Imagine being able to go to an entirely new location in just one day! The best part about travelling across Europe is that you can jump from one destination to the next without hassle. The Schengen visa allows one to travel to various destinations effortlessly. The Eurail pass makes commuting between cities look like a piece of cake, especially for day visits. Most significantly, it is hands-on and inexpensive. There are also bus trips and road trips available.
Listed below are five of the most beautiful, eye-pleasing, and fun one-day trips that one can take across Europe.
1. A one-day trip from Provins to Paris
By train, Provins is one of the best day getaways from Paris. While visiting Provins, you can also plan a short trip to Edinburgh via car or train. The city is noted for its exquisite medieval architecture and hosting one of France’s most famous medieval festivals, Les Médiévales de Provins. Provins was declared the capital of the Counts of Champagne throughout the Middle Ages, and its strategic location made it one of Europe’s most important trading towns, particularly for the wool industry. Visitors can now see its majestic fortification, cobblestone alleys lined with elegant timber frame dwellings, and religious structures from the same era. You can also look for accommodation in Provins with historic themed places. The historical Centre is compact, and it is lovely to stroll around and observe its incredible history. The underground city of Provins is also unusual. Most medieval buildings had an underground cellar utilized to stock and sell wool during fair times. Underground passages connected these dungeons, and guided tours organized by the city council allow visitors to see a portion of this labyrinth city today. If you are visiting Provins for the first time, this must-see attraction must be scheduled ahead of time.
2. Island Hopping in Croatia
Visiting not just one but five Croatian islands are one of the most stunning day adventures in Europe. Leaving Split, one can travel in one day to the islands of Hvar, Bievo, Vis, Ravnik, and Budikovac. Take a chartered boat to see the islands because it will be much easier. Drive for about an hour from Split to Bievo, the first island, to visit the famous Blue Caves. Then travel to Vis Island, where you may explore the historic village of Komiza and Stiniva Cove, which is regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches! After that, head to Budikovac and the Blue Lagoon, where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters of Croatia. Finally, before being brought back to Split in the evening, stop in Hvar to tour the town and hike to the citadel. If you plan on taking a similar journey, carry plenty of water, sunscreen, a bathing suit and towel, and a sweatshirt if the boat ride gets cool. The distance between the islands can seem reasonably far in the choppy seas, so make sure you’re ready for a ride!
3. A one-day trip from Bologna to Florence
Bologna is famed for its cuisine above all else. Take a day excursion from Florence to enjoy local delicacies like balsamic vinegar, mortadella, and tagliatelle al ragu (also known as spaghetti Bolognese in other parts of the world) in the location where they were created–your taste buds will thank you. Get your accommodation in Florence sorted before the trip as it will ease the hectic day. Climb the Asinelli Tower for a beautiful view of the city, visit the intricate Neptune’s Fountain, and search for Bologna’s gorgeous, secret waterways–Venice isn’t the only city in Italy with canals; it’s worth visiting! Also, wander down Via Drapperie to appreciate the cute food shops (and perhaps pick up some cheese, cured pork, or balsamic vinegar), visit the Piazza Maggiore to see Bologna’s main square and church, and meander across town to admire the porticoes (covered walkways that are remarkably good at keeping you cool during the blistering summer). Bologna is a train ride from Florence, with several options available each day: the quickest option is to book a high-speed option, which will get you to Bologna in 45 minutes from the Centre of Florence; if you’re on a budget, a cheaper option is to take an hour and a half journey that includes one transfer about half an hour outside of Florence.
4. One-Day Trip to South Iceland from Reykjavik
The travel from Reykjavik to Vik in South Iceland is one of the top day adventures in Europe. South Iceland has a lot to see and do, and it’s only a 2-hour journey from Reykjavik, so it’s ideal for a day trip. Take The Ring Road east and stay on it the entire way! It’s that simple! Everything is immediately off the road, from waterfalls to black sand beaches. Signs are directing you in the proper direction, so consider this one of the most accessible day trips you’ll ever take! The beautiful Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is the first destination after arriving from Reykjavik! It’s the waterfall where you can stroll behind it! After that, you’ll come upon the impressive Skogafoss Waterfall. Both of these waterfalls are easily visible from the Ring Road. Skogafoss has a pleasant stroll where you can climb stairs to the top of the waterfall for a unique view. Then travel a little farther down the road till you reach the Dyrholey viewpoint on your right. Drive up to the lighthouse for a breathtaking vista of the black sand beaches that has become an Instagram sensation. Finally, walk on Reynisfjara beach, near Vik, Iceland, to round off one of the best day trips in Europe. You may get up close and personal with the unusual basalt columns and then spend the rest of the day touring the charming beach village of Vik before returning to the capital. The drive from Reykjavik to Vik is one of Europe’s top day adventures, with breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences.
5. One day trip to Sitges from Barcelona, Spain
Sitges is a 35-kilometre drive southwest of Barcelona and makes for an excellent day excursion. Winding medieval alleyways, a magnificent coastline, sizzling nightlife, and fantastic food characterize this quaint, LGBT-friendly town of roughly 25K residents. The city organizes a complete calendar of events and festivals throughout the year, including the International Film Festival and a Zombie Walk. Since the late 1800s, Sitges has been regarded as an artist’s haven. Famous painters have been drawn to Sitges because of its lovely landscapes, ocean views, and laid-back atmosphere. It boasts a modest castle on its coast, which has served as a church, museum, and government structure over the years. The beach is lined with eateries and cafes the full length of it. Cats are one of Sitges’ mainstays. Hundreds of stray animals live in the town and are fed by the residents. To preserve a healthy cat population, volunteers capture the cats, treat and spay or neuter them by local veterinarians. The journey from Barcelona to Sitges by rail or bus from the central station is approximately 40 to 45 minutes.
Planning a one-day trip could be fun but a very tiring task. Amber facilitates accessible, affordable, and hassle-free accommodation all across Europe right from rooms to rent in Bristol to student housing in Edinburgh and other parts of the world. So check out our website, Instagram or Facebook page to learn more! The above itineraries are easily doable and extraordinarily affordable and cover all the fun and ‘must-visit’ places from your Europe checklist.
