The savvy alternatives to Europe’s most popular holiday destinations
With travel surging in these post-pandemic years and overtourism a phrase on many people’s lips – as well as tourist taxes and quotas being discussed or implemented in many destinations – many of us are looking to visit more off-the-beaten-track cities, regions and countries that have remained off many visitors’ radars for one reason or another.
These are places where pristine nature very often holds sway, where authentic experiences and meaningful encounters are to the fore, and where you can be sure of supporting local communities. Some of the following alternative destinations are also accessible by eco-friendly means, including trains, making them sustainable choices too. It’s a win for everyone.
Dolomites - an alternative to the French Alps
This deliriously beautiful region of northwest Italy has somehow remained largely free of crowds. A land of lakes, it does contain big-hitters such as Garda, but it also has smaller sparkling gems such as Molveno. A UNESCO Natural Heritage site embracing one national park and several regional parks, it’s a great place to embrace adrenaline-fuelled activities including vie ferrate (protected paths with iron lines, created in World War I) and long-distance alte vie (‘high paths’) dotted with overnight rifugi (huts) for dizzying mountain adventures.
Other highlights of the Dolomites include riding one of the steepest funicular railways in Europe, to explore the Mendola mountain ridge; ascending Renon Mountain via a modern cable car and then a historic narrow-gauge railway; visiting the former Roman settlement of Trento to see its ancient cathedral; and ambling along Lake Molveno’s serene waterfront, soaking in the views.
Country Living's eight-day Dolomites trip takes you to the region by means of its its little trains, cable cars and funiculars, so you can drink in the magnificent scenery from the comfort of your seat. But there’s also plenty of exploring to be done under your own steam or with tour guides, from medieval castles to boat trips and wine tastings.
Slovenia - an alternative to Switzerland
A little corner of paradise for those who love fresh air, the great outdoors and staggering natural beauty, Slovenia is great for hiking, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding and whitewater rafting amid its mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes. It also has a sliver of gorgeous Adriatic coastline, while the capital Ljubljana is like something out of a fairytale, with a medieval old quarter, cobblestoned lanes and picture-postcard squares lined with tempting cafés. You can even paddleboard here, on the tree-lined River Ljubljanica under pretty bridges and past pastel-painted baroque churches.
Another Slovenia must-see is Lake Bled in the Julian Alps, just under an hour from Ljubljana, with beaches, paddleboarding, row-boating and wooden jetties to dive from. Or south-west of Bled, Lake Bohinj is a tranquil spot, also with paddleboarding, a waterfall, and a shore-hugging hiking and walking trail.
Country Living's six-day Slovenia trip begins with time in Ljubljana before taking you to medieval Kamnik with its craft beer production, to Lake Bled, through Triglav National Park (to walk the Tolmin Gorges circuit) and on into the Vipava Valley for wine tasting. You’ll also join a truffle-hunting excursion in Istria, followed by a hearty truffle-based homestead dinner.
Bologna - an alternative to Tuscany
Where Florence, Pisa and Siena get all the crowds, La Grassa (’the Fat One’) won’t leave you wanting on any level, with a rich culture and incredible food and wine. Italy's gastronomic capital, Bologna is very much a place for indulgence, known for its homemade pastas, hearty ragùs and spicy mortadella sausage. There’s plenty of scope for visiting family-run local artisans, including parmesan factories, balsamic vineyards, and Parma ham producers, in all of which you can sample delectable products for yourself. Meanwhile, historic sights not to miss out on include the medieval Two Towers.
Modena is just as delicious a prospect, while also offering up its own unique history and culture, from the grand Duomo and the former home of opera legend Luciano Pavarotti to the Ferrari and Lamborghini museums.
Country Living's six-day tour of Bologna and Modena includes a foodie tour, visits to local producers and a hands-on cooking lesson showing you how to create sublime Italian dishes at home. In each city you’ll stay in a stylish, central hotel right on hand for appreciating the historic sights.
Romania – an alternative to Lapland
Not all about Dracula, this fascinating East European country has a vibrant capital with a lovely old town (the Lipscani district) overflowing with medieval charm, along with famous sights such as Revolution Square and the Palace of the Parliament.
Yet mountainous Transylvania also beckons, especially delightful Brasov with its cobbled streets, Saxon walls, looming Gothic-style Black Church and bohemian cafes. But the true star here is the Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula's Castle, with its mysterious history.
Country Living's five-day Ice Hotel and Transylvania tour introduces you to Romania at its wintery best, kicking off with three nights in a boutique hotel in Bucharest and also including a night in a very special hotel built each year of snow and ice blocks extracted from a glacial lake, where you’ll get the chance to try out snow rafting and the Tunnel Trek. You’ll also explore some of Romania’s loveliest medieval towns and visit Bran Castle.
Albi - an alternative to Carcassonne
While the remarkable walled city of Carcassonne draws the crowds, gorgeous Albi is more low key but absolutely worth a visit for its 13th-century, red-brick Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, which lords it over things, and its world-class collection of works by native artist Toulouse-Lautrec, gathered together in the 13th-century building that started life as the Bishop's Palace.
Albi is in the heart of a region of rural France blessed with fairytale châteaux, farmers' markets with stalls laden with truffles and other local goodies, and prehistoric caves with some of the world’s oldest human art.
Combine Albi with Carcassonne and the Dordogne in Country Living's eight-day Dordogne tour taking you to honey-hued medieval villages, peaceful palace gardens (including Marqueyssac with their 360° views over five castles) and the mind-blowing Stone Age cave paintings of Lascaux. You’ll enjoy a walking tour of gorgeous Sarlat, a traditional flat-bottomed boat through the Dordogne valley, and a Michelin-starred meal at Carcassonne's La Barbacane.
Tromsø - an alternative to Reykjavik
The Norwegian Arctic is one of the best places in the world to see the otherworldly Aurora Borealis at its most dazzling (at the right time of year, sightings of the Northern Lights are near-guaranteed in the skies above Norway's Arctic), while enjoying the magnificent spectacle of the fjord and sights including Nidaros Cathedral and Tromsø planetarium.
A full 350km into the Arctic Circle, Tromsø sparkles with attractions and activities including the breathtaking Arctic Cathedral, the Arctic–Alpine Botanic Garden, the Polar Museum with its displays on the city’s history as a starting point for Arctic expeditions, and Polaria, the world’s northernmost aquarium. You can also learn about Sami traditions here, such as joik, an ancient form of song.
Country Living's special astronomy voyage from Bergen to the Arctic invites you to join an expert team including the world's first Chief Aurora Chaser, Tom Kerss, an astronomer, astrophotographer and author who previously worked at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, who will host insightful onboard lectures.
Montenegro - an alternative to Croatia
From a shimmering Adriatic coastline like something out of a dream to spectacular inland mountains and lakes, some of them in National Parks, Montenegro is like another world. Outdoor activities are the watchword here, from yachting and sea-kayaking to white-water rafting, zip-lining and hiking.
Among the must-dos in Montenegro are cruising the crystalline waters of Kotor Bay, exploring the bewitching Venetian Old Towns of towns including Kotor, Budva and Perast – Kotor Old Town in particular rivals Dubrovnik in the beauty stakes and alo has the unique feature of a steep climb up1350 steps to the top of its city walls, rewarding you with sensational bay views.
Country Living's eight-day Montenegro tour takes you around the Bay of Kotor in search of its old towns and its dreamy islands. Petrovac, Budva and Sveti Stefan are party of the itinerary, as well as some epic national parks, like Durmitor and Lovcen.
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