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There's just so much variety and an amazing array of antiquities that would appeal to any history buff, that its hard to choose.
Because I was raised in Southern Alberta, a Province that only entered Confederation in 1905, if you encountered a building that was a mere 100 years old you were looking at ancient.
Then I visited Toronto and Quebec City and was amazed at the centuries old architecture on display.
That was impressive but I never really appreciated the meaning of ancient until I traveled to Europe.
The mix of modern and ancient in European cities and landscapes is fascinating but the old is so much more interesting.
I found myself transported back in time and wondering what it would be like had I not been born so late.
Anyway, here's my top five.
England First stop has to be England and the next France, mostly because Canada's history is so linked to those two founding nations.
But England's many medieval cathedrals, fortified castles, beautiful Cotswold villages and the great bustling city of London are attraction enough.
London is a magnet and definitely qualifies as one of the top five European travel destinations.
Its museums, royal pageantry, theatres and art are famous around the world.
I just had to see the iconic London Taxis on my first visit as well as the omnipresent English Pubs where we quaffed a pint or two.
I was most amused as a Nanny parked her charge's stroller outside the door of one of those quaint establishments and nipped in for a quick lunchtime pint! The British Parliament Buildings where one of my heroes, Sir Winston Churchill held sway for many years are impressive, as are Westminster Abbey and The Tower of London.
The Tower houses the Crown Jewels so security there is intense and nobody is permitted to touch them.
Very recently someone actually circumvented the security system at the Tower but the Crown Jewels were not taken.
Only one person had previously broken in and made an unsuccessful attempt at stealing the Crown Jewels.
That was in 1671 and the thief was one Colonel Thomas Blood.
King Charles II actually pardoned Blood, perhaps because he was much impressed with Colonel Blood's audacity and near success.
I spent a day at the British Museum but could have spent an entire week in the Parasitology section alone.
What an amazing place.
I was a student at the University of Alberta and was on my way to present my Masters of Science results to an International Conference of Ecological Parasitology being held just outside Warsaw.
I got the chance to see many of the type specimens of tapeworms, parasitic nematodes and trematodes I had only read about in the scientific literature.
Alas the rest of what the Museum has to offer still awaits me.
Off to France we go.
France Paris has to be on the top of anyone's agenda in a visit to France.
Nowhere is the exquisite French cuisine, accompanied by fine wines and delectable desserts more on display than in Paris.
I was there many years ago on the way to that Conference in Poland.
The "standoffish" and grumpy reputation of the waiters and hotel staff I had been warned about at first seemed accurate.
But as soon we tried communicating in our admittedly bad French, their demeanor changed to courteous and helpful.
But they did switch to English.
I'm thinking our Canadian accents and halting French were not very efficient.
I also think they truly appreciated our attempt at speaking French.
Mostly their "Joie de Vivre" shone through, only heightened by the accompaniment of very fine Cabernet.
While there you must visit the Louvre, probably the most majestic and important museum in the world.
Who can forget the Mona Lisa or Venus de Milo once having seen them up close and personal- or as close as security will permit.
Just this one museum would qualify all by itself as one of the top five European travel destinations.
And then there's the magnificent Palace of Versailles in the Ile de France region which is now a suburb of Paris.
Its beautiful gardens and resplendent Chateau are sights to behold.
Louis XIV moved his Court to Versailles in 1682 and it became the centre of political power until 1789 when the French Revolution began.
During his time at Versailles, Louis XIV transformed the Palace, Chateau and gardens so that much of what one sees there now has the indelible stamp of Louis The Great, the Sun King.
Spain Then off I go to Spain, land of bull fighters and medieval villages picturesquely sprawling along hillsides with cottages shining white in the brilliant sun.
Spain is also famous for its art museums and cathedrals that reach to the heavens as though trying to touch God himself.
You'll find fine art and sculpture throughout the many museums open to the public.
An exuberant nightlife awaits you after the tours of the day are done.
Andalusia's great attraction, La Alhambra in Granada with its Moorish grandeur is truly amazing.
The sprawling courtyards and gardens with their fountains and sculptures will captivate and stimulate your imagination.
If you get to Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia is definitely an attraction.
Its architecture conjures images of fairytale palaces.
It actually is a huge unfinished Basilica designed by Antonio Gaudi, perhaps the most famous of Spanish architects and builders.
Construction began in 1882 and the Basilica remains under construction to this day.
The Netherlands A trip to the Netherlands, a land of windmills, canals and tulips is next on my list.
Amsterdam's waterways, friendly people and laid back atmosphere are truly enjoyable.
On my visit many years ago I was impressed by the truly progressive attitudes of the people.
I was amazed by the lineup of small, tidy and licensed brothels we encountered on a tour along the waterfront.
We just looked! While there a couple of other cities are definitely worth taking in.
The Hague is the both the centre of the Monarchy and of International Diplomacy with the International Court of Justice located there.
Rotterdam situated on the delta of the Rhine and Maas Rivers is the largest seaport in the world.
This modern city was completely rebuilt after being leveled by the Nazis in 1940 and now boasts soaring towers of steel and glass.
It is truly a testament to the will and industry of the Dutch.
Italy And finally I am off to Italy, rivaled by Greece alone in its contribution to modern civilization, art and literature.
Famous for its art, fine foods and wine, and welcoming people, Italy is the birthplace of a great list of famous writers, artists, politicians and Saints.
Its many art museums and collections will provide fascinating glimpses into history from ancient times to modern day.
The Vatican, a tiny independent state founded in 1929 is the centre of Catholicism and a must to visit while in Rome.
Although the City State is recent, in ancient times the term Vatican referred to the marshy area on the bank of the Tiber River, between the Milvio Bridge and the present Sixtus Bridge.
You must take in St.
Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, especially Michelangelo's famous art.
Ancient Rome itself with its Coliseum, The Roman Forum and the many collections of the finest art and sculpture in the world will dazzle and intrigue any visitor.
Conclusion There you have my top five.
I hope I've managed to stimulate you to conjure up your own list of exotic destinations.
Sit back and dream of actually being there with friends and family enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of new places and the people who make them so much more enjoyable.
I encourage you to check out my information and discover how I may be able to help make your next trip away extraordinarily restful and enjoyable.
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