CULTURAL Experiences for Families in Europe

By Miriam Porter

Natural wonders, history, art, food and music await your next European adventure.

Families travelling to Europe can choose from a vast variety of cultural experiences to inspire, teach, enlighten, and thrill young minds while creating lasting memories. Here are our top picks for cultural experiences that families will love.

PONTA DA PIEDADE, ALGARVE, PORTUGAL

ALGARVE, PORTUGAL

DOLPHINS SWIMMING IN ALGARVE, PORTUGAL

Set sail along the Algarve coast in Portugal in search of wild dolphins to see these magnificent marine creatures in their natural habitat and observe them safely. Dolphin species include Risso’s, striped, and bottlenose, in addition to orca whales, sharks and sea turtles, swimming in clear blue waters. Some local guides are marine biologists and teach families all about the creatures living in Algarve and take you to hidden caves, grottos, cruising past ancient rock formations along the coast. Save time to swim and explore stunning family-friendly beaches, such as the golden sands of Praia do Ancão.

PARIS, FRANCE

Culture and gastronomy meet in France’s bustling capital among art, fashion, and famous monument-lined boulevards. Little chefs (and big ones too) can wear aprons in Paris for cooking classes while preparing authentic three-course French meals. Many classes are in English, but it’s likely you will all learn some French while preparing your appetizer, main course and dessert from scratch. Using fresh and seasonal ingredients, the meals are easy to recreate so once back home everyone can help prepare dinner, at least in a perfect world.

ATHENS, GREECE

PANATHENAIC STADIUM

Teach your kids the wonders of Greek mythology with stories of Poseidon, the goddess Athena, and King Theseus in Athens. Hop aboard the bright red Athens Happy Train for an extraordinary sightseeing tour from Constitution Square. Weave through the historical centre of town, ancient neighbourhoods, and the hill of Acropolis, a striking and significant architectural monument. Admire the War Museum, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium and more. Save a day to visit Hellenic Children’s Museum for exceptional exhibits showcasing Greek cultural heritage through games and play.

LONDON, ENGLAND

TOWER OF LONDON

Introduce your family to music at the London Symphony Orchestra with audience-engaged concerts and workshops or attend an open rehearsal to hear skilled professionals. For a spooky experience for older kids, head to the Tower of London and discover 1,000 years of history in this old infamous prison on a Yeoman Warder tour. Brave souls will tour this iconic fortress and learn about the legends of the Tower ravens, ancient battles and prisoner tales. The tower is home to the Crown Jewels – the most powerful symbols of the British monarchy that hold cultural significance to the nation’s history and still under armed guard today.

FIGUERES, SPAIN

GALA DALI CASTLE

For the budding artists in your family, travel to the birthplace of Salvador Dali, Figueres. The influential Spanish painter and printmaker will inspire young minds to create masterpieces. Discover his life and work at Dali Theatre-Museum and Dali Jewels and open the doors to a Dalinian world and your child’s endless imagination. Passionate Dali fans can explore the ‘Dalinian Triangle’ with a visit to his former home in the small town of Portlligat and the Gala Dali Castle in the medieval village of Púbol.