LUXURY HOLIDAYS IN EUROPE

Discover Europe

Europe is a continent packed with history, old world grandeur, modern luxury and a wonderful mix of cities, countryside and coastlines.

From the culture and art of Italy to the beauty and ancient cities of Greece, the frozen fjords of Iceland or Swiss ski-resorts to the vineyards in the Tuscan hills, sunsets in Santorini to laid-back cities of Portugal, Europe is a continent with a wide variety of unique luxury holiday destinations.

Whether you want to eat lemon sorbet on the sun-drenched Amalfi coast or ski on the Alps, the Escapes by BFP team can design the perfect European getaway for you. This is a continent with an enormous amount of variety, and our expert team are on hand to guide you through your options. We’ll curate the perfect luxury holiday for you that combines the very best destinations, hotels and activities Europe has to offer.

Where to go in Europe

Greece

Greece is the perfect destination to combine city, beach, culture and history in one special luxury holiday.

You can relax, island hop, party, trek or visit historical landmarks – the choice is yours and the Escapes by BFP team will ensure you enjoy a holiday of a lifetime.

Greece is a country with a glorious history, and the ancient civilization which gave us philosophy and democracy also left behind many fabulous monuments which allow you to step back in time to this golden age.

The beautiful island of Crete is home to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, where, according to legend, the minotaur was slain in the labyrinth by Theseus. Explore what’s left of the palace and discover the wonderful history of the Minoan people. Swim in the stunningly blue waters of the Aegean and enjoy fabulous Greek food whilst watching the sun set into the ocean.

Each of the Greek islands is interesting and special in its own way, but one of the most beautiful by far is Santorini. Known for its famous white buildings which are positioned on cliffs overlooking the sea, the island of Santorini is one of the most popular destinations in Greece, and with good reason. Sunrise over the ocean is an unforgettable sight, and there are some wonderful hotels and restaurants dotted around this amazing island.

Whatever you’re looking for from your Greek adventure, the Escapes by BFP team can help you plan the ultimate luxury trip to this remarkable place.

Iceland

Iceland has a crisp, cold, ethereal beauty which is almost entirely untamed.

The stark, icy whiteness of the glaciers bring into sharp detail the glorious colours of the Northern Lights overhead, which light up the night sky in amazing shades of green and pink, truly an unforgettable sight.

Iceland is a mysterious, mesmerising country which offers visitors an array of wonderful things to do, from personal guided treks across glaciers to visit remote caves, to relaxing in incredible natural hot pools, and exploring the ultra-cool city of Reykjavik. Search for humpback whales along the coast, or sample local cuisine including fish stew and reindeer.

This is a country where the beauty of the landscape is something to marvel at, and many of the hotels in Iceland make the most of their incredible surroundings. From modern rooms with glass roofs to traditional cosy log cabins, there are an array of wonderful places to stay in Iceland, and the Escapes by BFP team can help you find both the hotel and activities which are perfect for you.

Italy

Italy’s Amalfi Coast is famed for being one of the most beautiful and glamorous places on earth. In fact, the Amalfi Coast is so stunning it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to its architectural significance and natural beauty.

Explore the enchanting town of Positano, where colourful houses line the cliffs against the magnificent backdrop of the mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. The beguiling Amalfi Coast is a place to relax, where you can take time soaking up this irresistible haven and enjoy life.

Bask in the incredibly rich artistic heritage of Italy, where even the smallest churches can house hidden old master wonders. Amalfi is famous for its huge, sweet lemons, and there are some wonderful lemon-flavoured local foods to enjoy, including a delightfully refreshing lemon sorbet and lemon infused liqueurs.

Explore the incredible Val D’Orcia region of Tuscany with its beautiful landscapes and endless vineyards. Sample the incredible local wines, all served up with delicious local cheeses, meats, olive oil and fresh loaves of bread. Walk or cycle through this incredible landscape, and be sure to visit the beautiful Tuscan cities of Sienna, Florence and Pisa. These cities have some phenomenal cultural opportunities unmissable to any art lover. Tuscany is a romantic escape perfect for both couples and families alike. The food, setting and sunshine all combine to make a trip to Tuscany a truly unforgettable holiday, and with Escapes by BFP, you’ll experience the very best this remarkable region has to offer.

Montenegro

The tiny country of Montenegro is often overlooked by tourists, which makes it more appealing to the discerning traveller. From its beautiful towns and villages, many of which overlook the Adriatic Sea, to its interesting history, beaches, rugged mountains and beautiful, unspoilt countryside, Montenegro is a fantastic holiday destination.

The Bay of Kotor is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro, with amazingly blue water, mountains, and medieval towns and villages. The town of Kotor is secluded and peaceful, with spectacular medieval buildings lining the water’s edge. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, the old town of Kotor has narrow, cobbled streets and lots of medieval architecture still standing, so it thoroughly deserves its position as a UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage Site.

Explore the stunning Tara River Canyon, a beautiful place to hike or raft and a must visit destination in Montenegro. Take a trip to the extraordinary Monastery of Ostrog, founded in the 1600s and almost entirely carved into the side of a cliff.

Several new high-end hotels have also opened in Montenegro in recent years, adding to its appeal.

Whatever you’re looking for from a holiday, from history, to nature, to places to relax and unwind, Montenegro can provide it, making it a truly must-visit country in Europe. On an Escapes by BFP trip to this magical country, we’ll introduce you to the very best Montenegro has to offer to ensure you have a truly unforgettable, luxurious stay.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is an incredible city, one which has a strong Moorish influence that can be seen across its architecture, cuisine and culture.

With 300 days of sunshine each year, there’s no bad time to visit this place with its wonderful blending of the old world with the new. Summer is hot and a popular time with visitors, but spring and autumn are lovely, with warm weather and fewer crowds, especially in popular destinations.

With an incredible Gothic cathedral and a wide array of historical buildings, galleries and museums, there are plenty of memorable cultural opportunities available in Palma de Mallorca. However, there’s much more to the city thank just that. Bordering the Mediterranean, the city has fabulous water sport opportunities as well as beach front bars, restaurants and seafood popups.

It’s also got fantastic nightlife, with lots of clubs and bars staying open late throughout the city. If you’re looking for sun, sea, sand and culture, then Palma de Mallorca could be the ultimate holiday destination for you. Let us talk you through the very best luxury hotels, fine restaurants and opportunities that this buzzing city has to offer.

Portugal

Portugal is a country with an incredibly rich history, one which brings together Roman, Baroque and Moorish influences to create a culture which has taken the very best from each of these traditions.

The local cuisine benefits from this wide variety of different culinary influences, making it both interesting and delicious, and there are some wonderful historical and cultural sites to explore in Portugal.

Trek the hilly streets of Lisbon and visit the nearby town of Sintra, well known for its fantastical fairytale buildings, and incredibly dramatic views of the sea. Visit the city of Porto and taste the port wine for which the region is famous. Explore one of the fantastic vineyards devoted to making this rich spirit, and bask in the soft sunshine which makes this such a wonderful region for growing grapes.

If you’re looking for island hopping on your trip to Portugal, explore the beautiful Azores, an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean where you can trek through lush greenery, then relax on a beautiful beach sipping a cocktail as the sun sets into the sparkling ocean. Whatever you’re looking for from your trip to Portugal, the Escapes by BFP team can design the perfect luxury trip for you.

Switzerland

Switzerland is known for its crisp, clean air, gorgeous lakes and unforgettable mountain scenery.

In the summertime, explore the incredible foothills of the Alps and stay in an amazing chalet overlooking the lush, green hills and valleys, dotted with the dairy cows whose milk is used to make the world-famous Swiss chocolate.

In the wintertime, Switzerland is one of the best places to enjoy winter sports, and its fabulous ski resorts are hugely popular with both visitors and locals alike. The fairytale town of Zermatt is a magical place to ski. Nestled in the Alps, from Zermatt you can see the Matterhorn, one of the most famous peaks in the world. Spend the day skiing in the fresh powdery snow then prepare from some fabulous apres-ski options.

From warming up in a deliciously toasty hot tub to sipping cocktails in one of Zermatt’s fantastic bars, the nightlife in this town is just as fantastic as the snow. Stay in one of Zermatt’s amazing chalets or log cabins and get cosy next to a roaring log fire. Whatever you’re looking for from a trip to Switzerland, the Escapes by BFP team can curate the ultimate luxury Swiss holiday for you.

Europe is a diverse continent with such a huge array of thing to do that it’s a year-round destination. The best time to visit depends entirely on what you’re looking for from your holiday, from skiing to culture to outdoor pursuits.

March to June and September to November will see weather throughout much of Europe which is warm but not hot, as well as being the best time to avoid the crowds. If you’re looking for heat, July to August is the hottest time of year in Europe, with temperatures rising significantly during this time.

Northern Europe can see very cold winters, while Southern Europe can be warm still, making it a good place to go for some winter sun.

Best time of year to visit Europe

December to February

December sees Christmas celebrations throughout Europe, with festive markets, events and twinkling lights in many of the towns, cities and villages across the continent.
January and February often see the coldest weather and the most snow, so this is a great time to go skiing in Switzerland. Southern Europe remains mild, and this is a good time to visit if you’re looking to avoid the crowds.

March to May

Springtime sees fabulous displays of flowers across the European countryside, and April and May are the loveliest time of year to visit Italy as the weather is warm, the flowers are out but the crowds of tourists who come in summer are still a few months off.
It’s a fantastic time to visit Portugal and Greece as well as the weather is perfect for exploring.

June to August

This is peak summer across Europe, with soaring temperatures and a lot more visitors. Montenegro is stunning at this time of year, and it’s also a good time to island hop in Greece and make the most of the cool air coming in off the Aegean. Cities can get very hot and sticky in the summer, but the Tuscan countryside is lovely as the grapes ripen on the vines ahead of wine making season in the autumn.

September to November

As autumn sweeps across Europe, the countryside mellows and the colours turn golden. There’s lots of sunny weather still to enjoy, but the peak temperatures have dropped making this a much better time of year for exploring European cities. In Iceland, your chance of seeing the Northern Lights improves from November, and they will continue to be frequently visible through to February.

From ancient monasteries converted into luxurious hotels in Tuscany to crisp white villas in Santorini and log cabins in Switzerland and Iceland, Europe has a huge diversity when it comes to hotels. Different countries in Europe have their own way of doing things, and the array of fantastic hotels on offer reflect this.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere romantic or somewhere family friendly, we can find the perfect place for you to stay to get the very most out of your time exploring Europe in style. Let us inspire you with a fabulous array of luxury hotels, memorable excursions and fine restaurants to make sure your trip to Europe is absolutely unforgettable.

Top Hotels in Europe

Ikos Dassia See more

Ikos Dassia

Greece

This stunning hotel right on Corfu’s Ionian shore is the ultimate in sumptuous modern luxury destinations. Learn about Corfu’s incredible history and the amazing tales told about the island in ancient Greek mythology.The all-inclusive resort’s 25 acres are filled with stunning trees and gardens, and are studded with swimming pools and delightful restaurants, featuring menus planned by international Michelin-starred chefs.The sumptuous rooms and suites make the most of the incredible views, and you can relax at the spa or drive out to explore the island on a tailored local drive adventure.

Ikos Dassia

Greece
This stunning hotel right on Corfu’s Ionian shore is the ultimate in sumptuous modern luxury destinations. Learn about Corfu’s incredible history and the amazing tales told about the island in ancient Greek mythology.The all-inclusive resort’s 25 acres are filled with stunning trees and gardens, and are studded with swimming pools and delightful restaurants, featuring menus planned by international Michelin-starred chefs.The sumptuous rooms and suites make the most of the incredible views, and you can relax at the spa or drive out to explore the island on a tailored local drive adventure.

Experience Greece at Ikos Dassia Get in touch today Plan your next escape
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon See more

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

Iceland

The Retreat is a stunning modern wellness destination featuring an incredible 60-suite hotel, underground spa, a private lagoon filled from the same thermal springs as the Blue Lagoon, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.It is the perfect place to escape the stresses of modern life and relax in the ultimate lap of luxury and wellness.Bathe in mineral-rich waters, and indulge in an in-water massage or a float therapy session. Enjoy a private wellness experience or yoga class with incredible views across the other-worldly landscape of the spectacular award-winning Blue Lagoon.

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

Iceland
The Retreat is a stunning modern wellness destination featuring an incredible 60-suite hotel, underground spa, a private lagoon filled from the same thermal springs as the Blue Lagoon, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.It is the perfect place to escape the stresses of modern life and relax in the ultimate lap of luxury and wellness.Bathe in mineral-rich waters, and indulge in an in-water massage or a float therapy session. Enjoy a private wellness experience or yoga class with incredible views across the other-worldly landscape of the spectacular award-winning Blue Lagoon.

Experience Iceland at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Get in touch today Plan your next escape

Plan your European Experience today