Europe may lack size compared to other continents, but it makes up for it with culture. Everywhere you travel you’ll find yourself surrounded by evidence of Europe’s complex and fascinating history: from the Moorish palaces of Spain, to the ancient stone circles of England and from the Vatican city and Colosseum in Rome to the Brandenburg gate that separated East and West Germany in Berlin.
You’ll also find a variety of beautiful natural sights ranging from the warmth of the Mediterranean to the cold Arctic Circle and from the heights of the Alps down to the varied beaches all around its coasts.
On a Europe overland tour, you can cover a lot of ground in a relatively short space of time. You could work your way along the warm coastal regions of the South. There are still many areas where you’ll see unspoilt fishing villages and empty beaches. Make sure you take in some of Spain’s enchanting coastal cities along the way: such as Granada (home to the Alhambra) and Seville.
Whatever the time of year, a trip to the Alps is a must. In summer, you can walk through wildlflowers, rock-climb and mountain-bike. In winter, you can ski or snowboard. At any time of year, you will enjoy a warm mountain welcome.
Further east, you’ll find a world of ancient forests and timeless villages. Countries such as Ukraine and Belarus have a very different identity to their western cousins, bridging the gap between Europe and the Middle East. You could follow the Danube river from Germany to Romania, for a cultural journey through the continent’s heart.
For real wilderness, head north to Scandinavia. Travel to the far north, where the sun never sets in summer. The landscape is breathtaking and sparsely populated. It’s well worth taking in the Norwegian city of Tromso, a friendly, lively city that is considered to be the ‘capital of the Arctic’.
You can make your Europe overland trip whatever you want it to be. One thing’s for sure: whatever you do, you’ll never get bored.
