In this edition of Wild Women Wander we’re taking a direct flight to Europe! We want to show you a different side of Europe travel and take you on adventures that skip the typical touristy stuff. Sure, you can do what everyone else is doing, but we’re not about that. Ever.
Our European menu includes scenery-saturated countries like Croatia, Iceland, Italy, Portugal (the Azores), Scotland, Spain and Switzerland. There are small ship expeditions, horse trips, hiking and walking itineraries and a kayaking adventure for good measure. Europe is synonymous with incredible food experiences and this rings true in all of our destinations. You’ll eat well, sleep well and feel, well, inspired to see more of Europe!
Europe travel by horse and on foot in places that cars can’t go in Iceland and the car-free villages of Switzerland! See Cinque Terre’s colorful coast from a different vantage point—the Ligurian Sea in a kayak! See guillemots and puffins by Zodiac on the edge of the Arctic Circle and travel to trailheads with boat-in only access in Scotland. That’s the Wild Women version of Europe!
A Few of Our Favorite European Experiences
On our small ship circumnavigation of Iceland, travel north to the isle of Grímsey, which sits (barely!) on the Arctic Circle at 66° 33’ N, earning Iceland its title as one of the world’s eight Arctic nations. By Zodiac, observe the antics and racket of millions of seabirds. Puffins, guillemots and gulls far outnumber the tiny human population of 20 full-time residents.
In Switzerland, meet a local goat shepherd and cheesemaker who lives in the idyllic mountain pasture of Steessiboden high above Grindelwald. Interact with the goats, learn about the herd, the cheese making process— and yes, there will be samples to taste!
Visit a designated UNESCO Global Geopark that celebrates wine, food, tradition and deeply-steeped history in Croatia. Travel by speedboat to Vis island and jump in Jeeps with local guides to learn more about the isle’s traditional stone villages, fertile fields and military remains. The lunch at Roki’s is a dream: stewed fall-off-the-bone lamb and veal baked in cauldrons covered in hot ash with a taste of the local white, red and rose wines.
Experience the Azores off the beaten path on horseback! Ride Lusitano horses alongside yam gardens, blooming hydrangeas, grazing cattle, dramatic cliffs and supreme ocean views. Unpack your bags once for seven spoiled nights at the Patio Ecolodge on Faial Island, Portugal.
Travel by boat to Loch Coruisk, the “Cauldron of Waters” in Scotland. The trailhead begins at the foot of the Black Cuillin in the Isle of Skye and is only accessible by boat or by seal—there’s a colony that likes to flop out here.
Cinque Terre National Park is the smallest national park in Italy (4,300 acres) but also the densest, with 5,000 permanent residents. Experiencing it by kayak is an easy way to paddle away from the crowds that follow the trails that link the five towns on foot.
Meet two of our Wild Women Guides from Croatia and Switzerland!
Darija, Croatia Active Adventure
Darija’s appreciation for Croatian food is so soulful–she can’t help but share her own tasting notes, recipe tips and affection for Samoborska kremšnita (a traditional custard cream cake sandwiched between two flaky pastry layers). Do not stand in the way between Darija and a slice of Samoborska–it’s like crossing the path between a grizzly and her cubs! Her sensitive and holistic approach to hikes is deeply rooted in her fascination with medicinal plants and herbal remedies and generational knowledge.
Sabina, Switzerland Hiking Adventure
(On the left) Sabina’s cool, deeply thoughtful and intimately connected to the mountains. Her plant knowledge, previous circus connection and travels with her donkey make for easy conversations. She’s known to share top-secret Bircher muesli recipes and great gondola stories from her life in the circus. Her love of Basler Läckerli (a spiced biscuit), the Swiss cantons and mighty Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger is obvious. She’s also been known to heave a few pesky cows out of the way if they’re blocking the trail and can mimic a marmot’s whistle almost better than an actual marmot!
If you’re interested in Europe travel and your mind has begun to drift across the North Atlantic Ocean, check out Our Ultimate Guide to Europe for a bigger taste of what you can expect on these itineraries.
Ready to move mountains or at least climb them? Don’t miss our Hit The Trail: Hiking Adventures Webinar on January 30th, 2025. Our team of Adventure Experts will walk you through our best hiking itineraries. You can also stroll and scroll through Our Ultimate Wild Women Walking and Hiking Guide any ol’ time!
