Recently updated on March 31st, 2022 at 03:25 pm
With 2017 fast approaching, there’s no better time to start planning next year’s big trip. From historic cities with enduring cultural appeal to picturesque countryside spots and dramatic coastal scenery, Europe offers a wealth of locations to discover. We’ve come up with our pick of the best destinations in Europe to visit in 2017, each of which now offers new insider experiences with Trafalgar.
Vatican City, Italy
One of the most important destinations in Europe for the Roman Catholic Church, this city-state is a great draw for those planning a trip to Rome. Setting foot in Vatican City is an experience in itself with the sight of the iconic monument St Peter’s Basilica, the famous frescoes by Michelangelo in the Sistine chapel, and the chance to visit the heart of The Vatican, St Peter’s Square. Now, this experience is elevated with the introduction of a new excursion for Trafalgar guests, beginning with a guided tour of the Ethnological Museum and ending with a three-course meal served within a courtyard inside the Vatican.
Dine in the Vatican on the Rome Explorer, Contrasts of Italy, Best of Italy and Sicily, Grand European, Rome and Tuscan Highlights and Grand Italian Experience 2017 trips.
Alberobello, Italy
Alberobello is perhaps one of the most unique towns within Italy, attracting attention from far and wide for its distinctive architectural style. Known as trulli, these small, whitewashed houses are constructed from the local limestone and topped with the conical roofs they’re commonly characterized by. In 2017, Trafalgar guests will have the chance to gain a deeper insight into this extraordinary setting by exploring the Zona dei Trulli with a Local Specialist who will explain why the houses were built in this way and how they were made.
Discover Alberobello with a Local Specialist on the Grand Italian Experience 2017 trip.
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Rising to heights of over 200 metres and stretching across a distance of eight kilometres, the Cliffs of Moher certainly impress with their sheer grandeur and size, but they’re equally as impressive in beauty, with uninterrupted views far out to sea. After taking in the spectacular views from these cliffs, Trafalgar guests now have the chance to visit nearby heritage site, Westport House. This 16th century stately home is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful houses in Ireland, and is known for its traditional Afternoon Tea.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea in this special setting on the Best of Ireland 2017 trip.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Situated in northern Finland, Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, and in the snow-blanketed winter months, there aren’t many destinations that can compete when it comes to nostalgia or festive appeal. Now, Trafalgar guests will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the region on the new Nordic Adventure itinerary, where they’ll have the opportunity to meet a local family at Konttaniemi Reindeer Farm and to feed the reindeer, before tucking into the traditional fare.
Visit this reindeer farm on the Nordic Adventure 2017 itinerary.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
As the capital of The Netherlands, Amsterdam is renowned for its arts and heritage, as well as its picturesque canals and the 17th century facades of the canal houses that line the waterside. The brand new Trafalgar trip to Amsterdam also encompasses insider experiences that give a true taste of The Netherlands, from visiting a working Dutch windmill to dining on a local cheese farm and discovering the skilled craftsmanship behind The Netherland’s traditional wooden clogs.
Visit these sites with Trafalgar on the Amsterdam Explorer 2017 trip.
Le Mans, France
Just an hour to the west of Paris, Le Mans is one of our favourite destinations in Europe for its attractive cobbled streets, wealth of history, and bounty of lush French gardens. The historic Château d’Eporcé is situated just outside Le Mans, and this is now where Trafalgar guests travelling through the region will be greeted for a wine tasting and sumptuous meal, as well as the opportunity to explore the unique setting.
Step inside Château d’Eporcé on the 2017 Treasures of France trip.
Image credits: Cover photo of Alberobello © iStock / vito_elefante. Vatican City © iStock / Tomas Sereda. Alberobello © iStock / as3d. The Cliffs of Moher © iStock / mbbirdy. A reindeer in Finland © iStock / Nicholas Roemmelt. Wooden clogs in the Netherlands © iStock / FrankvandenBergh. Wine tasting © iStock / gilaxia.