Spring is a fantastic time to experience Europe. The frost thaws, the temperature rises and the days become longer – this really is the perfect season to appreciate the plethora of outdoor attractions before the mercury really soars. And with Flight Centre's 2014 Early Bird Europe airfare deals, holiday makers can make the most of their European spring break. By booking now and flying next year, you can have your European sojourn locked and ready.
There are many fantastic festivals and attractions worth exploring - here are our top European destinations to explore in spring.
London
Sure there's the Tower of London, The National Gallery and Buckingham Palace but spring is a particularly special time in London. The historic Kew Gardens come alive with a mesmerising array of flowers – the kids will love the nature trails. In May the world renowned Chelsea Flower Show regularly attracts over 150,000 visitors and the streets of the English capital play host to the London Marathon. Theatre lovers will enjoy a Shakespearean play al fresco in Regent's Park.
Amsterdam
From the country that's synonymous with tulips, Amsterdam comes to life after a winter slumber with a glorious floral landscape. In the Dutch capital, be sure to visit the floating flower market before taking a leisurely cruise on one of the many canals or hiring a bike and cycling around this beautiful city. The Keukenhof Gardens are terrific. You might also like to coincide your visit with Queen's Day – a Dutch national holiday that's held at the end of April. In 2014, Queen's Day will be all the more festive because it becomes King's Day following the abdication of Queen Beatrix, which paved the way for her son, Willem-Alexander to become King.
Paris
Romantic strolls along the Seine River are perfect anytime - but are particularly memorable in "printemps" when the weather is highly desirable. Be sure to note the bridges along the way including Pont Neuf, Pont Alexandre and Bir Hakeim. It's also worth wandering through the Luxembourg Gardens and admiring the headstones in Père Lachaise cemetery. Of course the French capital is famed for its museums, so if you must go indoors, the must-see museums include the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Musée Rodin.
Barcelona
Spring is known as the festival season in Barcelona - when the vibrant Catalan city comes alive with music and colour. The Primavera Sound Festival is a week long extravaganza, while over Easter there are various parades through the streets as part of Semana Santa. The Virgen de la Macarena is always a popular procession, as is El Paso de la Borriquita. It's also worth catching the flamenco dancers at La Feria de Abril and celebrating lover's day, which is also known as La Diada de Sant Jordi.
Rome
Take a Roman holiday during spring to celebrate the best of Italian history and culture. Being in St Peter's Square over Easter or attending a service at St Peter's Basilica is an incredible event regardless of your religious leanings. Be sure to also tour the Vatican Museum to appreciate the incredible art works and the ceiling of the famed Sistine Chapel. The Roman ruins should be on all travellers' itineraries – the Colosseum is mesmerising and walking through the Roman Forum area is awe inspiring.
