We are seeing several themes coalesce as we gradually emerge from the shadow of coronavirus. Chances are we're going to recalibrate our radars and look to explore much closer to home; that means more staycations for sure, but also a re-evaluation and revived romance with Europe. At the same time, we're going to want to get away from the crowds even more than before. That's not always easy to do in Europe, but the continent is part of Original Travel's DNA, so we know those secret spots that are on a completely different page of the atlas from the usual popular spots, and far from the nearest beaten track. This combination is why we're so excited to launch our new portfolio - Near Frontiers - showcasing the best European wilderness regions; places where you won't see another soul, but conversely stand a good chance of seeing some of the remarkable species (think polar bears, wolves, bison and more) that call these remote and beautiful places home. Even better from the perspective of our new Travel Less, Travel Better philosophy, many of these near frontiers can be reached by train, stopping en route in some similarly intriguing (albeit, by definition, not remotely remote) spots. See below for our portfolio of places that are so near, yet so far-flung.

Near Frontiers Holiday Ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

  • One Country Greece – Epirus – Meteora

    A Week in Epirus & Meteora - Sacred Monasteries and Mountain Landscapes

    Discover a different side to Greece on this seven-day adventure through its beautiful mainland, exploring Epirus and Meteora

    7 days, from £2500 to £3250

  • One Country Montenegro - Kolasin - Zabljak - Kotor - Buljarica

    Montenegro Road Trip - From Mountain Peaks to the Adriatic Sea

    Drive from Montenegro’s rugged mountain interior to the Adriatic coast, combining forest hikes, canyon roads and lazy beach days

    11 days, from £2650 to £3400

  • One Country Armenia,Georgia

    Highlights of the Caucasus - Georgia and Armenia Itinerary

    Explore the markets and museums of Yerevan

    19 days, from £4135 to £6595

  • One Country Romania – Armenis – Transylvania

    Wildlife & Culture in Romania - Rewilding Bison & Touring Transylvania

    Enjoy ten days in Romania, rewilding bison in the Carpathian Mountains and exploring Transylvania

    10 days, from £4300 to £5550

  • One Country Ecuador – Quito – Galapagos Archipelago

    A Trio of Galapagos Islands - San Cristobal, Isabela and Santa Cruz

    Escape to Ecuador for an epic 12-day adventure, hopping between a trio of Galapagos islands

    12 days, from £4950 to £6300

  • One Country Sweden – Swedish Lapland – Harads – Gunnarsbyn

    A Big Short Break in Swedish Lapland - Arctic Adventures & Wildlife Encounters

    Lean into the winter spirit on this four-day foray into Swedish Lapland

    4 days, from £5250 to £6800

  • One Country Iceland – Reykjavik – Golden Circle – South Coast – Eastfjords – Myvatn – Westfjords

    From Reykjavik to the Westfjords - The Grand Tour of Iceland

    Immerse yourself in Iceland’s wild landscapes as you hit the road from the cosmopolitan capital, Reykjavik, to far-flung corners home to geothermal wonders and majestic volcanoes

    17 days, from £6900 to £8950

  • One Country Sweden – Hamburg – Stockholm – Swedish Lapland – Harads – Jukkasjarvi – Gallivare

    London to Swedish Lapland by Train - Sleek Cities, Wilderness Wonders and Sami Culture

    Slip into a slower rhythm on this two-week flight-free trip to Swedish Lapland, via Brussels, Germany and Denmark

    14 days, from £8150 to £10550

  • One Country Antarctica – Argentina – Buenos Aires – Ushuaia – Falkland Islands – South Georgia – South Shetland Islands

    The Ultimate Antarctic Cruise - From the Falklands to the South Shetland Islands

    Venture into the icy expanse of the Antarctic Peninsula on this epic 24-day expedition

    24 days, from £22450 to £29150

Near Frontiers Holidays by country

Near Frontiers Holidays Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday