Dreaming of Europe in the summer but not the long lines, packed plazas, and selfie sticks at every turn? You’re not alone. While Europe continues to shine as a top summer destination, it doesn’t mean you have to follow the tourist trail to experience its charm. Let’s explore a different side of Europe for summer 2025: one that’s slower-paced, full of character, and wrapped in comfort, authenticity, and a little bit of luxury.

Europe is full of familiar favorites—but just beyond them lie places that feel like your own personal discovery. Instead of the ever-popular Amalfi Coast, why not venture a little further south to the Cilento Coast? Here, you'll find dramatic cliffs, quiet beaches, and authentic Italian life, where family-run trattorias serve fresh seafood and limoncello flows freely—but without the crowds.

Or trade the whitewashed buildings and cruise ship crowds of Santorini for the laid-back elegance of Syros or Milos. These Cycladic islands offer striking scenery, warm hospitality, and quiet coves perfect for sunset swims.

In France, skip the bustling cities and head into the Alsace region, where half-timbered houses line cobbled streets, and vineyards stretch for miles. Or explore Provence beyond the postcards, in charming hilltop villages like Gordes and Roussillon, where you can wake up to lavender-scented air and the gentle hum of cicadas.

A luxury vacation isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you experience it. When you escape the crowds, doors open to more personal, more memorable adventures.

Imagine sailing along the Dalmatian Coast in a private boat, where your skipper knows all the secret coves and quiet spots to stop for a swim. Or wandering through the Umbrian countryside with a local truffle hunter and his dog, then sitting down to enjoy your finds with a glass of regional wine.

In Portugal, stay at a restored countryside estate, where you can take a hands-on cooking class using ingredients from the garden, followed by a relaxing afternoon by the pool and a sunset wine tasting with the winemaker himself.

These experiences don’t appear in guidebooks—they’re crafted with care and tailored to your interests, offering not just sights, but stories.

Looking to avoid both the crowds and the heat? Northern Europe comes alive in summer—and it’s a dream for travelers seeking space, scenery, and fresh air.

In Norway, cruise through deep blue fjords lined with waterfalls and sheer cliffs. Stop in charming coastal towns, hike scenic trails, and soak up the endless daylight under the midnight sun. A luxury fjord cruise or private land journey offers a peaceful way to explore this spectacular country.

Iceland is another summer stunner. Think surreal volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches, and puffins nesting along the cliffs. With long daylight hours and cool temperatures, you can hike to waterfalls, soak in geothermal hot springs, and enjoy a secluded countryside lodge far from the crowds.

Or consider the Scottish Highlands—where rolling green hills, ancient castles, and cozy inns invite you to slow down and savor every moment. Whether you're touring a distillery, walking a misty trail, or sipping tea in a historic manor, it’s like stepping into a storybook.

Avoiding crowds isn’t just about geography—it’s also about timing and planning. Visiting major sites early in the morning with a private guide, planning day trips on off-peak days, and choosing less touristy neighborhoods to stay in all help you experience more with less stress.

I work closely with my trusted European partners to design itineraries that are as seamless as they are special. That might mean staying in a boutique hotel tucked into a quiet square instead of a busy downtown boulevard, or cruising with a small group that allows you to explore charming ports without the hassle.

Europe in summer doesn’t have to mean busy. It can mean barefoot walks on quiet beaches, sunset dinners in sleepy towns, scenic drives through countryside vineyards, and experiences designed just for you.

Whether you're dreaming of a villa in Provence, a foodie escape in Northern Spain, or a peaceful river cruise through the Danube’s more serene stretches—let’s make your summer 2025 getaway a refreshing, rejuvenating escape.

Ready to plan your crowd-free summer in Europe? Let’s make it a breeze.