When looking at great castles in the world, the grandest of them all could be in the Bavarian region of Germany.  Built by the “Mad King Ludwig” (his actual name was Louis II) the castle was built as a celebration of ancient German architecture.  Its official name is Neuschwanstein Castle and it is one of Bavaria’s foremost attractions. However, this magnificent edifice is hardly the only thing to see and do while in the region, which is also home to the Munich metropolis.  There is a lot of amazing architecture, lively cities and a hip nightlife in the region.  Bavaria is a must-see for anybody touring Germany.

Of Italian towns that have had an impact on Mediterranean civilization, few are more compelling than Syracuse.  Located on the Italian island of Sicily, it was founded by Greek settlers around 734 BC. It later fell under Roman rule and the dominance of the Byzantine Empire.  The architectural influences from these ancient civilizations are present in and around the city today.  The Italian name for the town is “Siracusa,” and while it is Italian, the town still draws on to its Greek heritage.  The city has numerous first-rate hotels. While you are at Syracuse, do not miss the opportunity to check out the venerable ruins of the Roman amphitheater.

As far as a tropical destination in Europe goes, the island of Lanzarote in Spain is up there with the very best.  Located 79 miles from the African coast, it is not only the easternmost among the Spanish Canary Islands but also the most welcoming and memorable.  With over six miles of sandy beach facing an azure and serene Atlantic Ocean, the endless days of sun and sand make the island addictive to its visitors.  Referred to as the “Red Mountains” in the native language, the island was born of ancient volcanic activity.  If you ever visit Lanzarote, make sure the resort beaches of Playa Blanca and Papagayo are on your must-see itinerary.

A reunified Berlin, in the once divided Germany, isn’t to be missed if one wants to see the old blended with the new. Once divided into two, Berlin has come alive with new life and a zest for culture, politics, new media and science that is leading Germany to ever greater heights. A visit to Berlin will allow you to appreciate the operas and concerts, a diverse and interesting architecture, vibrant nightlife and nightclubs, and the lovely scenery. With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 came a new liberalism and freedom of spirit that welcomes the tourist at every turn.  As far as history, the city is awash in it.  The Brandenburg Gate, built from 1788 to 1791 as a sign of peace, is a good first historical site in which to start an exploration.

A trip through Europe would not be complete without a stop at Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands. Not only is it the largest city in the country, but it definitely packs more fun and living per square mile than any other place on the Continent. There are the famous canals, which serve to make it the ‘Venice of the North,’ and the Rijks museum, which is the Dutch national museum of art.  Amazingly, in addition to its huge collection of paintings from the 17th century Dutch Golden Age, it has a breathtaking collection of Asian art.  But there’s much more to the town than just paintings.  Indeed, there’s a cultural casualness reflected in the city’s very easy-going attitude about many things which a visitor is sure to appreciate.  The nightlife, filled with Euro and techno-pop clubs, also provides ample opportunities for all to have fun.

If you’re looking for the birthplace of Western civilization and philosophical thought – and stunning ancient architecture – then Athens is the place to visit. It is blessed with warm Mediterranean sun and a crystal blue sea where one can swim and play. The Parthenon, itself the single most-important component of the Acropolis, sits as an awesome reminder of the glory that was the ancient Greek civilization. It is not difficult to imagine the old Greeks, milling about this temple to the Greek goddess Athena, discussing all manner of politics.  It’s largely considered the most important remaining building of that period of Greek history, often referred to as “Classical Greece,” Combine history with a present-day love of song, dance, memorable nightlife and the city of Athens comes to life, giving all who reside in it a taste of living.

Unknown to many, the English Channel coastline as well as the historic Jurassic Coast are exceptional places to see and tour. These sites provide fantastic sightseeing and cultural exploration opportunities in that part of England. Sights such as the famed White Cliffs of Dover are a sight to behold. Little resort towns, as they are commonly referred to, dot the entire coastal stretch. The Jurassic Coast also provides a fascinating trip down memory lane to the dinosaur age that can be shared with the children. It is a United Nations-designated World Heritage Site, and the natural beauty of the region is breathtaking. The climate is warmer and sunnier, due to its proximity to the warm waters of the English Channel. Such scenic beauty makes for a fun expedition.

Even though frequently highlighted as a cliché, the timeless lure of Paris is unquestionable. Famous for its landmark, the Eiffel Tower, Paris promises more for those that visit the city. On the Left Bank of the Seine, one can catch a glimpse of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, which is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world. Sidewalk cafes and cool jazz persist as revelers enjoy well into the night.  And what admirer of art wouldn’t give up much to be able to spend a week wandering through the Louvre? Paris promises to be a fun destination for all.

If you are looking to experience a taste of Old European culture, wrapped in a brightly colored box of modernity, then you need to visit Palermo, Sicily. It’s a town both steeped in tradition and the kind of life that’s redolent of sweet Sicilian blood oranges, whose pulpy, dark flesh leaves an amazing aftertaste; much like living in Palermo does. There are numerous monasteries spread across the city; many of which are famous for the catacombs they have beneath. Tourists are often free to explore these man-made caverns and take note of many of the artifacts entombed there. The catacombs have been in the care of the monks, dating back as far as the 1500s

If you are traveling through Europe and have the option of choosing the cities to see while there, make sure Brussels in Belgium is one of them.  As the headquarters of the European Union, Brussels is cosmopolitan and a rich blend of European language and lifestyle.  There are over 80 museums to tempt the art and history lover and a stop at the Grand Palace must be on your itinerary.  Originally designed as a market square in the 13th century, it is the host of many concerts and cultural festivals.  The nightlife is surreal. To top it all off, lolling at either one of the hundreds of outdoor cafes is refreshing.