Be inspired by Europe’s history & culture

Seasoned flatbread has long been a staple throughout the Mediterranean region, but Italy is the cradle of pizza.

The Naples connection

In the 18th and early 19th centuries, Neapolitan peasants started using tomatoes—initially thought to be poisonous—in their dishes, including pizza. Added out of necessity, this ingredient forever altered the course of pizza history. Once local aristocrats discovered the crude peasant food sold on the streets of Naples, Italy’s national dish was on its way to becoming a global phenomenon. Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba of Naples, the first true pizzeria, opened in 1830—and has been making delicious pizzas ever since.

Margherita, pizza fit for a queen

In 1889, Italy’s Queen Margherita visited Pizzeria Brandi in Naples. Using tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil, Raffaele Esposito made a pizza for the queen that featured the three colors of the new Italian flag. She, like so many people after her, loved it.

Italians take their pizza personally

If you order pizza in an Italian pizzeria, remember that Italian pizza is usually served in one size—personal. One bite, and you will understand why Italians believe there are two kinds of pizza in the world: Italian, and everything else.

The amber craft has been cultivated in Gdańsk for centuries. The city’s first amber workshop dates back to the 10th century, and the first amber guild was established in Gdańsk in 1477.

Amber is the fossilized resin that oozes out of certain trees. Baltic amber—a type of amber found only in Northern Europe—accounts for approximately 80% of the world’s amber. And while natural forces like glaciers and rivers brought amber to Poland, commercial forces would carry the work of Gdańsk artisans throughout Europe, Asia and beyond.

Today, as it has been for centuries, Gdańsk is synonymous with this beautiful gemstone.

Gdańsk’s golden age of amber

In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the demand for amber pieces and artifacts increased dramatically. Amber goods joined the collections of Polish royalty, aristocrats and clergy, and made their way into the courts of dukes and monarchs across Europe. Masterpieces by Gdańsk amber artists were prized by popes, tsars and sultans—even France’s “Sun King,” Louis XIV.

Demise and rebirth

World War I and World War II devastated the amber craft in Europe; in Gdańsk, not a single workshop survived. But in the decades since, artists have breathed new life into the city’s amber tradition. Today, Gdańsk amber masters and their art are appreciated around the world. The city is home to the headquarters of the International Association of Amber Masters, as well as the world’s two largest amber fairs.

Few things are as comforting as a piping-hot meal of fondue. This deceptively simple dish of cubed bread dipped in warm, melted cheese was declared the national dish of Switzerland during the 1930s. In the years since, this culinary delight has grown from humble entrée to worldwide indulgence.

The origins of fondue can be traced to 18th-century Switzerland, when families in Alpine farm villages invented the dish to use up their stale bread, excess cheese and day-old wine. Dipping the hardened bread into the cheese made it soft and delicious once more, while heating the wine along with the cheese enhanced the flavors of both ingredients. From these unassuming origins grew a beloved winter tradition.

Throughout Switzerland, various regions boast their own favored fondue iterations. In Valais, for example, Gruyère is often mixed with raclette, whereas those in Bern prefer to blend their Gruyère with Emmental (i.e., what most Westerners call “Swiss cheese”). No matter how it is prepared, you are sure to enjoy the delicious, indulgent flavors of this classically Swiss combination.

Here is a scenario that might be familiar to many a traveler in Spain. Having spent the morning exploring some charming village, you decide around noon that a cool glass of sangria and a savory bocadillo sandwich may be just what you need. But none of the restaurants seem to be open. It might occur to you that things have shut down for the siesta, the traditional afternoon nap that is still observed in many parts of Spain. But, that would not be technically correct.

Most restaurants in Spain don’t open until about 2:00 PM, when businesses close for the long midday break called mediodía (midday). Spaniards usually have a light breakfast followed by a late-morning snack called an almuerzo. Around 2:00 PM comes la comida, the largest meal of the day, which can be a three-course social affair, perhaps with wine. The actual napping, the siesta, comes after this heavy meal and lasts for only about 15 minutes. Workers may return to work after their comida or siesta and finish by 8:00 PM. They may then visit a tapas bar for drinks and snacks before the last meal of the day, the light supper called la cena, served between 9:00 and 11:00 PM.

While many foreigners have uncharitably labeled the Spanish as “lazy” because of their siestas, Spaniards actually work longer hours than their European counterparts and get less sleep. In fact, midday naps have been a part of many cultures for thousands of years, particularly those in warmer climates where the populace needed rest and shelter from the noontime sun. Yet, despite ample scientific evidence that napping is good for productivity, cardiac health and emotional well-being, the siesta tradition could soon be put to permanent rest.

Located about 30 miles from Helsinki, Porvoo is nearly two centuries older than the White City of the North. Founded nearly 800 years ago, the charming medieval town is connected to the Gulf of Finland by the “Porvoonjoki,” or Porvoo River, which winds past the city's most famous landmarks: the red shore houses. Porvoo has been the home and inspiration of many Finnish artists for centuries.

The Normandy beaches, famously etched into history on June 6, 1944, during the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France, hold a unique place in the hearts and minds of visitors today. Walking along the revered shores of Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, the remnants of D-Day serve as a powerful testament to the bravery and sacrifice of countless soldiers.

Along the beaches are poignant reminders of the monumental events that unfolded here. Among the most striking are the rusted remains of German bunkers, guns still aimed at the empty beaches and the abandoned Mulberry Harbor. A visit to these sobering sites offers travelers a rare opportunity to experience history on such a visceral level.

A short distance from the beaches, you will find the church of Sainte-Mère-Église, which served as a makeshift field hospital during the invasion. This is also where American paratrooper John Steele’s parachute was famously caught on the church’s steeple, making it a special place to remember the brave paratroopers of the Allied forces. Today, the D-Day beaches remain a storied landmark where one can reflect on the impact of this historic event on the course of world history.

A journey along Iceland’s Golden Circle delivers you to jaw-dropping vistas. The drama and power of nature are alive and well in this breathtaking corner of Iceland. Here are three highlights of this unforgettable drive:

Thingvellir National Park

Iceland’s history, culture and remarkable geology merge in Thingvellir National Park. Here, Vikings established the world’s first democratic parliament in 930 AD and met annually at encampments amid its splendid beauty. Comprising a picturesque rift valley, the park is an enormous patchwork of pastures, rivers, waterfalls and water-filled fissures marking the convergence of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. So central is Thingvellir to Iceland’s cultural identity that many have referred to it as a sacred church.

Gullfoss

The tiered “Golden Falls” of Iceland are perhaps the country's most majestic. This magnificent natural wonder of the Hvitá River cascades in two stages, falling 36 feet and then 69 feet into the 105-foot-deep Hvitá Canyon, which carries the voluminous water away in a roaring torrent. Rainbows play off the mist on sunny days, creating a magical atmosphere. With their breathtaking beauty, they have become a symbol of Iceland’s commitment to preserving its natural treasures.

Haukadalur

A sprawling, mountain-ringed valley, Haukadalur is home to surging geysers and other geothermal wonders. Its most visited geyser is Strokkur, which reliably erupts every six to ten minutes and sends jets of hot-spring water up to 60 feet in the air. The other notable geyser in the area, which erupts only rarely, is known simply as Geysir. This derivative of the Old Norse word for “gush” is what gave all other geysers their name. In the volcanic ecosystem of Haukadalur, hot springs, mud pools and fumaroles bubble and steam, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

With a population of more than 500,000 people, Lisbon is Portugal’s largest city. It is also one of the oldest cities in Europe, boasting more than 2,000 years of continuous human habitation.

A desirable destination for centuries

Lisbon was occupied by the Romans, various Germanic tribes and the Moors before the Crusaders recaptured it in the 12th century. Lisbon’s long, eclectic history and strategic location as a seaport have contributed to its unique mix of cultures, while its Mediterranean climate and affluent lifestyle make it one of the most livable cities in the world.

Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Lisbon is home to two adjacent UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most prominent examples of the Portuguese late Gothic Manueline-style architecture. Not far from the monastery, the Belém Tower stands on the bank of the Tagus River. Built in the early 16th century to defend the port entrance, the tower was dedicated to St. Vincent, the patron saint of Lisbon.

Exploring Alfama

The Alfama district is one of the oldest quarters in Lisbon and still retains much of its original layout. Decorative tiled building facades line narrow medieval streets. In the evening, visitors can hear haunting strains of fado, a distinctively Portuguese style of music, emanating from the old quarter’s many cafés and restaurants.

Other delights

From history and architecture to food and wine, Lisbon has something for many appetites. You can sample the local cuisine and port wines for which Portugal is famous and visit the city’s fascinating museums and beautiful cathedrals.

The Dutch Golden Age (17th century) was a prodigious period for Dutch trade, science and the emergence of noteworthy artists who would come to be known as the Dutch Masters. Meet five of them below and find out where you can see artwork from this celebrated era while you are visiting The Netherlands.

• Frans Hals (1583–1666) – Known as Hals the Elder, he is known for his group portraiture and painterly brushwork that helped usher in the more dynamic and lifelike Golden Age painting style.
• Rembrandt van Rijn (1606–1669) – Considered by many to be the most important painter in Dutch history, Rembrandt produced an extraordinary body of work, including both paintings and etchings. He focused on Biblical and historical subjects and created many portraits and self‑portraits.
• Aelbert Cuyp (1620–1691) – This native of Dordrecht was best known for his landscapes, particularly Dutch and Italian ones. He painted large vistas of the Dutch countryside in the early morning or late afternoon light, with particularly compelling renderings of clouds.
• Jan Steen (1629–1679) – From Leiden, Steen captured daily life in all its lusty, chaotic glory. There is even a Dutch expression, een huishouden van Jan Steen (“a Jan Steen household”), which means a messy, cluttered scene. He painted historical, mythological and religious scenes as well as portraits and still lifes—always with insight and humor.
• Johannes “Jan” Vermeer (1632–1675) – With only 34 extant works attributed to him, Vermeer may not have been the most prolific Dutch Master, but he worked with great care and his domestic scenes are beloved. Two of his best-known works are Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Milkmaid.

Works of the Dutch Masters are on display around the world. In The Netherlands, you can see them at the Rembrandt Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Amsterdam Hermitage and the Royal Picture Gallery at The Hague.

With its long Atlantic coastline, Portugal has a prolific seafaring past. Six centuries ago, explorers began to sail from Portugal’s shores to establish trade routes with India, Brazil and beyond, and to lay claim to new lands.

Evolution of discovery

After the bubonic plague took its devastating toll in the 14th century, King Alfonso IV ordered the first exploratory journeys to encourage maritime commerce. Over the years, Portuguese sailing ships grew larger and sturdier, adding cannons and other weaponry. Square sails gave way to the triangular sails of the double-masted caravel, which borrowed the shape from North African sailing ships. By the 15th century, Portuguese ships featured three masts so they could travel farther and accommodate more cargo. Portuguese navigators took Arabic technologies like the quadrant and the astrolabe and improved them. These navigators mapped previously uncharted territories and helped create and refine the astronomical tables used in almanacs.

Pantheon of explorers

Portugal boasts some of history’s most celebrated explorers. Infante Henry, better known as Henry the Navigator, is revered as the patron saint of Portuguese exploration. Vasco da Gama, the first European to reach India by sea, enabled Portugal to establish a colonial empire in India. Five of his six sons also ventured out to sea. Ferdinand Magellan led the expedition that resulted in the first circumnavigation of the globe in 1522. Although Magellan was killed in the Philippines, his crew successfully completed the historic expedition. Before Christopher Columbus sailed for Spain, he applied twice to sail for Portugal but was rejected both times.

Empire and influence

Because of this exploration, Portugal was able to take early possession of many colonies. Beginning in 1415 with Cueta, a small area on Africa’s north coast just across from Gibraltar, Portugal built a vast network of territories, creating wildly successful trade routes and establishing colonies in Africa, Asia and Latin America. During the 20th century, all the colonies achieved their independence, culminating with the handover of Macau in 1999. Portugal’s influence, however, is still evident. To this day, Portuguese is spoken in Brazil, Argola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé, Principe and East Timor.