Europe Action & adventure, Castles & palaces + Winter pictures

• World

The capital of Scotland combines ancient architecture and fascinating history with a vibrant cultural scene and world-famous festivals.

One of the oldest shopping centres in the world is known for its fine dining, iconic luxury labels and stores selling goods from local craftsmen.

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.

From the peaks of the Pyrenees to sun-scorched beaches and desert-like regions, Spain is a country of diverse landscapes. Enjoy this natural backdrop while you view eclectic architecture, sample regional food and be swept up in one of the country’s many festivals.

Go to the highest railway station in Europe, visit an ice palace and view a colossal glacier when you take a picturesque train ride to this mountain pass.

Armouries and pharmacies, rooms filled with fine porcelain, amazing collections of watches and silverware, and never-ending corridors graced by masterpieces.

With gorgeous countryside, cultural cities and charming villages along its shores, the largest lake in Switzerland and France is a vacationer’s dream.

One of the world’s smallest countries lies within eastern Italy’s countryside. Visit the longstanding city-state for natural beauty, culture and food specialties.

Maze-like hedges, marble sculptures and colorful flower beds adorn this historic royal garden, where the palace’s stables and carriages once lay.

Explore dozens of elegant rooms, meander through manicured Victorian gardens and watch falcon flying demonstrations at this castle complex.

One of the world’s smallest countries lies within eastern Italy’s countryside. Visit the longstanding city-state for natural beauty, culture and food specialties.

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

Armouries and pharmacies, rooms filled with fine porcelain, amazing collections of watches and silverware, and never-ending corridors graced by masterpieces.

Go to the highest railway station in Europe, visit an ice palace and view a colossal glacier when you take a picturesque train ride to this mountain pass.

Explore this mysterious Gothic castle and discover the eerie stories connected to its long history.

Take a break from Munich’s bustling streets among the lakes, meadows and beer gardens of this oasis of calm in the centre of the city.

Enter a peaceful park full of forests, lakes and long expanses of grass, all within minutes of the city centre.