EUROPE
Iconic and romantic capitals like Paris, Rome and Athens, ensures that Europe will forever pack a cultural punch when it comes to must-see travel destinations that are rich in history, art, museums, music venues and epicurean delights.
There are huge wildernesses too, from the frozen fjords of Scandinavia to the sizzling sands of Malta. The Black Forest, Danube Delta, French Camargue and countless other gorgeous rural regions offer adventure, tranquility and a chance to discover unique and beautiful landscapes and ancient local traditions. Enjoy the grandeur of a luxurious spa hotel in the Austrian Alps, live like a renaissance aristocrat in a Venetian palazzo or open the balcony doors of your simple Greek villa to admire the sunrise over an azure Aegean Sea.
The best bit is, Europe is right on our doorstep. You can be anywhere on the European map in less time than it takes to bake a focaccia from scratch! Its proximity means that you can enjoy shorter trips if you're pushed for time, no need even for air travel if you embrace the romance of rail, but whether you’re planning to set off on a Grand Tour or just take a one-stop immersion in one of our friendly neighbouring kingdoms, there’s a wealth of choice just across the Channel.
CROATIA & MONTENEGRO
With idyllic beach coves, sensational gastronomy, and eye-opening heritage, Croatia, lapped by the glittering Adriatic Sea, is strewn with charming islands and sun-baked towns, giving you a dose of the ocean without the crowds. Chic Hvar is a laid back island with great nightlife while dreamy Brac is a hideaway haven for beach fans. On the mainland, from the Roman-influenced city of Split to UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik, Croatia's history is on full show, with ancient amphitheatres, Venetian palaces and Medieval monasteries among its treasures.
Head inland to trek stunning unspoilt landscapes, jagged peaks and rolling hills. Bordered by Bosnia and Herzegovina, and with Croatia close by, Montenegro is a lush Balkan country with rugged looks and a swish side too, where you can discover history, culture and luxury ports.
CYPRUS
An island of ancient wonder encompassing a kaleidoscope of cultures that stretches from the mystique of the Middle East through the vibrancy of North Africa and onto the history of Europe, a luxury holiday in Cyprus is anything but ordinary.
Holed up in Aphrodite’s playground, find yourself cycling through lost hillsides one moment before dipping your toes into soothing Mediterranean waters the next. For family fun, Paphos is the place to go, while on the other side of the island, Ayia Napa is where the party people go. The south also provides postcard-perfect beaches for anyone wanting to swim turquoise waters, explore spectacular sea caves, and scoff souvlaki in peace, and with sunshine virtually all year round, it’s a great little getaway.
FRANCE
The Louvre or lavender fields, haute cuisine or rustic fare, grand chateaux or coastal villas -France, the romance capital of the world does it all with effortless flair. It could be the pretty Parisienne pâtisseries, the twisting vineyards in Bordeaux, scented Provencal gardens, or the chic, luxurious hotels dotted throughout, but it’s fair to say France remains one of the best loved of European holiday destinations.
From the big beaches and battlefields of Normandy to cosy ski chalets in Morzine, Atlantic blasted vineyards to the west and sophisticated sun drenched Mediterranean ports, the tricky bit will be deciding which bit to visit next. France is well served by air from the UK and fans of terra firma can enjoy the speed and comfort of a Eurostar connection.
GREECE
With the longest coastline and mythology in Europe, a rugged mainland of scented mountains, forests and lakes and a maritime heritage liberally sprinkled with thousands of enchanting islands across the Agean and Mediterranean seas, Greece is one of the most idyllic and romantic European holiday destinations you could dream of. Watch the world-famous sunset in Santorini, rub shoulders with A-listers in Mykonos, or hum Mamma Mia tunes in Skiathos.
Why not take in a few islands while you’re there? There’s at least 6000 to choose from, and island hopping is a quintessential way to experience Greece. The Greek mainland is as good for beach holidays as it is for city or rural breaks. Centring on the awe-inspiring Acropolis, Athens is a city that blends staggering ancient sites with urban chic, and resorts such as Halkidiki boast stunning Blue Flag beaches and a generous choice of world class hotel resorts.
ITALY
From glinting coasts to striking mountains, cosmopolitan cities to charming hillside hideaways, Italy has it all. If you’re looking for style, stunning scenery, scrumptious food and wine, then Italy delivers. You’re never far from a spectacular reminder that you’re in the seat of the ancient Roman Empire and from pristine waterfront resorts to tranquil hotels amid olive groves you’ll find a perfect homecoming at the end of each day spent exploring ruins, boutique browsing, spaghetti sampling and people watching.
While the art, architecture, museums and galleries tell stories of past times, the chic modern appeal of beautiful coastal and rural communities adds a contemporary feeling to Italian holidays. Thanks to efficient and affordable public transport, Italy is a great place to explore more widely, taking in the extremes of broad alpine lakes, cramped Venetian canals, lush scented Ligurian lemon groves and arid Sardinian wilderness there’s something for everyone.
MALTA
There are few places in the world which offer as much variety per square mile as Malta. This diminutive and sunny island nation, located in the middle of the sapphire Mediterranean Sea, is stuffed with history and charm. Today it’s hard to believe that Malta was one of the most heavily bombed places of the Second World War. In 1942 the nation received The George Cross medal, and thanks to that enduring indomitable Maltese spirit, you’ll find a warm welcome awaits you here.
The elegant and aristocratic capital city of Valetta, carved from a creamy, golden limestone, and dotted with lush mediterranean gardens, sits proudly above a glorious grand harbour. With delightful neighbouring Gozo within easy reach by ferry, there are plenty of opportunities for sight-seeing, sun-bathing and sandy sun-set sipping.
PORTUGAL & MADEIRA
Come for the dramatic, cultured coast of the Iberian peninsula or for the baroque-seaward cities of Lisbon and Porto, for its earthy, heavy-hitting wines and its gorgeous, easygoing hinterlands. Stay for the Pastéis de Nata!
The Algarve, with excellent golf, Blue Flag shores and luxury hotels, boasts a wonderful climate, with more sunshine than California.
For a taste of Portugal with an island twist, look to Madeira. Its lush botanical gardens and epic hiking trails make it a magnet for outdoorsy types. Whichever patch of the country you plump for, all parts take pride in their love for good food, good wine and good times. Cinnamon-sprinkled custard tarts, grilled sardines, crisp wine and velvety port are all national treasures, so sampling them is a rite of passage for any holiday to Portugal.
SCANDINAVIA
This most northerly region of Europe, encompassing Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, The Faroes, and Iceland, and is fast becoming a popular destination for those looking to explore a rugged and unusual destination, where strong cultural heritage remains intact and there’s a distinct possibility of glimpsing some of Europe’s most spectacular wild species.
From boat or train spot elk, brown bear, and sperm whale. Take in glittering blue fjords, ancient castles, sophisticated capitals, superb design, frozen forests, reindeer migration and, if you’re lucky, cosy evenings spent marvelling under a blanket of the mesmerising aurora borealis. From the geothermal hot springs of Reykjavik to the fairy tale Tivoli Gardens of Copenhagen there are so so many unforgettable experiences to fit in, where will you start?
SPAIN &
THE ISLANDS
Passionate and proud, from flamenco and Dalí to rioja and wellness, Spain is guaranteed to excite and inspire the inquisitive visitor. Ancient and modern; bull-fighting and flamenco, Spain is a country of deep and often surprising contrasts. One day you’re silently touring the prehistoric cave-art of El Castillo. The next you’re holding forth in the Michelin-starred restaurants of Catalonia.
City breaks in Madrid, Granada, Seville or Barcelona are rich in opportunities to absorb all of Spain's layers of cultural and creative influences. Escape the bustle, saddle up an Andalusian horse and explore the beautiful mountain wilderness of the great Sierra Nevada or the oak-clad heartlands of the Cabaneros National Park. Or follow Picasso to the sea and soak up the beach vibes of the Mediterranean resorts and cool boho Balearic and Canary islands.
SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA
Nestled at the heart of Europe and taking all of the best aspects of its contemporaries, a luxury holiday in Switzerland is everything you want it to be. Home to the ultimate alpine adventures, adrenaline reigns supreme here, whether you’re off-piste on a crisp winter morning or trailblazing in the wild flower meadows of summer. Enchanting heritage and cosmopolitan living are never far away for the slightly less daredevil traveller, be it hiking a summer lakeside landscape or an epic, winter wonderland.
And then, a luxury holiday in Austria offers a heady combination of beauty and culture that catches you off-guard. Clad in cobbles, fringed with architectural brilliance and dearly holding onto tradition, Vienna adds panache to everything it touches. Beyond the capital, natural beauty takes centre stage and you can recharge your batteries, boosting your mental and physical health with a deep breath of mountain air.
TURKEY
Romans, Ottomans and Byzantines, and a flurry of historical figures and empires have made their mark on this magical country that was once a stopover along the Silk Road. A place where east meets west, history meets modernity and dramatic architecture meets natural wonder; Turkey is a glittering crossroads of cultures.
Step onto pristine shores, gaze up at blue skies dotted with hot air balloons drifting over steaming thermal springs and explore ancient cities laced with exotic spices, a luxury holiday in Turkey unveils exciting new worlds. Explore one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world or simply stroll through the grand city of Istanbul to get a taste for this unique location on the edge of Asia.
UK & IRELAND
It’s often said that with no less than forty six Areas Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, thirty UNESCO World Heritage sites and countless other spectacular monuments that chart thousands of years of our own history, why would you board a plane to a far flung destination when you already live in one of the most interesting places in Europe?
The rise in luxury hotels and spas, and with it the wealth of superb bars and restaurants offering award winning, seasonal and sustainable menus means that you’ll find hundreds of surprising destinations for a luxurious and well earned holiday right here in the UK. There are still huge swathes of sparsely populated wild landscapes for those wanting to escape to the country for some R&R while thriving cities such as Liverpool, London, Bath, Edinburgh and Dublin are packed with world class museums, art galleries, eateries and shopping opportunities you’ll find hard to beat anywhere else.