It's hard to beat Europe for multi-city travel! Convenient train and air travel and seamless border-hopping means it's easy to check off more than one beautiful destination from your travel wish list in one go.
We asked our Travel Experts how they would spend the carefree summer months in European capitals, and Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam were clear standouts! Check out our suggestions on how to make the most of your time on a DIY tour.
Paris
See
Discover the roots of French gastronomy with a guided tour of the Château of Versailles and the Royal Kitchen Garden! You'll enjoy the fresh summer air while learning about Louis XIV's influence on French gastronomy. Once you work up an appetite, pop into a Parisian cafe for lunch!
Taste
Seasonal fruits at open markets
Landing in Paris during mid to late summer, you can get a taste --literally-- of what it’s like to be a local during this idyllic time of year. Sniff and touch some juicy melons - cantaloupe is a Parisian favourite, enjoyed in the open air, refreshing you and whetting your appetite for all the other French fare waiting for you.
Tour
Day trip to Normandy
A short bus ride or drive through the scenic countryside from bustling Paris takes you to beautiful Normandy. Its historic beaches set the successful, if not grisly, scene, for the Allies to reclaim France during the D-Day Battle.
Amsterdam
See
A'Dam Lookout
The A’Dam Lookout is a panoramic observation deck with unrivalled, 360-degree views of the city, at the very top of the A’DAM Tower. Home to Europe’s highest swing, ‘Over the Edge’ appeals to those seeking a more intense thrill. Swing not your thing? Enjoy a sophisticated bite and cocktail at the Panorama Rooftop Bar and Restaurant for fantastic views morning through night.
Taste
Snert
The Dutch call it snert, and even if that name doesn’t sound like it, we call it downright delicious. A thick, flavourful and hearty soup made with potatoes, vegetables and split peas, topped with smoky sausage, snert is a Dutch staple and a must-taste when you’re there. We love a generous amount of cracked black pepper and chopped fresh parsley, like the mouth-watering photo depicts.
Tour
Canal Cruise
Amsterdam’s famous labyrinthine canals are designated by UNESCO, and a lovely way to enjoy them is by touring them on a boat. Canal cruises take you on a picturesque and informative tour of these important heritage waterways. Once you’ve got your bearings, rent a bike to tour around -- Amsterdam’s preferred mode of getting around.
Rome
See
Street Art in San Lorenzo
Rome is renowned for its priceless paintings and famous art galleries. While these traditional masterpieces are must-sees, do some exploring outside the great institutional walls and hit the streets to admire a living art form-- street art in Rome, in areas like the hipster San Lorenzo neighbourhood, is large-scale, awe-inspiring and super-cool.
Taste
Authentic Gelato
Nothing beats a creamy, luscious cold treat like an authentic Italian gelato-- especially during the hotter season. As one Italian friend with the inside "scoop" on gelato pointed out, "ice cream is to ice, what gelato is to snow." La Dolce Vita, indeed!
Tour
Rome By Night
Gelato is one way to beat the heat; another wonderful way is to tour Rome at nighttime. In the warmth of the evening, out of the blaze of the sunshine, wander through Rome during an enchanting hour, where buildings are magically lit and crowds are fewer.
