Extreme day trips are for those who scoff at leisurely sightseeing and prefer to chase the sunrise, conquer mountains, explore cities, dive into the ocean, and still make it home before midnight – all in one go. Basically, the gist is you jet off as early as you can and try to go as far as you can (and back again) in just 24 hours.

Now, you don’t actually have to go climbing mountains. If you just fancy a coffee en terrace in Paris or a slice of pizza rossa in Rome, you can do that too. Extreme day trips are all about doing something a bit more exciting than going down your local park. So we’ve rounded up some example trips, and we’ve made sure to include departures from London, Manchester and Edinburgh.

The undisputed king of whirlwind trips – compact, gorgeous, and packed with culture. The city centre is super close to the airport, and you can hop off the plane and find yourself cycling along canals, wandering through the Van Gogh Museum, or spending a moment with history at the Anne Frank House in just 15 minutes on the train.

If you’re feeling indulgent, grab a plate of bitterballen (crispy, meaty goodness) or a stroopwafel from a street vendor. Before heading back, unwind at a canal-side café and pretend you’re a local – at least for a few hours.

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The city of love is also the city of fast-paced sightseeing. After a 35 minute train ride from Charles de Gaulle airport, start at the Eiffel Tower, grab a croissant at a classic boulangerie, then race to the Louvre (good luck seeing the Mona Lisa without a sprint).

Stroll along the Seine, soak up the atmosphere in Montmartre, and squeeze in a steak-frites before dashing back to the airport. Bonus points if you manage to resist buying an unnecessary beret.

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Geneva is small but mighty (and ridiculously close to the airport – just 7 minutes away by train). Nestled between mountains and Lake Geneva, it’s a paradise for those who love scenic strolls and Swiss chocolate. Visit the Jet d’Eau fountain, tour the United Nations, or geek out at the Red Cross Museum.

Try a cheese fondue and squeeze in a quick train ride to Mont Blanc for an alpine moment before heading home.

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Dublin is all about the craic (Irish fun, not the other thing). Following a 20 minute bus ride from the airport, get your head in some books at Trinity College’s stunning library, then sip a pint at the Guinness Storehouse (no judgment if it’s before noon).

Wander Temple Bar’s lively streets, visit Dublin Castle, and grab a boxty (Irish potato pancake) before heading back. If you’re quick, a coastal detour to Howth for fresh seafood is an added bonus.

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Oslo is sleek, modern, surrounded by fjords…and just 20 minutes from the airport. Start at the Viking Ship Museum, where you can marvel at thousand-year-old longships that once terrorized European coastlines (history, but make it metal ). From there, head up the Opera House’s sloped roof for panoramic fjord views.

Next, a stroll down Karl Johans gate will take you past the Royal Palace, then you can grab a lunch of smoked salmon open-faced sandwiches or, if you’re feeling brave, try rakfisk (fermented fish – it’s an acquired taste). For your final act, catch a ferry to the Bygdøy Peninsula for a glimpse of Norway’s seafaring past before dashing back to the airport.

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It’s ambitious, but if Julius Caesar could conquer Gaul, you can conquer a whirlwind Roman adventure. After a quick 15 minute train ride from Ciampino Airport (or 30 minutes from Fiumicino), wander down Via Nazionale, then make your way to the Colosseum. Stop for a quick espresso (drank stood at the bar, like a local), then sprint to the Trevi Fountain and chuck a coin in. Gawk at the Pantheon’s hole in the roof before grabbing a plate of cacio e pepe at a trattoria.

Hop on the metro to Vatican City and stroll around St. Peter’s Square, then head back on foot to the Spanish Steps for a gelato, Roman Holiday-style, before going back to the airport.

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Copenhagen is sleek, stylish, and perfect for an ultra-fast Nordic adventure. Stroll through Nyhavn’s colorful harbor after a 15 minute hop from the airport on the metro, then visit the Tivoli Gardens (one of the world’s oldest amusement parks), and grab an open-faced smørrebrød sandwich.

If you’re into your history, check out Rosenborg Castle before making a beeline for the airport. For those feeling extra daring, a dip in the city’s open-air harbor pools might be just the wake-up you need after that mega early start.

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Ride the S-Bahn for 15 minutes from the airport to the city centre, then you can explore Römerberg’s old town, Main Tower’s skyline views, and the bustling Kleinmarkthalle market before indulging in apfelwein and schnitzel in Sachsenhausen.

Take in art at the Städel Museum or relax at Palmengarten, then stroll the Bankenviertel financial district and along the Main River before heading back.

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After a cheap and scenic 45 minute train journey into the city centre, wander the alleys of UNESCO-listed Bryggen, an iconic row of colorful wooden buildings from the Hanseatic era. Grab a quick bite (maybe a fresh shrimp sandwich or some reindeer sausage?) from Fisketorget – that’s the Fish Market. Ride the Fløibanen Funicular and you’ll whisk yourself up Mount Fløyen in just 5 minutes for stunning views of Bergen & the fjords.

Speaking of those fjords, Bergen is the gateway to ’em, so if time allows definitely do a 2-hour fjord cruise to see Norway’s famous landscapes.

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