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.
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 Europe Vacations
Blue whale watching in the Azores, Pico Island
Best time to see Blue Whales on Pico, Azores
From
£1090
8 days
ex flights
Flight free England to Iceland vacation
Amazing opportunity to travel flight free to Iceland
From
£4980
15 days
ex flights
Luxury small ship cruise in Croatia
Luxury small ship cruise through Croatia's Islands
From
£1335 to £2299
8 days
ex flights
Family swimming with dolphins in the Azores
A family focused adventure and experience of a lifetime.
From
£1025
7 days
ex flights
Self guided biking tour in Croatia
Explore the amazing island's coasts, medieval town on bike
From
€830 to €980
7 days
ex flights
Turkey small group tour
Discover the wonders of Turkey on this 10 day tour
From
£1495
10 days
ex flights
Travel Team
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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
When is the best time to visit Europe? Check out our temperature chart and travel advice that spans all the way from Finland to Spain.
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Find out which tours have made our top 10 European adventure breaks, as well as when to go and our recommended guides.
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Cooking and food vacations in the Mediterranean are a feast for the senses. Discover why.
Whether you fancy exploring multiple countries or one region, your first time in Europe offers a continent of experiences.
Find out what we recommend when it comes to family vacations in Europe and read tips from our expert partners on where to travel with kids.
Overdevelopment, cruise ships, pollution and captive cetaceans are hot topics when it comes to responsible tourism 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.
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