Exploring Europe away from the crowds of sporting spectators

Europe is in the spotlight with the continent’s best footballers battling it out in Germany and the world’s athletes set to compete for the medals in France this summer. With millions expected to travel for the sporting tournaments, agents can offer customers a taste of Europe away from the crowds and hiked flight prices with Rabbie’s.

Small-group tour specialist, Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) offers visits to the unexpected joys of Europe. With trips through Spain, Portugal, Italy and Switzerland, holidaymakers can travel through Italian mountains adorned with pagan myths, explore ancient Spanish cities perched on the sides of cliffs and devour famed delicacies along the way.

Example itinerary: The Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Explorer six-day tour

Admire the mountainous vistas and colourful villas from the unique perspective of Lake Como, framed by the Rhaetian Alps and famed for its Hollywood movie star fans, before crossing the border into Switzerland. In Gruyères, a quaint Swiss village that has it all, take in lush green fields, charming flower-covered houses, a medieval castle, and indulge in legendary cheese and chocolate. Taking the winding roads up to the Simplon Pass - the historic route through the Alps taken by Stone Age dwellers, Romans, and smugglers of the Middle Ages -and discover one of the most admired peaks in all of Europe, the Matterhorn. Departing from Milan, the six-day Secrets of Northern Spain tour costs from €1,899 per person (based on 22 July departure).

Rabbie’s offers small group tours that are driven by curiosity and guided by storytellers. The tours take guests beyond the standard tick-list landmarks to explore the lesser-known and uncover the hidden gems across the UK, Ireland and Europe.