Italy
It's almost impossible not to be captivated by the romance of this land.
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Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
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.
Cross Borders and Cultures
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.
Tried, tested and loved
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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Immersive Travel
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.
Touring Destinations
Greece
Greece boasts 3,000 islands in the Aegean and Ionian Sea where you can enjoy the magical beaches, delectable cuisine, crystal clear waters…
Spain
The Basque Country is a particularly eclectic location with UNESCO-listed reserves and unique culinary experiences.
Turkey
Turkey's cities pour with history, its coastlines dazzle under the sun and its culture always shines proudly.
Croatia
A blue-green expanse of awe-inspiring sights and sites.
Overland Travel
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.
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
Idea
Spain
Highlights of Northern Spain and Andalucia
Combine the highlights of Northern and Southern Spain in this varied itinerary suggestion. Visit the Basque region, famous for its food, wine and spectacular scenery, with visits to the cultural cities of Salamanca, Cordoba, Granada and Seville.
Idea
Georgia
The Beauty of Armenia and Georgia
The bordering countries of Armenia and Georgia are easily combined in this holiday idea to create a fascinating trip full of ancient temples and hillside monasteries, soaring mountains, picturesque wine regions and incredibly friendly people.
Idea
Croatia
Highlights of Croatia
This eight-day holiday, perfect for your first time in Croatia or for a family adventure explores the southern Dalmatian, staying between Dubrovnik and Split with visits to the islands of Vis and Hvar. Each day includes the opportunity to experience all the…
Idea
Iceland
Iceland – Land of Fire and Ice
Just below the Arctic circle, a holiday to Iceland offers an exciting mix of nature, culture and fun. Volcanoes and glaciers have combined to create a landscape that is dramatic and raw and the Icelanders know exactly how best to explore it,…
Idea
Romania
North Romania – The Highlights
Criss-crossing northern Romania this itinerary focuses on the quieter corners of this vast and varied country. Villages such as Breb in the heart of the Maramures are as traditional as they come in today’s Europe. The painted monasteries of Bucovina are another…
Idea
Spain
Spain – The Best of the Basque Country
This nine-day holiday is designed to soak up the culture and flavour of the Basque Country’s beautiful coastline and mouth-watering cuisine. A visit to both Bilbao and San Sebastian highlights what is fascinating about this little-known corner of Spain, so often dismissed…
Idea
Spain
Highlights of Northern Spain and Andalucia
Combine the highlights of Northern and Southern Spain in this varied itinerary suggestion. Visit the Basque region, famous for its food, wine and spectacular scenery, with visits to the cultural cities of Salamanca, Cordoba, Granada and Seville.
Idea
Georgia
The Beauty of Armenia and Georgia
The bordering countries of Armenia and Georgia are easily combined in this holiday idea to create a fascinating trip full of ancient temples and hillside monasteries, soaring mountains, picturesque wine regions and incredibly friendly people.
Idea
Croatia
Highlights of Croatia
This eight-day holiday, perfect for your first time in Croatia or for a family adventure explores the southern Dalmatian, staying between Dubrovnik and Split with visits to the islands of Vis and Hvar. Each day includes the opportunity to experience…
Idea
Romania
North Romania – The Highlights
Criss-crossing northern Romania this itinerary focuses on the quieter corners of this vast and varied country. Villages such as Breb in the heart of the Maramures are as traditional as they come in today’s Europe. The painted monasteries of Bucovina…
Idea
Spain
Spain – The Best of the Basque Country
This nine-day holiday is designed to soak up the culture and flavour of the Basque Country’s beautiful coastline and mouth-watering cuisine. A visit to both Bilbao and San Sebastian highlights what is fascinating about this little-known corner of Spain, so…
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.
Turkey
Four Seasons Sultanahmet
The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is a luxury hotel in the old quarter of Istanbul, a short walk from the Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. Once a Turkish prison, this striking mustard-coloured building…
Greece
Grace Hotel Auberge Resorts Santorini
Grace Santorini is a luxury boutique hotel designed to blend perfectly with its spectacular hillside setting. From every room, there are breathtaking 180-degree views of the Caldera and the wonderful Greek sunsets. Many of the suites…
Italy
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
Set high in the rugged hills of Taormina on Sicily’s eastern coast, the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is one of Sicily’s most glamorous retreats. Positioned in Taormina town, it is in an ideal location for exploring…
Italy
COMO Castello del Nero
Situated in the town of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, in the heart of the Chianti wine region, Tuscany, this 5-star luxury hotel is the perfect location for a romantic holiday. Featuring Tuscany’s first destination ESPA, this…
Experiences
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Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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