Located about 125 miles southeast of mainland Greece, Santorini is one of a number of scenic volcanic islands that are most well-known for their stunning geological formations, panoramic sea views, and impressive whitewashed buildings. They’re set amidst ancient terraces carved from sea-side mountains. Though crowds can be a problem during the tourist season, many visitors …
Founded in the mid-16th century, Helsinki is a city that encompasses the old and new worlds like few others. Located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland in the country’s southern portion, it is Finland’s capital and most populous city, with about 650,000 residents. Helsinki is often referred to as the ‘Daughter of the …
Dresden, which is situated along the River Elbe in the state of Saxony in Germany, is a fairly large city of 780,000 people that has become a popular tourist destination. Due to its unique architecture and long-standing role in the art world, Dresden gained the nickname of “Florence of the Elbe.” Many tourists travel to …
With more than 2,000 years of history, it’s no wonder the German city of Cologne is known as a cultural hub in both Germany and all of Europe. Cologne’s location along the Rhine River, combined with medieval architecture, including the iconic Cologne Cathedral, makes the city appealing to the eye. A beautiful riverside district and …
Though the port city of Bordeaux has slightly more than 250,000 residents, when combined with the surrounding suburbs, that number approaches nearly 800,000. That makes it one of France’s largest metropolitan areas – and it’s one of the country’s most celebrated agricultural, historical, and wine-producing areas. Its southern location means relatively mild year-round weather. In …
Located along the west bank of the Rhône River in southeastern France, Avignon is a relatively small town that was once one of the continent’s centers of Catholicism. As such, it was chosen as the home of Pope Clement V in the early part of the 14th century. The region is particularly well-known for its …
Cannes is one of the premier cities of the French Riviera. It is most well-known for its annual film festival that draws visitors and celebrities from all over the world. The beachside attraction also has a reputation as a playground for the rich and famous, and regularly hosts meetings of government ministers and business elite, …
With nearly 750,000 residents, Frankfurt is Germany’s fifth-largest city. It’s also the most populous city in the state of Hesse, and one of the continent’s most active financial trading centers. Frankfurt’s ideal location on the River Main has made it a commercial center for centuries. It’s awash in natural, historical, and cultural attractions that make …
With nearly 650,000 residents, Stuttgart is the sixth-largest city in Germany. It is also the capital and most populous metropolitan area in the state of Baden-Württemberg. It’s located amidst a particularly fertile swath of land along the Neckar River within an easy drive of the famed Black Forest. Stuttgart is a regional center for sports, …
After the capital of Berlin, Hamburg, with its nearly 1.9 million residents, is the second-largest city in Germany. It’s also one of Germany’s federal states and is bordered by Schleswig-Holstein to the north, and to the south by Lower Saxony. Though it’s not located directly on the North Sea, it’s connected via the River Elbe, …