Your bags are packed, you’ve got your passport in hand, and you’ve managed to make it to the airport on time: Europe, here you come.

The downside? You have a time limit on your holiday (thanks, semester break) so where do you even begin planning the things you have to see with so many options to choose from? Don’t you worry about a thing, because we’re here with the inside scoop on the 10 bucket list items you can’t afford to miss on your European summer adventure.

There’s are awesome music festivals, ancient ruins and waterfalls with your name on them – and that’s just the beginning. All you have to do is scroll down.

#1 The Roman Forum, Italy

Symbolising the point where the ancient world meets the modern, the Roman Forum is a definite must-see for anyone headed to Italy. Take a break from stuffing yourself with glorious carbs to walk through Rome’s history. Inside tip: sneak up to the edge of the Capitoline Hill for some pretty killer views over the entire forum.

#2 Gardens Of Versailles, France

While the Palace of Versailles itself is stunning, its gardens are entirely next-level. Boasting over 800 hectares of lush greenery, meticulously manicured lawns and hundreds of bubbling fountains, the Gardens of Versailles have become synonymous with opulence for a very good reason. Don’t forget to pop into the Queen’s Hamlet – built for Marie Antoinette in 1783, it’s a mini village, complete with a working water wheel. What will those crazy kids think of next?

#3 Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Waterfalls worth chasing and over 16 interconnected lakes are only part of the charm of the much raved about Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some pretty killer views with its azure blue waters, dense forest and So. Many. Waterfalls. Your ‘gram is about to get some gorgeous new additions.

#4 Sziget Festival, Hungary

One of the largest music and cultural festivals in Europe, Sziget Festival takes place every August on Obudai-Sziget, an 800-hectare island in the middle of the Danube River. Yep, you heard that right, this week-long festival not only claims over 1000 performances each year, it also takes place on its own scenic island. You guys know what to do.

#5 The Charles Bridge, Czech Republic

You know all those moody, mist-covered photos you see on Instagram of a Prague sunrise or sunset? We bet that most of them feature The Charles Bridge. This bridge, which began construction in 1357, is a hub of activity in Prague, home to local artists, musicians and souvenir vendors. The Charles Bridge connects the Old Town and Lesser Town in Prague, so you can easily work it into your European travel plans. Trust us, you won’t regret it.

#6 Hideout Festival, Croatia

 Hideout Festival is one of Europe’s best-known EDM festivals, held on the gorgeous Zrce Beach in Croatia. Attracting over 150 internationally renowned artists each year, the festival also lays claim to sun-soaked pool parties, boat parties, performances across six beachfront stages and legendary after-parties you won’t soon forget. Celebrate making it through another semester with one epic music festival before setting off on your very own Croatian adventure.

#7 La Sagrada Familia, Spain

If you’ve ever thought about visiting Spain, you’ve probably seen yourself visiting Antoni Gaudi’s Barcelona. La Sagrada Familia is arguably one of Gaudi’s best projects and is a definite must-see for anyone passing even remotely close to the famous Spanish city. Work on the cathedral began in 1882 and it boasts soaring towers and an interior that looks like it’s straight out of a Ghibli film. Five words, guys: rainbow-coloured stained-glass windows. Run, don’t walk. Gaudi wasn’t messing around with this one.

#8 Diocletian’s Palace, Croatia

The 1700-year-old Diocletian’s Palace forms half of the old town of the Croatian city of Split, while the other half is just pure ancient beauty. The Roman Emperor Diocletian built the palace in preparation for his retirement in C.E. 305 and it gently slopes towards the nearby Dalmatian coast, so you can bet the views are pretty spectacular. But don’t let the name fool you: the palace is actually more of a fortress and is regarded as one of the most impressive Roman ruins still existing in the world. Adventure mode, activate.

#9 Pamukkale, Turkey

Move over the Grand Bazaar, see you later Cappadocia, because Pamukkale is Turkey’s hottest spot with the prettiest natural hot springs we ever did see. The enormous white terraces and ridiculously blue waters of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are a non-negotiable visit for anyone in the region. Excuse us, we have flights to book.

#10 Lake Bled, Slovenia

Guys, there’s a freaking castle on an island in the middle of this gorgeous lake. Could your travels get any more ~dreamy~? Featuring a snow-capped mountain landscape that would put Canada to shame, Lake Bled, in Slovenia, is seriously too beautiful to be real. Go there, love it, take a shameful amount of photos, tag us on Facebook, watch us cry in jealousy, repeat. You’re welcome, friends.

(Lead image: Sziget Festival/Rockstar Photographers)

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Tick off all these bucket list items, plus more, with a Contiki tour of Europe. From Adriatic adventures to sun-drenched sojourns, Contiki has your European summer covered. Find out more here.