Travel To Europe

Food and Wine Destinations in Europe

Food and Wine in Europe

Europe is an amazing symbiosis of Old-World Glory with ritzy modernization. On one hand, you will find urbanized cities with quality gentrifications, while on the country side you will find small towns and communities lost in swathes of vast vineyards of France and Italy, in the steep hills of the Bavarian Mountain Ranges and in the open valleys of the Balkans. These small towns are frozen in space and time and offer a unique glimpse of the world we left behind. Europe is a mélange of astonishing topographies that has a huge impact on its culture, most notably its agriculture and food habits. In this article, we will explore the vastness of Europe through its food and wine destinations.

 

 

Food:

The contemporary food scene of Europe is about exploring the different corners of its rich history with a dash of modern creativity. From Polish Pierogis to German wursts, to Italian pasta, to Swiss chocolates, Europe has many specialties in its food section. Go towards the Mediterranean and you will be greeted by fresh salads, nutty oils, and lots of visual appeals. The Northern and Central part of Europe specializes in meat dishes, crafted with complex herbs and spices.

 

· Sybillini Mountains, Italy– The countryside of Sybillini Mountains is a microcosm of all that Italy has to offer. Explore its bucolic valley filled with small towns like Castelluccio and Piano Piccolo. You can get your hands on authentic local produce like cured pork delicacies, mountain honey, black truffles and an amazing variety of sheep-milk cheese. A number of small cafes and bars also create amazingly smoke flavored pizzas, untouched from any kind of modern cooking appliance.

 

· San Sebastián, Spain – This city is notorious in the realm of serious foodies and is often considered as the world capital of gastronomy. The city has its roots deep down in the Basque culture and has the most Michelin star restaurants per capita in the world. Try out hundreds of specialties in the town’s unique Pintxos bars, serving exclusive gourmet dishes along with the best drinks in Europe. It also attracts different culinary students from across the world and even hosts a Gastronomy Congress each year. You will also find a perennial and perpetual flow of celebrations and festivals, all centered around food.

 

· Athens – Greece is about breezy, romantic sunsets with a year-long balmy Mediterranean sun. The local cuisine is studded with fresh fruits, dry nuts, fish and mutton and lots of healthy flavorful oils. History, along with geography has a tremendous impact on the local food style, which evolved out of European and Middle-Eastern influence. Check out some of the city’s favorites like Gyro (a pitta wrapped meat roll), Souvlaki (grilled meat), kebabs (charred meat), Saganaki or Sfougata (deep fried cheese balls) and honey glazed Feta Me Meli, a very popular wheat-based dessert. You will also find some of the best salads of the world.

 

Wine:

Historically, the alcohol scene of Europe was divided into zones. France, Italy and Spain specialized in wine, while Germany and the Czech Republic were known for its beer productions. Whiskey and Irish Scotch were Britain’s favorite drinks while towards Russia the preference shifted towards vodka and other hard drinks. Other unique drinks like the akvavit of Scandinavia, absinthe of Prague and fruit-based brandies like French eau de vie, Balkan Rakia, German Schnapps etc. evolved in certain pockets. Budapest lies at the center of this massive alcohol scene of Europe and has smoothly amalgamated niche aspects of each culture. It is the de-facto alcohol capital of Europe, at least in terms of its amazing variety. But Europe’s association with wine is ethereal. If you are want to explore the wine scene of Europe, you have to head to these two destinations, without fail.

 

· Tuscany– Tuscany has an ineffable charm to it. It hosts the world’s most celebrated vineyards and gastronomy centers. Here food and wine are treated like an art and you will be amazed at the passion of locals for good food. The rustic landscape offers a number of vineyard tours designed to explain the beauty of viticulture from the start to the end. On your way, score as much wine as you can carry because you will find some of the most sought-after produce in the world like the Cabernet franc, Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay, Vin Santo, Super Tuscans, Merlot, Syrah, and Pinot noir, among many other varieties.

 

· Slovenia– Many conventional tourists ignore this Mediterranean country of the Balkans, but those that do never forget its beauty. The agricultural asset of the country is its smooth and rolling vineyards, that produce one of Europe’s finest wines. In fact, viticulture existed in Slovenia long before it became popular in France and Italy during the medieval era. The Goriška Brda region is often considered east Europe’s Tuscany and grows its classic Rebula white wine and Merlot-Cabernet blends. The valley’s idyllic landscape is probably the most epic place in Europe to taste some local-made wine. Go towards the end of September, when the grapes are harvested and you can find a lot of local tours of the vineyards.

 

Top 7 Destinations in Europe

In Europe, some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world are packed into a relatively small area, which makes it a haven for all types of travelers. From Rome (the Eternal city) to Paris (City of Love), from the beautiful London to the amazing beaches of Spain, the attraction of Europe transcends geography, boundaries and language. Whether you intend to spend just a single weekend or a long vacation, there are lots of attractions and places to explore in Europe. In this article, we have complied the top destinations in Europe:

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is famously known for being a laid back and liberal city. It’s one of the top destinations in Europe to let loose and create unforgettable memories. Well, although Amsterdam has a reputation for being a party city, it’s also very scenic and has an incredible history. When you visit Amsterdam, you can rent a bike and go for a ride to enjoy the local scenery. Don’t forget to swing by Nemo Science Museum for the hands on exhibits. You can also check out the Anne Frank Museum and Van Gogh Museum; just remember to purchase your tickets well in advance to avoid long lines.

2. Paris, France
Paris, also known as the city of love, is world famous for its’ romantic restaurants, charming cultural attractions, Baroque architecture, and iconic strolls. Millions of people from all over the world visit Paris every year to experience the city’s atmosphere, fashion, art and high caliber museums which are unlike anywhere else on the planet. Whether you visit Paris for its’ impeccable wine, cuisines, art or fashion, you are sure to fall in love with it. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views from the top of the magnificent Eiffel Tower, and you can even check out the best masterpieces and artwork on the planet in the Louvre.

3. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of the most passionate and romantically vibrant destinations in Europe. The city has every element you would wish for including exotic locations, extraordinary medieval architecture, excellent food, beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture. From the ancient cathedrals, to the groovy beachside nightclubs, Barcelona offers you the very best of both worlds, and this is one of the reasons it attracts all kinds of travelers from all over the world.

4. London, United Kingdom
London is one of the easiest destinations in Europe to explore. Everyone speaks English, navigating the city is easy, and there is plenty to see and do. London attracts people from all walks of life thanks to it’s many famous attractions like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, The British Museum, among many others. London is also the home of the Beatles, it’s the historic capital of the British Empire, and was an inspiration for the book “A Tale of Two Cities.” These are just some of the reasons why London is a top destination in Europe.

5. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic. It is one of the best destinations in Europe to wander around all by yourself, with plenty to see and do around every corner. The residents of Prague are very friendly, and are always willing to help out travelers. The hotels are quite affordable as compared to other destinations in Europe, and there are many free attractions in the city.

6. Venice, Italy
Venice is the perfect European destination to go for a honeymoon, especially for couples who enjoy theatre performances and local cultural events. This gorgeous honeymoon destination offers tourists an unparalleled blend of unforgettable memories from the gondola rides in the Grand canals, to cappuccino flavored kisses. Consider visiting Venice in the winter season if you want to experience this beautiful city at a slower pace and get to soak up its’ incredible culture. Its’ grand canals, extraordinary architecture, and old fashioned atmosphere usually become magical in the winter season, and the lack of crowds is an added bonus.

7. Rome, Italy
The whole city of Rome is actually a World Heritage site. Tourists from all walks of life visit Rome for the ruins, the art, the church and the food. As one of the most seductive, romantic and fascinating destinations in Europe, Rome also offers some of the most memorable cultural sights in the whole of Europe. When you vist this historical city, consider going for a stroll in the Borghese Gardens, and taking in the absolutely beautiful landscape and the historical buildings Rome has to offer.

 

Best Historical Travel Destinations In Europe

Europe is known for its glamorous and well-maintained historical architecture. Most European itineraries have attractions that bring to life several ancient civilizations. In fact, Europe’s history is categorised into some important phases such as Greek, Roman, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Revolution and the World Wars. Admittedly, the Renaissance is a well-loved, liberal and creatively stimulating era. Yet, the heritage sites of every culture have their own aesthetic beauty and unique vision.

So, when you want to travel to Europe’s historical destinations, you can adopt one of two strategies. You can either visit the “best of” each country or “best of” each historic era. Otherwise, you will be travelling all around this destination for a very long time. But, there are four must-visit cities in this destination, where you can witness Europe’s phenomenal historical glamour.

Rome is the most popular historic destination in this continent. As a capital city, it is part of all Italian holidays. Yet, your historical trip can include a very fascinating itinerary. You can book into one of the many historical hotels in Rome. It could heighten the historical vibe of a simple Italian holiday too. Historical sightseeing in Rome can vary based on the number of days in your Italian holiday. But, the must-see historical attractions in Rome include the Colosseum, the Palantino, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, etc.

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. But historically, it was the capital of Bohemia and a major transportation hub between Europe and Asia. Today it has restored much of the ancient architecture dated from that period. The landmarks and attractions in this city had to undergo major restoration as the city was heavily bombed during the World Wars. The best examples of Romanesque architecture in Prague is the Prague Castle, the national theatre, St. Vitus Cathedral, Klementinum, Old Royal Castle, Museum of decorative arts, Charles Bridge, Ghetto museum, etc.

Vienna, another must-see destination, is the capital of Austria. The old world charm of this city is both endearing and memorable. Steeped in history, the imperial grandeur of this city is still alive and throbbing through its architecture, culture and art. Travellers fall in love with admirable structures such as the Shronnbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace, imperial apartments, Sigmand Freud Museum, Otto Wagner houses, Spanish riding school and the Vienna State opera house. With such remarkable cultural landmarks, Vienna is still truly the cultural centre of Europe. Most popular European travel itineraries include Vienna for its elegance and historic appeal. You almost feel like you’ve stepped into a chapter in the history of Europe. So indulge your passion for history in your upcoming European trip.
Barcelona is another historical destination in Europe, being home to a number of impressive historical monuments that shed light into its development to the city it is today. Whether you are interested in the city’s history or architecture, the historical monuments in Barcelona are definitely worth a visit. Some of the monuments in Barcelona which attract tourists from all over the world include:

1. The Gothic Quarter – This is amongst the most popular historical monuments in Barcelona. This part of the Old City is made up of a collection of ancient buildings dating back to the medieval times. Within the Barri Gothic, you will find some remaining Roman ruins that are centuries old. The Headquarters of the Catalan government are also located in this part of town as well. Tourists looking to get an up close view of this historically significant part of the city of Barcelona are more than welcome to discover its hidden treasures. You can rent a Villa for a perfect view of this place.

2. Palau Guell– This building is among the first modernist buildings in the city of Barcelona. It is located in the Old City, demonstrating just how old it is. The Palau Guell was designed by the father of Catalan modernism, Antoni Gaudi for Eusebi Guell, an influential Catalan businessman. The standout part of the structure is the main hall where high society guests were entertained frequently. This building is one of the famous historical monuments in Barcelona and a UNESCO world heritage site as well.

These are some of the best historical destinations in Europe where you can take your family or spouse for a holiday. In addition to these destinations, you find countless resorts and hotels where you can book for your stay in Europe.