Europe in Spring: TravelPulse Canada Picks for Great European Trips

Cesky Krumlov is a truly fantastic spot in the Czech Republic that is often included on Danube River cruises. The views across the river are stunning, and the old streets are a joy to walk around on.

Manchester doesn't get nearlly as many tourists as London. But it's a marvellous city with a fantastic town square, excellent food and beautiful architecture. There also are several terrific shopping areas. The Midland Hotel is a graceful beauty in the centre of the city.

The French island of Corsica is an amazing spot to explore in the Mediterranean. The food and wine are excellent, and the clifftop town of Bonifacio is a marvel to behold. It's great to explore the streets on foot, but the best view is from the water.

Durnsteis is a small, beautiful village on the Danube River in Austria. It's fun to explore the shops and wander the streets, and the hike to the hilltop ruins of an old castle is truly fantastic. Princess Diana used to visit the area regularly, they say.

Lake Bled is a fairytale body of water in Slovenia, sandwiched between Croatia, Italy, Austria and Hungary. Take a boat ride to the romantic island in the middle of the lake and climb the steps to the pretty church. There's a wonderful walkway that circumnavigates the lake, and the mountain views are lovely. Don't forget to try a Lake Bled creme cake.

Valencia is only a short distance from Barcelona, but only sees a fraction of the number of visitors. The City of Arts and Sciences is a stunning architectural feature, with cool museums and displays. The old town features romantic fountains, narrow streets, wonderful cafes and beautiful Spanish tiles. This also is the home of Spanish paella; one of the nation's great dishes.

Verucchio is a terrific spot in the Emilia Romagna district of northern Italy. There's excellent food and wine in the area, as well as cool castles to explore and narrow streets you can wander. The views from the old castle are exceptional.

Bordeaux has become an increasingly popular destination in France, reached easily from Paris by high-speed train. The food and wine scene (this is the home of such renowned French wineries as Chateau Margaux) is exceptional. You'll also find fantastic streets like Rue Notre Dame, with excellent cafes and that romantic feel that Canadians love.

The Algarve is a popular spot in Portugal, but the village of Burgau doesn't get the same number of tourists as some other areas. It's a relatively cheap place to stay, and the local seafood is amazing. There also are great hikes along the cliffs on both sides of town, which features a fine beach and restaurants that serve fabulous Sangria.