Europe is a continent rich in history, art and culture and its cities offer endless opportunities for thematic exploration. From ancient ruins and Gothic cathedrals to art museums and vibrant squares, every European city has a unique story to tell. Here are some suggestions for themed tours that will help you discover Europe’s hidden treasures.
1. Paris, France: Capital of Art and Culture
Paris is famous for its rich cultural heritage and its central role in art history. Start with a visit to the Louvre, one of the largest and most famous museums in the world, where you can admire masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Continue with Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former train station, which showcases Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artwork from famous artists such as Monet, Van Gogh and Degas.
Don’t miss the Notre-Dame Cathedral, an outstanding example of Gothic architecture and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, located on Montmartre Hill, offering spectacular views of the city. End your tour with a walk on the Champs-Élysées and a visit to the Eiffel Tower, the iconic symbol of Paris.
Rome, also known as the “Eternal City”, is a dream destination for history lovers. Start your tour at the Colosseum, one of the most impressive monuments of ancient Rome, where you will discover the stories of gladiators and public performances. Next door, the Roman Forum will take you through the ruins of the central square of Roman antiquity, where temples, triumphal arches and administrative buildings are located.
Don’t forget to visit the Pantheon, an impressive Roman temple turned Christian church and the Catacombs of Rome, an underground complex of tunnels and early Christian tombs. End your tour with a walk on Via Appia Antica, one of the oldest Roman roads and a visit to the Vatican Museums, where you can admire the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s famous frescoes.
Vienna is a city of music, art and grand architecture. Start exploring with Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, where you’ll be able to visit luxurious rooms and impressive baroque gardens. Then head to the Hofburg Palace, where you will discover the imperial apartments and the Sisi Museum, dedicated to Empress Elisabeth of Austria.
Don’t miss an evening at the Vienna State Opera, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, plus a visit to the House of Music, an interactive museum dedicated to the history of music and famous composers such as Mozart and Beethoven. End your tour with a stroll along the Ringstraße, the circular boulevard that surrounds Vienna’s historic center and is home to impressive buildings such as the Rathaus (Town Hall), the Parliament and the Burgtheater.
Barcelona is a vibrant and colorful city known for its unique architecture and lively atmosphere. Start your tour with the Sagrada Família, architect Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, and continue to Park Güell, a public park full of colorful structures and sculptures designed by the same brilliant architect.
Don’t miss Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera), two of Barcelona’s most famous modernist buildings, and explore Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) with its narrow streets and picturesque squares. End the tour with a visit to the Picasso Museum, where you will discover the artist’s early works and his Catalan influences.
