47 days in Europe Itinerary

Home to an impressive 25 World Heritage sites, the United Kingdom, which includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, has hundreds of museums to explore, thousands of parks and gardens to stroll through, and tens of thousands of communities to discover. From Land’s End in the south to John O’Groats in the north, the country is packed with tourist attractions that can fill a range of itineraries. With nearly 30 million tourists visiting every year, the UK is ranked among the top ten holiday destinations in the world. Known for its royalty, this country also represents a diverse patchwork of native and immigrant cultures. Although Britannia no longer rules the waves, it possesses a captivating history and a dynamic modern culture, both of which remain hugely influential on the rest of the world.

Lush rolling hills and picture-perfect villages make Cotswolds one of the most popular leisure spots for locals and passing visitors alike. During the height of the season, the area gets packed with tourists exploring the region’s numerous stately homes, thatched cottages, historic churches, and attractive stone-built villages. The wood trade brought wealth and prosperity to this area centuries ago, and the region still proudly boasts hundreds of notable buildings constructed during the Middle Ages. Within easy striking distance of London and several other urban centers, this wealthy area supports a thriving artisan scene, as well as a strong food culture centered around farmer's markets and numerous organic producers.

County Cork has made a name for itself as the home of the Blarney Stone, the legendary limestone rock rumored to give those who kiss it "the gift of the gab." People come from around the world to bend over backwards and put their lips to the rock in the hopes of becoming more eloquent. In Cork, the county's eponymous city, it is said that the accents rise and fall with the city's rolling terrain. The southern county attracts those looking for the iconic green hills, craggy coastline, and warm hospitality of Ireland. Known affectionately as The Rebel County for its role in the Irish War of Independence, this region is proudly Irish, as evidenced in the region's many cultural festivals and events.

The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is a ruggedly attractive land. The island has a long history of foreign domination and has been controlled by the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans. The result is a distinct culture blending elements from all of those areas and featuring an intriguing dialect. This is a huge island with plenty of small villages to tour, each with its own treasures. Beyond the popular coastal areas, Sicily's inland attractions include an unspoiled landscape of mountains, hills, and villages that sometimes seem frozen in time. While the natural environment is its biggest draw, Sicily's greatest asset may be its people. They are proud of their traditions and incredibly hospitable to visitors.