Top 5 Cities to Get the Complete European Experience

One of the best things about visiting Europe is that, compared to other areas of the world, everything is packed in very close together. If you have two or three weeks to travel around, it's not hard to visit several different places without wasting too much time on travel. Whether you fly or take the train, a few hours in transit can bring you to a whole different culture and atmosphere. Here are just a few of the incredible and diverse travel destinations that Europe has to offer.

Venice, Italy: Although Venice has a reputation for being overrun with tourists during the peak season, it's still something that everyone should see at least once. There's simply nothing like this dense. automobile-free city full of stunning architecture and incredible landscapes that are the epitome of old European urban grandeur. Get away from the tourist areas for a pleasant evening stroll through Venice's varied streets and tiny alleys.

Bruges, Belgium: Bruges is the perfect embodiment of Northern European gothic charm. Walking through Bruges's streets is like going back 200 years in time and arriving in a place that is safe, welcoming, and culturally rich. This tourist-friendly city is great for international travelers who aren't fluent with the local language. Stroll along the canals, take a break at one of the city's many slow-moving cafes, and try some of the best chocolate in the world, all while surrounded by some of Europe's greatest architectural marvels.

Prague, Czech Republic: Prague is one of the few major Central European cities to have escaped the devastation of the 20th century's wars, and it shows. The city is a perfectly preserved museum of old-time European architecture and urban design. While the city is huge, many visitors are content to stay in the densely packed urban core, which is extremely safe and rich with history and culture.

Paris, France: It's a cliché to say that everyone should visit Paris at least once, but in this case the cliché is spot on. Paris is a thriving metropolis brimming with culture and cosmopolitan flair, but taking a walk through its streets can feel intimate, romantic, and inspiring all at once. And although modern development continues to change the face of the city, its narrow streets and bustling markets and squares are not going anywhere any time soon. In short, Paris is the perfect place to experience everything that Europe has to offer, from the ancient to the modern.

Istanbul, Turkey: Istanbul enjoys a long and varied history going back to its time as the ancient Greek colony of Byzantium, and this long history shows in its streets, markets, and architecture. The huge city has several areas that are commonly overrun by tourists, but there are also plenty of safe districts in which visitors can get away from the bustle and experience the Istanbul of old. This dazzling city may not garner the worldwide attention of Paris and Rome, but it has grandeur, history, and beauty on a similar scale.

Caterina Christakos is a published author and reviewer. Read her latest review of auto insurance estimate quotes and where to get free auto insurance quotes.

Experience the Beauty of Rural Tuscany From a Villa in Italy

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If you want to spend a few days getting as far away from the pressures of everyday life as possible, you may want to consider the advantages of villa holidays in Tuscany.

The region is an area of almost unrivalled natural beauty and there are plenty of rural retreats available if you want to enjoy the views in solitude.

Tuscany has a range of landscapes to choose from, depending on exactly what type of surroundings you want to relax in.

Many of the villa rentals in Chianti come with views of rolling hills, vineyards and forests, while the scenery in the Garfagnana area is dominated by the Apuan Alps and Apennines.

Choose accommodation close to the coast and you will be able to experience the beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea's shoreline, or head to rural parts of Arezzo for some stunning views over farmland.

Wherever you choose to stay, you can be assured that you will be untroubled by the helter-skelter of modern life for a few days.

The rural villas are mostly located close to picturesque villages, which have shops selling the local specialities, which include beef, pork, truffles, olive oil and fruit. Of course, you'll also want to try the world-famous Tuscan wine.

Most of the villages and small towns have restaurants selling traditional local cuisine, giving you the chance to try some of the peasant dishes as they are meant to be cooked.

Tuscany is also home to several major cities, which are easy to reach from many of the villas in Italy which are available to holidaymakers.

Siena, Lucca and Pisa all have plenty to recommend them to tourists, but the one you are most likely to want to visit is Florence.

The capital of Tuscany, Florence is renowned as one of Europe's great cultural centres, thanks in part to the presence of the Uffizi. The gallery is home to one of the finest art collections in the world and you will be able to see works by Botticelli, Da Vinci and Michelangelo.

You'll probably also want to leave a few hours spare to wander around Florence, which has some remarkable architecture and a lively atmosphere which can make a spot of people watching great fun.