Small boats floating on a turquoise lake surrounded by mountains in the Dolomites

Luxury European Adventure Tours made for you

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Luxury, bespoke active and adventure tours across Europe

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. 

From our experts

Experiences picked by our destination specialists

Take to two wheels

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Go cycling in France and take a guided e-bike tour of Lyon.

Explore the outdoors

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Walk, bike or boat through Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Go pony trekking in Iceland

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Ride through the Icelandic Highlands on hardy native ponies.

Venture into the wilderness

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Hike beneath the glacier on Marmolada, the Dolomites’ highest peak.

Catch a wave in Portugal

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Take a private surf lesson from the Atlantic beaches of the Algarve.

A word from one of our experts

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.

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James Wakelin

Senior Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation for active adventure in Europe

Scottish Highlands

Alladale Wilderness Reserve
Alladale Wilderness Reserve sits right in the heart of the Highlands, an hour north of Inverness and with views of the sea to the east and west from its highest point. The reserve covers some 100 square kilometres of forking glen, rugged mountains, woodland, rivers and hill lochs. And there is a vision behind the beauty. Alladale is a pioneering place that leads the way in the rewilding movement, restoring a once overgrazed stalking estate to a diverse landscape with over 850,000 saplings planted, and protecting native wildlife such as pine marten, black grouse and golden eagles alongside free roaming Highland cattle and deer. You can learn all about this pioneering effort on guided walks and drives with expert guides, perhaps visiting the Scottish wildcat project to catch a glimpse of one of the world’s rarest felines. It’s also a place to immerse yourself in wilderness, whether cycling trails on mountain bikes, wild swimming in the cool river or hiking up to the mountain lochs to fish. Outside the reserve, the north of Scotland offers a host of incredible day trips with the west coast’s incredible beaches, a collection of historic castles, world famous whiskey distilleries and fine golf courses all within reach. There are three homely accommodation options here. Down in the valley are two private cottages, Ghillie’s Rest and Eagle’s Crag. The former can sleep up to four people in its two bedrooms, but it is also well suited to couples. Eagle’s Crag is ideal for friends and families, with two double bedrooms and an attic room meaning up to eight people can sleep here. Each cottage has its own kitchen and catering options are entirely flexible. For larger groups of up to 14, there is the exclusive use Main Lodge, an old Victorian manor with incredible views down the glen. Available fully catered and with huge fire-warmed living areas, a gym, billiard room and dining room, this is the place to experience life as a laird.
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Peloponnese

Amanzoe
Sat atop a hill surrounded by undulating olive groves, Amanzoe is a 21st-century neoclassical temple with incredible panoramic views over Argolis and down to bustling Porto Heli below. There are 38 pavilions dotted along the hillside, each private and elegantly luxurious, opening onto terraces with private plunge pools and views of the surrounding land or sea. Each pavilion is accessed via a stone-walled courtyard, leading to a living area and king-size bed in a marble alcove. For friends and family groups, there are a collection of spacious four to nine-bedroom villas with their own chef and host. Colonnades lead to serene garden courtyards, a vast pool and an amphitheatre, as well as the restaurant where you’ll find simple, contemporary Greek and Mediterranean dishes that emphasise locally sourced fresh ingredients delivered daily. The Amanzoe’s expansive spa combines diet, gymnastics, exercise, massage and sea bathing with modern natural products and treatments. A gym is also available, and studios host yoga and Pilates sessions Just ten minutes away, and easily accessed by complimentary transfers, the Amanzoe’s private beach club is set beside the azure Agean, with four swimming pools, small spa, casual eatery and overnight cabanas providing all the comforts of the pavilions. Sunbathe on the terrace, swim in the sea or discover the bay by kayak, paddle-board or snorkel. You can also charter a boat from the Aman fleet to sail to nearby islands, such as Spetses aor Hydra, or venture to off-shore diving spots. Porto Heli’s tavernas and countless ancient ruins, from the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus to Byzantine monasteries, are also all within easy reach.
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Why book with Jacada?

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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.

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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.

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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.

Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your European adventure, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Where to have an active adventure in Europe

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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.

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Meet 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

The Best Time to Travel to Europe

The Best Time to Travel to Europe

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Plan your adventure in Europe

Wherever your active adventure takes you in Europe, our team of expert travel designers is ready to help.

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Don't take our word for it

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.