Are you looking to venture beyond the cities on your next European getaway? Do you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life? If your answer is yes, we have got you covered. While Europe offers a plethora of enchanting cities to visit, there is something exciting about exploring beyond that. These day trips are not only refreshing but are perfect if you want to dig deeper into the continent’s rich history and culture. From discovering hidden gems to experiencing picturesque landscapes, here are the 7 best day trips you should take to uncover places other than major cities of Europe.
1. Beyond Paris: Explore the Grandeur of Versailles Palace
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One of the most famous day trips in Europe, Versailles Palace is a short train ride from Paris. Known for its magnificence and architectural grandeur, this palace features lavish interiors and extensive gardens.
Begin your day trip by exploring the Hall of Mirrors, get insights into its rich history with a Versailles guided tour. With perfectly manicured lawns, fountains and statues, the garden of Versailles offers a spectacular experience to its visitors. Visit the Trianon Palaces and Queen’s Hamlet, a quaint town built for Marie Antoinette. Ideal for all the history buffs, you definitely should take this day trip if you want to know about lives of French Royalty in 17th and 18th centuries.
2. Beyond Rome: Discover Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast
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Rome is a great destination to experience the vibrant street life and explore ancient ruins. But if you are someone who wants to explore more than that, visiting Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast is your best bet. Start your day by exploring Pompeii, your getaway to know about Roman life. This place is famous for its well-preserved streets, amphitheatres, homes and baths. After this, you can visit the Amalfi Coast, one of the most picturesque stretches in Italy. An ideal spot for relaxing, you can enjoy views of its dramatic cliff, colourful villages and crystal-clear waters. Don’t miss out on the amazing food you can try there and visit nearby towns like Positano and Ravello. A perfect day trip for anyone looking for a relaxing yet adventure filled getaway.
3. Beyond London: Explore Stonehenge and Bath
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On your next trip to London, skip the city to visit Stonehenge and Bath and indulge yourself in the English history and natural beauty of this day trip. Stonehenge is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. This prehistoric monument is ideal for all the history buffs. However, the construction of these stone circles remains a mystery adding to the thrill of visiting the place and exploring on your own. Opt for a Stonehenge tour from London for a hassle-free experience.
After spending some time at Stonehenge, head to the Bath, a city famous for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture. This day trip will offer you a chance to witness the well-preserved ancient Roman baths and dig deeper into the lives of the Romans there. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city, explore charming streets, and visit the Bath Abbey, there is a lot you can do on your trip to this city. An ideal hideout spot for all the history enthusiasts, this city along with Stonehenge, is a must-visit on your next trip to London.
4. Beyond Barcelona: Discover the Wonders of Montserrat
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While covering all the important sites, we can’t miss Montserrat. Located about an hour from Barcelona, this mountain range offers some of the most stunning views. It is also home to a famous monastery, the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, a Benedictine monastery that houses the famous Black Madonna statue. This place is usually packed with tourists and pilgrims who come to enjoy the scenic surroundings here.
If you are an adrenaline junkie, this peak offers numerous hiking trails with picturesque views of the Catalonian landscape. Take a cable car ride to the top of the mountain and enjoy scenic views that stretch all the way to the Pyrenees. You can also for a Montserrat guided tour for a more comprehensive experience.
5. Beyond Amsterdam: Explore the Beauty of Keukenhof Gardens
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If you happen to visit Amsterdam during the spring season, you cannot end you trip without taking a day tour of the Keukenhof Gardens. One of the largest flower gardens in the world, Keukenhof houses over seven million tulips and other flowers indigenous to Holland. A picture-perfect place to visit, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the garden and just enjoy the tranquil ambience.
Located about 40 minutes from Amsterdam, these gardens host several exhibitions and features many artistic floral displays and themed gardens. The best time to plan this day trip is between Mid-March and Mid-May when you can see flowers in their full bloom. A trip to Keukenhof Gardens is one of the most delightful and visually stunning day trips in Europe.
6. Beyond Berlin: Discover the Charm of Potsdam
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A city known for its palaces, parks and history; Potsdam is yet another great day trip in Europe. Just a short train ride from Berlin, Potsdam houses the stunning Sanssouci Palace and was also the summer residence of the King of Prussia. The palace and its gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and depicts the grandeur of the Prussian Empire.
Take a stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens, explore the Rococo architecture and visit the Neues Palais, a grand baroque palace. Potsdam is also home to the Dutch Quarter, a charming neighbourhood with red-brick buildings that offer a unique contrast to the city’s palatial grandeur.
Conclusion
Day trips in Europe are a great way to explore the perfect blend of history, culture and natural beauty that Europe has to offer. From visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Versailles to exploring a wide range of flower species at the Keukenhof Gardens, these day trips ensure that you have a unique and engaging experience. Now that you know about all the great places to visit plan a trip to this continent and visit these places on your next trip here. You can also check out our wide range of tours and attraction tickets for the city you are visiting and have a memorable experience.
