Three of the hottest bucket list destinations for the 2017-2018 travel season are Italy, Ireland and Iceland and it’s pretty easy to understand why. Each place has its own unique landscapes, history, culture and cuisine that attracts visitors from across the globe. We all want to bask in the glory of these three magnificent European countries. There's so much to see and do, it's hard to know where to begin. Here are just a few recommendations.

Italy, and Cuisine in Rome

Italy is famous for a thousand different reasons. Stepped in history, brimming with art and culture, it is no wonder it has been important for two thousand years. But, Italy does one thing better than almost anywhere else in the world; their cuisine. Take a walking tour through Rome to the famed Campo dei Fiori Market. There, shoulder-to-shoulder with locals, you can browse fresh culinary ingredients. Let a chef teach you the secrets of Italian cooking, and prepare three different types of pasta. Sit back and indulge in regional delicacies after your hard work, and taste what makes Italy so incredible.

Apart from the delicious cuisine, Italy offers numerous activities to do and sites to see. Few other countries have so many legendary cities, hill towns and coastal villages brimming with culture and natural beauty.  No matter where you travel in Italy, you’ll find something exciting to see. Feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you visit the colorful medieval village of Cinque Terre; in Pompeii, visit a place that was literally frozen in time 2,000 years ago; Rome offers the Colosseum which is the largest amphitheater ever built.

Ireland, and Blarney Castle

Ireland is a land of mythology and history, and there are many places where the two intertwine. Nowhere more than the famous Blarney Castle, where it is said that kissing the Blarney Stone will turn your tongue to “silver.” Climb to the top of the castle, and lean out over the battlements, to find out if the stone truly will bestow upon a person the gift of eloquence. Walk the twisting garden paths of this historic place, and explore the ruins of the castle. There has been a castle there, in some form, for more than 800 years.

Blarney Castle is just one incredible place you can experience. The rolling green landscapes, rollicking good times at a local pub and the incredible charisma of the locals make Ireland easy to fall in love with. Stroll along in picturesque villages, explore a stately castle or sit down with a pint of Guinness. Stand in awe as you look out over the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, or spend some time in Dublin, the modern yet traditional capital city of Ireland. 

Iceland, and the Northern Lights

Iceland is a landscape unlike any other. This is a place where the volcanic crags of the coast meet the dark ocean, and there you can go on a hunt for the legendary northern lights. Leave the bright city behind as you board a boat and sail out into the darkness of Faxaflói Bay. Out on the ocean, you will go in search of the aurora borealis, an incredible display of lights that dance across the northern night sky. When these lights are revealed, you will be dazzled by the flickering display bursting with color that unfolds before your eyes.

The Northern Lights are certainly a spectacular site to see, but Iceland has even more to offer. Each turn you take, Iceland delivers something even more spectacular than the last. Untouched nature and stark landscapes give your camera a workout while Icelandic art and culture draw you in and capture your heart. Take a swim in the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal wonder with waters known for their healing properties; take in the magnificent Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most famous and picturesque waterfalls.

Italy, Ireland and Iceland are all amazing destinations to visit. There are numerous tour options that will take you to all the magical places these countries have to offer. If you're interested in booking a trip to one of these destinations - or any other places - contact one of our travel agents today.