Ultimate Europe Bucket List: Top 15 Must-Do Trips, Experiences and Challenges

Looking for the ultimate Europe bucket list? Congrats!

Travelling to Europe is a true adventure!

The old continent is home to beautiful countries, cultures, cuisines, histories, and languages, making every trip an exhilarating blend of education, inspiration, and pure enjoyment.

But with such a wealth of options, where should you set your sights? Which experiences should top your travel agenda? 

At Skyhook, we've taken the guesswork out of your next European adventure.

From its sun-drenched southern shores to its rugged northern coastlines, we've scoured the continent to craft the ultimate Europe bucket list:

Talk of the best mountains to climb in Europe, and Tour du Mont Blanc tops the list! It's an epic trek spanning 170 kilometres through France, Italy, and Switzerland. 

Starting from the charming town of Chamonix in France, the trail traverses diverse terrains, including lush valleys, rocky paths, and serene meadows. 

It then takes you to quaint villages like Courmayeur in Italy and Champex in Switzerland, where you can rest and soak in the local culture.

This test of endurance rewards you with some of Europe's most breathtaking mountain scenery and a sense of accomplishment that's hard to beat.

For a shorter but equally memorable experience, consider Skyhook's Tour du Mont 4-day guided trek.

This 4-day adventure offers a taste of the trek, featuring stunning glaciers, serene mountain lakes, and a faithful group journey that balances challenge and achievement.

If you're looking for a more immersive experience, we also offer a comprehensive 10-day Tour du Mont Blanc hike to fully explore this iconic trail. 

Why not dive into Greece's enchanting islands as your next adventure? 

In Santorini, you'll stroll through whitewashed streets, soak up stunning sunsets, and visit iconic blue-domed churches. 

This island, shaped by a volcanic eruption, also features unique black sand beaches and ancient ruins like Akrotiri, a Bronze Age settlement.

Mykonos will captivate you with its lively nightlife, charming old town, and gorgeous beaches like Paradise and Super Paradise.

Nearby Delos is a small island with great mythological, historical, and archaeological significance.

Is city or island adventures not your thing?

You can hike Mt Olympus, which stands at an impressive 2919m. Alternatively, book any Skyhook's Greece trips like the Hike & Raft Greece's Vikos-Aoös Circuit or Hiking on Crete Island - Samaria Gorge and South Coast tours.

UK's highest peak, Ben Nevis, is one of the best and hardest mountains to climb in the UK. 

Nestled in the northwest Highlands near Fort William, it was once a colossal volcano that exploded and collapsed millions of years ago. Ben Nevis now presents its rugged summit with light-coloured granite.

The Gaelic name Ben Nevis can be translated to "mountain with its head in the clouds," a nod to its often mist-shrouded peak, or "venomous mountain," which you might find fitting after the climb.

Whether you're an avid hiker or simply an admirer of stunning landscapes, reaching the summit of 'the Ben' is a rewarding experience. 

We even take you on a five-day Hike, Ben Nevis, and a canoe trip through Scotland—a unique combination of conquering Ben Nevis and paddling through serene waters for the best Scottish journey.

While in the UK, you can escape to the Isles of Scilly, a subtropical paradise off the southern tip of Cornwall.

With its white sands, clear blue skies, and lush green foliage, you might think you've landed in the Caribbean.

The Isles of Scilly are renowned for their stunning natural beauty. They are an ideal destination between mid-April and July when puffin spotting season is in full swing.

You'll explore the crystal-clear waters, enjoy the tranquil beaches, and immerse yourself in the relaxed island atmosphere of this charming archipelago.

For food lovers, San Sebastián in Spain's Basque Country is your paradise. This coastal city is renowned for its culinary scene, boasting the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita.

You can embark on a pintxo crawl through the charming old town and savour these delectable Basque tapas at various bars.

Pintxos are typically skewered seafood, meat, or vegetable bites creatively paired with local ingredients.

To experience the ultimate culinary indulgence, you can dine at one of the city's many Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Arzak or Akelarre. 

In addition to the food, you can enjoy views of Mount Urgull and Mount Igueldo or go sea kayaking, sunbathing, and swimming on Santa Clara Island.

A cruise through Norway's dramatic fjords should be on your list. The UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord offer some of the most stunning scenery.

Along the way, picturesque villages like Flåm provide opportunities to ride the famous Flåm Railway, one of the world's steepest train lines.

For an even more immersive adventure, check out Skyhook's Hike, Kayak and Wild Camp, the Norwegian Fjords, a 4-day adventure around a Norwegian paradise. 

Whether you visit during the summer's midnight sun, when the sun lingers in the sky for weeks, or in winter to witness the Northern Lights, this experience promises to be unforgettable.

Ever dream of escaping to a world of turrets, towers and enchantment? Germany's storied castles will transport you to a land of make-believe.

Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled in Bavaria, inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle and offers breathtaking views of the Alps and lakes.

Then there's Burg Eltz, a medieval fortress perched above the Moselle River, captivating visitors with its picturesque setting and well-preserved architecture.

And don't miss Heidelberg Castle, a magnificent Renaissance ruin overlooking the charming university town of Heidelberg. 

This castle provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's past while offering panoramic views of the Neckar River.

This annual event, held in the lead-up to Lent, dates back to the 12th century and is famed for its elaborate masks and costumes.

Imagine yourself donning an intricate mask and costume to participate in this centuries-old tradition. You'll also get to:

More highlights include the Festa Veneziana on the water, the masked procession of the Festa delle Marie, and the grand finale, the "Svolo del Leon" in St. Mark's Square. 

Witnessing the Aurora Borealis dance across the night sky is a must on any European bucket list.

Iceland offers prime viewing spots, where the lights often appear from September to April, which is the best time to travel to Iceland for the Northern Lights. 

You can stay in a glass-roofed igloo at the Northern Light Inn or join a guided Northern Lights tour for the best chances of seeing this natural wonder.

But Iceland is not just about nighttime spectacles.

You can sink into the milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon, where you can slather yourself in silica mud and pretend you're an extra in a sci-fi film. Then, buckle up for the Golden Circle tour.

You'll see Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir hot spring area, and Thingvellir National Park (where you can stand between two continents - how's that for a travel brag?)

If you have more energy, join us at Skyhook for our Hornstrandir Traverse tour - a 3-day wilderness hiking and camping trip in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, northwest Iceland!

Exploring the Netherlands by bike reveals a world of charming villages, iconic windmills, and vibrant tulip fields.

The flat terrain allows for winding along peaceful canals and picturesque landscapes.

Highlights include the beautiful Kinderdijk windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site with 19 well-preserved windmills, and the Keukenhof Gardens, where millions of tulips bloom each spring in a dazzling display of colours.

Budapest's thermal baths offer a unique blend of relaxation and cultural experience.

The city sits on a patchwork of hot springs, and bathing in these mineral-rich waters is a quintessential Hungarian experience.

Visit the grand Széchenyi Baths, one of Europe's largest spa complexes, featuring neo-baroque architecture and outdoor pools open year-round. 

Or, explore the art nouveau Gellért Baths, known for their beautiful mosaics and stained glass.

For a unique twist, attend a late-night "sparty" at the Rudas Baths to combine thermal bathing with a lively party atmosphere.

How about embarking on a thrilling drive along Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast? 

This 50-kilometre stretch offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, colourful cliffside villages, and heart-stopping hairpin bends.

Starting in Sorrento and going to Amalfi, you'll pass through picturesque towns like Positano, with its steep streets and vibrant houses, and Ravello, known for its stunning villas and gardens.

Along the way, savour fresh seafood and limoncello, and take a boat trip to the glamorous island of Capri, famous for its Blue Grotto and upscale shops. 

Plitvice Lakes National Park offers an extraordinary natural landscape with its 16 terraced lakes connected by cascading waterfalls.

Depending on the minerals present and the angle of light, the lakes' colours shift from azure to green, grey, or blue.

The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including bears, wolves, and rare bird species. 

Are you done too early in your vacation? Hop on for Skyhook's Rafting, Canyoning, and Kayaking on Croatia's Cetina River trip, where we explore the waters and beauty of Omiš, River Cetina, and the Adriatic Sea!

Why not join millions of revellers at the world's largest folk festival, Oktoberfest, in Munich?

This 16 to 18-day festival, held annually from late September to the first weekend in October, celebrates Bavarian culture with beer, food, music, and traditional attire.

You'll don lederhosen (for men) or a dirnd (for women) and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.

You'll also sample various German beers brewed for the festival, feast on pretzels, bratwurst, and roast chicken, and join in the singing and dancing in the massive beer tents.

Enjoy the opening parade, tapping the first keg, and the traditional oompah bands!

If you travel to learn about culture, you will love Turkey's location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Here, you get a rich historical heritage, unique architecture, art, and traditions that blend Eastern and Western influences. 

But do make sure to visit and explore Istanbul.

It is the most popular city in Turkey and is even confused as the capital (which is Ankara, by the way!).

Some of the best places to go are the Hagia Sophia, a stunning architectural piece with a history as a church, mosque, and now museum, and the Blue Mosque, known for its impressive blue-tiled interior. 

Sample the food, especially baklava, a sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.

Also, don't miss out on trying a traditional Turkish coffee, where you can even have your fortune told from the coffee grounds​!

Europe is full of places and unique adventures - best believe these are just a fraction of what you can do.

With 44 beautiful countries, you're spoilt for choice.

Each country offers its unique story, so pack your curiosity and explore this incredible continent's diverse and gorgeous corners!