2021 will see 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.
Itinerary Ideas
Best for: Couples and Families
History, Wildlife & Nature: A Tailor-made Trip to Transylvania & the Danube Delta
This 10-day tailor-made Transylvania and Danube Delta trip takes
in two natural highlights of this beautiful country, with a night
in Bucharest...
10 Days
From £5,165pp
Best for: Couples and Solo Travellers
Bison Safari, History & Culture: Rewilding in Romania
This ten-day day Transylvanian Wildlife and Cultural Adventure
sees you explore the wilds of Transylvania, for an immersion into
the country's...
10 Days
From £3,820pp
Best for: Couples and Solo Travellers
Hilltop Hikes and Wildlife Watching in Italy’s Hinterland
Explore Italy's hinterland and encounter its wonderful wildlife
on this eight-day trip that takes you from Abruzzo National Park to
Santo Stefano...
8 Days
From £2,500pp
Best for: Couples and Solo Travellers
Vultures and Vineyards: A Wildlife Watching Trip to Portugal
Delve into northern Portugal's Faia Brava National Park on this
six-day itinerary to witness its wonderful wildlife and enjoy some
of Europe's...
6 Days
From £2,170pp
Best for: Honeymoons and Families
Arctic Adrenaline in Swedish Lapland
A four day adventure in the Arctic, this carefully chosen
itinerary has you staying in two very memorable lodgings, both deep
in the Swedish...
4 Days
From £3,590pp
Best for: Couples, Honeymoons, Families and Road Trippers
A Road Trip Around Iceland
Natural wonder after natural wonder, Iceland is a country of
unmatchable beauty and charm. This 10-day road trip takes you on a
comprehensive...
10 Days
From £3,345pp
Best for: Couples, Groups and Solo Travellers
Highlights of the Caucasus: Georgia and Armenia Itinerary
If you're keen to experience the highlights of the Caucasus
region, this is the perfect Georgia and Armenia itinerary. With
plenty of cultural...
19 Days
From £4,455pp
Best for: Couples and Solo Travellers
Reconnect in Norway: From Cheese-making to Sami Crafts, Step Back in Time to Learn Traditional Skills in the Fjords
This five-day Reconnect in Norway itinerary sees you learn
ancient traditions that are alive and kicking in this beautiful
fjord-dotted landscape....
5 Days
Best for: Couples and Solo Travellers
Ice Caves, Husky Sledding, Arctic Wildlife & Northern Lights: A Big Short Break to Svalbard, Norway
If you're after the quintessential arctic Big Short Break
destination, look no further than Norway's Svalbard archipelago. On
this five-day trip...
4 Days
From £2,060pp
Best for: Couples, Honeymoons, Groups and Road Trippers
Road Trip Norway's Remote Lofoten Islands: Explore Wild and Rugged Landscapes and Traditional Fishing Villages
The Lofoten Islands stretch like an appendix into the Atlantic,
and the archipelago's islands are joined by a ribbon of roads and
bridges that...
6 Days
From £1,565pp
Best for: Couples, Honeymoons, Families and Solo Travellers
Iceland Arctic Coast Way Road Trip
An action-packed, eight-day Arctic Coast Way road trip adventure
takes you off the beaten track to explore the breath-taking
coastline of North...
8 Days
From £3,340pp
Best for: Couples and Honeymoons
The Essential Montenegro Road Trip: From Hiking to Exploring Historic Cities
Enjoy the best of this Adriatic gem on a ten-day Montenegro road
trip visiting beautiful towns such as the fortified port of Kotor,
experiencing...
10 Days
From £1,490pp
Best for: Couples, Groups and Solo Travellers
Coast, Countryside & Culture: A Tailor-Made Tour of Albania
This is a classic introductory tour of Albania, making the most
of the central and south regions over 10 days. Experience the wild
beauty of...
10 Days
From £2,410pp
Best for: Couples, Honeymoons, Groups and Solo Travellers
Epirus & Meteora
We all love the islands of the Ionian and Aegean seas, but back
on the Greek mainland are two areas of outstanding beauty that we
urge you to...
7 Days
From £1,580pp
Best for: Couples
Outdoorsy Activities and Volcanic Landscapes: Adventure in the Azores
The Azores might be known as a superb dive destination, but
these Portuguese islands are still flying under the radar as a
luxury holiday destination....
8 Days
From £2,845pp
Where to Go
The Azores
The Azores is one Europe’s best kept secrets and not just for diving. This collection of volcanic islands 900 odd miles out in the Atlantic...
Lofoten Islands
Not many places out-dramatic the Fjords but their near neighbour the Lofoten Islands do just that.
Montenegro
A tiny country with big appeal; over 100 beaches, pristine countryside, and a destination that's definitely one to watch.
Epirus & Meteora
Explore a wilder side of Greece in the twin regions of Epirus and Meteora, home to dramatic gorges, ancient temples and monasteries clinging...
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