A bucket list is a tricky thing to hone—particularly for the editors of Condé Nast Traveller UK, who spend each day dreaming about the world’s prettiest destinations. We asked them to let us in on their ultimate holiday itineraries in Europe. From embracing slow travel in stunning Northern Italian villas to Greek island hopping in the Aegean, from embarking on a top-to-bottom roadtrip through Norway to taking the scenic route from Istanbul to Paris in the plush cars of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, these are the European destinations our well-traveled team have put at the top of their bucket lists—to inspire your future travels.
Marseille is firmly in the sights of Noo Saro-Wiwa. The Provençal port city, founded by the ancient Greeks, was once France’s gateway to the Mediterranean and Africa. Its seedy reputation was sanitized a decade ago following a $560 million investment, yet for all its zhuzh the city still exudes a lingering edginess. Noo plans to explore Marseille’s dramatic topography and limestone escarpments lashed by Mediterranean waves, following the coastline towards the cliffs of the Calanques, where turquoise inlets sparkle in the sunshine.
Oslo has caught the attention of Sarah Bannerman, who is drawn to the city’s Scandi-cool vibes. The modernity and cleanliness of the airport sparked her interest, and she looks forward to wandering the city without an agenda, enjoying the promise of a good hotel like Sommerro with its rooftop pool and mix of 1930s glamour and contemporary style.
Lucy Bruton is eager to discover Portugal’s second city, Porto. Despite never visiting Portugal, she is captivated by Porto’s old-world charm and vibrant atmosphere, particularly enticed by the idea of lazy afternoons spent meandering the streets and enjoying a glass of sweet Port in local bars.
For Lauren Burvill, the surreal rock pools of Pamukkale in Turkey have long been on her bucket list. She dreams of taking a dip in the mineral-rich hot springs before heading to the Hillside Beach Club in Fethiye. The turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea surrounding the hotel offer a surreal sight for relaxation.
Amber Port craves indulging in slow travel at Lake Garda, Italy. She envisions spending a month connecting with the destination’s culture, people, and food, enjoying slow mornings with a book, lakeside frolics, and evenings at charming trattorias savoring homemade Italian cuisine.
Sarah James is enticed by the idea of island hopping in Greece, exploring Sifnos for Greek feasts, Hydra for the arty scene, Milos for the beaches, and Skopelos for a glimpse of the Mamma Mia! church. She dreams of returning to Santorini, trying the island’s wine, and staying at the Perivolas Hotel set among cliffside houses.
Exploring the Westfjords in Iceland is on Charley Ward’s travel wishlist. She plans to immerse herself in the dramatic landscapes at the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, visit the towering waterfall Dynjandi, relax in hot springs, and discover the pinky-reddish sands of Raudasandur while whale-watching.
Abigail Malbon dreams of road-tripping through Italy’s coastline, starting in Sorrento, driving through Positano and Amalfi, and ending in Salerno for pasta dishes. She envisions the journey akin to a fifties movie star experience, soaking in the picturesque views along the Amalfi Coast.
Connor Sturges, on the other hand, is captivated by the idea of touring through Norway, starting in Oslo, visiting the island of Hovedøya, and exploring Trondheim and the Lofoten archipelago. He longs for the quiet beaches, tiny fishing villages, and a chance to witness the Northern Lights in Tromsø.
Lastly, Jessica Rach is enchanted by the allure of staying at Le Sirenuse in Positano, Italy. The fairytale villa offers captivating views of the Amalfi Coast, a cappuccino and cornetto on the balcony, a dip in the iconic pool, and delightful truffle ravioli on the magical dinner terrace.
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