The Best Mountain Vacations in Europe

2AR042H Stephantsminda, Georgia. Gergeti Trinity Church Or Tsminda Sameba - Holy Trinity Church Near Village Of Gergeti In Georgia. Spring Day.
2AR042H Stephantsminda, Georgia. Gergeti Trinity Church Or Tsminda Sameba - Holy Trinity Church Near Village Of Gergeti In Georgia. Spring Day.
Nina Zietman

Senior Commissioning Editor

From lava-filled volcanoes off Sicily to dazzling Icelandic glaciers, Europe is home to the most beautiful mountainous regions in the world. Tick off a handful of the best on these Culture Trip adventures.

It’s hard to beat Europe when it comes to mountains. Snow-capped behemoths, scaling heights of up to 5,000m (16,404ft), can be found in the Caucasus range in Georgia, while bubbling volcanic islands await in the balmy Mediterranean. Plus there’s a smattering of mountains in the UK to discover. Read on to discover the best mountain vacations in Europe, all bookable with Culture Trip.

Barren and rocky landscape leading up to the peak of Mount Etna in Sicily

Trek across Europe’s most active volcano in Sicily

Sicily is known for its centuries-old ruins, pristine beaches and deep-fried arancini. It also offers incredible views towards Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano on the continent. As part of this eight-day trip, you’ll walk across the volcano itself, crossing crusted lava fields and discovering steaming craters. You’ll also get the chance to island-hop between the Aeolian Islands, including Vulcano, which is covered in geothermal pools, warmed by water bubbling up from the earth’s core.

From US$2924

Next available from 20th Apr 2024

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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
Koruldi mountain lake, with clouds partially obscuring the snow-capped Caucasus mountains behind in Upper Svaneti, Georgia.

Hike through the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia

Think the Alps are impressive? You’ll be blown away by the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia, which boast seven peaks over 5,000m high. For context, the legendary Mont Blanc is only 4,809m (15,777ft). This once-in-a-lifetime expedition will take you to the heart of this towering mountain range, including a three-hour hike up to the photogenic Gergeti Trinity Church and a stop-off at Ananuri Castle. Take the opportunity to join an extra hike through an alpine meadow near Juta, one of the highest villages in the region – you’ll be rewarded with uninterrupted views of the jagged and snow-capped Chaukhi Massif.

From US$1199

Next available from 18th May 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Tbilisi, Georgia

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ENDS AT

Tbilisi, Georgia

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Person standing net to beside an iceberg lagoon, beneath Fjallsjokull glacier, in Vatnajokull National Park.

Snap photos of glistening glaciers and sky-scraping waterfalls in Iceland

Marvel at snow-capped peaks and thundering waterfalls on this five-day expedition to Iceland. Take in the must-see natural wonders on a Golden Circle tour, stopping at Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall, before a thrilling snowmobile excursion across one of the largest glaciers in the country. There’s also essential relaxation time factored in, namely soaking in the Krauma Geothermal Baths and the Blue Lagoon. If you’re lucky, you could even see the Northern Light, and with a shot of the Icelandic spirit, brennivín.

From US$2889

Next available from 17th Feb 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Reykjavik, Iceland

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ENDS AT

Reykjavik, Iceland

DURATION

5

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Winter Sale
A hiker with a backpack overliins Loch Avon from Shelter Stone Crag on Carn Etchachan

Hike in the Cairngorms and ride an iconic steam train in Scotland

The rocky landscapes of Scotland are among the most picturesque mountain regions in all of Europe, and there’s no better way of seeing them than from the comfort of a train, which is exactly what you’ll do on this seven-day Rail Trip. Take the Jacobite steam train, immortalised as the Hogwarts Express, across the Glenfinnan Viaduct and to western Scotland, where you’ll get to explore the spectacular Cairngorms National Park. Cap off a rewarding guided hike past glassy lochs and ancient woodlands with a wee dram of whisky back at the hotel.

From US$2799

Next available from 29th Apr 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

London, England

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ENDS AT

Edinburgh, Scotland

DURATION

7

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Winter Sale
Hiker with yellow raincoat in the viewpoint with volcanic crater in the Azores islands.

Explore Europe's greatest adventure playground, the Azores

Out in the Atlantic, far off the Portuguese coast, is a volcanic archipelago with some of the most stunning vistas you can find anywhere on Earth. Our six day trip here explores the largest island, São Miguel, and includes a jeep tour of the luscious slopes of the Sete Cidades volcanic complex, followed up by a cycle around the area’s two giant crater lakes, and some time to kayak on them too.

From US$1529

Next available from 29th Mar 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Ponta Delgada, Portugal

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ENDS AT

Ponta Delgada, Portugal

DURATION

6

GROUP SIZE

8

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Additional words by Gethin Morgan.

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