Saint Rufino Cathedral in Assisi, Umbria, Italy

European Touring

Europe is packed with ancient sites, soaring mountain ranges, picture perfect hilltop villages, sweeping coastlines and fabulous cuisine. The dilemma is, where to start…

There are endless possibilities and combinations for travel in Europe. Choose one country and really get under the skin, soaking up ancient historical sites and traditional culinary delights, or for an epic touring adventure combine the cultures, traditions, coastlines and cuisines of multiple countries.

Below, are a selection of holiday ideas, properties and experiences that we know work well within a European touring holiday. With so many combinations available it can be hard to know where to start so speak to one of our experts, share your holiday wish list and let them do the hard work for you.

Sunset, Ephesus, Turkey
Ephesus, Turkey

Multi Country Touring

Our European experts have put together some fabulous multi-country itineraries for clients, combining countries from Sicily and Malta to Greece, France and Turkey and Croatia and Montenegro. Anything from 14 days to 6 weeks in length, travelling by air, road, boat and train, working with our local partners, we can create a bespoke itinerary, tailored to reflect your interests.

Gargoyle on Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France
Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris
Parthenon, Acropolis Hill, Athens, Greece
Parthenon, Athens
Santorini, Greece
Santorini
Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
Blue Mosque, Istanbul

A Touring Example

Previously created for some food loving Steppes clients, this snapshot showcases a 16 day trip, combining Paris, Greece and Turkey…

Beginning in France’s romantic capital city, spend three nights in the old quarter within walking distance of iconic landmarks and a cutting edge foodie scene. Fly on to Athens, where a private guided tour brings the sites of this ancient Greek capital to life. Sail to the shores of Paros Island and spend days swimming in hidden coves and dining at the charming fishing port of Naoussa, a foodie’s heaven.

Next, sail to the caldera island of Santorini, poster ‘girl’ for Greek islands, with its bougainvillea covered whitewashed houses. Explore vineyards and ancient sites, snorkel in turquoise waters and witness some of the best sunsets in the world. A final flight to Istanbul, where east meets. A private tour will unveil the historical sites and culinary delights of this exotic city.

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Skyline, Toledo, Spain
Toledo, Spain

Single Country Touring

Focussing on just one country means you can really take in all there is to offer and opt for slower methods of travel, giving more time to really immerse yourself. Where possible travel by train and boat for a more relaxing and sustainable experience. Italy, Spain and Greece all lend themselves beautifully to this style of travel and make for an incredibly varied holiday.

Windmills at Sunset, Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos, Greece

Getting About

Once in Europe there are a number of ways to get around. For full flexibility and independence it can be fun to hire a car, exploring some of the quieter regions, window down as you pass lavender and sunflower fields, through snow capped mountains or beach lined clifftops. For minimal hassle we can of course arrange for a private driver. Train routes throughout Europe are increasing all the time with comfortable sleeper trains linking Paris with various European cities on the horizon. Take to the water travelling between islands in Greece and Croatia.

Ancient Greek mocaic in palaestra of Dion, Pieria, Greece
Ancient Greek Mosaic

Steppes Client Feedback

“Charlotte and the team from Steppes recently created a trip for myself and my wife to Greece. We had used Steppes previously for trips to Turkey and Jordan so using their expertise for Greece was an easy decision. It was our first trip to the country, and while we did have some things on our wish list, we were open to suggestions. Charlotte filled in the blanks with locations, activities and experiences that made for a trip that we will always remember.

Absolutely every detail was meticulously looked after. The accommodations were top notch, our guides were interesting and engaging, and our drivers professional. We learned so much, did so much, and saw so much of the country. It left us eager to have Steppes create another custom trip for us to Malta and Sicily”.
Chuck Clayton, USA

Looking for Holiday Inspiration?

Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

Accommodation

After wandering ancient sites, exploring bustling cities or hiking in the hills, there are a whole host of accommodation options to lay your head for a few nights of rest and relaxation. Whether around the pool or on the coast, these are a few of our favourites.

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Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Beautiful view of the ancient town of Assisi with dramatic cloudscape in golden evening light, Umbri

Assisi

Visit the medieval town of Assisi with its many beautiful churches.

Acropolis of Athens, Greece

Visit Athens

No trip to Greece is complete without a visit to Athens, the historical capital of Europe. With its vast collection of ancient sites, experience life amid these magnificent landmarks.

Perugia, Umbria, Italy

Chocolate Tasting

Sample some of the country’s best chocolate in Perugia.

Lake Garda, Italy

Lakeside Towns

Stay in incredibly stylish towns such as Bellagio and Como.

Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy

Mount Etna

Hike to the crater summit of Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe.

Pompeii, Italy

Pompeii and Vesuvius

Visit the preserved Roman city of Pompeii and the volcano Vesuvius.

A collage with different stuffed pasta, Italy

Sample local cuisines

Feast on local specialities like Orecchiette.

Winding Tuscan road, Village, Tuscany, Italy

Self Drive through Tuscany

Explore the incredibly beautiful landscapes that have inspired many Renaissance artists.

Truffle Hunting, Tuscany, Italy

Truffle Hunting

Go truffle hunting in Umbria, an ancient tradition where locals collect black truffles to then eat or sell.

Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Alhambra Gardens

Explore the magical palaces and gardens of the Alhambra in Granada.

Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain

Guggenheim Bilbao

Take a private tour of the Guggenheim Bilbao, followed by lunch in their Michelin starred restaurant, Nerua.

Wolf, Cantabrians, Spain

Observe the Iberian wolf

Observe family groups of Iberian wolf feeding their young in the Cantabrian Mountain range, some of the best-preserved habitats in Spain.

Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia’s Underground Towns

Visit underground towns that housed over 3,000 people and stay in stylish hotels with bedrooms cut into the rock.

Turkish Gulet, Turkey

Cruise the Aegean Coast

Spend a week on a luxurious gulet, a wide-beamed traditional sailing/motor yacht cruising the Aegean coast.

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