This particular report focuses on parts of Continental and Eastern Europe with just a smattering of information on the United Kingdom and Ireland. For more on these specific countries, see the many excellent tourism websites including UK Travel Guide and DiscoverIreland.
Are you backpacking? Plan to travel by rail? Heading to the airport? You can do it all, if you like.
Many people start with London's Heathrow (LHR)Dublin (DUB) and from there, fly to attractions throughout the Continent on discount airlines such as Ryanair.
Once on the ground, many like the convenience of train travel it's not just for backpackers! Eurail offers several attractively priced passes plus schedules and more for countries including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland essentially, wherever you'd like to go either in Western Europe and Eastern Europe.
Let's travel west to east and touch upon just some of the favorite spots of visitors and locals. In Spain, for example, you won't want to miss the Prado museum in Madrid, or Barcelona's "Les Rambles" a unique and dazzling promenade to the harbor.
In France, world-class attractions are everywhere marvel at the Eiffel Tower and Louvre in Paris, or linger over a hearty red at a sidewalk cafe in Bordeaux. Tour the countryside by car to see the pristine vineyards and elegant old chateaux to best advantage.
To the north lie Belgium and The Netherlands (sometimes called Holland). In Brussels, see the Grand Palace in one of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe. In Amsterdam, don't miss the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, and further out the windmills of the Zaanse Schans and Kinderdijk.
Germany, Switzerland and Austria are next: float down the Rhine for a glimpse of medieval Germany (and castles!), and tour the gothic cathedral of Cologne; see the Alps and the meadows and lakes of Switzerland by rail; and visit Vienna for the palaces, the music and the superb cuisine.
Travel south to Italy with too many treasures to even begin to list: the artistry of Michelangelo in Florence, the wonders of ancient (and modern) Rome and the jewel-box that is Venice. Linger and savor.
Finally, there is so much to see and explore in Poland from the tiny hamlets amidst lake-dotted countryside to Old Town Warsaw and the city of Krakow with its 14th century cathedral once presided over by the man who became Pope John Paul II.
Throughout continental Europe, you can find lodgings of all descriptions rent a villa, stay in a four-star resort or try a comfortable hostel. There are numerous websites to help you find exactly what you're looking for including this one which suggests a variety of options especially for the budget-minded traveler.
Restaurants sites are equally popular and here is one that includes numerous readers' choices. You'll have fun looking for sites tailored to your own specifications.
Fare Compare has compiled a comprehensive zone, country, state, city air travel listing. This page contains countries and popular cities with flights and airfares in Europe.
Cheap Flights to Europe, Airfare Search