As home to so many vibrant cultures, Europe is a truly unique destination, and one that truly offers something for everyone — history buffs can explore medieval castles and iconic ancient ruins, culinary enthusiasts can sample (and learn to prepare) the finest local cuisines, and beach lovers can relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. But with so much to do, it can be hard to figure out where to start — here are our picks for some of the best things to do in Europe.

Private Boat Tour (Amalfi Coast, Italy)

With majestic cliffs, breathtaking ocean views, and charming villages peppered throughout the region, the Amalfi Coast is believed by many to be one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe, if not the entire world. And while one way to see the Amalfi Coast is winding your way along the coastline from Sorrento to Amalfi on Amalfi Drive, the best way to truly experience the area’s natural beauty is from the sea.

Your English-speaking captain will pick you up in the village of your choice before whisking you away on the tour of a lifetime. You’ll sail along the picturesque coastline, marveling at the hidden caves, pebbled beaches, natural rock formations, and magnificent ancient ruins as you pass. Should you spot a seaside village you’d like to explore, your captain will gladly drop you off on shore — simply meet him back at the boat when you’d like to continue. And when you begin to feel hunger setting in, there’s no need to worry — your captain will skillfully maneuver the boat up to the dock abutting one of the family-owned restaurants along the beach, where you’ll enjoy some delicious local fare before returning to port for the conclusion of your tour.

Cooking Class and Wine-Tasting Tour (Santorini, Greece)

The Greek Isles are renowned for their exquisite food and wine, and Santorini is no exception. The island is home to several wineries, and the culinary delights created by Santorini’s chefs are among the best in the world. In an authentic Santorini cooking class, you’ll learn how to create mouth-watering local dishes from the masters themselves. And to top it all off, you’ll embark on a wine-tasting tour of the island’s countryside, where you’ll discover the crisp brilliance of volcanic wine — one of Santorini’s most popular exports. Sure to appeal to novice chefs and seasoned foodies alike, this is an experience best enjoyed surrounded by family and friends.

Pont du Gard (Gard, France)

In the south of France, approximately 35 minutes west of Avignon, you’ll find the 2,000 year old Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard. Originally constructed as part of the Nîmes aqueduct, Pont du Gard once helped supply the Roman city of Nemausus with as much as 40,000 cubic meters of water a day before falling into disrepair following the fall of the Roman Empire. Today, Pont du Gard offers us a glimpse into the past. Impressive from any angle, make sure to walk back and forth across several times before hiking up to the top of the hill, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the bridge and the Garden River valley.

Flamenco Performance (Madrid, Spain)

Flamenco is hailed the world over as Spain’s most famous style of music and dance, and no trip to Spain would be complete without experiencing an authentic flamenco performance for yourself. While you can find places to witness flamenco performances around the country, Madrid is widely regarded as the flamenco capital of Spain. Corral de la Moreía is known to be the oldest flamenco destination in the city, with the first performance taking place in 1956. Today, Corral de la Moreía, along with many other restaurants and venues scattered throughout the country, host flamenco performance virtually every day, so witnessing one firsthand during your stay will not be difficult.

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