The Best European Cities To Visit In May

From wining and dining in Milan and Naples to soaking up ancient history in Athens, we’ve selected the best Culture Trips for exploring European cities in May. Book your spot now.

May is the perfect month to travel in Europe, with long days, pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than in the height of summer. Whether your passion lies in food, wine, art or architecture, there’s no shortage of cities on the continent where you’ll be able to satisfy all your cravings on these Culture Trip adventures.

Spring Sale

Vantage point of the city of Dubrovnik from cable car

Split and Dubrovnik, for sea kayaking and charming old towns

The Croatian coastal cities of Split and Dubrovnik are often used as starting and ending points for island-hopping adventures, but it’s well worth taking the time to explore them both properly. It’s very easy to work your way between the two, with regular and scenic ferry services in both directions. This eight-day trip encompasses both, starting in Split, where the ancient, Dioclesian’s Palace dominates the old town. You’ll be able to fully appreciate the city’s beauty while sea kayaking around Marjan Hill, with a chance to swim in secluded coves. You’ll end up in Dubrovnik, after stops in Hvar and Korčula en route, capping off your trip with a walking tour of the Unesco-listed old town, characterised by winding, cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and honey-coloured buildings with terracotta roofs. Expect warm days, in the low-to-mid 20s, and pleasantly cool nights.

From US$2231

Next available from 26th May 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Split, Croatia

ENDS AT

Dubrovnik, Croatia

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

Spring Sale

Erechtheion at the Acropolis in Athens, with cityscape and mountains beyond

Athens, for ancient history and vibrant nightlife

If you’re looking for a European city with ancient historical sites and lively drinking spots in equal measure, Athens is the place to go. It’ll be warm in May, but not so boiling you’ll want to stay in the shade all day. The Greek capital is home to some of the most impressive archaeological landmarks in the world – most significantly, the Acropolis, which contains the remnants of numerous Pentelic marble temples and monuments, including the Parthenon. Stroll along the labyrinthine streets of Plaka, explore the lively districts of Psirri and Monastiraki and venture off the beaten track to the trendy neighbourhood of Keramikos, where you’ll find plenty of atmospheric bars and restaurants. On this eight-day trip, you can do all of that, combined with an island-hopping adventure to Milos, Naxos and Santorini.

From US$2039

Next available from 28th Apr 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Athens, Greece

ENDS AT

Athens, Greece

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

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 Private 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 Private 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.