Europe Action & adventure, Bird, Castles & palaces + Island & reefs pictures

• World

One of the world’s smallest countries lies within eastern Italy’s countryside. Visit the longstanding city-state for natural beauty, culture and food specialties.

Explore this mysterious Gothic castle and discover the eerie stories connected to its long history.

From skiing and tubing to hiking, climbing and sailing, the wild mountainous scenery of this alpine resort town offers a variety of summer and winter pursuits.

Maze-like hedges, marble sculptures and colorful flower beds adorn this historic royal garden, where the palace’s stables and carriages once lay.

Sitting high on a chunk of rock jutting out into the sea, this iconic medieval-style monastery is an icon of the town of Tropea.

Imagine you have been transported back in time as you explore this spectacular 11th-century castle, a neo-Gothic masterpiece that seems straight from a story.

Take a break from Munich’s bustling streets among the lakes, meadows and beer gardens of this oasis of calm in the centre of the city.

Learn about pirates, shipwrecks and birdlife on this island capped with a 17th-century fort or go on a diving tour and experience the vivid underwater world.

Enter a peaceful park full of forests, lakes and long expanses of grass, all within minutes of the city centre.

The capital of Scotland combines ancient architecture and fascinating history with a vibrant cultural scene and world-famous festivals.

Sitting high on a chunk of rock jutting out into the sea, this iconic medieval-style monastery is an icon of the town of Tropea.

Armouries and pharmacies, rooms filled with fine porcelain, amazing collections of watches and silverware, and never-ending corridors graced by masterpieces.

Spectacular scenery awaits at the confluence of the Rhine and the Nahe rivers. Learn about this village’s intriguing history.

With gorgeous countryside, cultural cities and charming villages along its shores, the largest lake in Switzerland and France is a vacationer’s dream.

Learn about pirates, shipwrecks and birdlife on this island capped with a 17th-century fort or go on a diving tour and experience the vivid underwater world.

Armouries and pharmacies, rooms filled with fine porcelain, amazing collections of watches and silverware, and never-ending corridors graced by masterpieces.

Serious skiers come from near and far for the challenging pistes and stay for the crackling vacation atmosphere of this Tyrolean resort.