The Best Places to Visit in Europe this Spring

2023 has already got off to a great start, and we’re adding more trips to our exciting line-up every week. If you’re quick, you can still get away in the next few months and also take advantage of our early bird discount on some of the following trips. From popular hotspots you’ve been thinking about revisiting, to lesser-known cities that might have passed you by, here’s what our team have picked out.

Free at short notice? Mark your calendars for late-May and set your sights on Turkey with our Mini Trip to International Istanbul. Lucky Brits can also do this five-day trip by only taking two holiday days off thanks to the bank holiday at the end of the month. Take a stroll through time as you marvel at the wonders of the historic Blue Mosque, visit the alluring Hagia Sophia, and take in Topkapi Palace. These landmarks dominate the skyline, but its the bustling streets that really bring the city to life. Want to take an exotic detour? Hop on a ferry across the Bosporus and explore the Asian side of the city, where they say the kebabs are as good as the ones you can find in Shoreditch on a Saturday night. Prepare to have your taste buds tickled with traditional delights like borek, the Spice Market’s aromatic treasures, and heavenly Turkish coffee from our pick of the best baklava shops. Did we mention a five-star hotel stay? Treat yourself to an all-round, unforgettable experience.

Travel dates – Thu, 25 May 2023 – Mon, 29 May 2023

Think a city break can’t encompass a day in the mountains? Well, you’re probably right in most cases, but we’ve got a trip that will have you scaling new heights. Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a pivotal part of history in the region. Glorious stone landmarks, such as the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, loom around you in the heart of the city. They are said to be the basis of the Harry Potter series, and its easy to see why, but they have a storied past all of their own too. Once you’ve had your fill here, trade it in for the invigorating breeze of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Trek along a portion of West Highland Way, culminating in a pub lunch in Balmaha. We’ll have you back to a sumptuous hotel in Edinburgh’s downtown area to revive those aching legs. Spring is the perfect time to visit Dashing Scotland for a short break with the slight chill in the air often giving way to warm afternoons. Its also a great time to avoid the summer crowds too.

Travel dates – Fri, 9 Jun 2023 – Mon, 12 Jun 2023

As the warmer months arrive there’s no better time to visit the setting of the most-recent series of The White Lotus. Spectacular Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and has a distinct ambience from the rest of country. Many people consider it a small state all of its own, but you will still feel like you’re in Italy. Immerse yourself in the local culture with our tasty 10-day adventure. That might seem like a long time, but this is no ordinary island. You won’t want to miss a trip to the Aeolian islands to witness smoking volcanoes and hot springs, or our thrilling 4×4 ride across Mount Etna’s volcanic slopes. Enjoy a Sicilian cooking workshop and sample the best street food on a tour to indulge in the local cuisine from gelatos to pasta. Our itinerary includes visits to Taormina and the baroque towns of Noto, Ragusa, and Modica, some of which you might recognise from a certain TV show…

Travel dates – Sat, 10 Jun 2023 – Mon, 19 Jun 2023

Let’s end with something entirely different. Some might even say it’s cheating to include on a list about Europe, but we say they are only half right. Have you ever though about a rail trip with a small-group before? This excitement-filled, 12-day journey takes travellers on a stunning route from Mediterranean Europe to enchanting North Africa with a string of vibrant cities along the way. For those who find traveling nerve-wracking, opt for our rail trips and be as comfortable as possible while charting this adventure. The trip begins in Madrid, the Spanish capital bursting with royal exploration. Then off to the charm of Córdoba’s one-of-a-kind mosque-cathedral and Seville’s thrilling flamenco dancers and cuisine add to a perfect experience. After that you’re off crossing the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco, where visitors are immediately struck by the gateway charm of Tangier. Casablanca’s romance and Fes’s spiritual heartland are also worthy of your attention. You’ll end up in Marrakech where you’ll find the thrill of a new continent in full-effect.

Travel dates – Sat, 3 Jun 2023 – Wed, 14 Jun 2023