Europe is a wonderland of history, romance and splendid scenery-sometimes all in the same afternoon. Those are just three of the reasons it's the world's most visited continent and the following 50 are just a handful of the other ones. In case you can't tell, we cannot wait to get back across the pond, but until then, let's daydream about everything that makes Europe a traveler's dream come true.

Stretching from France to Slovenia, the Alps are packed with jaw-dropping peaks and steeped in rich regional traditions. For good reason, many travelers focus only on the dreamy, chalet-filled landscapes of Switzerland and Austria, but the truth is you can find a slice of alpine heaven anywhere in the range. Visit in the summer to hike among the wildflowers between villages while breathing cool mountain air; come in the winter to ski the slopes and feast on fondue by the fireplace.

Imagine if DC, Hollywood and the Big Apple were all in the same city: that's what London is to the UK. Add that it's the base for the Royal Family and the fact it's full of history and you have a city like nothing else. Home to dozens of neighborhoods that compete in coolness with their counterparts in New York or Berlin, awesome dining & nightlife and a seemingly endless list of celebrated and atypical attractions, London will leave you dizzy and longing for a return.

Sure, there are no window views when you're in the Channel Tunnel, but that's not the point of the remarkable journey on the Eurostar. Even though it's been running since 1994, the fact that you can ride a train under the English Channel between the British capital and the continent still manages to boggle the mind. Needless to say, it's the perfect way to bundle London and Paris on an itinerary.

Europe is the world's undisputed capital of castles, with nearly every country being home to a fortification seemingly ripped from a storybook. From the British Isles to Bulgaria, you're never far from one that will take your breath away and stopping by to see one (or serendipitously stumbling upon one) is a beloved part of any European trip.

This region has one foot in France and one in Germany, but both firmly planted in a fairytale. Over the centuries, the Alsace has been a possession of both nations, but today sits within France and is filled with half-timbered towns, vineyards, and rustic "wine caves" for tasting the local product. Cities like Strasbourg and Colmar are must-sees as are chocolate-box beauties like Eguisheim.

Monaco, Vatican City, San Marino, Andorra, Malta, and Lichtenstein. What these small nations lack in size they more than make up for in the uniqueness of their story and visiting one is a special, only-in-Europe trip experience. Make for Monaco to feel glamorous; head to Andorra for Pyrenees mountain splendor; fly to Malta for fun in the Meditteranean sun; and visit Vatican City to see more museums, works of art and artifacts per square foot than anywhere on earth.

From the chic chocolatiers of Paris, Brussels, and Geneva to boutique operations all over the continent and even the chocolate aisle at the local supermarket, Europe is a chocolate lover's dream. Belgium, France, and Switzerland are certainly the leaders in chocolate-coated travel fun, with many of the biggest names offering mouthwatering tours of their production facilities.

At some point in your time in Paris, you'll turn a corner and see the Eiffel Tower for the first time. Perhaps no other object symbolizes Europe to the rest of the world and once you've seen it, you've officially arrived. You'll experience similar goosebumps when casting a glance upon the Arc de Triomphe, taking a walk down the Champs-?lys��es or soaking in a sunset from Montmarte. While there's no doubt that Paris is a mile-a-minute modern city, you can still find the moody magic of the Belle Epoque if you know where you look.

No, it's not completely under-the-radar anymore, but you still get the feeling of crowds slipping away when you cross the border. At the crossroads of western and eastern Europe, this nation packs a ton into its relatively small size, but even just a night or two in quirky capital Ljubljana is enough to feel the love for Slovenia.

Tuscany. The Loire Valley. Duoro. Rioja. These renowned wine regions are nearly as famous for their bucolic scenes as they are their vintages and that's no coincidence. All over Europe-from famous locations like Champagne and Bordeaux to places you may not expect like Hungary and Romania-you will find wine regions bursting with beauty and unbelievably good wines to quaff.

Lyon. Porto. Hamburg. Bologna. Rotterdam. Cork. Basel. The list goes on and on of major European cities that sit in the shadow of larger, more internationally-known destinations in their own country. Seek them out, because they always hold surprises and you may leave agreeing with the locals about why their home is the best.

Even if you aren't an art aficionado at home, you will be smitten by more than a few creative masterstrokes in Europe. Museums like the Tate Modern, Louvre, Uffizi Gallery, Rijksmuseum and Prado are just the tip of the iceberg of addresses that will impress you in the art department. Here, you can view works of masters like Michaelangelo, Van Gogh, Picasso and their contemporaries.

Yes, it's as green as you expected and the Guinness tastes even better than you ever dreamed, but most importantly, you'll be surrounded by smiles and warm hospitality from the moment you arrive in Ireland. From emerald hills in the countryside to the craic in the pubs of Dublin, Ireland always astounds.

Beer isn't just a beverage in Europe, it's engrained in the culture and every sip of local brew will bring you closer to the soul of a place. Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic make up the "beer belt", but excellent brews can be found everywhere in Europe. Best enjoyed in a sunny German beer garden, British pub, or characterful "brown bar" in Holland.

In much of central and northern Europe, a spell of warm, sunny weather is greeted with a gusto usually associated with holidays and three-day weekends in North America, with people pouring into the local parks to soak it all in. Pretty much anywhere you are on the continent though, you'll find locals enjoying their green spaces and you're more than welcome to pack a picnic (complete with a bottle of wine or can of beer) and try on that park life for yourself.

Due to the way our maps look, the following fact manages to fly under the radar: much of Europe is located at a very north position latitude-wise. This means that during much of June & July, the sun doesn't set until nearly ten o'clock in many places, which is a novelty for much of us from North America and just further enhances the fun of the summer season and those aforementioned park picnics.

Nobody does festivals like Europe and no matter when you visit, there's something special happening. From Oktoberfest (and its myriad of smaller cousins throughout Germany) to the Running of the Bulls, La Tomatina, and hundreds of small spring festivals, wine harvest gatherings and Lenten carnivals, Europeans know how to let loose. Often, there will be centuries of history woven in with the merrymaking, meaning a trip to one of these festivals offers frivolity and a chance to truly get to know the culture.

While you can take a trip on a train pretty much anywhere in the world, there's nothing like the romance of riding the rails in Europe. This is the continent where it all began and while not all European train trips are like The Orient Express of yesteryear, there are still flickers of that glamour in the grand stations, dining cars, and stunning scenery out your window. Best experienced by using the iconic Eurail pass.

Contrary to many itineraries and imaginations, Europe extends further than northern Germany, and those who keep going to Scandinavia will find a land rich with natural beauty and sleek, hip modern cities. Experience some of the world's best dining and arguably the world's cutest amusement park in Copenhagen before making for the fjords of Norway. Then, hop over the border to Sweden, where the forests of the north and sleek cities Stockholm and Gothenburg will dazzle you. Last but not least, Finland impresses with Eastern vibes wonderful wilderness.

This doesn't mean that Venice won't cause you to fall head over heels at high noon, it's just that there's something truly magical about strolling around in the dark. See the big sights during the day, then head out for a great meal in the evening with some local sparkling wine and then wander the streets under the stars, taking any turn that looks interesting. Getting lost can be frustrating, but you'll end up remembering your nighttime stroll long after you leave.

Barcelona. Manchester. Madrid. Milan. Munich. Not only are these cities all great European destinations, but they have also become synonymous with their soccer clubs. No matter where you go in Europe, you will never be far from a stadium and local fans rooting on the home team, and joining them is one of the planet's ultimate sports fan experiences. If you miss the home team in action, almost all of the largest stadiums offer guided tours.

From Iceland to Istanbul (but especially in France, Spain and Italy), Europe will take your taste buds on the ride of their life. Many times, it's a journey to where one of your favorite dishes of all time came from, other times it's discovering a small restaurant that time forgot where Old World traditions survive and thrive.

Even if it's just a few words like "yes", "no" "hello" and "thank you", speaking the local European language goes a long way towards ingratiating yourself to shopkeepers, train conductors, waiters and many others. And you know what, it's just plain fun!

Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul offers up heavyweight historical sights and modern-day cosmopolitan delights set against a backdrop of the Bosphorus river. Sitting beside the river with a tea in your hand as the sun sinks down is one of the continent's most iconic travel experiences.

From the ancient sights like the Colosseum and Forum to the fanciful fountains of the Renaissance era and on to the modern-day foodie finds at the city's markets, Rome offers the original European city experience. Simply turning corners here is like turning the page in a history book.

From its border with Slovenia in the north down to the crossing with Montenegro in the south, the Croatian coast has reason to boast. Scattered along its shores are scores of islands, pretty pebble beaches and sun-faded old towns begging to be the star of your summer trip.

After you've explored ancient Athens and its hip modern side, head to the port and in a little under two hours you can be in island heaven on Hydra. Or, head further afield to the islands that you think of the second anyone says Greece: The Cyclades. This family of pretty submerged mountain peaks and volcanic rock is where you'll find Santorini, Mykonos, Sifnos and scores other white & blue bucket list isles.

Created by volcanoes and filled with otherworldly landscapes, Iceland is as naturally stunning as it is a great place to introduce yourself to European travel. A short flight from the East Coast, Iceland is the perfect spot to road trip to waterfalls & black sand beaches before falling asleep under the Northern Lights. The capital Reykjavik may be small by European standards, but it still packs a cultural punch.

Handsome Budapest is an ideal introduction to Eastern Europe and can compete with anywhere on the continent when it comes to handsome facades and regal architecture. The ultimate experience: a day spent at the city's famous outdoor baths (spas) topped by a cruise on the Danube under a spectacular series of bridges.

Norway is known for its abundance of natural wonders and the beauty on its west coast is by far its crown jewel. Find your favorite fjord on a cruise or explore independently to get off the beaten path and into a nature lover's dream.

They call it the Cote d'Azur in France, the Italian Riviera over the border in Italia and the Costa Del "Insert Something Evocative Here" in Spain, but wherever you are on the Mediterranean coast, you are sure to be swept off your feet. The towns, cities, and harbors on the Rivieria are most romantic around dusk when locals and travelers alike gather to walk along the promenade enjoying the good life.

The largest city of Spain's alluring Andalucia region is perhaps the nation's most traditional city, making it a must-visit on any Iberian excursion. Stroll the graceful Plaza de Espana before viewing the former mosque turned Christian house of worship the Seville Cathedral. Pack your sunscreen and your cool attire though, because Seville is Europe's warmest big city.

Yep, it's true, Africa can be spotted from the shores of southern Spain and numerous ferries ply the waters between the two continents. Head over for the day (or a couple of nights) from Gibraltar (after you've seen the rock, of course) to experience the magic of Morocco and gain an insight into the unique cultural exchange between the two continents.

From the grand port of Gdansk to the medieval beauties of Torun, Wroclaw and Krakow, Poland draws you in and always surprises you. In fact, its lake district may be one of the most underrated natural playgrounds on the continent.

The literal translation of this phrase is "the sweet life", and while this Italian philosophy of living can be an elusive concept, boy is it ever sweet when you find it. Tip: you'll stumble across it during a hand-in-hand walk in a vineyard, or in a shared cup of gelato in a hidden alley or a sunset stroll along a glorious Italian lake.

The hippest city between Hamburg and Tokyo, Berlin captivates you day and night, fully embracing its role as the de facto German capital of cool. Hit the big sights like Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the remnants of the Wall, but make time to spend at least one night bouncing between pulsating clubs and uber-trendy bars & eateries.

You will get lost. You may get frustrated. But you just might stumble into something special. Maybe it's a Mom & Pop trattoria that's not even on Tripadvisor or a quiet slice of a busy city to call your own, it's likely an unexpected moment or two will end up being your trip highlight.

Criss-crossed by the rugged Carpathian mountains and filled with cobbled medieval towns (especially in fairytale Transylvania) and castles, Romania is the loveliest country in Europe you haven't looked into yet. This is to say nothing of the bustling capital Bucharest and beach resorts on the Black Sea coast.

From the stately Schonbrunn Palace to the Opera House and all the museums on the Ringstrasse, Vienna is home to the handsome leftovers of the Habsburg Empire. There is a level of sophistication and stateliness here that hits you the second you arrive, with the city's elegant coffee houses being the best place to soak it all in while slicing through a local torte.

The lavish cousin of the castle, palaces are everywhere in Europe and offer an insight into how both ancient rulers and recent royalty lived. Highlights include Versailles in France, the Winter Palace in Russia, Schonnbrunn in Austria and the Alhambra in Spain.

Europe is covered by footpaths and trails, and unlike in North America, they typically link together towns and cities as opposed to exclusively leading the walkers into rugged wilderness. This means that you can craft a "trip within a trip" where you leave the big cities behind to spend a day or two walking between small towns, enjoying the scenery and warm hospitality of rustic bed & breakfasts along the way. Switzerland, Austria, Britain, France and Slovenia are particularly well suited for memorable strolls.

The Tube. The Metro. The U-Bahn. The urban underground rail network has different names in different cities, but it's almost always a part of the European traveler experience. Once you get the hang of the map and the ticket systems, you'll love the fact that Metros are a fun way to feel like a local and also save you time walking. Throw in the live music in some stations and the endless people-watching and you're sure to remember your rides long after you arrive home.

Some people will have you believe that Prague is too popular for its own good, but those folks are looking in the wrong places. A sunrise walk across through Old Town Square to the St. Charles Bridge still feels tranquil-and breathtaking-and the city is full of neighborhoods where you can escape the throngs.

Chalets covered in frescoes, frothy beers in the sun with mountains in the background, lederhosen & dirndls. Many of our visions of Germany that dance in our head are actually of this southernmost state of the country and nowhere combines natural scenery and tradition as beautifully as Bavaria. Highlights include the capital Munich, storybook towns like Mittenwald and the myriad of dreamy lakes and mountain villages.

When crafting a European itinerary or choosing a tour, it's tempting to stop heading west once you hit Spain and put a checkmark through the box of the Iberian Peninsula. But skipping Portugal would be a huge mistake, as this country rewards all those who explore its cities, caramel beaches and wine regions. Only have a couple of days? Then head to Lisbon to admire Europe's loveliest capital skyline at sunset from one of the numerous scenic overlooks in the old town.

For a "small" country, bilingual Belgium (French and Flemish) is home to international Brussels, cosmopolitan port Antwerp, romantic canal-filled Bruges and Ghent and the rolling hills of the Ardennes. Throw in famous abbey breweries, world-leading chocolatiers, waffle shops, and Belgian frites stands in addition to an iconic coastal resort, and you have a truly delicious destination.

Nowhere else combines urban buzz with sunny beach vibes like Barcelona. Admire the cityscape from the kaleidoscopic Parc Guell before getting sand in your toes and seeing an eyeful of striking sculptures at the beach. Then, spend your night bouncing between tapas bars and sipping glasses of local sparkling wine called cava.

You haven't fully experienced Britain until you've seen Scotland. This legendary land of wild landscapes, majestic lochs, castles and islands is well worth heading north for. Spend a couple of days in Edinburgh before heading for the highlands and islands, the latter being home to some properly picturesque beaches.

You'll get a taste of the Balkans in Slovenia and Croatia, but to fall even deeper in love with its unspoiled and overlooked charm, head in from the coast to Bosnia and Serbia. From the hip, cosmopolitan hum of Belgrade to the ancient bridge of Mostar and the Ottoman-influenced old town of Sarajevo, you will be pleasantly surprised at what you find in this fascinating region.

Europe's rich and complicated history is full of borders being drawn and re-drawn and oftentimes, there is no hard change of culture and language when you cross one. This results in fascinating areas where cultures come together, blurring the border, offering travelers an opportunity to dig into the local history and-culturally and gastronomically speaking-enjoy the best of both worlds.