If you’d like more information about one of our ‘journey’ holidays in Europe, or advice about creating an itinerary that’s just right for you, please get in touch – our friendly experts will be happy to help.
The fact that we handle each booking individually means that we can shape your trip for you. For example, you can usually start on any day of the week, add extra nights, or combine with another holiday. We can also suggest shorter versions of our holidays if you have limited time.
The accommodation and public transport arrangements are made in advance, so that you know where you’re going and can enjoy your holiday to the full, hassle-free. Otherwise, you can wander at will, and the inclusion of a hire car on some of our touring holidays in Europe means you can vary these routes as much as you wish.
Usually, yes. Look out for the ‘Extend Your Stay’ ideas – some enable you to spend a few days exploring the area on foot, or you could opt for a short stay in the city you’re flying to, either at the start or end of your holiday.
Of course. While our hotels offer comfortable, good-quality accommodation, if you’re looking for something really special it’s often possible to upgrade your room, be it one with an even better view, a balcony or simply more space. On some holidays, we also offer the option of staying at a grander or more luxurious hotel along the route. See each holiday page for the upgrade options.
Although these ‘journey’ holidays in Europe might include the occasional walk – to see a particular highlight or hidden corner ‘up close’ – they are really about discovery in its fullest sense: fabulous sights and little-known gems, and memorable experiences that help to immerse you in the rhythms and patterns of everyday life.
Our commitment to flexibility means you can reach your holiday destination by almost any route you wish. We can arrange tailored rail travel from London to destinations as far afield as Portugal, southern Italy and Austria, enabling you to make the experience a truly end-to-end adventure. If you choose to fly from your local airport, we can book a wide range of airlines and routes at flexible prices; and if your holiday includes a hire car, this will be available to collect at the airport with driving directions included in your notes. Our specialists will be happy to talk you through the possibilities so that together we can find the right option.
Don’t worry – our detailed notes have been described as an ‘invisible hand’, and help to take the mystery and worry out of all your travel arrangements. From detailed driving directions (where needed) to information about the railway stations and public transport connections en route, it’s all there in your pack.
Our journeys have been carefully crafted to include what we believe to be the optimum amount of time in each place. This enables you to explore in depth and to get a sense of your destination’s true character: we encourage you to slow down, notice the details, and experience the region as the locals see it. However, if you would prefer more time, we are happy to book extra nights.
Along with cultural information and guidance on your train and/or boat journeys (or full driving instructions and maps if you are journeying by car), we provide suggestions for what to see and do at each place. If the best way to see a particular highlight is on foot, or if we have devised a walking trail of the city you are visiting, we include detailed route notes, though whether you make use of these is entirely up to you.
Most of our touring holidays in Europe are suitable for everyone – certainly those with a curious spirit and an appetite for leisurely adventure. Many of our older customers love the chance to explore a region or country without having to walk too far, while the idea of ‘grown-up interrailing’ or touring can also appeal to younger couples or groups of friends. Our journeys tend to have a strong cultural aspect, so can be appropriate for older children, too.