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 2024

Departing Days From ZAR
1 May 2024
Cappadocia Short Break
4 9335
1 May 2024
Rome to Amalfi
8 44395
39956
1 May 2024
Taste of Istanbul
3 9705
1 May 2024
Highlights of Calabria & Sicily
16 108495
1 May 2024
Rome to Southern Italy
17 96280
86652
1 May 2024
Italy: Highlights of Calabria
9 54260
43408
1 May 2024
Explore Spain & Portugal
15 85675
1 May 2024
Turkey Encompassed
15 65405
1 May 2024
Portuguese Camino
10 47930
2 May 2024
Best of England, Wales and Scotland
19 133950
2 May 2024
Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth
5 42015
33612
2 May 2024
Madrid to Marrakech
15 63905
2 May 2024
Premium Venice to Split
9 106040
2 May 2024
Best of Turkey
15 46580
41922
2 May 2024
Turkey Highlights
8 34175
2 May 2024
Best of Britain
12 66175
59558
2 May 2024
Best of Italy
14 84666
2 May 2024
Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia
8 62805
56525
2 May 2024
Premium Venice to Dubrovnik
16 169895
2 May 2024
Spain, Portugal & Morocco
24 78700
2 May 2024
Premium Sicily and Puglia
17 216390
194751
2 May 2024
Premium Sicily
10 117475
88107
3 May 2024
Northern & Southern Ireland
8 65560
3 May 2024
Italy Real Food Adventure
8 64961
3 May 2024
Premium Split to Belgrade
16 139415
125474
3 May 2024
Gallipoli Pilgrimage
2 3623
3 May 2024
Premium Split to Dubrovnik
8 75485
67937
3 May 2024
Premium Balkans in Depth
26 215210
3 May 2024
Iceland Discovery
8 63435
57092
4 May 2024
Berlin to Venice
15 52650
47385
4 May 2024
Greece Sailing Adventure: Cyclades Islands
10 44011
39832
4 May 2024
Budapest to Bled
29 123775
111398
4 May 2024
Cycle the Danube
8 38890
35001
4 May 2024
Balkan & Dalmatia Discovery
22 87445
78701
4 May 2024
Dubrovnik to Bled
15 83705
4 May 2024
Sail Greece: Santorini to Mykonos
8 29123
18283
4 May 2024
Premium Portugal and Spain in Depth
27 314200
282780
4 May 2024
Berlin to Budapest
8 26635
23972
4 May 2024
Premium Spain in Depth
20 221405
4 May 2024
Kosovo, Albania & Macedonia Explorer
15 56190
4 May 2024
Highlights of Turkey & the Greek Islands
15 101115
4 May 2024
Paris to Berlin
8 43710
4 May 2024
Highlights of Portugal
8 44275
4 May 2024
North Spain Discovery
8 40795
36716
4 May 2024
Barcelona to Rome
15 100640
90576
4 May 2024
Premium Iceland
9 124535
112082
4 May 2024
Baltic Experience
12 51350
46215
4 May 2024
Walk the highlights of the Lycian Way
8 33560
30204
4 May 2024
Classic Spain & Portugal
22 119150
107235
4 May 2024
Dubrovnik to Athens
15 60245

Highlights of May 2024 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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