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The Best European Cities to Visit in July

There’s no bad time to travel in Europe, but for the warmest, sunniest weather, July is arguably the best time to go. One of these Culture Trip adventures will take you there.
Louis Rabinowitz
22 May 2023
Sinking your teeth into pizza in Naples, exploring the architectural treasures and bazaars of Istanbul, and wandering the cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik’s Unesco-listed Old Town are just a few of the treats that lie in wait in Europe’s most beautiful cities in summer. To point you in the right direction, here’s our guide to the best European cities to visit in July with Culture Trip.
1 . Rome, Florence and Milan, for heavenly food and gorgeous architecture

One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Italy is being able to dine and drink outside in charming piazzas, and July is a perfect time to do so, with sunny weather almost guaranteed. Northern Italy is full of gems, including the capital, Rome – with its myriad of ancient archaeological sites – Florence, characterised by ornate renaissance churches and palaces – and Milan, renowned for its cutting edge fashion scene and rich artistic heritage. Gastronomic delights, meanwhile, are guaranteed wherever you go. Why not see the best of all three in a single trip, accompanied by a Local Insider, by joining this specially curated nine-day Northern Italy Rail Trip?

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Next available from8 Sep 2023
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2 . Istanbul and Antalya, for pulsating bazaars and dazzling beaches

If perusing the stalls of vibrant bazaars in search of exotic spices and street food sounds like your ideal European city getaway, Istanbul should certainly be on your shortlist. An eclectic array of architectural treasures – such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia – are a feast for the eyes and can be explored on foot or admired from a boat cruise on the Bosphorus, at the juncture between Europe and Asia. Fancy some relaxation time as well? Antalya, on the Mediterranean coast, features some of Turkey’s most alluring beaches. You can visit both cities as part of this 12-day ultimate Turkey trip. July brings plenty of sun and potential for sweltering temperatures – be sure to stay hydrated and pack plenty of sun cream.

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Next available from18 Aug 2023
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3 . Naples, Matera and Lecce, for foodie treats and James Bond scenes

It doesn’t get much more idyllic than summer in Southern Italy – so long as you come prepared for the heat. In Naples, you’ll be able to gorge on the best pizza you’ve ever had, as well as local street food delicacies, such as ‘sfogliatelle’ and aubergine parmigiana. Head inland to Matera – renowned for its cave dwellings carved into the hillside – which featured in No Time To Die (2021). On Puglia’s Salento peninsula, meanwhile, Lecce boasts some of the country’s most magnificent, honey-coloured baroque architecture, earning it the nickname the “Florence of the South”. Join this exclusive 10-day tour to take in all three – as well as the Amalfi Coast and idyllic rural villages of Alberobello and Locorotondo.

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Next available from10 Jun 2023
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4 . Split and Dubrovnik, for atmospheric old towns and glorious weather

For reliably excellent weather, there are few safer bets in Europe than Croatia in July. Split and Dubrovnik – on the Adriatic coast – both have delightful old towns, featuring a mixture of Romanesque, gothic, renaissance and baroque architectural styles, with narrow, cobblestone alleyways and atmospheric, bar-lined courtyards aplenty. On this eight-day tour, you’ll enjoy a walking tour of both cities with a Local Insider and go sea kayaking around Marjan Hill off the coast of Split – combined with an island-hopping adventure that includes partying in Hvar and kicking back on the secluded beaches of Korčula.

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Next available from21 Aug 2023
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5 . Athens, for a taste of the Mediterranean

When we think European summer, we picture sunsets over the blue-domed buildings of Santorini, or the pristine beaches of Naxos, but there’s no reason not to blend your Greek adventure with a city break in the capital. Our eight-day island-hopping odyssey in the Cyclades blends all three into one, starting with the historic wonder of Athens. You will, of course, get to visit the Acropolis, as well as dining in a traditional Greek taverna and exploring the trendy Keramikos neighbourhood – proof that, for all its ancient landmarks, Athens is as vibrant as ever.

From£1462
Next available from9 Jul 2023
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Additional words by Gethin Morgan.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel – and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Bespoke Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Bespoke Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm – and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.