9 European holidays worthy of your 2024 bucket list
The best European destinations to visit in 2024 are rich in history, culture and charm, with breathtaking scenery and delicious cuisine. Whether you want to enjoy a winter sun holiday, a festive Christmas market trip or an unforgettable train journey, these are the holidays to add to your 2024 Europe 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 Holland's globally renowned gardens. And, all of our top picks feature Good Housekeeping Holidays, which are tailor-made and expertly curated trip 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 chefs Monica Galetti and James Martin to best-selling author Victoria Hislop. They'll join you on land or sea 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 for 2024.
Sail the Rhine and visit Mainz, Europe's prettiest Christmas markets
Mainz, one of the oldest cities in Germany, and its historic Christmas market on the Domplatz set against a backdrop of the illuminated Mainz Cathedral is one for your bucket list. With sparkling fairy lights, wooden chalets and the scent of mulled wine, roasted almonds and spiced cider filling the air, you'll be in the Christmas spirit in no time.
What's better than a Christmas market trip? A festive cruise exploring several of Germany's prettiest winter markets. Our Good Housekeeping Holidays trip will have you soaking up the festive fun in Mainz, Frankfurt, Koblenz, Cologne, and Rüdesheim as you cruise the Rhine aboard the beautifully-appointed A-ROSA Aqua. There's a sauna, fitness area, and whirlpool, plus breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. Our exclusive Christmas cruise is available to book ahead for December 2024.
Explore the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express
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 the iconic Glacier Express. You'll enjoy unrivalled views as you journey past snow-capped peaks, dramatic ravines and beautiful villages, plus visit Bern, Lucerne and Interlaken. The Glacier Express is a rail journey you'll never forget. It's been in operation since 1930, and has been renovated with comfortable carriages and panoramic views of the surrounding snow-covered landscapes.
Our exclusive escape includes high-speed trains from London to Interlaken so you don't have to take a flight for this experience. Plus, there's four nights at the Hotel Metropole in Interlaken and a three-course lunch on the train.
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 Holidays 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 2024 dates available to book now, could Bologna be the European bucket list destination you tick off in the new year?
Explore Holland's historic windmills and tulip fields
If you're yet to visit Holland's internationally renowned flower fields, add this one to your bucket list. The world-renowned Keukenhof Gardens has over seven million flowers covering 80 acres of land in array of bright colours. But that's not all. Holland has so much to offer, from historic windmills and beautiful villages to lively cities and exceptional art museums, which is why we have an exclusive Good Housekeeping Holidays trip.
It will take you on a luxury cruise around the country's most vibrant places, from the historic landmarks of rural Holland (like the 19 historic windmills that line the canal banks at Kinderdijk) to the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. All this while sailing on the luxury MS Emily Brontë, where all your meals are included and you can enjoy views as you dine from the ship's panoramic windows. Glorious!
Enjoy the vineyards of Bordeaux and the Medoc wine region
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. 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 a familiar face. That's right, top chef Monica Galetti will take you on a trip to the farmer's market in Libourne, where you'll pick out ingredients for a live cooking demo.
Back on Uniworld's beautiful S.S. Bon Voyage, a luxury ship which captures the refined elegance of France, you can dine on locally-inspired cuisines, traditional bistro fare and poolside service.
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.
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 2024 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.
Cruise the Cyclades islands on a literary-inspired sailing
If the sun and sea are calling your name, add the stunning Cyclades islands, which include Mykonos, Santorini and Milos, to your European bucket list. There's no denying the islands are breathtakingly beautiful, with inviting beaches and luxe hotels. But if a tour of the area's culture and history seems like your cup of tea, join our Good Housekeeping Holidays cruise of the Aegean Sea and learn more about its ancient history as you dock in Patmos, Amorgós and Mykonos.
On part of your nine-day journey aboard the Star Clipper ship, you'll be joined by author Victoria Hislop, who has written a number of novels set in Greece and its islands. Here you'll learn all about her passion for the country and its history.
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.
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