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EUROPEIf you’re after sun, sea and plenty of sightseeing, Croatia’s Dalmatian coast should be on your radar for a June getaway. At this time of year, there’s hardly any rainfall and temperatures tend to hover around 23°C during the day and 19°C at night. In Split, there’s an abundance of Roman and Venetian architecture to admire, as well as plenty of secluded swimming spots along the coast – while Dubrovnik boasts one of the most charming old towns in Europe, characterised by cobblestone streets and atmospheric courtyards lined with lively bars and restaurants. You can visit both, as well as island-hopping between Hvar and Korčula, on our TRIPS by Culture Trip eight-day adventure – which includes sea kayaking, cycling, wine tasting and plenty more.
Portugal’s two main cities offer a treasure trove of cultural, architectural and culinary attractions, as well as easy access to plenty of nearby beaches. In June, expect daytime temperatures of around 22°C in Lisbon and 19°C in Porto, dropping to around 13-16°C at night – perfect for exploring and dining alfresco. As part of this TRIPS by Culture Trip nine-day trip, you’ll enjoy a food-themed walking tour of Porto, passing by beautiful beaux-arts buildings and baroque churches and getting under the skin of several Lisbon neighbourhoods – including the historic Belém area, which features landmarks such as the Belém Tower, the Monastery of Jeronimos and Padrão dos Descobrimentos There will, of course, be an opportunity to sample delicious Portuguese wines and sink your teeth into the capital’s treasured custard tarts, ‘pastéis de nata’.
From wandering the labyrinthine walkways of the Grand Bazaar to marvelling at architectural gems such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, there’s more to see and do in Istanbul than you could cram into a single trip. On our TRIPS by Culture Trip 12-day Turkey adventure, our local insider will show you the highlights on a walking tour of the old city and on a food tour of the Kadıköy neighbourhood – you’ll also cruise across the Bosphorus river, between the shores of Europe and Asia. The capital, Ankara and the Cappadocia region – renowned for its unusual rock formations and underground cities – are also on the agenda, before you arrive in Antalya – one of Turkey’s prime beach destinations. It can get scorchingly hot in the height of summer, but in June, temperatures tend to be more pleasant – typically around 25-30°C.
Home to iconic landmarks including the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum, few cities can rival Rome when it comes to ancient history. Florence, meanwhile, boasts some of Europe’s finest renaissance architecture, while Milan is a thriving hub of fashion, art and design. Our TRIPS by Culture Trip 10-day Northern Italy adventure takes in all three cities – with a cycling tour of Rome, a walking tour of Florence and a gastronomic journey through Milan among the highlights. You’ll also whip up an authentic Tuscan feast and go wine tasting in Siena, stop by the leaning tower of Pisa and hike along the Cinque Terre coastal route between pastel-coloured, cliffside villages overlooking the Mediterranean.
Despite being Italy’s third-largest city, Naples is often overlooked by travellers. If you’re willing to embrace its bold, gritty character, though, it’s well worth a visit – not least because it produces arguably the best pizza in the world. You’ll gain a fascinating insight into the city’s proud coffee culture, effervescent street art scene, pulsating food markets and diverse architectural styles on our TRIPS by Culture Trip 10-day Southern Italy tour, accompanied by our local insider. After taking in the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, you’ll head inland to the ancient city of Matera, known for its hillside cave dwellings – and, more recently, for featuring in the James Bond movie, ‘No Time To Die’. From here, it’s on to the idyllic beaches and whitewashed villages of Puglia to round off your journey across the bottom of the Italian boot.