Europe Action & adventure, Castles & palaces + Central pictures

• World

One of the world’s smallest countries lies within eastern Italy’s countryside. Visit the longstanding city-state for natural beauty, culture and food specialties.

One of the world’s smallest countries lies within eastern Italy’s countryside. Visit the longstanding city-state for natural beauty, culture and food specialties.

Serious skiers come from near and far for the challenging pistes and stay for the crackling vacation atmosphere of this Tyrolean resort. 

Escape the city and head to one of the world’s largest urban parks, which has lakes and meadows, as well as beer gardens and a variety of interesting relics.

Explore dozens of elegant rooms, meander through manicured Victorian gardens and watch falcon flying demonstrations at this castle complex.

Berlin’s “great escape” is a peaceful expanse of forests, meadows and ponds, right next to the city center.

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, nestled between extinct volcanoes and hills, is almost fairytale in appearance, with its medieval buildings in the Old Town and the wide streets and spacious homes Georgian New Town, and the spectacular castle looking down from its cliff. Edinburgh was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995, which only begs the question: why did it take so long?

Be spellbound by the scale and splendor of the Spanish Royal Family’s former official residence.

Be spellbound by the scale and splendor of the Spanish Royal Family’s former official residence.

From skiing and tubing to hiking, climbing and sailing, the wild mountainous scenery of this alpine resort town offers a variety of summer and winter pursuits.

Sample seafood in the quaint towns and cities of this diverse country where you can explore an eclectic terrain featuring mountains, desert regions and coastal wonderlands.

Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton are just some of the big names of fashion that you’ll find in one of the world’s oldest shopping centers.

Explore this mysterious Gothic castle and discover the eerie stories connected to its long history.

With gorgeous countryside, cultural cities and charming villages along its shores, the largest lake in Switzerland and France is a vacationer’s dream.

Maze-like hedges, marble sculptures and colorful flower beds adorn this historic royal garden, where the palace’s stables and carriages once lay.

Discover a compelling blend of modern culture and rich heritage in London’s financial heart.