The Best of Europe – Food, Adventure and History
How do you choose between the seduction of Italy and France? Or between the beautiful Mediterranean beaches, skiing or hiking holidays, and all the history and culture of Greece, Croatia and Turkey? The only thing limiting your next holiday adventure is your imagination.
Let’s look at three great reasons to go on holiday – food, adventure and culture, which will in turn generate ideas for your dream holiday.
Gastronomic delights
If you love your food and you love cycling, think of the Dordogne region in south-west France. This is a region of Chateaux, abbeys, medieval villages, shaded verandas and beautiful countryside. Fall in love with the mouth-watering delights of truffles, foie gras, duck confit, asparagus and a host of delicious cheeses, mushrooms and succulent strawberries.
Or if your taste runs more towards the vineyards than the restaurants, grab your bike and head to Auxerre in south-west France – famous for its Burgundy and Chablis wines. Visit vineyards, go wine tasting, stroll through local markets and be amazed by the Gothic churches and Cathedrals.
Anyone for an adventure?
Do you dream of climbing a mountain or cycling along pristine Austrian lakes? Well how about climbing Mont Blanc – the highest Alpine mountain? There are a series of fairly easy paths to follow, that make this one of the most popular walking routes in the Alps. And the views from the top are beyond spectacular!
Or maybe you want to throw a leg over your cycle and take to the Austrian lakes? Well you will not be disappointed. If you relish crisp, fresh mountain air, rolling pastures, deer farms and cobbled marketplaces, then this is the holiday for you. And don’t forget the paddle steamer at Gmunden, spectacular mountain views and a refreshing dip in one of the numerous mountain lakes.
History and culture buffs
Have you ever thought of a walking holiday? Imagine beautiful beaches and idyllic islands, historic towns, fishing boats, cobbled paths, olive groves and vineyards. You have all this and much more in beautiful, sunny Croatia.
Stroll along the ancient city walls, take the cable car up Mt Srd and be amazed at the spectacular views over the Adriatic, lunch on fresh oysters or take a ferry out to the islands. Croatia will take you back to a land that time forgot – and you will come back for more.
And if a coach trip sounds like your idea of a great holiday, then does ancient Turkey and Istanbul bring up memories of Roman Emperors, the Byzantine Empire and the Silk Road? While you are there visit the Mausoleum of
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk at Ankara – the founder of the Turkish Republic. And don’t forget the underground cities, cave churches and houses at historic Cappadocia or the hot springs and ancient ruins at Hierapolis.
photo credit: Bert Kaufmann via photopin cc
