Tomorri Mountain National Park in Albania (Photo by: loshilikes)
Albania
Located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, is a country brimming with natural beauty, rich history, and cultural treasures.
Some of the key highlights include:
Tirana Albania’s capital city is a vibrant mix of modernity and history. Visit Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, and the colorful Blloku neighborhood for a taste of Tirana’s lively atmosphere.
Berat Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Explore the medieval castle, historic mosques, and traditional houses stacked along the hillside.
Gjirokastër Another UNESCO-listed city, Gjirokastër is renowned for its stone houses with distinctive slate roofs. Don’t miss Gjirokastër Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Butrint This ancient city, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features ruins dating back to Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian periods. Wander through ancient temples, a Roman theater, and remnants of a medieval fortress amidst a lush national park setting.
Albanian Riviera Stretching along the Ionian Sea, the Albanian Riviera is renowned for its pristine beaches, hidden coves, and turquoise waters. Highlights include the beaches of Ksamil, Himara, and Dhermi, offering opportunities for relaxation and water sports.
Theth and Valbona Valleys Nature lovers will be enchanted by the rugged beauty of the Albanian Alps. Explore picturesque villages, hike through stunning landscapes, and discover breathtaking waterfalls in these remote valleys.
Kruja Visit the historic town of Kruja, home to the Skanderbeg Museum honoring Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. Explore the medieval bazaar and Kruja Castle for a glimpse into Albania’s medieval past.
Geiranger (Norway) (Photo by: luis vidilla)
Norway
Located in Northern Europe, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities.
Some of the key highlights include:
Oslo Norway’s capital city, Oslo, is a dynamic blend of modern architecture, cultural attractions, and outdoor spaces. Visit the Viking Ship Museum, the iconic Oslo Opera House, and the Vigeland Sculpture Park, which showcases over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland.
Bergen Nestled between fjords and mountains on Norway’s west coast, Bergen is known for its picturesque Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore colorful wooden houses, visit the Fish Market, and take a funicular ride to Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of the city.
Norwegian Fjords Norway’s fjords are some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. Take a cruise or scenic train ride through the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, or Sognefjord to experience their majestic beauty up close.
Lofoten Islands Located above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands boast dramatic mountains, pristine beaches, and picturesque fishing villages. Explore charming towns like Reine and Å, go hiking or kayaking, and marvel at the Northern Lights in winter.
Tromsø Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” Tromsø is a lively city surrounded by stunning wilderness. Visit the Arctic Cathedral, learn about polar exploration at the Polar Museum, and embark on a whale-watching or dog sledding adventure.
Trondheim Norway’s third-largest city, Trondheim, is steeped in history and culture. Explore Nidaros Cathedral, Scandinavia’s largest medieval building, stroll along the colorful wharves of the Old Town, and visit the Ringve Museum of Musical History.
The Arctic Circle For a truly unique experience, venture north of the Arctic Circle to witness the Midnight Sun in summer or the magical Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) in winter. Svalbard, an archipelago located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, offers incredible opportunities for Arctic exploration.
Ponta do Sol (Madeira) (Photo by: Daumantas Kviklys)
Madeira
Portuguese archipelago situated in the Atlantic Ocean, known for its stunning natural landscapes, mild climate, and rich cultural heritage.
Some of the key highlights include:
Funchal Madeira’s capital city, Funchal, is a charming blend of historic sites, botanical gardens, and vibrant markets. Explore the Old Town (Zona Velha), visit the Sé Cathedral, and take a cable car ride to Monte for panoramic views of the city and harbor.
Levadas Madeira is crisscrossed by a network of levadas, irrigation channels that wind through lush forests and scenic landscapes. Hiking along the levadas is a popular activity, offering opportunities to discover hidden waterfalls, endemic flora, and breathtaking vistas.
Pico do Arieiro At 1,818 meters above sea level, Pico do Arieiro is one of Madeira’s highest peaks, offering spectacular panoramic views of the island’s rugged terrain. It’s accessible by car and is a popular starting point for hiking trails leading to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak on the island.
São Vicente Caves and Volcanism Center Explore the fascinating underground world of São Vicente Caves, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Learn about Madeira’s geological history and the formation of lava tubes at the adjacent Volcanism Center.
Porto Moniz Known for its natural swimming pools formed by volcanic rock, Porto Moniz is a picturesque coastal town located on Madeira’s northwest coast. Relax in the crystal-clear waters of the pools and enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Câmara de Lobos This charming fishing village, immortalized by Winston Churchill’s paintings, is famous for its scenic harbor and colorful boats. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, sample local seafood, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere.
Madeira Botanical Garden Situated above Funchal, the Madeira Botanical Garden showcases the island’s rich botanical diversity, including exotic plants, endemic species, and stunning vistas over the city and harbor.
Rila Monastery (Bulgaria) (Photo by: Boyan Kurtev)
Bulgaria
Located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, is a country with a diverse mix of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Some of the key highlights include:
Sofia Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia, is a dynamic blend of ancient history and modernity. Explore landmarks such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church, and the historic Serdika Roman ruins.
Plovdiv One of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Plovdiv is known for its well-preserved Roman amphitheater, charming Old Town with colorful houses, and vibrant arts scene.
Rila Monastery Situated in the scenic Rila Mountains, Rila Monastery is Bulgaria’s most famous monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its stunning architecture, intricate frescoes, and peaceful surroundings.
Veliko Tarnovo The medieval capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, Veliko Tarnovo is characterized by its dramatic hilltop fortress, Tsarevets, and picturesque old town with cobblestone streets and traditional houses.
Bansko A popular ski resort town nestled in the Pirin Mountains, Bansko offers world-class skiing and snowboarding in winter, as well as hiking, mountain biking, and cultural festivals in summer.
Black Sea Coast Bulgaria’s coastline along the Black Sea is dotted with charming resorts, sandy beaches, and historic towns. Visit seaside gems like Varna, known for its Roman baths and archaeological museum, and Nessebar, a UNESCO-listed town with ancient ruins and medieval churches.
Rila National Park Explore Bulgaria’s pristine wilderness in Rila National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna, glacial lakes, and the highest peak in the Balkans, Mount Musala.
Bulgarian Wine Regions Discover Bulgaria’s burgeoning wine industry by visiting vineyards and wine cellars in regions like Melnik, known for its robust red wines, and the Thracian Valley, famous for its diverse grape varieties.
Berchtesgaden National Park (Bavaria region in Germany) (Photo by: Marcus T)
Bavaria (Germany)
Located in southeastern Germany, is a region renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage.
Some of the key highlights include:
Munich Bavaria’s capital city, Munich, is famous for its beer gardens, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Explore Marienplatz, the heart of the city, visit the iconic Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady), and experience the lively atmosphere of the Viktualienmarkt.
Neuschwanstein Castle One of the most iconic castles in the world, Neuschwanstein Castle is perched atop a hill in the Bavarian Alps near the town of Füssen. Inspired by fairy tales, this romantic castle offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Bavaria’s royal past.
Nuremberg Known for its medieval architecture and significant role in German history, Nuremberg is home to landmarks such as the Imperial Castle, the historic Old Town (Altstadt), and the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, which now house a museum.
Berchtesgaden National Park Nestled in the Bavarian Alps near the Austrian border, Berchtesgaden National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. Explore pristine mountain landscapes, hike to the picturesque Königssee (King’s Lake), and visit the Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s former mountain retreat.
Regensburg This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, which features landmarks like the Regensburg Cathedral and the Stone Bridge. Take a stroll along the Danube River and explore the city’s rich history.
The Romantic Road Stretching from Würzburg to Füssen, the Romantic Road is a scenic route dotted with charming medieval towns, castles, and vineyards. Highlights include the walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the baroque city of Würzburg, and the picturesque village of Dinkelsbühl.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen A popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers opportunities for skiing, hiking, and mountaineering in the Bavarian Alps. Visit the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, and explore the charming town center.