Hiking, cycling and mountain trekking adventures across Europe
Europe adventure tours open up some of the continent’s most incredible scenery. Hiking in Spain could take you along dramatic gorges in Ronda or portions of the pilgrimage route of Camino de Santiago. Delve deeper into Greece’s beauty with a bespoke cycling adventure around Crete’s White Mountains, or glide across the glittering Adriatic sea on a Croatian sailing tour.
Active families will love tracing the footsteps of Vikings on Iceland adventure tours, traversing otherworldly landscapes with glaciers, geysers, lava fields and black-sand beaches. Bike tours in Germany offer a different perspective on cities like Cologne, where you can take guided cycle rides to the cathedral and through neighbourhoods with Romanesque architecture and craft breweries. Tailored itineraries in Portugal can take you cycling through Porto’s pretty parks and surfing on the Algarve.
Italy’s Dolomites, which form a natural border with Austria, are known for their astounding beauty. Here, meadows, peaks and via ferratas offer hikes of all levels, perfect for an adventure honeymoon. Or embark on a Swiss Alps trek. Follow meadow trails from village to village, and take the Jungfrau Railway to reach Europe’s highest railway station. At the top, we recommend a guided trek along Aletsch Glacier – the Alps’ longest and biggest – passing through caverns and forest.
Our Europe travel designers are experienced in crafting seamless, unforgettable trips, either focused on one region or incorporating multiple destinations. With an entire continent of incredible experiences to explore, talk to our experts to start planning your bespoke active European adventure.
Highlights
Walk, bike or boat through Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park
Ride through the Icelandic Highlands on hardy native ponies
Hike beneath the glacier on Marmolada, the Dolomites’ highest peak
Take a private surf lesson from the Atlantic beaches of the Algarve
Active and adventure tours in Europe allow you to delve that bit deeper, engaging with each destination through thrilling outdoor activities. I love planning trips that really bring these destinations to life with unforgettable experiences, whether that’s seeing Iceland’s captivating landscapes on horseback or hiking the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

James Wakelin
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation for active adventure in Europe
Why book with Jacada?

Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Where to have an active adventure in Europe

The Alps
Stretching from France through Italy, Switzerland and Austria to Albania, the Alps add a dramatic backdrop to much of Europe’s scenery. And adventures can be as extreme or serene as you like. Ride in cable cars and railways to glaciers and alpine villages, or scale challenging peaks.
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The Dolomites and the Alps
In northeast Italy, this mighty mountain range offers snow adventures in winter and hiking and climbing in warmer months. Walk through wildflower meadows or tackle the Dolomites’ highest peak, Marmolada.
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Iceland
Iceland offers adventures as unique as its landscapes. Trek along glaciers and through lava fields, be guided to dramatic waterfalls and geysers, and take boat trips to spot whales, dolphins and seasonal puffins.
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Scotland
Scotland’s wild, rugged beauty has inspired countless poems, paintings and songs. Soak it in with guided hikes on the West Highland Way or the Fife Coastal Path, canoe or kayak across lochs and look down on Edinburgh from Arthur’s Seat.
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Spain
Active vacations in Spain open up the scenery in wonderful, and often thrilling, new ways. Trek along part of the Camino de Santiago near San Sebastian. Hike or bike between vineyards in Rioja, or trek through the Emporda region in the Costa Brava.
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Greece
Explore Greece's many incredible islands on a Greek active and adventure tour. Hop between white sand beaches or snorkel in inviting blue waters on a sailing trip. Trek through gorges, forests and mountains and raft down rushing rivers.
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Croatia
Croatia’s national parks, medieval cities and hypnotic blue waters make it the ideal setting for an adventure. Explore waterfalls and rivers, or sail to the picturesque island of Hvar.
Discover moreMeet your Europe team
When to visit Europe for active adventure
Europe is accessible for active adventure trips all year round. Winter months will be far quieter in many destinations, and hiking, cycling and sightseeing in countries such as Greece, Croatia and southern Spain can prove pleasantly peaceful if you don’t mind cooler temperatures.
Mountain regions, including the Alps and the Dolomites, are best-visited between January and March if you’re looking for snow activities like skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. But go in spring or autumn for trekking, climbing and horseback riding.
Overall, the shoulder seasons tend to be best for active experiences in most European destinations. The weather is reliably mild and mostly dry, and you can enjoy walks, hikes, bike rides and water activities without being overwhelmed by hot summer temperatures.

Get on the water in Greece
April–June

Trek through the Alps and Dolomites
April and September

Hike along Spain's Camino de Santiago
September–October

Explore Rome and Athens
November–December
Travel guides
Plan your adventure in Europe
Wherever your active adventure takes you in Europe, our team of expert travel designers is ready to help.


Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.









































