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The Best Mountain Vacations in Europe

From lava-filled volcanoes off Sicily to dazzling Icelandic glaciers, Europe is home to the most beautiful mountainous regions in the world. Tick off a handful of the best on these TRIPS by Culture Trip.
Nina Zietman
14 Sep 2022
It’s hard to beat Europe when it comes to mountains. Snow-capped behemoths, scaling heights of up to 5,000m (16,404ft), can be found in the Caucasus range in Georgia, while bubbling volcanic islands await in the balmy Mediterranean. Plus there’s a smattering of mountains in the UK to discover – from Snowdon in Wales to Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands. Read on to discover the best mountain vacations in Europe, all bookable with Culture Trip.
1 . Off-road on Europe’s most active volcano in Sicily

Sicily is known for its centuries-old ruins, pristine beaches and deep-fried arancini. It also offers incredible views towards Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano on the continent. As part of this 10-day trip, you’ll climb aboard a 4X4 to explore the volcano itself, bouncing over crusted lava fields and discovering steaming craters. You’ll also get the chance to island-hop between Panarea and Stromboli – the latter being the most reliable place to see a blood-red lava eruption. Don’t miss out on a dip in the geothermal pools on Vulcano, either, warmed by water bubbling up from the earth’s core.

From£2999
Next available from14 Oct 2023
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2 . Hike through the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia

Think the Alps are impressive? You’ll be blown away by the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia, which boast seven peaks over 5,000m high. For context, the legendary Mont Blanc is only 4,809m (15,777ft). This once-in-a-lifetime expedition will take you to the heart of this towering mountain range, including a three-hour hike up to the photogenic Gergeti Trinity Church and a stop-off at Ananuri Castle. Take the opportunity to join an extra hike through an alpine meadow near Juta, one of the highest villages in the region – you’ll be rewarded with uninterrupted views of the jagged and snow-capped Chaukhi Massif.

From£1109
Next available from4 Nov 2023
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3 . Snap photos of glistening glaciers and sky-scraping waterfalls in Iceland

Marvel at snow-capped peaks and thundering waterfalls on this five-day expedition to Iceland. Take in the must-see natural wonders on a Golden Circle tour via private jeep, stopping at Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall, before a thrilling snowmobile excursion across one of the largest glaciers in the country. There’s also essential relaxation time factored in, namely soaking in the Giljaböð hot springs while the Northern Lights dance overhead – if you’re lucky. Toast your trip with a shot of the Icelandic spirit, brennivín.

From£2609
Next available from7 Oct 2023
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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: Epic Trips, Mini Trips and Sailing Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travellers and friends who want to explore the world together.

Epic Trips are deeply immersive 8 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and enough down time to really relax and soak it all in. Our Mini Trips are small and mighty - they squeeze all the excitement and authenticity of our longer Epic Trips into a manageable 3-5 day window. Our Sailing Trips invite you to spend a week experiencing the best of the sea and land in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

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.