Team Wanderlust | 28 October 2019
9 excellent Europe tours for under £500
From a mindful short break in Helsinki to a walking tour of Italy’s glorious Cinque Terre, you’ll be surprised how far your £500 will go in these cheap-flight destinations...
From a mindful short break in Helsinki to a walking tour of Italy’s glorious Cinque Terre, you’ll be surprised how far your £500 will go in these cheap-flight destinations...
A narrow street in Riga (Shutterstock)
If it’s history, culture and untouched old towns you’re looking for, you can’t beat the charming Baltic capitals. On this seven-day tour with Tucan Travel, you’ll visit them all – and still have change from £500.
Starting in Tallinn, one of the best untouched medieval towns in Europe, you’ll make your way through to the Art Nouveau charms of Latvia's capital Riga, the uncrowded cobbled streets of Vilnius in Lithuania, before ending your journey in Poland's surprising highlight, Warsaw.
This is a great introduction to one of the most beguiling parts of Europe. You’re bound to want to return.
Trip: Baltic Capitals
Who: Tucan Travel
Type: Small group
When: Apr to Oct
How long: Seven days
How much: From £383 (exc. flights)
The gelato hues of Cinque Terre (Shutterstock)
Gelato-coloured villages, fantastic food, crystal clear seas and bustling harbours – Italy’s famed Cinque Terre has it all. And this self-guided walking holiday with KE Adventure Travels will take you to its very heart.
Based in Corniglia, in the centre of this UNESCO-listed regions villages, you’ll walk the famous Cinque Terre coastal path, swim in the clear blue waters and explore the gorgeous villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
A boat journey from Porto Venere to Monterosso reveals the villages from a rarely seen angle and each night a feast of local food and wine awaits. Perfecto!
Trip: Self-Guided Walking On The Cinque Terre
Who: KE Adventure Travel
Type: Tailor-made
When: Mar to Nov
How long: Seven days
How much: From £440 (exc. flights)
The pier near Pooley Bridge (Shutterstock)
One of the most breathtaking views in the Lake District await on this three-day stroll along the Ullswater Way with Ramblers Walking Holidays.
Only opened in 2016, the 20-mile Ullswater Way has quickly become a favourite with walkers looking to get away from it all. Starting and finishing at Pooley Bridge, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the central and north lake and towards Scotland and Eden Valley.
With its calm and tranquil waters, Ullswater is the most reflective lakes in the Lake District, ensuring a vista guaranteed to soothe your soul. You’ll stay in the wonderful Hassness Country House, with all transport over the two days included.
Trip: Walking The Ullswater Way
Who: Ramblers Walking Holidays
Type: Small group
When: Apr & Oct
How long: Three nights
How much: From £325 (exc. flights)
The interior of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul (Shutterstock)
Set on the mighty Bosphorus, with Europe on one side and Asia on the other, Istanbul really is a city where East meets West. Capital of the great Ottoman Empire, it is crammed with history, amazing architecture and an ancient souk, bursting with bargains.
On this four-day mini-break with Cox & Kings, you’ll get the chance to explore its ancient alleyways and modern restaurant and cafe scene at your leisure. Tick off Topkapi Palace.
Watch the light and sound show as the sun sets over the Blue Mosque. And enjoy a delicious seafood meal at a restaurant overlooking the bustling harbour.
Trip: Istanbul
Who: Cox & Kings
Type: Tailor-made
When: Flexible departures throughout the year
How long: Four days
How much: From £325 (exc. flights)
Relaxing near the Allas Sea Pool in Helsinki (Shutterstock)
Looking to relax and recharge your batteries after a stressful few week at work? This four-day break in the chic Finnish capital, organised by Magnetic North Travel, is designed to do just that.
Start with a luxurious stay at the St George Design Hotel. Recently refurbished, the St George will nourish your mind and body, offering a superb Nordic-style spa, in-house bakery, and fine Finnish food.
The laid back charms of Helsinki will play their part, too, as you explore the city on a guided e-bike tour, discover its coastline and surrounding forests and spend a day at leisure either exploring Helsinki’s ocean-facing urban spas, or one of its many museums.
Trip: Highlights Of Helsinki
Type: Tailor-made
When: Flexible departures throughout the year
How long: Four days
How much: From £490 (exc. flights)
Chateau de Chambord in the Loire Valley (Shutterstock)
Discover the charms of one of France’s most beautiful regions on this eight-day, self-guided cycling holiday through the Loire Valley with BSpoke Tours.
Your base is Candes-Saint-Martin, a charming village that sits on the point of confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers.
Following five different cycle routes and a couple of walking itineraries as well, you’ll discover all that the valley has to offer, from vineyards and medieval river ports, to stunning châteaus, including Château de Montsoreau, the setting of a famous Dumas novel.
Stylish self-catering accommodation, bikes for the duration of your stay, including panniers, water bottles and repair kits and support from a local representative are all included. There’s a welcome pack on arrival as well, including two bottles of the local wine!
Trip: Loire Single Centre Cycling Holiday
Who: BSpoke Tours
Type: Tailor-made
When: Flexible departures
How long: Eight days
How much: From £500
Enjoying the good life in Porto (Shutterstock)
Spend four days in gorgeous Porto and still have change to bring home a bottle of its famous wine on this short break adventure with Evaneos.
The Portuguese capital is the perfect bite-sized break, a baroque gem with great food, terrific wine and a walkable charm.
After exploring the historic centre - recognised as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 - you can explore the beautiful Douro River and valley, enjoy an incredible white wine tasting tour or catch the train to Guimarães for a beautiful day-trip!
Trip: Portugal: Whistle Stop Porto
Who: Evaneos
Type: Tailor-made
When: Flexible departures throughout the year
How long: Four days
How much: From £480 (exc. flights)
Sunny Split (Shutterstock)
Located at the heart of Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast, Split is the perfect base for exploring the islands and history of this region, as well as for soaking up a bit of well-deserved sunshine.
On this four-day break with Cox & Kings, you’ll be based in the heart of the city, with the old town, Diocletian’s Palace and the palm-lined harbour right on your doorstep.
There's plenty of history to discover, in addition to foodie discoveries: strong Croatian coffee and restaurants offering the freshest seafood. It’s also handy for exploring nearby attractions like the wooded island of Solta, the ancient Roman ruins of Solin and the many old fishing ports of the area.
Trip: Split
Who: Cox & Kings Travel
Type: Tailor-made
When: Flexible departures throughout the year
How long: Four days
How much: From £460 (exc. flights)
Clougher Bay on the Dingle Peninsula (Shutterstock)
Prepare to fall in love with the Wild Atlantic Way in the west of Ireland as you hike along rural roads, coastal paths and mountain trails on this walking holiday with Evaneos.
Passing through Gaeltacht areas (Irish-speaking region), you’ll discover the best of authentic Irish culture, music and entertainment.
The town of Dingle, one of the main stops along The Dingle Way, was once named as ‘the most beautiful place on earth’. But to be honest, you’ll find plenty of places challenging for that title on the route. Accessible for all levels of fitness, this is a great way to spend an unforgettable nine days.
Trip: Ireland: Hike The Dingle Way
Who: Evaneos
Type: Tailor-made
When: Flexible departures throughout the year
How long: Nine days
How much: From £440 (exc. flights)
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