Europe

For many of us, when we simply lack the motivation to continue with life’s many responsibilities, traveling can serve as a wonderful escape, a magical time-out! Hours we can take to just relax, rejuvenate, and soak in the beauty of destinations we have long planned to visit for years! And if you are looking for new countries to explore this year, then you have landed at the perfect place! Home to over 300 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Europe was the most visited continent last year (2024), where a whopping 747 million tourists visited this destination according to the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) and if you may be wondering what draws millions of tourists to Europe each passing year? Then, the answer is because this continent has it all! From historic landmarks to astounding natural landscapes, culturally rich cities, and exquisite culinary experiences, Europe is a destination that is able to fulfill any of your travel wishes! 

Likewise, due to this continent’s vast size, Europe is divided into 5 distinct regions and 44 separate countries, where each of these countries differs tremendously from one another in aspects such as history, culture, architecture, language, and food, hence also earning the title of “the continent of diversity”. Additionally, it is also said to be one of the oldest out of the seven continents, where the history of human civilization can be traced to the Upper Paleolithic period, which is estimated to be around 45,000-48,000 years ago! So if you’re someone who is fascinated by history and culture, then Europe is the place to be, where a few of the oldest countries located here have a rich historical legacy, including France, Denmark, Austria, and Hungary. In a similar realm, Europe is a continent that deeply cherishes and celebrates cultural diversity; starting in 1985, it has initiated European Capitals of Culture, a program that focuses on highlighting the richness and diversity of various cultural, ethnic, and religious communities existing in Europe for centuries. 

Additionally, two countries are selected each year, where a variety of events, exhibitions, and programs are organized by these two nations that focus on celebrating each country's unique cultural aspects, where Chemnitz (Germany) and Nova Gorica (Slovenia) have been elected for 2025.

Why visit Europe?

Traveling to Europe comes with many perks; it is one of the most traveled continents in the world for a reason! A huge number of travelers each year visit this stunning continent to experience its ancient sites, natural wonders and warm hospitality culture. Below we’ve compiled a list of reasons why you keep Europe on your list of continents to visit!

• Numerous flexible destinations: Due to Europe’s massive size, as it occupies 10.53 million square kilometers of the world, it consists of many diverse regions, countries, cities, towns, and villages that can offer travelers various distinctive travel experiences. For instance, cities such as Rome, Athens, Prague, and Berlin are perfect for travelers who are keen learners of history and culture, as these cities have numerous ancient and archaeological sites. In a similar realm, for adventure enthusiasts, cities like Interlaken (Switzerland), Salzburg (Austria), Madeira (Portugal), and Barcelona (Spain) offer a plethora of thrilling activities such as mountain climbing, hiking, skiing, and canyoning, offering tourists a number of flexible destinations to travel to.
• Learn about rich history and cultural legacy: Topics such as history and culture for many years have inspired millions of travelers to pack their bags and travel to unknown destinations, and if you happen to be one of them, then Europe is the best continent you could explore, as it can offer you a treasure trove of memorable experiences! From some of the oldest cities in the world, like Argos (Greece) and Plovdiv (Bulgaria), to culturally vibrant destinations such as Venice (Italy) and Barcelona (Spain), Europe has definitely taken the title of being the historical/cultural hub of the world for sure!
• Indulge in top-notch cuisines: It is well known that Europe is home to a number of diverse and outstanding cuisines, such as Italian, Hungarian, German, Polish, Belgian and Greek, to name a few, making this continent every foodie’s dream paradise! Additionally, Europe also hosts numerous food festivals and tours throughout the years in various countries like Italy, Spain, France, and Greece, where travelers are able to get a taste of the most complex, robust, and delectable cuisines.
• Efficient and Reliable Transportation: Transportation certainly plays a huge part while traveling, and Europe just so happens to be one of those continents that is well equipped in this sector as well. Making it easier for tourists to travel through countries and via cities in terms of transportation, there are high-speed trains, public buses, private taxis, ferries, boats, and even rentable scooter/bicycle services in most European countries, helping tourists easily navigate this stressful process.

Moving on, now let’s learn about the 4 regions of Europe, where each stunning region holds its own unique identity in terms of history, architecture, natural landscapes, culture, and culinary experiences, making this continent truly an all-round and versatile continent!

Southern Europe

With numerous tranquil islands, iconic landmarks, and top-notch eateries, who wouldn’t want to visit the southern region of Europe? Having two of the most recognized and influential countries in the world, Greece and Italy, this region of Europe has been functioning as a top travel magnet in recent decades! Ideal for island and beach lovers, precisely, a distinct characteristic of this region is that most countries falling within this region follow a Mediterranean climate, meaning these destinations have longer summers and shorter winters, thus creating the ideal environment for going exciting island hopping and fun beach exploring! Likewise, some of the most renowned countries that are considered to be part of this region include Italy, Spain, Greece, Malta, Croatia, and Portugal.

As southern Europe truly offers a number of attractive islands/beaches, Greece can be a great destination for you to visit, as cities such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete here center around just these scenic attractions, where some of the must-visit locations include Elafonissi Beach, the Cyclades Islands, and Super Paradise Beach. Likewise, in Italy, you can go on enriching cultural and food tours that will definitely leave a lasting impression on you! where special destinations catering to these are St. Peter’s Basilica, Florence Cathedral, and Archaeological Park of Pompeii. 

Similarly, if you are a food connoisseur who loves trying authentic and traditional cuisines, then you should definitely explore Naples, Venice, Tuscany, and Rome in Italy, which are known for their delectable and enticing Italian cuisine! In a similar fashion, as food makes an integral part of any traveling journey memorable, a few of the most popular dishes loved by tourists here include tiropita (crispy puff pastry), albondigas (spicy meatballs), margarita pizza, paella (slow-cooked rice dish), francesinha (meat sandwich), and caciopepe (flavorful pasta dish).

Central Europe

Travelers who are keen learners of art, history, and culture will definitely find the central region of Europe a rewarding and enriching destination to travel to! Due to the entire European continent having no solid boundaries and territories, this region is also said to work as a well-functioning transition route between the Eastern and Western parts of Europe in terms of traveling, business, and market connectivity. Located right in the center of Europe, this region has it all! From enchanting castles and cathedrals to artistic museums and towns, this part of Europe is able to cater well to visitors looking to gain various unique and special experiences, where a few of the most popular countries here include Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, and Poland.

To best capture the timeless beauty and tradition of Central Europe, you can visit historic cities like Hielderberg, Nuremberg, Mainz and Munich in Germany, which are known for their century-old churches, old-style architectural pavements, and historic marketplaces! In a similar fashion, for adventure enthusiasts, destinations in Switzerland like Zermatt, Jungfrau Region, Lucerne, Geneva and Lauterbrunnen offer an array of scenic natural landscapes consisting of numerous majestic snow-covered mountains, scenic waterfalls and vibrant green valleys/mountains that are definitely breathtaking to see in real life and also make perfect spots for engaging in a number of thrilling adventurous sports like snowboarding and skiing. Likewise, in terms of food cuisines, as there are a ton of countries residing here, a few of the most mouthwatering foods to try here, suited for the Nepali taste buds, include goulash (hearty bowl of meat and veggie soup), pierogi (juicy savory dumplings), currywurst (sausage and fries), and schnitzel (deep-fried pork cutlet).

Northern Europe

If you’re someone who is fond of exploring the outdoors and loves being in nature, then you should definitely add the northern region of Europe to your travel bucket list! Home to a number of majestic snow-covered mountains, scenic fjords (narrow lakes), and lush green valleys, this part of Europe is best known for its natural attractions! Due to its close proximity to the Baltic and North Seas, it is majorly connected to the eastern and western parts of Europe through sea routes (regarding the business and trade sectors). In a similar manner, this region of Europe is divided into two parts, which are the Scandinavia and Baltics regions, where a few of the most renowned countries around these destinations include Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Moreover, if you want to take a tour of the Scandinavian countries, you can explore Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, all fantastic sightseeing destinations that promise travelers a plethora of enriching and memorable experiences! Additionally, a huge number of tourists visit this region every year to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis (also known as Northern Lights) seen majorly in Tromso (Norway), Kiruna (Sweden), and Rovaniemi (Finland) that will definitely leave you speechless! Likewise, in the Baltics region, as it comprises three countries, to immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural legacy, Latvia-one of the three countries of the Baltics is the place to be! If you’re a history lover, there are magnificent castles/palaces dating from the 12th to the 18th century here to explore, and some of the most renowned ones include Cesis Medieval Castle, Basuka Castle, Cesvains, and Brini Castle that will certainly take you back in the past!

Likewise, the Northwestern Region of Europe is also another popular sightseeing destination, consisting of many amazing countries, out of which we’ve shared two of the most popular destinations that you should definitely add to your travel bucket list!

United Kingdom

Being one of the most powerful and influential countries of the northwestern part of Europe, the United Kingdom is surely a destination you must visit once in your lifetime! Home to a number of historic museums, charming markets and picturesque tea shops, this massive nation is divided into four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, where a few of the most popular cities here include London, Edinburgh, York, Manchester, Liverpool and Nottingham. With London being the capital city, every year millions of tourists from various parts of the world travel to the United Kingdom to experience its rich history, diverse cultures and delectable cuisines!

Likewise, the UK has many mesmerizing historic attractions, such as Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, London Eye, the British Museum and the Big Ben, destinations that have helped capture the everlasting beauty and tradition of this country! Additionally, this country also has 35 UNESCO world heritage sites, where some of the must-visit sites listed in these sites are the City of Bath and Liverpool, Blenheim Palace, Durham Castle and Cathedral, Royal Botanical Gardens and the Tower of London, which are visited by tourists in huge numbers every year. Additionally, in terms of food culture, a handful of popular British foods include: fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, cornish pasty, scotch eggs and pork pie.

Netherlands

Previously known as Holland, the Netherlands is surely one of the most talked about countries in Europe! Sharing a close proximity with renowned countries such as Belgium, Germany and the UK, the Netherlands is a nation ideal for tourists who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and are more into experiencing the slow-paced and relaxing side of traveling. In the capital city of Amsterdam, you’ll find many historical museums (Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum), lush green parks (Vondelpark, Westerpark, Oosterpark) and tranquil beaches (Bloemendaal, Strandzuid and Zandvoort) suitable for tourists belonging to different age groups and varied travel interests.

Additionally, the Netherland offers you a tapestry of vivid and enthralling experiences; for instance you can go on a fun cycling tour in the Bollenstreek region, also known as Netherlands’ flower region, where while cycling you get to see acres of fresh and vibrant tulips, daffodils and hyacinths right besides you! Similarly, you can also tour historical underground caves in Maastricht, where there are many ancient chambers and tunnels covered in charcoal drawings and paintings depicting past events in the Netherlands. These are just a few glimpses into some of the interesting and exciting activities that tourists can do while traveling in the Netherlands. In terms of food cuisines, a handful of the most prized dishes loved by both tourists and locals include: stamppot (meat and veggie stir fry), oliebollen (deep-fried donuts), frietjes (fries served with various toppings) and stroopwafels  (sweet crispy waffles).

Western Europe

Due to the western region of Europe being in close proximity with the northern and southern parts of Europe, this portion shares many of its cultural and architectural influences with these regions. Additionally, the western part is made up of many powerful countries, where France, Belgium, and Austria certainly take the top spots, which are known for their old-style architecture, historical monuments, and refined food cuisines. Out of the three, France is surely the most recognized destination, due to this country having many iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Disneyland Paris, and Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris that effortlessly have captured the everlasting beauty and cultural legacy of this country. 

In a similar fashion, Belgium is another fantastic country for tourists to explore! For food and dessert lovers in general, this country is said to be a culinary hotspot where “waffles” (a sweet and crispy dessert) loved by millions of people is said to actually originate from here! Similarly, for tourists looking for unique experiences, you can visit the “Blue Forest” located in the Halle Municipality, where during the spring season this whole forest comes alive, as the grounds of this vibrant forest are covered in blue and purple bell flowers, giving the whole area an enchanting and dreamy look! Or for some fun, you can take a stroll through Brussels to walk through the famous Comic Route, where many buildings are covered in murals of popular cartoon characters like Tintin, the Smurfs, Asterix, and Spike, making it a must-visit destination for fans of these popular characters!

Best time to visit Europe

Due to Europe’s huge geographical size and it being divided into various regions, there are four distinct seasons that this continent experiences. As each season brings its own unique appeal, the best time to visit Europe depends on your own preferences for weather and activities, and the best time for you to explore this continent is during the spring season, which starts from March to June, when temperatures in many countries stay pleasant and moderate with less heat and humidity felt in the air. Additionally, due to there being fewer chances of rainfall during this period, countries in Europe like Greece, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom are some of the most ideal countries you can visit during the spring season.

During this time period, you can go on fun food tours (in Italy, Spain, and Portugal), explore ancient/historic sites (in Greece, France, and Austria), enjoy adventurous outdoor activities (in Switzerland and Italy), or simply take a day off to relax by strolling through scenic islands and beaches (in Croatia, Spain, and Portugal), giving you a ton of fun travel options to choose from! Additionally, there are also many vibrant festivals celebrated during spring all over Europe, where some of the famous ones include Primavera Sound Festival (Spain), Festivals of Light (Croatia), Keukeuh Flower Festival (Netherlands), and Madeira Flower Festival (Portugal).

Making your dreams of traveling to Europe come true from Nepal, you can go through our Europe Tour Packages that cover many renowned and popular European countries that will definitely help you immerse in this continent’s rich history and cultural heritage!