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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?
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.
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.
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.
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.