Experiences in Europe

Europe is full of experiences worth a trip of their own. You can ride a panoramic train over the Alps, walk between five villages on the Ligurian coast, bathe in hot springs in the middle of the Atlantic and stand on a Roman wall in northern England. We have gathered the best of them, with practical advice and the hotels right where it happens.

The links to the hotels and experiences in the articles are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Alps and the mountains

Scenic trains, glaciers, hikes between limestone peaks and lakes beneath the mountains.

• Bernina Express and Glacier Express: the most famous trains in Switzerland

• Jungfraujoch and the Swiss Alps: the train to the highest station in Europe

• Hiking in the Dolomites: Tre Cime, Seceda and the huts

• Hallstatt: the lakeside town in the Salzkammergut

• Lake Bled: the lake, the island and the castle

The Mediterranean: coast and islands

Cliffs, colourful villages, clear water and boat trips.

• Amalfi Coast: the Path of the Gods, Positano and Ravello

• Cinque Terre: five villages and the coastal path

• Lake Como and Lake Garda: villas, boats and castles

• Santorini: the caldera, Oia and the volcano

• Algarve and Benagil Cave: cliffs, caves and beaches

• Plitvice Lakes and Dubrovnik: the waterfalls and the city walls

• Sardinia beaches: clear water and boat trips

The Atlantic islands

Volcanic islands with a mild climate all year, mountain walks and hot springs.

• Madeira levada walks: the paths along the water channels

• The Azores: crater lakes, hot springs and whales

• Mount Teide on Tenerife: the highest mountain in Spain

Britain and Ireland

Road trips, fell walks, Roman walls and cliffs facing the Atlantic.

• The Scottish Highlands and the NC500: the loop from Inverness

• The Lake District: fells, lakes and pubs

• Hadrian's Wall: the northern frontier of Rome

• Cliffs of Moher: the cliffs of Ireland's west coast

Cities, food and festivals

The great sights, wine and festivals worth a trip of their own.

• The Douro Valley: vineyard terraces and port

• Eiffel Tower tickets: tickets and hotels with a view

• Colosseum and Vatican: tickets and tips in Rome

• Sagrada Família and Gaudí: Gaudí's Barcelona

• Oktoberfest in Munich: tents and traditions

• German Christmas markets: Nuremberg, Dresden, Cologne and Vienna

Experiences in Europe FAQ

What are the best experiences in Europe?

The scenic trains of Switzerland, hiking in the Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and the levada walks on Madeira are among the favourites.

Where can I go for nature in autumn and winter?

Madeira, Tenerife and the Azores have a mild climate all year, and the Christmas markets in Germany and Austria open in late November.

Do I need to book experiences in advance?

Yes, for the most popular ones, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, the Sagrada Família and Jungfraujoch.

Why do you recommend hotels in the articles?

Because the hotel often decides how early you can get there and how well you experience the place.