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There’s something particularly exciting about a last-minute trip – the idea of swapping grey skies and routine for sun-drenched coastlines and spontaneous adventure. If you’re craving a change of scenery, Europe offers an extraordinary variety of experiences.
Yet with pine-clad islands competing with mountain trails and characterful coastal towns, the trickiest part is often just picking one. It can also be difficult to strike a balance between seeing the sights and uncovering those quiet corners that make a trip feel special. If this sounds familiar, choosing a guided tour can help narrow down your options, and is often one of the most rewarding ways to travel.
To shine a light on the benefits of a guided tour, we’ve partnered with Explore, a leading UK provider of small-group holidays. Their thoughtfully crafted itineraries are built around immersive experiences rather than rushed sightseeing, allowing you to really connect with the landscapes, cultures, and people you encounter. You can enjoy the insights of expert guides while still having the freedom to explore independently and at your own pace.
Plus, with Platinum-awarded customer service, ATOL protection, flexible booking options, and experienced teams to look after you at every stage, you can book with total confidence.
Whether you’re dreaming of cycling through sleepy Portuguese villages, exploring historic Baltic cities, or soaking up the sun along the Amalfi Coast, there’s an itinerary to match every kind of traveller. So, if you want an adventure without the stress of organising everything yourself, here are 10 unforgettable last-minute European escapes.
1. Highlights of Albania
Often overshadowed by its neighbours, Greece and Croatia, Albania is one of Europe’s most refreshing hidden gems. Rugged mountains plunge into turquoise seas, Ottoman-era towns spill down steep hillsides, and ancient fortresses perch above glittering coastlines. On Explore’s Highlights of Albania tour, you’ll uncover the country’s remarkable diversity, delving into its history, admiring its scenery, and forging meaningful connections with the local people.
Journey from the colourful capital of Tirana to UNESCO-listed towns like Berat and Gjirokastër, where cobbled streets lie beneath vast hilltop castles. Discover the Albanian Riviera, where sparkling waters glow in impossible shades of blue, and hike through the windswept mountain landscapes of Llogara National Park. Along the way, explore the ancient archaeological sites of Butrint and Apollonia, unwind on the tranquil shores of Lake Ohrid, and share homemade food and wine with local families.
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Explore Highlights of Albania*
£150 off | Albania | 11 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
2. Cycling Porto to Lisbon
Home to charming fishing villages, sweeping sandy beaches, and some of Europe’s most captivating cities, Portugal’s Atlantic coast is made for slow travel. If you enjoy cycling, why not discover the region on two wheels, combining gentle exercise with immersive cultural experiences? Explore’s Cycling Portugal tour follows scenic coastal routes from vibrant Porto to the capital, Lisbon, giving you the chance to uncover a more authentic side of Portugal…one that many visitors miss.
Cycle past white sand beaches, through shady pine forests, and over vineyard-covered hills, stopping to swim, birdwatch, and soak up the views. Visit Aveiro, where you can take a boat tour along canals lined with Art Nouveau buildings, and medieval Óbidos, where artisan shops and traditional restaurants back onto winding lanes. Between rides, enjoy long lunches by the harbour, relax with a coffee and pastel de nata in local cafes, and stay in family-run hotels offering genuine Portuguese hospitality.
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£120 off | Portugal | 8 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
3. Croatia Island Hopping
With its gin-clear seas, pine-speckled islands, and ancient stone towns, Croatia is one of Europe’s most idyllic – and popular – summer destinations. But beyond the glamorous hotspots lies a more intimate side to the country…one that’s best discovered leisurely, and from the water. Explore’s Croatia Island Hopping tour takes you on a relaxing journey along the Dalmatian Coast, where sleepy harbour towns, turquoise coves, and centuries of history sit side by side.
Beginning in the beautiful coastal city of Split, you’ll visit some of Croatia’s romantic islands, including Hvar, Korčula, and Brač. Spend long, sun-drenched days wandering marble streets, unwinding on hidden beaches, and exploring atmospheric towns steeped in history. Highlights include discovering iconic Dubrovnik, paddleboarding, swimming, and kayaking along the coast, and feasting on fresh seafood, local olive oil, and regional wines in traditional restaurants.
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Explore Croatia Island Hopping*
£120 off | Croatia | 8 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
4. Trekking in Spain’s Picos de Europa
Wild, remote, and ruggedly beautiful, the Picos de Europa mountains are one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. Hidden away in the country’s lush, unspoilt north – far from the bustling beach resorts and busy cities of the south – this national park boasts limestone peaks, glacier-carved gorges, emerald valleys, and timeless villages. Explore’s Trekking in Spain tour allows you to discover this enchanting region on foot, blending scenic hikes with local culture and cuisine.
Set out on daily walks along soaring ridgelines, through wildflower meadows, and along crystalline rivers, stopping regularly to take in the views and listen to tinkling cowbells. Along the way, stay in traditional villages like Sotres, where life ticks by at a slower pace, and sample hearty Asturian stews, artisan mountain cheeses, and glasses of crisp local cider. With its peaceful paths, dramatic vistas, and sense of real remoteness, the Picos de Europa offers a unique glimpse into rural Spain at its most beautiful.
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£200 off | Spain | 8 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
5. Amalfi Coast Walking
The Amalfi Coast has long been one of Italy’s most seductive destinations. Here, fragrant lemon groves, pastel-coloured villages, and luminous waters combine to create a landscape of almost unreal beauty. While it’s known for glamorous beach clubs and bustling piazzas, scratch beneath the surface and you’ll discover a quieter, more authentic side to this region. Equal parts adventure and indulgence, Explore’s Amalfi Coast Walking tour is an unforgettable way to experience this special corner of Italy.
Spend your days walking ancient stone stairways and winding cliff trails, taking in sweeping sea views at every turn. Explore hilltop towns like Ravello, wander the streets of Amalfi, visit the island of Capri, and hike sections of the legendary Path of the Gods, one of Italy’s most spellbinding coastal walks. Spend evenings relaxing at the agriturismo, enjoying homemade Italian cooking and sipping local wine. For history lovers, there’s also the chance to visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
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£150 off | Italy | 8 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
6. Highlights of Mont Blanc
Straddling the borders of France, Italy, and Switzerland, few mountain regions feel quite as cinematic as Mont Blanc. With snow-capped peaks, towering glaciers, and shimmering icefields, it’s the undisputed jewel of the Alps…and one of Europe’s best hiking destinations. Explore’s Highlights of Mont Blanc tour is the perfect opportunity to experience its beauty on foot. Offering scenic hikes with rich culture, excellent food, and plenty of time to relax, this is a uniquely rewarding walking adventure.
Hike some of the most famous sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc trail, including the trek to Lac Blanc, where panoramic views stretch across the entire Mont Blanc massif. Ride cable cars into the Alps, take the historic cog railway to Montenvers, and even step inside a glittering glacier carved deep into the ice. When you’re not out hiking, discover the charm of Chamonix; relax over coffee in sun-drenched cafés, sample alpine dishes influenced by French, Italian, and Swiss cuisine, and admire chalets overflowing with colourful flower boxes.
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Explore Highlights of Mont Blanc*
£150 off | France | 8 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
7. Historic Baltic Republics
The Baltic states are one of Europe’s most underrated regions, and their fairytale castles, medieval towns, and miles of wild coastline promise an experience unlike anywhere else on the continent. Explore’s Historic Baltic Republics tour takes you on an unforgettable two-week journey through Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, combining atmospheric cities with scenic countryside, and delving deep into the region’s complex culture and rich history.
Tour the capitals of Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius, where the cobbled streets, Gothic spires, Baroque churches, and Art Nouveau architecture will have you reaching for your camera. Explore the opulent Rundāle Palace, walk on the vast dunes of the Curonian Spit, and visit Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island, to see historic windmills, medieval churches, and sweet-smelling juniper groves. Along the way, expert local guides bring the Baltics’ history to life, helping you forge a deeper connection with the region and its culture.
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Explore Historic Baltic Republics*
£150 off | Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania | 15 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
8. Walking in the Pyrenees - Walking
Small but scenic, the little-known mountains of Andorra are a paradise for walkers. Hidden in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, this tiny country is often overlooked in favour of Europe’s more famous mountain destinations – but that’s all part of its charm. On Explore’s Andorra Walking Tour, you’ll discover this country’s wild beauty on foot, following scenic trails through alpine landscapes while savouring the remote, peaceful atmosphere.
Highlights include exploring the Sorteny Nature Reserve, home to more than 700 species of flora, admiring the rugged beauty of the Vall de Riu and Incles Valley, and venturing into the untouched wilderness of the UNESCO-listed Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley. When you’re not hiking, there’s plenty of time to savour hearty mountain cuisine, visit ancient churches tucked into the hills, kick back beside crystal-clear lakes, and experience the hospitality that makes Andorra feel so welcoming.
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Explore Walking in the Pyrenees*
£120 off | Andorra | 8 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
9. Cycle the Dalmatian Coast
Croatia was made for slow summer travel, and if you prefer the idea of exploring by bike rather than by boat, Explore’s Cycle the Dalmatian Coast tour could be the perfect fit. This scenic cycling adventure takes you from Split to Dubrovnik, weaving through medieval towns, ancient ruins, and historic fishing villages. Travelling by bike allows you to move at the pace Croatia actually runs at: unhurried, sun-warmed, and always with somewhere worth stopping.
Highlights include discovering some of Croatia’s most idyllic islands, including Hvar and Korčula, where you’ll cycle through olive groves, vineyard-covered hills, and charming harbour towns. The routes are rewarding rather than punishing, with every climb revealing gorgeous Adriatic views. After each day’s ride, enjoy long, alfresco dinners of fresh seafood, wander the ancient alleyways of Dubrovnik and Split, and sip local wine while watching the sunset.
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Explore Cycle the Dalmatian Coast*
£120 off | Croatia | 8 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
10. Hiking in the Dolomites
Boasting jagged limestone peaks, flower-filled meadows, and mirror-like lakes, Northern Italy’s Dolomites are among Europe’s most majestic mountain ranges. This UNESCO-listed landscape seems made for exploring on foot, and for keen walkers, Explore’s Hiking in the Dolomites tour offers a thrilling way to experience it. Combining scenic hikes with rich history, local culture, delicious cuisine, and plenty of opportunities to relax, the trip showcases the best of this region.
Spend sun-drenched days trekking through dense pine forests, along sparkling lakes, and beneath snow-swathed peaks, pausing to admire sweeping views of the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Step back in time as you hike past World War One bunkers and lookout posts on the Austria-Italy border, and explore pretty mountain towns like Cortina, Lienz, and Bolzano. After each day’s hike, return to a cosy family-run hotel in the town of Dobbiaco, where hearty homemade cuisine provides the perfect end to the day.
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Explore Hiking in the Dolomites*
£150 off | Italy | 8 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re drawn to remote mountain landscapes, sun-soaked coastlines, or historic cities, Europe offers endless opportunities for adventure – even at the last minute. From Croatia’s pine-swathed islands to the cobbled streets of the Baltic capitals, so much diversity means every journey feels different.
With Explore’s small-group tours, you can experience these destinations more deeply, without the stress of planning everything yourself. Thoughtfully crafted itineraries balance iconic landmarks with authentic experiences, while expert guides offer insight into the cultures and histories that shape each place. There’s also freedom to explore independently, allowing you to experience those spontaneous travel moments that are often the most magical.
So, whether you’re craving an intrepid mountain escape, a culture-rich city break, or a leisurely coastal adventure, there’s never been a better time to book your next trip. With Explore, your next great European adventure could be much closer than you think…