Southern Europe

Such diversity all in one place – from the snowy montains of the Alps to the balmy beaches of the Mediterranean, with plenty of culture and colour in between. Relaxing in the hot tub of your ski chalet, the sky darkening beyond a jagged mountain horizon, you’ll find it almost impossible to imagine that a few months later, you could be swimming lengths in your private villa pool, the sea shimmering in the distance. There are great city escapes to be had here too, as well as holidays in the rolling Italian hills, or amongst the citrus groves of Cyprus. Wherever you choose, look forward to fabulous food, as diverse as the continent itself.

Austria is a landlocked country that borders Germany and the Czech Republic in the north and Switzerland to the west. Austria has brilliant terrain and Scott Dunn offers ski chalets and hotels in a number of Austrian ski resorts. As well as skiing and snowboarding here, Austria has a renowned après-ski scene and superb Alpine cuisine.

Bordering Hungary, Slovenia and Bosnia, Croatia is a beautiful country with long streches of coast, and over 1000 islands. History, culture and stunning landscapes collide, with clear waters and rocky coves. Croatia is also great for hiking through forests, mountains and waterfalls. The historic towns of Dubrovnik and Zagreb offer great architecture and art galleries.

Cyprus, just south of Turkey, is a Mediterranean island that has beautiful beaches and tempting waters, whilst inland you’ll find olive and citrus groves, and small villages. With a good climate for enjoying both spring and autumn sunshine, Cyprus is also great for good food and fine local wines.

France borders Spain in the south and has a stunning Mediterranean coastline and dazzling beaches. The snow-capped Alpine mountains make France perfect for winter sports. Cote d’Azur is known for its Riviera towns, where yoy can visit the sophisticated towns of Cannes and St Tropez. The French countryside has charming fishing ports, Corniche roads, lavender fields and charming hilltop villages.

With vast stretches of Mediterranean coastline, Greece has exquisite islands and delicious food. Whether you want to go island-hopping across azure waters, or explore ancient archaeological sites and monuments, or visit the capital of Athens, Greece has a lot to offer.

Located in central Europe, with long stretches of Mediterranean and Amalfi coastline, Italy has the beautiful Tuscan countryside, vineyards, charming cities and fabulous food. Head to Florence for renaissance architecture, to Venice, the "city of water", or to Rome for beautiful historical monuments. As well as beautiful cities, the island of Sicily has brilliant coastal scenery.

Portugal borders Spain to the east and has two different coasts. The Atlantic coast has unspoilt beaches, and the magnificent cliff-top scenery of the Algarve coast. Portugal also has lush vineyards, olive groves and medieval villages inland. Whether you’re hitting the golf course, visiting the eccentric town of Lisbon or the Port making region, Douro Valley, Portugal has plenty to offer.

Spain, with its extensive coastline, colourful culture and fabulous food, is at the same time both vibrant and relaxing. Head to Andalucia for beautiful architecture, history and a great glass of Rioja; the Canary Islands for striking volcanic sandy beaches or Mallorca for style, glitz and the freshest seafood.

Switzerland, landlocked with Italy at its southern border, has some of the best ski slopes, and most iconic mountain peaks. We offer ski holidays in some of the finest Swiss resorts, from famous Zermatt under the shadow of the Matterhorn, to glamorous St Moritz on the shores of a frozen lake, or Champery in the heart of the Alps.

From bustling bazaars to blissful coastline, Turkey is awash with history, culture and outstanding natural beauty. Head to Istanbul for beautiful old mosques, busy markets and vibrant culture, or to Bodrum’s coast to seek out small coves and islands, and long beaches around Antalya.