If you thought European destinations were all about snowy mountains, lush vineyards, and romantic rolling hills, think again. The region is definitely one of our top travel destinations to visit and absolutely jam-packed with countries featuring singular and unexpected landscapes. Why not discover a different Europe the next time you visit by adding one or more of the following enchanting locations to your bucket list?
8 Furnas, Portugal
While many associate Portugal with its sun-streaked Algarve coastline and cosmopolitan cities, few picture it as a region home to lush green jungles and bubbling volcanoes. To see this sort of scenery, you’ll have to head to the Azores. Around 1,000 miles west of Portugal, this dreamy archipelago is a paradise for outdoor and adventure lovers.
One of the most distinct landscapes you’ll encounter in the Azores is at Furnas on the main island of Sao Miguel. It’s a huge dormant volcanic crater dotted with steaming hot springs, many of which have been turned into therapeutic thermal spas.
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Portugal Explorer: Azores, Lisbon and Porto
11 Days: $ 4,590 / person
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Portugal: Azores Island Exploration
11 Days: $ 3,590 / person
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7 Skaftafell, Iceland
Iceland is a country that never fails to amaze with its distinctive and often desolate scenery. In fact, you could be on another planet entirely if you book a vacation to incredible Skaftafell!
Forming part of Vatnajökull National Park on the country’s southeast coast, Skaftafell offers a stunning backdrop of craggy volcano peaks and glittering glaciers that have been molded into works of frozen art over millennia.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you might spot meadows dotted with colorful wildflowers, tumbling waterfalls framed by lava columns, or magnificent ice caves straight out of fairytales.
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Wonders of South Iceland
7 Days: $ 3,290 / person
Discover southern Iceland, from its unique landscapes and sandy beaches to national parks, glaciers, and clear blue lakes. Cruise in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, witness Gullfoss Waterfalls and embrace the outdoors at Vik in the Katla Geopark. Details Inquire
Road Trip: Highlights of the Ring Road
9 Days: $ 3,690 / person
Drive down Iceland’s 800-mile Route 1 or Ring Road that encircles the island, exploring some of the top-billed attractions in the country. Discover Husavik and Dettifoss Waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, national parks, and nature baths, and also make scenic stops to hike and walk off the beaten path as you wish. Details Inquire
6 Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
If you thought Canada’s lakes were impressive, wait until you visit Croatia! The balmy Adriatic country is typically a popular spot for sailing holidays and days spent on idyllic beaches.
Away from the coastline though, you’ll find a nation brimming with forest reserves, magnificent mountains, and glassy bodies of water. Plitvice Lakes National Park lies at the very heart of Croatia and is famous for its magical lakes and waterfalls.
There are 16 lakes in total which are all connected by a network of cascades tumbling down into a limestone canyon. You won’t believe the bright turquoise, emerald, and cerulean shades of the water! The vibrant hues change depending on the time of day and the level of minerals present in the rocks.
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Highlights of Northern Croatia and Slovenia
10 Days: $ 3,590 / person
This tour introduces you to the rich culture, cuisine, and natural beauty of Croatia and Slovenia. Discover the medieval history of the two nations, explore the Plitvice Lakes and Lake Bled, and also experience the slow food culture of Istria. Details Inquire
Croatia Uncovered
13 Days: $ 4,590 / person
Take in the absolute highlights of Croatia on this personalized, private tour. Explore ‘Game of Thrones’ shooting locations in Dubrovnik with your personal guide, discover the stunning Austro-Hungarian architecture of Zagreb, and relax in quaint coastal towns by the Adriatic Sea and the dramatic Dalmatian Coast. Details Inquire
5 Mallorca, Spain
Spain is easily one of the top travel destinations in Europe. As well as exploring culture-packed cities and diverse countryside on the mainland, why not hop over to Mallorca?
The Mediterranean island is a paradise for those after a relaxing getaway in the sun, with many of its golden beaches reminiscent of coves featured in Caribbean travel brochures! Beyond the sand, you’ll also find dramatic mountains and charming towns dotted with Byzantine, Roman, and Medieval ruins.
Mallorca is equally as popular for an active vacation as it is for R&R. In particular, its excellent roads and miles of gorgeous scenery make it a prime destination for cycling.
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Best of Spain: Flavors, Flamenco and Fiestas
12 Days: $ 6,190 / person
Discover the highlights of Spain on this private tour. Beginning in cosmopolitan Barcelona, delve deep into Catalan art and culture with a personalized visit to landmarks by Antoni Gaudi such as La Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell. Details Inquire
Simply Spain
7 Days: $ 3,190 / person
Discover Spain’s three major highlights on this classic tour! Beginning in the capital city of Madrid, take in an eclectic blend of tradition and modernity as you explore the city on a guided tour and visit its world-famous museums. Details Inquire
4 Meteora, Greece
Greece’s landscapes really are the stuff of legends, especially if you make your way to Meteora!
The UNESCO World Heritage site sits at the heart of the country and within the region of Thessaly. Picture sandstone rocks protruding from the earth topped with several ancient and ornate Eastern Orthodox monasteries.
Meteora has been a sacred destination for centuries and it’s not uncommon for Orthodox Christians to plan pilgrimages to the magnificent region. Visit one of six holy sanctuaries on foot to admire breath-taking vistas and inspect myriad relics dating back to the Byzantine era.
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Greece: Luxury Honeymoon
12 Days: $ 8,090 / person
Experience the magic of Greece, from its olive gardens to its beautiful beaches, whitewashed island retreats like Santorini, and buzzing centers of culture and cuisine. From the capital city Athens to the stunning Cyclades, this luxury Greece trip is for connoisseurs! Details Inquire
Highlights of Greece
10 Days: $ 3,290 / person
Take in the top three destinations on this tour of Greece’s highlights. Discover the ancient ruins of Athens, from the towering Acropolis to the Temple of Zeus, and spend time exploring its vibrant neighborhoods and markets at your own pace. Details Inquire
Flavors of Greece
10 Days: $ 4,390 / person
Delve into the delicious flavors and food culture on the mainland as well as at classic islands on this Greece private trip. In Athens, explore the majestic heritage sites such as the Acropolis as well the local food culture on personalized excursions. Details Inquire
3 Mount Etna, Sicily
If you’ve never seen a volcano up close, book a vacation to sunny Sicily. The Italian isle is an oasis for beach lovers and those obsessed with delicious, homemade gastronomy.
One of the best things to do in Italy has to be soaking up the lunar-like landscapes of monumental Mount Etna. The unmissable peak sits on Sicily’s east coast and measures over 10,000 feet high! It’s Europe’s largest active volcano and constantly on the verge of erupting, with ash plumes and lava clouds not unusual sights.
While you’ll be able to see Mount Etna on the horizon from many points in Sicily, it’s best viewed up close. Why not take the cable car up to its summit and embark on an exciting guided hike around some of its craters?
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Sicilian Cuisine and Heritage
8 Days: $ 4,290 / person
Experience a historical and culinary feast on this tailor-made Sicily vacation! Beginning in Palermo, discover a mecca of ancient architecture, imposing buildings, rich art and culture, and a vibrant food scene. Details Inquire
Southern Culture and the Amalfi Coast
9 Days: $ 4,590 / person
Be enchanted at Italy’s southern coast where centuries-old history comes together with a stunningly dramatic landscape, preserved coastal towns, and haut monde culture! Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site, discover one of the jewels of the Mediterranean at swish Positano. Details Inquire
Highlights of Italy
10 Days: $ 2,490 / person
Explore the absolute highlights of Italy! Discover the imposing Vatican City, centuries-old Roman ruins, piazzas, and foodie districts in Rome. Details Inquire
2 Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
Walk in the footsteps of giants, or at least along a stone pathway large enough for them to stroll along, with a trip to the Emerald Isle.
Ireland and Northern Ireland are best associated with rich green landscapes and gorgeous Medieval castles. Much of their scenery is caught up in Celtic myths and legends, including the otherworldly Giant’s Causeway.
Found on Northern Ireland’s north coast, it’s a series of 40,000 huge columns of basalt stone which, from afar, look like a highway for giants! The natural phenomenon is backed by steep cliffs and offers uninterrupted views across the wild Atlantic Ocean.
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Grand Tour of Ireland
16 Days: $ 10,890 / person
Embark on a comprehensive tour of the Emerald Isle! Beginning in cultural Dublin, take a heritage walk through its famous landmarks and take in a traditional dinner accompanied by live entertainment at a proper Irish pub! Details Inquire
Scotland: Heritage Cities and Loch Ness
10 Days: $ 2,890 / person
Explore Scotland’s largest urban sprawls and experience the countryside and famous Loch Ness on this private tour. In Edinburgh, acquaint yourself with Highland history as you walk down the Royal Mile and explore the Old Town. Details Inquire
Classic England
12 Days: $ 10,290 / person
Discover the classic highlights on this private and tailor-made England tour. Beginning in London, explore landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Castle, the London Eye, museums, art galleries, and vibrant food and cultural scenes on privately guided tours. Details Inquire
1 Franz Josef Land, Arctic Circle, Russia
Transport yourself to a real-life Winter Wonderland with an adventure in Franz Josef Land.
Nestled at the edge of the Arctic Circle and within Russia, it’s one of the closest points to the North Pole in Europe and a must-see for fans of polar exploration. The sub-zero archipelago is named after a former Russian Emperor and made up of nearly 200 tiny islands that are covered in ice and snow for much of the year.
Sail through Franz Josef Land on a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic cruise and glimpse sheer glaciers, bell-shaped mountains and the remains of research stations once occupied by some of the world’s most intrepid explorers. The region is also well-known for its plethora of wonderful wildlife – think polar bears, walruses and flocks of arctic seabirds.
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High Arctic Odyssey: Remote Russian Archipelagos
22 Days: $ 13,490 / person
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Jewels of the Russian Arctic: Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya
16 Days: $ 9,490 / person
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Imperial Russia by Trans-Siberian Rail
14 Days: $ 12,290 / person
Details InquireFeeling inspired by these unusual and utterly unique sights? Get in touch with our travel experts and start planning a dream vacation to one of these top travel destinations across Europe.
