The Best European Escapes This Summer
Deciding where to spend your holidays this season on a continent as vast and varied as Europe can be a difficult task. Are you interested in wandering around historic streets with a gelato in hand, determined to see all the museums, or simply wanting to chill in the sun with a book and a glass of wine?
We have chosen four most promising European locations for your summer escapes. With our guide, you will discover the best natural wonders, delicious food where your senses will go crazy under the influence of culinary delicacies, the most refined vineries and ideal places to immerse into art and culture.
France, Bordeaux – Vineyards
There is no better way to get to know the world of wine than to get to the places of its origin. The Bordeaux region has around 8,000 chateaux, producing 6 million hectolitres of wine. It is undoubtedly one of the largest and most significant wine regions globally. The great variety of Bordeaux wines is caused by the region's array of soils and the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc give the Bordeaux wines vigour, tannins, longevity, and Merlot the softness they need. The white Bordeaux wines are generally a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle.
With this wide range of locations, deciding which vineyard to visit is definitely a challenging assignment. We've compiled a list of the top spots, so all you need to do is relax and taste wine!
Château Mouton Rothschild
Château D’Agassac
Château Pape-Clément
Château De Sales
Château Sainte-Barbe
Italy, Venice – Art & Culture
Venice is called the most beautiful city in the world and cannot be compared to anything else. It is one of a kind. Venice has unusual charm: both in the middle of winter, covered with charming fog, and in the summer when the Venetian canals sparkle in the sun. For centuries, the city has been predicted to collapse due to its unusual location, built on the water. Meanwhile, it tolerates the annual floods, hosts a grand carnival and festivals, and attracts over twenty million tourists each year.
Here we prepared the guide with the most exciting places to see in this incredible city.
Spend The Morning Near The Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) offers a beautiful view of the Grand Canal. On the bridge, there are shops with coloured Venetian glass and masks. Next, go to the famous nearby market, Mercato di Rialto. Come here as early as possible, sit comfortably at a table in Sotoportego de l'Erbaria, order your cappuccino or espresso, and enjoy your quiet morning.
Lose Yourself In Narrow Streets
This is the best thing you can do in Venice. The main tourist attractions will not escape you anyway; you will find them easily later. And once you do, let yourself get lost in the beautiful maze of old tenement houses and narrow streets; take a walk, and experience the true beauty of this city.
Visit The Exceptional Acqua Alta Bookstore
Libreria Acqua Alta is a bit off the beaten track, in a quiet area, where you won't meet many tourists, except those who go to this bookstore. In this peculiarly decorated place, they sell new and used books, postcards, maps, posters, calendars, notebooks and various trinkets.
Visit The Stunning Palazzo Ducale
The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is a former gothic seat of the rulers and government of Venice. The first building was constructed in the 9th century; it burned down in 976 during an uprising against the Doge. It was rebuilt in the 11th century and has been systematically expanded and rebuilt since then. The palace is full of history and works of art that you should not miss.
Iceland – Breathtaking Nature
Iceland is a remarkable land in many ways, where you can observe geological processes with your own eyes and see the power of geothermal forces. Certainly, a trip to Iceland is a unique experience that will remain in your memory forever.
In Iceland, rocks and lava take amazing forms that can capture visitors imagination. The landscapes are enlivened by water. In addition, there are breathtaking waterfalls and lakes. There are numerous glaciers, including the largest in Europe - Vatanajökull. Volcanoes are also an important element of the landscape. Hence travellers can often encounter manifestations of volcanic phenomena - hot springs, geysers and lava fields.
Spain, Madrid – Delicious Food
Delighting in food is a very important part of Spanish culture. Not only the type of meals but also the way they are served in Madrid and the customers' behaviour in the restaurants will tell you a lot about Spain and the Spanish traditions.
Dishes from Madrid are called Madrileño. The most famous are hot soups, and meals such as Cocido Madrileno served with green peas. The most typical soup in Madrid is Sopa de Ajo (garlic soup). Perhaps one of the most popular dishes from Madrid is Tortilla de Patatas (potato tortilla or potato omelette). It is essential to mention that majority of Madrid's food is based on chicken, pork and beef, but vegetarians will also find some delicious treats on the menu.
The people of Madrid love to eat outside. At any time of the year, the bars and restaurants are crowded with people delighting in lavish food and drinks. Also worth visiting are the popular tapas bars to try traditional Spanish cuisine.