The Best European Cities to Visit in Spring

Nick Dauk

From Italy to Croatia and Turkey, Europe is home to some exceptional cities. Explore while the temperature allows and when these cities shine – and book your place on one of these Culture Trip adventures.

As the magic of winter thaws, Europe’s best cities awaken to a new season of excitement. Europe in spring is an inspiring time of year, when cities like Prague, Tbilisi and Milan are in full bloom. The scent of fresh flowers and the sound of street life moving from a yawn to a yell will pull you around the continent. The best European cities to visit in April and May are all accessible on these specially curated group adventures from Culture Trip.

The Galata Tower topping the skyline across the Golden Horn off Istanbul on a sunny day.

Photograph Istanbul and Antalya without the crowds

Istanbul’s architectural treasures are best explored – and photographed – when you don’t have to share the streets with mobs of other visitors. With fewer tourists, Cappadocia is also one of the best places to travel in spring if you fancy hot-air balloon rides and exploring subterranean cities without a crowd in sight. This ultimate Culture Trip Turkey tour gives you ample time to enjoy the country’s two continents at your leisure.

From US$2699

Next available from 1st Mar 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Istanbul, Turkey

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ENDS AT

Antalya, Turkey

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Winter Sale
Vantage point of the city of Dubrovnik from cable car

See spring shine on Dubrovnik’s marble-lined streets

Europe in May is even better when you have the chance to explore Dubrovnik. As one of the best cities on the Dalmatian Coast, the Pearl of the Adriatic will entice you beyond its old city walls, where marble streets glitter under the spring sun. Feast your eyes on the highlights, then cruise around the Dalmatian Coast and discover the Adriatic on this dazzling Croatia group tour.

From US$2169

Next available from 29th Mar 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Split, Croatia

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ENDS AT

Dubrovnik, Croatia

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Steps up to the fountain in Piazza Pretoria, Palermo

Soak up culture in Palermo

Ask anyone: Sicily may formally be part of Italy, but this island is a world of its own, and Palermo is one of the best European cities to visit in spring. As the gold-sand beaches start to fill with sunbathers, you’ll be torn between soaking up the art and history of the city. Not to worry – museum-hopping is as easy as sipping an Aperol spritz, especially when you join this eight-day tour of Sicily that begins in Palermo.

From US$2924

Next available from 20th Apr 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Palermo, Italy

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ENDS AT

Siracusa, Sicily

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

14

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

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STYLE

Discovery

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Winter Sale
Naples cityscape on a sunny day with mountains beyond

Dine and discover Naples without the queues

Europe in March is fantastic, especially when you’re beating the summer holiday rush to southern Italy. Naples and the Amalfi Coast are an absolute delight in the spring months. Wander through archaeological museums, cruise along the coastline and dine on the best Neapolitan food – all without heavy traffic or long queues. Mosey your way from Naples to Puglia on this complete group tour of southern Italy.

From US$2709

Next available from 29th Mar 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Naples, Italy

arrow pointing to the right

ENDS AT

Lecce, Italy

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

14

PHYSICAL RATING

Easy

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STYLE

Discovery

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This is a rewrite of an article by Alex Jordan.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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