Where to go in Europe
There are two foolproof ways to determine where to go in Europe. Firstly, think about what it is you want to do. If you’ve always wanted to mush your own team of huskies then head to Lapland; if you’re mad about watersports, Croatia and Montenegro are a brilliant choice; and if you want to be steeped in history and culture, you can’t go wrong with Italy or Greece. Secondly, hold a pin above a map of Europe, close your eyes and pick at random – each country within the continent is easily reached by air, road and rail and most have excellent infrastructure too; once you get there, explore a side to the country you don’t know – you’re guaranteed a pleasant surprise.
Our Europe Vacations
Split to Dubrovnik Luxury cruise, Croatia
Cruise Split to Dubrovnik in luxury via Croatia's islands
From
£899 to £1599
8 days
ex flights
Romania vacation, the Beauty of Yesterday
Small group tour to rediscover enchanting rural Romania
From
£1395 to £1425
11 days
ex flights
Sintra Natural Park accommodation in Portugal
Eco-friendly B&B, in Sintra Natural Park near lovely beaches
From
€90 to €120
per room per night
Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia vacation
Escape the crowds and explore hidden Europe
From
£1825 to £1950
16 days
ex flights
Southern Croatia cruise in comfort
Cruise Croatia's beautiful islands on a small cruise ship
From
£559 to £805
8 days
ex flights
Luxury Arctic cruise Spitsbergen & Franz Josef Land
A unique expedition to rarely visited Franz Josef Land
From
£7995
15 days
ex flights
Gran Canaria walking tours, Canary Islands
This unique volcanic island reveals unexpected variety
From
US $1070 to US $1280
8 days
ex flights
Snowshoeing vacation in Finland
A great snowshoe tour in the new Hossa National Park.
From
€940
7 days
ex flights
Amalfi Coast walking vacation, Italy
Walk in lemon groves and hillside villages
From
US $1349 to US $1799
8 days
ex flights
Luxury small ship cruise in Croatia
Luxury small ship cruise through Croatia's Islands
From
£1175 to £1535
8 days
ex flights
Romania adventure vacation
An amazing tour exploring medieval Europe and Transylvania
From
£2655
14 days
ex flights
Alternative family winter vacation in Chamonix, France
Half term family ski, yoga & circus vacation Full for 2020
From
£520 to £825
7 days
ex flights
Georgia & Armenia cultural vacation
Journey to the furthest reaches of Europe
From
£2325 to £2450
16 days
ex flights
Catalonia self guided walking vacations, Spain
Self-guided walking vacations in Catalonia
From
€715 to €799
8 days
ex flights
Croatia activity vacation for families with teenagers
Teenager Departures. Family multi activity week in Croatia
From
£995
8 days
ex flights
Northern Lights photography vacation in Iceland, coast & ice
Photographic trip in the stunning west and southeast Iceland
From
£3250
10 days
ex flights
Northern Lights & orca photography vacation, Iceland
Incredible photographic trip in stunning West Iceland
From
£2500
7 days
ex flights
Spitsbergen wildlife cruises
Encounters with glaciers, polar bears and icebergs.
From
£2799 to £5899
8 days
ex flights
Finnish Lapland activity vacation with log cabin
A log cabin wilderness experience, Luosto, Finnish Lapland
From
£1675 to £2380
8 days
inc UK flights
Finland Northern Lights vacation, Wilderness Auroras
Winter activities & Aurora hunting in the Finnish wilderness
From
£1395 to £1575
5 days
inc UK flights
Watersports activity vacation in Croatia
Multi activity adventure: kayak, sup, raft, hike in Croatia
From
€670 to €840
8 days
ex flights
Archaeology vacation in Greece
A small-group archaeology tour of Greece
From
€1250
8 days
ex flights
Mercantour Park self catering gite, France
Beautifully located accommodation in the Mercantour, France
From
€518
per week (sleeps 2)
Husky safari in Finland
Sled with huskies through spectacular Finnish scenery
From
£2155 to £2295
8 days
inc UK flights
Turkey small group tour
Discover the wonders of Turkey on this 10 day tour
From
£730 to £1095
10 days
ex flights
Cyclades hiking vacation, Greece
Walk ancient paths and enjoy stunning Cycladic sceneries
From
£592 to £640
7 days
ex flights
Spanish course & hiking vacation, Picos de Europa, Spain
Spanish classes + stunning hikes in Picos de Europa
From
€659
7 days
ex flights
Sea kayaking vacation in Croatia
Kayaking vacation on stunning Elaphite Islands near Dubrovnik
From
€785 to €825
8 days
ex flights
1. Whale watching in the Azores
2. Sea kayaking in Croatia
3. England
4. Winter vacations in Finland
5. France
6. Greece
7. Italy
8. Lapland
9. Activity vacations in Montenegro
10. Portugal
11. Railway vacations in Scotland
12. Walking and cycling in Spain
2. Sea kayaking in Croatia
3. England
4. Winter vacations in Finland
5. France
6. Greece
7. Italy
8. Lapland
9. Activity vacations in Montenegro
10. Portugal
11. Railway vacations in Scotland
12. Walking and cycling in Spain
Whale watching in the Azores
1. Whale watching in the Azores
Late June to early October every year sees the ocean surrounding the Azores archipelago come alive with cetaceans, including fin and blue whales – the largest animals on earth. Sei, pilot, minke and sperm whales also travel to this Portuguese oasis some 1,500km west of Lisbon, along with orcas and dolphins. Photography vacations here are a remarkable experience.
Sea kayaking in Croatia
2. Sea kayaking in Croatia
Croatia’s coast was made for kayaking – it isn’t tidal, so you can cover huge distances and the local instructors are known to be some of Europe’s best. Taking in the country’s illustrious islands from the water lends visitors a glorious freedom and an entirely new perspective on the landscape, and if you feel like adding a dose of adrenalin head inland to try your hand at white water rafting.
England
3. England
England has an offbeat charm that’s hard to deny. From traditional walks through the astounding Lake District and historical hikes along Kent’s Pilgrims Way, to its miles of ever-changing coastline and acres of rugged countryside, it’s a country that never quite gets the credit it deserves: where else could camping in unpredictable weather become so cool? And then there’s pubs, everywhere, and they’re ace.
Winter vacations in Finland
4. Winter vacations in Finland
A real-life Narnia, Finland’s Arctic winter is spellbinding. The clean, inland air of Finnish Lapland makes it one of the best places in the world to witness the illustrious illuminations of the Northern Lights, and a husky sledding tour is like starring in your own Christmas card; combine it all on a multi-day cross-country trip for a hands-on and unforgettable experience of local life and customs.
France
5. France
With invaluable assets such as the Alps, the Pyrenees, and Mont Blanc, not to mention Burgundy – home of the country’s longest greenway, and picture-perfect Provence, outdoor enthusiasts won’t know where to begin in France. So, here’s a tip: begin on two feet – preferably with cross country skis, hiking boots, or pedals; this beautiful and diverse landscape was made for skiers, walkers and bikers.
Greece
6. Greece
The atmospheric cradle of Western civilisation, Greece’s archaeological aplomb is undisputed – with six millennia of history, philosophy and invention behind it, the country is peppered with monasteries, churches and precious ruins, each with its own intriguing backstory. Once you’ve had your cultural fill, why not windsurf, sail or dive along its 15,000km of crystal clear coastline.
Italy
7. Italy
Always cool and collected, Italy’s bounty is bottomless: the country’s very fabric is woven from a cloth of incredible history as seen in Sicily’s Valley of the Temples, Rome’s ancient relics, or the Renaissance architecture of Florence. Casually walk famous trails along the Amalfi Coast, or hike mountains in the Dolomites, and then eat like a King - head to Piedmont for a Slow Food sensation.
Lapland
8. Lapland
A fantastical expanse of frost-tipped forest and frozen lakes in winter, making way for ancient woodland and dramatic coastline when thawed under the summer sun, Lapland’s pull is irresistible. Besides unparalleled natural beauty, the region is a playground for winter activities - try husky sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing under huge, crisp skies. Better still, try them all.
Activity vacations in Montenegro
9. Activity vacations in Montenegro
Kayaking, wild swimming, cycling and walking – small, but with an almighty activity punch, it’s as if Montenegro is a play with all of its drama and excitement packed into one act. You can hike the rocky massifs and luscious lakes of Durmitor National Park, mountain bike to the top of Mount Lovcen, and head to Kale Skadar’s wonderland of waterfalls, wine tasting and wildlife - all in one trip!
Portugal
10. Portugal
A patchwork of vineyards, hills and bucolic woods rustling with wildlife, Portugal, still surprisingly inexpensive, is so much more than a place to retire. The Algarve is to yoga and massage retreats what Alentejo is to walking and cycling: supreme, and the country’s 1,800km coastline is dotted with stunning beaches, laid back fishing villages and gorgeous food. Its cities are beautiful patchworks of tiled walls and roofs.
Railway vacations in Scotland
11. Railway vacations in Scotland
An enigmatic country of deserted mountains cleaved by icy rivers, waterfalls that tumble from highlands to lowlands, and of course, a great big glistening loch – Scotland is as eclectic and pure as a bar full of single malts, and a railway vacation there is a fantastic way to sample each one. The West Highland line from Glasgow to Fortwilliam is a classic railway journey and the ideal place to start.
Walking and cycling in Spain
12. Walking and cycling in Spain
Walking in Spain’s south combines mountain streams, valleys in every shade of green and pretty whitewashed villages with a warm Andalucian welcome; in the north, the Picos de Europa, a wildlife-packed, dramatic massif is any hiker’s mecca; and as for cycling, do not be put off by Spain’s marvellous mountains – they offer some wonderfully relaxing rides as well as challenging climbs.
Our top Europe Vacation
Split to Dubrovnik Luxury cruise, Croatia
Cruise Split to Dubrovnik in luxury via Croatia's islands
From
£899 to £1599
8 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2020: 26 Apr, 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 31 May, 7 Jun, 14 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 16 Aug, 23 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 20 Sep, 27 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct
2020: 26 Apr, 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 31 May, 7 Jun, 14 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 16 Aug, 23 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 20 Sep, 27 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Europe or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
Travel times in Europe
The following times give you a rough idea of the travel times between the main attractions in Europe.
More about Europe
Hey, this is a big place that crosses time zones, mountain peaks and wild and woolly stretches of coastline so if you’re thinking of the best time to visit Europe check out our temperature and rainfall chart that will take you from Finland to Spain and back to the UK before you’ve had time to blink.
If you’re searching for a continent that’s about as an eclectic mix of old and new as you can imagine then our Europe travel guide lifts the lid on what we rate & what we don’t including information about the food, shopping & people to help you discover Europe like a local.
Our top activities in Europe range from activity vacations to cultural touring with every chance possible to go wild, never to be missed.
Take a safari – in Europe! Sure, you won’t see the Big Five, but there are some really big beasts and giant-sized thrills waiting for you here, from tracking wolves through snowy mountains to swimming with dolphins in clear Atlantic waters.
Find out which tours have made our European adventure breaks top 10 as well as the best times to go, and direct links to other relevant trips and travel guides.
Cooking and food vacations in the Mediterranean offer a feast for the senses: tempting smells waft up from markets and sizzling food stalls and cooking lessons offer the chance to learn from passionate local people eager to share favourite recipes. Read on to discover more.
Family vacations in Europe are laid-back and hassle free, with a huge array of sights and activities to keep both parents and kiddies happy.
We’ve asked our friends in Europe for travel tips with some superb results including Europe travel advice on why you shouldn’t skip the Peloponnese, getting off the beaten track in Spain and respecting Croatia’s tricky past.
There’s never been a more important moment to travel right in Europe with masses of overdevelopment, cruise ships, walking pollution and captive cetaceans still hot topics when it comes to responsible tourism issues in Europe.
Find all our Europe guides in one place from Croatia to Finland and everything in between and discover some of our activity guides such as Walking in Spain or multi activity vacations in Montenegro.
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Photo credits: [Page banner: ZM_Photo] [Whale watching in the Azores: Mike Baird]
[Sea kayaking in Croatia: DavorLovincic]
[England: Chris Meads]
[Winter vacations in Finland: Baldur93]
[France: Andyblind]
[Greece: wnhsl]
[Italy: Giuseppe Mondì]
[Lapland: Visit Lakeland]
[Activity vacations in Montenegro: Pavlo Hryhorash]
[Portugal: littlehenrabi]
[Railway vacations in Scotland: Jack Anstey]
[Walking and cycling in Spain: Turol Jones]
[Travel times in Europe: Karsten Würth (@karsten.wuerth)]
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