Top 10 European Adventure Breaks
This is your chance to get active outdoors as you explore remote regions of Europe that go way beyond the typical tourist trail. European adventure breaks will usually take the form of a small group experience with fun and camaraderie as high on the agenda as safety and expert guidance. Dive in; jump off; descend; ascend; pedal; paddle; ride; glide – whatever you do, don’t let anything stand in the way of your next European adventure holiday.
1. Kayaking holidays in Croatia
There’s nothing like the Croatian coast to put paddles through their paces. Sublime secret coves and see-through shallows surround an exciting collection of inhabited and deserted island archipelagos, making a sea kayaking holiday in Croatia really hard to beat.
When to go: May to October
Our top selling trip: Sea kayaking holiday in Croatia
See all our trips: Adventure Holidays in Croatia
Read more: Croatia cycling guide and Sea kayaking travel guide
When to go: May to October
Our top selling trip: Sea kayaking holiday in Croatia
See all our trips: Adventure Holidays in Croatia
Read more: Croatia cycling guide and Sea kayaking travel guide
2. Multi activity holidays in Spain
There are numerous adventures to be had in Andalucia, with kayaking, horse riding, canyoning and mountain biking all exciting activities to get you out and about. Pick your pace and bring balance to a week away by including free days by the pool, cookery classes, birdwatching and riverside walks.When to go: May to June or September to October
Our top selling trip: Altiplano de Granada activity holiday
See all our trips: Adventure holidays in Spain
Read more: Andalucia travel guide and Spain cycling guide
3. Cycling holidays in southern Italy
Cycling as part of a small group from Palinuro in Cilento National Park to Positano, Amalfi and Minori, is one Italian job that you won’t want to miss. Daily distances of 40-60km, and a couple of +1,000m ascents and -1,000m descents, make the sea views all the more rewarding.When to go: April to October
Our top selling trip: Cilento and Amalfi Coast cycling holiday, Italy
See all our trips: Adventure holidays in Italy
Read more: Italy cycling guide and Italy travel guide
4. Multi-activity holidays in Montenegro
Montenegro sings to all the senses with a centre based adventure, set in one of the country’s national parks, showcasing the dramatic landscapes that have set the outdoor adventure world absolutely buzzing. Trekking, zip-lining, mountain biking, climbing and canyoning are all on offer here, and that’s just for starters.
When to go: April to November
Our top selling trip: Montenegro activity holiday, adrenaline adventure
See all our trips: Adventure holidays in Montenegro
Read more: Montenegro multi activity holidays guide
When to go: April to November
Our top selling trip: Montenegro activity holiday, adrenaline adventure
See all our trips: Adventure holidays in Montenegro
Read more: Montenegro multi activity holidays guide
5. Diving & sailing holidays in Greece
As if sailing around Greek islands on a live-aboard boat wasn’t enough, why not also try diving to ensure you make the most of Le Grand Bleu both above and below the waves. Discover marine biodiversity in the shipwrecks, caverns and colourful coral gardens of the Greek Cyclades.When to go: April to October
Our top selling trip: Liveaboard diving and sailing holiday in Greece
See all our trips: Adventure holidays in Greece
Read more: Greek Islands travel guide and Greece walking holidays travel guide
6. Wildlife tracking in Sweden
It’s amazing to think that just two hours from Stockholm you can be immersed in the Bergslagen Forest, looking for beaver dams or moose scat. At night, you can hear a wolf pack howling at the moon, and perhaps have a go yourself. Integral to this amazing wildlife experience are the skills and knowledge of your local guide.When to go: June to September
Our top selling trip: Wolves, moose and beavers in Sweden
See all our trips: Sweden wildlife holidays
Read more: Sweden wildlife travel guide
7. Spitsbergen Arctic cruise
Set sail on an Arctic adventure that's guaranteed to last a lifetime. There are few more exciting adventures other than boarding an Arctic expedition ship, in the company of experts and like-minded travellers, and boldly heading off in search of whales, polar bears, icebergs and bird-covered islands.
When to go: August
Our top selling trip: Spitsbergen cruise
See all our trips: Arctic adventure cruises
Read more: Arctic cruise travel guide
When to go: August
Our top selling trip: Spitsbergen cruise
See all our trips: Arctic adventure cruises
Read more: Arctic cruise travel guide
8. Island adventures in Croatia
Adventurers take to the waters around Croatia’s Vis Island like proverbial ducks, with kayaks and a couple of craft keeping family-friendly adventure holidays bobbing along nicely. Take a boat out to explore the Blue Cave, go scuba diving off more remote islands, and sail the least busy stretches of the Dalmatian Coast.When to go: May to October
Our top selling trip: Vis Island activity holiday in Croatia
See all our trips: Adventure holidays in Croatia
Read more: Croatia multi activity guide
9. Winter activity holidays in Finland
Take off into the glistening white world of Finnish Lapland as you join a small group for ice fishing, cross country skiing and a host of other fun activities in the wintery wilderness. One standout experience from these ever-popular family trips is snowshoeing into the wilderness in search of the spectacular Northern Lights.When to go: December to April
Our top selling trip: Finland Northern Lights holiday
See all our trips: Adventure holidays in Finland
Read more: Finland travel guide and Finnish Lapland travel guide
10. Horse riding holidays in Spain
Base yourself at a comfy hotel in the Catalan countryside for a tailor made horse riding adventure. Lessons can be built into an itinerary to ensure all levels of rider benefit from expert tuition, with a sauna, massage and dip in the pool always the best way to complete a good day spent in the saddle.
When to go: March to November
Our top selling trip: Catalan horse riding holiday in Spain
See all our trips: Adventure holidays in Spain
Read more: Catalonia travel guide and Spain travel guide
When to go: March to November
Our top selling trip: Catalan horse riding holiday in Spain
See all our trips: Adventure holidays in Spain
Read more: Catalonia travel guide and Spain travel guide
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