12 Unmissable Trips in Europe for Your Bucket List

If you’re planning your first trip to Europe and don’t know what to do or looking for some European vacation inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. Europe is a breathtaking continent famed for its bustling cities, picturesque landscapes, historic landmarks, and epic cuisine.

From exploring ancient monuments in Rome and exploring scenic landscapes in Iceland to riding a hot air balloon in Turkey and island hopping in Greece, Europe has everything. To learn more, here are 12 trips in Europe for your bucket list. These entries are selected because they are the crème de la crème of European travel and adventure.

Table of Contents

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Ancient Rome Strolls 1/5

12 Most Beautiful Countries to Explore Around the Globe

Iceland Ring Road 2/5

12 Surreal Places You Won't Believe Are in Europe

Hot Air Balloon, Turkey 3/5

Best Places in Europe for Your Bucket List, Santorini, Greece - A Cycladic Paradise

Greek Island Hopping 4/5

Underrated Destinations in Portugal_Sintra

Sintra Fairytale, Portugal 5/5

Results

Ancient Rome Strolls

3 1

Iceland Ring Road

2 2

Hot Air Balloon, Turkey

3 1

Greek Island Hopping

3 1

Sintra Fairytale, Portugal

3 1

Drive Along the Iceland Ring Road

Europe is one of the world’s best road-tripping destinations. Almost every country on the continent offers hundreds of miles of scenic roads to explore. However, European road trips don’t get more iconic than the Iceland Ring Road. This famous drive is famed for its impressive natural landscape, unique natural attractions, and well-maintained roads.

Also known as Route 1, the Iceland Ring Road is 828 miles (1,333 kilometers) long. It’s a national road that circles the entire country, connecting most of Iceland’s major towns and tourist attractions. Along the road, you’ll encounter waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and black-sand beaches. You might even spot the Northern Lights. Notable attractions include Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Gullfoss, and Reykjavik.

Rent a 4×4 in Winter: If you’re driving the Ring Road between October and April, a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended due to snow, ice, and unpredictable weather conditions.
Stock Up on Snacks and Fuel: Some stretches of the Ring Road have limited gas stations and food options, so fill up your tank and pack extra snacks before heading into remote areas.

Enjoy an Island Hopping Adventure in Greece

The mainland of Greece is home to the world-famous Acropolis of Athens, where you’ll find significant historical sites such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Old Temple of Athena. However, many people love Greece more for its beautiful islands, of which there are more than 200 inhabited islands. These islands are Europe’s answer to a Caribbean island-hopping vacation.

You’ll likely find yourself sipping a cocktail by the sea or tucking into tasty Greek cuisine when you’re not soaking up the sun on one of the many white sand beaches or swimming in the crystal-clear turquoise waters. You can easily hop between the Greek islands by plane or ferry. Famous islands include Hydra, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini, and Rhodes.

Local Cuisine Stops: While on the islands, try local dishes such as moussaka in Santorini, kleftiko in Crete, and loukoumades (Greek donuts) on Rhodes. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood platters for about €15–€30 ($16–$33) per person, paired with local wines.
Explore Lesser-Known Islands: While Santorini and Mykonos are stunning, islands like Naxos, Milos, and Paros offer beautiful beaches, rich history, and fewer crowds.

Ride a Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia, Turkey

As far as magical experiences in Europe go, a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is hard to beat unless you’re terrified of heights. There’s a good chance you’ll recognize dreamy Cappadocian scenery from the countless photographs we see on Instagram. Nevertheless, no photo can give this destination the credit it deserves.

Cappadocia is a semi-arid region in Central Turkey famed for its unique cave dwellings, rock formations, and ‘fairy chimneys. You can enjoy the scenery on a stroll through the landscape or a rooftop sunrise breakfast. However, the view from a hot air balloon is most spectacular. You’ll fly with hundreds of other hot-air balloons, glimpsing truly one-of-a-kind views of the ancient rock formations and cave dwellings.

Book Your Balloon Ride for Your First Morning: Weather conditions can lead to cancellations, so booking early in your trip gives you a chance to reschedule if needed.
Dress in Layers: Mornings in Cappadocia can be chilly, even in summer. Wear layers so you can stay warm before takeoff but remove them as the sun rises.
Seten Restaurant: A fine dining spot in Göreme offering traditional Turkish dishes such as testi kebab (meat and vegetables slow-cooked in a clay pot). Expect mains to cost €15–20 ($16–$22).

Get Lost in Sintra, Portugal

Just a 30-minute drive from Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, Sintra is one of Europe’s most underrated tourist destinations. Straight out of your favorite Disney fairytale, this magical town in the pine-covered hills of the Serra de Sintra Mountains is a mesmerizing historical location famed for its pristine scenery, quirky landmarks, and vibrant ancient castles. You won’t tire of getting lost exploring.

Loved by history buffs and storybook lovers, the main highlight of a visit to Sintra is the fabulous National Palace of Pena. A gorgeous Romanticist palace, it stands proudly above the town, offering incredible panoramic views. Other must-see landmarks in Sintra include Quinta da Regaleira, the Moorish Castle, and the Sintra National Palace.

Pena Palace: Entry costs €10.45 ($11.44) and allows access to the palace and gardens. Arrive before 9:30 AM or after 2:00 PM to avoid crowds, and don’t miss the incredible terrace views.
A Raposa: This hidden gem restaurant is perfect for a romantic meal. It offers local dishes like roasted lamb and duck rice and has beautiful views.

Explore Ancient Rome, Italy

History buffs looking for their next adventure will be spoiled for choice in Europe. You’ll discover ancient cities brimming with historical wonders at almost every corner of the continent. However, Rome has to be the best. Put on the map by the Romans, this ancient city is jam-packed with fascinating architecture, historic sites, and delicious Italian cuisine.

Regarding things to see and do, you’ll likely spend most of your time in Rome exploring the most iconic sites, including the world-famous Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Roman Forum. After that, visit Vatican City, the world’s smallest country, and admire the beauty of the Sistine Chapel. Oh, and make sure you have a pizza and an Aperol spritz in Piazza Navona.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: Book tickets for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel online to avoid hours of waiting. Entry costs €33.41 ($36.58). The museum is closed on Sundays, except the last Sunday of the month when entry is free (expect big crowds). Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, to enter religious sites.
Carry Small Change for Local Cafés: Many traditional Roman cafés prefer cash for small purchases, especially if you’re ordering a quick espresso at the counter.

Walk Around Copenhagen, Denmark

European Country to Visit Denmark Copenhagen — © kenmc3 / Adobe Stock

Copenhagen, Denmark’s luxurious capital city, is a breathtaking tourist destination loved for its vibrant architecture, picturesque scenery, and historical landmarks. The city is also known for being one of Europe’s most walkable cities, making it a fantastic city break for travelers who enjoy exploring the main sights on foot.

Many of Copenhagen’s most famous attractions are within walking distance of each other. For example, you can easily walk from the Little Mermaid Statue to Nyhavn Waterfront in one hour while passing Kastellet, Sankt Albans Kirke, Frederik’s Kirke, and Amalienborg Palace. We strongly recommend grabbing an ice cream from one of the ice cream parlors near Nyhavn during your walk.

Ice Cream Near Nyhavn: Stop by Vaffelbageren, a highly rated ice cream shop located just off Nyhavn Waterfront. Their homemade waffle cones and unique flavors are a treat after your walk.
Try Smørrebrød at a Local Eatery: These open-faced sandwiches are a Danish specialty, and you’ll find the best versions at traditional cafés like Aamanns or Schønnemann.
Walking Route Suggestions: Start your walk at the Little Mermaid Statue near the harbor, then head to Kastellet, a star-shaped fortress with scenic walking paths. Continue to Sankt Albans Kirke, a charming Anglican church, and then make your way to Frederik’s Kirke (also known as the Marble Church). End your journey at Amalienborg Palace and the colorful Nyhavn Waterfront. This route can easily be done in 2–3 hours.

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Explore the Amalfi Coast on a Vespa, Italy

Beach Destinations in Europe in May The Amalfi Coast, Italy — © IgorZh / Adobe Stock

Italy makes our list for a second time, with its stunning coastline. The Amalfi Coast is a gorgeous 31-mile (50-kilometer) stretch along the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. This idyllic stretch of road offers postcard-perfect seaside towns, beautiful beaches, pastel-colored fishing villages, and classic Italian charm.

While a relaxed vacation along the Amalfi Coast is perfect for beachgoers, outdoor enthusiasts looking for more excitement should explore the coastline by Vespa, an iconic Italian brand of scooters and mopeds. On a Vespa, you can quickly reach the coastlines’ most famous locations while also being treated to spectacular coastal viewpoints. Make sure you don’t miss Positano, Amalfi, Sorrento, and Ravello.

Be Cautious on Winding Roads: The Amalfi Coast’s roads are narrow and winding, often with sharp turns and steep drops. If you’re new to riding a Vespa, consider practicing in a quieter area before taking on the coastal roads.
Scenic Viewpoints: Along the drive, stop at iconic viewpoints like Fiordo di Furore, where colorful fishing boats rest beneath a dramatic cliffside bridge, and Capo d’Orso, offering panoramic coastal vistas. Parking can be tricky, so look for designated scooter parking areas.

Cruise Through the Norwegian Fjords, Norway

Small Towns Across the Globe Reine, Norway — © demerzel21 / Adobe Stock

If you want to explore Norway’s impressive landscape in luxury, we strongly recommend visiting the Norwegian Fjords on a cruise. Cruising through the deep-blue waters of Norway’s UNESCO-protected fjords is an unforgettable experience you won’t soon forget, as the Norwegian Fjords are one of the world’s most impressive regions.

On a Norwegian Fjord cruise, you can expect to see immense glaciers, verdant hills, vibrant Norwegian towns, and impressive wildlife, including humpback whales. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the Aurora Borealis. Norwegian Fjord cruises leave from many ports across Europe, such as Southampton, Liverpool, Dublin, Stockholm, and Copenhagen. Maybe you could tie a visit to Copenhagen into your Norwegian Fjord itinerary.

Pack for All Weather Conditions: The Norwegian Fjords can have unpredictable weather, even in summer. Bring waterproof gear, warm layers, and sunglasses to stay comfortable in changing conditions.
The Original Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen from Bergen: This 3.5-hour fjord cruise departing from Bergen allows travelers to witness stunning Norwegian fjord landscapes, majestic waterfalls, and serene mountain views up close. Tickets cost around 750 NOK (70 USD) per person, including commentary on the sights.

Watch a Soccer Match at Camp Nou, Spain

Barcelona Camp Nou — © Ioan Panaite / Adobe Stock

Soccer, or football, is a massive success in Spain. In fact, Spain’s biggest clubs, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF, are two of the sport’s most successful clubs. Therefore, watching one of the two teams play is high on the bucket list for many of the sport’s fans.

While both grounds offer world-class match-day experiences, I recommend watching FC Barcelona play at Camp Nou. Opened in 1957, this iconic football ground holds almost 100,000 people. On match day, the atmosphere is electric, and the football on display is magnificent. Better yet, the ground has recently undergone reconstruction, so it looks even more impressive.

Check the Fixture List Early: Barcelona matches, especially big games, sell out fast. Plan ahead and buy tickets from official sources to avoid disappointment.
Explore the Stadium Museum: Even if you can’t catch a game, the Camp Nou Experience tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the club’s history, trophies, and locker rooms.

Go Skiing in Chamonix, France

European Destinations for Wellness Retreat Chamonix, France — © Gorilla / Adobe Stock

Chamonix is a scenic town and skiing resort at the base of Mont Blanc, at the border of France, Italy, and Switzerland. Aside from its obvious beauty, this beautiful resort is famous worldwide for its challenging skiing slopes, off-piste terrain, and vast alpine landscape. It’s a fantastic place to visit if you want to ski.

The resort has five ski areas: Brévent-Flégère, Grands Montets, Domaine de Balme, Le Brevent, and Les Houches. These resorts offer limitless skiing slopes and off-piste terrain. Meanwhile, beginner skiers are better suited to the low-altitude nursery ski areas, Le Savoy being one of the best. Make sure you take the Aiguille du Midi cable car during your visit to Chamonix, too.

Public Transport: Use Chamonix’s free ski bus system to travel between ski areas. It’s included with your lift pass, and buses run frequently from morning until evening. This is a great way to skip parking hassles if you’re staying in town.
Lunch at La Bergerie de Plan-Praz: While skiing in Brévent-Flégère, stop at La Bergerie de Plan-Praz for traditional alpine dishes like raclette and fondue.

Visit the Old Town of Tallinn, Estonia

Cool Destinations in the World Tallinn, Estonia — © Kavalenkava / Shutterstock

Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, is a fabulous city known for its beautiful architecture. If there’s one place you’ll fall in love with in the city, it’s the Old Town. The Old Town of Tallinn is a stunning area featuring imposing fortress walls, winding cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture dating back to the 13th century.

This Old Town is so special that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the tall fortress walls, get lost in discovering the beautifully preserved architecture, Town Hall Square, quaint cafes, and traditional bakeries. Notable points of interest to keep your eyes peeled for in the Old Town include Raeapteek, one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies, Viru Gate, Masters’ Courtyard, and Maiasmokk, Tallinn’s oldest cafe.

Climb to Toompea Hill for Panoramic Views – Head up to Toompea Hill for breathtaking views of Tallinn’s Old Town, red rooftops, and church spires. The Kohtuotsa and Patkuli viewing platforms are the best spots for photos.
Maiasmokk Café: For a taste of history, stop by Maiasmokk, Tallinn’s oldest café, established in 1864. Try their famous marzipan figures or a slice of Estonian kringel (sweet bread).

Experience a Christmas Market in Germany

Things To Do in Europe Visit the Christmas Markets in Germany — © Mapics / Adobe Stock

If you love the festive season, consider spending a Christmas in Germany. From November onwards, most towns and cities across Germany turn into a winter wonderland, offering tourists the opportunity to indulge in delicious food, arts and crafts, festive events, and vibrant light displays.

You’ll spend your time at Germany’s Christmas markets exploring the charming wooden market stalls, admiring the traditional Bavarian architecture, sipping mulled wine, and listening to Christmas carols. Generally, most German Christmas markets are excellent. However, some are better and more historic than others. For example, the Dresden Christmas Market can trace its roots back to the 15th century. Other popular Christmas Market locations include Cologne, Berlin, and Munich.

Bring Cash for Market Stalls – Many traditional Christmas market stalls in Germany only accept cash, so have euros on hand for food, drinks, and handmade crafts.
Cologne Christmas Market: Cologne hosts seven distinct Christmas markets, with the Cathedral Market being the most iconic, set against the majestic Cologne Cathedral. The markets are open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM throughout December.