Articles: Articles about Europe
Enjoy a collection of articles on a variety of subjects such as art, music, literature, history and country highlights and must-see attractions as well as curiosities and hidden gems.
![Articles about Europe](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,r_4,w_1520,h_700,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2020/03/GettyImages-525655093.jpg)
Articles by Country
Related Tours
![Athens, Acropolis - Greek Islands](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2016/05/Acropolis-with-Parthenon-temple-in-Athens-Greece-000066332307_Double.jpg)
22 days
Apr, Sep, MayGreece small group escorted history tour
Visiting Greece
Our 22 day small group tour explores the land of great philosophers, myths, and legends. We will learn about the culture and heritage of modern Greece whilst exploring and learning Athens, which only found independence in its uprising from the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century.
From A$14,145 AUD
View Tour![The Pena National Palace Sao Pedro de Penaferrim, Sintra, Portugal](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2018/08/GettyImages-515684668.jpg)
18 days
Aug, AprDiscover Portugal
Visiting Portugal
Join Odyssey Traveller small group journeys with like minded people on this immersive 18-day escorted tour of Portugal. This travel experience takes us from the capital of Lisbon, through Portugal's many historic cities and key UNESCO World heritage sites.
From A$11,275 AUD
View Tour![Saint James Way Small Group Walking Tour](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2016/05/St-James-Way-.jpg)
19 days
Sep, Jun, AugSaint James Way Small Group Walking Tour (The Camino)- Spain
Visiting Portugal, Spain
Experience pleasant sections of the Way of Saint James, crossing some of Spain’s most beautiful landscapes. We follow the pilgrims on easy distances of The Way to the mythical destination, Santiago de Compostella. Not since the middle ages has this adventure for body and mind been more popular. We also get to discover the artistic highlights and rich history of Northern Spain and Portugal, as well as enjoying local wines and exquisite food.
From A$14,135 AUD
View Tour![Ancient Turkey](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2016/05/Turkey-cradle-of-civilisations-Ephesus-Ruins-000048450812_Large-slider.jpg)
21 days
Aug, AprSmall group tour of Ancient Turkey
Visiting Turkey
As a travel company we seek to keep guests off the beaten path. Trips that are remembered for authentic experiences. Our small group journeys in Turkey are fully escorted by an experienced local guide and an Odyssey guide to give this type of experience whether at one of the many UNESCO World heritage sites explored or local bazaars. It is always about the adventure and memories that we will create.
From A$17,295 AUD
View Tour![Barcelona-Spain](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2017/11/iStock-499277079.jpg)
21 days
Sep, MayDiscover Spain
Visiting Spain
Join this small group travel, 21-day tour of Spain. For couples or solo traveler with minimal single supplement has daily itineraries with local guides that provide authentic experiences for those who seek small group journeys. Escorted tour begins in Madrid, finishes in Barcelona.
From A$14,750 AUD
View Tour![Bach Classical European Music Festival small group tour](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2016/05/Bach-the-man-and-his-music-Aerial-of-Leipzig-with-new-townhall-and-Johannapark-000027719803_Large-slider.jpg)
16 days
Jun, MayBach Classical European Music Festival small group tours
Visiting Germany
Enjoy the best of Bach travelling with mature couples or solo travellers in a small group tour. We take time to appreciate not just the music but also to explore Bach's history and influences in Germany. The program spends 16 days visiting the locations that where influences on his life as well as attending the Bach Music festival in Leipzig.
From A$13,340 AUD
View Tour![Baltics Small Group escorted Tour Latvia Estonia Lithuania](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2016/05/rise-of-the-baltic-nations-Aerial-view-old-town-Tallinn-Estonia-000079133135_Full-slider.jpg)
21 days
Oct, May, SepBaltics Small Group Escorted Tour: Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Stockholm
Visiting Denmark, Estonia
An escorted small group tour to the Baltic States of Europe that explores the key destinations of this region starting in Warsaw, then making its way through Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Stockholm and concluding in Copenhagen. Each day has scheduled itineraries supported by local guides who share knowledge and authentic experiences of the places visited. This is small group travelling to the Baltics for like minded people.
From A$16,975 AUD
View Tour![rural France](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2016/05/Carcasonne-France-.jpg)
24 days
Apr, SepRural France | Small Group Tour for Seniors
Visiting France
On this small group Rural France tour, we spend 24 days exploring France beyond its bustling cities, travelling off the beaten track. We will explore the pastoral and provincial splendour of French rural towns which have resisted the dual siege of the automobile and the property developer. Our small group will visit many of France’s beautiful towns where within their walls the villagers conduct their daily lives much as they have done since Napoleonic times.
From A$19,895 AUD
View Tour![mount of Mont Saint Michel, France](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2018/12/GettyImages-611104480.jpg)
22 days
May, Sep, AprAnglo French Tour | Normandy, Brittany, Channel Islands tour
Visiting Channel Islands, England
Our 21 night program has daily itineraries with plenty of authentic experiences provided by passionate local guides in the key destinations in France, Channel Islands and England for this small group of like minded people. For Solo travellers minimal single supplement applies for this European tour.
From A$17,995 AUD
View Tour![Warsaw Poland](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2019/01/Old-Town-in-Warsaw-Poland.jpg)
21 days
Jun, Sep, May, OctExploring Poland | Poland Small Group Tour
Visiting Poland
Odyssey's European tour of Poland provides the guests with authentic experiences in a range of key historical destinations to enjoy. Your tour leader supported by knowledgeable local guides who provide daily itineraries that often take you off the beaten path to learn more about the places visited.
From A$13,340 AUD
View Tour![history of Santorini](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2016/05/Eastern-Mediterranean-Islands-SANTORINI-000075240941_Large-slider.jpg)
10 days
Apr, Oct, MarSantorini - Crete: Eastern-Mediterranean Islands Short tour
Visiting Greece
Join our small group short tour of the Eastern Mediterranean. Spend 10 days in Greece for a glimpse of the land of great philosophers, myths, and legends. We will learn about the culture and heritage of modern Greece while travelling from Athens to Santorini and over to Crete.
From A$9,375 AUD
View Tour![Crete small group tour](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2018/07/GettyImages-845935418.jpg)
20 days
Sep, AprCrete Small Group Tour: The Minoans
Visiting Greece
Crete rich in UNESCO World heritage sites this small group escorted tour provides a travel experience for guests with experienced local guides to remember. For senior couples or single travellers who seek to travel with other like minded people to destinations rich in ancient history then this in one of many small group journeys to be enjoyed.
From A$13,500 AUD
View TourAll Articles
![The Blue Lagoon, Iceland](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2020/01/Blue-Lagoon-Iceland-GettyImages-854165294.jpg)
The History of the Settlement of Iceland
Marooned at the top of the globe, somewhere in the North Atlantic Ocean, lies the island nation of Iceland, a land of vivid contrasts where nature reigns supreme in her most dramatic form. Iceland is the world's oldest democracy and boasts more writer's per capita than any other country in the world. It is said that many Icelanders still believe in the mythical figures of the Norse past, such as elves, trolls and fairies, which may be due to the country's literary history including its famous sagas, epic tales based on Iceland's settlement from around 9-11 AD.
![Cleopatra's Pool in Pamukkale, Turkey](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2020/01/Pamukkale-pool-Turkey-GettyImages-498524852.jpg)
Pamukkale, Turkey
Pamukkale, which in Turkish translates to "Cotton Castle", is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Turkey's famous and most visited tourist attraction.
![Braga Portugal](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2018/08/GettyImages-178875701.jpg)
Braga, Portugal
Braga is Portugal's third-largest city and its most important religious centre. With almost four dozen places of worship, Braga is something of an ecclesiastical destination, particularly around Easter. However, a large student population also means that, despite the numerous churches, Braga is not just a historical or religious tourist site but a dynamic and eclectic city with a lot on offer. Braga offers a slice of authentic Portugal, nestled amongst hills beside the spectacular Peneda-Geres National Park and just an hour from Porto. With a moderate climate all year round and unhurried pace of life, Braga offers the perfect environment to explore the city's cultural offerings and culinary scene.
![The Pena National Palace Sao Pedro de Penaferrim, Sintra, Portugal](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2018/08/GettyImages-515684668.jpg)
Sintra, Portugal
Sintra was the summertime escape of European royalty and nobility and today is replete with beautiful gardens, castles and palaces to explore.
![St Basil Cathedral Moscow Russia](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2019/06/St-Basil-Cathedral-Moscow-Russia.jpg)
Moscow, Russia
Highlights of Russia | Moscow Moscow is Russia’s political centre and its most populous metropolis. Viewed from the air, Moscow’s city layout resembles concentric rings circling the Kremlin, the seat of the Russian government and…
![View of the Peterhof Grand Palace - Russia](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2020/01/GettyImages-493506148.jpg)
St Petersburg, Russia
St Petersburg is the second largest among the Russian cities, after Moscow, and is famous for its important role in Russian history and its cultural and architectural landmarks. The historic centre of St Petersburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed on the list in 1990.
![Ulm Minster](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2020/01/16302530346_d4e64778ba_b.jpg)
Gothic Germany
The term Gothic is often used to refer to a turning point and new era of European architecture that is generally seen as starting in the mid 12th century. Gothic architecture was in stunning contrast to Romanesque architecture which emphasised few windows, massive stonework and heavy walls. In comparison, the Gothic style featured stained glass windows, flying buttresses and more light-filled interiors that made use of cavernous spaces.
![Evora, Portugal](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2020/01/evora-226068_19202.jpg)
Evora, Portugal
Discover the beautifully-preserved medieval town of Evora with fantastic Roman ruins to explore, Moorish architecture and Gothic churches
![trans-Siberian train](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2018/10/Trans-siberian-Lake-Baikal-GettyImages-927053876.jpg)
History of the Trans-Siberian Railway
History of the Trans-Siberian Railway The history of the Trans-Siberian Railway, a network of railways connecting Moscow to the Russian Far East, covers important events of the 20th century, tracing the rise and fall of…
![Secret Venice](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2018/11/Venice-e1542243895907.jpg)
Secrets of Venice: A History of Espionage
Secret Venice: The Council of Ten and Medieval Espionage The city-state of Venice emerged on a lagoon from the ruins of the Roman and Byzantine empires in the 9th century and grew to become the greatest…
![Southern Italy](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2018/12/GettyImages-804705544.jpg)
Southern Italy
Southern Italy: from Magna Graecia to Italian Unification When people think of Italy, Rome, Venice, and Florence often come to mind first. Yet, the country offers much more beyond its northern attractions. Venturing south from…
![Florence, Italy](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2016/08/iStock_74070179_XLARGE-copy.jpg)
History of a City: Florence, Italy
Florence or Firenze, article provides an overview of the history from inception from the Romans to Mussolini with plenty of the Renaissance covered. Includes a list of Museums and places to see in Tuscany. Background material for a small group package tour to Italy or long stay in Florence.
![The Blue Lagoon, Iceland](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2020/01/the-blue-lagoon-4510811_1920.jpg)
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
The amazing Blue Lagoon is a popular tourist attraction in Iceland, named for its milky-blue geothermal seawater. The lagoon, set in a black lava field, was formed in 1976
![Church in Reykjavik](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2017/03/Iceland-northern-lights.jpg)
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, the capital and largest city of Iceland, will most likely be your first port of entry into this fairly isolated island country.
![Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2019/07/seljalandsfoss-waterfall.jpg)
The Golden Circle, Iceland
Iceland's "The Golden Circle" is a popular tourist route which includes the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park.
![Sanssouci Palace,Germany](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2019/12/Closed-Sanssouci-Potsdam-Sanssouci-Park-Sanssouci-1494590.jpg)
Sanssouci Palace,Germany
Often described as the Prussian Versailles, Sanssouci refers to the ensemble of palaces and garden complexes built under Frederick the Great (1712-1786).
![Leipzig, Germany, Old town](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2016/12/Leipzig-Germany-GettyImages-496305207.jpg)
Leipzig, Germany
Leipzig, encircled by a ring of parks and gardens, the city is a major industrial centre and buzzing with life. It has long been regarded as a major intellectual and cultural centre, known since the Middle Ages for its fairs and markets.
![Photographing the Northern lights](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2016/08/063-iStock_24445476_LARGE.jpg)
Photographing the Northern Lights: The Definitive Guide
Photographing the Northern Lights. How to Capture the Beauty of the Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis, commonly called the Northern Lights, as well as the Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights, are two the world’s most…
![Hungary, Budapest](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2018/05/Hungary-Budapest-building-St-Mathias-Church-47727.jpg)
History of Modern Hungary
The foundations of the Hungarian state were established way back in the late ninth century, the story of Hungarian statehood is a complex one. How Hungary came to be is undeniably gripping and allows the keen traveller to further understand the rich culture of the country today.
![View of Piazza de Ferrari, main square of Genoa, Italy](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2019/12/Piazza-de-Ferrari-in-Genoa.jpg)
History of Genoa, Rival to Venice
In this article, we will look at the history of Genoa, and its rivalry with Venice that led to several wars fought between the two city-states in the 12th to 14th centuries.
![Nuuk Greenland](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2016/12/iStock-628608846.jpg)
Nuuk, Greenland
Nuuk is an incredible city to visit, a small but cosmopolitan city with modern conveniences–gourmet dining, beautiful boutique fashion shops, apartment blocks–that still also retains its centuries-old indigenous roots.
![Ilulissat Greenland](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2019/12/Ilulissat-Greenland-GettyImages-186236558.jpg)
Ilulissat, Greenland
Greenland’s Avannaata region, which covers the town of Ilulissat, is as big as France but only has 11,000 people. It is said be home to almost as many sled dogs as people.
![Colored houses on rocky hills in the coastline of Qaqortoq, Greenland.](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2019/12/Qaqortoq-Greenland-GettyImages-1176740928.jpg)
Qaqortoq, Greenland
Visiting Greenland as a member of a small group package tour for mature and senior travellers. The group of couples and solo travellers spend time in Qaqortoq and Nuuk, Greenland. Greenland is an extension to the Iceland small group tour. The group often witnesses the Northern light display in this part of the arctic circle.
![Louvre Paris](https://res.cloudinary.com/odysseytraveller/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_485,h_273,c_fill/https://cdn.odysseytraveller.com/app/uploads/2019/02/IMG_9804.jpg)
The Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum (Musee du Louvre) is the world’s largest museum and most visited art gallery in the world, displaying some 35,000 artworks from the antiquities to the mid-19th century and attracting nearly 10 million visitors every year.