Greece, Spain, Italy, and Portugal
Greece
Greece is a country of amazing beauty and history. It is a mecca of archaeological sites and monuments. The Acropolis rests amidst the city center of Athens, as does the impressive original Olympic Stadium. The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion overlooks the sea and is sure to offer breathtaking views at sunset! If you venture to Delphi you will find the sanctuary, which had the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. An all time favorite and one of the most spectacular places to visit in Greece are the Monasteries of Meteora. These incredibile monesteries are perched high on the rocky crags and are actually building within the massive rocks. So many also come to Greece to explore the Greek Isles. Some of the favorites are Crete, Santorini and Mykonos. The islands will surely give you a feel for the Greek people and their heritage.
Greece Video Travel Guide Find A Greece Travel Specialist 
Spain
Spain is a country filled with history, and is a key country in the development of Europe. The country is full of buildings that tell of its occupation by French, Muslim, and Christian rulers. Spain is a center for fine arts and architecture, and has many displays of the two in its unique cities.
Barcelona is a city packed with things to do for visitors. One place to go is the Park Guell, located in Barcelona's northern suburbs. The hilly terrain in the park provides for a little unsteady footing, so be prepared. The top of the park offers a terrace where you can see the entire city of Barcelona below. The park also has brightly colored mosaic terraces to stop for food. The Casa Mila in Barcelona is another attraction that is highly praised by visitors. Designed by the same architect (Antoni Gaudi) as the Park Guell, Casa Mila is another example of Gaudi's eccentric design. The front of the building is said to contain no straight lines, and is dotted with balconies draped with plants. The courtyard is rather impressive, and the shape is designed to draw the eye up to the sky. The building contains two restored apartments and a musem. The apartments have been reconstructed and are very modern in style. Visitors are allowed on the roof, but the roof space that was designed for drying laundry is a must-see. The space, once used to dry laundry, is an exhibition of Gaudi's works.
Another example of Gaudi's style is the Museu Temple de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Work started on the building in 1882, and Gaudi was appointed to project director a year later. The museum is accessed through the Atonement Temple, which is underneath the main construction. Examples of Gaudi's church furniture sit waiting for a home in the temple that is yet to be finished. The museum contains descriptions of how work on the temple has changed over the years, including an account of how much of the work was damaged during the Spanish Civil War. Another attraction in Barcelona is La Rambla. La Rambla is a street in Barcelona where all kinds of entertainment can be found. Anything from human statues to dancers can be found on this pedestrian street, and many people take time to sit at one of the cafes and people watch.
La Mezquita in Cordoba is considered by some to be the jewel of Spanish art. The mosque was built in four stages, and each stage has a distinct style with it. Each individual style is easy to see when compared to each other. The highlight of the mosque is the Mihrab. The Mihrab is composed of three chapels with multicolored marble columns and wonderful Byzantine mosaics. The Mihrab is a wonderful example of Arabian style and influence in Spain.
Spain Video Travel Guide Find A Spain Travel Specialist 
Italy
Italy is a country full of beautiful, ancient buildings, that give off a surreal feeling. The famous Piazzas have inspired many great artists throughout time. The countries churches, beautiful scenery, and infinite attractions will move anyone wishing to travel there.
There is plenty to do in Rome, and most travelers will recommend staying there a few days. First off, there is the Colosseum, one of Rome's most famous landmarks. It originally held 50,000 people to watch public events, such as gladiator tournaments. The Colosseum is located in the Piazza del Colosseo, near the Roman forum, which is a good site to see after the Colosseum. The Roman Forum was the center of government for the ancient world, and is about a half mile long. Another sight to see is the Trevi Fountain, arguably the most famous fountain in the world. Visitors pack the Piazza all day, but to avoid crowds go early in the morning. Despite the tourists, the Trevi Fountain is still worthwhile. The fountain offers a different perspective from every angle, and the piazza has room to walk around.
Rome isn't the only city in Italy with things to do. Venice offers just as much as Rome to the traveler. In Venice, you can take the vaporetto to the island of Murano, which is famous for glass blowing. The island has many glass shops with world renowned vases and other glassware. Of course, in Venice, the famous gondola ride is a great attraction for anyone wishing to go. Most gondolas are rather pricey, but as anyone who has experienced it will tell you, gondola rides are something you can't miss in Venice. Anyone who likes culture, history, or architecture will love the Piazza San Marco. The piazza is a good place to go to just relax. You can enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes, or you can admire the beautiful buildings.
Milan is also a city with much to do. The Duomo is one of the largest Gothic style churches in the world, which took 500 years to complete. Inside are hundreds of statues and gargoyles that are each unique and create an impressive sight. You can go up to the roof, and get a spectacular view of the city (for a fee.) For shoppers, the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II is an imperative stop. Many top designers have shops in this area, including Gucci, Prada, and Armani. The galleria also has many restaurants for shoppers to just sit and people watch.
Italy Video Travel Guide Find An Italy Travel Specialist 
Portugal
Portugal is a small seafaring nation located on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe. The country has an expansive coastline that provides for much ocean scenery. Portugal is different from other European countries in the fact that it isn't the typical tourist destination with crowds of bustling tourists.
The capital city of Lisbon is a city that is filled with squares and monuments, churches and castles, and has something for everyone. Sao Vincente de Fora church is best known for the tiles based on La Fontaine stories. The Feira da Ladra (flea market,) is open Tuesdays and Saturdays, and is good for shopping. The Panteão Nacional has a beautiful terrace that offers a view of the Tagus River; perfect for an afternoon stroll or just people watching. Castelo de Sao Jorge has gardens that are highly recommended by visitors, as well as views over the surrounding land.
The Praça de Dom Pedro IV, unofficially known as Rossio, is one of the largest and most famous squares in Lisbon. Rossio is a meeting place for many people, citizen and tourist alike. The square was designed by Carlos Mardel of Hungary and contains the Teatro Nacional Donna Maria II, a classical theater. Two fountains sit in the middle of the square with a statue of Dom Pedro IV. At the foot of the statue are four women who represent Justice, Wisdom, Strength, and Moderation.
The Jeronimos Monastery was built in 1502 by King Manuel I, and is located in Lisbon at the Praça do Imperio. The building is the site of a hermitage founded by Prince Henry the Navigator, and is where Vasco de Gama and his men spent their last night in prayer before leaving Portugal to go to India. Vasco de Gama's tomb was put inside, near the entrance, as well as the tomb of Luis de Camões, a poet.
Portugal Video Travel Guide Find A Portugal Travel Specialist 