Embark on a captivating 10-day journey from Lisbon to Porto, where dramatic Atlantic coastlines meet the sun-drenched vineyards of the Douro Valley. Wander along rugged cliffs and hidden beaches, stroll through timeless medieval villages framed by fig and olive trees, and soak in terraced vineyard views as you savour exquisite local wines and regional cuisine. Each step reveals more of Portugal's enchanting beauty, every vista tells a story and leaves you longing for more.
Arrive in Portugal’s vibrant capital and check into your boutique hotel for a relaxing overnight stay. Take a sunset stroll through the cobbled streets of the Alfama, ride the famous Tram 28, or enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the Tagus River.
Venture west to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Here, a guided hike along the dramatic cliffs of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. You’ll also visit the exotic gardens of Monserrate Palace before enjoying a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers.
Head to Medelim, one of Portugal’s prettiest historical villages. Enjoy guided walks, gourmet food, and your first taste of slow living, Portuguese style. Over these three days, explore Idanha-a-Velha, Monsanto, and Sortelha - three of Portugal’s 12 Historic Villages.
Onto the highlands of the Serra da Estrela National Park, Portugal’s highest mountain range, including the Vale do Rossim Lagoon, where nature appears unspoiled. Next, journey to Amarante, a charming riverside town brimming with character. Dine in a traditional family-run quinta.
Walk your way through the Douro Valley, one of Europe’s most scenic wine regions. Hike between villages like Casal de Loivos. You’ll enjoy a private lunch in a winery, cruise along the Douro River, and get hands-on with traditional wine-making methods.
Finish your journey in vibrant Porto, where you can choose between an e-bike tour through the city or a boat trip along the Douro with a stop in Vila Nova de Gaia for a Port tasting. Your final night includes a farewell dinner in one of Porto’s top restaurants
Most journeys are designed to get you somewhere as quickly as possible. The Blue Train does the opposite. Over three days and two nights, it travels roughly 1,600 kilometres between Pretoria and Cape Town, turning the distance between the two cities into an experience in its own right.
Europe is packed with iconic destinations, but some of its most rewarding holidays begin just beyond the well-trodden tourist trail. If you've already ticked off the big-name cities or simply fancy somewhere that feels a little different, there are plenty of places offering beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and memorable food without the queues. From medieval towns on the Adriatic coast to volcanic islands in the Atlantic, these lesser-known corners of Europe prove that sometimes the best trips are the ones you weren't expecting.
Summer might get most of the attention, but autumn can be one of the most rewarding times of year to travel. Cooler temperatures make days outdoors more comfortable, landscapes shift into rich seasonal colours, and many destinations settle into a quieter rhythm once the peak summer crowds have gone. That’s where the ‘cool-cation’ comes in. Instead of chasing the heat, these trips are all about crisp mountain air, lakeside walks, dramatic scenery, cosy food, and the kind of weather that makes you want to pull on another layer and keep exploring. From the Italian Alps to the Canadian Rockies, here are seven destinations that come into their own in autumn.
Finding your match...