Do you dream of making a special trip in 2025, but would rather not sit on a plane for hours? Europe has a surprising amount to offer. From fjords and mountains in the north to sun, culture and local flavors in the south. These are five destinations from Riksja Travel that are nice and close, but feel like getting away from it all.
Norway
Norway feels like stepping into the middle of a nature movie. High fjords, rippling mountain lakes and valleys alternate. Combine nature walks with unique experiences such as kayaking through the fjords or catching trout at a mountain lake. In the evening you sleep in small-scale hotels or in a glamping tent under the stars, far away from the crowds. You can use our Customize tours completely to your liking, or build your own route with separate Norway building blocks. You choose what you want to do and where you stay longer, we take care of the rest.
Discover Norway with Rickshaw Travel
Greece
Greece cannot be captured in one trip. The country consists of very different worlds, which can be combined well together. From the mainland with its mountains and old cities to islands where life mainly takes place outside.
For your tour of Greece we arrange the practical part, transport, activities and nice places to sleep and you determine the route. You sleep in small hotels or guesthouses, often run by Greeks, and really get to know the country along the way.
You can go in all directions, from the mainland and the Peloponnese to the Ionian Islands, the Cyclades such as Santorini, Naxos, Andros and Syros, Crete , Northern Greece and also Cyprus .
Discover Greece with Rickshaw Travel
Italy
Italy is one of those countries where everything comes together: good food, varied landscapes and cities where life mainly takes place outside. You drive from hills full of vineyards to coastal towns and small villages where the day starts quietly with an espresso at the bar. With Rickshaw you travel individually and sleep in places with character, such as an agriturismo in the countryside or a small hotel in a historic town.
Each region has its own atmosphere. In Tuscany and Umbria are all about classic Italy, hills, vineyards, medieval towns and the good life. Puglia Feels quieter and purer, with white villages, trulli houses and a coast where you automatically linger longer. On Sicily alternate your beach days with baroque cities, ancient temples and a volcano that is always present in the background. Sardinia Surprised with rugged nature and clear blue sea, perfect if you want to combine nature and relaxation. In Northern Italy takes you from lakes and mountains to lively cities and colorful coastal villages, while southern Italy takes you along fishing villages, rocky coasts and places where traditions are still very much alive.
Discover Italy with Rickshaw Travel
Portugal
Portugal is one of those destinations where you can experience a lot in a short time, without feeling like you’re just on the road. From lively cities to quiet valleys and a coastline where you have to stop again and again to look.
For your trip through Portugal we arrange transport, activities and nice places to sleep, while you decide what your days look like. You can modify an existing route or build your trip with separate Portugal building blocks.
A few highlights in a row: dive into the atmosphere of Lisbon and Porto with their streets, miradouros and azulejosen and then take the Douro Valley for vines and small villages. The west coast is perfect for hiking and beach hopping, with a few days as a relaxing ending Algarve.
Discover Portugal with Riksja Travel
Madeira
Madeira is small, but you get a surprising amount in return. You will drive from green mountains and waterfalls to the coasts in a short time, in between you will walk on the well-known levada paths with views that never get boring.
In Funchal stroll through the old town and go on a food tour. At Santana you will venture into nature for levada walks and you can do canyoning between the cliffs. Fancy beach days? Then go to Porto Santo. On the south coast, around Câmara de Lobos, you will sleep in a quinta between the banana plantations and spot whales and dolphins from the water. If you want to spend a special night, then Calheta, a nice place for glamping with a view of the seas, in the northeast you can learn to surf at a quiet spot.
With the tour Eigenwijs Madeira you can make a tour from north coast to south coast in 7 days, with a lot of being outside, spotting whales and dolphins and sleeping in a glamping pod close to nature.
Discover Madeira with Rickshaw Travel
Cape Verde
Cape Verde is another destination that not everyone has on their list and that is what makes it fun. You hop from island to island and always see something different: rugged mountains, green valleys, colorful towns and beaches where you don’t have to do much. Add live music and good food to that, and you can understand why travelers come back so enthusiastic.
In Mindelo (São Vicente), dive into the city for plazas, colonial streets, and a laid-back atmosphere, and get out on the water to snorkel with sea turtles. On Santo Antão you go into nature: hiking through the Paúl Valley or to the cliffs at Cruzinha, where you really get away from it all. Fancy a wow moment? Then Fogo your island: from Chã das Caldeiras, you will climb up the Fogo volcano with a guide. For beach and chilling you are in the right place Tarrafal with its quiet bay and on Sal you end relaxed with sun, dunes and an off-road tour.
Discover Cape Verde with Rickshaw Travel
Looking for a different destination or traveling with children?
Are you looking for another destination? Europe has much more beauty to offer, often closer than you think. On our website you will find more than 70 destinations, all to be discovered the Rickshaw Travel way, personal, flexible and with a heart for the world. Take a look at our website and get inspired for your next trip. Are you traveling with children? Then you’ve come to the right place. Rickshaw Family offers special family tours, where the pace is slower and the routes are tailored to travel with children or teenagers. You’ll sleep in kid-friendly hotels, have more time in one place, and choose activities that are fun for the whole family. This way you discover a destination together in a relaxed way, with enough variety between adventure and free time.
