Europe From ancient cities and timeless villages to wild coastlines, dramatic mountains and unforgettable food, Europe offers extraordinary journeys at every turn. Discover familiar favourites and lesser-known corners, each with its own character, culture and story to tell

In Finnish Lapland during winter, try a traditional wood-fired sauna followed by a dip in an ice hole or a roll in the snow. It sounds daunting, but it is invigorating and a deeply authentic Nordic experience.

Istanbul bridges East and West in every sense. Take a private ferry ride along the Bosphorus at sunset to see mosques, palaces and historic waterfront mansions illuminated on both the European and Asian shores.

Embrace the Swedish ritual of fika, taking time each day to slow down over coffee and a cinnamon bun. It is a simple habit that reflects the country’s relaxed approach to life and work.

Experience Norway’s fjords from both sea and shore. A scenic cruise gives a sense of scale below towering cliffs, while driving mountain roads or taking fjord hikes provides stunning vantage points from above.

Iceland’s natural wonders are popular, but visiting early in the morning or later in the evening during the long summer days allows you to experience waterfalls, geysers and glaciers with far fewer people.

Portugal is ideal for a road trip or train journey combining city culture with rural wine regions and coastal wilderness. Explore Lisbon and Porto, then head to the Douro Valley or the quiet beaches of the Alentejo.

Adjust your clock to Spanish time. Lunches are long and leisurely, typically enjoyed between 2pm and 4pm, while dinner rarely begins before 9pm. Taking a quiet break in the late afternoon sets you up for lively evenings outdoors.

Island hopping in Greece works best when you keep transfers simple. Stick to one island group, such as the Cyclades or Ionian Islands, to minimise ferry time and maximize time enjoying local tavernas, quiet coves and ancient ruins.

Ireland is as much about its people and storytelling as its landscapes. Spend evenings in traditional pubs listening to live music, chatting with locals and letting conversations unfold naturally.

Scotland’s weather can change dramatically in a single day, so dressing in layers and bringing good waterproofs is essential. Embracing the atmosphere, whether under clear blue skies or moody highland mist, is all part of the charm.

London is brilliant, but England’s character is often found in its countryside and coastal villages. Combine city sights with time in the Cotswolds, Cornwall or the Lake District for long walks, country pubs and historic houses.

In France, the rhythm of the day is built around mealtimes. Lunch is taken seriously, shops in smaller towns often close between 12pm and 2pm, and dinner rarely starts before 7.30pm or 8pm. Adapting to this pace makes for a far smoother journey.

Rail is one of the best and most scenic ways to explore Switzerland. Trains are comfortable, punctual and often an experience in themselves, particularly mountain routes such as the cog railway to car-free Wengen, where the journey is every bit as memorable as the destination.

Italy does not have one cuisine; it has as many as it has regional identities. Eat cacio e pepe in Rome, pizza in Naples, pesto in Liguria and cicchetti in Venice. A local food tour, market visit or cooking class is a brilliant way to begin.