Europe has enticed and enchanted worldwide visitors for centuries and with many Canadians having European heritage, the urge to explore their roots and embark on a European adventure is stronger than ever! Adventure Seekers familiar with international travel, want to explore beyond the Caribbean and the well-known international cities of London and Paris. They want to catch a glimpse of everyday life in a magical place such as Europe and do away with the traditional large group tours and crowds.


European vacations of today, have morphed into experiential, transformative journeys that go well beyond the traditional run-of-the-mill itineraries. Smaller, more intimate groups of travelers are looking to experience the culture, the foods, the wines and spirits of the region, to learn from locals about the history and their traditions, to enjoy nature in abundance on land and on water! This is the new flavour of European touring!

Even the more typical destinations seen on a first-time visitor's list such as the U.K., France, Italy, and Spain allow for travelers looking to experience local living, to do just that. Some newer destinations that Canadians are seeking out, include Portugal, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey...and no wonder! Greece and Portugal, are listed as having the Top 5 European Islands to visit in 2019 according to Travel & Leisure - Milos, Crete, Paros, and Santorini in Greece and the Azores in Portugal.

With a Canadian passport in hand, entry to 164 countries, including visa-free access to most of Europe, makes visiting Europe that much more appealing! Within Europe, the majority of the countries have a common entry and exit requirement that essentially eliminate internal borders, allowing foreign visitors to travel freely between participating countries - known as the Schengen Area. When traveling on a Canadian passport, a visitor can travel visa-free within this zone for tourism stays of up to 90 days. There are a few requirements a traveler must have:

  • Passport - stamped upon arrival - must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area.
  • A justified reason for travel.
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources.
  • Compliance with any additional entry requirements that each country visited, may have.

Even for the few countries that do require Canadians to enter with a visa, online applications for e-Visas, can be submitted and received electronically prior to travel, making travel to Europe and within, virtually seamless!



Whether you fancy a guided tour, a holiday using your two feet or two wheels, a self-guided adventure, a trip on land or water, or simply prefer a tailormade holiday unique to you, Europe is a great place to explore, and when planning...keep in mind, that a great adventure should enliven all the senses...

  • the smell of wild flowers on walking trails;
  • the feel of a soft summer breeze on your face;
  • the sound of local musicians in the park;
  • the sight of historical architecture built in ancient times;
  • the taste of freshly cooked, regional dishes; AND
...Europe most definitely delivers on all of these, providing you with a FEAST for the senses!


p.s. Enjoy your very own Italian feast with pizza recipe from Nicola Acampora!

Nicola insists, that the secret to the best pizza is the ingredients! He should know, he's been making pizzas at his Italian family-run Hotel and Restaurant, Hotel Due Torri since 1983!

Check out Nicola's short Amalfi Coast video and feel his passion for sharing his home, his country!!!

Good quality local produce is the key to great tasting food in the Campania region he insists. With a mild climate and fertile lands, local farmers have been producing some of the best fruit and vegetables in Italy since Roman times. Buon Appetito!

PIZZA MARGHERITA

Makes 5 pizzas

Dough
500g of water - 25g salt - 10g natural fresh yeast - 1.5kg of Italian 00 type flour

Toppings
Tomato passata - Mozzarella - Fresh basil - Olive oil

Preparation

  • Mix everything by hand and work the dough.
  • Split into balls of 300g each - allow dough to rest 4-5 hours to rise.
  • Knead the dough and stretch it to form your base.
  • Top with tomato passata, mozzarella, basil and olive oil.
  • Bake for 20 minutes at 200C.

Serve immediately to keep the base crispy!