Europe & Britain | Destination Guides

8 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Europe Now: Travel Directors share their favourite historical buildings

Recently updated on June 11th, 2020 at 08:42 pm

If these walls could talk, what a story they’d have to tell. From cathedrals to municipal buildings, European architecture instantly transports you back in time and gives you a glimpse of the Europe of yesteryear.

With decades of experience (our longest serving European Travel Director has been with us for 39 years) Trafalgar Travel Directors are architecture aficionados in their own rights. They’ve seen it all from the ‘must-see’s to the ‘never-heard-of’s and want to share their favourite edifices in some of the top destinations on the continent. 

SPAIN

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Dean Smart • GoPro • Mavic 2 (@travelling_dean) on Apr 20, 2019 at 6:48am PDT

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“The amazing architecture of Plaza de España in Seville looks more like a palace than an exhibition space….” – Dean, Travel Director

Discover all the magic of the Iberian Peninsula on our 14-day Treasures of Spain and Portugal trip, from the Mediterranean coast of Barcelona to Lisbon, the gateway to the Atlantic. 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by TD Pascal Trafalgar (@pascal_trafalgar_insider) on Apr 9, 2019 at 2:29pm PDT

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“Beautiful views from the Puente Santiago in Zaragoza… After Virgin Mary appeared to St. James in the 1st century, a small chapel was first built on the banks of the Ebro River.” – Pascal, Travel Director

This is just one of the breath-taking sights you’ll see as you circumnavigate Spain on our 15-day Best of Spain trip.

ITALY

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Dean Smart • GoPro • Mavic 2 (@travelling_dean) on Feb 26, 2019 at 12:13pm PST

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“So many people flock to the Vatican when they visit Rome, but there are so many incredible churches you can visit for free. One of my favourites? Santa Maria Maggiore. According to legend, snow fell on the site telling the then Pope in a dream where to build a church. Whether or not that’s true, its interior is an amazing example of church architecture.” – Dean, Travel Director

Uncover more of Rome’s hidden gems including centuries-old markets and stunningly landscaped gardens, along with all the can’t-miss icons, on our 8-day Rome Explorer trip. 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Bern Willis (@berntrafalgar) on Apr 3, 2019 at 10:24pm PDT

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“Michelangelo and Raphael. Rivals in life but forever cemented as partners in death when you stand in awe of their dome at St Peter’s Basilica.” – Bern, Travel Director

If you’ve dreamed of staring up at this artistic masterpiece in person, join us on our 9-day Rome and Tuscan Highlights trip filled with art, architecture, food and, of course, wine. 

AUSTRIA

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Dean Smart • GoPro • Mavic 2 (@travelling_dean) on Apr 9, 2019 at 12:19pm PDT

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“Vienna for many is an unexpected assault on the senses: beautiful classic architecture, stunning historic interiors and a cuisine born from the influences of the former nations of the empire. This is the entrance hall of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, even without the world class pieces of art, the price of admission would be worth it simply for the amazing interior decoration.” – Dean, Travel Director

The majestic architecture is just the beginning of the captivating sights you’ll feast your eyes on during our 17-day Highlights of Eastern Europe trip. 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Bern Willis (@berntrafalgar) on Apr 11, 2019 at 2:35pm PDT

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“Oh Vienna! Thanks to my friend and colleague @travelling_dean for recommending this hidden gem in Vienna, The Palace of Justice. What a peaceful, surprising delight in an already delightful city.” – Bern, Travel Director 

To get an in-depth look at the other surprises Vienna has in store for you, join us on our 15-day European Interlude trip that takes you from the streets of Rome to the rivers of Rhineland. 

TURKEY

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Isabelle Vergara (@isabelletrafalgartd) on Apr 10, 2019 at 12:44pm PDT

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“Hagia Sophia, Istanbul’s most emblematic monument, under a dramatic sky. Built as a Byzantine Christian Church in 6C AD, then the Greek Orthodox patriarchal Cathedral; later an eastern Roman Cathedral till 1453; then a mosque for four centuries; and, since 1935, a museum. The building won’t leave you indifferent, inside, outside, it is majestic as a whole, the dimensions and height of its central dome still impress.” – Isabelle, Travel Director

Discovery the mystery and intrigue of Istanbul during our 14-day Best of Turkey trip, and see how middle east meets west in this vibrant and eclectic country.  

GERMANY

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Emmo 👨🏼‍💻Travel 🌏 Drone 🚁 (@lifechangertravel) on Apr 22, 2019 at 3:33am PDT

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“The old market square of Munich dates back to the 12th century and has always been a hive of activity!” – Emmerson, Travel Director

Wandering the streets of Munich is just one way you’ll immerse yourself in European culture on our 29-day European Supreme adventure that shows you the best the continent has to offer, like only Trafalgar can.

We wouldn’t be the world leaders in travel if it weren’t for the passionate, knowledgeable and, well, just plain awesome Travel Directors that lead our trips around the world. With over 360 TDs scattered across the globe, they are a big part of what makes a Trafalgar trip truly one-of-a-kind. Join Bern, Marie, Isabelle, Dean or one of our other fabulous destination experts to discover the architectural marvels on our European holidays and see history come alive before your eyes. 

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