My 9 Favorite Travel Experiences in Europe That I Recommend to You

To start off the new year (hello 2023!) I want to offer up some of my favorite travel experiences in Europe.

These are experiences that include a couple of things to do and see so you can create a half day to a full day in a particular destination.

So what makes my top 9 favorite travel experiences in Europe list?

Keep reading!

Hike Alpe di Siusi, Italy in summer then watch the sun set on the Schlern from San Valentino Church

One of my absolute favorite places in all of Europe is the Alpe di Siusi in northern Italy.

While the Italians and Germans know this place well, it’s a little less known by Americans.

I’ve been to this part of Italy 4 times now with my last 2 visits being roughly 3 weeks each.

And while I love it in autumn — because it’s a little less busy — I love hiking Alpe di Siusi in summer.

There are so many wildflowers!

Plus you have long days.

Hike the myriad of trails in this high alpine meadow. 

Then sit and relax.

Maybe stop at one of the huts and have a bite to eat or a wee beer.

Better yet, sit on the grass and smell the flowers!

And after you come back down from this spectacular destination, make your way to San Valentino Church which sits just above the village of Siusi allo Sciliar.

Sit down in the field.

And watch as the sun sinks behind you, casting the Sciliar (Schlern in German) in golden hues of pink, orange, red and yellow.

This is a perfect day in the Dolomites of Italy.

Tour York Minster, stay for Evensong then have dinner at Cafe No 8 in York, England

There are some gorgeous churches and cathedrals in the UK.

One of my favorites is the York Minster.

I may be partial to this cathedral because I also happen to love the city of York.

Wander about the cathedral.

It’s magnificent.

Sit down when you can and look up at the ceiling and the stained glass windows.

Then queue up for Evensong which takes place most days around 17:15.

Do get in line early as space is limited.

Then be prepared to be mesmerized as the choral group will sing throughout this 45 minute religious service.

The harmony of these beautiful voices in this grand building, well, it may bring you to tears.

It did that to me.

You don’t need to be religious.

I’m not.

Just be respectful.

It’s such an incredible experience.

And after the service make your way to Cafe No 8 for a delicious meal.

Food here is simple and very tasty.

Do make a reservation.

A perfect day in York, England!

Walk to Tramore Beach in Dunfanaghy, Ireland, enjoy the beach then catch a session at Patsy Dan’s

One of my perfect travel days came in County Donegal, Ireland.

I love this part of Ireland!

Dunfanaghy is a small village and just a delightful town with a few pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops. 

And it has 2 beaches — and a golf course.

The one beach, the town beach called Killahoey, is easy to get to.

The other, Tramore, you have to walk to as there is no parking lot right by it.

It’s not too long of a walk, maybe a mile or 2.

But it does deter some folks from visiting it.

The walk is fun, through sand dunes.

You’ll get some views to the sea and you’ll even be able to spot Tramore off in the distance.

And once you’re there you’ll be rewarded with a 3km stretch of sandy gorgeousness.

This is one of the most stunning beaches in Ireland.

Because it’s a big beach — Tramore literally means big beach in Irish Gaelic — you may be able to find a spot all to yourself.

Pack a snack and take in the beauty and serenity of this special place.

And after you walk back through the dunes, make your way to the heart of the village to Patsy Dan’s pub for a pint and a ‘session’ of traditional Irish music.

I can’t think of a better way to spend the time in this piece of Ireland.

Walk from Stoupa to Agios Nikolaos, wander the village and have lunch at Vesuvios, then walk back to Stoupa for sunset, Mani Peninsula, Greece

Visiting the Mani Peninsula in Greece has been on my list for a while.

This piece of Greece is actually part of the greater Peloponnese Peninsula. 

It’s all so beautiful with mountains and a rugged coastline.

And there are some wonderful seaside towns and villages.

Stoupa is one that has good tourist infrastructure with lots of places to stay and eat as well as a small supermarket.

It also has a couple of nice beaches.

But the treat is that there is a paved path between Stoupa and a wee fishing village called Agios Nikolaos.

It’s about 3.5-4km from Stoupa to Agios Nikolaos.

The views out to the sea and back to the mountains are superb.

There isn’t any shade so do be careful in summer.

I was there in the latter part of October and had a gorgeous day with warm sun and cool breezes.

Once you reach Agios Nikolaos, just wander about.

There isn’t much to this little fishing village but it’s charming as hell.

Then treat yourself to lunch at Taverna Vezuvios.

This taverna is located on the street that runs perpendicular to the main street along the harbor. 

So it’s tucked back away from the main action.

But it’s right by the water, with a south facing terrace.

You can even go for a swim right from the lower terrace.

The food is delicious and the owners are kind and friendly.

I whiled away my time with a light lunch and some tasty wine as I soaked up the sun and took in the views.

I chatted with some other patrons of the restaurant, some of whom were American.

Then I walked back to Stoupa.

If you time it right, you can get back to Stoupa just in time for sunset at Stoupa Beach or you can pop into Enigma for a drink and to watch the sun go down.

Definitely one of my all time favorite travel experiences. 

Walk the West Highland Way in Scotland and have a good meal with a wee dram after

I’ve always raved about walking the West Highland Way in Scotland.

It is definitely a favorite travel experience. 

How can it not be?

And I ended each fantastic day of walking with a meal and a wee dram of Scottish whisky.

Now, you don’t have to walk the entire 96 miles to have this amazing travel experience.

You could choose to walk a section of the West Highland Way and have the delicious food and dram afterwards.

So, just 1 day.

Your choice.

But if you would love to tackle a long distance trail, the West Highland Way is a good option.

Then you can have 6, 7 or 8 good meals and drams after each day!

Regardless of what you choose, you’ll love walking the trail.

And you will definitely find a spot for a good meal and a wee dram to end your day.

Hike to Sennes Hut, have lunch or a drink, hike back down, enjoy some spa time followed by a delicious meal at Hotel Olympia in San Vigilio di Marebbe, Italy

Because I love the Trentino-Alto Adige region of Italy so much — especially the Südtirol province (Alto Adige) — I have a second entry on this list of favorite travel experiences from this area.

This one revolves around the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park and the village of San Vigilio di Marebbe.

An awesome travel experience here is to first be sure to stay at Hotel Olympia.

Then take the hike from Pederü up to Senes Hut (Sennes Rifugio). 

The first part of the hike is a bit of slog with switchbacks along a steep gravel-y road.

But once past that part, the trail gets better as do the views.

Then you get to the hut — which you can actually stay in for a night or 2 if you want.

However, if you just want to make the day hike, that works too.

Senes Hut is set so it has fabulous views to all kinds of Dolomiti peaks.

And the food here is excellent.

So make the 3 mile hike up the steep trail, enjoy a tasty lunch and the impressive views.

Then make your way back down the trail to Pederü.

Once back at Hotel Olympia, take advantage of the spa facilities and get into one of the saunas or the spa pool to relax.

After your spa time and shower, time for dinner.

The wonderful part of Hotel Olympia is you can get half board which means not only do you get breakfast, but you get dinner as well.

And the food is scrumptious!

Buon appetito!

Wander the streets of Verona, Italy, have dinner at La Griglia then attend a concert or the opera at the Arena

You know me.

I’m not a city person.

But I do love the city of Verona in the Veneto region of Italy.

A wonderful full day travel experience in Verona is to wander the streets, popping into Sant’Anastasia church and going up into Torre dei Lamberti for some marvelous views.

Get a gelato and sit in Piazza Bra or the smaller Piazza Signori with its statue of Dante and people watch.

Then have a fabulous meal at La Griglia with some local wine such as a Valpolicella Classico or Valpolicella Ripasso.

And end your awesome day with a concert or an opera performance at the ancient Arena.

I know for me, seeing a show at the Arena is definitely one of my favorite travel experiences — and one of my fondest travel memories. 

This is a perfect day in Verona (in my opinion).

Explore Punta Corrente Forest Park in Rovinj, Croatia then go to La Puntalina to watch the sun go down with a glass of vino

I only spent a few days in Rovinj but one of those days actually makes it onto this list of favorite travel experiences.

There is a lovely park called Punta Corrente Forest Park that sits south of the old town of Rovinj.

There is a wonderful path that kind of circumnavigates the park — so it’s along the water.

You’ll also find a path that runs through the middle of the park and through the trees.

On a nice warm day, you can take a nice long walk, taking in the views.

Pack a snack and some water and sun yourself on one of the rocky beaches or just on a rock.

Maybe take a swim in the gorgeous turquoise water.

You can definitely spend the entire afternoon here at a leisurely pace.

After you walk back to your accommodation and clean up, head to Puntalina about an hour or so before sunset to get a good spot.

You can certainly eat dinner here if you can grab a table out on the terrace.

Or if you just want to enjoy an adult beverage, pick a spot on the rocks and relax with your drink of choice 🍷.

Then watch the sun sink into the Adriatic Sea.

What a lovely way to spend time in Rovinj.

Explore Killarney National Park in Ireland, eat at some good pub grub at PF McCarthys (and enjoy some music) then go to the Coachman’s Pub for a nightcap and more music

It shouldn’t surprise most of you that Ireland makes the list again.

And this favorite travel experience revolves around one of my favorite parks — Killarney National Park — and one of my favorite towns — Kenmare.

First of all, I highly recommend basing yourself in Kenmare versus Killarney Town for exploring Killarney National Park. 

Killarney Town is a bit too touristy with lots of motor coaches.

Of course, you’re here because you want to spend the day in the park.

Maybe you choose to do some hiking.

Perhaps you want to visit Muckross House and Muckross Abbey.

Or maybe you have guided kayak trip planned on the lakes.

However you want to spend the time in the park is up to you.

You can also drive over Molls Gap or take the pony carriage ride over this pass.

Just relish in the beauty of Ireland’s oldest national park.

It’s a truly stunning destination.

After you’ve had your fun in the great outdoors, drive back to Kenmare and have some tasty pub food at PF McCarthy’s.

The fish and chips are delish!

And often — during the tourist season — you’ll be serenaded by some traditional Irish music as you eat your dinner.

Then walk down the street and around the corner to the Coachman for more music — and perhaps a wee dram of Irish whiskey.

I’ve heard some amazing music at this pub.

And they have a fabulous selection of whiskey.

Not to mention you’re bound to run into some locals at the Coachman too.

Perfect way to end your day in beautiful County Kerry!

So there are my favorite travel experiences in Europe

I have many more!

Although these are definitely some of my all time favorites.

I may have to share some more with you in the coming weeks — if you want to hear about more, that is.

I do want to offer up some advice when it comes to travel experiences.

Create your own experiences. 

Often our most loved experiences become our most cherished travel memories.

And typically, these experiences can’t always be planned out.

Usually they just happen.

They happen when we say yes.

These experiences occur when we open up our hearts and minds.

And they happen when we don’t plan out every minute of our travels — when we create space to allow some flexibility in our days.

What are your favorite travel experiences?

Drop them in the comments below.

Or email me at lynne@wanderyourway.com

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