Europe is a continent, also recognized as part of Eurasia, located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere. Comprising the westernmost peninsulas of the continental landmass of Eurasia, it shares the continental landmass of Afro-Eurasia with both Asia and Africa.

There simply is no way to tour Europe and not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history and dazzling artistic and culinary diversity. Europe is rich in cultural heritage, from the birthplace of democracy in Athens, the Renaissance art of Florence, the graceful canals of Venice, the Napoleonic splendour of Paris and the multilayered historical and cultural canvas of London, the lists does not end here.

Despite Europe's population density, it still maintains its spectacular natural scenery, from the rugged Scottish Highlands with glens and lochs; Norway's fabulous fjords, seemingly chipped to jagged perfection by giants; and the steppe-like plains of central Spain. For beach lovers, take a tour to the Mediterranean's northern coast for beach holidays or strike out to the lesser-known yet beautiful coastal regions such as the Baltic and Black Seas. For mountain lovers, head to the Alps that march across central Europe taking in France, Switzerland, Austria, northern Italy and tiny Liechtenstein.