You might have a to squint at a map to spot Slovenia, but for a little country in central Europe it packs an adrenaline-fuelled wallop. There are the Alps running along the north; pristine lakes, karst caves and forests abound in the middle; plus a snipped of Adriatic coastline to the west. Combined, they make the perfect playground for adventure-seekers. Here’s our guide to the biggest thrills.
Scotland is known for many things, Irn Bru, rain; it is also a fantastic place for a wide variety of outdoor pursuits. With a countryside rich in everything from towering mountains to crystal-clear lochs, Scotland’s Highlands boast some of the most impressive scenery in Europe. With a varied national geography running from the lowlands on the English border to the stunning Highlands. Up north you’ll find everything from mountain ranges for snow sports, sweeping lochs for watersports, and no shortage of stunning scenery for trekking through, mountain biking across and generally marvelling
The mountains and farm-covered countryside of northern Switzerland are prime biking territory. The scene is classically Swiss - green, natural, with gentle clanging from Alpine cow bells sounding across the hills and valleys. On our e-bikes, we ride past lavender fields and classic flower- covered farm chalets, racing down hills and effortlessly climbing to the tops of others. Always in the distance are the serene white peaks of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.
Pisa is a perfectly lovely Tuscan student town that's become a landmark around the world because of its extraordinary gravity-defying tourist pull: There's no denying the Tower, or Torre in Italian, is unique, but the town has loads more on offer.
With its splendid architecture, wide collection of museums and galleries, and regular performances of world-class ballet and classical music, this is the place to embrace high art. Throw in atmospheric bars, taverns and cafes, and you've got the makings of a wonderful city.
The Schloss Schonbrunn, the baroque palace that was Marie Antoinette's home as a child, is a microcosm of Vienna - touching on many of the things for which the city is famed.
A twig snaps in the distance and birds begin to circle ominously overhead. I hold my breath, keeping my eyes peeled for a flash of fur. We are in prime brown bear territory in Kainnu, Finland's northern-most region, just 2km from the Russian border. There are only two inhabitants per square kilometre in Kainnu, which is the size Belgium. The plan is to spot more bears than people.
Adventure awaits you in Austria. As the seasons in Tirol change, so too does the landscape; transforming the region from a winter wonderland into a summer playground. Think majestic mountains and craggy ravines, emerald pastures strewn with wildflowers, playful brooks rushing through verdant woodland, and crystal-clear lakes just waiting to be leapt into. Winding pathways meander throughout, helping those who wish to wander; in fact, there's 24,000km worth of marked hiking trails and 6,000km of mountain bike tracks to find and countless outdoor activities to try. Charming alpine villages with friendly locals, hearty dishes served in cosy mountains huts, and lively summer festivals all add to the appeal after an action-packed day of exploration.
Leave all your preconceptions about southern Italy at the departure gate - Naples is a hidden gem of culture, history and, of course, food. Nestled in the shadow of an active volcano and infamous as a mafia hot-spot, it's safe to say that this is a city with an edge. For decades considered little more than northern Italy's crime-ridden junkyard, Naples has cleaned itself up and is now enjoying a second renaissance, but hasn't yet had its authenticity beaten out of it by gentrification and tourism.
Life in Bergen has always been defined by the sea. Lying on the southern part of Norway's fjord-speckled western coast, the city descends from the seven mountains that frame it to meet a dramatic, fractured coastline of inlets and islands. It's impossible to detach Bergen's existence from its seafaring past and present. Today, visitors flock to see the medieval harbour front, Bryggen, which sprung up in response to a flourishing codfish industry - one that saw Bergen become Scandinavia's largest city in the 1600s.
The water's two degrees and my mouth, the only part of me exposed, is now numb. It's of no mind, though; the extreme environment is too beautiful to be worrying about small discomforts. I lie still, occasional wafts of my flippers my only movement, drifting in a current through the thin beginning of Iceland's Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park, as I prepare to glide between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. It's a tranquil time, silent and pure.
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