With the summer months almost upon us and the promise of warmer weather ahead, some things just make sense — sunscreen, sunglasses, ice-cold drinks, and of course, a trip to Europe.
If you’ve been thinking about a jaunt to one of the many beautiful places Europe has to offer, consider adding these six less-traveled destinations to your itinerary. And if you weren’t already planning a trip, I trust you’ll be ready to pack your bags after this quick read!
Warsaw, Poland
Once known as “The Paris of the East” before the city was decimated during World War II, Warsaw now combines some of the most beautiful Baroque and contemporary architecture in the world. The history and vibe here are second to none and I can guarantee that you will leave inspired to do whatever it is you haven’t started on yet.
One of the world's greatest pianists, Frédéric Chopin was born here and you can find many outdoor concerts during the summer paying homage to his musical style. Warsaw is also the birthplace of Marie Curie, the first woman to win the Nobel Prize. If you love history and architecture, Warsaw is for you.
How to get there:
To get here, fly into the beautiful and incredibly modern Chopin International Airport. You can use Bilt Points to book a flight via United, likely connecting via Brussels, or on American Airlines, likely connecting via London.
Where to stay:
Transfer your Bilt Points to IHG for a stay at either the Hotel Indigo Warsaw or the Intercontinental Warsaw. Both of these are amazing options depending on the vibe you are looking for.
Innsbruck, Austria
Ever wondered what it would be like to be Cinderella or Prince Charming for a day? After a two-hour drive from Innsbruck across the Alps and into Germany, you’ll arrive at Neuschwanstein Castle. The castle was originally constructed into a hillside for King Ludwig II, but he died before it was completed. Instead, it opened to the public shortly after his death in 1886 and went on to become (rumor has it anyway) the inspiration for both Disney’s Cinderella and Snow White’s Castle. This tour is something you will never forget and the sightseeing along the way to and from is simply incredible. Yes, you can stay in Germany (Munich is great!) and get to the castle in a bit less time, but depending on your trip origins, you may miss the opportunity to cross over the Alps.
For the real world-travelers out there, or as the author, Douglas Adams would have said, “Interstellar Hitchhiker”, Innsbruck offers the opportunity to lay in the same fields and take in the same sights as Adams did while writing the epic five-part book series The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy that has now sold over 14 million copies. Every year, on May 25th, the city celebrates “Towel Day” in honor of Adams and his literary contributions…so book your flight and pack a towel!
How to get there:
If you happen to already be in Europe or the UK, you can fly directly into Innsbruck airport. If you’re coming from anywhere else in the world, I’d suggest redeeming some Bilt Points on either American Airlines or United and flying into Munich. From there, it’s one of the most beautiful train rides you’ll ever take for a whopping $28.
Where to stay:
Transfer your Bilt Points to Hyatt for a stay at DasPosthotel, a super chic Hyatt property that’s still really close to Innsbruck.
Basel, Switzerland
When it comes to Switzerland, you’ve likely heard of Zürich and Geneva, but have you heard about the beautiful city of Basel, nestled directly on the Rhine River? Basel is known as the cultural center of Switzerland with over 40 different museums, including the Kunstmuseum, which opened in 1661 as the world's first collection of art that was open to the public. My favorite thing about Basel though is how you see the city. Leave your shorts and walking shoes at the hotel. Instead, grab some flip-flops, throw on a bathing suit and put your belongings in a traditional Wickelfisch bag and float the Rhine! As you float down the river with a drink in hand, you’ll take in the incredible scenery, float under arches built in the 1200’s and when it's time to hop out, you’ll want to do it all over again.
How to get there:
You’ve got a couple of airport options here depending on your trip's budget. Bilt Points will once again come in handy. Both United and American fly into Basel Airport (BSL) or Zurich (ZRH). While flying into Basel will obviously have you touching down closest to your final destination, it can be about 4x the cost of flying into Zurich. If you choose the latter, you’ll have to take a 60-minute train ride into Basel. If it were me, I’m booking a flight into Zurich, sightseeing over lunch or dinner, and then taking the train to Basel.
Where to stay:
When you transfer your Bilt Points to IHG, you can get a shockingly good deal at a brand new Holiday Inn Express & Suites Basel. This place is legitimately very nice and even without point redemption will only cost around $150 per night. If you’re looking for a more boutique feel, I can’t recommend the Gaia Hotel enough, which is consistently ranked as one of the best in Basel. You can book this property with Bilt Points through the Bilt Travel Portal powered by Expedia.
Patmos, Greece
Combine beautiful waters, incredible island scenery, a gorgeous summer climate and the fun and laughter that comes with Greek culture and you've got one amazing destination in Patmos. Put on your bathing suit, grab a cold drink and head down to Psili Ammos Beach to feel the sand between your toes. After you're sufficiently sunned out, grab a light jacket and enjoy the cool evenings and thriving nightlife on the island. The traditional Greek cuisine on the island is incredible and refreshing and there is no shortage of options.
How to get there:
Admittedly, Patmos is not the easiest place to get given that it’s an island, but it’s not only possible, it's also absolutely worth it. Transfer your Bilt Points to American Airlines or United to fly into Rhodes Airport (RHO). From there, you can board a ferry that will take about 7-10 hours. Yes, that’s not a short trip but it is a gorgeous ride to a place that you will never forget.
Where to stay:
I’d recommend a room at either Hotel Athina or the Skala Hotel. Both offer incredible views and amenities to enjoy the natural beauty of this amazing and historic island. Be sure to check out the Bilt Travel Portal powered by Expedia to explore other hotel options.
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean and is located just west of the Italian Peninsula. The water here is some of the clearest and most beautiful you’ll ever see. There’s a reason that the world's most rich and famous love to swing by this place on their yachts while island hopping around Italy. A trip here to simply enjoy the incredible beaches would be enough, but the hidden gems here never end. After sunbathing with a Negroni in hand, go check out the ruins of the Nuraghi, a shepherding people that lived here over 3,000 years ago. Make sure to take in the beautiful sights of Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, and its surrounding neighborhoods. Many of them date back to the ancient Roman empire.
How to get there:
Getting to Sardinia, despite its location, is not too bad. Use your Bilt Points to get yourself to Rome, Naples, or Milan. From there you’ll connect directly to Cagliari.
Where to stay:
When you transfer your Bilt Points to Hyatt, you’ll enjoy an absolutely stunning Hyatt property called La Villa del Re, located right in the heart of Cagliari.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges oozes class and romanticism. The streets are lined with cobblestone and like Warsaw was once called the Paris of the East, Bruges is often referred to as the Venice of the North due to the winding canals throughout this beautiful city. There are so many incredible things to do while here including climbing the Belfry Tower, visiting the Church of Our Lady which dates back to the 13th century and contains Michaelangelo’s marble Madonna and Child sculpture as well as visiting Lake Minnewater, where kissing your significant other on the bridge, ensure your love will turn eternal (kiss carefully!). You need to check out the waffles, beers, and chocolates that Belgium is known for as well.
How to get there:
Transfer your Bilt Points to American Airlines or United and fly in Brussels. From there, grab a $20 train ticket, sit back and relax, and enjoy an hour-long scenic ride between the two historic cities.
Where to stay:
Once again, our friends at Hyatt have come through with gorgeous property called The Pand, which is conveniently located in the city center. And did we mention it’s set in an 18th-century carriage house complete with a cozy library and real wood fires burning throughout?