The Best Spring Break Destinations in Europe

The ancient city of Istanbul is a vital stop on any Turkey itinerary, with vibrant bazaars, ornate mosques and opulent palaces in abundance – plus deliciously moreish food. Experience all of that on this action-packed 12-day adventure, as well as a cruise along the Bosphorus, before heading inland to the capital, Ankara, en route to the Cappadocia region. Venture down into subterranean cities, hike through the otherworldly Rose and Red Valleys, and stop by one of the best-preserved sites of the ancient Roman era, the Aspendos amphitheatre. You’ll then journey through the wild landscapes of the Taurus Mountains, finally arriving in Antalya, renowned for its sun-drenched, golden sand beaches and turquoise waters on the Mediterranean coast. In spring, you’ll be able to avoid the stiflingly hot summer weather.

Croatia’s coastal cities of Split and Dubrovnik are the perfect starting and finishing points for an island-hopping adventure along the Dalmatian Coast. On this eight-day trip, you’ll enjoy a walking tour of Split, where the majestic Dioclesian’s Palace forms the focal point of the old town, and go sea kayaking around Marjan Hill. Hop on a ferry to Hvar, one of the sunniest destinations in Europe, with an effervescent nightlife scene and secluded, pebble beaches aplenty. Explore the former Yugoslav military base, Vis, before continuing to Korčula, where you’ll visit some of Croatia’s finest vineyards. Your trip concludes in Dubrovnik, where you’ll explore the Unesco-listed old town, characterised by a maze of cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards and a mixture of gothic, renaissance and baroque architectural styles.

Southern Italy offers so much charm that you’ll be wondering why it took you so long to explore the region. This 10-day trip kicks off with a street food tour of Naples before heading south to the Amalfi Coast – a boat tour is the best way to go between the pastel-coloured, cliffside villages. Learn the secrets of Altamura bread production in a bakery workshop as you head inland to Matera, characterised by ancient cave dwellings carved into the hillside, and featured in the latest James Bond movie, No Time To Die (2021). You’ll then cycle through the Itria Valley, renowned for its traditional trulli houses, and have time to relax on the secluded beaches of Polignano a Mare, before wrapping up your trip in Lecce, nicknamed the Florence of the South for its resplendent array of baroque architecture.

Scotland in spring is joyous, as the harsh winter evaporates, leaving behind mild sunny days and an abundance of greenery spread across the country’s majestic landscapes. This seven-day Rail Trip is a whistle-stop tour of things that make this country so charming. After catching the Caledonian Sleeper train from London, you’ll toast your arrival at a local whisky distillery, before hopping onboard the iconic Jacobite steam train for a splendid journey through the countryside, including a crossing of Glenfinnan Viaduct. You’ll explore the Isle of Skye on foot and by boat, go hiking in the Cairngorms and visit one of Scotland’s most spectacularly beautiful castles. Finally, your trip ends with two nights Edinburgh, where our Local Insider will guide you along charming gothic streets and hearty local pubs.

Our Berlin to Budapest Rail Trip takes the classic, romantic idea of Central Europe inter-railing and gives it a Culture Trip twist by adding better accommodation, a thoroughly curated itinerary and a level of cultural immersion that backpacking from hostel to hostel simply can’t match. Our Local Insider will meet you in Berlin, where you’ll explore the city’s blend of historic landmarks and trendy subculture streets, before hopping on the train to Prague. Sip beer at a world class Czech brewery after a long day admiring the city’s gorgeous architecture, before moving on to Vienna. Tuck into a classic Austrian schnitzel dinner and go on a detour to the Wachau Valley, for cycling along the Danube and a wine tasting in Krems. After discovering the underrated city of Bratislava, your final destination will be Budapest, where you can have a well-earned soak in the city’s thermal baths, and reminisce on 10 days of classic Europe in a trendy ruin bar.