Forget the Eiffel Tower for a sec (we'll get there, don't worry), Europe has a lot more to offer than just selfies in front of landmarks. Europe is like your grandma's attic – overflowing with stories, unexpected finds, and enough charm to make you want to move in.
So, ditch the ordinary and get ready for 10 bucket-list-worthy travel experiences across this diverse continent, all easily accessible thanks to BA reward flights.
Stay in the Cave Villages of Matera, Italy
Forget the boring old hotels made of bricks and mortar. In Matera, you can bunk up in a cave! Known for its ancient cave dwellings, or "sassi", Matera offers travellers a chance to step back in time and immerse themselves in a living history. Inside, these caves have been transformed into cosy, chic accommodations, where the cool, stone walls tell stories of centuries past, and windows open up to breathtaking views of the Italian countryside.
The adventure begins with a flight to Bari, the closest major airport to Matera. Situated just an hour's drive from Matera, Bari serves as the gateway to this UNESCO World Heritage site. Travellers from London can book off-peak Economy return reward seats to Bari for 23,500 British Airways Avios plus £1.
Relax in the Thermal Baths of Budapest
Budapest isn't the Spa Capital of the World for nothing. Its legendary thermal baths are known for their healing properties. Chill out like a Roman emperor at the city's famous thermal baths, where the water's so magical, it's been bubbling up for centuries. Soak in the history and the warm, mineral-rich waters and feel the stress melt away.
With a mash-up of stunning old-world architecture and nature's own hot tub, these baths serve up a slice of luxury complete with a menu of pools, saunas, and spa treatments to make you feel like royalty.
For those flying out from London, off-peak Economy return reward seats are available to Budapest for 23,500 Avios plus £1.
British Airways
Kayak Through the Emerald Waters of Soca Valley, Slovenia
Grab a paddle for an exhilarating journey through Slovenia's Soca Valley. Known for its striking emerald-green river, the Soca Valley is a paradise for adventurers looking to blend the thrill of kayaking with awe-inspiring natural beauty. As you navigate the gentle rapids and serene stretches of the Soca River, you'll be treated to views of lush landscapes, towering mountains, and the valley's wildlife – a truly immersive way to experience Slovenia's great outdoors.
Your gateway to this kayaking haven is Ljubljana, the closest airport to the Soca Valley. Just an hour and 20 minutes away by car, Ljubljana provides easy access to the starting points of your aquatic adventure. For those setting off from London, off-peak Economy return reward seats to Ljubljana are available for 23,500 Avios plus £1.
British Airways
Fly Above Cappadocia's Fairy Chimneys, Turkey
Soar above the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon, feeling like a modern-day Mary Poppins. Witness the sunrise paint the sky in a kaleidoscope of colours as you gently drift over the region's iconic fairy chimneys, vast valleys, and ancient cave dwellings. This bucket-list adventure will have you snapping photos like crazy and creating memories that'll make your friends back home seriously jealous.
The closest British Airways airports are Istanbul and Antalya, each more than 4 hours away by car. However, the journey is well worth it, as numerous operators offer dedicated excursions to Cappadocia, some lasting several days to make the most of this fabulous experience.
You can get off-peak Economy return flights from London to Istanbul for 27,500 Avios plus £1.
British Airways
Dine in the Eiffel Tower, Paris
Transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience by dining at the Eiffel Tower, Paris' iconic symbol and one of the world's most famous landmarks. Imagine clinking champagne glasses with your loved one while the entire City of Lights twinkles beneath your feet. Talk about a romantic dinner! The Eiffel Tower restaurants serve up delicious eats alongside breathtaking views, making your meal a true Parisian experience. Just remember to pack your fancy pants – this isn’t your average burger joint.
As for BA reward flights, you can get off-peak Economy return flights from London to Paris for just 18,500 Avios plus £1.
British Airways
Explore the Natural Wonder of Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Step into a scene from a fairy tale at Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, where nature's artistry is on full display. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a combination of lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests that create a breathtaking landscape. Wander along wooden walkways that weave through the park, leading you past turquoise waters that cascade into each other in a series of natural dams. Each turn presents a new vista, a fresh waterfall to marvel at, and the serene beauty of untouched wilderness.
The nearest major airport to Plitvice Lakes is Zagreb. Located just two hours away, Zagreb offers convenient access to this natural paradise. Travellers can book off-peak Economy return flights from London to Zagreb for 23,500 British Airways Avios plus £1.
British Airways
Party at the La Tomatina Festival, Spain
Spain's La Tomatina is a world-renowned tomato-throwing extravaganza that turns the streets of Buñol into a juicy, red battlefield. Every year, thousands of revellers transform its streets into a giant bowl of gazpacho for a glorious, chaotic tomato battle. For one day in August, the air is thick with tomato sauce, laughter fills the streets, and everyone's dressed in their tomato-best. It's a unique blend of chaos and fun, where the only rule is to squash your tomatoes before throwing. It's a vibrant festival overflowing with music, dancing, and fireworks, and an atmosphere that's equal parts silly and unforgettable.
Just 27 kilometres from Buñol, Valencia acts as the gateway to this one-of-a-kind festival. Travellers flying from London can get off-peak Economy return tickets to Valencia for 23,500 Avios plus £1.
British Airways
Stay in a Glass Igloo in Finland
Imagine lying back in the comfort of a cosy, warm bed, gazing up as the Northern Lights dance across the sky above you. In Finland, this dream becomes a reality when you stay in one of the glass igloos in the heart of the Arctic wilderness. These igloos offer a unique way to experience the beauty of the aurora borealis and the star-studded night sky, all from the comfort of your own private, heated dome. Beyond the spectacular light show above, these accommodations are surrounded by snow-covered landscapes, providing a magical setting that feels like stepping into another world.
The journey begins with a flight to Helsinki, the closest major airport to the regions known for these unique igloo stays. From Helsinki, you can choose from a variety of igloo accommodations, each offering a different perspective on Finland's natural beauty and the chance to see the Northern Lights in all their glory.
Travellers flying from London can take advantage of off-peak Economy return flights to Helsinki for 23,500 Avios plus £1.
