Beat the heat with a European holiday in May

Before the intense sun and boatloads of tourists settle in for the summer season, find time in May to take a tour to some of the top 10 European destinations for this month. Visit Spain in May for warm and balmy weather, perfect for partaking in the San Isidro Festival or exploring the Moorish architecture of its major cities. If you’re keen to get your steps in before the peak mid-year heat, hike up the ruins of the old coastal cities of Croatia or get lost in the fortresses, temples and stunning landscapes of the central Mediterranean wonder that is Malta.

Top 10 Europe tours May 2025

Departing Days From ZAR
1 May 2025
Iceland Express
5 25355
1 May 2025
Premium Venice to Split
9 100085
1 May 2025
Premium Venice to Dubrovnik
16 171520
1 May 2025
Taste of Istanbul
3 9705
1 May 2025
Premium Rome to Dubrovnik
23 272090
1 May 2025
Premium Tuscany
8 105615
1 May 2025
Walk the Camino de Santiago
7 28770
1 May 2025
Cappadocia Short Break
4 9335
1 May 2025
Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia
8 67225
1 May 2025
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
5 44500
1 May 2025
Gallipoli Pilgrimage
2 3623
1 May 2025
Premium Turkey in Depth
15 104355
1 May 2025
Premium Rome to Split
16 196730
1 May 2025
Best of Italy
14 81416
1 May 2025
Northern & Southern Ireland
8 68525
1 May 2025
Italy: Highlights of Sicily
8 52755
1 May 2025
Portuguese Camino
10 42990
2 May 2025
Rome to Amalfi
8 47470
2 May 2025
Iceland Discovery
8 64640
2 May 2025
Six Days in Turkey
Ages 18 to 35
6 10345
2 May 2025
Highlights of Scotland
8 67960
2 May 2025
Premium Scotland
8 107690
2 May 2025
Italy Real Food Adventure
8 58406
3 May 2025
Best of Greece
15 82875
3 May 2025
Highlights of Italy
8 33935
3 May 2025
Premium Iceland
9 129350
3 May 2025
Barcelona to Paris
8 39620
3 May 2025
Barcelona to Berlin
15 81300
3 May 2025
Greece Sailing Adventure: Cyclades Islands
10 42816
3 May 2025
Turkey Encompassed
15 70335
3 May 2025
Budapest to Rome
26 94155
3 May 2025
Berlin to Rome
22 86495
3 May 2025
Barcelona to Venice
29 134510
3 May 2025
Barcelona to Rome
15 96060
3 May 2025
Real Turkey
Ages 18 to 35
15 31720
3 May 2025
Sail Greece: Santorini to Mykonos
8 30437
3 May 2025
Western Balkans Uncovered
12 59050
3 May 2025
Balkan Adventure
15 51190
3 May 2025
Explore the Balkans
10 27865
3 May 2025
Mainland Greece Discovery
8 37870
3 May 2025
Kosovo, Albania & Macedonia Explorer
15 50695
3 May 2025
Vienna to Dubrovnik
29 116250
3 May 2025
Madrid to Marrakech
15 65850
3 May 2025
Highlights of Turkey & the Greek Islands
15 95170
3 May 2025
Budapest to Bucharest
10 43670
3 May 2025
Turkey Highlights
8 34015
3 May 2025
Berlin to Venice
15 52620
3 May 2025
Berlin to Budapest
8 27405
3 May 2025
Essential Turkey
Ages 18 to 35
10 22370
3 May 2025
Balkan & Dalmatia Discovery
22 87350

Highlights of May 2025 tours

Cinque Terre and the stunning beach, Italy

Cinque Terre, Italy

Get lost as you roam the brightly coloured seaside villages of Cinque Terre on an Italian adventure. Sample the region’s local produce at the clifftop vineyards and olive groves while travelling between Monterosso, Corniglia and Riomaggiore. The walking routes of this region will give you a stunning view of the northwest Italian coastline but may require an afternoon swim to cool off after the steep climb.

A train station in Budapest during sunset, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary

Explore both sides of Budapest by day and night for a taste of this Eastern European capital city. Find yourself relaxing in a thermal bath or ascending the steps of Castle Hill for a panoramic view of the beautiful cityscape. End your evening with a stroll or boat ride along the Danube to see the beautiful vista by night or stop by one of the region’s signature ruin bars for Hungary’s national drink, pálinka.

Eating custard tarts in Portugal

Real food adventure, Portugal

Take a dive into new cuisine on a Real Food Adventure through Portugal. Sample Galician food on day one and learn how to cook it on day two. Sip on port and discover its origins in the city of Porto then enjoy the rustic life of a Portuguese farm before heading to the country’s capital. While admiring the city’s historical splendour, treat yourself to tapas and finish with the country’s favourite custard tarts.

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Ancient landscapes in Ireland

Fancy an Irish adventure? Let Ireland’s ancient history astound you while traipsing across its vast island scenery. You’ll be met with man-made and natural wonders alike such as Ross Castle and The Giant's Causeway. When away from the country, find yourself tucked into a classic Irish pub for an energetic live performance, local delicacies and a pint of signature brew – a perfect way to end your day.

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FAQs

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid’s COVID-19 policy

A tour in Europe can vary depending on the countries you want to visit, the style of tour, and how long you want to go for but you can expect to pay anywhere between USD$1,000 to USD$5,000, with most tours around USD$2,500. 

Whether or not you need a visa to travel to European countries largely depends on the nationality on your passport and whether the country you're travelling to is part of the Schengen Agreement. This agreement sees 26 European countries offer visa-free travel to nationals from 60 other countries including Australia, the United States, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom. 

To determine whether the country you're travelling to requires a visa, head to the Schengen Visa's information website. 

Read more about visas for Europe

    Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

    Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid

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