Cool-weather destinations are increasingly in demand during the high summer season, with travelers interested in “coolcations” in the milder climates of northern Europe over the hotter temperatures of the Mediterranean.

Our favorite coolcation destinations for the long days of summer offer an ideal combination of mild climate, natural beauty, rich culture and luxurious accommodation.

Switzerland

Switzerland is stunning in the summer, with dramatic mountain peaks, shimmering lakes and wildflower-filled valleys offering cinematic vistas and crisp alpine air.

Favorite activities in Switzerland include:

• Private tours of idyllic Swiss towns such as Lucerne and Lausanne
• A private cheesemaking workshop at a traditional dairy in the foothills of the Alps
• Traveling by train and cable car into the iconic mountains and glaciers of the Berner Oberland
• Hiking or e-mountain biking around Zermatt with impressive views of the Matterhorn
• Scenic train journeys through some of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes

Iceland

Long days and the unique light of the midnight sun make Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes particularly enchanting in summer. Our private tours feature the country’s most spectacular natural beauty—including lava fields, waterfalls and glacier lagoons—combined with exceptional luxury retreats.

Favorite coolcation activities in Iceland include:

• A private excursion to Langjokull Glacier for an Into the Glacier experience
• Relaxing in the Retreat Spa at the Blue Lagoon
• A private tour of the waterfalls and geysers of the Golden Circle
• Guided snorkeling in the crystal-clear water of Silfra, a fissure between tectonic plates
• Horseback riding across windswept grasslands
• Seeing unusual basalt formations above the black sand of Reynisfjara Beach

Norway

The breathtaking fjords and pristine wilderness of Norway make a compelling destination during the long days and golden light of the midnight sun.

Favorite activities in Norway include:

• Private boat cruises in dramatic fjords
• Private touring of Oslo’s cultural highlights, such as Munch paintings, the Oslo Opera House, Oslo City Hall and Vigeland Park
• Privately guided hiking and e-biking to waterfalls and vista points
• Exploring Art Nouveau architecture in Alesund
• Private kayaking in the Lofoten Islands

Sweden

In Sweden, lakes, forests, islands and an expansive coastline combine with the sophistication of Stockholm to offer an ideal coolcation destination with a distinctive blend of design, nature and luxury.

Favorite activities in Sweden include:

• Private touring of Stockholm’s cultural highlights, such as the Old Town, the Royal Palace, the Nobel Prize Museum and Stockholm City Hall
• A day of island-hopping in the Stockholm Archipelago
• Touring beautiful Drottningholm Palace and nearby castles and gardens
• Forest walks, river floats and Sami experiences in Swedish Lapland

Scotland

Scotland in the summer is particularly captivating. With refreshing weather and long days, it’s an ideal time to experience the country’s spectacular landscapes, picturesque villages, historic castles, renowned whisky distilleries and traditional outdoor pursuits.

Favorite activities in Scotland include:

• Scenic drives among the moors, mountains and islands of the Scottish Highlands
• Private touring of Edinburgh’s cultural highlights, such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the New Town
• Premium tickets to Edinburgh’s Royal Military Tattoo, International Festival and Fringe
• Rounds of golf on Scotland’s most beautiful and historic golf courses
• Whisky touring and tastings at leading distilleries in the Highlands and Islands
• Enjoying the facilities at Gleneagles resort in the Perthshire countryside
• Private tours of Scotland’s most beautiful and historic castles

England

England is incredible in the summer, with warm weather and sunny days to make the most of the cultural highlights of London, the gardens and thatched-roof cottages of the Cotswolds and the beautiful fells, lakes and moors of the Lake District and Yorkshire.

Favorite activities in England include:

• Touring London’s cultural highlights and best museums with an expert private guide
• Visiting the most charming villages and colorful gardens in the Cotswolds
• Afternoon tea in luxury hotels overlooking gardens
• Private excursions to Stonehenge and Bath
• Exploring villages and hiking among the verdant hills of the Lake District
• A private tour of Windsor Castle
• Excursions to outstanding historic country houses, such as Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth House and Castle Howard
• Private Harry Potter touring

Ireland

Ireland is an ideal coolcation destination in summer, with rolling green landscapes, dramatic coastal cliffs and charming villages.

Favorite activities in Ireland include:

• Seeing the Book of Kells and other cultural highlights in Dublin
• Scenic walks and drives along the Dingle Peninsula and in Killarney National Park
• Enjoying a session of traditional music at an Irish pub
• Spending time at Ashford Castle, an exceptional resort with lakes, golf and a spa
• Shopping for beautiful Irish crafts

Denmark

Denmark in the height of summer blends relaxed sophistication and modern design with history, tradition and refreshingly mild temperatures.

Favorite activities in Denmark include:

• Private touring of Copenhagen’s historic center, architectural highlights and top museums
• A food-focused bicycle tour of Copenhagen
• Learning about Viking history and culture in Roskilde
• A private excursion to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art on the Danish Riviera
• A private tour of Frederiksborg Castle and its beautiful gardens
• Visiting top Danish design and furniture shops in Copenhagen
• A private cruise and swimming in the canals of Copenhagen

Austria

Austria offers a rich variety of summer experiences, including imperial grandeur in sophisticated Vienna and alpine elegance in the Salzkammergut region.

Favorite activities in Austria include:

• Private touring of the renowned palaces, formal gardens, world-class museums and architectural landmarks in Vienna
• Attending a performance of the Vienna Boys’ Choir
• A private tour of The Sound of Music film locations in and around Salzburg
• Exploring the charming villages and majestic landscapes of the Austrian Alps

Other favorite coolcation destinations for summer include the Dolomites and Lake Como in Italy, Bavaria in Germany. Finland and the Baltic States.

Contact Artisans of Leisure to plan a private customized coolcation during the summer months.