Even on a walking or cycling trip there are many ways to add extra comfort. Perhaps the biggest luxury is to unpack only once, giving the hangers and drawers a proper workout as you head out for the day before returning to familiar surroundings. Whether you’re travelling with kids, new to active holidays or just hate packing, you’re not limited to where you can enjoy a same-accommodation trip. Here are five examples proving that it’s possible in Europe’s most sought after destination.

Hike the Cinque Terre, Italy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHckeUhOgsc&t The colourful five villages on the Ligurian Coast with its hills that virtually rise from the sea are well known for more than just the lack of cars, stunning natural beauty and remarkable walking opportunities.. They’re also connected by train, which you can jump on with your Park Pass allows for free, so setting off on day walks then returning to where you started is easier than enjoying a gelato. If you’re travelling with kids, take the coastal walking route. Want something tougher, head to the top of the hills. Staying in a self catered apartment means you can adjust the size depending on how many are in your group. See trips here

Walk the Pyrenees, France - in summer or winter

The Pyrenees - a centre based trip is so close yet you can feel so far away Sitting on the western side of the iconic Col du Tourmalet is the tiny French village of Bareges. Its easy access and proximity to some of the great walks of this often overlooked range make it the perfect place to setup a comfortable lodge ‘base-camp’. The magic of a self guided walk from Bareges is that it can be as gentle or as tough as you prefer. Just starting out? Enjoy beautiful walks to UNESCO listed sites like the Cirque de Gavarnie. Want to head higher? Choose the more challenging walks that could see you ascend an optional 3000m+peak. And for those who want to enjoy the winter silence, you can head out on daily snowshoe walks during winter. See trips here

Cycling through French vineyards & castles

https://youtu.be/bnqcjzNQAwQ The Loire Valley and Burgundy are two regions that lend themselves to the flexibility, comfort and convenience of a Centre Based trip. If you haven’t ridden a bike in years it won’t take you long to get used to being back in the saddle once you learn of the rewards that await you after each day’s introductory cycle. There’s always the option to upgrade to an electric bike for the premium active yet comfortable experience! In Burgundy, cycle through the grand estates that are world renowned for their red wines and make sure you try one at the cellar door. In the Loire region, enjoy rides fit for royalty from your chateau hotel base to encounter medieval towns, famous chateaux like Chambord and of course the local vineyards and wines. See trips here

Explore the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHE7tsLX7PA&t How does one explore the many islands along Croatia’s magnificent Dalmatian coast yet only unpack once? On a Cycle & Sail holiday of course. From Dubrovnik in the south to the national parks of north Dalmatia, there are numerous options to explore the coastline and islands by bike and boat. Electric bikes, mountain biking, deluxe boats and even family options – however you choose to explore the Dalmatian Islands on a bike & boat trip you’ll unpack just once and always come back to the warm, friendly smiles of your crew and familiar surroundings. The added bonus of this centre based trip over others is that each day you’ll enjoy a different sunset. See trips here

Bike & Barge from Holland to Belgium

https://youtu.be/6BiXX7Lm0II There are few places where you can cycle across borders knowing that at the end of the day you’ll return to the same bed and your clothes are still neatly where you left them. The Danube is one option however our classic Bike & Barge trip from Amsterdam to Bruges is the pick of the crowd with our travellers. Whether you choose a standard, comfort or deluxe barge option, whichever boat you choose you will all enjoy the same benefits of a centre based trip. Holland’s canals seem to have been made for introductory cycle touring. The terrain is flat and the routes are safe making it safe for familie looking to try their first Bike & Barge trip. See trip details here