As a travel planner, I rarely recommend Paris or Rome. Instead, I swear by these 5 European gems.
I'm a travel planner, and there are five European destinations I think everyone should visit.
If you're planning a trip to the UK, make sure to stop in Liverpool.
Cinque Terre in Italy is one of my favorite spots in the whole world.
As a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels, I've explored Europe extensively to find the best recommendations for my clients.
Recently, the continent has also been on my radar more than ever —it's home to six of the World Economic Forum's top 10 countries for travel and tourism. Though cities such as Paris, London, Rome, and Amsterdam have massive appeal, Europe's vast landscape offers gems around every corner.
Here are five European destinations I think everyone should visit.
Beatles fans won't want to miss Liverpool, England.
Liverpool, a little more than four hours from London by train, is a must for Beatles fans.
All four band members grew up in the city. Different levels of excursions, from buses to full-day private tours, immerse you in the sights and sounds of the band's legacy.
Liverpool also houses theaters, art galleries, and museums and is becoming a hot destination for shopping and unique culinary experiences.
Football, American soccer, is a way of life, and there are two main clubs, Liverpool and Everton. Fans of the game can take an LFC stadium tour for a behind-the-scenes look.
Cinque Terre in Italy is my favorite European destination.
Cinque Terre is one of my favorite cities — or, more accurately, my favorite five towns.
Nestled along the Italian Riviera, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are accessible only by train, ferry, or foot. Each town has a distinct style, and hikers flock to this region to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Vernazza, my favorite town, is the gem of this region. I love wandering the cobbled streets to shop, snack, and explore. You can also visit the Castello Doria or the church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia.
Monterosso has a popular beach club. In the summer months, tourists sunbathe on the beach or take a dip in the sea. For a history lesson, visit the remains of Castello Fieschi or the Church of St John the Baptist and the Capuchin Monastery.
In Manarola, take some time to watch the locals cliff jump into the marina. I also suggest taking a wine tour through the town to taste some of the local specialties. Be sure to try Sciacchetrà, a sweet but strong dessert wine produced in Cinque Terre.
Riomaggiore is also home to a castle and churches dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The center of the town is great for wandering, shopping, and eating.
Corniglia is probably the quietest of the five towns. Climb the Lardarina staircase for beautiful views of the coastline. Spend some time enjoying local life, or take a boat tour to fully enjoy the area's beauty.
Head to Portugal to visit the colorful city of Porto on the banks of the Douro River.
Just three hours from Lisbon by train, the city of Porto has some amazing architecture, dining, and drinking.
Many visitors enjoy exploring the Ribeira neighborhood. During the day, check out the Luís I Bridge, walk along the Douro River, and visit the adorned Church of São Francisco. At night, the area comes alive with lively dining and entertainment options.
Other popular activities include visiting one of the nearby white sandy beaches, taking a wine tour, or booking a river cruise to see the city from another vantage point.
I'd be remiss not to mention the delicious food available in the city. I think everyone who visits Porto should try francesinha, a traditional sandwich stuffed and topped with things such as ham, Portuguese sausage, steak, cheese, and spicy sauce.
Strasbourg, France, has a beautiful mix of French and German culture.
Strasbourg, two hours east of Paris by high-speed train, is a beautiful city along the border of France and Germany.
Every trip should include a visit to the gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg. Try to plan your day around arriving there at 12:30 p.m. to see the wooden figures dance around the clock.
After your cathedral visit, stroll through Petite France, explore cheese shops, and take a break to sip a glass of wine at one of the canal's many cafés.
At the end of the year, Strasbourg is also home to one of the oldest Christmas markets, dating back to the late 1500s. The Christkindelsmärik is truly magical, with more than 300 vendors selling their holiday best.
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