The Best Private Trips to Book in Europe

When you think of Europe do you picture the quaint coastal towns and sumptuous seafood delights of Italy? If so, this intoxicating 10-day journey across some of the country’s finest stretches of coastline is bound to win your heart. Start in Naples for a street food bonanza before winding along the Amalfi Coast like a classic movie star. We’ll swap the west coast for the east, stopping off in the unique Puglian towns of Matera, Alberobello and Locorotondo on the way. In Puglia the shimmering waters and glorious beaches of Polignano a Mare await, not to mention visits to a local olive oil farm and Lecce, ‘the Florence of the South’.

Perhaps the definitive way to have a European adventure is by hopping on a train and covering as much of the continent as you can. You’ll explore five countries, or five capital cities, on this 10-day rail epic in Central Europe. Start with a blend of history and modernity in Berlin before hitting the tracks to Prague, where old medieval charm and world class beer is more the vibe. Things get sophisticated in Vienna, where you’ll dine on schnitzel and sachertorte, as well as taking a detour down the Wachau Valley to cycle along the Danube, before arriving in Bratislava, one of the most underrated cities in all of Europe. The final stop? Budapest, a city brimming with history, culture and gorgeous architecture, as well as soothing thermal baths and trendy ruin bars – the perfect place to end a classic Euro adventure.

To understand the real meaning of Mediterranean bliss, you simply have to embark on a Greek island retreat. This eight-day itinerary gives you more than your money’s worth, starting with a guided tour of the Acropolis in Athens, before setting sail on an island-hopping adventure. First up is Milos, where a boat cruise will help you discover hidden caves and glorious beaches, before moving on to Naxos, where you’ll be treated to a traditional cooking class surrounded by the island’s rolling olive groves and oak tress. The final destination? It could only be Santorini, the most sumptuous of all the Greek isles, and the perfect place to watch the sun go down on a summer holiday you’ll never forget.

Head right to the eastern fringes of Europe, dipping your toes into the westernmost edges of Asia, and you’ll discover the mountainous gem that is Georgia. Found in the domineering shadow of the Caucasus Mountains, this beautiful nation is home to some of the oldest cultural practices in the world, not to mention some of the most stunning scenery. You’ll discover ancient winemaking and bread-baking traditions, soak in sulphur baths and take a traditional cooking class in Tbilisi, while outdoor adventures include a trek through Lagodekhi National Park and a hike to the fairytale Gergeti Church, found high in the Caucasus in the shadow of Mount Kazbegi.