Best Off The Beaten Path Itineraries in Europe

From the Arctic to the Mediterranean, we've rounded up five amazing itineraries that showcase a lesser-known side of some of Europe's most popular destinations. In these places, you'll be able to immerse yourself in the continent's rich culture and history and explore its incredible landscapes without the crowds or high prices. If you're after an authentic experience rich in local life and unspoiled nature, check out the destinations below, or ask your local specialist for more ideas.

#1 Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 14 Days

Experience the lesser-known side of the country with this two-week trip across Northern Greece. You'll go from Greece's second city of Thessaloniki to living like the proverbial pasha in lakeside Ioannina, then up to the clifftop monasteries of Meteora. Continue on through the stone Zagori mountain villages to wrap up your journey on the shores of Corfu in the Ionian Sea, where you'll follow in legendary traveler Odysseus's footsteps. Read more

#2 Arctic Norway Summer Road Trip - 12 Days

This 12-day road trip starts from Tromsø, Norway's 'Gateway to the Arctic', where—in May, June, and July—the sun never sets on these gorgeous views. From here, you'll steer yourself through the rugged landscapes of Senja island and partake in active outings before ferrying across to another less-populated island (Andøya) where spotting whales is practically a guarantee. Hike a coastal trail before heading back to the lively city of Tromsø for a few more nights of Scandinavian fun. Read more

#3 Food & Wine in Italy's Piedmont: Turin, Alba, & Barolo - 8 Days

Experience the slow food movement, which originated in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy, with this 8-day itinerary. Turin is the historic capital of the region, where you'll explore the city center, palace, and piazzas with a local guide. Then head out to the rural Barolo wine region, stay in a hilltop town, and visit renowned wineries. The final stop is the city of Alba, where you will go hunting for rare white truffles. Read more

#4 Ireland's Wild Atlantic Adventure - 12 Days

The emerald landscapes and rugged cliffs of Ireland have always held a magical allure. Traveling off-the-beaten-path, this guided tour covers some of Ireland’s quietest and least-visited sites in the west and northwest. Over 12 days, you'll hike, boat, kayak, learn history, see live music, and hop over to a tiny Gaelic-speaking island—and it all starts in Dublin, one of western Europe's most charming cities. Read more

#5 Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha, & Extremadura - 10 days

Get lost in La Mancha on a  10-day road trip in this historic region in central Spain. It begins in Madrid and from there you'll travel south to the arid plateaus famous for being the homeland of the fictional character Don Quixote. Between wine tours and visits to national parks, you'll head to the Extremadura region and tour medieval cities like Cáceres, birthplace of the conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Read more