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Europe is one of the world’s most diverse continents – and as Brits, we’re lucky it’s right on our doorstep. Whether you’re dreaming of a cultural city break, a relaxed beach holiday, or venturing off the beaten path and onto a road less travelled, there are many wonderful destinations just a short flight away.
But choosing where to visit is only the first step. Once you’ve picked your destination, deciding which regions to visit and activities to prioritise can be tricky. That’s why Europe is one of the best places to take an escorted tour. When everything is arranged for you, you can see far more than you ordinarily would, while letting go of stress and focusing on enjoying your trip.
To shine a light on the benefits of touring, we’ve partnered with Cosmos*, one of the UK’s top providers of escorted tours. On a Cosmos holiday, not only are flights and accommodation included, but itineraries are carefully curated. Led by an expert guide, you’ll discover iconic sights, enjoy authentic experiences, and have plenty of free time to explore in your own way, at your own pace.
From popular holiday hotspots to lesser-known hidden gems, there’s a destination and tour to suit everyone. Currently, you can save up to £700 on Cosmos tours, including flights from major UK airports, if you book by 31st March. So, to get you inspired, here are 10 incredible package holidays, all of which are less than a four-hour flight away.
1. Gourmet Puglia
If you’re a foodie, Italy is an obvious choice for a holiday, and if you’d like to visit one of the more remote regions, why not consider Cosmos’ Gourmet Puglia tour*? Located in the heel of the Italian boot, Puglia is packed with hidden gems and gastronomic delights. This eight-day trip begins in Bari, where you can lose yourself in the labyrinth of narrow alleys and watch local women making traditional orecchiette pasta.
The next six nights are spent in the whitewashed hilltop town of Martina Franca, from where you’ll tour the region. Alberobello, with its Trulli houses, culture-rich Lecce, and ancient Ostuni are all on the itinerary. Along the way, visit olive farms, sit down for rustic dinners, sample local cheese and meats, try treats like pasticciotto (custard tarts), sip Primitivo wine, and learn to cook all kinds of authentic Puglian recipes.
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Cosmos Gourmet Puglia*
£125 off | Italy | 8 days
Last chance - Save up to £700 on 2025 tours! Book before March 31.
Request a brochure today.*
2. Alpine Adventure, Bernina & Glacier Express
If you’re more drawn to mountains, Cosmos’ Alpine Adventure, Bernina & Glacier Express tour* may be the break for you. On this 13-day, four-country voyage, you’ll journey through the Alps on foot, by coach, and by train, as you visit the region’s most impressive sights. Home to snowcapped peaks, glacial lakes, and flower-speckled valleys, many consider this to be the world’s most beautiful mountain landscape.
Travelling across Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy, you’ll stay in Munich, Innsbruck, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bolzano, St. Moritz, Lake Como, Turin, Täsch, Lucerne, and Zurich. The diversity of scenery you’ll encounter is staggering, and you can immerse yourself in four distinct cultures. You can also look forward to visiting Bavarian castles, a guided tour of sophisticated Turin, and a ride on the world-famous Glacier Express.
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£125 off | Italy, Germany, Austria & 1 more | 13 days
Last chance - Save up to £700 on 2025 tours! Book before March 31.
Request a brochure today.*
3. Walking the Camino de Santiago, Portugal and Spain
Portugal and Spain are two of Europe’s most popular travel destinations. But if you’re looking for stillness and spirituality – and unrivalled hiking – Cosmos’ Camino de Santiago Route* will show you another side to these countries. This is your chance to follow one of the world’s most iconic pilgrimage trails through the countryside, visiting historic places, admiring scenic views, and enjoying authentic Galician cuisine.
Beginning in Porto, this 75-mile walk winds north to the Portuguese-Spanish border. Over 11 days, you’ll walk along dazzling beaches, through peaceful forests, and between sun-drenched vineyards. Stay in characterful hotels, explore atmospheric old towns, dine in traditional restaurants, and relax on scenic boat cruises. At the end of the route, you’ll get your passport stamped and receive a Pilgrim Certificate.
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£125 off | Spain & Portugal | 11 days
Last chance - Save up to £700 on 2025 tours! Book before March 31.
Request a brochure today.*
Last chance to save up to £700 with Cosmos - Offer ends 31st March
Embark on a dream holiday! Discover iconic sights with our flight-inclusive tours, featuring exclusive experiences. Save up to £700 on 2025 tours with prices starting from £999pp, incl. flights from major UK airports. Book by 31st March and let Cosmos bring the world within reach!
4. Norwegian Fjords
Are you more drawn to the far north than the sunny south? If so, why not discover the beauty of Norway on Cosmos’ Norwegian Fjords* tour? This 11-day trip begins and ends in the capital of Oslo, where you’ll take a guided tour of Akershus Castle, Parliament, Royal Palace, and Frogner Park. Then, follow the southern coast to explore the country’s iconic mountains, fjords, waterfalls, and glaciers.
Travelling by coach, train, and ferry, you’ll pass landscapes that’ll quite literally take your breath away. Cruise through the Sognefjord Nærøyfjord – the narrowest, wildest, and most spectacular of the fjords – and enjoy leisure days to spend as you like. Later, in Bergen, you can learn about Viking history and culture, explore the bustling harbour, lose yourself in the 14th-century Bryggen district, and visit the famous fish market.
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Cosmos Norwegian Fjords*
£125 off | Norway | 11 days
Last chance - Save up to £700 on 2025 tours! Book before March 31.
Request a brochure today.*
5. North of Spain Discovery
Southern Spain might be most popular with tourists, but the North can’t be missed. Home to rugged mountains, cliff-crashing surf, and a gorgeously wild coastline, this part of Spain is a true hidden gem – and on Cosmos’ North of Spain Discovery tour*, you can discover its jaw-dropping beauty and charm. Over 10 days, explore Galicia, Cantabria, Castile & León, Asturias, and the inimitable Basque Countries.
Your tour kicks off in the capital Madrid, where you’ll discover the highlights with a local guide. After, visit chic Salamanca, with its bustling Plaza Mayor, spectacularly-set Santander, historic Oviedo, and gothic León. As you travel, you can sample some of the best cuisine on the continent – from flavourful stews and fresh seafood to authentic pintxos tapas. Wash it all down with Rioja or a zingy local white.
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Cosmos North of Spain Discovery*
£125 off | Spain | 10 days
Last chance - Save up to £700 on 2025 tours! Book before March 31.
Request a brochure today.*
6. Prague, Vienna & Budapest
If you like the thought of a cultural city break, you might want to head to Central Europe for your next break. Cosmos’ seven-day, four-country Prague, Vienna & Budapest tour* takes you to some of the most beautiful and beguiling cities on the continent. As you travel through Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, you’ll uncover fascinating history and admire some of Europe’s most impressive architecture.
Begin in Prague by touring the Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square. In Vienna, visit the most famous landmarks and soak up the coffee culture, before heading to Bratislava, Slovakia’s lively capital, which is known for its cool bars and grand castle. Finish off in Budapest, a treasure trove of architectural wonders. Try the famous food, take a dip in the thermal baths, and enjoy scenic river views.
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Cosmos Prague, Vienna & Budapest*
£125 off | Austria, Hungary & Czech Republic | 7 days
Last chance - Save up to £700 on 2025 tours! Book before March 31.
Request a brochure today.*
Last chance to save up to £700 with Cosmos - Offer ends 31st March
Embark on a dream holiday! Discover iconic sights with our flight-inclusive tours, featuring exclusive experiences. Save up to £700 on 2025 tours with prices starting from £999pp, incl. flights from major UK airports. Book by 31st March and let Cosmos bring the world within reach!
7. Highlights of Germany
Boasting spectacular scenery, fairytale castles, characterful towns, and arguably the world’s best beer, Germany has something for everyone. And if you’d like to discover the charms of this fascinating country, Cosmos’ Highlights of Germany tour* is a great way to do it. On this 10-day trip, you’ll visit Germany’s most famous cities and towns, delve into its extensive history, and explore the tranquil countryside.
The tour begins in Frankfurt and ends in Munich, and along the way, you’ll stay in Berlin, Nuremberg, Leipzig, Hamburg, and the Rhineland. Visit historic towns like Hamelin, tour the vast Veste Coburg Castle, and explore the 12th-century Lübeck, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If that weren’t enough, you’ll also enjoy a relaxing cruise on the River Rhine, admiring views of terraced vineyards and castle-crested hills.
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Cosmos Highlights of Germany*
£125 off | Germany | 10 days
Last chance - Save up to £700 on 2025 tours! Book before March 31.
Request a brochure today.*
8. Picture Perfect Portugal
Portugal is deservedly beloved by Brits – but that doesn’t mean there aren’t all kinds of hidden treasures here. On Cosmos’ eight-day Picture Perfect Portugal tour*, you’ll delve deep into the culture, history, and cuisine of this captivating country, visiting plenty of lesser-known destinations as well as all the big hitters. Begin in colourful, coastal Porto and slowly weave your way south to the capital, Lisbon.
In both these cities, you’ll be shown around by local guides, so in between visiting the main sights, you’ll stumble upon surprising secrets, too. Braga, Guarda, and Fatima are on the agenda, and you’ll also stop off in Viana do Castelo, Ponte de Lima, and Valença – from where you can walk over the bridge into Spain. Listen to local fado music, feast on authentic cuisine, and taste the wines of the Douro Valley.
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Cosmos Picture Perfect Portugal*
£125 off | Portugal | 8 days
Last chance - Save up to £700 on 2025 tours! Book before March 31.
Request a brochure today.*
9. Best of Greece
For fans of ancient history, few places are as enchanting as Greece. The capital, Athens, was the birthplace of Western civilization and, today, it’s little over three-and-a-half hours away by plane. If you’re dreaming of sunbleached ruins, mouthwatering food, bright blue skies, and even bluer seas, Cosmos’s Best of Greece tour* may be for you. Over 10 days, you’ll honour Greece’s powerful past while also cherishing its present.
Visit the Acropolis, still standing proudly after 2,500 years, and in the evenings, soak up the culture by dining in traditional tavernas and listening to bouzouki music. Visit the country’s most fascinating sites and towns, including Nauplia, Sparta, Olympia, Corinth, Epidaurus, Delphi, and Kalambaka. Plus, marvel at Meteora, the mountain-top monastery, and tour the 13th-century Byzantine Citadel of Mystra.
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Cosmos The Best of Greece*
£150 off | Greece | 10 days
Last chance - Save up to £700 on 2025 tours! Book before March 31.
Request a brochure today.*
Last chance to save up to £700 with Cosmos - Offer ends 31st March
Embark on a dream holiday! Discover iconic sights with our flight-inclusive tours, featuring exclusive experiences. Save up to £700 on 2025 tours with prices starting from £999pp, incl. flights from major UK airports. Book by 31st March and let Cosmos bring the world within reach!
10. Sicily
Can’t decide whether you want your trip to focus on history, culture, nature, or cuisine? If so, Cosmos’ Sicily tour* ticks every box. Considered the crossroads of Mediterranean culture, this Italian island has a truly unique history – and on this eight-day tour, you’ll dive right into it. Visit Greek temples in Selinunte and Agrigento, marvel at baroque and Moorish architecture in Palermo, and admire Roman Villas at Casale.
There’s plenty of time to appreciate Sicily’s natural splendour, too. Scale Mount Etna in a jeep or cable car, enjoy stunning sea views from the hilltop town of Erice and ancient Taormina, and swim in Cefalù’s bright blue waters. Sicily also boasts some of the best street food in the world; as you stroll through the old streets of Palermo, you can sample cannoli and arancini while sipping Marsala wine in shady squares.
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Cosmos Sicily*
£125 off | Italy | 8 days
Last chance - Save up to £700 on 2025 tours! Book before March 31.
Request a brochure today.*
Final thoughts….
If you’ve always thought package holidays aren’t for you, it might be time to think again.
On a Cosmos escorted tour, you get to see more, experience more, and taste more. While itineraries are carefully curated, you also get plenty of free time to explore in your own way – whether that’s finding a quiet spot to soak up the sun or visiting local markets to pick up souvenirs.
Plus, flexible flights can be arranged from all major UK airports. Cosmos is also the only escorted touring company to be awarded an extinction for customer service from the institute of customer service, so you can let go of any worries, safe in the knowledge that everything will go smoothly.
Cosmos escorted tours are immersive, exciting, and diverse. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet hiking holiday or a gastronomic adventure, each tour can be personalised to your preferences. Even better, you can save up to £700 on tours, including flights from major UK airports, if you book by 31st March!
Are you tempted by any of these tours? We’d love to hear about your travel plans and experiences in the comments below.