Slow Travel Europe Holidays

Let's go slow, real slow. Swap your planes for trains, choose two wheels over four, or drop the wheels entirely and strike out on your own two feet; that's what Slow Travel is all about. Escape from the hurried state of real-life and sink into a wonderfully relaxed state of mind - where every moment is unhurried and purposeful - and don't be alarmed when you ask yourself, 'why have I never travelled like this before?'. Slow Travel is having a moment right now and we are pretty sure it will be a long-lived moment, here are some of the best ways to go slow when in Europe.

Slow Travel Europe holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

  • One Country France – Basque Country – Landes – Arcachon Bay – Bordeaux

    From the Basque Country to Bordeaux - A Road Trip Along France’s Southwest Coast

    Trade crowded icons for quiet charmers on this eight-day road trip along the tranquil shores of southwestern France

    8 days, from £1700 to £2500

  • One Country Italy – Turin – Piedmont

    Turin and Piedmont - Flavours of an Unexplored Italy

    Uncover a series of hidden gems on this six-day journey through a sleepy corner of northern Italy

    6 days, from £1750 to £2400

  • One Country Portugal - Monsaraz - Belmonte - Alvados

    Villages, Valleys and Vineyards - Central Portugal by Electric Car

    Sidestep the capital to see another side of Portugal on this week-long road trip through a string of tranquil towns

    7 days, from £1800 to £2650

  • One Country Croatia – Split – Dubrovnik

    Split and Dubrovnik - A Big Short Break in Croatia

    Journey between the Dalmatian Coast’s big hitters on this five-day escape to Split and Dubrovnik

    5 days, from £1900 to £2450

  • One Country Spain – Santiago de Compostela – Ourense – Leon – Burgos – Bilbao

    History, Culture and Culinary Delights - The Spanish Northwest by Train

    All aboard for a ten-day rail adventure through northwestern Spain, uncovering the rich charm of this quiet corner

    10 days, from £2000 to £2600

  • One Country Czech Republic – Austria – Hungary – Prague – Vienna – Budapest

    Prague, Vienna and Budapest - Europe’s Historic Capitals by Train

    Ride the rails to three of Europe’s most iconic capital cities on this week-long trip to Prague, Vienna and Hungary

    8 days, from £2000 to £2650

  • One Country Sweden – Gothenburg – Marstrand – Ljungskile

    London to Gothenburg by Train - Scenic Journeys, Spectacular Seafood and Serene Shores

    Ride the rails from London to Gothenburg via Germany and Denmark on this nine-day train trip

    9 days, from £2095 to £3340

  • One Country France – Corsica – Oletta – Corte – Propriano

    Corsica From Top to Tail - Oletta, Corte and Propriano

    Discover the delightfully diverse landscapes of Corsica on this nine-day road trip from the north to the south of the island

    9 days, from £2300 to £3100

  • One Country Italy – Florence – Chianti – Cortona – Perugia

    Vineyards, Food and Frescoes - Italian Road Trip in Tuscany and Umbria

    Hit the road for nine days of rolling countryside, medieval towns and authentic Italian cuisine between Tuscany and Umbria

    9 days, from £2400 to £3600

Slow Travel Europe Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

When it comes to slow travel in Europe, our experts are fantastic at creatine bespoke itineraries that take the worry and the hurry (see what we did there) out of your European adventure. The quintessential mode of the go-slow-club is the train, and on a continent that's almost entirely connected by train tracks, is a perfect place for a slow trip, train-style. Climb aboard in London and head to Spain - stopping off en-route to sip some wine in Bordeaux, naturally - before cruising to the gourmet capital of Europe: San Sebastian in the Basque Country. Alternatively, you might fancy becoming a Nordic nomad, taking things slow on a train trip to Scandinavia, stopping off everywhere from cool city Copenhagen to the untouched nature of the Norwegian Fjords.

There is always the option to go even slower and to use your own steam-power - in which case, e-biking in the Dolomites is a seriously scenic slow adventure as you bike your way between high-altitude towns to restaurants in the clouds. It's not all on-land activities when going slowly, so swap land for sea and take it easy kayaking through the calm waters of Croatia. Paddle from island to island, with an expert guide, exploring the stunning Dalmatian Coast and re-fuelling with delicious food, along the way.

Add in a smattering of charming, luxury hotels and our helpful in-country Concierges to look after your every whim and you have yourselves a stress-free, wonderfully slow holiday. From its stress-reducing abilities to the environmental benefits of travelling at a slower pace, getting where you are going in Europe has never been more relaxed, elegant or guilt-free. So what are you waiting for? Let's get going... slowly, of course.