AU
Planning to take advantage of our European Getaway Sale? Consider these destinations – perennial favorites and up-and-coming locales that’ll inspire you to start packing your bags.
1. Iceland
This Nordic country has soared in popularity in recent years. From the colourful streets of Reykjavík to volcanoes and the northern lights, there’s something breathtaking at every turn. Take a deep soak in the Blue Lagoon, snap photos of glaciers and black-sand beaches, and cruise next to icebergs. Hungry? Enjoy cheeses and ice cream at a dairy farm, fresh scallops, and – if you dare! – get a taste of hákarl (cured shark meat).
2. Ireland
Another favourite destination – travellers can’t get enough of the Emerald Isle. Kiss the Blarney Stone, gaze at the sea from the Cliffs of Moher, sip the “water of life” at a whiskey distillery, and enjoy tea and scones at a family farm. Live like royalty during a stay on the grounds of a Victorian castle. May the road rise up to meet you!
3. Italy
Ah, la dolce vita! Travellers flock here for the food, art, architecture, history, and gorgeous scenery. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in Pompeii, see the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Michelangelo’s David, cruise the canals of Venice, and learn how to make regional pasta specialities. The big trend now? Visiting during the off-season, when crowds are sparse and the weather is usually quite nice.
4. Greece
From whitewashed houses overlooking the Mediterranean to ancient ruins filled with the secrets of history, Greece delights and amazes. Explore the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus, relax on the beaches of Mykonos, take a Greek dance class, and sample the country’s signature spirit at a family-owned ouzo distillery. Local wines, cheeses, seafood, olive oils, and jams make your tour a delicious adventure.
5. Portugal
Travellers are starting to discover the many charms of Portugal, including (but not limited to!) its food, wine, hillside towns, and beautiful beaches. Explore Lisbon on a funicular (check out the Livraria Lello, the “world’s most beautiful bookstore”), visit the gorgeous São Bento railway station and the Stock Exchange Palace in Porto, and feast on fresh seafood and delicious port wine in the lush Douro River Valley.
6. Norway
Another Nordic country that travellers are turning to! Awaiting you: absolutely breathtaking scenery (think fjords, mountains, and waterfalls), foodie-destination Oslo, and colourful villages. Take in spectacular views from the Flåm Railway, one of the steepest train rides in the world; climb a glacier in a traditional “troll” car; and explore one of the world’s largest sculpture parks. And you know, you may even spot the northern lights!
Save up to 15% on your next European adventure with our European Getaway Sale, running through January 26!
