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
Croatia national parks hiking vacation
Walking vacation in Croatia's beautiful national parks.
From
€670 to €840
8 days
ex flights
Alternative family winter vacation in Chamonix, France
Half term family ski, yoga & circus vacation Full for 2020
From
£820
7 days
ex flights
Albania small group vacation
Explore the charming country of Albania.
From
£1075 to £1150
9 days
ex flights
Altiplano de Granada activity vacation, Spain
Family Multi-activity cultural vacation in rural Andalucia
From
€380 to €490
8 days
ex flights
Winter cottage vacation in Finnish Lapland
Winter Cottage vacations, Finnish Lapland.
From
£1785
7 days
inc UK flights
Luxury small ship cruise in Croatia
Luxury small ship cruise through Croatia's Islands
From
£1175 to £1535
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
Croatia multi sport tour
Dubrovnik to Zagreb with daily outdoor activities
From
€1290 to €1390
8 days
ex flights
Archaeology vacation in Greece
A small-group archaeology tour of Greece
From
€1250
8 days
ex flights
Georgia & Armenia cultural vacation
Journey to the furthest reaches of Europe
From
£2325 to £2450
16 days
ex flights
Dordogne self catering cabin sleeping 4
Off-grid, off-beat self catering cabin
From
€650 to €900
per week (sleeps 2-4)
Gran Canaria walking tours, Canary Islands
This unique volcanic island reveals unexpected variety
From
US $1210 to US $1300
8 days
ex flights
Sea kayaking vacation in Croatia
Kayaking vacation on stunning Elaphite Islands near Dubrovnik
From
€785 to €825
8 days
ex flights
Scotland by railway vacation
Experience authentic Scotland independently and car-free
From
£1135 to £1195
8 days
ex flights
Log cabin vacation in Finland, with activities
Experience cosy log cabins and exciting activities
From
£1195 to £1395
4 days
inc UK flights
Luxury Arctic cruise Spitsbergen & Franz Josef Land
A unique expedition to rarely visited Franz Josef Land
From
£7995
15 days
ex flights
Watersports activity vacation in Croatia
Multi activity adventure: kayak, sup, raft, hike in Croatia
From
€670 to €840
8 days
ex flights
Cyclades hiking vacation, Greece
Walk ancient paths and enjoy stunning Cycladic sceneries
From
£592 to £640
7 days
ex flights
Northern lights short break, Finland
Leisurely stay in Finnish Lapland & an Aurora alert system
From
£1345 to £1795
5 days
inc UK flights
Finland hiking vacation
A hut-to-hut hiking journey along Finland's eastern border
From
€1020
8 days
ex flights
Finland Northern Lights vacation, Wilderness Auroras
Winter activities & Aurora hunting in the Finnish wilderness
From
£1395 to £1495
5 days
inc UK flights
Moldova vacation
A cultural tour through the fascinating country of Moldova
From
£995 to £1065
6 days
ex flights
Activity vacation in Montenegro
An active villa vacation at stunning Lake Skadar, Montenegro
From
£645 to £745
7 days
ex flights
Self guided biking tour in Croatia
Explore the amazing island's coasts, medieval town on bike
From
€440 to €905
7 days
ex flights
Romania adventure vacation
An amazing tour exploring medieval Europe and Transylvania
From
£2655 to £2845
14 days
ex flights
Croatia activity vacation for families with teenagers
Rafting, kayaks, canyons & beaches. Family action in Croatia
From
£995
8 days
ex flights
Finland winter activity vacation & Northern Lights
Discover this Finnish winter activity wilderness week
From
US $2249 to US $2449
8 days
ex flights
Provence biking tour, France
Cycling tour of Provence for avid riders.
From
€1160 to €1550
8 days
ex flights
Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia vacation
Escape the crowds and explore hidden Europe
From
£1825 to £1950
16 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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