Top 5 ultimate wildcard short breaks

27 October 2025

When you think of a short break, you might picture a familiar European city or a quiet country escape. But what if you could pack a real expedition into just a few days? For those who want to swap sightseeing for something more memorable, we’ve gathered five ultimate wildcard short breaks. These trips prove that with clever planning from your Travel Counsellor, you can fit a once-in-a-lifetime experience into a long weekend.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda

It might sound ambitious for a short break, but a trip to see Uganda’s mountain gorillas is more achievable than you think. Thanks to direct flights and a small time difference, you can minimise jet lag and maximise your time in the wild. In just four or five days, you can fly into Entebbe, travel to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and spend an unforgettable hour with one of the world's most endangered species. The trek through the dense, misty forest is a highlight in itself, but the moment you come face-to-face with a gorilla family is truly special.

Arctic wonders in Tromsø, Norway

For a complete change of scenery, head north into the Arctic Circle. A long weekend in Tromsø during the winter months offers the perfect blend of crisp air, stunning landscapes, and Arctic activities. By day, you can guide your own team of huskies on a thrilling dog-sledding excursion across the snow-covered wilderness. By night, your attention turns to the sky. Staying in a purpose-built Aurora Camp away from the city lights gives you the best chance of witnessing the Northern Lights.

Ancient history and otherworldly monasteries in Greece

Combine an iconic city break with a journey to a truly breathtaking landscape. Start your trip in Athens, where you can spend a day or two exploring ancient marvels like the Acropolis. Then, travel inland to Meteora. Here, you’ll find a remarkable collection of Eastern Orthodox monasteries perched dramatically atop immense natural rock pillars. It’s a landscape that looks like it’s been lifted from a fantasy novel. You can explore the monasteries, hike the scenic trails, and witness incredible sunsets over the unique geological formations.

A tale of two cities: Vilnius and Krakow

Why settle for one city break when you can easily experience two? The capitals of Lithuania and Poland are well-connected and offer a fascinating glimpse into Eastern Europe’s history and modern energy. Start in Vilnius, with its charming baroque old town and quirky artists' republic of Užupis. After a couple of days, a short flight takes you to Krakow. Here, you can explore the magnificent Wawel Castle, wander through the huge main market square, and reflect on history at the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.

The five villages of Cinque Terre, Italy

Experience a slice of classic Italian life with a short break to the Cinque Terre. Fly into Pisa, pick up a car, and drive to the edge of this stunning coastal region. From there, it’s all about exploring on foot, by train, or by boat. The five iconic fishing villages, with their colourful houses tumbling down to the sea, are connected by scenic hiking trails and a convenient local train line. You’ll find Monterosso al Mare with its long sandy beach and fragrant lemon groves, while Corniglia, perched high above the sea, is only accessible by a zigzag stairway or shuttle, and the journey rewards you with sweeping views. Spend your days walking between the villages, enjoying fresh seafood lunches with harbour views, and soaking up the laid-back atmosphere.

To book your own wildcard trip, speak to your personal Travel Counsellor today.

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