Things to Do in Europe: The Iconic & The Undiscovered

From the postcard villages and iconic ruins of Greece to the medieval towns and divine cuisine of Italy, Old World destinations offer imaginative adventures and intriguing experiences. In fact, certain destinations have that special something, inspiring dream trips and return visits. Whether it’s their beguiling atmosphere and dramatic landscapes or irresistible culture, the towns and cities of Europe each have their own signature allure that will make you fall in love with traveling all over again. To inspire your cruise planning and spark your wanderlust, here’s a guide to a few things to do in Europe, in both Mediterranean destinations and Baltic and Scandinavia ports.

Ephesus Ruins & Village Adventures
Available on many of our Mediterranean voyages, the Ephesus ruins rank with sites such as Machu Picchu and Angkor Wat as some of the best in the world. The key to best exploring this classical metropolis is touring it with an expert guide. All of our guides are carefully vetted and one excursion is even led by an archaeologist, offering exclusive access to parts of Ephesus off-limits to most visitors. If you’re seeking a tour that explores less trodden places, you can take a short trip to a farm in a village near Kusadasi where you can join the owners in a harvest and enjoy a hearty breakfast, or you might spend the day visiting the small village of Kirazli, full of traditional stone-and-stucco houses, orchards and traditional Turkish hospitality.

Rhodes Old Town & Local Culture
Similarly, the Dodecanese jewel of Rhodes offers no shortage of bucket list attractions – its UNESCO-protected Old Town, the castle-like Palace of the Grand Masters, the hilltop acropolis of Lindos – while also offering opportunities to discover corners less traveled and delightfully enchanting. A prime example is a tour that whisks you away to three traditional inland villages – Psinthos, Apollona and Salakos – for a captivating look at rural life and a taste of local specialties in each. Likewise, a unique excursion that explores a Rhodian hamlet where locals still don traditional dress and welcomes you into a local’s home is likely to delight even the most seasoned travelers.

Rome: Gateway to Umbrian Explorations
Even the marquee destination of Rome serves up undiscovered places and unusual adventures if you know where to look. You might strike out on an exploration of Umbria and visit Orvieto, an off-the-beaten-path, refined medieval town that was once an Etruscan citadel. It’s seen little change since the 14th century and is known for a dry white wine crafted from trebbiano grapes grown in the surrounding vineyards. You’ll have time to enjoy traditional Umbrian dishes at a local restaurant as well as stroll its shop-lined lanes and alleyways, full of ceramics, Pinocchio dolls and signature Orvieto wines. Or you might wish to set off into the lush Lazio woods with a truffle hunter and accompanying dog in search of buried truffles – and yes, enjoy a selection of Italian truffle-based specialty foods at the end of this gourmet experience.

Copenhagen: Bikes, Brews & Honey
Farther north, Copenhagen offers an impressive list of must-see attractions: stately Amalienborg Palace, Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, Nyhavn, and of course, the bronze Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous tale. Those who have already spent time in Copenhagen might be interested in spending the day experiencing a slice of local life, which you can do on a memorable bicycle tour of the city. Bicycle culture is so deeply ingrained in Copenhagen that there are supposedly more bikes than people, so you’ll be in good company. The excursion itinerary includes a stop at a microbrewery located in a 17th-century building and known for its excellent beers and smørrebrød.

For a sweet look at sustainable Copenhagen, join a tour that visits an urban honey factory to discover how bees in hives throughout the city make it even greener. Plus sample an array of sustainable honey products and learn more about how Copenhagen became one of the most environmentally conscious cities in Europe.

For more of the best things to do in Europe, read about our immersive tours in the Mediterranean and get inspired with a list of our best Bordeaux wine tours.