On my first trip to Europe back in 2009, I remember talking with some parents of friends who let me borrow a few old Rick Steves videos. They had traveled Europe extensively over the years and highly recommended Rick’s books and shows to help uncover places worth visiting. One segment stood out to me: Gimmelwald, Switzerland. Growing up visiting Colorado, I’d always had a fascination with mountains, and the Alps had long been a dream. When I finally made it, I followed the trail above Lauterbrunnen through Mürren and Gimmelwald before descending into Stechelberg. Wandering that valley was an experience I’ll never forget—one of many “once-in-a-lifetime” moments I’ve been fortunate to experience. Since then, I’ve traveled to Europe multiple times over and like Rick Steves, I’ve found many favorites that are both iconic European locations and hidden gems that one in like Gimmelwald I visited so many years ago.
In the spirit of those early Rick Steves videos that fueled my desire to travel more of Europe, I’ve created a list of top European destinations that I’ve been to, including many that Rick himself popularized. I’ve paired them with similiar, usually lesser-known counterparts that share a similar magic. These lesser-known locations aren’t meant to replace the icons, but instead, should give you more inspiration to visit hidden gems as well and are designed to give suggestions to those looking to dive a little deeper.
With that said, let’s get to it!
Venice & Annecy: Waterway Wonders of Europe
Venice, Italy
Venice is one of Europe’s most romantic and recognizable cities. From the labyrinthine canals to gondola rides under the Bridge of Sighs, it’s an iconic destination full of beauty and history. Yet with that fame comes crowds—especially in high season. Still, there’s no replacing the sensation of stepping out into St. Mark’s Square or catching a quiet moment in a misty alley at dawn.
Related Gallery | The Italy Collection
Annecy, France
Annecy offers a different but equally enchanting kind of waterway charm. Often called the “Venice of the Alps,” it’s a lakeside town threaded with narrow canals and pastel-colored buildings. Unlike Venice, you’re surrounded by mountains and alpine air. It’s a peaceful retreat for travelers who want the old-world feel without the foot traffic.
Related Gallery | The France Collection
Neuschwanstein & Château de Chillon: Fairytale Castles
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Towering above the Bavarian forest, Neuschwanstein is the quintessential fairytale castle—complete with turrets, alpine backdrops, and an almost mythic status. It’s no wonder Disney modeled Sleeping Beauty’s castle after it. A visit here feels like stepping into a dream, but it’s also firmly on the tourist circuit.
Château de Chillon, Switzerland
Set beside the shimmering waters of Lake Geneva, Château de Chillon is just as scenic but far more grounded in history. This medieval stronghold has been beautifully preserved and offers an intimate, atmospheric experience. Exploring its ramparts and vaulted dungeons evokes the feel of real European history rather than fantasy.
Related Gallery | The Switzerland Collection
Reflections of the Matterhorn: Riffelsee & Lago Blu
Riffelsee & the Gornergrat, Switzerland
For classic views of the Matterhorn, few spots rival Riffelsee—a small alpine lake that perfectly mirrors the mountain at sunrise. The nearby Gornergrat railway offers sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. It’s one of the most photogenic places in the Alps, and understandably popular.
Lago Blu, Italy: The Lesser Known View of the Matterhorn
Just across the border in Italy’s Aosta Valley lies Lago Blu—a tranquil spot with striking Matterhorn views of its own. The lake is much smaller and less visited than Riffelsee, but the reflections on a still day are just as magical. It’s a hidden favorite for photographers looking for quiet beauty.
Dubrovnik & Omis: Croatia’s Coastal Charms
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is the crown jewel of the Adriatic. Enclosed in stone walls with red-tiled rooftops, it has become internationally famous thanks to its beauty and its role as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. It’s stunning, but often packed with tourists, especially during cruise season. Staying the night is a great option to enjoy the city without the crazy amounts of tourists from cruise ships.
Omis, Croatia
Omis offers a refreshing contrast to Dubrovnik. Cradled between the sea and steep cliffs, this former pirate haven has dramatic scenery, a charming Old Town, and far fewer visitors. While nowhere near the size of Dubrovnik, Split or Zadar, it has an amazing Croatian charm without the heavy tourism. Seeing the town at sunset or when the lights of town start glowing from one of the pirate lookout towers above the town is truly a remarkable experience. The Cetina River adds kayaking, ziplining, and hiking opportunities, making Omis a haven for adventure lovers. The Cetina River canyon itself, where pirate ships used to lie in wait for merchant ships to attack, offers stunning beauty.
Related Gallery | The Croatia Collection
Tuscany’s Timeless Beauty: Val d’Orcia & the Tuff Towns of Pitigliano and Sorano
Val d’Orcia and Pienza, Italy
The Val d’Orcia is Tuscany at its most iconic—rolling hills, cypress trees, and golden light. Pienza, a Renaissance gem perched above the valley, is rich with architecture, food, and panoramic views. It’s the Tuscany many travelers dream of.
Related Article | Tuscany Photography Guide | 5 Top Photo Spots
Pitigliano and Sorano, Italy
Further south, Pitigliano and Sorano offer a different kind of Tuscan charm. Built into volcanic tufa cliffs, these towns feel untouched and timeless. Winding alleyways, ancient Etruscan roots, and a lack of big tour buses make them atmospheric and deeply authentic.
Related Article | Sorano and Pitigliano: Two of Italy’s Tuff Towns
Alpe di Siusi & Foroglio: Mountain Drama and Meadow Peace
Alpe di Siusi, Italy
Alpe di Siusi is one of the crown jewels of the Dolomites. This expansive alpine meadow is framed by towering peaks and dotted with wooden huts. Its open space and dramatic scenery attract photographers and hikers alike.
Foroglio, Switzerland
Hidden in the Bavona Valley, Foroglio is a tiny stone village with a stunning waterfall pouring down beside it. Unlike Alpe di Siusi, it feels undiscovered—quiet, mysterious, and magical. It’s ideal for travelers drawn to storybook villages and raw nature.
Related Article | Foroglio, Switzerland | A Village Frozen in Time
Lauterbrunnen & Rosenlaui: Switzerland’s Valley Magic
Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland
With its soaring cliffs and ribbon-thin waterfalls, Lauterbrunnen is one of Europe’s most photographed valleys. It’s a hub for hiking, cable cars, and mountain excursions. Rick Steves helped popularize it, and rightly so—it’s unforgettable.
Rosenlaui Valley, Switzerland
Just beyond the more famous trails lies the Rosenlaui Valley. Rosenlaui might just be my Gimmelwald. Shadowy forests, mist-shrouded peaks, and a thundering glacier gorge make it feel like a lost world. It’s a quiet place, perfect for introspection and immersion in nature.
Related Gallery | The Switzerland Collection
Who is Rick Steves, and Why Does He Matter?
As one of the most beloved voices for traveling to Europe, Rick Steves guidebooks and PBS series inspired millions of Americans to explore Europe in new ways that emphasize the local culture, people and getting off the tourist trails. I have to agree with him and it’s why I sometimes advocate for driving at least part of a Europe trip, to get away from the main places that the trains or cruises go and see something different. Rick Steves helped popularize places like Gimmelwald, which were completely off the radar before, helping travels realize how beautiful and authentic an area just beyond the famous destinations can be. I hope this blog inspires you to visit some of the places that might not always be the super famous tourist hot-spots. I will continue to update if I think of other local hotspots that are comparable to the beautiful big-name tourist destinations.
Related Gallery | The Europe Collection