Europe

A Continent of Endless Discovery

Holidays in Europe

Your Guide to Europe

Imagine wandering through ancient Roman ruins one day, exploring fairytale castles the next, relaxing on a sun-drenched Mediterranean beach, skiing down Alpine slopes, or soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of iconic capital cities like Paris, Rome, or Berlin. That's the magic of Europe – an entire continent brimming with possibilities, conveniently located right on our doorstep. From the fjords of Norway to the islands of Greece, the vineyards of France to the historic cities of Eastern Europe, the sheer variety is astounding.


For first-time explorers from the UK, Europe might mean tackling a classic city break itinerary (Paris-Amsterdam-Berlin?) or seeking guaranteed sunshine in Spain or Portugal. For seasoned travellers, it’s a continent that constantly offers more – delving deeper into specific regions, discovering lesser-known gems, embarking on epic train journeys, exploring unique culinary trails, or returning to favourite haunts that feel both familiar and excitingly different. Whether you have a weekend or a whole summer, Europe has an adventure waiting for you.

Our European Countries

The eiffel tower is against a blue sky in paris
A group of people are swimming in the ocean on a beach.
Looking up at the leaning tower of pisa
An aerial view of a small town on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
A group of people in kayaks are floating on top of a body of water surrounded by rocks.
An aerial view of a city and a small island in the middle of the ocean.
A row of bicycles are parked on a bridge over a river.
A group of people are standing in front of a building at night.

Getting There & Around

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Flights: Scores of airlines, including budget carriers like EasyJet and Ryanair alongside national carriers like British Airways, connect UK airports to virtually every corner of Europe, often in just a few hours. Major hubs like Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA), Madrid (MAD), and Rome (FCO) offer onward connections worldwide, but direct flights serve countless destinations.


Train (Eurostar): Zip under the Channel directly from London St Pancras International to Paris, Brussels, Lille, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. It's fast, convenient (city centre to city centre), and increasingly connects well with onward high-speed rail networks across Europe (like France's TGV, Germany's ICE, Spain's AVE).


Ferries: Numerous ferry routes operate from UK ports (like Dover, Portsmouth, Hull) to France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium, perfect if you want to take your own car or enjoy a sea voyage. Ferries are also essential for island hopping in places like Greece, Croatia, Italy, and Scandinavia.


Driving: Taking your own car via Eurotunnel or ferry offers ultimate flexibility for exploring specific regions like France, Benelux, or Western Germany. Remember European road rules, tolls, and required documentation (check post-Brexit rules!).



Transport options in Europe

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Getting Around Within Europe: Once there, Europe boasts an excellent transport network. High-speed trains link major cities efficiently. Budget flights offer quick hops between countries (though factor in airport transit time/cost). Extensive coach networks provide budget options. Cities typically have fantastic public transport (metros, trams, buses).

Official Spoken Languages

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Europe is a linguistic tapestry! While English is widely spoken as a second language, especially in Northern and Western Europe (Scandinavia, Netherlands, Germany, etc.), major cities, and tourist hubs across the continent, proficiency varies. You'll find English readily understood in hotels, major restaurants, and tourist sites in most countries popular with UK visitors.

Weather & Climate

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Peak tourist season across most of Europe is July and August. Shoulder seasons (Spring: April-June & Autumn: Sept-Oct) often offer the best balance of pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices for sightseeing and city breaks. Winter is ideal for specific activities like skiing or chasing the Northern Lights.

Top Experiences in Europe

The eiffel tower is against a blue sky in paris

Iconic Capital Cities

Europe's capitals are treasure troves of history, art, culture, and gastronomy. Marvel at landmarks like the Eiffel Tower (Paris) or the Colosseum (Rome), explore world-class museums (the Louvre in Paris, British Museum in London), wander through historic neighbourhoods, soak up the atmosphere in bustling squares, and indulge in diverse culinary scenes. Each capital offers a unique and unforgettable urban adventure.

A small town on a hill overlooking the ocean at sunset.

Mediterranean Magic

Dream of sun-drenched coastlines, charming fishing villages, azure waters, and delicious food? Head south! Go island-hopping in Greece, drive the dramatic Amalfi Coast in Italy, relax on Spain's diverse beaches, experience the glamour of the French Riviera, or explore the stunning coastline and islands of Croatia. Perfect for sun-seekers, romantics, and food lovers.

A snowy mountain range with a blue sky in the background in the Alps

Alpine Adventures & Scenery

Europe's mountain ranges offer breathtaking beauty year-round. In summer, hike stunning trails amidst jagged peaks, swim in crystal-clear lakes, and explore charming Alpine villages. In winter, hit the slopes at world-class ski resorts in France, Switzerland, Austria, or Italy. The scenery is consistently spectacular, offering fresh air and adventure.

A group of people are standing in front of a ruined building.

Journeys Through History

Europe's history is palpable everywhere. Explore magnificent castles along Germany's Rhine River or France's Loire Valley. Walk amongst ancient wonders in Athens or Rome. Reflect at poignant historical sites related to major conflicts. Discover the unique charm and complex past of cities like Prague, Budapest, Krakow, or Vienna. History buffs are spoilt for choice.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Travelling to Europe from the UK has changed. For visits to the Schengen Area (most EU countries + Switzerland, Norway, Iceland etc.), your UK passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date AND issued within the last 10 years. UK citizens can stay visa-free in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Be aware of this limit if planning multiple trips. Keep an eye out for the introduction of the ETIAS visa waiver system (currently planned for mid-2025). Always check specific entry requirements for your destination country before booking.

Check Your Paperwork

While budget flights abound, don't overlook Europe's fantastic rail network. High-speed trains whisk you between city centres comfortably and efficiently, often with stunning scenery en route. It avoids airport stress, is generally better for the environment, and can be a relaxing way to travel. Look into point-to-point tickets (book early for best prices) or consider an Interrail Pass if planning multiple train journeys across several countries.

All Aboard! Consider Train Travel

While English is widely spoken in many tourist areas, making an effort with basic local pleasantries is always appreciated and shows respect. Learning "Hello," "Thank you," "Please," "Excuse me," and "Goodbye" in the language of the country you're visiting (French, Spanish, Italian, German etc.) can significantly enhance your interactions. Download offline translation apps like Google Translate for extra help.

A Little Language Goes a Long Way

The Euro (€) is the official currency in 20 EU countries (the Eurozone), including France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, Portugal etc. However, many European countries outside the Eurozone retain their own currencies (e.g., Switzerland - CHF, UK - GBP, Poland - PLN, Czech Republic - CZK, Sweden - SEK, Denmark - DKK). Always check the currency for your specific destination(s). Carry some cash (Euros or local currency as needed) for smaller purchases, markets, or places that might not take cards, but credit and debit cards are very widely accepted across most of Europe, especially in the west and north. Inform your bank before travelling and check for any foreign transaction fees on your cards.

Money Matters: Euros, Local Currencies & Cards

Europe on Your Doorstep: Endless Possibilities

The sheer diversity, rich history, vibrant cultures, and stunning landscapes packed into the continent of Europe – all just a short journey from the UK – make it an endlessly fascinating place to explore. From weekend city breaks discovering iconic landmarks to leisurely holidays soaking up Mediterranean sun, Alpine adventures, or deep dives into specific regions, the possibilities truly are limitless.


Whether you're planning your very first European adventure or your fiftieth, there's always something new to discover, taste, experience, and enjoy. So check your passport, brush up on your 'bonjour' or 'gracias', and get ready to explore the incredible tapestry of experiences waiting right next door!