The most beautiful nature-based holidays in the world to soak in stunning landscapes and wildlife

Country Living is a great place to stay. Country Living, we love nature-based holidays that allow us to be close to nature and the world. We travel to locations that feature stunning landscapes and amazing marvels which have kept them memorable throughout the ages.

We're sure you enjoy being outdoors in nature and that includes a gorgeous landscape, navigating high peaks in a lake and mountain escape, or enjoying the birds and wildlife that are native to your area.

If you'd like to be able to watch flowers explode into bloom during spring or enjoy the sun in a well-known beauty spot in summer there's a perfect getaway to nature holidays for you. You can travel as a couple or a couple, or alone (many of these trips and tours are great for those who want to embark on an adventure on your own) There are plenty of suggestions to get you inspired to embark on a trip in the natural.

Find the top ideas to book your next trip to Japan in the springtime when cherry blossoms bloom A once-in-a-lifetime trip to Alaska as well as Canada and the Norwegian Fjords and the annual flower festival in the sun-drenched Madeira for a start. Don't forget, that you don't need to travel thousands of miles away from home to experience the most beautiful nature vacations in the world. You can enjoy a breathtaking cruise through Scotland's stunning islands, or visit the Isles of Scilly with an expert naturalist. You can also enjoy incredible stargazing to be found in the UK and in Northumberland's famed dark skies that aren't affected due to light pollution.

If you're seeking stunning lakes to visit or breathtaking scenery that you can appreciate via railway You'll need to check out these top nature getaways to enjoy in 2025.

1. Explore Slovenia's amazing flavours, and explore the natural parks

The country is renowned for its natural beauty, Slovenia also offers fabulous food and a diverse food culture inspired by its varied landscapes. It's also an ideal place for eco-friendly travelers. It boasts seven Michelin Green Star restaurants, which shows its commitment to sustainable tourism is also evident in its food scene.

Foodies who love food in Slovenia are likely to want to go to the peaceful Vipava Valley for some wine tasting. Also, make sure to visit the medieval town of Kamnik which is the heart of the country's craft beer production, and walk through the streets cobbled with stones of Ljubljana seeking out excellent local eateries as well as upmarket restaurants.

Join Country Living's 6-day adventure in October or May 2025. You'll be able to accomplish all of the above in addition to an unforgettable truffle hunt in Slovenian Istria as well as eating these tasty funghi in the delicious homestead dinner.

2. See your first glimpse of the Northern Lights as you explore Norway's stunning landscapes

Fjords, glacier-covered mountains, and the stunning natural phenomenon known as the Aurora Borealis - when it comes to natural holidays that have a powerful punch, Norway cannot be beaten. When you travel in the right time of the year at the ideal time can almost guarantee an opportunity to see the beautiful Northern Lights dancing in the sky above Norway's breathtaking natural landscapes.

Country Living's 12-day cruise from February 2025 takes you beyond the Arctic Circle to the city of Tromso and on to the beautiful and remote Lofoten Islands. The chances of seeing those Northern Lights here are high. The trip will be with a group of expedition experts who can provide you with the best chance of seeing a show, and one of them is the first Chief Aurora Chaser Tom Kerss.

It is also possible to search Norway's Northern Lights with adventure photographer Doug Allan on Country Living's other twelve-day trip which will leave in the month of March 2025.

3. Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you glide through the Swiss Alps

It doesn't matter if you're climbing or hiking to appreciate the stunning scenery in the Swiss Alps - in fact, one of the best methods to experience the stunning scenery is via train. Trains like the Bernina Express are a bucket-list trip, and the routes take you through Chur to Tirano with a stop at the chic town located in St Moritz. Also, there's The Glacier Express, a famous train journey that cuts an eight-hour route through the scenery, passing breathtaking mountainsides like the Matterhorn that hugs the edges of sparkling glacial lakes and passing through the Grand Canyon of Switzerland, the Rhine Gorge.

Country Living has departures for an unforgettable tour through Italy's Swiss Alps as well as Northern Italy. The tour includes the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express and also visit Lake Maggiore, Zermatt, Klosters, and many more.

4. Discover the fauna in The Isles of Scilly with an experienced naturalist

Visit The Isles of Scilly, and you'll quickly understand why many people consider these islands to be the UK's most beautiful archipelago. You'll find botanic gardens as well as sandy beaches that are soft and powdery that are in which Atlantic grey seals are often seen and dolphins and porpoises frolic off the shores.

In the second-largest of islands, Tresco, you can go to the Tresco Abbey Garden, which is a real wonder for any serious botanist. The garden was created during the late 19th century, around the remains of an old Benedictine Abbey. It is the home of 22,000 plants from all over the globe including Brazil, New Zealand, and South Africa.

In April and September 2025, you are able to take part with Country Living and Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust Julian Branscombe on a nature-focused tour through these beautiful islands.

5. Explore Norway's Svalbard archipelago in the Midnight Sun

The rough splendor in the Arctic wilderness reaches its apex at Norway's Svalbard archipelago. In the area in the Midnight Sun means spotting all kinds of magnificent wildlife, from walruses lazing at the shores, and rare birds flying over. The scenery is equally memorable including blue glaciers and stunning fjords, to the Arctic tundra.

The best way to view this is at sea level, and that's where you'll be during the Country Living two-week Norwegian Arctic cruise between July and August 2025. The beautiful MS Trollfjord cruise will take you through the stunning Norwegian coast, and visit Spitsbergen, the largest of the Svalbard islands, Spitsbergen. Along with you will be an award-winning landscaper as well as gardeners' World presenter Adam Frost.

6. Admire Northumberland's beautiful skies

It's tempting to think that you need to travel a long distance to enjoy the most stunning views of the night sky however, some of the most stunning views are within the UK. Northumberland is home to one of the most spectacular stargazing spots worldwide thanks to its extremely minimal levels of pollution which is why it's the home of the International Dark Sky Park. In this region's wild, heather-clad moors and the rolling hills and meadows that have been around for centuries, There are numerous fascinating castles and other historic sites. However, for the most unforgettable sights, it is to simply take a look.

To experience it yourself Take Country Living's 3-day Northumberland trip in the month of March 2025 where you'll be accompanied by an expert astronomer Richard Darn. Two observatories will be visited and you'll learn about the attractions from Richard who is one of those that earned International Dark Sky Reserve status for the Northumberland Dark Sky Park.

7. Admire Monet's breathtaking Giverny garden

Many enthusiastic gardeners and horticulturalists are able to include a trip to Monet's gardens in Giverny on their bucket list. It is arguably one of the world's most renowned gardens, thanks to its inclusion in a myriad of impressionist master's artworks The tranquil setting is being restored with care and is full of delphiniums, poppies, lupins, and peonies.

When you take a Country Living excursion to France with a variety of departure dates up to September 2025 You'll be visiting Giverny and its stunning gardens. There's the famous green bridge that crosses the ponds for waterlilies that was the inspiration for some of impressionist's most famous works which include Les Nympheas - the Water Lilies. The seven-day trip will provide you with a glimpse of the Loire Valley region, with its stunning architecture, gorgeous gardens, and of course, delicious meals and wines.

8. Slide through the jaw-dropping landscapes of Antarctica

For a once-in-a-lifetime nature vacation, the 'White Continent in Antarctica is waiting for you. There, you will be able to get close and personal with incredible nature, including landscapes with icebergs, fjords glaciers, towering mountains, and fjords. There's a good chance of seeing breaching whales swimming in the freezing waters as well as emperor penguins lining the shores while you travel through the stunning natural landscapes.

Because of its remote location and the dramatic weather, It's the only way to travel to Antarctica by cruise with experts. Participate in the Country Living expedition cruise of Antarctica between March and November 2025. You'll travel aboard a ship specifically built to explore the polar waters. You'll be joined by an entire group of Antarctica experts who'll ensure that your trips to this extraordinary landscape will be as memorable and enjoyable as they can be.

9. Take through Canada's Rocky Mountaineer and cruise Alaska

The stunning beautiful natural landscapes in Alaska along with British Columbia mean both locations are usually on everyone's list of must-sees. It's no wonder, from the stunning mountains that lie in Banff as well as Lake Louise set against the backdrop of the Victoria Glacier, there are so many sights to be seen in Canada. To truly experience the beauty of everything you'll need to get on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train ride that winds across the wilds before coming to Vancouver. From there, you'll be able to travel through the Alaskan Inside Passage as well as a series of waterways that wind through the forests and fjords of America's most populous state.

Enjoy all this and more – on Country Living's sixteen-day Canada along with an Alaska excursion starting in May 2025. The once-in-a-lifetime trip includes an unforgettable train ride aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, followed by a seven-night cruise starting in Vancouver through the calm lakes of the Alaskan Inside Passage.

10. Experience a floral celebration in Madeira

The subtropical island of Madeira is a fascinating place that nature enthusiasts can explore. It is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Atlantic" or the 'Island Of Eternal Spring'. Both are true names for an island filled with stunning beauty due to its exotic and lush gardens. Its annual flower festival held in the latter part of spring is a wonderful occasion to visit, as islanders put up massive carpets of fragrant blooms in rainbow hues and fun parades through the streets.

It's truly a celebration of nature and you are able to be part of the celebrations with an exclusive Country Living tour in April 2025. It will take seven days to get familiar with the island with a variety of excursions to the best Madeira gardens included. Also, you'll have a grandstand during the Flower Festival for fabulous parade views.

11. Discover the wonder that is Corfu by the Durrells

The stunningly beautiful Greek island Corfu has been a long-running favorite among travelers. However, the British comedy-drama TV series The Durrells has added more attraction as a destination by showcasing some of the most stunning areas of the island, while telling the story of the family that moved to the island in 1935. From stunning beaches and sparkling blue waters to azure-colored beaches and coves an end to the natural beauty on the island to discover and relive the magical moments of the show by exploring some of the places you've seen on television.

The Durrells-themed Country Living Corfu vacation in the month of May 2025 will let you make the most of your visit here. The trip will be accompanied by Lee Durrell herself, the naturalist and author who will deliver an exclusive talk on her family's bond with Corfu and also Gerald Durrell's late husband's contribution in the conservation of the island. Also, you'll be able to go to filming locations, including The White House in Kalami and the Lake of the Lillies.

12. Enjoy Japan's stunning cherry blossoms

Japan is on many people's lists of destinations for a holiday that is based on nature. There's the holy and snow-capped summit of Mount Fuji, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakawago as well as the beautiful landscapes that are Kyoto and the stunning vast gardens that are Osaka as well as Tokyo. Plan your visit to Japan wisely and you'll get to see one of nature's most vivid scenes in full splendour.

The spring season marks the beginning of the cherry blossom season, in Japan, when the pink sakura (cherry flower) blooms across the country. During this time, festivals occur as tourists and locals enjoy this stunning natural event. Explore Japan through Country Living from March until April 2025 for an unforgettable tour. You'll see stunning historic buildings as well as natural landscapes, and all the while the country is filled with stunning cherry blossoms.

13. Explore the beautiful garden of Italian lakes

There are a myriad of reasons to be awed by Northern Italian lakes that have been attracting tourists for centuries, particularly the popular spots that are Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and the Gulf of Borromeo. For any horticulturist, their top attraction is the stunning gardens to be found in this region around the globe. From the lavish villas along the shores of grand lakes to the breathtaking garden walls and floral terraces that line the Borremean Islands There are endless gardens to discover in this stunning part of the globe.

The most effective way to achieve this is to sign up for Country Living's eight-day journey through the landscapes of the northern region of Italy between March and April 2025. You'll be joined for a part of the tour by expert gardener Christine Walkden, who will provide a talk that is exclusive and then join you for the day to explore Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Pescatori.

14. Take a ride on the powerful Danube

It winds through ten countries with a rich culture, as well as stunning scenery The Danube River is one of the most beautiful around the globe - and one of the most beautiful to take a cruise during a cruise. It runs through into the Black Forest mountains of Germany up to the Black Sea, passing Germany, Austria, and Slovakia, in addition to other countries. One of the most memorable aspects of any trip on the Danube is an excursion to Salzburg in Austria, where the iconic film The Sound of Music was shot.

If you're looking for a journey that's full of Alpine beauty, cultural cities, and all the romance from a show, join Country Living's 6-day Danube cruise in July 2025. It will include Vienna, Krems, and the Wachau Valley, before concluding with an excursion to Salzburg (where you will be able to retrace Julie Andrews' steps) this is an unforgettable cruise for all.