Bordeaux, SW France

Enter the mediaeval turreted gates of Bordeaux and explore the wonderful Parisian-style architecture and winding streets lined with small shops, cafés and historic attractions. Discover the Grosse Cloche, a massive bell hanging in the 13^th century Saint-Eloi Gateway above the Astronomical Clock. Stroll the waterfront beside the broad Garonne River, and see the grand buildings on the Place du Palais, cleverly reflected in the Mirror d’Eau water feature.

In contrast, take a tour into the surrounding countryside of Aquitaine and sample full-bodied Bordeaux wines at their famous vineyards.

Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux, France by Grand Parc Bordeaux

Munich, Bavaria

Even if you miss Oktoberfest in Munich, which confusingly is now held in September, the city still makes a splendid place to visit. Take a guided tour of the attractions, including the splendid Gothic Neues Rathaus on Marienplatz. Churches, museums, shopping, parks and palaces will fill your day, and if you find yourself in the English Gardens, watch the brave river surfers riding the manmade wave beneath the bridge on the River Eisbach. In the evening, join the lively Bavarian entertainment and bratwurst cuisine at the local Brauhaus.

Bad Gasteim, Austria

A visit to Bad Gasteim in the low non-ski season means first class hotel rooms are cheap, the crowds are gone and you are left to enjoy the delights of this beautiful Alpine valley. Divided by a rushing waterfall, the town has beautiful Belle Époque architecture left over from its days as a popular spa town. Small shops, gorgeous scenery and live music from bands almost every evening add to the charm of your stay.

Just outside the town there are opportunities for lakeside strolls, walks through alpine meadows, bread making on the farm, guided walking tours around Dorfgasteim, hot springs and cheese making demonstrations. The nearby archery course is great fun, shooting life-size target animals along a beautiful footpath enhanced by its woodland setting and banks of edelweiss.

Bad Gasteim, Austria by Dergreg:

Lake Maggiore, Italy

Make your luxury holiday base in Locarno, a lively city at the north end of Lake Maggiore, just inside the Swiss border. Explore the castle, walk in the foothills of the Alps and pop across the border into Italy.

In the heat of summer, nothing beats a day trip on the famous Vigezzina and Centovallina Railway, returning via a cruise on Lake Maggiore. Catch the slow but scenic train to Domodossola, then the Express train through the Italian countryside to Stresa, on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

Enjoy lunch overlooking the lake in Stresa, or perhaps explore the beautiful furnished palazzo and tiered gardens at Isola Bella before boarding the lake ferry. Sit at the stern and see an endless parade of old villas, churches, chateaux and gardens as the ferry zigzags its way back up the lake, calling in at countless picturesque lakeside villages. Three hours later you will find yourself back in Locarno, just in time for dinner!

Isola dei Pescatori, Borromean Islands, Lago Maggiore, Italy by kkmarais

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a wonderful city where you can combine cultural attractions and museums with time at the beach. With 2000 years of history, the Old Town with its cathedral and famous pedestrianized Las Ramblas is a great place to start. The unfinished Sagrada Familia is well worth a visit, the pièce de résistance of architect Antoni Gaudi, who was responsible for many other masterpieces around the city. Base yourself in a hotel overlooking the port and beach at Barceloneta for the best of both worlds!

Josh writes for No.1 Traveller a luxury travel company based in the UK. They operate airport lounges at Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick and Birmingham airports.

The post The 5 Best EU Destinations for Summer 2013 appeared first on Europe Explored.

Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany by Nite Dan

So what does holiday in Germany actually mean and what can you do if you decide to travel there?

Germany is one of Europe’s most important countries and has had a huge influence on the continent for many years. It might have a chequered past in some respects but in others it has shown the way forward and become a fantastic place to visit.

Starting with the cities it is already clear that Germany is a shining light as far as architecture, history and culture are concerned. Let’s start at the capital city of Berlin where there is everything that is required for a wonderful city break. You can see some of the best classical music performances around at the Berlin Philharmonic; see the most famous German landmark, the Brandenburg Gate or visit one of the many amazing museums that the city has to offer. Then there is the chance to reflect on how German life has moved forward at the Memorial of the Berlin Wall and a chance to relax in the Potsdam’s Gardens. Holiday in Germany is looking good already.

Of course, there are lots of other cities in Germany that are right up there with the best in Europe. If your holiday in Germany idea is to see some of the best cities around then you might like to try Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Dresden or any number of others, there are, in fact, so many that you could find it hard to visit them all.

Dresden, Germany / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

That said, holiday in Germany doesn’t just mean a city break because there is more to the country than that. Its countryside is simply breathtaking with green meadows, stunning forests, large winding rivers and superb mountains. So if you enjoy scenery and the outdoors you will be hard pressed to find a better destination. Maybe take a boat trip along the Rhine or Danube or visit one of the many vineyards for a fun filled wine tasting tour. It is all there if you make the effort to find it.

Then comes Christmas and the Germans do love a Christmas Market. Christmas market trips are one of the best ways to nearly all of the cities, towns and even some villages will get into the Christmas spirit with a large and spectacular fair, selling everything from traditional warm winter drinks to tacky souvenirs. The build up to Christmas is great in Germany and the atmosphere is probably as good as anywhere in the world.

Christmas Market in Bayreuth, Germany / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

So maybe holiday in Germany should be something that we think about more often. Because those who do are already having the trips of a lifetime and it is about time that you did too.

Author: Carlita Morandi who is passionate traveler. She loves to write trip tips related articles online.