Summer Holidays In Europe: What Memories Will You Make?

Loire Valley sunflowers near Blois | Mary-Cate Pickett
Loire Valley sunflowers near Blois | Mary-Cate Pickett

Top Active Summer Trip Ideas, From The Alps to the Balkans

Have you started planning already your next summer holiday in Europe?


From rolling vineyards and dramatic mountains to enriching cultural experiences and quirky places to stay, the continent has so much to offer and all within easy reach.

Whether this year you want to try something you have never done before or simply return to your favourite all-time destination to relax, with UTracks there are hundreds of activity holidays in Europe to choose from.
 
Here is our pick of where to go this summer (and what new memories you can make!):
 

Complete the Tour du Mont Blanc

Trekking along the incredible Val Ferret on the Tour du Mont Blanc |  <i>Ryan Graham</i>
A trip high on the wish list of many travellers, the circumnavigation of western Europe’s highest peak keeps growing in popularity! Ranging from 6 to 10 days, this classic trek is accessible to any fit walker with a head for heights.
 

Plunge into the glittering Adriatic Sea

Andela Lora Swimming Platform
Croatia is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in Europe and it’s easy to see why: after a day out cycling on timeless islands, swimming in the azure waters is a true reward. Boat & bike trips are hassle-free: you unpack only once and get to wake up somewhere new every day.
 

Stay in a traditional ‘trullo’ in sun-drenched Puglia

Trulli in the UNESCO town of Alberobello |  <i>Lesley Treloar</i>
Summer holidays in Europe can be full of unique experiences, such as when you spend the night at a quirky ‘trullo’ in Puglia. These iconic whitewashed dwellings with conical roofs can only be found in the picturesque town of Alberobello and are protected by UNESCO as World Heritage sites.
 

Get lost in the Balkans…

Discover small Balkan villages on our exciting cycling itinerary in Bulgaria
…not literally! But for lovers of unspoiled mountains, centuries-old cultures and a traditional way of life, the Balkans in Eastern Europe offer a wealth of possibilities. This is where to go on holiday in Europe if you want to step back in time and move away from the crowds.   
 

Raise a glass of wine in Burgundy’s lush vineyards

Walking through vineyards at Mercurey
Did you know that Burgundy is often referred to as ‘The Land of Good Living’? Famous for its world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines, soak up the beauty of the region as you cycle through lush fragrant vineyards.
 

Walk into the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome…

The road markers and other signs make it easier for self guided walkers on the Via Francigena
..and collect your credenzia at St Peter’s Cathedral in Vatican City. From the border with Switzerland to the Italian capital, the Via Francigena follows an ancient road and pilgrim’s route through some of Italy’s most scenic regions. This is your chance to enjoy a slice of ‘dolce vita’.
 

Watch the sunrise from a remote mountain hut

Mt Sinai sunrise, Egypt |  <i>Neill Prothero</i>
Having walked deep into the mountains, wake up the next morning against a backdrop of some of Europe’s most striking peaks in the Aosta Valley… steaming cup of cappuccino in hand, it is an experience that can’t be beaten for fans of summer activity holidays.
 

Take on the challenging GR20

Pausing during a steep ascent on the GR20 |  <i>Gesine Cheung</i>
If for your summer holiday in Europe you decided to get out of your comfort-zone, how about the continent’s most challenging long-distance walking trail? The GR20 in Corsica is hard work but it comes full of dramatic landscapes.

For more inspiration, there are more than 400 trip ideas on utracks.com. Start planning your dream summer holiday now!

 
France, Mont Blanc, Balkans, Croatia, Italy, Puglia, Burgundy, Rome, Via Francigena, Aosta Valley, GR20, Corsica

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