43 days in Europe Itinerary

A land packed with thousands of years of history, Scotland is home to numerous thriving cities and a vibrant population proud of its distinct culture, heritage, and art. The Scottish people are fond of saying "Good things come in small packages," and nowhere is that more true than in their compact homeland. Despite its relatively small size, the country is crammed full of attractions, not the least of which are numerous world-famous golf courses and whiskey distilleries. Though the sun may not always shine here, Scotland is a stunning country renowned for its dramatic scenery of mountains, valleys, hills, green fields, and rugged coastlines, guaranteeing a diverse holiday. While most tourists restrict their itinerary to the historic Highlands, where they search for the mysterious Loch Ness monster, you can also explore the Lowlands’ outstanding natural wonders and flourishing cultural scene.

You'll feel the sun getting bigger and brighter the closer you get to Provence on the Mediterranean. When you glimpse your first red-tiled roof, you'll know you've entered the south, filled with vineyards, cypresses, and the crisp, inviting scent of lavender and rosemary. Since before the Roman Empire, Provence has been a vibrant community, partially due to its intensely bright sunlight--bathing the people in its radiance, as well as soaking sunflowers, olive groves, vineyards, and purple lavender fields with its warm rays. Breezy, star-filled nights set the mood for a romantic vacation highlighted by a moonlit stroll, a dramatic performance at the theater, or dynamic nightlife decked out in the height of fashion at the trendiest nightclubs.

Since Provence is a historical province, some people include the French Riviera as part of the region, because it shares the cultural and linguistic identity unique to Provence, while others view the area north of Cannes as separate from the region.

Joining the Mediterranean Sea, and flanked by the Rhône River and the Alps, this region captivated master artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, and Cézanne. If included on an itinerary, it will do the same for you, with its tranquil gardens, mysterious caves, rustic vistas, Roman ruins, and enchanting old harbors. You can enjoy the finer things in life here, like searching for that special something at the area boutiques, visiting the workshop of a local artisan for authentic regional arts and crafts, and learning historical tidbits from a resident's perspective by antiquing in the country's best stores. Like its native Provençal inhabitants, you too can enjoy world-class people watching. If you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of a major celeb or two followed by the relentless paparazzi, all while sitting at an outdoor café overlooking any one of the magnificent Mediterranean marinas, one of the most quintessential things to do in the region.

Italy is a land of high fashion, fine art, exquisite architecture, luxury sports cars, outstanding cuisine--and an insatiable taste for "la dolce vita." It's also home to the greatest number of World Heritage Sites in the world, making it an ideal place for your next holiday. The country boasts a varied landscape of mountain ranges, alpine lakes, and coastal towns, so it's no wonder travelers often refer to it as the bel paese (beautiful country). With so many places to visit, visitors often have a difficult time planning their itinerary. The smaller villages each feature a distinct character and a blend of architecture, art, and cuisine. In the country, you'll find countless archeological sites dating back to Roman times and beyond. The country's cities and seaside resorts are cosmopolitan powerhouses with museums, galleries, restaurants, shops, open-air markets, and pedestrian-friendly historic areas.

Located just off the west coast of mainland Greece, Zakynthos enjoys a reputation as both a party destination and a family-friendly getaway. Packed with foreign tourists along its eastern and southeastern coastline, the island also features numerous tranquil pockets in its central region of forested mountains and rolling hills. Avoid the overcrowded east by discovering the island's less-explored northern sections, which contain a series of deep caves that feature sun reflecting on seawater and white stones, creating a striking shade of azure particular to this part of the world. The northern capes of the island also offer the calmest waters, which lap a string of developed beaches with plenty of modern facilities.