Amsterdam is among some iconic European capital cities, which also include Paris, Barcelona and Rome. Photos: Supplied.
Summer in the Northern Hemisphere means lots of Australians holidaying in Europe. It’s easy to see why it is such a popular tourist destination.
Several world-famous landmarks come to mind when we think of travel in Europe: the Eiffel Tower in Paris; the Colosseum in Rome; St Peter’s Basilica, in Vatican City; the canals of Venice; Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona; the Parthenon Temple in Athens; Leaning Tower of Pisa, in Italy; Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England; Tower Bridge over the River Thames in London; and the list goes on.
We can visit amazing sites in more than 50 countries in Europe. The largest is Russia, followed by Ukraine and France. Pay papal respects at Vatican City, Europe’s smallest sovereign state, with an area of 49 hectares.
The continent’s wealth of attractions is its biggest drawcard: the Renaissance art in Florence, the graceful canals of Venice, the Napoleonic splendor of Paris, the impressive attractions of Moorish palaces in Andalucia, and the birthplace of democracy, Athens.
Experience vastly different cultures, languages and food within short train rides from city to city. A well-preserved cultural heritage, open borders and efficient infrastructure are points on the plus side.
With historical sites, ancient ruins and blue-water beaches dotted all around the continent, Europe has a corner that’s calling your name.
A Mediterranean odyssey could see you visiting Lake Como, Rome and the Greek Isles.
However, before they go, Australian travellers planning a holiday in Europe this year will have to check whether they need a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel permit. This will be new to many Australians who have enjoyed visa-free travel to Europe for some time.
Smartraveller has advised of some changes to visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area, which encompasses 29 European countries. You won’t need an ETIAS for EU countries that aren’t taking part in the program. Australia has visa-waiver agreements with several countries in the Schengen Area. The ETIAS travel authorisation system, which was meant to launch in 2024, has been postponed to mid-2025.
Nearly 20 European Union countries (out of 27) have a single currency – the Euro –and relaxed border crossings, making European travel easy.
Ride a train for several hours on the continent and enter a new country. Go by bus. From Arctic Circle Nordic nations to warm southern Mediterranean countries, you will find modern cities alongside vestiges of ancient civilisations.
Luxury locations, packages on a budget, beachside bliss, holidays for foodies, outdoor adventures, culture and sightseeing. You name it, and it’s available!
Venture into the region between Spain and France to tour Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum and experience unique Basque culture and language. Spain and Portugal highlight modern-day Iberian cultures. Ski in the Pyrenees Mountains, run with the bulls in Pamplona and dance the flamenco in Madrid or Barcelona.
Journey through ancient splendour: Athens to Barcelona. Exploration at its best.
Wander through the ruins of early empires when you visit Italy and Greece. In Rome, see the Colosseum; in Athens, the Acropolis. Relax on glorious beaches in both countries. Explore some of the 6000 islands of Greece and view the Ligurian Sea from high walking paths along terraced vineyards in Italy’s Cinque Terre area.
Discover the turquoise colours of the Gorges du Verdon and ski the French Alps. France is famous for wine, Mediterranean beaches and art galleries. In Paris, tour the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay and the Centre Georges Pompidou. Walk along the Champs-Élysées and view the city from atop the Eiffel Tower.
Find glorious music, castles and centuries of history in Germany, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland. Appreciate the Dom cathedral in Cologne, the symphonic orchestra in Vienna, ancient Roman settlements in Budapest, St Vitus Cathedral in Prague and the old towns of Krakow and Gdansk. Visit museums, art galleries and places of worship in Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia and other countries once isolated beyond USSR borders.
Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark feature Scandinavian customs and foods. See far northern lands near the Arctic Circle with summer sunshine through the day and night. Find quiet forests in Finland, Viking history at Sweden’s Vasa Museum and striking fjords on the shores of the Norwegian Sea.
Jet-set over to London to see Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Live life large as you discover dazzling destinations like the Amalfi Coast, and find world-class resorts in Positano and Capri. Sightsee through the French Riviera, Monaco, Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez and fiesta-filled Ibiza.
Buy affordable holiday packages by combining flights, hotels and rental cars so you can save on extra costs, stress less and see more attractions!
