13 Don’t-Miss Bucket List Experiences in Europe

When Mother Nature hosts a light show, it’s best to be front and center. The northern lights, a natural phenomenon also known as the aurora borealis, are basically nature's neon graffiti in the sky. In Iceland, this enchanting display reaches its pinnacle. To witness this cosmic marvel from the best spots, take this nighttime tour from Reykjavik.

Mont Saint-Michel emerges mysteriously from the sea, presenting a medieval marvel accessible solely during low tide. To fully appreciate this enchanting place in a single day, consider joining this group tour from Paris that navigates you through the island's quaint cobblestone streets, ancient archways, and concealed nooks in a single day—all with commentary in English.

The Cliffs of Moher are rugged, rocky walls of pure, unspoiled beauty. Standing on the precipice and gazing out over the wild, tumultuous Atlantic Ocean feels like peering into the abyss. Savor the majesty without worry of organizing transport via this group day tour from Dublin, which also includes a visit to Galway City.

Rumored to have inspired the castle featured in the Disney® film Sleeping Beauty, Neuschwanstein Castle is straight out of a storybook. To fully experience the magic within these walls, an organized day excursion from Munich is the easiest way to explore this fairy-tale castle come to life.

Cinque Terre is an explosion of color adorning the Italian coast. In these five picturesque villages, the houses seem to actually cling to cliffs. To uncover the best of this charming destination's essence, a guided small-group or private tour from Florence is your passport to some of the finest gelato and the most breathtaking views in the country.

Experience Santorini at dusk on this sunset cruise. As the sun dips into the Aegean Sea, the island's famed white-washed buildings are bathed in hues of gold and pink. Sailing around the island, you’ll witness the magical transformation of the landscape, all while feasting on traditional Greek cuisine and sipping local Santorini wine.

Vampire legends aside, Romania’s Transylvania has a captivating real-life history. Brasov is a medieval wonder in this region, filled with cobbled streets, Gothic architecture, and a tapestry of legends. This walking tour helps peel back the layers of its enigmatic charm, revealing the secrets hidden within.

The Alhambra, a mesmerizing masterpiece in stone, stands as a testament to the splendor of Moorish architecture in Granada, Spain. To fully comprehend the richness of its long history and the details woven into its architecture, book this organized small-group excursion that allows you to skip the lines and lose the crowds.

For all you Game of Thrones enthusiasts, immerse yourself in the real King's Landing in Dubrovnik's Old Town. Take this comprehensive walking tour through its medieval streets and fortified walls to experience its historic charm, and you’ll understand why the popular show used the Croatian city as a filming location.

The Porto region in Portugal is known for its wine culture, particularly the namesake port wine. As you raise your glass to savor its exquisite flavors, the backdrop of the Douro River sets the perfect stage. For a well-rounded adventure, opt for a wine tour of the region that includes lunch, wine tastings, and a river cruise.

Just a couple hour’s drive from London, you'll find one of the world's most puzzling prehistoric marvels: Stonehenge. These ancient stone monoliths, rich with history and intrigue, have perplexed experts for centuries. Maximize your limited time in the UK on this full-day Stonehenge excursion that includes visits to Windsor Castle and Oxford.

Bruges, Belgium, is a picture-perfect town with cobblestone streets and historic buildings lining scenic canals. Experience centuries-old architecture, such as the Belfry and Lakenhalle (Bell Tower and Cloth Hall) and the Church of Our Lady; uncover hidden gems; and take a delightful canal cruise on this half-day tour of this enchanting medieval city.

Norway’s majestic fjords are in a league of their own. Towering cliffs rise up out of crystal-clear waters, and waterfalls take the plunge from impressive heights. Cruising the Norwegian fjords is the ultimate way to soak in their grandeur, so navigate the UNESCO–listed Nærøyfjord, plus Flåm and Stegastein, on this day cruise from Bergen.