SPA, BELGIUM – My heart begins to race as our driver points his mini-van in the direction of a long, narrow tunnel that separates reality from the fast-paced, romantic world of Formula 1 Grand Prix auto racing.

WATERLOO, BELGIUM – The intermittent rain and icy wind doesn’t seem to be dampening the spirit of the thousands marching toward one of history’s greatest battlefields. Souad Mimouni, the Belgian friend who has driven me to this quaint town just 12 kilometres from downtown Brussels to view a reenactment of the Battle of Waterloo, parks her car and we join the march.

VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Austria's glittering capital is a treasure chest of hidden historic gems - but, you may need some help finding them. Enter Hebe Jeffrey.

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – You don't have to look hard to find traces of Mozart in this city that gets its name from the salt mountains that surround it. The musical genius' image can be found in Salzburg's parks, city squares, public buildings and on thousands of chocolate boxes.

VIENNA, AUSTRIA – They are often referred to as the crown jewels of European architecture – over 200 regal buildings located in this compact capital that were literally fit for kings.

LIGIST, AUSTRIA – As the gallant white stallion pranced around the outdoor ring snorting and sniffing and casting a menacing eye towards a nearby barn filled with mares, a young Austrian man turned to some friends and said: “I think the horse has had too much schilcher.”

GRAZ, AUSTRIA – Graz is one of the most charming places in a country dominated by charming cities and towns. A city of 250,000 - the second largest in Austria - Graz is located just a few hours from Venice and the Italian influence is seen everywhere here; in how the people dress (far trendier than in either Vienna or Salzburg); and the style of architecture, which reminds a visitor of colourful Tuscan cities.

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – My arrival to Europe for our “dream-come-true, first-ever family holiday abroad” was not what I had envisioned. Think snow storm, airport closing, accidental cancellation, expensive rebooking, probable lost luggage and you’ve got the picture.

THE HAGUE - This city is often referred to as the “Third Option” because it’s usually the third place most tourists to The Netherlands visit after stops in first Amsterdam and then Rotterdam. But just a few hours after I arrive in stately Den Haag, as it’s called by the Dutch, I quickly realize this remarkable city that drifts off into the North Sea in South Holland should have been my first stop.

UTRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS -: The residents of this handsome city that looks like it jumped off the pages of a Dutch fairytale are quick to tell me “we are the heart of The Netherlands.”