Europe

Discover More with Purpose Travel!

Europe offers a rich tapestry of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. From the sunlit coastlines of the Mediterranean to the storybook streets of Central Europe there’s so much to explore. Whether you’re wandering ancient ruins in Italy, cycling through vineyards in France, or discovering hidden corners of the Balkans, every journey through Europe is a seamless blend of heritage, elegance, and charm. The below are just a few of our favourite countries that we book for our clients but we can create itineraries for anywhere in Europe. Why not let our train trips introduce you to the continent’s treasures at a more relaxed pace? Get in touch to find out more

1

Italy

Explore Incredible Italy 

It’s easy to see why Italy is one of the most popular European countries to travel. You can go back time and time again and explore a myriad of different scenes from historical sites to blue flag beaches and rural countryside. With over 60 UNESCO world heritage sites, the most of any country; this southern European gem is also an excellent choice for a trip with purpose.

Lake Como
Lakeside Luxury and Alpine Elegance

With its dramatic backdrop of mountains and elegant villas, Lake Como is the epitome of northern Italian refinement. Ideal for relaxed stays, boat trips, and romantic retreats. Lake Como’s location and connections mean it is ideal for exploring other parts of Italy too.

Top Attractions:
  • Villa Balbianello & Villa Carlotta
  • Lakeside towns – Bellagio and Varenna
  • Scenic ferry rides and private boat tours
  • Hiking trails in the surrounding hills
Rome
History, Art & La Dolce Vita

The Eternal City pulses with grandeur, from ancient ruins to Renaissance treasures. Walk in the footsteps of emperors, sip espresso in hidden piazzas, and explore some of the world’s most significant historical landmarks. At night, the city comes alive with locals and travellers alike dining out at incredible restaurants offering the best of Italian cuisine.

Top Attractions:
  • The Colosseum and Roman Forum – Icons of the city
  • Vatican City – St. Peter’s Basilica & the Sistine Chapel
  • Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
  • Trastevere neighbourhood – Authentic dining and street food tours
Sicily
Island Soul & Mediterranean Flavour

Sicily is a melting pot of cultures, flavours, and landscapes. From baroque towns and volcanic peaks to golden beaches and ancient temples, the island offers a deeper, slower take on Italian life. Stay in an agroturismo for a homestay experience and farm to table dining to really immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine.

Top Attractions:
  • Agrigento – UNESCO heritage site wth the Valley of the Temples
  • Mount Etna – Guided tours and even wine tastings
  • Noto, Modica and Ragusa – Hillside towns filled with Baroque architecture and atmosphere
  • Cefalù and Taormina – Seaside escapes
  • Ortigia – Historical island jewel in Syracuse
Tuscany
Rolling Vineyards & Renaissance Charm

Tuscany offers a sensory journey through olive groves, hilltop villages, and sun-drenched vineyards. Perfect for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a slower, richer pace of travel. A countryside escape twinned with a city break in Florence offers the best of both worlds.

Top Attractions:
  • Florence – The famous Uffizi Gallery & Duomo
  • Chianti and Montalcino wine estates – sample some of the world’s best wines in breathtaking valleys
  • Medieval towns – Siena, San Gimignano, Pienza
  • Bagno Vignoni or Saturnia – Hot springs
  • Val d’Orcia – UNESCO World Heritage landscape of rolling hills, cypress-lined roads and charming villages
Best Time to Visit 
  • Spring (Mar – May): Mild and pleasant, with blooming gardens and comfortable temperatures. Ideal for exploring cities, countryside, and cultural festivals.

    Summer (Jun – Aug): Warm to hot, especially in central and southern regions. Coastal areas and lakes are perfect for swimming, while cities host vibrant events and open-air concerts.

    Autumn (Sep – Nov): Cooler and comfortable, with harvest season bringing wine and food festivals. The countryside is colourful, and cities are less crowded.

    Winter (Dec – Feb): Mild in the south, colder in the north and mountains. Skiing is popular in the Alps, and cities like Rome and Florence offer quieter cultural experiences.

2

Romania

Explore Remarkable Romania 

Romania is a country where contrasts live in harmony. Where medieval castles rise from misty and Art Deco cafés along the line of elegant boulevards. The rural traditions flourish beside vibrant urban culture. It’s a place that invites slow, meaningful travel, and rewards curiosity at every turn.

Bucharest
The Bold and Bohemian Capital

Often called the “Paris of the East,” Bucharest surprises visitors with its blend of neoclassical grandeur, post-communist grit, and a fast-growing creative scene.

Top Attractions:
  • Palace of the Parliament. The heaviest building in the world and a striking remnant of Romania’s communist era
  • Old Town (Lipscani) – Mix of cobbled streets, art galleries, and cafés
  • Romanian Athenaeum – Stunning concert hall and cultural landmark
  • Calea Victoriei – Historic avenue dotted with Belle Époque architecture and boutique hotels
Transylvania
Castles, Carpathians & Folklore

Synonymous with Dracula legends, Transylvania is far more than myth. Expect a landscape of rolling hills, ancient fortified churches, Saxon villages, and forested mountains. This region is straight out of a story book and rewards those who venture there.

Top Attractions:
  • Bran Castle – Often associated with Bram Stoker’s Dracula
  • Sighișoara – One of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns and a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Corvin Castle – Fairytale Gothic-Renaissance fortress in Hunedoara
  • Apuseni Mountains – Hiking, caving, and traditional rural encounters
Brașov
Gateway to the Carpathians

Brașov is a charming Transylvanian city where medieval streets wind past colorful baroque buildings and historic churches. Nestled at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, it offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure.

Top Attractions:
  • Black Church – Largest Gothic church in Eastern Europe
  • Council Square (Piața Sfatului) – charming hub lined with pastel buildings and lively cafés
  • Tampa Mountain – Hike or cable car up for panoramic city views
  • Poiana Brașov – ski and hiking resort, great for all seasons
Best Time to Visit 
  • Spring (Mar – May): Mild and fresh, perfect for exploring castles, historic towns, and rolling countryside. Wildflowers bloom in the mountains and lowlands alike.

    Summer (Jun – Aug): Warm to hot in the cities and plains, ideal for festivals, outdoor cafés, and exploring medieval towns like Brașov and Sibiu. Mountains offer cooler air for hiking and wildlife spotting.

    Autumn (Sep – Nov): Crisp, colourful, and atmospheric. Vineyards and forests glow with fall colours, making it perfect for scenic drives and cultural exploration.

    Winter (Dec – Feb): Cold, especially in the mountains, with snow adding magic to ski resorts and historic villages. Cities offer festive markets and cozy indoor experiences.

3

Slovenia

Explore Stunning Slovenia 

Small in size but big in beauty, Slovenia offers one of Europe’s most magical blends of natural landscapes, historic charm, and conscious travel. From glacial lakes to coastal towns, forest trails and vineyard valleys, there is something for everyone. This country is best explored at a slower pace to soak up everything on offer.

Lake Bled
Fairy tale Magic

A picture-perfect alpine lake crowned with a tiny island and church at its centre. Take a traditional pletna boat across the water, hike up to Bled Castle for panoramic views, or enjoy a cake with a view.

Top attractions:
  • Bled Castle – 11th-century medieval castle overlooking the lake
  • Pletna boat ride to Bled Island
  • Ojstrica viewpoint hike – Stunning views of the surrounds
  • Lakefront cycling & swimming
Lake Bohinj
Breathtaking Bohinj

Just 30 minutes from Bled, but often far quieter, Lake Bohinj is nestled in Triglav National Park. It serves as the gateway to outdoor adventure and is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and waterfall hikes.

Top Attractions
  • Savica Waterfall – Unique double waterfall
  • Vogel Cable Car – Offers sweeping alpine views
  • Church of St. John the Baptist – 12th-century medieval monument
  • Kayaking & wild swimming
Ljubljana

Slovenia’s capital is a green, walkable city filled with bridges, cafés, and charm. It’s known for its sustainability, art scene, and riverside culture. It is a great base to start or end your Slovenian journey and well worth exploring for a few days.

Top attractions:
  • Ljubljana Castle – Take the funicular or hike to this impressive monument overlooking the city
  • Triple Bridge and Prešeren Square
  • Central Market – Hustle and bustle and local food tours
  • Metelkova alternative art district
Piran Koper and Izola
The Slovenian Coast

The Adriatic coastline may be short, but it’s rich in Venetian architecture, seafood, and sun-soaked beauty. Piran is the jewel, and is wrapped in medieval walls while Koper blends history with port-city culture, and Izola offers laid-back coastal charm. The best part is how easy it is to explore all of the towns to really get a feel for the region.

Top attractions:
  • Tartini Square and Piran’s city walls – Unique and pretty at every turn
  • Koper Cathedral and Tito Square
  • Izola Marina and beaches
  • Coastal bike trails linking all three towns
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar – May): Gentle temperatures and blooming meadows make it ideal for exploring lakes, castles, and mountain trails.

    Summer (Jun – Aug): Warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor adventures, cycling, hiking, and enjoying the lakes and coast.

    Autumn (Sep – Nov): Mild with beautiful Autumn colours in the mountains and vineyards, great for cultural visits and tranquil countryside exploration.

    Winter (Dec – Feb): Cold, especially in the Alps, offering skiing, snowshoeing, and cozy alpine villages. Coastal areas remain milder.

4

Northern Spain

Explore Next-Level Northern Spain

Far from the sun-drenched crowds of the south, Northern Spain offers a more refined, authentic kind of escape where the lush green hills meet dramatic coastlines, and world-class gastronomy is woven into everyday life. From the architectural edge of Bilbao to the rolling vineyards of Rioja, this region is made for travellers who want to savour every detail.

Bilbao
Art & Style

Once an industrial hub, Bilbao has transformed into a cultural powerhouse and most famously home to the Guggenheim Museum, an icon of contemporary design. Today, it blends edgy architecture with old Basque charm.

Top Attractions:
  • Guggenheim Museum Bilbao – A feat of engineering offering year-round exhibits and programmes
  • Casco Viejo – Stunning Old Town
  • Zubizuri Bridge
  • Mercado de la Ribera – Local authentic street food and entertainment
  • Pintxos bars along Ledesma Street
Rioja
Wine Region

Just an hour from Bilbao, La Rioja is a paradise for wine lovers and countryside dreamers. Explore boutique vineyards, dine at slow-food bodegas, and take in golden hills dotted with medieval villages.

Top attractions:
  • Wine tasting – Bodegas like Marqués de Riscal and López de Heredia
  • Haro Wine Museum
  • Laguardia – Walled hilltop village
  • Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture
  • Rioja Alavesa – Walking and biking
San Sebastián
Unique Coastal Gem

With its horseshoe-shaped bay, Belle Époque elegance, and legendary food scene, San Sebastián is both relaxed and luxurious. It’s a city to sunbathe, stroll, sip txakoli, and savour pintxos until sunset. At night, the city is filled with excitement and has a lively atmosphere where locals and tourists come together to enjoy its many bars and restaurants.

Top Attractions:
  • La Concha Beach – Gorgeous sands and promenade
  • Old Town (Parte Vieja) – Pintxos tours and local cider sampling
  • Monte Igueldo funicular views
  • San Telmo Museum
  • Michelin-star dining
Santander
Sophistication by the Sea

Elegant and coastal, Santander combines grand architecture with Atlantic energy. Less touristy than its neighbours, it offers peaceful beaches, seafood restaurants, and access to nearby natural parks.

Top Attractions:
  • Palacio de la Magdalena – Stunning seaside icon located at the top of the Magdalena peninsula
  • Playa de El Sardinero
  • Centro Botín – the city’s hub for art and culture
  • Scenic clifftop walks along the coast
  • Catedral de Santander – Historic cathedral blending Romanesque and Gothic styles
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar – May): Fresh and pleasant, perfect for exploring cities, green landscapes, and coastal paths. Wildflowers and lush hills make it ideal for outdoor adventures.

    Summer (Jun – Aug): Warm but comfortable, particularly along the coast. Great for beaches, festivals, and cultural events in cities like Bilbao, San Sebastián, and Santander.

    Autumn (Sep – Nov): Cooler, with autumn colours in forests and vineyards. Harvest festivals, quieter cities, and scenic drives make it a great time to explore.

    Winter (Dec – Feb): Mild along the coast but colder inland and in the mountains, perfect for hiking, cultural visits, and winter sports.