In trademark Spanish style, Valencia combines Moorish treasures and fabulous food with fiery flamenco, a gorgeous beach, and a museum scene to rival Madrid. Historic highlights come in the form of Torres de Serranos, Valencia Cathedral—home to an agate chalice, which some believe is the Holy Grail and the mummified arm of a saint—and the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda). First-time visitors can orientate themselves on a walking, bike, Segway, or hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Portugal's diverse landscapes range from granite peaks and forested hills in the north, to the sunny beaches of the southern Algarve—all bordered by nearly 500 miles of stunning Atlantic coastline. Start in Lisbon, taking in the capital's many historical sights and famous hills by foot or electric bike.

Well-known for its boot shape, Italy boasts a staggering number of renowned pieces of art and an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and welcomes visitors with a warm, friendly atmosphere. Let a private or small-group tour with an expert guide show you how to walk in Caesar’s footsteps through the Forum in Rome. Take a gondola tour of Venice to glide by the city’s classic architecture.

Chic. Sophisticated. Iconic. France’s cultural identity is prominent across the globe. Paris, known affectionately as the City of Light, tops every list of romantic destinations yet offers something for every type of traveler, from dinner shows at the Moulin Rouge to world-renowned art at the Louvre Museum and Gothic architecture at Notre Dame Cathedral. In Versailles, the colossal palace exudes, grandeur; triunph arc, fine wines beg to be quaffed in Bordeaux and Champagne.

The multi-cultural political center of Europe, this small-but-important country lures visitors with its specialty beers, tantalizing chocolate, and famous diamonds, along with a rich history—and the old buildings that honor that. Belgium's location, squished between Germany and France, give it an often-outsized historical importance, with World War I and II having left notable marks. Day tours from the capital, Brussels, show historic sites related to the well-known Battle of the Bulge.

Norway: land of breathtaking fjords, cosmopolitan cities, and Scandinavian design. In the capital city of Oslo, visit top attractions such as the Viking Ship Museum and Vigeland Sculpture Park, and get a taste of Norwegian culture on a food tour. On the west coast, UNESCO-protected fjords, craggy coastlines, and Bergen, the so-called City of Seven Mountains, beckon outdoor enthusiasts. Those in search of the northern lights and winter activities.

Iceland, the country of fire (volcanoes) and ice (glaciers), lives up to its magical reputation. Human presence feels minimal and nature reigns supreme: The northern lights, hot springs, glaciers, active volcanoes, geysers, and inviting desolation makes Iceland a natural phenomenon in itself.

From the soaring Alpine peaks of the Jungfrau region to the peaceful shores of Lake Geneva, Switzerland welcomes visitors with a wealth of great outdoor adventures. Private and small-group tours led by in-the-know guides help you navigate your way through regions with inspiring landscapes, medieval history, and multiple languages. In summer, take a hiking tour through lush pastureland and paddle along choppy rivers; in winter, ski, and snowboard in the Alps.

Known for its its tulip fields, windmills, and artistic masters (and on the other side of culture, perhaps the Red Light district and coffee shops), the Netherlands manages to mix decades of culture with a modern, socially liberal atmosphere. The country continues to enchant with its artistic masterpieces, famous tulip fields, and well-known nightlife. Despite its small size, the country hosts endless surprises for visitors to discover—whether it's on a bicycle through the scenic flat landscapes