While staycations are still high on the list, not many will want to drive mainly due to the rising fuel costs. Low cost value European breaks will be very much desirable as Europe opens up its boarders. Since Europe is said be the smallest continent, it makes travelling by air or even by coach more appealing to experience the diverse range of landscapes, cultures and history.
If you want to get out of the UK for a while and visit a country in Europe, whether for a weekend or a longer holiday, you can relax and enjoy carefully planned itineraries, making sure you see the best of the country or countries you are visiting. Many are escorted by a tour manager. Check out some of these tours below.
Classical Andalucia – Seville, Cordoba & Alhambra
Spain is known for its mild temperatures and sunshine all year round. Besides its fantastic beaches, warm Mediterranean Sea and charming towns dotted along the coast, it is also known for its flamenco music and dance, fiestas, tapas traditions and for the fantastic beaches of the Costas. This country is full of rich cultural heritage and traditions as well as spectacular countryside and coastline.
One of the most beautiful corners of Europe is Andalucía which just lies across the Strait of Gibraltar from Morocco. On this delightful break you will discover beautiful cities who’s culture were influenced by Roman and Moorish rulers over the centuries. They are steeped in history. You will visit the mesmorising Alhambra Palace and the vibrant city of Seville, set on the banks of the Guadalquivir River.
Highlights
Return flights to Málaga
Airport taxes and luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person)
Airport transfers in Spain
4 nights at the 4-star AluaSun Flamingo Hotel, Torremolinos with dinner & breakfast
2 nights at the 4-star YIT Vereda Real Hotel, near Seville with dinner & breakfast
Overnight stay at the 4-star AC Hotel, Cordoba with dinner & breakfast
Excursions to Ronda, Seville & Málaga
Guided tours of Ronda, Seville, Cordoba, Málaga & the Alhambra Palace
Admission to Seville Cathedral, the Great Mosque and Cathedral of Cordoba & the Alhambra Palace and Generalife
Escorted by a tour manager in Spain
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The Pilgrims’ Road to Santiago
This memorable journey across northern Spain takes in part of the ancient pilgrimage route to the city of Santiago de Compostela. This was where the tomb of St James was discovered in the 9th century. Every year, thousands of pilgrims set out on foot, by bike, or even on horseback to experience this route, sometimes just for recreational reasons.
However, the coach itinerary gives you the opportunity to explore many of the beautiful and historic cities, towns and villages on this famous route in comfort, with the option to enjoy leisurely walks along parts of the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St James). Walk along parts of the pilgrimage route including Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Monastery of Miraflores, León, Cruz de Fierro & from Monte de Gozo to Santiago de Compostela. These scenic landscapes and fascinating heritage will be the experience of a lifetime.
Highlights
Return flights to Bilbao
Airport taxes and luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person)
Airport transfers in Spain
9 nights at selected 3 or 4-star hotels in Spain with breakfast plus 2 dinners
4 dinners at local restaurants
Excursions to La Rioja, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Astorga, Castrillo de los Polvazares, Cruz de Fierro, Molinaseca, O Cebreiro, Portomarín, Monte de Gozo, Santillana del Mar & Santander
Guided city tours of Bilbao, Burgos, León & Santiago de Compostela
Entrance to the Guggenheim Museum and Gaudí’s Bishop’s Palace
Wine tasting in La Rioja
Escorted by a tour manager in Spain
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Grand Tour of Italy
Italy is the land of la dolce vita, a country that truly has something for everyone, whether it’s beautiful lakes, historic cities, scenic countryside or glorious coastlines. It’s not hard to see why Italy is often referred to as the Bel Paese (beautiful country). There are spectacular coastlines, rolling hills full of olive groves and vineyards, and glorious mountain ranges, glistening lakes. The diverse range of landscapes is almost unrivalled anywhere else in Europe as there’s a mix of rich cultural heritage, artistic treasures, historic cities and a world-renowned cuisine.
Visit one or more of Italy’s magnificent cities such as Venice with its famous canals, Rome and its Colosseum, Verona and its spectacular Amphitheatre or Florence with its stunning Cathedral. Alternatively, there’s the scenic Tuscany countryside or the glamour of the Italian Riviera. As mentioned earlier, Italy is renowned for its scenic vistas, fascinating history and unique architecture and some of the world’s greatest works of art. The Mediterranean climate and delicious food and drink makes the Italy one of Europe’s most popular destinations.
On this grand tour you will enjoy many of Italy’s highlights, immersing yourself in the land of la dolce vita while taking in the spectacular landscapes of Tuscany as well as visiting wonderful cities. You will visit Venice with its remarkable trademark canals, historic Florence, the capital of Rome and the beautifully-preserved hilltop city of Siena.
Highlights
Return coach travel and ferry crossings
First and last night on a bed and breakfast basis in France (last night with a light evening meal)
7 nights at selected 4-star hotels in Italy with breakfast plus 6 dinners
Excursions to Florence, Rome & Venice
Guided walking tours of Florence & Venice
Guided city tour of Rome
En-route visits to Pisa & Siena
Fully escorted by a tour manager
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Italian Riviera, Monte Carlo & the South of France
This beautiful coastline that stretches west along France’s Côte d’Azur and over the border into Italy makes it one of Europe’s most glamorous holiday destinations. It is a millionaire’s playground with marinas, coiffured cliff-top villas and exclusive resorts, makes it an elegant and relaxing getaway. You will spend time in scenic Diano Marina, pretty Imperia and have time to experience the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo, famous for its historic casino.
Highlights
Return coach travel and ferry crossings
First and last night on a bed and breakfast basis in France (last night with a light evening meal)
7 nights at a selected 3-star hotel in Diano Marina with dinner & breakfast (includes one candlelit dinner with sparkling wine)
Free bar (7pm-10pm) on local Italian brands (beer, wine & soft drinks)
Wine and water with dinner in Italy
Free tea and coffee all day in Italy
Live music one evening
Excursions to Imperia, Monaco, Monte Carlo, Alassio & Cervo
Services of a local guide on selected excursions
Optional excursion to Santa Margherita Ligure & Portofino
Optional excursion to Nice
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Cruising the Blue Danube
Germany boasts a dramatic and varied landscape with historic towns and terraced vineyards lining the picturesque Rhine Valley river banks. Whether travelling through the valley by coach or taking a picturesque river cruise, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Explore some of the stories behind great events in European history in the capital of Berlin and discover its iconic monuments such as the Brandenburg Gate. Experience fascinating capital cities and scenic landscapes on this fantastic, all-inclusive cruise along the beautiful River Danube. From enchanting Vienna and charming Bratislava to majestic Budapest plus the famous Wachau Valley, blanketed with vineyards, hilltop castles and picturesque towns and villages, this enjoyable cruise along one of the world’s most iconic rivers will make a lasting impression.
Highlights
Return coach travel and ferry crossings
First and last night at a selected hotel in Germany with breakfast (last night with a light evening meal)
7 nights round-trip cruise from Engelhartszell, Austria on a premium all-inclusive basis:
Extensive breakfast, lunch and gourmet buffet dining
Embarkation snacks
Cakes and treats at tea and coffee time
High-quality drinks (11am-midnight): tea, coffee and coffee specialities, soft drinks, beers, sparkling wine and a selection of wines, cocktails and long drinks (exceptions are specialities subject to surcharges and champagne)
15% discount on spa treatments
Bottled water, bathroom products and bathrobe in the cabin
Free Wi-Fi
Free use of all on-board facilities such as sauna and fitness room
On-board entertainment
Port taxes
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Black Forest, Rhine & Moselle Valley
Discover a story-book mix of cobblestone streets, gabled houses and riverbanks cross-stitched with sloping vineyards and magical castles. The fairy tale Black Forest whittled with cavernous valleys, cascading with tendrils of waterfalls and dotted with tiny, timber farmhouses to the spectacular scenery of the grape-laden Rhine and Moselle river valleys.
Highlights
Return coach travel and ferry crossings
First night on a bed and breakfast basis in France
4 nights at a selected 3-star hotel in Oberharmersbach with dinner & breakfast
4 nights at a selected 3-star hotel in Germany with dinner & breakfast
Welcome drink at our Oberharmersbach hotel
Live music on one evening at our Oberharmersbach hotel
Excursions to Titisee, Freiburg, Schiltach, Rottweil, Triberg & Rüdeshiem
Scenic tours of the Black Forest, Rhine Valley & Moselle Valley
En-route visits to Strasbourg & Heidelberg
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A Weekend in Amsterdam
Keep it simple and enjoy a weekend to soak up the vibrant atmosphere and lively café scenes of Amsterdam. Netherland’s capital is one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities and you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the picturesque network of canals and historic cobbled streets. The weekend tour is combined with visits to historic Marken and Volendam. There are fascinating museums and plenty of shopping opportunities too.
Highlights
Return coach travel and ferry crossings
3 nights at a 4-star hotel in Holland with breakfast
Excursions to Amsterdam, Marken & Volendam
Amsterdam canal cruise
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Alternative Day Trips in Europe
If you are making your way to a European destination or are already in one, then below are a selection of alternative day trips in Europe that you may find interesting to go on.