Where to Travel in Summer 2023

Everyone’s idyllic image of Greece is tied directly to the glorious sunshine of a Mediterranean summer. As a travel destination this Southern European favourite, and particularly its island groups, goes into hibernation over winter. It’s when the temperatures rise that those pristine beaches, quaint old marinas and hypnotically inviting waters come to life. Our Greek Island Odyssey Epic Trip offers the definitive experience, from Athens to Santorini via a number of Cycladic islands. If you’re looking for something a little shorter, our Speedy Greece Mini Trip should do the trick or, if you really want to embrace island-hopping, our Enchanting Greece Sailing Trip highlights the best of Greece on land and sea.

If your idea of a summer retreat is jetting off to somewhere tropical then allow us to suggest an alternative to the Caribbean classics. These neighbouring Central American gems are two of our favourite destinations right now and, early to mid summer, before the rainy season really starts to kick on, is a brilliant time to visit. Belize straddles the Caribbean Sea, so think beautiful white sand beaches and kaleidoscopic coral reefs. Guatemala, which has coastlines on both sides of the Americas, is a pop of vibrant colour, from the charming city of Antigua to the fiery peak of Pacaya volcano. Summer is a particularly good time to visit if you’re a foodie – it’s lobster season in Belize, while the newly ripened tropical fruits of Guatemala will never taste fresher. You can book our Beachy Belize or Gorgeous Guatemala Mini Trips, or even combine the two with our Colourful Belize and Guatemala Epic Trip this summer.

The brutal colds of winter high in the Caucasus might be a little much, but when summer rolls around on the Euro-Asian border, Georgia is bathed in beautiful sunlight. Not that it needs it to further highlight the beauty of its epic mountain ranges, charming countryside churches and majestic capital, Tbilisi. Our Georgia and the Caucasus trip blends the endless adventure potential – think mountain treks and verdant forests – of this deeply underrated destination with the soothing qualities of its mineral-rich sulphur baths and world-renowned wine scene.

If really blowing off the cobwebs of the day-to-day is your desire this summer, then there’s no better place to escape than the Indonesian paradise famed for its ability to heal the soul. June, July and August are all in the heart of dry season here, making summer the perfect time of year to explore the island’s tropical beaches and forests. Join our 12-day Blissful Bali trip, which runs throughout summer, and you’ll trek to the summit of Mount Batur for unforgettable sunrise views, visit sacred temples and experience a traditional Balinese offering, unlock the secrets of Balinese cuisine at a cooking masterclass and snorkel with sea turtles off Gili Trawangan.

Much like Greece, Italy is at its beautiful best when the sun is shining. With an abundance of coastline, endless culinary indulgences and relaxing urban cafe culture, the whole country is worth visiting through the summer months. If hitting the coast is your priority then look no further than our Seductive Southern Italy trip, which starts in Naples and explores the westerly Amalfi Coast, before jumping across to easterly Puglia, where olive oil farms, quirky cave houses and pristine beaches reign supreme. Also embracing la dolce vita is our Spectacular Sicily itinerary which, in classic Italian fashion, blends the furious intensity of Mount Etna with the simple pleasures of Aperol, gelato and pasta. Alternatively, if you’d like to see the country’s most famous cities at their finest, join us on Classic Northern Italy by Rail, which utilises the high-speed Italo trains to squeeze Rome, Florence, Bologna, Lake Como and Milan into one incredible Italian adventure.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and discover somewhere new this summer, Ecuador should be top of your list. This Andean gem is much smaller than its South American neighbours, but boasts just as diverse a range of nature, meaning you can see so much more in one visit. On our eight-day Adventurous Ecuador trip you’ll explore Cotopaxi National Park on horseback, hike around the ethereal Quilotoa crater lake, cycle the Baños Waterfall Route and go white-water rafting in the Amazon rainforest. When you’re not traversing jungle and mountain you’ll be taking a cooking masterclass or having a chocolate-tasting session – this little hidden gem really does have it all.

The harsh Highlands of Scotland are as atmospheric as it gets in winter, but for pleasance and practicality, summer is always best when planning a Scottish adventure. Milder temperatures and clear sunny skies allow you to explore the country’s vast beauty in comfort, be it the fairytale streets of Edinburgh, the epic wonders of the Highlands, or the coastal gems of the Hebrides. Our Scottish Rail Trip is an excellent introduction, starting with overnight train from London to Fort William, we’ll take you on a whistle-stop tour of the country’s best bits, including a ride on the real life Hogwarts Express, plus the customary whisky tasting, loch visit and Edinburgh tour. To experience the rugged beauty of Scotland’s coast you should book a spot on our Wild Scotland Epic Trip, taking in the spectacular highlights of the Hebrides, featuring craggy peaks and untouched beaches.

This Sublime Southern Thailand trip is tailor-made for a summer Southeast Asian escape. Can you picture yourself, in a few months’ time, kayaking through mangrove forests, swimming with tropical fish and spending the night in a floating raft house? Or is jungle trekking, breaking only to swim in waterfalls or gaze at stunning sunrise views from the top of a mountain, more your thing? If that’s the case our Tropical Northern Thailand trip has multiple dates this summer. Finally, don’t forget our brand new Thailand and Laos Rail Trip, the itinerary you wish you could’ve put together as a twenty-something backpacker.

If you can handle a bit of heat Morocco in the summer, when international tourism is a little quieter, is an excellent time to visit. Join us on our Epic Morocco trip and our Local Insider will take you on a foodie tour of Marrakech, a sunrise camel ride in the Sahara and a tour around the brilliantly blue houses of Chefchaouen. Our Myriad Morocco Mini Trip also fits in Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains and the Agafay Desert in just five days, or you can start in Spain and join us from Madrid to Marrakech by Train, calling at Casablanca, Fes and much more.