatia in May and September while visiting the Balkans.
France is a great place for a road trip. So many things to see and do that are hardly heard of!
Lucky me for living in Europe:-) It’s so easy (and pretty cheap as well) to visit another country and experience another culture, language and off course food! Love this list, have visited many places in Europe but still there is so much more to see…
Great post and REALLY great pics. I love them!
Yes, you’ve inspired me to travel and although I’m now travelling through South America, Europe remains one of the richest travel destinations. Thanks for sharing.
Cristina
First of all, your photos are absolutely stunning!! Love it that someone highlights some of the more unknown regions of Europe to visit. Croatia is still on my bucket list, but I’ll get there soon
Great tips! I loved visiting Bologna and I wish more people knew about how fantastic it is. I guess the bucket list will continue to expand…
I’m going to Lyon in May! So excited. And Croatia is definitely on my list. Great post.
Nice pictures. I LOVED Split the last time I was there. Spain’s Costa Brava looks incredible as well. I just love places that are really colorful. That might be my next destination!