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 vacation.
1. Kayaking vacations 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 vacation in Croatia really hard to beat.
When to go: May to October
Our top selling trip: Sea kayaking vacation in Croatia
See all our trips: Adventure Vacations in Croatia
Read more: Croatia cycling guide and Sea kayaking travel guide
When to go: May to October
Our top selling trip: Sea kayaking vacation in Croatia
See all our trips: Adventure Vacations in Croatia
Read more: Croatia cycling guide and Sea kayaking travel guide
2. Multi activity vacations 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 vacation
See all our trips: Adventure vacations in Spain
Read more: Andalucia travel guide and Spain cycling guide
3. Cycling vacations 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 vacation, Italy
See all our trips: Adventure vacations in Italy
Read more: Italy cycling guide and Italy travel guide
4. Multi-activity vacations in Montenegro
Montenegro sings to all the senses with a center 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 vacation, adrenaline adventure
See all our trips: Adventure vacations in Montenegro
Read more: Montenegro travel guide and Montenegro family vacations guide
When to go: April to November
Our top selling trip: Montenegro activity vacation, adrenaline adventure
See all our trips: Adventure vacations in Montenegro
Read more: Montenegro travel guide and Montenegro family vacations guide
5. Diving & sailing vacations 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 vacation in Greece
See all our trips: Adventure vacations in Greece
Read more: Greek Islands travel guide and Greece walking vacations travel guide
6. Husky sledding vacations in Finland
Finland in winter is simply magical and following your own team of huskies as they fly through forests thick with snow is as breathtaking as you can imagine. Join a small group and travel up to 40km per day exploring Finland’s snow-covered wilderness by husky-drawn sled.When to go: December to April
Our top selling trip: Husky safari in Finland
See all our trips: Adventure vacations in Finland
Read more: Husky safaris travel guide and Finland winter vacations 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 travelers, 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 vacations 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 vacation in Croatia
See all our trips: Adventure vacations in Croatia
Read more: Croatia multi activity guide
9. Winter activity vacations in Finland
Take off into the glistening white world of Finnish Lapland as you join a small group for snowmobile safaris and overnight husky adventures. Balance a guided adventure with free time to explore under your own steam by way of complementary cross country skis and snowshoes.When to go: December to April
Our top selling trip: Winter adventure in Finland
See all our trips: Adventure vacations in Finland
Read more: Finland travel guide and Finnish Lapland travel guide
10. Horse riding vacations 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 vacation in Spain
See all our trips: Adventure vacations in Spain
Read more: Catalonia travel guide and Spain travel guide
When to go: March to November
Our top selling trip: Catalan horse riding vacation in Spain
See all our trips: Adventure vacations in Spain
Read more: Catalonia travel guide and Spain travel guide
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