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EUROPECan’t decide whether to revel in the historical sights of Rome, live la dolce vita in the Italian Lakes or sample the ultimate rural idyll in Tuscany? There’s no need to choose with this jam-packed tour of all Italy’s charms, one of the best places to visit in Europe in summer. You’ll tick off the big-ticket sights like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Colosseum, yet still have time to indulge in wine tasting at a vineyard near Siena, a cookery class, a coastal hike in Cinque Terre and a boat trip on Lake Como.
Desperate for guaranteed sunshine this summer in Europe? Turkey never disappoints with long hot days, miles of golden beaches and plenty of opportunity for adventure. Once you’ve tucked into Urfa-style kebabs at a welcome dinner in Istanbul, you’ll journey headlong through Turkey’s colourful, compelling culture, with visits to the capital’s Grand Bazaar, the natural open-air temple of Yazilikaya and the staggering Kaymakli Underground City. Optional belly dancing, balloon rides and river rafting along the way will ensure you’ll never be bored.
Foodies will be in paradise on this gastronomic discovery of Portugal where you’ll feast on everything from bacalhau (cod) to traditional pasteis de nata (egg custard tarts). Starting with a food tour in the Unesco-listed site of Porto, you’ll visit vineyards and indulge in a tasting of local pastries known as azeitao, but burn off calories with a cycle tour and challenging hikes in Arrabida Natural Park and Douro Valley.
One of the most beautiful places in Europe in summer, Southern Italy always dazzles and this tour uncovers its most beautiful secrets. From hilltop towns to cliff-backed beaches, get ready to be wowed by the ancient cave dwellings of Matera, the baroque architecture of Lecce, the whitewashed buildings of Ostuni and the pretty piazzas of Salerno. Throw in plenty of pizza, pasta and Italian wine and this will be the European summer trip of a lifetime.
With its Venetian architecture, secluded beaches and postcard-perfect islands, Croatia is one of the best summer destinations in Europe. This glorious tour gets you outside to explore all its delights, including cycling, kayaking and sampling local wine in vineyards. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Hvar, find a beach of your own for snorkeling on Korcula and tuck into oysters straight from the sea in Ston, before a final dinner and walking tour in ever-impressive Dubrovnik, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world.