Welcome to Europe
From the Atlantic to the Urals and Gibraltar up to Svalbard, an unthinkable number of experiences await you throughout Europe! The nice thing about visiting Europe is that it’s very easy to move between countries thanks to the cooperation between European nations and the railways connecting them. In terms of travel experience, most European countries are suitable destinations for those exploring international travel for the first time, yet still exciting for seasoned travelers.
Must see countries in Europe quick links: Austria | Croatia | Czech Republic | France | Germany | Greece | Iceland | Ireland | Italy | Netherlands | Norway | Poland | Portugal | Spain | Switzerland | United Kingdom
Austria
Hallstatt
Question: Do fairy tales exist? Answer: If you visit Hallstatt, they do. It’s the kind of place where anywhere you take a picture, it could probably be a postcard. There’s a skywalk and a salt mine you might want to check out but walking around might be enough since it’s easy to get lost in the quaint architecture and the gorgeous landscape. Before you go, it’s important to know that Hallstatt suffers from over tourism due to its beauty that dwarfs its size. We recommend visiting Hallsatt off-season to avoid large crowds.
Vienna
If you’re an appreciator of music, Vienna is the place to be! Over the years, Vienna was home to some of the most famous musical geniuses to walk the earth like Mozart, Beethoven, Hayden, and Schubert. You can hear their works among others at the Schönbrunn Palace. While you’re at the palace, you can visit the Tiergarten Schönbrunn, the oldest public zoo in the world. There are a number of museums you can enjoy while in Vienna, classical music-related or otherwise as well as a ton of other attractions which you can get to on the U-Bahn trains, trams, or local busses.
Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great place to take in Croatia’s national beauty. Its lakes nestled between limestone and dolomite hills feed into each other through a series of waterfalls, big and small. In the area surrounding the lakes and falls, you can find wild meadows and plentiful wildlife from the fish in the crystal-clear waters to the brown bears that feed on them. The easiest way to get to the park is via a 2½ hour bus ride from Croatia’s capital city, Zagreb.
Czech Republic
Prague
Prague is a magical mix of medieval and modern. It’s a place simultaneously known for both its charming aesthetic and some of the craziest nightlife you can find in Europe. There’s a little something for everyone in Prague. Those looking to soak in the old-world charm of Prague might consider checking out the Old Town Square and the Jewish Quarter, see the Powder Tower, walk the Charles Bridge to Prague castle, or maybe hop a quick train to Kutná Hora to check out the decidedly creepy Sedlek Ossuary. Our more artsy travelers might want to catch a concert at one of the many concert halls in the city. Or if you’re there to experience the nightlife, there’s plenty of bars and clubs that accommodate everyone’s desired level of intensity. Prague is a well-connected city and can be easily accessed from other cities and countries by rail and has a solid public transportation system including local trains and trams.
France
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most easily recognized landmarks in the world. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution, this icon we all associate with beauty was actually panned as disastrous by Paris’s art community. However, being the tallest man-made structure in the world, its sheer size captivated the masses instantly, leading it to become one of the most visited destinations in the world. That said, if you don’t like crowds, you may rather observe this marvel from the ground, as nearly 7 million people visit the Eiffel Tower every year. Two train stations serve the Eiffel Tower and the Champs de Mars: Bir-Hakeim on the Paris Metro line and the Chams de Mars-Tour Eiffel on the RER.
Marseilles
The historical Port of Marseilles is a different flavor of France than you see in Paris. Originally a Greek colony, its changing allegiances throughout history led Marseilles to become the product of Greek, Roman, and the native Gallic culture. Marseilles is awash in arts-and-culture experience; stroll around one of the city’s many museums or catch a show at its famous opera house. You can also take day trips to the gorgeous Verdon Gorge or one of the towns along the French Riviera. Marseilles has a robust public transportation system, so between the trains and busses, you should find it easy to get around.
Paris
If you view Paris as the kind of place to go to knock a few things off your bucket list, I’m going to need you to rethink your life. Paris is a place you go for a hard-reset–it’s a place to experience life. Should you see the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre? Of course, you should, but don’t forget to figure in some time to soak it all in. Then, you can see why it was the place where great thinkers, artists, and revolutionaries dreamed. Whether you’re going to one of those bucket list places or somewhere off the beaten path, there’s a train that will get you to where you need to go with over 300 metro stations and 16 lines serving the city center.
Germany
Berlin
The dualities of capitalism and communism helped shape both the landscape and culture of Berlin. To get an appreciation of the complex history of Berlin, swing by the Berlin Wall and the nearby Brandenburg Gate and learn about their roles in the dynamics of 20th Century Europe. Once you’re done with the historical portion of your fly-by, head over to Kurfürstendamm to experience a more modern Berlin. There are so many things to see and do in Berlin and the nice thing is that it’s easily traversable between its trains and its walkable layout. Oh, while you’re there, don’t forget to eat some döner.“
Neuschwanstein Castle
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be in a fairy tale? Just look at Neuschwanstein Castle. When you do, you’ll notice the striking similarities between it and both Cinderella’s Castle and Sleeping Beauty’s castle from the Disney movies. This massive palace is an ode to legends of old, which you will see immortalized in the frescos within, built in the style of medieval castles. The castle can only be seen in a 35-minute guided tour, so make sure to book your tour well in advance. Aside from the castle, there isn’t much to do in the surrounding area, so visiting the castle is a great day-trip activity from Munich; trains depart Munich Hauptbahnhof every hour toward Füssen. From there, it’s just a 10-minute bus ride to Hohenschwangau where the castle is.
SW Bavaria
If you want to get those quintessential Alpine town vibes, ride the rails from Munich to southwest Bavaria. Each town brings its own brand of enchantment, from the colorful facades of Lindau to the frescos adorning the buildings of Mittenwald to the unspoiled streets of Dinkelsbühl. It’s such a gorgeous area, you really can’t go wrong when you choose your destination and, with Germany’s rail system, it’s easy to maneuver between them.
Greece
Athens
There are fewer cities in the world more steeped in ancient history than Athens. If you’re eager for a little knowledge like so many of the philosophers that called this city home, don’t skip out on Athens. The Acropolis is the place to go, where you can visit the Parthenon, the Agora, and monuments to the ancient Greek pantheon. If you do spend the bulk of your time at the Acropolis, you’ll be hoofing it the whole time, so be sure to bring water and some good shoes. When you’re all done, head to one of many nearby metro stations to head back to your hotel and get some rest.
Santorini
Exchange all the white marble from Athens for blue as you extend your Greek fly-by to the island of Santorini: sapphire skies, cerulean seas, and of course, the iconic Santorini blue domes adorning the churches. During the day, you can wander around Oia to see the domed churches and take in the views at the nearby castle. At night, you’ll want to be in Fira to take in the nightlife. There are two ways to get to Santorini: by boat or by plane. Either way, you’ll find yourself in or near Fira when you get there. When you find yourself on land again, take the bus to get around the island.
Iceland
Reykjanes Peninsula
The Reykjanes Peninsula is an area of rugged beauty unlike anywhere else due to its location on the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This geological feature is responsible for what this region of Iceland is known for: its geothermal activity. On the Reykjanes peninsula, you will find lava fields, geysers, mud pools, and mountains that are worth a look. If travelling the peninsula is starting to take its toll on you, stop by the milky waters of the Blue Lagoon, where you can rejuvenate your spirit as well as your skin in the silica-rich baths. You can travel around the peninsula in a rental car from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, though if you want to start a little closer to the action, you can fly into Keflavik International Airport.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss is a waterfall in southern Iceland that once welcomed travellers to Iceland’s shores. Due to volcanic activity, the land now stretches farther beyond the waterfall than it did in those days and has given visitors more space to appreciate it. This waterfall can be completely encircled in the summer by entering the cavern below, but if you go in, prepare to get wet. If you choose to go at an off-peak time and you don’t mind the cold, in February and March, the landscape is just as gorgeous in the winter, plus you may be able to catch the northern lights! To get there, you will either need to rent a car or take a daytrip on a bus from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik.
Ireland
The Wild Atlantic Way
If you are interested in seeing Ireland’s wealth of natural beauty and you have a few days to explore, rent a car to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. This collection of natural points of interests spans stretches along the southern and western coast of Ireland beginning in the southern County Cork all the way up to County Donegal in the far north. There are nearly 70 points of interests along this tourist trail so unless you have at least two weeks to spare, you will not see all of them. You can break your sight-seeing up by region or just hit a few highlights from each region. If you only have time for a few destinations, the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Skellig Michael in County Kerry, and the Slieve League Cliffs in County Donegal are some to consider.
Italy
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre National Park is an amazing place not only to see the natural beauty of northern Italy, but also to take in some of its history. Vernazza is one of the most popular destinations within due to its beautiful houses and striking vantage points. No matter which of the five villages you choose to see, you will not only get an appreciation for the fishing culture of the Italian Riviera, but also the fragility of the environment. Because the area is so susceptible to erosion, you should keep ecotourism practices in mind. In spite of the area being far from a major city, it’s still relatively easy to get to Cinque Terre on the aptly named Cinque Terre Express train.
Rome
As the saying goes, all roads lead to Rome–hopefully your fly-by will too! Rome is the ultimate destination for any history buff since it was the birthplace of the modern world. In addition to the Colosseum and the Forum, there are a few other ancient Roman sites worth seeing. If you’d like to sneak a bonus country into your trip, you can also spend half a day in Vatican City and see St. Peter’s Basillica and a museum or two within. Three metro lines serve the city and they will get you near any attraction you would like to see, though you may also find yourself taking the bus to get your closer to where you want to be.
Venice
Roads? Where you’re going, you won’t need roads…so long as that place is Venice. Venice is known throughout the world for its canals that snake throughout the island city. Even if you think it’s cliche, take a gondola ride through the canals and have a moment to yourself as you watch the city around you. Aside from the Grand Canal that twists through the center of the city, the main attractions in Venice are the Doge’s Palace, St. Michael’s Basilica and the piazza that surrounds it.Venice heat can be uncomfortable in the summer, so you may want to consider visiting in the spring or fall, when there’s no haze to obstruct your view of the Alps.
Netherlands
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is an anything goes-kind of place and we fully support experiencing it in any way you want to enjoy it. That said, we have a few places in mind for you to check out in between…well, whatever it is you decide to do. The Centrum district of Amsterdam within its iconic canal belt. Here, you can observe the canal houses restored to their former glory of the Dutch Golden Age, or visit local landmarks like the Anne Frank House, the Rembrandt House Museum, the Oude Kerk, and the Royal Palace. Also, in the area is Amsterdam’s iconic red light district. If you don’t find yourself there for “extracurricular activities”, consider taking a tour! Just like many major European cities, Amsterdam’s public transportation is top-notch, but for the full Amsterdam experience, take a tram ride to a destination at least once.
Norway
Stavanger
Stavanger is Norway’s fourth-largest city and one of its oldest. It’s home to about 135,00 people, but still feels quaint in many ways, like the bright wooden houses of Gamle Stavanger and the town center. The surrounding area has a lot of natural beauty to offer, such as Preikestolen, a 600-meter high cliff looking out over a fjord just 25 km outside Stavanger. You can fly directly into Stavanger if you’d like, though you can reach the city via train from Oslo. Once in Stavanger, trains, busses, fast boats and ferries can get you around town and the greater Stavanger area.
Poland
Auschwitz-Birkenau
Fly-By World believes that travel is more than just fun; it’s an experience. It’s a way of connecting with our world’s past as well as its present, warts and all. Few places in this world are a more sobering reminder of the dark side of humanity than Auschwitz-Birkenau; it hits you the instant you walk through its gates featuring the inscription Arbeit Macht Frei. To know the Holocaust occurred is one thing, but to see the place where 1.1 million people were murdered in an act of genocide is entirely another. The camp is not near anything else, so it’s best to make a day trip from Krakow with a tour company.
Krakow
It may be Poland’s second-largest city, but it’s second to none when it comes to beauty. Krakow survived World War II and Soviet influence relatively unscathed, so it’s the best place to go to take in a truly Polish metropolis. Krakow’s old town has stood since the 9th Century and contains much of the city’s main attractions, the most famous of which being Wawel Castle. There are some really great restaurants around the stare miasto, so you’re in no danger of going hungry, and the nightlife is great too, so in true Polish fashion, you’re in no danger of going thirsty either. If you’ve had your fill of the old town, take a stroll through the campus of Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest surviving universities in the world. Trains and trams are the main method of transport in the city, and you can get to many other Polish cities and beyond from Kraków Główny, the big train station in town.
Portugal
Lagos
Found on the southern coast of Portugal, Lagos is a historic port informed by a myriad of cultures throughout its 2,000-year history. Old Lagos is where the Moors set up shop in the 14th Century which quickly became a bustling harbor popular with explorers and pirates. It’s characterized by its bright, white buildings which you can view along the Jardim da Constituição near a gorgeous mosaiced path along the estuary. After taking in the historical sights, take in the timeless ones next by hopping on the bus to Praia Dona Ana, touted as one of the finest beaches of the Algarve region. The weathered limestone cliffs and striking turquoise waters make for a relaxing getaway. You can easily reach Lagos by taking a CP train. When you arrive, a bus will take you to any destination or beach you would like to visit.
Spain
Barcelona
If checking tourist attractions off your list isn’t in your fly-by’s plans, swing by Barcelona for a few days! While there is plenty to see and do in the city, it’s enough just to take in the architecture and the sea views while enjoying the world’s best Spanish cuisine. In fact, if you know how to handle yourself in a kitchen, this might be a great opportunity to take a cooking class and bring part of your experience home! While Barcelona is more of a food and drink scene, but if you do some sightseeing there, check out La Sagrada Família, an unfinished but nevertheless stunning cathedral and architectural marvel. The majority of tourists come to Barcelona during the summer months, so for a more peaceful travel experience, avoid summer if you can.
Switzerland
Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is the most well-known peak in the Alps due to its height and it’s near-pyramidal appearance and serves as a national symbol of Switzerland. The Matterhorn overlooks the small town of Zermatt, which is where you will hop off the Glacier Express to see it. Thankfully, you don’t need to be a mountaineer to view it, as it is a notoriously treacherous climb. The area is served by a train network that make the peaks in the area more accessible. Once you get to Zermatt, you can get a stunning view of the Matterhorn by ascending the Klein-Matterhorn cable car.
St. Moritz
If you love skiing or snowboarding, you’ll want to make sure your European fly-by includes the alpine resort town of St. Moritz. Here, you’ll find some of the best skiing in the world, particularly at the intermediate level. Even if hitting the slopes isn’t your idea of a good time, the alpine scenery is enough for St. Moritz to captivate you. It’s known as the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism, so for the full experience, be sure you’re there in the winter, though you’ll be treated to stunning views no matter what time of year you go. Either on your way in or out of St. Moritz, book a ticket on the Bernina Express over the Landwasser Viaduct situated to the northwest of St. Moritz.
United Kingdom (UK)
London
London is a great choice for those getting their feet wet in international travel. This epicenter of western culture has something for everyone, be it history, art, theater, architecture, nightlife, shopping, or whatever else you’re into; even the people-watching is fantastic! Depending on how close you want to get, you can at least see a lot of London’s famous landmarks from a distance for free, though entering places like Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey will charge a fee. No matter where you want to go or what you want to see, the tube can get you there. London is one of the priciest destinations you can go, so prepare to pay a pretty penny for lodging, transit, and food. London has a tendency to get rain, so be sure to pack your raincoat and galoshes!
Scotland
Your Scottish fly-by can look very different depending on whether you visit the Lowlands or the Highlands. In the Lowlands, you can find Scotland’s major cities like Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, and Glasgow along with other cities along the eastern coast of Great Britain. The Lowland cities can be easily accessed by rail and have public transportation options available, especially in the bigger towns. As you go to the northwest, you will find yourself in the Highlands, an area characterized by its rugged and wild beauty. The city of Inverness, the “capital” of the Highlands can be accessed by rail, but in order to truly appreciate the beauty of northern Scotland, we recommend renting a car and driving to the various sites you’d like to take in, like the Glenfinnan Viaduct or the lochs and mountains of Cairngorms National Park. If you’d like to make it out to one of Scotland’s many outlying islands, you’ll need to hop a ferry to visit destinations like the Isle of Skye or the Orkneys.
Must see places around the World by continent: Africa | Antarctica | Asia | Australia/Oceania | Europe | North America | South America
