Fuelled by a fervent, genuine love for seeing the world, we regularly visit our holiday destinations to meet with hoteliers, retread each route, and discover new hidden gems to include in our itineraries. We check every detail and get to know each area inside out so we can be sure you have an unforgettable holiday, with our support if you need it.
Based on our recent visits abroad and our staff’s highlights while away, we’ve put together a seasonal timeline of top locations around Europe to travel to in the year ahead.
Based on our recent visits abroad and our staff’s highlights while away, we’ve put together a seasonal timeline of top locations around Europe to travel to in the year ahead.
Spring spotlight: Slovenia
Visiting this enchanting country in May, Inntravel destination expert Vicky had mountains to recommend…
“Walking around Kobarid really encapsulated the uniqueness of Slovenia. An early morning ascent through cool woodlands took us to a remote village set in meadows under the shadow of Mount Krn, with no one about except a local family chasing an escaped goat over the steps of the church. Coming back down, we took in the headline sites – the beautiful Waterfall Kozjak and the classic views over the Soča Valley. There are secrets to be found here too – a narrow path branching off in the woods took us through restored frontline trenches from the First World War; an instant connection to the region’s darker past.
And the food was universally exciting! Slovenian food is so underrated, with talented chefs drawing on both Alpine and Mediterranean influences. Although my favourite, the Slovenian Štruklji, was the most traditional, every region has a different take on these delicious, rolled dumplings – sometimes savoury, sometimes sweet.
“Walking around Kobarid really encapsulated the uniqueness of Slovenia. An early morning ascent through cool woodlands took us to a remote village set in meadows under the shadow of Mount Krn, with no one about except a local family chasing an escaped goat over the steps of the church. Coming back down, we took in the headline sites – the beautiful Waterfall Kozjak and the classic views over the Soča Valley. There are secrets to be found here too – a narrow path branching off in the woods took us through restored frontline trenches from the First World War; an instant connection to the region’s darker past.
And the food was universally exciting! Slovenian food is so underrated, with talented chefs drawing on both Alpine and Mediterranean influences. Although my favourite, the Slovenian Štruklji, was the most traditional, every region has a different take on these delicious, rolled dumplings – sometimes savoury, sometimes sweet.
But my abiding memory of Slovenia in spring was being woken at 7am in the Hotel Jezero at Lake Bohinj by a procession of cars with horns tooting and Slovenian flags flying. It was the 1st of May, and the tradition is that they're waking up the year – winter is over; time for summer to wake up and get on with it! It's a tradition you don't see in Bled, which is more touristy, but remains in the quieter areas, and it truly felt like summer was around the corner that day – it was so warm! So being surrounded by lakes and rivers, all of them pristine, perfectly clean, and madly picturesque, was a huge boon for the wild swimmer in me!”
Stories of summer
The warmer months see lots of Inntravel staff hit the trails – and to a range of inspiring destinations.
Becky’s mountain marvels, June
What really stood out to me were the colours – the green of the valleys, the bright blue skies, and wildflowers everywhere. The walking was incredible – easy, but every day brought a new amazing.png "right-quote-(1).png")
viewpoint.
Adam’s Oberland journey, July
This was my first time walking in Switzerland, and it really exceeded my already-high expectations. There is something truly special about walking through the soft green, flower-filled Alpine meadows set against a backdrop of stark, grey, snow-capped peaks. The calmness is quite emotive, and it feels like a great privilege just being in the presence of the mountains. My favourite moment was definitely taking a detour to the peak of Stübleni on the walk from Lenk to Lauenen to watch a family of Alpine marmots playing in the crags – unforgettable.
Lee’s lake experience, July
My trip around Lakes Iseo and Garda was an absolute joy from start to finish. The gorgeous family-run hotels made me feel so welcome, each one full of character. Every day brought another breathtaking view.The food! Fresh, local ingredients, perfectly prepared – from handmade pasta to lake fish and regional wines. It was the perfect blend of warm hospitality, stunning scenery, and authentic Italian flavour – a holiday I’ll never
forget.
Golden hour
As autumn paints Europe in warm watercolours and earthy shades of auburn, russet, copper, and gold, it could be argued that this majestic season is the best time to explore, especially with fewer tourists than the summer.
“In the autumn I travelled to two of our holiday destinations – the Alsace region of France and Portugal’s Douro Valley – and, for me, it was all about the colours.
In the Alsace, the change of the seasons turns the vineyards a vibrant gold and yellow. The contrast between the rolling hills which surround the pretty towns and the half-timber villages is really quite special and, even in rainy weather – which it was when I was there – there is a certain cosiness about walking through the villages or enjoying the colours from a comforting café with some cake. Autumn is also the time to taste the ‘new wine’, a sweet grape juice which is produced as fermentation gets underway.
The Douro is another wine region, so again the hillsides were a riot of colourful vines – particularly in a lot of reds, which were really vibrant. It was harvest time here too, so the wineries were busy with the chance to join in with the stomping of the grapes. The dramatic landscape had steep hillsides and spectacular views, made more atmospheric by stormy weather. My personal highlight, though, was a convivial dinner at the Casa de Casal de Loivos, one of our holiday stays. Everyone sits down together around the table, swapping stories of their day, enjoying local home-cooked food, and sampling the best regional wines.”
“In the autumn I travelled to two of our holiday destinations – the Alsace region of France and Portugal’s Douro Valley – and, for me, it was all about the colours.
In the Alsace, the change of the seasons turns the vineyards a vibrant gold and yellow. The contrast between the rolling hills which surround the pretty towns and the half-timber villages is really quite special and, even in rainy weather – which it was when I was there – there is a certain cosiness about walking through the villages or enjoying the colours from a comforting café with some cake. Autumn is also the time to taste the ‘new wine’, a sweet grape juice which is produced as fermentation gets underway.
The Douro is another wine region, so again the hillsides were a riot of colourful vines – particularly in a lot of reds, which were really vibrant. It was harvest time here too, so the wineries were busy with the chance to join in with the stomping of the grapes. The dramatic landscape had steep hillsides and spectacular views, made more atmospheric by stormy weather. My personal highlight, though, was a convivial dinner at the Casa de Casal de Loivos, one of our holiday stays. Everyone sits down together around the table, swapping stories of their day, enjoying local home-cooked food, and sampling the best regional wines.”
—Rebecca, Destination Expert, October (France) and November (Portugal)
“Last October I was in Greece, visiting the islands that feature on our Cyclades island-hopping walking holiday and I was struck by what a perfect time of year it is to visit these islands. The late summer has morphed into early autumn, so things are winding down – the pace is a little slower, the trails are quiet, the beaches empty – but the sea is still warm and the sun as warm and bright as ever, reflecting off those brilliant bleached-white buildings topped with those distinctive blue domes, which are so synonymous with the Cycladic islands.
Sitting at a small taverna near the port on Serifos – having a simple lunch of chicken cooked in the most vibrant lemon sauce, served with a simple Greek salad and homemade bread, while waiting for my ferry to Sifnos – I found myself thinking, this really is the best time of year to visit these special islands.”
—James, Destination Expert, October
Otherworldly winters
As rugged mountain peaks pierce the chilly skies, their slopes softened by snow-dusted trees, and crystals of ice sparkle on Alpine lakes, large parts of Europe transform into landscapes that seem out of this world in the winter.
Craig’s Norwegian adventure, December
Visiting Norway in winter is completely different to summer. The fjords are quieter, and there’s a stillness that makes every view feel like a painting. Riding the Flåm Railway with frost on the trees, cruising through the icy fjords, and wandering through Oslo or Bergen in the crisp air is magical.Lucy’s winter wonders in Austria, December
There’s nowhere quite like the Austrian Tyrol in winter for me. It was a treat to stay at the Hotel Wiesenhof in Pertisau, a wonderful family-run hotel nestled beneath the Karwendel mountains with walking, skiing, and snowshoeing routes from the door. We spent the mornings up in the mountains, seeking out a Hütte for local specialities like Käsespätzle, enjoyed the afternoon in the spa, and whiled away the evenings feasting on the hotel’s five-course evening meals.