Through our travels around Europe, we love uncovering those off-the-beaten-path jewels—places where you can wander cobblestone streets, sip coffee with locals, and enjoy unspoiled scenery without jostling through crowds. Here are The Traveling Professor’s favorite small towns in Europe, each with its own unique charm and character.
Nestled at the end of a fjord and framed by towering mountains, Flam might just be the most beautiful place on our list. On our small group tours to Norway, we always stay at the historic Fretheim Hotel, and if you can snag a terrace room with a fjord view, you may never want to leave. Most visitors only stay a night, but we recommend at least two to enjoy the hiking trails, Fjord Safari, and the spectacular Flåmsbana train ride—one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.
Just an hour from Venice, Bassano del Grappa is an authentic Italian treasure. We often visit on our Italy tours. At the foot of the Dolomites, this riverside town still embraces the tradition of closing shops for lunch. Our travelers love relaxing with a €3 Aperol spritz while gazing at the icy waters of the Brenta River. Without the crowds of Venice, Bassano offers a slice of real Italy, making it one of our most surprising and delightful stops.
With just 2,000 residents, Borganes is the perfect pause on the way to Snaefellsnes National Park. Its Heritage Museum serves a steaming bowl of traditional Icelandic lamb soup—a comfort on chilly days. From here, views stretch endlessly from the mountains to the sea, creating a peaceful moment amid Iceland’s wild beauty.
While slightly larger than our other picks, St. Andrews has all the charm of a small town paired with world-class history. Known for its university and the legendary St. Andrews Links golf course, this coastal town is steeped in Scottish heritage. Wander the ruins of St Andrews Castle and Cathedral, and if there’s a light rain, the atmosphere feels straight out of a historical novel. A visit to St Andrews is a staple on our Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands by Scenic Rail tour.
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Professor Steve Solosky, The Traveling Professor, is the founder of Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, operating since 2009. A former college professor and author of The Traveling Professor’s Guide to Paris, Steve has planned and led small group tours throughout Europe, Canada, South America, and beyond. His travel expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, WCBS Radio, and The New York Times Travel Show.
Each article is written or reviewed from the perspective of a working tour operator who plans real itineraries, works with local guides and hotels, and helps travelers prepare for successful small group trips.