travel

European destinations to visit in June 2016

January 31, 2016

The Gulfoss waterfall in Iceland is also known as the Nordic Niagara Falls. – Pic courtesy of Insight Vacations, January 31, 2016.With summer in full swing, Europe is the perfect destination to visit in June.

The Scandinavian countries are enjoying their outdoor parties, never-ending sunny days and fishing while Italy’s cultural pearls are ripe for the picking.

Take a look at luxury holiday tour company, Insight Vacations’ top four picks for places to visit in Europe mid-2016:

Iceland

Its stunning landscape is dotted with many geographical wonders. Marvel at them on the “golden circle” tour which will take you to the 30m-high fountain geyser, Strokkur, which is so hot you can cook eggs and bake bread right on the ground itself.

Other magnificent sights include the Gulfoss waterfall and Skaftafekk, a preservation area known for its unseasonably warm weather.

Make sure to visit the Blue Lagoon, a natural spa where visitors can slather themselves in silica mud with healthy, anti-aging properties.

Spain

For a healthy dose of culture, Spain’s capital, Madrid, is not short of attractions steeped in heritage and tradition from the Plaza de Espana with a statue of Cervantes to the Plaza de Cibeles featuring a complex of marble structures. The beautiful facade of the Royal Palace of Madrid is hard to miss, too!

Art lovers should definitely make their way to Prado, one of the world’s greatest art gallery featuring works by Goya, Velasquez, El Greco, Titian and Bosch.

After soaking in the beauty of the city, fill your bellies at Albora which offers a fusion of traditional and contemporary cuisine.

The lakeside Swiss town of Lucerne is positively picture postcard perfect. – Pic courtesy of Insight Vacations, January 31, 2016.Switzerland

Switzerland may be the land of snow-capped mountains and ski slopes but summertime in the landlocked country is a different experience.

See its castles in new light like Chillon, one of the House of Savoy’s main fortifications, and you’ll understand why Romantic poet, Lord Byron, fell in love with it.

Otherwise, take a relaxing boat trip on the country’s azure lakes. The town of Lucerne is a particular draw for its rustic landscape and historic architecture.

Italy

Apart from its rich culture and delectable cuisine, the boot of Europe has something for just about everyone.

The capital, Rome, is a slick metropolitan city while Pompeii is steeped in history. Umbria has rolling green hills covered while the Cinque Terre has striking coastlines.

Italy is definitely a place worth visiting and revisiting, especially with world-class villas, museums, hotels and island paradises. – January 31, 2016.