Europe Bucket List: Top 10 things to Do in Europe

Italy’s capital needs little introduction – one of the top things to do in Europe is wander through Rome’s streets. Home to the Colosseum, Renaissance masterpieces and the Vatican City, Rome is filled with history, art and culture. Along with the rest of Italy, the city  is also known for having some of the best food in the world. From pasta and Parmesan to gelato and tiramisu, Italian food is simply irresistible. There’s one standout Italian dish that almost nobody dislikes though: pizza.

In Swedish Lapland, reindeer stand proud beneath snow-heavy trees and night skies dance with iridescent shades of green and purple. This region is a magical place filled with natural wonder, folklore and a rich cultural heritage. Seeing the Northern Lights here is one of the most romantic things to do in Europe. 

Logger’s Lodge provides the ultimate romantic getaway. It’s a private luxury eco-lodge for two, with 5 kilometres of nature separating it from its nearest neighbour. Guests at the all-inclusive cabin can enjoy privately guided outdoor activities, a private spa with a sauna and an outdoor Jacuzzi. For breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can dine on traditional Sami meals, prepared by a private chef who uses organic and local ingredients. 

There are few sights more beautiful than the sun setting over picturesque white houses on the blissful Greek coast. Perhaps the most famous of the Cyclades, crescent shaped Santorini has been attracting visitors for decades. Blue domes adorn traditional whitewashed houses and streets wind down to breathtaking viewpoints. Understandably, Santorini is extremely popular amongst honeymooners, but this means it can often become overrun with tourists.  

4) Loire Valley hot air balloon ride

When it comes to France, visiting Paris is one of the most sought-after things to do in Europe. The French capital offers plenty of opportunities to learn about classical French architecture, history and culture. Sometimes, though, getting out into the countryside makes for the best experiences. The Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful places in France, home to a variety of breathtaking chateaux and gardens.  This romantic region captivates history enthusiasts, gourmets and wine lovers alike. It’s extremely beautiful, having been rightly afforded the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5) Visit Iceland’s waterfalls and lakes

With some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe, it’s no surprise that Iceland has made a name for itself as a bucket list destination. In Northern Iceland, visiting the incredible Goðafoss waterfall is a must-do. Meaning waterfall of the God, dramatic Goðafoss is where the waters of the river Skjálfandafljót fall from a height of 12 metres. These cascading waters give his waterfall an ethereal feel, enhanced by the its ancient story. Legend has it that in the year 1000, after the Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland, he threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall.

6) Gourmet and Gaudi tours in Barcelona

Barcelona is firmly on the map as one of Europe’s greatest cities. Sitting in the northwest heart of Catalonia, this cosmopolitan city caters to all types of traveller. From honeymooners and all-night partiers to fashionistas and foodies, there’s something for everyone. Catalonia’s capital has a rich cultural and architectural history, with Gaudi’s iconic modernist buildings situated alongside millennial flashes of glass and steel. The tangibly buzzing culture in Barcelona’s streets and squares make exploring the city’s art and gastronomy endlessly captivating.  

Architecture lovers will no doubt be aware of the Catalan Modernism buildings that can be found across Barcelona. Flourishing between 1888 and 1906, this movement has left Barcelona peppered with colourful, eccentric architecture. On a Gaudí-themed walking tour of the city, you’ll visit some of the architect’s most famous landmarks. From the bright mosaics of Güell Park to the infamous Sagrada Familia, Gaudí has left his iconic mark in all four corners of Barcelona. Depending on the length of your tour, you’ll also visit the other worldly Casa Batllò and Casa Milà. The latter is popularly known as La Pedrera, meaning stone quarry, and is an exhibition space constituting the last of Gaudí’s civic works.

According to legend, the Plitvice Lakes were created after a long drought when the “Black Queen” took pity on the people and animals that cried for water. Whether or not you believe in folklore, these lakes have a truly ethereal feel. Often called Croatia’s natural masterpiece, the overpowering beauty of Plitvice National Park is astounding. With waterfalls spilling over impossible hills, sixteen different lakes and fascinating flora and fauna, Plitvice is the most visited place in Croatia. Unsurprisingly, the area was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979. Enjoy all that these beautiful lakes have to offer in great depth on a private Jacada tour.

Waters are off limits to motorised vehicles, so the island is reached on pletna boat – a huge gondola type vessel – or by rowboat. Watching over the lake is the imperious Bled Castle, where visitors can learn about Bled’s history, culture and people in the castle’s museum. With a private Jacada tour around Lake Bled, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped right into a fairytale.

In Edinburgh, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society provides a comprehensive introduction to Scotland’s most famous tipple. Over 132 different distilleries are represented at the Society. You’ll have a guide on hand to help you navigate your way through the array of whiskies on offer. In the Scottish Lowlands, Pitlochry’s traditional distilleries retain their artisanal production methods and it’s interesting to visit them and see how they are introducing the drink to a new generation of connoisseurs.  

On the Isle of Skye, visit the oldest working distillery on the shores of Loch Harport. At the Talisker, see the five copper pot stills and traditional worm tubs that make this whisky so unique. Then, have a look at the casks in the warehouse where the Angel’s Share is lost to evaporation during maturation. Finish off your tour of this iconic distillery with a taste of the award-winning, alluring, sweet, full-bodied single malt.

Begin in German-speaking Gstaad, a small picturesque village known for its luxury hotels and high-end restaurants. Active types can hike over 300 km of trails, whilst more laid-back travellers can opt for one of the cable cars. Highlights here include a traditional Swiss cheesemaking workshop with a local farmer, a tour of Glacier 3000 – where the only suspension bridge to connect two mountain peaks lies – and a glacier hike across iconic Jungfraujoch.  

10) Wine tasting in Portugal’s Douro Valley

Portugal’s Douro Valley is the first wine region in the world to be formally demarcated, having been distinguished in 1756. Now the valley is a UNESCO World Heritage protected landscape, which is famed for its dramatic valleys covered in bright green rows of grape vines sitting beside a stretch of calm waters. The area is most famous for its port wine, varieties of which are only considered to be the genuine article if they originate from this region. The Duoro Valley’s historic towns and rustic villages also add to the appeal of this area.