As we count down to summer and that long-awaited dreamy beach retreat, it’s no surprise that Europe, with its close proximity, is set to be one of the most popular destinations.
But there are a growing number of people wanting more than just a beach this year. In fact, a study by ABTA showed that cultural experience is the top priority for a quarter of us.
Our expert advisors are here to offer inspiration to pack even more culture into your holiday with their handpicked top trips.
Deep dive into the Greek islands
Island hopping is a fun-filled way to experience unspoiled Greek islands, and soak up lots of different places in just one trip – from golden beaches and sunset vistas to vibrant cities. It’s easier than you might think, due to the high frequency of inter-island ferries year-round, and leisurely cruise-style ferries during the summer months. Whether it’s the pure luxury of Santorini and Mykonos, or the untouched exclusivity of Sifnos or Paros, we can help build an itinerary that ticks every box.
Lesante Blu Beach Resot, Zakynthos, Greece.
Set sail on a Croatian adventure
The rugged coastline of Croatia is perfect for sailing, with hundreds of beautiful islands and coves to discover. For a little luxury, a skippered yacht allows passengers to take in the scenery, with meals, navigation, and the sailing itinerary all taken care of. Moor in a different harbour every night, to soak up the ambiance of the local nightlife. Why not start your trip in historic Dubrovnik before setting sail to discover the many sides of this beautiful country?
Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Eat your way through San Sebastian
Foodies rejoice! San Sebastian, in the Basque region of Northern Spain, is dubbed the food capital with a plethora of Michelin-starred restaurants, Pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops.
If you love exploring food, this is the place for you. From the authentic Pintxo dining experience to local food markets and cookery classes – there’s so much to discover.
San Sebastian offers an ideal combination of city and beach life and, for an extended trip, Bilbao is easily accessible by car or ferry with an array of museums and galleries.
Explore Italy’s highlights by rail
The Italian rail network, with high-speed trains linking north to south, offers the perfect way to travel while sitting back and enjoying the view.
For those looking for a real Italian adventure, start in Milan, then onto Venice, Florence, and Rome, finishing in Naples with access to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. This trip has it all, from designer shopping, historic sightseeing, galleries, and beautiful architecture, to bucket-list experiences including gondolas in Venice, visiting the Vatican City, and wine-tasting in Tuscany.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy.
Planning your summer 2023 escape? To find out more about the destinations featured, or to book an appointment, get in touch.
Exciting read! The blog beautifully captures the allure of European summer getaways, offering enticing suggestions beyond the beach. A perfect guide for planning an unforgettable holiday in 2023!