Beach or city? Town or countryside? With these dual holidays in Europe, you won’t have to choose! These kinds of trips (which are also known as a multi-centre holidays) mean you can visit more than one kind of place in a single getaway. Think mornings people-watching in a buzzing town plaza followed by long afternoons on deserted white-sand beaches, or road trips past rolling vineyards matched with a spot of hiking nearby. This kind of travel not only helps you to get the most out of your trip, it’s also an easy way to cater to different tastes within your group. Here, you’ll find three of our favourite dual holidays in Europe.
Dual holiday in the Netherlands – Beach and city break
What if you could visit one of Europe’s most innovative cities before kicking back on a sun lounger along the sandy North Sea coastline – all in the same day? Futuristic Rotterdam – all modern skyscrapers, world class museums and eye-catching architecture – is just a 30-minute drive from The Hague, the Netherland’s peaceful seaside resort.
Start your holiday in Rotterdam city – a 30-minute drive from our Rotterdam port. Places to check off the list should include The Markthal (a stunning feat of architecture that’s home to over 100 food stalls), Witte Huis (for panoramic views over the city) and the Stadhuis, an example of Rotterdam’s old world charm, before driving 23km north to The Hague for some much needed R&R.
Read our driving guide from Rotterdam to The Hague.
Nearby, you’ll find Meijendel, an area of sand dunes that’s surrounded by a tranquil nature reserve. Great for cyclists and walkers alike, the wildlife is a joy to behold – there are over 250 species of bird alone.
Dual holiday in Belgium – Town and countryside
Full of flawlessly preserved medieval buildings and iconic Gothic landmarks, picture-perfect Bruges is brimming with old-world charm. To truly appreciate the city’s historical wonder, take a trip to the legendary Markt square, home to the iconic Belfry tower, where you can climb the 366 steps for arresting views over the city.
Once you’ve had your fill of the city’s wonderful architecture, restaurants and chocolate shops, drive 35 minutes north to the Zwin Nature Park. Located on the North Sea coastline, the reserve once served as an old estuary. This connected Bruges to the sea, helping it to become one of Europe’s foremost medieval ports as a result.
Home to half of the country’s bird species, Het Zwin is perfect for bird lovers. And if you visit during the summer months, you’ll be lucky enough to experience the natural wonder that is the Zwinneblomme – where the ground itself becomes swathed in a sea of blossom.
Dual holiday in Germany – Hiking and Driving
Easily Germany’s most picturesque region, the Black Forest’s landscape of idyllic woodlands, vast river valleys and mammoth peaks makes it the perfect place for an unforgettable road trip. You’re spoilt for choice with driving routes in this area, with each affording jaw-dropping views along the way.
Perhaps the most revered is the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse (also known as the Black Forest Highway) which takes you along winding roads, past the charming town of Baden-Baden, and into the northern Black Forest mountains. The route ends at Freudenstadt, where you’ll find Germany’s largest marketplace.
If you’d rather discover the Black Forest on foot, you’ll find an incredible 23,000 kilometres of walking routes to choose from. These trails take you past wonderful vistas, ancient rock formations and crumbling fortresses found deep inside the landscape. Be sure to stop at one of the snack spots along the route – known as Vesperstuben, these establishments specialise in hearty dishes and treats that are great for reviving tired walkers.
Inspired to take a dual holiday? Take a look at our travel guides for more inspiration.
