A million lifetimes isn’t enough to explore Europe on foot, bicycle or just sightsee. Each time we visit and choose a different country area to explore, it’s love at first sight. In Europe, you can begin the day in one destination, hike/bike or walk around lakes, up and over mountains, visit charming towns on the way and return at night on the fast and efficient train and bus systems. Public transportation and chairlifts are bicycle/children/people friendly, there is always a refuge or mountain hut to stop for lunch and every region, without exception is gorgeous.

Here are seven of my favorite areas along with personal favorite towns. It will come as no surprise to anyone that Switzerland is #1 followed by Austria #2 because they are “no brainers” thanks to wonderful signage on almost all routes. France is a close #3:

- Switzerland is where we first experimented with hiking on the very user-friendly trails that were designed for dolts like us. Waymarked trails graded from easy to strenuous. Signposts pointing directions and time whenever two trails meet. No bears or rattlesnakes to worry about (there is an occasional viper, rarely seen). And…raclette, fondue, chocolate, heavenly deserts. The lakes and mountains around Interlaken, Zermatt (home of the Matterhorn), little-known but gorgeous Kandersteg, Davos and St. Moritz are particular favorites of mine visited many, many times in both winter and summer.

- Austria. Watch one of the many videos from our latest trip to Austria and you too will end up singing, ,,,the hills are alive…, Just a sampling of the most jaw-dropping little towns in this country are Mayrhofen, Kitzbuhel, Salzburg, recently Au (watch for detailed posts soon) and the entire Innsbruck area.

- France. Another country that would take a lifetime to bicycle, walk and sightsee. Brittany, Loire Chateau area, Provence, incredible Alsace that holds Riquewihr, the ultimate medieval village, the French side of Lake Geneva, Chamonix, French Alps…so many places…so little time even though I’m doing my best.

Estaing along the Lot River
- A tie between the Italian Lake District and Amalfi Coast. Lakes Lugano, Como, Garda. Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano. Decisions, always decisions. Italy is a little more difficult to navigate. Don’t be surprised to reach an intersection with three different signs pointing in three different directions to the same destination. We are forever getting lost in Italy but that’s part of the charm.

- Sicily. Other than the “Godfather” reputation, Sicily has Mt. Etna, mountains to climb, long distance routes to bicycle, fabulous food and wine, along with Roman ruins crisscrossing the country.

- Slovenia. Slovenia is an up and coming country that is not only easy to navigate but cheap by European standards. Think excellent wine for $1.00 U.S. a glass. Now, that’s cheap! And, let me mention that Slovenia has some of the friendliest people we’ve ever met.

Slovenia directional signs 

Bled Castle in Slovenia
- Mallorca, Spain. Last but not least is Mallorca. You may not have ever thought of Mallorca as a place to bicycle, walk or just sightsee. Only someplace to sit on a beach and get tan. Mallorca does have that but also is a popular weekend destination for Europeans who know a good thing when they see it. Well marked mountain trails and roads, relatively inexpensive places to stay and eat along with historical sights and magnificent scenery.

Allison and mascot “Moosie” biking around Mallorca by herself
Hope Sheila’s extremely short list of favorites has given you a yen for the open road. Questions? Comment in an e-mail and I’ll get back to you.

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