Europe Action & Adventure, Bird + Flowers Pictures

• The World

The Floating City is as romantic as it gets, with its gondolas, serenaders, dazzling palazzos and churches, and almost timeless feel.

From skiing and tubing to hiking, climbing and sailing, the wild mountainous scenery of this alpine resort town offers a variety of summer and winter pursuits.

Colorful houses line narrow canals at this charming island renowned for its delicate lacework.

Beneath its six soaring towers, immerse yourself in over a millennium’s worth of history at the city’s opulent sandstone cathedral.

Brave the dizzying heights of this striking viewpoint to see some of the most spectacular views in Madeira. 

Admire exotic plants from Chile, Africa and Turkey, along with a large collection of alpine and arctic flora in these beautiful public gardens.

Serious skiers come from near and far for the challenging pistes and stay for the crackling vacation atmosphere of this Tyrolean resort. 

Admire the greatest works of Michelangelo and da Vinci, see the center of Catholicism and pose with the Leaning Tower of Pisa on this Mediterranean peninsula.

Berlin’s “great escape” is a peaceful expanse of forests, meadows and ponds, right next to the city center.

From skiing and tubing to hiking, climbing and sailing, the wild mountainous scenery of this alpine resort town offers a variety of summer and winter pursuits.

Visit this pleasantly secluded village, known for its dramatic sea cliffs, stunning coastal views and sunny weather. 

Escape the city and head to one of the world’s largest urban parks, which has lakes and meadows, as well as beer gardens and a variety of interesting relics.

Try the Old Beer at one of the many pubs, stroll along the riverside and visit the range of museums in Duesseldorf’s historic nucleus.

Sip red wine on a boat in the central part of the Rhine River and visit the quaint towns through which it meanders.

Hike across glacial fields, ski through frozen valleys and go on a whale-watching cruise in this Scandinavian destination. 

Home to many of Zaragoza’s most important sights, this square is also a popular gathering place and the setting for the city’s biggest annual festivals. 

Discover Mainz at its most charming in this romantic square, bordered by historic half-timbered homes and anchored by a bubbling Baroque-style fountain.

Try the Old Beer at one of the many pubs, stroll along the riverside and visit the range of museums in Duesseldorf’s historic nucleus.

Getting across Fribourg’s river is an experience and a lesson in history. Drive or walk from shore to shore on this structure that has survived time. 

Go on a botanical tour of the world and indulge your senses in the beautifully maintained displays of this garden in Essen’s large municipal park.

Home to many of Zaragoza’s most important sights, this square is also a popular gathering place and the setting for the city’s biggest annual festivals.