Friends, Europe’s compact size packs endless diversity—languages, cuisines, and landscapes shift in mere hours.
This guide unveils five vivid weekend escapes, complete with costs, transport times, and must-see highlights. Follow each step to craft your next unforgettable journey.
Gulf of Naples
• Transport: Fly into Naples Airport (NAP)—direct from London in 2h 30m (€60–€120 one way).
• Day 1: Ascend Mount Vesuvius (€10 entry; 1½‑h round‑trip hike). Ferry (€10) to Ischia for free hot springs at Baia di Sorgeto.
• Day 2: Wander Naples’ Catacombe di San Gennaro (€9 ticket) and cycle Procida (€15/day bike rental).
• Stay: Art Resort Galleria Umberto (€150/night) sits in the elegant Galleria Umberto I.
Sarajevo History
• Transport: Fly into Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) from Vienna in 1h 20m (€80–€150).
• Day 1: Explore Baščaršija (free entry) and watch chess at Trg Oslobodenja. Ćevapi lunch at Željo (€5).
• Day 2: Day‑trip to Mostar by bus (2h, €15 one way). Witness divers at Stari Most and sip coffee riverside (€3).
• Stay: Pansion Stari Grad (€60/night) in Old Town, or riverside Pansion River (€70).
Ionian Islands
• Transport: Fly to Corfu Airport (CFU) from Rome in 1h 40m (€50–€100).
• Day 1: Stroll Corfu Town’s Liston arcades. Hike southern section of the Corfu Trail (4h; free).
• Day 2: Ferry to Paxi (45 min, €12). Kayak around white‑chalk cliffs (€25 half day) and swim sea caves.
• Stay: Melina Bay Hotel in Kassiopi (€80/night) overlooks the castle ramparts.
Luxembourg Hidden
• Transport: Thalys train from Paris (2h; €70–€120 one way).
• Day 1: Tour the Bock Casemates (€7 ticket), then cycle Old Town UNESCO route (bike €18/day).
• Day 2: Hike the Mullerthal Trail (3h loop; free) in “Little Switzerland.” Explore Kirchberg’s modern art by tram (€2.50).
• Stay: Les Jardins d’Anaïs (€120/night) in charming Clausen.
French Riviera
• Transport: TGV train to Nice Ville (from Milan: 4h, €90–€140).
• Day 1: Meander Vieux Nice’s Cours Saleya markets (free), then visit Matisse Museum (€10).
• Day 2: Boat trip from Port Lympia (€25, 2h) along cliffs. Lunch pan bagnat at Lou Balico (€8).
• Stay: Hôtel Amour (€140/night) blends chic design with sea views.
Conclusion
These five escapes—Italian volcanoes, Balkan bazaars, Ionian isles, grand duchy secrets, and Côte d’Azur chic—reveal Europe’s weekend magic. Each step offers precise costs, timings, and authentic experiences. Which adventure will you book next? Share your pick and start linking weekends for your own European fairy tale.
