In Europe, every street corner has a story to tell. Home to Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland and over 40 other countries, it’s arguably the most diverse continent on the planet, bursting with history, architecture, culture, cuisine and natural beauty.
From the peaks of the Alps to the bronzed beaches of Provence, prepare for some serious wanderlust as we explore our favourite bucket list destinations in Europe.
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Lake Garda, Italy
We begin with an area that’s surely among the top 10 destinations in Europe: Lake Garda. Spread across the northern Italian regions of Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino, this tranquil lake is often overshadowed by its nearby cousin Como. However, with such natural beauty and fewer crowds, Garda has become our personal favourite of the Italian giants.
Garda is paradise for driving enthusiasts, with fantastic roads and sensational scenery. This is enhanced by the surrounding postcard-perfect villages such as Limone sul Garda and Tremosine, where you’ll find exceptional dining experiences and accommodation options.
One of our favourites among the region’s many exceptional properties is the palatial Villa Cortine, located in the historic town of Sirmione – it is a must-visit, and a highlight of our Italian supercar driving tour.
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Swiss Alps, Switzerland
For simply breathtaking scenery, there are few European destinations more desirable than Switzerland. While the country has its fair share of magnificent cities including Zurich and Bern, the Swiss Alps is where the true appeal of Switzerland reveals itself.
Whether you’re seeking summer sun or a touch of winter luxury, the Alps are a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from skiing in Zermatt to hiking in the Jungfrau region and alpine golf in Andermatt. Picturesque towns like Lucerne and Interlaken provide the perfect blend of traditional charm and modern luxuries, whatever the season.
Of course, the experience of touring Switzerland is second-to-none, with glorious alpine vistas, well-maintained roads and iconic mountain passes including Gotthard, Furka, Susten and Oberalp providing driving experiences worthy of the silver screen.
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Adriatic Sea, Croatia
The Adriatic Sea has enchanted travellers and locals alike, yet it’s the 1,700km coastline around Croatia that secures a place on our bucket list European travel destinations. We love the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic coast, which are ideal for swimming, diving and sailing. You can enjoy the full expanse of this coastline from both small seaside towns and larger cities like Split and Dubrovnik, with the latter having become intensely popular due to its part in Game of Thrones.
Venturing into nearby Montenegro, you’ll find the huge Porto Montenegro Marina, which makes Monaco’s world-famous marina look tiny! It’s simply jaw-dropping, and an entire day can be spent taking in the opulence of the area. We recommend taking a yachting trip from here along the entire Adriatic coast to explore its true magnificence.
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The French Riviera
The French Riviera is among Europe’s bucket list destinations for travellers seeking classical indulgence and romantic beauty along one of the continent’s most enchanting coastlines. It epitomises opulence, drawing you in with dazzling shores and historic charm, while iconic destinations like Monaco and St. Tropez create an aura of sophistication.
The Riviera naturally offers world-class dining, high-end shopping and an abundance of culture, including the film festivals in Cannes and the world-famous Monaco Grand Prix.
We’d be remiss not to mention the stunning coastal roads in the area, such as the Corniche – linking Nice to Menton – providing breathtaking panoramas that demand a day of scenic driving.
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Budapest, Hungary
Many of the bucket list destinations we’ve mentioned may come as no surprise, yet Budapest is one city that’s far less-travelled when compared to icons like Florence, Paris and London.
However, the Hungarian capital is among our top luxury destinations in Europe for its strong history, stunning architecture and culinary mastery. It’s a very walkable city and we’ll happily spend hours meandering around, often as part of a food and drink tour with a local guide.
Budapest is also known as the ‘World’s Spa Capital’ due to the plethora of thermal mineral-rich baths in the area, with more than 100 across the city. It’s a crime not to indulge at least once, with a visit to the large outdoor Széchenyi Baths a particular highlight.
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London, United Kingdom
Touch down in London and experience one of the finest cities in the world, let alone Europe. London has ascended into a premier luxury European destination for its world-class dining, high-end shopping, eminent museums and iconic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.
London is incredibly diverse and historic, with upscale neighbourhoods such as Mayfair and Chelsea, alongside vibrant and eclectic areas like Camden and Notting Hill, all with their own unique charm. The city is also perfectly positioned as a base from which to explore the verdant English countryside and make day trips to Oxford, Cambridge, Bath and Stonehenge.
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San Sebastián, Spain
Also known as Donostia, San Sebastián is a picturesque resort town on the Bay of Biscay in Spain’s Basque Country, seamlessly blending coastal beauty with vibrant Basque culture. This chic town is famous for its golden beaches, including La Concha, which is often ranked among Europe’s best.
Notably, San Sebastián is a culinary mecca, boasting an impressive concentration of prestigious restaurants, such as Arzak and Akelaŕe – both of which hold three Michelin stars – alongside traditional street food and pintxo bars serving Basque tapas.
Beyond its gastronomy, the city’s beating heart, Parte Vieja (the old town), is rich with history and charm, while its cultural events, like the San Sebastián International Film Festival, solidify its status as one of the best European holiday destinations.
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Provence, France
Artists have obsessed over Provence for centuries, and it’s little wonder why. Nestled in the south of France, Provence is famous for its captivating lavender fields, magical lighting, charming villages and overall sense of serenity. As such, it’s the perfect choice for a luxury holiday in the south of France.
There’s so much to explore: the mountains of the French Maritime Alps, the gorgeous beaches on the Côte d’Azur, and the flowing vineyards in the heart of the region. It’s in these vineyards where Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvedre grapes are grown for Provence’s renowned rosé, which is best enjoyed alongside regional Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as ratatouille, tapenade and bouillabaisse.
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Sicily, Italy
Peppered with active volcanoes, including the legendary Mount Etna, Italy’s largest island of Sicily is as rugged as it is refined – ideal for a memorable luxury adventure. The island’s rich history plays out in its diverse architecture, from ancient Greek temples and Roman mansions to Norman cathedrals and Baroque town centers.
Capturing an abundance of Mediterranean sun, this bucket list destination boasts exceptional local produce including tomatoes, mushrooms, courgettes and aubergines, while the mountain ranges are famous for locally made cheeses and sausages – and don’t forget about delightful arancini.
With such wonderful fresh produce, gourmet dining in Sicily is as easy as heading to the local market. Yet the island is also home to luxury hotels and more than 20 Michelin-starred restaurants for when the mood to indulge takes you.
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Champagne, France
We round off our list of luxury holiday destinations in Europe with a visit to the world-famous French region of Champagne. If you need any excuse to visit Champagne, look no further than its namesake sparkling wine. You can enjoy the region’s finest expressions on our gourmet driving tour of France which includes visits to historic chateaux for exclusive tastings.
However, Champagne has more to offer the discerning traveller than bubbly. The region is packed with stunning scenery including rolling vineyards and many charming villages and towns, with cathedrals and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore. Magnifique!
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Embark on the ultimate bucket list tour of Europe
From the epic scenery of the Swiss Alps to the sparkle of the French Riviera, we hope our guide to bucket list destinations has inspired you to have an adventure of your own.
If you’re interested in one of our signature luxury travel experiences, start with our supercar driving tour of Europe, which takes in Germany, France, Monaco, Italy and Switzerland over an exclusive eleven days of exhilaration and true opulence.
Want to learn more about our luxury experiences? Speak with our friendly travel concierge team today.
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