From the sun kissed coasts of southern Europe, to the frozen wonderlands in the north, Europe has something for every adventure traveller. With more than 40 countries and as many different languages, Europe is perfect for an adventure holiday.

Europe has an extraordinary number of mountain regions to explore, including the Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites, Picos, Tatras, Jotunheimen, Carpathians and Sierra Nevada to name but a few. Whether you want to reach the summit of Mont Blanc, ride Tour de France passes, or simply walk in the sunshine through a spectacular landscape, we have the trip for you, including a range of family holidays during the school breaks. However for those looking for a slightly more sedate adventure holiday in Europe, you can grab an e-bike and take on the gentile cycling trails that entwine this vast continent.

Aside from the breathtaking scenery, incredible adventure destinations and diverse range of cuisine, one element that always draws travellers to Europe is its rich and fascinating history. From ancient ruins and the well kept artifacts of Greece and Italy, to historic pilgrimages such as the Camino de Santiago, Europe’s gripping history puts a fascinating spin on an adventure holiday.

While many adventure holidays in Europe are familiar to travel enthusiasts, here are 5 extraordinary trips that may not have crossed your mind yet but are bound to leave you utterly amazed.

Albanian Alps hiking trails

 Nestled in the pristine wilderness of Albania, these trails offer an unmissable opportunity to explore rugged landscapes, lush valleys, and remote villages. Trekking through the Albanian Alps reveals breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, turquoise rivers, and ancient forests. The trails are a paradise for hikers, providing a chance to immerse in the natural beauty and warm hospitality of this lesser-known corner of Europe for your adventure holiday.

Trekking in Georgia and the High Caucasus

East of the Black Sea and bordered in the north by the long chain of the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia is one of the most exciting adventure travel and trekking/walking destinations in Europe. The High Caucasus boasts soaring peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and charming mountain villages, all waiting to be explored. Hike through remote valleys, encounter unique flora and fauna, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and hospitality of the Georgian people.

Cruising holidays in Svalbard

Svalbard holds the Arctic landscapes of every explorer's dreams; think snow-laden peaks, iconic wildlife and jaw-dropping fjords. Here at 78 degrees north, there are more polar bears than people and more glaciers than exposed land. To truly explore this wilderness and appreciate its untouched beauty, our adventures use only small ships, whether that's a small-berth Arctic cruise ship or an intimate sailing schooner, allowing you to truly be immersed in the magic of the far north and embark on an adventure holiday in Europe that is its last great wilderness.

The Levada Trails and Peaks of Madeira

With its rugged coastal scenery, impressive volcanic geology and lush levada trails, the Atlantic island of Madeira is a walker's paradise and a haven for keen botanists. Moving around Madeira and staying in different villages, enjoy ever-changing sea views and access to a variety of super day walks. Following age-old paths and also hiking alongside Madeira's amazing network of irrigation channels known as levadas, this European adventure holiday involves walking and hiking through terraced farmland, exploring extensive laurel forest, negotiating levada tunnels and crossing jagged green ridges to find the best viewpoints. The scenery is far more varied than you may imagine and the floral diversity is remarkable.

Trekking the Transylvanian Alps in Romania

Home to the incredible Transylvanian Alps, charming towns, fascinating history and wonderful folklore, Romania is a magical country waiting to be explored on foot. Here breath-taking mountain ranges surround dramatic castles, whilst medieval towns offer pockets of Romania’s proud history and fascinating culture. As the perfect destination for a trekking holiday, here you’ll experience some of Europe's wildest scenery where brown bears, chamois, marmots and soaring raptors still thrive.