The birthplace of Western Civilization, Europe appeals as a vacation destination for so many reasons. Seeking sunny beaches? Kick back on any of the romantic Greek Islands or along Spain's Mediterranean coast. Need a culture fix? Tour the plethora of museums in Paris, Madrid, Berlin or Florence. Interested in historic travel? Visit ancient castles and archaeological ruins in Great Britain, Scandinavia or Eastern Europe. In fact, most European destinations offer opportunities for all of the above activities in one vacation. No matter where you travel in Europe, you can shop and sightsee in the morning, take scenic drives, urban strolls or nature walks in the afternoon, and dine in world-class restaurants by night. The beauty of traveling to Europe is that it is so large, with so many varying resort locations, you can return again and again to any of the European countries and never have the same vacation twice!

Central and Eastern Europe (Budapest, Innsbruck, Krakow, Prague, Salzburg) Select While the specific countries and boundaries that make up the regions of Central and Eastern Europe can be debated by academic, politicians and map-makers, the area is without a doubt a treasure trove of history, culture, heritage and gastronomy. On a resort stay anywhere in Central and Eastern Europe, you can tour ancient castles, delight in the opera or ballet, see charming villages and savor authentic culinary treasures, such as Austrian Wiener schnitzel, Sachertorte and apple strudel, Polish pierogies and Hungarian goulash. Many Eastern European countries formerly under communist rule are undergoing a revitalizing transformation. They are growing by leaps and bounds and thriving under democracy and free-market economies. During a resort vacation in Poland or the Czech Republic, feel the vibrancy and the excitement in their modern cities that co-exists amid ancient architecture and historical landmarks.

France (Cannes, Carcassonne, Lyon, Marseille, Monte Carlo / Monaco) Select Choose from ocean-view properties on the French Riviera, lovely lodges in the scenic countryside or upscale hotels in the heart of Paris for your resort stay in France. Each region of France has a distinct flavor-whether it's the chic resort towns on the Mediterranean Sea, the gorgeous vineyards and rolling hills in the wine-growing areas, or cosmopolitan cities. No matter what sort of European vacation you are looking for-restful, active or culinary-you can find it in France. Kick back and enjoy the scene on beaches along the Cote d'Azur; tour museums, churches and art galleries every day in Paris and its environs; or visit ancient castles, cathedrals, churches and archaeological ruins throughout the country. Then there's the shopping! From designer boutiques to souvenir stands, you'll surely find plenty of options for choosing something special to bring back home to friends and family.

Great Britain and Ireland (Bath, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff) Select The countries of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland are high on many American travelers' must-visit lists. Not only are they filled with amazing sightseeing opportunities (from castles to coves), but since English is spoken throughout Great Britain and Ireland, visitors find it the area easier to navigate and communicate with the locals than some other European countries. With literally thousands of world-class attractions and events in Great Britain and Ireland, there are endless things to during a resort stay here. You can soak up heritage at a historic castle, soak in mineral waters that have been in use for centuries, watch an exciting football (soccer) match, take in world-class theater productions, play golf on championship courses among craggy cliffs and scenic countryside, or shop until you drop at major London department stores or pedestrian-friendly shopping centers.

Greece (Athens, Heraklion / Crete, Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini) Select When you visit Greece, at the juncture of Europe, Asia and Africa, you are standing at a crossroads of cultures, colors and civilizations. Not only do you enjoy the wonderful warmth that comes from vacationing in a Mediterranean climate, but you experience the warmth of the Greek people, so proud of their rich heritage and traditions. The birthplace of so many things we might take for granted in the Western world, such as modern-day democracy, theater, even the Olympics, Greece has an undeniably important history. Its inhabitants and the country's culture have made incredibly significant contributions to the world in terms of literature, philosophy and science. From its traditional blue-and-white architecture to its ancient ruins, rocky mountains to golden beaches, modern cities to secluded islands - Greece is a feast for the senses. And that's not even mentioning the amazing Greek food! Sample savory spanakopita, moussaka and stuffed grape leaves during your resort stay in Greece, and if you are one to take in all of the exciting nightlife, hit the bars and clubs in Athens and on the islands to try the licorice-flavored national drink, ouzo.

Italy (Catania, Florence, Genoa, Naples, Palermo) Select No other country in the world has as rich a history of artistic and intellectual creativity. After all, Italy is the birthplace of the Renaissance and Baroque movements, and the home of such notable artists and brilliant thinkers as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Botticelli, Caravaggio, Titian and Raphael. Naturally, many visitors take in the marvelous painting, sculptures and frescoes of these major artists during a resort stay in Italy - but then there's so much more to see and do. Tour ancient ruins and some of the world's most beautiful cathedrals; climb to the top of the world-renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa; drive through beautiful Tuscany, filled with rolling hills and beautiful vineyards; sun yourself on the tropical Mediterranean coast. And then there's the absolutely delicious cuisine! From pizza to pasta, and polenta to prosciutto, indulge in all of your authentic Italian favorites on a resort vacation in Italy.

Scandinavia (Bergen, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Oslo, Stockholm) Select The geography of Scandinavia is unlike any other in the world: Norwegian fjords, looming mountains, many crystal-clear lakes, and small islands (archipelagos) dotting the Baltic and North seas. Even the most cosmopolitan cities in Scandinavia are minutes away from outdoor pursuits. In general, Scandinavia is a great destination to enjoy nature with its seasonal contrasts Because of its location in Northern Europe, Scandinavia in general enjoys long summer days - perfect for enjoying the many outdoor festivals or for exploring the wonderful landscapes. But, at the same time, winter can be long, with little daylight in some parts during the heart of the cold-weather months. That doesn't mean you couldn't - or shouldn't - plan a winter visit to these countries, however. Restaurants and nightclubs show their spirit during the winter months, throwing fun parties and bringing the warmth indoors. The magnificent Northern Lights are also more visible during the winter months.

Spain and Portugal (Andorra, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cordoba, Granada) Select On the Iberian Peninsula in the extreme southwest of Europe, Spain and Portugal are bordered on the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea and on the north and west by the Atlantic Ocean - which means plenty of coastline for beach resort vacations in the warm-weather months! But Spain and Portugal have plenty more to offer than its temperate Mediterranean climate and oceanfront resorts. Consider the phenomenal art museums in Barcelona and Madrid, ancient mosques, palaces and castles in Cordoba and Granada, and the tropical islands rich in nightlife off of both countries' coasts. Delicious cuisine you may sample on the Iberian Peninsula includes paella, chorizo, tortillas (egg omelets), a variety of olives, shellfish and seafood, plus sangria and port wine.

Western Europe (Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva) Select Delight in cosmopolitan cities so rich in history and culture during a resort stay in Western Europe. From the important seaport of Hamburg, Germany, in the north, to beautiful Lugano, Switzerland, on a major lake in the south, resort vacations in Western Europe often revolve around water. That means during your stay you can boat tours in pretty harbors, across scenic lakes, down winding rivers or through a network of canals, such as in Amsterdam, known as the "Venice of the North." But naturally all the urban centers and smaller cities in Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands, offer many opportunities for sightseeing: world-renowned museums, ancient castles, sprawling gardens and historic landmarks. With top-notch performance venues, you can take in the opera, ballet or symphony. Plus, all of AffordableTours.com's resort locations make great home bases for exploring outside the city limits, with day trips into the countryside for scenic attractions or enjoying outdoor pursuits.

Central and Eastern Europe  France  Great Britain and Ireland  Greece  Italy  Scandinavia  Spain and Portugal  Western Europe