My top ten of best experiences in Europe

Europe is a continent with many cultures, languages and religions.  It is no wonder you can have so many different experiences.  Here is my top ten of favourite experiences in Europe.

1. great food - the number one reason I love to be in Europe is the food.  Be it a lovely salad in Greece, a good pasta in Italy, a simple leg of lamb in Andalucia or fish in Iceland, no matter where you go, the food always amazes me.  Enjoy it on a terrace, a patio or in a lovely restaurant, perhaps next to a cozy fireplace.
2. a good glass of wine - visit a winery in Tuscany, Rioja or Burgundy, find your favourite wine, and pair it with great food!
3. walk - my favourite way to get around Europe is on foot.  It allows you to stop where you please and literally smell the roses.  Or the aromatic herbs flanking a hillside in Croatia for that matter.  On one morning walk in Spain I walked through seven villages, each of them different and with it's own atmosphere.
4. cycle - another great way to travel Europe is by bike.  You get to cover slightly larger distances and feel the wind in your hair.  It allows you to explore larger areas, like the towns along the Danube, the chateaux of the Loire Valley or the baroque cities of Central Europe.
5. history - Everywhere you go in Europe, history awaits to be uncovered.  My favourite?  Each time I visit Siena in Italy I am blown away by the duomo - a fantastic cathedral in black and white, lined with frescoes and paintings.  
6. engage your spirit - with churches and cathedrals around every corner, it is not hard to find a quiet place to reflect.  Be it a church in eternal Rome, a monastery set deep in the hills of Italy, or walking the Camino de Santiago, take time out from your trip to recharge your spirit.
7. art - it flourishes in Europe.  From paintings to sculptures to funky installations, it is everywhere.  My favourite places include the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia and the Louvre in Paris, France.  But don't forget lesser known places such as Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
8. village life - I love the medieval towns and squares in Europe.  Wander the streets of Tallinn in Estonia, or the hilltop villages of Provence and Umbria.
9. the people - I have chatted with shopkeepers in Switzerland, gardeners in Russia and plenty of "ordinary" folk.  Each of them had lived a lifetime and had so many stories to share.  And I love just sitting down with a pint of beer and watch the people walk by (just as the carillon of the nearby cathedral starts playing a wonderful tune!).
10. markets - part of everyday life, markets are the place to shop.  Engage with the farmers or the artisans while you pick up locally grown fresh fruit, a handmade cheese and a bottle of wine.  Then make a beeline for a shady spot to enjoy a picnic.  Heaven!

What is your own European favourite?  Is there a place on your bucket list?  Email me!