The best ways to explore Europe in 2023

Following the halting start to this decade which saw travel put on pause for months at a time, one of the main holiday trends for 2023 is the concept of slow travel. This trend celebrates a total immersion in your chosen travel destination, using local transport and your own two feet to get under the skin of the local culture rather than jumping between tourist hotspots by car or plane.

Europe is a fantastic destination for a slow travel holiday. The continent as a whole has a largely pleasant climate and is connected by a fantastic rail network. Pretty cities sit beside rivers or on the coast, surrounded by idyllic countryside that is perfect for hiking, cycling, or adventure activities. Most of the countries also number among the safest destinations in the world so you can travel independently with peace of mind.

Discover the best ways to explore Europe in 2023 that celebrate slow travel, from sailing through historic cities on a river cruise to scaling soaring mountain peaks for panoramic views.

Try an inland cruise

What could be more restful than watching the world go by from the water on a cruise down one of Europe’s many rivers? Larger rivers such as the Danube pass through multiple countries on their journey, allowing you to see the major cities of several destinations and richly varied countryside.

If you do not want to spend your entire trip sailing on a ship, there is also the option for one-day cruises through spectacular capital cities eg Budapest and Vienna whose banks are lined with majestic monuments. Shorter rivers such as the Seine are perfect for mini breaks – this particular journey takes you from Paris, the City of Love, out through the rural Normandy countryside.

Bike or hike

Prefer to be more active on your holidays? There is ample opportunity for adventure activities in Europe, whether you prefer laidback city strolls or exhilarating white-water rafting.

Cycling in the countryside is particularly rewarding, either independently or following a carefully planned route. Most European destinations are criss-crossed by well-signposted cycle paths, covering major cities and towns but also the most scenic rural trails. Salzkammergut, Austria’s lake district, is a favourite for travellers seeking a gentle yet spectacular route, while mountain biking options abound for those looking to get their blood pumping on a journey to hidden viewpoints.

Walking trails in Europe are as varied as the continent itself, and again there are usually well-marked paths for tourists to follow. Whether its trekking through farmland in Tuscany, hiking The Alps, or walking the picturesque Peak District in England, exploring Europe on two feet promises to be memorable.

Ride the railway

Not only is Europe’s excellent rail network an easy and eco way to traverse the continent, but individual train rides can also be lifechanging experiences in themselves.

Often topping lists of Europe’s most scenic train journeys is Flåm Railway in Norway, a seven-hour route that transports into a magical world of sprawling fields, steep fjords, lakes, and waterfalls. Another popular railway line is the Glacier Express from St Maritz to Zermatt in Switzerland, an astonishing feat of engineering that earned the route UNESCO World Heritage Site status.