Head to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park if you crave a rugged coastline with lots of sky, water and sun. Take a train from London to nearby towns, then travel through the park using the Coastal Bus Service. Get off the bus and hike a part of the 621 miles of scenic trails that run through the park. Spend a few days on land, then board a boat to explore the uninhabited islands. You may spot a variety of wildlife aboard the boat, including whales or dolphins. Allow two or three days to experience the historic castles and churches in the area.
Fly directly into Florence, Italy, and indulge in a romantic blend of art and architecture. Once home to Renaissance greats such as Michelangelo and Galileo, Florence continues to impart an aura of sophistication. Tourists can easily spend a week visiting the countless artistic landmarks, such as the famed Duomo (cathedral) of Florence with its elaborate ceiling mural painted by Giorgio Vasari.
Walk through gardens complete with Renaissance sculptures and see Rembrandt paintings at the Galleria degli Uffizi. Enjoy fine Italian dining at one of Florence's many restaurants, or shop at the Mercato Centrale, the outdoor market, to pick up your own fresh produce.
Valencia is a port city on the Mediterranean coast of Spain that mixes a variety of architectural styles, including buildings constructed during the Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque eras. Regional pride is common, and the people speak both Valencian and Spanish. Take advantage of the location on the Mediterranean by relaxing on the public beaches or take a ferry ride to the Balearic Islands off the coast.
Modern-day attractions include the City of Arts and Sciences complex and the Grand Prix of Europe Formula 1, a racing event held in June. Fly to the airport of Valencia directly or take a train from Madrid or Barcelona. Valencia encourages the use of bicycles rather than automobiles, so you will find no shortage of wheels to carry you around the city.
The World War II invasion of Normandy made this region of France a must-see for many Americans and you can still visit a slew of museums and monuments that pay tribute to the historic D-Day battles, such as the Caen War Memorial. However, the region has much to offer outside of historic landmarks. You can easily spend several days venturing to small, picturesque towns in the French countryside of Normandy, including the town of Giverny, former home of Claude Monet. Sample fine French cuisine in a region that benefits from a mild climate favorable for agriculture.
