Share
MagazineEurope is a treasure trove of glorious architecture and stunning monuments that are certain to spice up any Instagram feed. From Germany and France to Spain and Italy, there are plenty of places to get that perfect holiday picture, no filter required. We run through some of our favourites that will make your eyes light up as you immerse yourself in some cultural beauty. Who knows? You may be adding to your bucket list once you’ve finished reading.
Sagrada Familia
Being the largest unfinished Roman Catholic church in the world, Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona’s most popular landmarks. Designed by architect Antoni Gaudi in 1882, this structure comprises eight towers and 18 spires and is a commanding site in the very heart of the city. Various experiences and tickets can be purchased either in advance or on the day, with audio and guided tours being the best for history-buffs thanks to the knowledgeable experts. Estimations are that the church’s structure will be finished by 2026, with other decorative elements following in 2032. But don't wait until it's finished to take a peek - the current structure is definitely worth a few hours of your time. Don't believe us? Well stats don't lie and the current Sagrada Familia attracts around three million visitors every year. However, the fun doesn’t stop once you’ve taken a quick picture in front of the church, as there’s also a small museum that honours the life and works of Gaudi inside. Here you can learn all about the inspirations and lifespan of the Sagrada Familia, including a recent interactive nature area that educates guests in the importance of observation when it comes to the design process.
Turn the luxury dial up a notch… with a private guided tour so you can avoid the crowds
One of the most recognisable landmarks in not only Europe but the world, the Eiffel Tower has brought travellers flocking to the streets of Paris since it was completed in 1889. Known for being a hit with Valentine’s Day lovers on a weekend break, honeymooners and those celebrating their anniversary, the site has been a symbol of eternal love for as long as anyone can remember. Tickets to the viewing platform can be booked in advance, with skip the line tickets and guided tours also on hand for a little more luxury. Once you reach the viewing platform 375-feet up you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the city of light with the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Champ de Mars all on show for you to take a picture of. You’re then able to tuck into gorgeous cuisine as well as views thanks to the various restaurants and buffets on offer. Accessible only by private lift, The Jules Verne serves gourmet contemporary French cuisine with a smile. Oh, and let’s not forget the Michelin-starred dishes such as marinated sea bream with citrus, steamed fillet of sea bass and preserved duck foie gras that make for a truly Instagrammable meal.
Turn the luxury dial up a notch… with a sightseeing tour around the city in a Rolls Royce
The Eiffel Tower
One of the most recognisable landmarks in not only Europe but the world, the Eiffel Tower has brought travellers flocking to the streets of Paris since it was completed in 1889. Known for being a hit with Valentine’s Day lovers on a weekend break, honeymooners and those celebrating their anniversary, the site has been a symbol of eternal love for as long as anyone can remember. Tickets to the viewing platform can be booked in advance, with skip the line tickets and guided tours also on hand for a little more luxury. Once you reach the viewing platform 375-feet up you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the city of light with the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Champ de Mars all on show for you to take a picture of. You’re then able to tuck into gorgeous cuisine as well as views thanks to the various restaurants and buffets on offer. Accessible only by private lift, The Jules Verne serves gourmet contemporary French cuisine with a smile. Oh, and let’s not forget the Michelin-starred dishes such as marinated sea bream with citrus, steamed fillet of sea bass and preserved duck foie gras that make for a truly Instagrammable meal.
Turn the luxury dial up a notch… with a sightseeing tour around the city in a Rolls Royce
Our expertise, worldwide connections, and the way we do things with a relentless drive means whatever your travels needs are, we can make it happen for you whenever, however, wherever and every time.
Brandenburg Gate
Bradenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s most hauntingly beautiful and popular sights. Constructed between 1788 and 1791, and designed by architect Carl Gotthard Langhans, the landmark can be found on Faces Pariser Platz square. Close to five-star hotels and elegant town houses such as Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Hotel de Rome, The Ritz-Carlton Berlin and Grand Hyatt Berlin, you’re surrounded by world-class luxury wherever you look. The Berlin Tourist Information Centre is also close by, so if you’re wanting to find even more fantastic things to do, you’ve hit the jackpot here. One block to the north will bring you to Bundestag, the official German Parliament building, and just a few minutes walk to the south is the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, a haunting site that we definitely recommend you visit during your time in the German capital.
Turn the luxury dial up a notch… with dinner at the Berlin TV Tower, just a 10-minute drive from the gate
If you’re travelling to Athens, the Acropolis is bursting with history that’s just waiting to be explored. This ancient citadel contains the remains of several buildings, with the most famous being the Parthenon, a former temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Restoration works are currently underway to bring it back to its former glory, with many of the buildings not being touched since it was originally completed in 438BC. A guided tour is a must and as you wander around the relic you’ll hear various Grecian legends such as a ferocious battle between Poseidon and Athena. Originally built so the city’s inhabitants had a place of refuge during times of invasion, the site now has cafes and restaurants open which provide a respite from the beaming Greek sunshine. Full of amazing scenes over Athens, Mount Lycabettos and the national gardens there are plenty of spots to take a selfie while at the Acropolis. The hardest part is cramming them all in.
Turn the luxury dial up a notch… by roaming the skies with a helicopter tour over the city
The Acropolis
If you’re travelling to Athens, the Acropolis is bursting with history that’s just waiting to be explored. This ancient citadel contains the remains of several buildings, with the most famous being the Parthenon, a former temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Restoration works are currently underway to bring it back to its former glory, with many of the buildings not being touched since it was originally completed in 438BC. A guided tour is a must and as you wander around the relic you’ll hear various Grecian legends such as a ferocious battle between Poseidon and Athena. Originally built so the city’s inhabitants had a place of refuge during times of invasion, the site now has cafes and restaurants open which provide a respite from the beaming Greek sunshine. Full of amazing scenes over Athens, Mount Lycabettos and the national gardens there are plenty of spots to take a selfie while at the Acropolis. The hardest part is cramming them all in.
Turn the luxury dial up a notch… by roaming the skies with a helicopter tour over the city
The Colosseum
Tales of epic battles, bloody contests and wild beast slaughters makes The Colosseum one of the most action-packed monuments in Rome. In 2016 the oval amphitheatre saw 6.4 million visitors looking to immerse themselves in its rich history, so expect it to be busy year-round. To get the most out of your visit, we recommend a guided tour as this includes access to private areas otherwise closed to the public. After a lengthy restoration you can now witness magnificent views of the city, 159-feet above the ground. The first Sunday of the month is to be avoided if you’re after a quieter affair, or the perfect lighting for your social media post, as this is one of the only days where the site is open to the general public free of charge.
Turn the luxury dial up a notch… with rooftop dining at Michelin-starred Aroma that overlooks The Colosseum
For the perfect picture when in Italy, a shot in front of Leaning Tower of Pisa is unbeatable. Known for its tilt, the 60-metre monument is one of four buildings that make up the cathedral complex Campo dei Miracoli. Translating as ‘field of miracles’ the area is known for it’s rich history and simply stunning architecture. The Leaning Tower itself is set 3.99 degrees to the left, previously 5.5 degrees until restoration work was completed in 2001. The reason for the tilt? The foundation of the eight-storey building was on soft ground that had difficulty supporting the weight. An architectural blunder that has most definitely paid off, the site now sees flocks of tourists gather just to take a picture. You can also venture to the top of the tower courtesy of a winding staircase counting every one of the 297 steps along the way. Tickets can be booked in advance with skip the line admission also available. You can also prebook your spot in line at an additional cost.
Turn the luxury dial up a notch… by booking skip the line tickets through your personal travel manager
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
For the perfect picture when in Italy, a shot in front of Leaning Tower of Pisa is unbeatable. Known for its tilt, the 60-metre monument is one of four buildings that make up the cathedral complex Campo dei Miracoli. Translating as ‘field of miracles’ the area is known for it’s rich history and simply stunning architecture. The Leaning Tower itself is set 3.99 degrees to the left, previously 5.5 degrees until restoration work was completed in 2001. The reason for the tilt? The foundation of the eight-storey building was on soft ground that had difficulty supporting the weight. An architectural blunder that has most definitely paid off, the site now sees flocks of tourists gather just to take a picture. You can also venture to the top of the tower courtesy of a winding staircase counting every one of the 297 steps along the way. Tickets can be booked in advance with skip the line admission also available. You can also prebook your spot in line at an additional cost.
Turn the luxury dial up a notch… by booking skip the line tickets through your personal travel manager
Milan Cathedral
Stunning, breathtaking and an absolute must if you’re travelling to Italy, Milan Cathedral will have your jaw firmly on the ground from the moment you set your eyes upon it. Taking nearly six centuries to complete, the landmark boasts being the fifth largest Christian church in the world with a land mass of 109,641 feet. As well as this, the cathedral also has more statues that any other building in the world - 3,400 to be exact. Dedicated to St. Mary of the nativity and currently the seat of the Archbishop of Milan, the magnificence starts from the moment you step foot in the entrance. Here a sundial on the floor showcases the beauty of ancient design. With it being surprisingly precise, the dial is even used to regulate clocks throughout the city. Once you’ve finished choose to either take the lift to the top or the stairs if you’re feeling active and prepare yourself for some of the most epic views across the whole of Milan. On clear days you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Alps as well as the gold-coloured statue of Mary.
Turn the luxury dial up a notch... with a private sightseeing tour
With many calling it the world’s greatest sculpture, Michelangelo’s David is a landmark you definitely want to have a picture in front of. Residing in Florence’s Accademia Gallery, crowds come from all corners of the globe to see it in real life. David is perfect;y positioned under a skylight, so you can see the minute details that makes the work of art so well known. Created between 1501 and 1504, the white marble statue depicts the biblical hero David and is now surrounded by other historical paintings and exhibitions such as Cassone Adimari, Jacopo Di Cione and Michelangelo’s Slaves. Exhibitions are ever-changing ensuring that every time you visit the gallery, a different experience is guaranteed. As well as standard tickets, guided tours are also available, and highly recommended. They will give you more of an insight into the pieces of art that are housed in the museum, with visitor trails a further option if you fancy seeing the best of the best.
Turn the luxury dial up a notch... with a guided tour
We’ve only just scratched the surface when it comes to the gorgeous landmarks and buildings in Europe. Enquire here or call one of our personal travel managers on 0203 816 0985 to start booking your next getaway… just make sure to pack your camera
Michelangelo’s David
With many calling it the world’s greatest sculpture, Michelangelo’s David is a landmark you definitely want to have a picture in front of. Residing in Florence’s Accademia Gallery, crowds come from all corners of the globe to see it in real life. David is perfect;y positioned under a skylight, so you can see the minute details that makes the work of art so well known. Created between 1501 and 1504, the white marble statue depicts the biblical hero David and is now surrounded by other historical paintings and exhibitions such as Cassone Adimari, Jacopo Di Cione and Michelangelo’s Slaves. Exhibitions are ever-changing ensuring that every time you visit the gallery, a different experience is guaranteed. As well as standard tickets, guided tours are also available, and highly recommended. They will give you more of an insight into the pieces of art that are housed in the museum, with visitor trails a further option if you fancy seeing the best of the best.
Turn the luxury dial up a notch... with a guided tour
We’ve only just scratched the surface when it comes to the gorgeous landmarks and buildings in Europe. Enquire here or call one of our personal travel managers on 0203 816 0985 to start booking your next getaway… just make sure to pack your camera
This button will take you to a short form where we'll ask about your destination and preferences. If you don't like filling in forms simply give us a call on 0203 816 0985 and we'll be happy to help you.
Let's Plan Your TripJoin our email to receive exclusive offers and airline sales direct to your inbox. Unsubscribe anytime (but why would you want to?)
- The human touch
- Complete concierge service
- 24/7 out of hours contact
Dummy text... Join our email network to receive exclusive offers and notifications of airline sales direct to your inbox. Unsubscribe anytime (but why would you want to?)
Dummy text...Thanks for sharing your experience with this. Its interesting how other cultures perceive how you “should be” if you are an American.
Thanks for sharing your experience with this.