The European holidays worthy of your bucket list
The best European destinations to visit are rich in history, culture and charm, with breathtaking scenery and delicious cuisine. Whether you want to enjoy a winter sun holiday, a cultural cruise or an unforgettable train journey, these are the holidays to add to your 2025 European bucket list.
Our top picks include everything from a one-in-a-lifetime journey on the Glacier Express to a trip to Europe's prettiest Christmas market and a visit to Italy's renowned foodie city of Bologna. And, all of our top picks feature Good Housekeeping Holidays, tailor-made and expertly curated trips that show you the very best of the region with fuss-free travel.
What's more, some of our organised trips included appearances from some very familiar faces, from top chef James Martin to journalist Michael Portillo. They'll join you on land, sea or rail to share their expertise, give you a tour of the local area and host Q&A sessions, demonstrations, activities and talks.
Take a look at our round-up of the best European bucket list trips to book now.
Ride La Dolce Vita Orient Express to the Tuscan hills
As far as bucket list rail journeys in Europe go, it doesn't get much better than a ride on La Dolce Vita Orient Express through Italy's idyllic countryside. This new train, launching in spring 2025, is a celebration of the glamour and joie de vivre of 1960s Italy, with beautiful decor inspired by the golden age of Italian design. The train travels along several routes, but a favourite is a journey through the renowned vineyards of Tuscany.
Good Housekeeping is offering a special journey through Tuscany on La Dolce Vita Orient Express. You'll begin in Rome, where you'll spend one night in a hotel before boarding the train. While on board, you'll indulge in Italian-inspired dishes curated by three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck. Glide through the countryside to the hilltop town of Montalcino, where you'll sample Brunello wine and traditional Tuscan cuisine before boarding the train for your overnight return journey to Rome.
Explore Transylvania and stay at an ice hotel
For an unforgettable European trip, explore the gothic region of Transylvania and stay at the iconic Ice Hotel, which is built every year entirely of snow and ice blocks extracted from a glacial lake in the Fagaras Mountains. For an expert-led trip, you can join us on a Good Housekeeping Holidays guided tour through the region as you soak up the history, culture and charm of some of Romania's most picturesque medieval towns.
Tick Bucharest and Brasov off your list, before you head up rugged mountains for a stay at the Ice Hotel where you can go snow rafting or simply enjoy the icy scenery. On your return to Bucharest, you'll also visit Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula's Castle - one for the bucket list.
Taste your way around Italy’s gastronomic capital, Bologna
Italy’s gastronomic capital Bologna is a great bucket list destination for the foodies amongst us. Renowned for its homemade pastas, meaty ragùs and myrtle-spiced mortadella sausage, it's known as La Grassa - 'the fat one'. To discover the fascinating gastronomic history and taste some of its world-famous food on a guided tour, join our Good Housekeeping trip for six-days of tasty experiences. In Bologna, you'll visit a local Parmesan factory, a Balsamic vineyard, and a family-run Parma ham producer.
On this trip, you'll also spend time in Modena where you can discover the city's history at the grand Duomo or the Ferrari and Lamborghini museums. Plus, take part in a cooking class and learn to host like a local. With a variety of dates available to book now, could Bologna be the European bucket list destination you tick off in 2025?
Visit Madeira’s spectacular Flower Festival
The best time to visit Madeira, also known as the floating garden of the Atlantic, is during its incredible Flower Festival so you can truly soak up the sights, scents and sounds of this special island. The festival is a celebration of spring, and the landscape becomes even more vibrant during the month-long celebration filled with performances and local traditions.
Here at Good Housekeeping, we've got you covered with a tailor-made, eight-day tour of the region during the 2025 Flower Festival so you can see the very best horticultural highlights of the island; from the orchids at Palheiro Gardens to the exquisite colours of the Monte. During this guided tour, you'll also have time to explore the Old Town in Funchal and take in the incredible views of the Ribeiro Frio National Park.
Explore the Swiss Alps by mountain railway
A rail journey through the Alps is a bucket list trip you'll remember for a lifetime, and our exclusive Good Housekeeping Holiday will allow you to experience the beauty of this mountain range on two historic trains.
The Glacier Express is a standout European rail journey. It's been in operation since 1930, and has been renovated with comfortable carriages and panoramic views of the surrounding snow-covered landscapes. You'll enjoy unrivalled views as you take a journey past snow-capped peaks, dramatic ravines, and pretty villages all the way up to the Oberalp Pass at 6,700 feet and onwards to pretty Chur.
Another exceptional Swiss railway journey is the historic Bernina Express. On Good Housekeeping's trip you'll hop on board in Chur and glide through mountain scenery to Tirano, just over the Italian border, passing the chic resort of St Moritz along the way.
Discover the beauty and history of Venice over seven sublime nights
The romantic city of Venice is known and loved for its acclaimed art museums, stunning architecture and colourful history. Alongside the popular tourist spots, from St Mark's Basilica to Doge's Palace, Venice is also packed with hidden gems down the city's slender canals and surrounding islands.
The best way to explore its beauty is on the sleek and stylish, S.S. La Venezia, often described as a floating boutique hotel. You can enjoy a stay on this luxury ship with Good Housekeeping Holidays, where you will be joined by none other than acclaimed chef James Martin. As well as sailing the area and exploring all it has to offer, James will join you on the ship for a talk, Q&A and book signing. What's more, he'll be there to cook a mouthwatering gala dinner for one of your evenings on board.
On another of our exciting holidays, you can sail the Venetian Lagoon in ultimate luxury and meet world-famous MasterChef judge Monica Galetti. You'll see the sights of Venice with VIP access to top landmarks during a week of heavenly sailing, as well as hearing a talk and Q&A from Monica. She'll also join you on a visit to the lively market on Chioggia.
Sail along the Danube and explore Vienna
A cruise along the majestic Danube makes a fabulous European holiday for anyone passionate about art, music, and culture. This grand river meanders through Central Europe, where its banks are dotted with charming villages and magnificent cities such as Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, each full to the brim with cultural treasures.
Good Housekeeping's eight-day Danube cruise will take you along the mighty river through the Wachau Valley on board Uniworld's luxury ship, Maria Theresa. Look forward to stops in Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, discovering the art, architecture and fascinating history of each city with guided tours. As well as these important cities, you'll also stop off in some smaller towns, like pretty Dürnstein, where you can explore the quaint shops and castle ruins.
Hunt for Norway's Northern Lights
For wild natural scenery and jaw-dropping wildlife in Europe, Norway always delivers. Here adventurous travellers will find breathtaking landscapes dotted with tranquil fjords carved by ancient glaciers and towering, snow-capped mountains.
Travellers are also drawn to Norway's icy Arctic region by the chance to see the ethereal Northern Lights dancing in the unpolluted skies. In this northernmost region, at the right time of year, the incredible Aurora is nearly certain to make an appearance. Good Housekeeping has a special expedition with the world's first Chief Aurora Chaser, Tom Kerss, an astronomer and astrophotographer who'll host a series of insightful onboard lectures about the night's sky and all its wonders.
For another unique Northern Lights experience, why not join our expedition cruise with expert photographer Doug Allen, who has worked on David Attenborough's Blue Planet? Doug will give you tips on how to capture the best of Norway's landscapes and wildlife on camera and will join you on an Arctic Coastal walk.
Cruise the Douro Valley and taste fine wines
Portugal’s Douro Valley is a wonderfully scenic wine-producing region, where rolling, sun-kissed hills are dotted with historic vineyards and wine estates that have been producing flavoursome Port wines for centuries. It makes an ideal European holiday destination for wine enthusiasts who can visit some of these historic Quintas and learn all about the process of wine production in the valley.
Good Housekeeping's eight-day cruise will begin in Portugal's second city of Porto, where you'll have some time to explore the historic old town, a UNESCO world heritage site, before setting sail along the river. You'll also stop at Régua, a town that has produced port wine since the 18th Century and continue onwards to the little town of Pinhão.
Travel from Venice to Paris on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
When it comes to European rail adventures, it doesn't get fancier than a trip on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This is an exceptionally luxurious train, with meticulously restored 1920s and 1930s carriages, kitted out with plush armchair seating, gleaming polished wood and brass fixtures. seasonal four-course d'hôte menus are served in the dining car, with a sommelier on hand with the perfect pairings.
The train travels several different routes throughout the year, but a favourite is an overnight trip from Venice to Paris. Good Housekeeping is offering a special ride on this route, where you'll be joined by journalist Michael Portillo, who'll give an evening talk and travel with you on the train. Michael is passionate about rail travel, and this will be his first time travelling on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Discover Slovenia's beautiful scenery and unique cuisine
Despite its relatively small size, Slovenia is full of incredible scenery and rich culture that earn it a well-deserved place on any European bucket list. It pays to have a plan when voyaging to new lands, so the best way to explore this hidden gem of a destination is on Good Housekeeping Holidays' five-night tour, which will allow you to tick Ljubljana, Lake Bled and the Triglav National Park off the list in style – all while getting an authentic taste of the place.
A highlight of the tour is a trip through the country's UNESCO-protected Skocjan Caves, followed by olive oil tasting and a picnic lunch in the olive groves. For gourmands, nothing will beat a truffle-hunting excursion, which ends with a hearty truffle-themed homestead dinner.
Taste your way around Puglia
The southern Italian region of Puglia has seemingly no end of charms – but chief among them has to be the food. Locally grown fruit and vegetables, freshest seafood and expertly made cheese (including burrata) top the bill here, but there's so much to discover across the sun-kissed land. Good Housekeeping Holidays' six-day tour gives you an authentic taste of Puglia's incredible culinary tradition.
Visiting must-see towns including Ostuni, Alberobello, Matera, Locorotondo and more, this intimate tour will take you to historic bakeries, olive farms and traditional Masserie (stone farmhouses) surrounded by enchanting vineyards. Highlights include pasta-making classes and an olive oil tasting.
Island hop along Croatia’s sunny coast
The unbelievably beautiful islands dotted along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast are undeniably best explored by boat – especially a small one that can access the coves, islands and islets that would be hard to reach on a larger vessel. If you're dreaming of languid days and nights on board a boutique ship, Good Housekeeping Holidays eight-day tour along Croatia’s sunny coast is the answer.
You'll board the luxurious MS Equator and set sail from Split and hop from one heavenly location to the next, including the ancient city of Dubrovnik, Mjlet with its National Park and the buzzy town of Hvar. While on board, you'll be treated to breakfast and lunch every day, as well as the chance to relax in the on-deck Jacuzzi and plunge into the turquoise waters from the boat's swimming platform.
See the Dutch tulips in bloom
From the end of March until mid May, the Netherlands' tulip fields burst into colourful life, creating a scene that should feature on any Europe bucket list. Particularly stand-out are the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens where you can witness an incredible seven million flowers carpeting 80 acres in a dazzling sea of colour. There's imaginative landscape gardening nestled between tranquil lakes, water gardens and blossoming tulips of every hue.
Join Good Housekeeping's holiday to see the unforgettable sight of the Netherlands in bloom for yourself. The four-day tour includes a canal cruise through Amsterdam, a visit to The Hague and, most importantly, a trip to see the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens in full bloom in a vibrant tapestry of reds, pinks, oranges and yellows.
Discover the Durrells’ Corfu
The sunny Mediterranean island of Corfu is now almost synonymous with the Durrells, having inspired both the novelist's My Family and Other Animals and ITV's hit drama. Its pretty coves, pristine beaches and clear waters have always made it worthy of the Europe bucket list – but the chance to visit some of the best locations from the show add even more allure.
With the Good Housekeeping Holidays five-day tour, you'll discover Corfu through the eyes of the Durrells, meeting naturalist and writer Lee Durrell, who will share insight into her family's love affair with the island, and also visiting the famous White House in Kalami, once home Lawrence Durrell. You'll also visit Perithia, the oldest village on Corfu and the museum at Achilleion Palace.
Chug through the scenic Dolomites by local rail
The Dolomites are one of the most scenic parts of the northern Italian Alps. You'll find these dramatic peaks nestled between the Austrian border to the north and the vast Venetian plain to the south. They offer sensational scenery, where you can take in lake views, work up a sweat on invigorating walks or simply sit back and relax, sampling wine from local vineyards.
Join Good Housekeeping's Dolomites tour and you'll be able to see the best of this mountain range at a relaxed pace, by travelling on local railways. You'll spend seven peaceful nights on the shores of Lake Molveno and ride four mountain rail and cableways through the Dolomites, including one of the steepest funicular railways in Europe to explore the Mendola mountain ridge.
Wander the medieval streets of Carcassonne
Looking for a European destination that feels like stepping into the pages of a fairytale? Look no further than Carcassonne, an incredible walled citadel with elegant cream-coloured battlements and cone-topped turrets. Lose yourself in its ancient, cobbled lanes built by Romans. Carefully restored in the mid-19th-century, the medieval citadel is home to an imposing château and the church of St-Nazaire, from where you can enjoy stunning views.
Join Good Housekeeping to explore Carcassonne in style on an eight-day tour. As well as discovering the city on a guided tour, you'll also dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant La Barbacane. You can also look forward to seeing Albi, Sarlat, and the wider Dordogne countryside, and a river cruise in a traditional 'gabare' boat.
Immerse yourself in the Sound of Music on the Danube
Sometimes a bucket list holiday is about more than just the destinations. There are plenty of trips out there which allow you to travel to exciting locations while also indulging in other passions of yours. If your have a passion for music, a cruise along the Danube is a safe bet for a memorable escape. This important river winds its way through several culture-packed cities, many with sterling reputations when it comes to music.
On Good housekeeping's Danube cruise you'll take a day trip to Salzburg, which will have a special place in the hearts of anyone who loves The Sound of Music. You'll take a guided tour of several locations from the Oscar-winning musical and also enjoy an exclusive onboard performance of Julie Madly Deeply, a true tribute to musical legend Dame Julie Andrews.
Stay on the shores of Lake Como and ride the Bernina Express
Europe's lakes and mountains always make an attractive prospect for a bucket list holiday. Lake Como is a northern Italian gem that's known and loved for its cinematic vistas of bougainvillea-adorned villas set and opulent hotels set against the timeless backdrop of the Alps. It's no wonder the lake as been a magnet for the rich and famous since Roman times, when aristocrats would holiday on its sunny shore
Join Good Housekeeping for a lakeside holiday on Lake Como to discover all its charms. You'll also head high into the mountains to explore the peaks of the Swiss Alps with a ride on the Bernina Express to St Mortiz. Your home-from-home will be the 19th-century Hotel Risi, located right on the northern shores of Lake Como.
See Monet's France through his paintings and gardens
Monet’s gardens in Giverny are a bucket list tourist attraction for any art loves. These gardens provided the impressionist with inspiration for his best-known paintings, and visitors often leave feeling inspired too after seeing the painstakingly restored grounds of his former home and studio. Take a peaceful stroll around the fragrant flower gardens with tulips, irises, poppies and peonies and admire the famous lily pond which featured in many of Monet’s works.
You'll visit these charming gardens on Good Housekeeping's four-day France trip, and also head to the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris, where you'll see Monet's breathtaking series of murals, Les Nymphéas, which depict scenes from Giverny. You0'll be joined at the gardens by gardening expert Paula McWaters give an illuminating talk and Q&A
Attend a spellbinding Andrew Bocelli performance in Tuscany
Another unmissable treat for music lovers, perfect for those with a passion for opera. Andrea Bocelli is one of the world's most renowned tenors, and each year he returns to his Tuscan hometown of Lajatico, where he performs for a captivated audience at his purpose-built Teatro del Silenzio. Join Good Housekeeping on a special trip in July 2025 and you'll get to experience this spellbinding night of music for yourself.
Spend five wonderful nights at a four-star hotel in the spa town of Montecatini Terme with visits to Pisa, Lucca and Florence. You'll dine one evening at Officine Bocelli, the family's excellent restaurant for a dinner with wine from the Bocelli vineyards before sitting down for a performance from Italy's most famous living tenor-
Sail through Bordeaux and enjoy events with Ian Botham and Rosemary Shrager
The vineyards of Bordeaux and the Medoc wine region are a must-visit if you're a fan of the French wine. Full of culture, history and beauty you can't go wrong with a visit to this breathtaking landscapes. It's the perfect place to spend a few days exploring historic vineyards and wandering around pretty towns an cities.
Even better, you can join us on a Good Housekeeping holiday and sail along the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde Rivers. You'll enjoy multiple wine tastings (of course), village walking tours, scenic drives and be joined by some familiar faces. You'll hear from the cricketer and winemaker Ian Botham about his passion for winemaking, and TV chef Rosemary Shrager, who'll host a cooking demo for you, with tasting plates to sample, and give a talk and Q&A.
See the 'Waltz King' André Rieu perform in Maastricht
For more magical musical treats, head to Maastricht in the Netherlands. Every year, the stately Vrijthof square is transformed into the country's largest open-air concert hall to host one of the city's most famous residents, violinist and conductor André Rieu. The shows here have become a staple of the summer calendar, with
André brining the music of 19th-century Vienna to life, along with his Johann Strauss Orchestra.
You'll get to enjoy this special concert for yourself on Good Housekeeping's three-night break. You'll have tickets for the much anticipated summer concert and will also spend a day exploring Utrecht, a colourful canal city, which was once one of the Netherlands' foremost religious and political centres and boasts delightful medieval architecture.
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