The good news for travelers is that with some European countries now actively welcoming back Americans, a number of forward-thinking adventure travel companies are already offering trips to these destinations. For those who love walking, hiking and cycling, not to mention eating, drinking local wine, and relaxing in beautiful hotels, this is the time to head back to Europe. In fact, it may be a blissful time to do so, when overcrowding seems so 2019.
The countries that have reopened are Croatia, Greece, Iceland, Montenegro, and Turkey. The United Kingdom may open in summer and keep an eye on France to welcome back Americans later this summer, according to statements from French President Emmanuel Macron.
While restrictions vary from country to country, you can expect to be required to show proof of vaccination, a negative test result, or proof or recovery from COVID-19. Many of the following trips can be booked as private departures for those who want to travel with just family or friends, which may not be such a bad idea this early in the pandemic recovery.
Backroads
Backroads has trips scheduled for Iceland, Croatia, Greece and the United Kingdom this year. Their Santorini & Crete Multi-Adventure Tour has departures starting as early as July. This is a six-day trip with biking on Crete and hiking on Santorini, as well as walking tours and yoga. Accommodations are at the Blue Palace Resort & Spa in Crete and the Santa Maria Oia on Santorini. The trip is priced from $5,999 per person. As with all trips mentioned, it’s based on double occupancy and does not include airfare.
Classic Journeys
A seven-day “culture & walking” trip is the centerpiece of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast from Classic Journeys. The trip starts in Dubrovnik and goes on to Split and Hvar. Accommodations are at the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik and the Adriana, Hvar Marina Hotel & Spa. With departures scheduled from May, prices start at $4,895. Classic Journeys is also sending travelers on trips to Iceland and Montenegro.
DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co.
Duvine Cycling + Adventure Co. has scheduled nearly a dozen six-day Croatia Bike Tour trips this year, beginning in July. These journeys pair dramatic scenery, a rigorous day in the saddle and upscale lodging. The itinerary includes Split, Hvar, Brač, Korčula and Dubrovnik and the daily distances can vary according to your ability. Accommodations tend towards the luxurious, at properties like the Palace Elisabeth in Hvar and the Lešić Dimitri Palace, a Relais & Chateau hotel in Korčula. Priced from $5,395.
MT Sobek
MT Sobek, which has long been a company focused on physically active trips, is offering an Iceland Eastern Fjords Hiking trip, which includes the Viknaslodir Trail, Reykjavik & the Blue Lagoon. It’s a 10-day trip to immerse yourself in lava fields, gigantic glaciers, waterfalls, snowcapped peaks, remote sandy beaches, and an array of geothermal spectacles. This trip is rated Level 3, with some eight-hour days of hiking. Accommodations range from a classic mountain hut to the Fosshotel Reykjavik. This trip is priced from $8,295. They’re also have a trip to Greece this summer.
Wilderness Travel
Wilderness Travel has a variety of trips to Greece, Turkey, Iceland and Croatia for those hungry for a return to Europe. The trips include Hiking in the Greek Isles: Hidden Trails and Golden Beaches of the Cyclades. You spend days hiking on Tinos, Naxos, and the mountainous island of Amorgos, in a rugged and historic landscape of domed churches and bougainvillea on this 13-day trip. Hotels tend towards the comfortable, not luxurious, and range from the Hotel Naxos Beach 1 to the Viglia Hotel on Amorgos. Priced from $4,795.
