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Zermatt, Switzerland. Gornergrat red tourist train on the bridge and Matterhorn peak panorama in Swiss Alps, benner

5 Bucket List Europe Trips to Take With Gate 1 Travel

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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Editors Note: This story is sponsored by Gate 1 Travel.

There’s something truly magical about Europe that puts it at the top of most travelers’ bucket lists. From the ancient ruins of Athens and Rome to the soaring peaks of the Swiss Alps, Europe offers an enticing mix of world-class cuisine, ancient history, and stunning scenery unlike anywhere else.

Whether you want to explore one country in depth or see as many new destinations as possible, there’s no better way to make the most of your time on the continent than booking an expertly planned tour with Gate 1 Travel . For over 40 years, Gate 1 Travel has been crafting unforgettable European journeys, earning a reputation for exceptional value, incredible destinations, and first-class personal service.

When you take a tour with Gate 1 Travel, you don’t have to spend hours researching the best hotels, sights, and restaurants—the itinerary is carefully curated for you, so you can spend your trip enjoying Europe rather than stressing over the logistics.

Whether you’re savoring the flavors of Spain and Portugal, tracing Central Europe’s historic capitals, getting inspired by Italy’s Renaissance treasures, uncovering the natural wonders of Croatia and Slovenia, or basking in the Alpine glories of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, these Gate 1 Travel tours are the best way to see Europe. Which one will you cross off your bucket list next?

15-Day Classic Spain & Portugal

If you’re seeking sunshine, head to southern Europe on Gate 1 Travel’s 15-Day Classic Spain & Portugal tour. This two-week trip kicks off in Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital city, where you’ll explore historic gems like the Belem Tower and the UNESCO-listed Jeronimos Monastery. From here, you’ll embark on an unforgettable adventure through Spain and Portugal’s most captivating destinations, including Seville, Costa del Sol, Granada, Madrid, and Barcelona.

Highlights include watching a flamenco show in Seville (the birthplace of this passionate dance), marveling at the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, and seeing the legendary windmills of La Mancha, Don Quixote’s homeland.

Your grand finale awaits in Barcelona, where the architectural marvel of La Sagrada Familia will leave you breathless.

11-Day Crown of Central Europe

Experience the cultural treasures of some of Europe’s most iconic cities on Gate 1 Travel’s 11-Day Crown of Central Europe tour, which visits Prague, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, and Budapest.

Your adventure begins in Prague’s Lesser Town and Old Town, where a walking tour winds you through charming streets and alleyways, showcasing the city’s picturesque architecture. In Munich, witness the whimsical dance of the famous Glockenspiel clock figurines as they chime the hour. For “Sound of Music” enthusiasts, Salzburg might be the tour’s crown jewel, offering a chance to explore filming locations from the beloved movie.

Austria’s Lake District is an underrated European gem for nature lovers and it’s your next stop on this adventure. Here, 76 lakes shimmer amidst breathtaking landscapes. Set sail on a tranquil cruise from the quaint village of St. Wolfgang, gliding past picturesque hamlets and towering peaks.

After soaking in the stunning natural beauty, you’ll head to historic Vienna. Here, you’ll tour the lavish Schonbrunn Palace and its sprawling gardens, leaving you with a lasting impression of Central European grandeur.

Your grand finale awaits in Budapest, where you’ll have time for a comprehensive guided tour and the opportunity to wander and discover the city’s hidden alleyways and charms on your own.

Planning a Trip to Europe: Your 10-Step Guide

9-Day Enchanting Italy

Could any European bucket list be considered complete without a visit to Italy? Gate 1 Travel’s streamlined 9-Day Enchanting Italy tour offers an unforgettable taste of the country’s most famous cities and sights. The trip begins in Venice, where you’ll have plenty of time to explore this unique island city with its winding canals and alleyways. Visit a glassblowing factory on Murano Island and take a guided walking tour of the city’s top sights, such as St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace.

The journey continues through the Tuscan countryside, stopping for a wine tasting at a local farm. Check the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa off your bucket list before continuing to Florence, where art lovers will be in absolute heaven delving into the Uffizi Gallery’s treasure trove of iconic works. Of course, no Tuscan visit would be complete without reveling in the region’s famous wines and fare in an authentic countryside vineyard and rustic family farm.

Finally, stop in the hill town of Assisi to view the famous Basilica of St. Francis. Then, it’s on to Rome to tour the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica and explore ancient Roman sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Arch of Constantine.

10 Day Croatia & Slovenia

Some of Europe’s most underrated spots and hidden gems await on Gate 1 Travel’s 10-Day Croatia & Slovenia tour. This trip jumps off in the historic Croatian capital of Zagreb, where the charming cobblestoned streets entice visitors into leisurely strolls punctuated with stops at the city’s lively cafes and restaurants.

Crossing into Slovenia, you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning scenery of Lake Bled’s emerald waters dotted with the fairytale-like island church. In the lively capital of Ljubljana, you can indulge in regional culinary specialties and wines at the open-air markets and trendy restaurants.

From there, you’ll be transported to a natural wonderland back in Croatia at Plitvice Lakes National Park, where thundering waterfalls and lush hiking trails connect 16 terraced turquoise lakes. The adventure culminates on the Adriatic coast, where you’ll soak up the sun and old-world charms of Split and Dubrovnik.

11-Day Germany, Switzerland & Austria

The hit list of Central European destinations on Gate 1 Travel’s 11-Day Germany, Switzerland & Austria tour begins in Mainz, a medieval city on the Rhine. A leisurely cruise down the river, gliding past hilltop castles, terraced vineyards, and quaint villages, will give you a unique vantage point of the area.

Switch to a comfortable bus for an equally scenic drive through the Black Forest region en route to Switzerland. There, you’ll spend two relaxing nights in the charming lakeside city of Lucerne, home to iconic attractions like the Chapel Bridge and Mt. Pilatus. You can indulge in iconic Swiss specialties like fondue, chocolate, and cheeses while soaking up the mesmerizing mountain panoramas.

Then, crisscross back into Germany, where you’ll have a chance to tour the real-life inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle—the magnificent, turreted Neuschwanstein Castle, set against the serene Bavarian Alps.

Over the next few days, you’ll explore the Austrian Alps and enjoy the baroque splendor of cities like Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Vienna.

The journey ends in Germany, where you’ll have plenty of time to explore the lively city of Munich (and sip a stein at one of the famous beer halls to toast your amazing adventure).

What’s Included?

Gate 1 Travel’s group tours include flights from select departure cities, accommodations, meals and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary, an English-speaking tour manager, and services of local guides.

This story is sponsored by Gate 1 Travel.

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