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7 experiences you'd never guess were in Europe

Looking for an unforgettable travel adventure? You may be surprised by these unique European experiences.

Updated by: Aimee White - Travel Copywriter
Updated: April 7 2025

Looking for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in Europe? We've got you covered. You might think you know a destination well, or know the main things to see and do there. But dig a little deeper and you'll discover a world of unique experiences, from centuries-old traditions to local accommodation in the most unlikely of places.

 

Read on for the best unexpected experiences in Europe on our small group tours: 


 

See the world's best-preserved Roman palace... in Croatia

You don't need to travel to Italy to see the world's best-preserved Roman palace. The Palace of Diocletian in Split was built in in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries to honour the Roman Emperor Diocletian, evolving over the years into the world's oldest Roman Catholic church. Today this huge residence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its maze of cobblestone streets, pre-Romanesque churches and catacombs. See it for yourself on more of our Croatia tours
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Discover traffic-free villages in Crete

It's rare to find settlements in Europe that aren't easily accessed by road, but on our eight-day hiking tour on the Greek island of Crete, you'll uncover a small fishing hamlet, Loutro, that can only be reached by boat or by foot. A clifftop path leads us through cool pine tree forests and past golden coves towards the peaceful horseshoe bay of white-washed houses embellished with cobalt blue shutters and lapped by the pristine aquamarine-colored sea. 
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Spend the night in a prehistoric cave in Italy

While all of our Puglia small group trips visit Matera, nothing beats pedaling amongst vast rural countryside and grassy meadows on your way to the ancient town. Characterized by prehistoric stone dwellings carved into the chalky cliffs of the Gravina valley, Matera is thought to be one of the earliest human settlements in Italy. You'll feel as though you've gone back in time as you explore the maze of narrow alleyways and rest tired legs in a specially-adapted cave room at the Sassi Hotel. 
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Climb an active volcano in Sicily

You needn’t travel to Costa Rica or Bali to see a volcano in action. Embark on a Sicily hiking tour and you’ll trek the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano, and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. You’ll walk to the fissures of the 2002 eruptions, and follow the solidified lava flows downhill through lush pine forests.
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Trek snow-capped mountain ranges

The Annapurna Circuit in the lofty mountain ranges of Nepal is considered to be one of the best long-distance treks in the world. But a similar challenge presents itself on our Tour Du Mont Blanc. Push yourself to the limits as you circumnavigate 148km around the snowy peaks of Mont Blanc Massif on this dramatic European alpine adventure. For a slightly less challenging adventure, consider our Highlights of Mont Blanc trip, where you'll head out on striking day hikes.
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Witness a whirling show in Turkey

Watching a Whirling Dervishes show is simply mesmerizing. It's a type of spinning dance performed by members of the Sufi order of Muslims and dates to the 13th century. Konya was the home of the Mevlana sect (the founders of Sufism) and the city is one of the most important religious sites in Turkey. Some of our Turkey tours offer the opportunity to watch this unique performance, including our delicious Taste of Turkey food trip.

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Walk in the footsteps of pilgrims in Spain

As you explore the rugged landscapes of Spain’s Camino Frances, you’ll also find yourself trekking in the footsteps of countless pilgrims from the past and present. On a Camino de Santiago hiking tour learn about the famous holy journey crossing mountain villages and historic towns. Upon completing this unforgettable and rewarding route, you’ll even be able to claim a pilgrim’s certificate. Read our guide for everything you need to know.
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Don't just travel, Explore!

Glittering grottoes? A train that goes on a ferry? We've plenty of unique experiences in Europe for you to discover on our small group tours. With all the knowledge from your expert tour leader, you'll leave with plenty of travel memories and stories to share. Where will you explore next?
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