The Netherlands

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In Basel, attend Art Basel, a prestigious international art fair that takes place in June.

The Netherlands is drenched in lively colours in summer, with tourists pouring in to see the world-famous tulip blooms (the flowering season lasts till May). The Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, near Amsterdam, is the main attraction! With a pleasant weather and amazing outdoor events, summer is one of the best times to visit Amsterdam. Explore it on foot or by bike. Take a canal boat tour, visit the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife. The Netherlands hosts many festivals during summer, including the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam and Tilburg Fair, one of the largest such in Europe.

Switzerland

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This year, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is celebrating its 50th anniversary with special exhibitions and a festive programme. For 50 years, the museum has been inspiring people with the artworks of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries.

Switzerland in summer is what dreams are made of! With pristine lakes glistening in the sun, ice-capped peaks and cosy mountain towns, the charms of summer are unending. Go hiking in the Alps to some of the most popular sites like the Swiss National Park, the Jungfrau region and the Matterhorn. At Lake Geneva, take a cruise or hop on a paddle steamer, or visit the charming villages that dot its shores. Try mountain biking at Interlaken, Davos and Grindelwald. Also enjoy global culture at the many summer carnivals that take place across the country.

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Enjoy a century of great opera at historic Verona's Roman amphitheatre, the Arena. The 100th Arena di Verona Opera Festival will be held from June-September 2023.

From Tuscany’s rolling vineyards to the picturesque

Amalfi Coast and from stunning islands like Sicily to rich cultural cities like Rome and Florence, Italy offers an exhilarating rendezvous. In Rome, visit the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and the Trevi Fountain and attend Isola del Cinema, an outdoor film festival that features independent cinema, documentaries and cult classics. When in Venice, enjoy a romantic gondola ride and be a part of Biennale Architettura, an international architecture exhibition (on till November), full of carnivals, shows and films.

France

With fiestas lined up across the summer months, France offers a truly immersive experience through films, fashion, food and music. While the Gothic architecture of Paris is alluring, discover the diversity of the French Riviera - from picturesque Nice to the world’s perfume capital Grasse. In Paris, visit the Louvre Museum and plan a trip to the serene Loire Valley. An offbeat summer experience is to attend the Lavender Festival in Provence that celebrates the lavender blooming season and features fireworks, parades, marching bands, lavender-decked boats and a grand ball.

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The Tour de France is one of the most prestigious bicycle races in the world and takes place annually in July. Enjoy the great outdoors and the exhilarating racing atmosphere.

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Explore the option of combining ancient and modern heritage at the Athens Epidaurus Festival (June to August). It's known as Greece’s premier cultural festival that celebrates music, theatre and dance.

Greece

With historic sites, a spectacular coastline and islands ranging from epicurean holiday hotspots to rural idylls - Greece remains one of the best places for summer in Europe. Soak in the cultural sights and dip your feet in the deep blue waters of Santorini's beaches, explore the ancient myth at the iconic Acropolis in Athens or try authentic Greek fare in family-friendly tavernas - there is no dearth of summer activities. The Greeks love celebrations and the summer months are replete with them - Rockwave Festival (near Athens), the August Moon Festival and many more!

Portugal

Portugal’s coastline is incredibly varied making it a perfect summer destination. From the cleanest and stunning beaches of Algarve to surfing highs at Peniche and from Lisbon's charm to the vineyards of Douro Valley - Portugal is at its most exhilarating in summer. Get some Instagramworthy shots at AgitÁgueda, almost a month-long art festival held in Águeda that celebrates the diverse culture of Portugal. Another must-visit is the Festa do São João in Porto.

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In June, Lisboa (Lisbon) is all about festivals, music and food! The city's historic neighbourhoods are filled with street entertainment, concerts and shows.

Experiencing summer in Belgium is as heart-melting as the country’s exotic chocolates. From charming Bruges' canals and medieval landmarks, and the sea-side pleasures of Blankenberge to the forested heart of Ardennes, Belgium is a summer sensation. But it's vibrant Brussels that is the star with blooming parks and charming sidewalk cafés serving cold beer and ice-cream. Attend Ommegang, an annual historical procession with thousands of participants in colourful costumes, and the annual Brussels Summer Festival, a multi-genre musical in August!

Belgium

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Belgium also hosts one of the biggest and most popular music festivals, Tomorrowland, in the quaint town of Boom that guarantees a magical experience.

Denmark

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With over 400 islands, thousands of miles of gorgeous coastline, beautiful sandy beaches, rolling dunes and hidden coves - Denmark is the perfect summer destination. Enjoy canal boat tours and visit Tivoli Gardens, and the many museums and galleries in Copenhagen. Experience the Danish countryside and spectacular beaches like Amager Strandpark and Gilleleje. Denmark also hosts many festivals in summer including the Roskilde Festival (June-July) and the Aarhus Festival, a mega cultural event.