The European holidays that are anything but a fly and flop
We all love a good beach holiday where you can forget the stresses of every day life and relax with a drink in hand. But sometimes we fancy a getaway that offers more than just relaxation.
Some of our favourite European destinations are perfect for trips with culture visits, insightful talks, and unforgettable excursions through some of the continent's most breathtaking landscapes.
EUROPEAN HOLIDAYS WITH PRIMA
If you've decided that your holidays in 2025 should be a little more enriching, you're in luck. We've got a long list of options that go beyond your classic beach holiday.
Europe is home to some spectacular outdoor scenery, like Italy's rugged Dolomites and the jaw-dropping Norwegian fjords, so if you're spoilt for choice if you're looking for an active holiday. There are so many ways to discover these landscapes in style, from scenic hikes to boat trips.
For something adventurous but a little more relaxing, a train journey always does the trick. Travelling by train allows you to see several locations on one trip, all while taking in glorious scenery from the windows as you go.
Prima Holidays offers a great range of trips that are a little out of the ordinary. From immersive cultural explorations, to learning breaks and thrilling expeditions, you'll be able to find something to tick all your boxes.
Many of our breaks feature some famous faces who'll share their expertise with you as you visit historic monuments, national parks, and fascinating archeological sites.
To help you choose your next getaway, we've rounded up some excellent European holidays that are anything but a fly and flop beach escape.
The stunning cities and spectacular national parks on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast
While Croatia has an entire glistening coastline of glorious beaches perfect for a summer holiday, there is so much more to the country than sun, sea and sand. For those who want a more active holiday, there is a long list of culture-packed cities and sprawling national parks to discover in this Adriatic gem.
Prima's Croatian holiday will take you to the island-studded waters of the Dalmatian Coast, where you'll spend three nights on the sun-kissed Markarska Riviera. There's time to bask in the sun, but there's plenty more to look forward to beyond the beaches. You'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage cities of Split and Trogir, explore Dubrovnik, and venture into the outstanding Krka National Park and the River Neretva delta, which are abuzz with wonderful wildlife.
Transylvania's medieval towns and the Hotel of Ice
A good cold-weather holiday is the very opposite of a winter-sun fly and flop. Sometimes it's nice to whisk ourselves away to warmer climes, but we also love embracing the cold weather, especially in a country that knows how to make the most of the winter. In Romania, Transylvania is a real winter wonderland in the colder months, with fairytale medieval towns dusted with frost and the rugged Carpathian Mountains blanketed in a thick layer of snow.
Prima's exceptional Transylvania escape whisks you away into the mountains to check in at the Hotel of Ice, which is carved freshly each winter out of glacial ice. You'll also spend time in Bucharest's trendy Lipscani district, where you can get to know the city's mediaeval heart.
The Roman and medieval charm of rural France
There is so much intriguing history to discover in the lovely French regions of Avignon and Provence. Medieval citadels with a maze of cobbled alleys, rolling vineyards where you can taste fine vintages, and fairytale chateaux await you on a trip to this inviting part of rural France.
Join Prima on a French escape and you'll see all of the above and more. The packed itinerary begins in Carcassonne, where you'll explore the city's remarkably preserved walled Cité, see Château Comtal and the beautiful church of St-Nazaire. From Carcassonne, you'll head into historic Avignon, where you'll visit the fortified Palais des Papes and cruise along part of the tree-lined Canal du Midi.
Italy's dramatic Dolomites and historic railways
When you think of the Italian dolce vita, you might picture aperitifs on sunny lake shores, sunbathing in the chic beach clubs of the Amalfi Coast, or dining on pasta on a trattoria terrace, watching the world go by. But Italian holidays come in all shapes and sizes, and an escape to northern Italy's wild and wonderful Dolomites will show you a different side of the country
Prima's Dolomites adventure will whisk you away to the serene shores of Lake Molveno, from where you'll explore the mountains by funicular, cable car, and on a historic narrow-gauge railway. You can make this holiday as active or relaxed as you'd like, with optional excursions like a boat trip on Lake Garda and a visit to the Roman settlement of Trento.
The Danube River and Sound of Music filming locations in Salzburg
The hills along the Danube's elegant banks are alive with the sound of music.... or at least they will be on Prima's Sound of Music-themed cruise. This special sailing takes you to some of the shooting locations from the Academy Award-winning film and treats you to an exclusive theatrical tribute to Dame Julie Andrews.
You'll sail to some of the Danube's most elegant cities, including Salzburg, where you'll visit filming locations with an expert guide, including the gazebo where Sixteen Going on Seventeen was shot. On the ship, you'll enjoy a special cabaret performance of Julie Madly Deeply, an acclaimed West End act that's a cheeky and affectionate love letter to Julie Andrews.
A taste of the Douro Valley's famous wines
Any wine-lover will love a trip to one of Europe's most scenic valleys with the chance to taste wines from the world's oldest demarcated wine region. This is Portugal's Douro Valley, where sun-kissed vineyards and historic towns dot the hills flanking the river.
Prima is offering a fabulous wine-tasting cruise along the Douro River. The cruise begins in Porto, where you'll have some time to discover the historic old town and narrow alleyways of Portugal's second city. You'll then board your ship and sail along the Douro, stopping in picturesque villages to taste vintages from local wine producers. A highlight will be strolling among the vines and tasting a selection of the region’s famous port wines at the Quinta da Roeda estate.
Exclusive access to Venice's top landmarks and events with James Martin
If history, culture and good food are more your thing than long days on the beach, Venice is a good pick for an Italian getaway. The 'City of Water' is world-famous for its historic buildings, like Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica, along with its artisanal crafts including ornate carnival masks and carefully painted Murano glass.
You'll visit some of Venice's traditional artisans on Prima's immersive cruise of the Venetian lagoon. You can look forward to very special events like the opportunity to witness a lighting ceremony at St Mark’s Basilica and have VIP access to the Doge's Palace. Joining you for part of this cruise will be top chef James Martin, and a highlight will be hearing a talk and Q&A about his career
The chic Amalfi Coast and Pompeii
While you may be looking for more from your holiday than sunbathing, you might be hoping for just a touch of sea and sand along with more immersive activities. If you want to balance relaxation with exploration, the Amalfi Coast is a great place to do so. While it's famous for its exquisite coastline of pebbly beaches and turquoise waters, you'll also be a stone's throw from some of Italy's best historical and cultural attractions.
On Prima's Amalfi coast tour you'll get to enjoy both, with a full-day tour along the coastline and trips to Positano and Maiori. To add some history to the equation, look forward to a trip to Pompeii, one of Europe's most exceptional archeological sites, giving visitors an an unparalleled insight into life in ancient Rome.
The Netherland's colourful spring tulips
Wandering around a beautiful garden bursting with colour and alive with heavenly scents must be one of the loveliest activities on a springtime holiday. And as far as beautiful spring gardens go, the Netherlands is pretty hard to beat. The country is famous for its tulips, from the dazzling colours on the banks of Amsterdam's famous canals to the rainbow fields in full bloom at Keukenhof Gardens.
You'll visit Amsterdam and Keukenhof on Prima's four-day Netherlands trip, marvelling at the oceans of spring flowers. You'll also visit the villages of the Zuider Zee and stroll through the historic fishing village of Volendam, once frequented by Picasso and Renoir, to get a glimpse of Dutch life through the ages in its preserved traditional houses.
Norway’s incredible fjords with Si King
Norway is the dream destination for those who love the great outdoors. This vast open air playground attracts adventure seekers and nature lovers from all over the world, who come to explore its glistening fjords, dramatic cliffs, and towering mountains. If you want to find out why Norway is considered one of Europe's most attractive destinations, a cruise is a great way to do it.
Prima's eight-day Norwegian cruise allows you to easily navigate some of its famous fjords, from the buzzing Oslofjord to Sognefjord, the world's longest and deepest fjord. Making this cruise even more inviting is the company of Si King of the Hairy Bikers, who'll join you on board to host a talk and Q&A session and prepare a special gala lunch
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