Last minute ideas for solo traveller - Europe

[Yika]

I have a week unexpectedly available at the end of August. I would like to go away for 7 days (or a short break - 5 days) and am a bit short of ideas. I'll be travelling alone so would prefer some kind of activity. I like arts, culture. Also would not mind learning something new (summer school etc.) Self-development / alternative holidays also OK. Could be in the UK or anywhere in Europe. Any ideas?

See if this something that interests you here www.rivercottage.net/cookery-courses

This is one of my favourite places ever. Even if you’re not into yoga you could learn while you are there. Been three times and every year there is at least one person who is a total beginner.

suryalila.com/yoga-retreat-calendar/

Thanks a lot, these are both great suggestions.

Skyros greece i ve heard it s good

www.skyros.com/mobile-home/

Thanks cestlavie that's a great suggestion - in fact I've been there before and it is good.

I like museums, art galleries, walking around cafe culture, so somewhere like Amsterdam, Venice, Prague, Rome. I've heard Barcelona is similarly good, but I've not been there. How about Iceland, go to Blue Lagoon and join tours for Golden circle and northern lights. I would avoid the August bank holiday if you can or travel a couple of days before or after if possible.

Oslo or Gothenburg are great.

Or Fly into Copenhagen and get the train to Fyn.

You need to check the situation regarding single room supplements. Some companies charge solo travellers extra . Also if staying in a large city make sure you can easily get to and fro to your hotel especially after dark

For a 7-day cultural holiday you could try 3 nights in Salzburg followed by 4 nights in Vienna (they're an easy train ride from each other). I did that once - it was great. There's loads of arty and cultural stuff in both cities and I felt very safe there on my own, even at night.

You may also want to look at HF Holidays. They do mostly walking holidays but an increasing number of artistic/cultural ones too. In the UK their holidays are based in their own country houses and the set-up is very informal and friendly. They tend to attract mostly active older people (retirement age with a few 50+) so if you're looking for a more mixed demographic it might not be right for you.

Thanks for these suggestions. A city break does appeal. The actitivites listed on the HF site are my kind of thing but yes I would prefer a (slightly) younger demographic e.g. 30s-50s.

Barcelona is lovely and has lots to do. You could get the train over to San Sebastian / Bilbao or down to Valencia.