But as overtourism reshapes the continent, a new kind of travel is emerging. One where travellers swap the obvious for the overlooked.
Where the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum still fit in, but so do homestays, cooking classes and lesser-known locales.
Here’s how you can meet Europe differently with Intrepid.
Just you, your small group and the bright blue sea
You’ve heard of Mykonos and Santorini, but what about Skiathos and Skopelos?
Even though these islands once served as the set for Mamma Mia, they’ve remained relatively low-key compared to their Cycladic neighbours.
On Sail Greece: Skiathos, Skopelos & Alonnisos, you’ll hop between them on a comfortable catamaran yacht with a skipper and local host who’ll cook fresh food onboard.
Go beyond the big sights
Europe’s icons are iconic for a reason – which is why Intrepid still have trips in Italy, Spain and Portugal.
But travellers now want more than brief breaks in the capital cities, influencing how these adventures are designed.
On Explore Southern Italy, you’ll stay in Minori, a village on the Amalfi Coast that’s far from the crowds in Positano. The streets are quieter, the businesses family-owned and the pace a little slower.
In Portugal, this eight-day Real Food Adventure takes you into markets, kitchens and vineyards usually reserved for locals.
You’ll cook with real regional ingredients, sleep in Portuguese homes and meet the families behind the wine and olive oil. Every experience supports local livelihoods while giving you a richer taste of the place.
Join the coolest club in travel
As Europe heats up, travellers are looking north. Iceland offers thermal pools and homecooked dinners on the eight-day Iceland Discovery.
Or, if you prefer solo adventures, you can pick up Intrepid’s Iceland destination guide, packed with ways to sidestep the usual tourist circuit.
Then there’s Norway. Here, life is shaped by ‘friluftsliv’ – a love of the outdoors. On Intrepid’s week-long multi-active trip, you’ll kayak on the glassy waters of Naeroyfjord, bike around the perfect Lake Lovatnet and hike to Briksdal glacier in the heart of Jostedalsbreen National Park.
Be a traveller, not a tourist
Doing Europe differently is all about adding layers. It’s Aperol in Amalfi and a stay in a family-run guesthouse.
Paris in summer and a cooking class with produce from the local market. A balance between what you came to see and what you never expected.
And with Intrepid, that balance is built into every trip. Small groups, local leaders and experiences that give back to the people and places you visit.
The result? Travel that feels less like a checklist and more like a story you’ll still be telling years from now.
Speaking of – you can read about the stories these experiences create in Intrepid’s new Italy destination guide, available now where good books are sold.
And if you’re in Australia, you can see what it means to explore Europe with Intrepid by watching Intrepid Adventures on 10 and 10Play.
Because Europe doesn’t need to be ‘done.’ It just needs to be experienced.
