Europe

Santorini is a Greek island like no other. Stunningly beautiful and distinct from its neighbors in the southern Cyclades, its overwhelmingly gorgeous scenery and fascinating rich cultural history are best paired with moussaka, souvlaki and some of the best wines in the world rooted in 3000 years of viticulture.

Sweden and Denmark share connections. Pristine cities and endless islands basking in the blissful Scandinavian summer sun. Nordic cuisine is innovative and delicious. The locals are charming, happy, enviably good-looking--and they share your love for the bike.

The British invented the idea of walking & hiking for pleasure. And ramblers across the UK campaigned for decades to secure everyman’s right to roam. So, it makes sense that the 2,800-mile England Coast Path is slated to open in 2020. And when it does, it will be one of the longest hiking trails in the world.

The Lofoten Islands reach far out into the Norwegian sea and are connected by a network of bridges, winding narrow roads, tunnels, fjords, towering mountain peaks and one picturesque fishing community after another, with their humble red houses looking so striking against a backdrop of green hillsides and blue sea.

Long before roads crisscrossed the nations of Europe, it was the great rivers in Europe that served as the superhighways connecting all the diverse and enduring landscapes and cultures of the old world. Flowing from one historic European capital to the next, these picturesque waterways have witnessed the rise and fall of empires across the continent.

"Wow, these tomatoes actually taste like something." The vibrant produce grown in gardens mere steps from where we dine during our Backroads trips through Croatia often garners this reaction. Leaders often jokingly respond, "Because it's grown with love," but, in all seriousness, that's the simple truth. After leading Backroads trips here for the past two years, I've been lucky enough to dine on some of the most delicious, fresh and original meals in all of Croatia, in some of the most undiscovered places. More than just great meals in the homes of our local hosts, these are experiences that offer a window to the genuine culture, passions and real day-to-day world of the people who call this place home.

Nothing beats traveling with your family—experiencing new things through the fresh eyes of your kids, while instilling in them a sense of adventure and new perspectives. Europe is full of ideal family trip destinations that are close enough to be accessible, yet far enough away to be new and exciting.

Northern Italy's Dolomite Mountains are one of Europe's great alpine playgrounds. When we were lucky enough to have world travelers Roamaroo join us on our Dolomites Multi-Adventure Tour, we challenged them to create a video that captures the excitement, beauty, luxury and adventure of this amazing corner of the Alps.

Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is one of the premiere family adventure destinations in Europe.

Dreaming of traveling in Italy, but not sure if you can navigate the land of pizza and pasta with a gluten allergy? Go ahead, book that trip—incredible gluten-free Italian dishes await!