10 Best Day Trips from the UK to Europe

10 Best Day Trips from the UK to Europe

Want a quick getaway on a private flight? Arburton can organise the perfect holiday for you – check out these amazing day trips from the UK to Europe.

So much to see, so little time. The great thing about living in the UK is that many of the coolest destinations in Europe are no more than two hours’ flight away: perfect, then, for a quick day trip.

So, whether it’s a long lunch in Nice or a shopping trip to Milan you’ll be there and back in no time. Tray tables away, armrests down and fasten your seatbelt. Here are ten of the best day trips from the UK to Europe.

1. Lisbon

The Portuguese capital is one of the oldest cities in Europe, predating London, Rome or Paris by several hundred years. It offers something for everyone.

There’s the atmospheric and bohemian Bairro Alto served by the Bica Funicular. The area is full of bustling bars and great restaurants.

A whole host of beaches set on the Atlantic coast are just a short cab ride away. You’ll also be able to cross the longest bridge in Europe on the way.

Take in the view of the city’s miniature Christ the Redeemer on the south bank of the Tagus. It’s reminiscent of its larger cousin that overlooks Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

The airport is just a short ride from the city centre making it an attractive destination to charter a private jet for the perfect day trip. Don’t forget to try one of the city’s world famous custard tarts before you leave.

2. Milan

This Northern Italian city is famed as one of Europe’s fashion capitals. It’s the perfect place to pick up a few new outfits. Via Montenapoleone is a great place to start your shopping expedition.

There are plenty of galleries to take in too. Try the new Osservatorio Fondazione Prada. It’s right next to high-end stores in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The gallery specialises in photography and visual languages.

3. Nice

Set on the Cote D’Azur, Nice is the perfect city for a long lunch whilst looking out over the Mediterranean. It’s France fifth city and unlike other seaside resorts is bustling for twelve months of the year.

The key sight as you come into land at Nice airport is the marvellous curve of the Bay of Angels. It is quite possibly the loveliest urban sea-front in Europe, bordered by the famous Promenade des Anglais.

Nice’s old town is a must-see. Here is where the real natives of Nice live. You’ll find the south’s finest flower market here on the Cours Saleya.

4. Ibiza

This Spanish Balearic island due south of Barcelona has built a reputation as a glamorous party island. During the Summer you’ll find the world’s top DJs playing at the gigantic nightclubs.

There’s more to Ibiza than just clubbing though. The picturesque old town with its bustling port full of luxury yachts is the place to be seen. The airport is just a fifteen-minute taxi ride away.

5. Salzburg

This Austrian city is best known as being the birthplace of Mozart. You’ll be able to visit the composer’s former home. Be sure to take the cable car from the city centre to the Festung Hohensalzburg, a nine-hundred-year-old fortress.

Salzburg was also the backdrop for many of the scenes in the 1965 movie, ‘The Sound of Music.’ Hundreds of thousands of film buffs visit the city every year.

6. Prague

The Czech capital is great for visiting at any time of year. However, the fairy tale colours and style of its architecture lend themselves to the Winter snow. The city centre is a manageable size and perfect for meandering around.

You’ll need to take in the vibrant Jewish Quarter and have a stroll across the historic Charles Bridge which crosses the Vltava river. This city is romantic and full of great restaurants and buzzing bars.

7. Bilbao

The northern coast of Spain is often overlooked because of the popularity of the Mediterranean. Bilbao should not be passed over. It’s manageable in size and a great place to people watch whilst sipping a large glass of Rioja.

No visit to this city is complete without a visit to the world-famous Guggenheim Museum. It’s a firm favourite with modern art fans and showcases the work of artists like Andy Warhol and Joseph Beuys.

8. Berlin

The German capital is one of the coolest places to visit in Europe. It is synonymous with East meeting West. It’s possible to visit the now-infamous checkpoint Charlie and see parts of the wall which separated the city during the Communist era.

The city has a great ‘hop on, hop off’ bus so that you can take in all the sites within a few hours. You’ll be able to see the Brandenburg Gate, Bundestag and admire the street art on the city’s uber-cool Eastside.

9. Amsterdam

This Dutch city has become renowned for its liberal attitude. The city has a much less seedy appeal these days. There’s nothing like a stroll along the city’s canals in Springtime. The gabled buildings give a glimpse into a bygone era.

There’s a wealth of museums demonstrating Amsterdam’s vital role in history. Visit one of the many coffee shops and don’t forget to make a poignant stop at Anne Frank House.

Amsterdam is just a forty-minute flight from London. If you’re packing for a quick business trip, it’s a great city to throw in a bit of sightseeing as well.

10. Venice

Walking through this Italian city can feel like a stroll around a movie set. The beautiful canals filled with gondolas make a trip to Venice a truly unique and magical experience.

It does get very hot here during the Summer months. But then, there’s always a delicious choice of Italian ice cream to cool you down. The city boasts dramatic Gothic palazzi and is full of bustling neighbourhood hangouts.

The Best Day Trips from the UK to Europe

Part of the attraction of living in the UK is that you’re so close to some of the most fantastic cities in the world. Stick to any of our choices for day trips from the UK to Europe and you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.

If you’re looking to go a bit further afield, check here for everything you need to know about chartering a jet to the Maldives. The islands are perfect for a romantic, sun-drenched getaway.

Are you wanting to go away but don’t want the hassle of organising your trip? That’s where we come in. At Arburton we plan everything from private jet, to luxury yacht, to car-hire, personal shopping assistants, hotels and villas, and more.

Just consider us your luxury holiday planners. 

Find out about all our services here.