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European Vacations to Picturesque Edinburgh

Edinburgh, capital of Scotland since the 15th century, is a must-see when going on European vacations. It has two distinct areas, the Old Town with its medieval fortress and the New Town with its neoclassical look that has had a strong influence on European urban planning since the 18th century. Medieval Old Town is located on a ridge stretching from the Castle to the Palace of Holyrood. Here you will see houses of merchants and nobles during the 16th and 17th centuries, unique tenements, and early public buildings including St. Giles Cathedral and Canongate Tolbooth. To the north of the Old Town are seven new towns built from 1767 to 1890 that comprise what is now known as the Georgian New Town. Integrated with neoclassical buildings are gardens that take advantage of the areas topography. In the Age of Enlightenment it was a major center of thought and learning, and today continues its cultural and political links with mainland Europe. This unique blend of old and new has earned for Edinburgh the distinction of being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Look Back to Ancient Greece on European Vacations

Take a walk through history with a visit to ancient Greece on European vacations. In the center of Athens, on your way to the Acropolis, watch out for the Hadrians Arch, a structure spanning an ancient road leading to the complex of structures on the citys east side. This complex included the Temple of Olympian Zeus, said to have been built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, to honor him for his many significant contributions to the city. Continue your journey through the fertile plains of Boeotia and drive to Delphi. The center of the ancient world, it is located along the slopes of the imposing Mount Parnassus. Here you can see the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios and the Temple of Apollo. Marvel at the wealth of the ancient times with a visit to the Treasury of the Athenians. Go to the museum it features ancient Greek masterpieces, including the famous bronze Charioteer.

Spend Winter on Switzerland European Vacations

Switzerland is a destination hot spot for European vacations during winter. Climb the Matterhorn, Switzerland's most popular landmark, and enjoy breathtaking mountain landscapes and views of tiny villages covered by perfectly white snow. Many winter activities are available for the entire family: snowboarding, skating, snow shoe trekking, dog sledding, horse sleigh rides, tobogganing, and cross-country skiing. Not too challenging for you?Experience a heart-pounding adrenaline rush by engaging in some extreme sports opportunities. You can opt to go air boarding, using a high-tech, inflatable body-board that you steer by shifting your weight. Snow kiting is like having your own personal ski lift -- wear skis or a snowboard before you are attached to a kite that carries you through the wind. Definitely not for the faintest of heart!At the end of a grueling day, relax those tired and aching muscles in the heated pool of your hotel or resort.

European Vacations to Nice, France

Immerse yourself in art by visiting the museums of Nice on your European vacations. Top of the list on the contemporary side is the Muse dArt Moderne et dArt Contemporain, which has a large permanent collection from New Realism, the Nice School and Pop Art. Free exhibits are available at the Galerie Jean Renoir which features young local talent. Matisse fans will be treated to a huge collection of his paintings, engravings, drawings and personal effects at the quaint 17th century villa called Muse Matisse. The Muse National Message Biblique Marc Chagall is a stark contrast, its paintings with biblical themes an assault on the senses displayed in a bare structure that belies the color within. Aside from featuring lovely museums, Nice is also home to some of the most beautiful churches in France. French baroque religious architecture is a prominent influence on the Chapelle de la Misricorde while the Cathdrale Saint Nicolas is one of the most striking examples of Russian Orthodox architecture outside of Russia.