Europe is steeped in history, from the Old World villas in Sweden to Italy's ruins of Pompeii. It is home to Greece, the birthplace of democracy thousands of years ago, and the primary stage for the Age of Reason in the 18th century. Made up of more than two dozen countries and having a time line that reaches back several millenniums, Europe offers plenty of opportunities to see its history. Some of the more successful historical vacations focus on one theme of the continent's story. When you stick with one subject in a select region, you can fully absorb it without becoming overwhelmed.

Castle Vacations

Whether they are stoic, frightening or have the grace of a fairy tale, castles are more than just historic buildings. They evoke images of knights and princesses from childhood and are a beautiful reminder of a different way of life. Their style varies by region, depicting specific tastes of the country or king. King Ludwig's castles in Bavaria, like the pristine white walls of Neuschwanstein, are elegant. In contrast, the imperial castles are overwhelming in size and detail. The Czech Republic, Austria and Germany are home to spectacular examples.

Art History Vacations

The history of Europe itself can be interpreted from the canvas and oils of its masterpieces. Witness the development of the civilization as the art itself progresses through each movement. Madrid is saturated in art with the Prado and Reina Sofia museums and a beautiful display of Goya frescoes. Art lovers will also want to consider a tour of Paris and the French countryside. As the birthplace to the Impressionist movement, some exquisite paintings reside here, including contributions from artists such as Claude Monet.

The Roman World

Though there are many iconic structures in Europe, such as England's Big Ben or the Eiffel Tower in Paris, some of the most noteworthy structures came from one civilization: the Romans. A tour of Italy can lead you through ancient Rome's many ruins, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Rome or south to Pompeii. The reach of the Roman Empire extends past the borders of Italy. Visit Hadrian's Wall in England's countryside, where you can tour this 75-mile-long wall built by the Romans in the year 122.

Vacation in Central Europe

With its record reaching back for centuries, the layers of Europe's history are rich and varied. Though the neighboring countries of Central and Eastern Europe are physically close, when you tour this area you get a glimpse of how culturally different they are from those in Western Europe. Poland, Hungary and Austria are some of the countries typically included on a vacation in this region.

Military History Vacations

Over the past 100 years, some of the world's most important wars have been fought on European soil, and they have affected scores of people outside of the continent. To these people and many others, touring the sites where the battles took place carries much meaning. Significant locations often include France, where memorials, museums and bunkers on the beaches of Normandy can be seen. Other important sites are scattered throughout Europe, including Venice, Luxembourg and Munich.

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