Europe contains more countries than Asia, a continent five times its size. This is both a testament to Europe's extraordinary cultural diversity…and to the inhabitants' unerring ability to have a punch up and then redraw the boundaries every few years.

We in the UK are extremely lucky to be perched on the edge of a continent with such extraordinarily rich heritage in what is a relatively small area. That the region in question also incorporates towering mountain ranges, beautiful beaches and pretty much everything in between makes it all the more fortunate. Culture vultures and adrenaline junkies alike will find plenty to keep them interested, and there's not an overnight flight in sight.

This is the perfect region for taking one of our trademark and award-winning Big Short Breaks - be that an adventure, ski or city break or just a last minute long weekend of R&R. All our Big Short Breaks are designed around the concept of 'Minimum Time, Maximum Experience' and only the trips that are truly accessible and original make the grade.

The Original Travel team have lived, worked and travelled in the vast majority of European nations, and we have spent the last few years sampling the Continent's finest hotels, landscapes, cities and restaurants so we can point you in the right direction when you're there.