Europe is an amazing continent, this is our top 10 of places to visit!
In at Number 10
Florence, Italy
Once the epicenter of European cultural prosperity, Florence remains one
of the most picturesque and pleasant cities on the continent. You'll see
remnants of its importance in public life as you stroll through Piazza
della Signoria, a square teeming with people, shops, cafes, and statues.
The powerful Medici family from the Renaissance left its mark in Piazza
San Lorenzo, another great square that is next to the Duomo, the imposing
red dome that dominates the skyline.
To escape the city bustle, head to the Medici Villas on the outskirts
of Florence and enjoy a stroll through the countryside. This being Tuscany,
you'll run into awesome food and wine wherever you turn.
What not to miss: The Oltarno district, where university students converge
for good times in the area's bars and clubs.
Number 9
Paris, France
The city that everyone loves to love (or hate) is impossible to snub,
no matter how hard you may try. Paris gets inside your veins; its air
of nonchalance sedates you into the grasp of its beauty. Step one foot
into Paris and you can tell that its people really work to make life pleasant.
For themselves, at least.
You can be a good little tourist and visit the obvious places: the Eiffel
Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre.
But you'll find your stay much more satisfying if you stroll through Saint-Germain-des-Pres,
a district replete with trendy restaurants and boutiques. Fashionistas
will love Avenue des Champs-Elysees, while fans of The Doors should pay
their respects to Jim Morrison at the Pere Lachaise Cemetery.
What not to miss: The Catacombs are a network of underground tombs where
skeletons of past Parisians are stacked like bricks. Only a people with
a macabre sense of humor would make this a fun family attraction.
Number 8
Santorini, Greece
Newlyweds have claimed a majority stake in Santorini, but that doesn't
mean you should let them hog it. The most famous Greek island is a romantic
paradise, thanks to postcard-worthy white houses fastened to steep cliffs
that dive into the sea. You may get lost in the maze of Santorini's serpentine
streets, but you won't care. You'll know that you will eventually end
up on one of the island's black sand beaches.
The town square is a great spot for chilling out with a beer and some
Greek pastries while watching the Mediterranean beauties pass by. After
catching an amazing view of the sunset in Oia, head for a night of partying
at Coo Club, which is swarming with singles.
What not to miss: A tour of the island by moped or donkey.
Number 7
Edinburgh, Scotland
Get in touch with your Highland roots in this crazy mix-bag of a city
that blends old and new in funky ways. In addition to the old castles
and mansions, you'll find a roaring nightlife, thanks to the vibrant students
at the University of Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Castle should be your first destination, as it dominates the
city center. Walk down multi-colored Victoria Street and then catch a
view of the city from Calton Hill, worthy of a whole film roll. At night,
frolic with the city's young crowd at Grassmarket, which features a trendy
collection of pubs, bars and restaurants.
What not to miss: The Scotch Whiskey Heritage Center. Enough said.
Number 6
Rome, Italy
Get your gladiator mojo on and get ready to battle the barrage of pleasures
charging at you from all sides. Rome is paradise for the glutton and ecstasy
for the history buff. Of course you'll want to see its calling card, the
Coliseum, and snake through the Forum, the political center of ancient
Rome. As you head to the Pantheon, you'll come across the monuments and
mausoleums of great emperors.
Take a breather at the Trevi Fountain, where young lovers are known to
embrace by the impressive statues, then chill out in Rome's most famous
square (between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinita dei Monti), where
the Spanish Steps are. If you want to gawk at the most exaggerated parade
of wealth per square foot, check out the Vatican.
What not to miss: Between every landmark you see, grab a slice of pizza,
a cup of gelato, or a prosciutto panini from Rome's mobile food cars and
street corners. It's a snacker's dream.
And the top 5
London, United Kingdom
The UK's biggest city is maddeningly huge; it can be considered a human
ant farm, where personal space is a relic of the past. But despite the
exhausting bustle, it remains one of the coolest cities in the world.
You can feel the contrast between the overstated opulence of Buckingham
Palace and the chaos of Camden Market, the top shopping spot. London is
a city that revels in extremes.
Covent Garden is ideal for the overpriced kitsch shopper, but if you want
to sample real "punk" Britain, head to Kensington and get a
tattoo and studded leather jacket at a discount. Give your nod to democracy
at the Houses of Parliament ("Yo, Big Ben!"), cringe at medieval
torture tools at the Tower of London, and finally treat yourself to mindless
arcade and video game fun at the Trocadero.
What not to miss: Madame Tussauds wax museum has replicas of celebrities
that look too real to be fake.
Number 4
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is pure escapism. People come here to walk through cobblestone
streets lined by castles, churches and buildings taken right out of a
Brothers Grimm book. Luckily, the main attractions are all in close proximity
to each other, so it's a great city to appreciate by foot.
The Old Town Square is the heart of Prague life. The Tyn Church dominates
the skyline filled with pristine medieval buildings. It's crowded, but
it's still amazing. Prague is particularly loved for its many sidewalk
cafes and beer taverns. How much do locals love their Bohemian brew? Some
bars offer the 11th beer for free. No kidding.
Cross the Vltava River on the Charles Bridge and climb up to Prague Castle.
Even the areas surrounding the castle, like Hradcany and Mala Strana (Lesser
Town), are full of little scenic treasures.
What not to miss: Prague's pulsating nightlife, easily found by taking
the subway to Staromestsk station.
Number 3
Barcelona, Spain
Ask any "Eurotripper" what his favorite city was, and you can
bet he'll say Barcelona. This stylish and modern city is ablaze with parties
24/7, all year round. You can even walk through its historical development,
starting at the Barri Gotic, the medieval city center sprawling with old
cathedrals, cafes and bars.
Be sure to check out some of Antoni Gaudi's architectural work. El Loco
(The Crazy One), as they used to call him because of his odd creations,
fashioned masterpieces like the Casa Batllo and La Pedrera (formerly known
as Casa Mila).
Then stroll down La Rambla, a maddening street full of buskers and salespeople
who try to pry your attention away from the awesome buildings that line
it. Take a hike to Montjuc, the hill that overlooks the city, and you'll
see Catalan culture in its most pure form. Don't forget to take an evening
siesta; you'll be partying from midnight until 6 a.m.
What not to miss: Tibidabo is another hill with a very cool amusement
park.
Number 2
Venice, Italy
Venice is a static glimpse of a fairy-tale land encapsulated in a bubble.
It's not so much a city anymore -- it's more like one giant museum. And
it's one of the most breathtaking places on Earth.
Who hasn't seen images of gondola drivers serenading couples on its canals?
This once mighty capital of mercantilism with streets made of water remains
a traveler's dream spot. You'll love getting lost in its narrow walkways
flanked by palazzos . Venice is the only place where you'll enjoy squeezing
through throngs of tourists making their way by the famous Rialto Bridge
over the Grand Canal.
At St. Mark's Square, Venice's crowning jewel, you'll feel like you're
in a circus as people compete with pigeons and waiters for a prime viewing
spot of the amazing St. Mark's Basilica.
What not to miss: Take a quick boat trip to Murano Island, where you'll
see the world's finest glassblowers at work.
This is our Number 1
Derby, England
The city that everyone loves to love. This fine city is the home of Coolcampervans
and is number one on our list. Derbyshire's bustling market towns, villages,
hills, dales and rivers, offer majestic scenery, and a rich variety of
customs that date back from time immemorial. Many visitors to Derbyshire
and the Peak District come not only to enjoy the varied and beautiful
landscape, but also to experience a blend of heritage, history and family
attractions hard to find elsewhere. In Derbyshire and the Peak District
you find large country houses, like Chatsworth, Kedleston and Haddon,
towns and villages associated with famous people or rare minerals, and
crystal clear rivers and streams running through its valleys and dales.
Derbyshire and the Peak District caters for nearly every kind of sport,
from rock climbing and pot holing to fly fishing and canoeing on waters
surrounded by beautiful scenery. Derbyshire today is perhaps best known
for the Peak District National Park, the first to be designated in Britain,
in 1951, in recognition of its outstanding and largely unspoilt scenery.
Our new shopping centre Westfield's opened in 2007 offering Derby a new
dimesion is shopping just another reason to visit our beautiful home Derby.