• Europe Tours

Europe Tours and Trip Packages 2024/2025

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or you just enjoy the finer things in life, a Europe tour package has something to offer every type of traveler. These Europe package tours and trips explore any of the continent’s 50 countries that are diverse in size, climate, traditions - and cost! With fine cuisine, world-renowned art and music, and 23 officially recognized languages, a tour in Europe can be a cultural labyrinth that fuels wanderlust. 

  • Europe Travel Guide

+300 Trips in Europe with 6,169 Reviews

Glimpse Of Europe Tour

  • Starts Amsterdam, Holland
  • Ends Paris, France

Glimpse of Europe

  • Best price guaranteed
  • No booking fees
  • Tour Type Group Tour
  • Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='21253'>+1 more
  • Accommodation Hotel
  • Transport Private Vehicle, Coach & Boat
  • Age Range 5-99 yrs
  • Operated in English
  • Brochure Price: US$ 1,695
  • Special Deal (19%): - US$ 320
  • Total Price from: US$ 1,375

Best Of Central Europe Tour

  • Starts Vienna, Austria
  • Ends Budapest, Hungary

Best of Central Europe

  • Tour Type Small Group Tour
  • Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Mountains 'data-more-tripid='3044'>+2 more
  • Accommodation Hotel & Resort
  • Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Boat, Minibus & Taxi
  • Age Range 15-99 yrs
  • Brochure Price: US$ 3,925
  • Special Deal (25%): - US$ 981
  • Total Price from: US$ 2,944
  • Apr 24 Only 9 seats left
  • Apr 27 Only 9 seats left
  • View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Europe Jewel Tour

  • Ends Amsterdam, Holland

Europe Jewel

  • Activities Cultural, sightseeing, food tours & Art and architecture Cultural, sightseeing, food tours , Art and architecture & City sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='37689'>+1 more
  • Transport Coach, Boat, Taxi & Train
  • Age Range 10-99 yrs
  • Brochure Price: US$ 3,090
  • Special Deal (23%): - US$ 700
  • Total Price from: US$ 2,390
  • Mar 27 10+ seats left
  • Apr 03 10+ seats left

Europe Taster Tour

  • Starts London, England
  • Ends London, England

Europe Taster

  • Activities City sightseeing & Art & architecture tour City sightseeing , Art & architecture tour , Art and architecture , & heritage & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='37695'>+3 more
  • Transport Coach, Boat & Train
  • Brochure Price: US$ 1,815
  • Special Deal (23%): - US$ 415
  • Total Price from: US$ 1,400
  • Mar 09 10+ seats left
  • Mar 16 10+ seats left

Get Social: Central & Eastern Europe Tour

Get Social: Central & Eastern Europe

  • Activities Explorer
  • Accommodation Bungalow & Hostel
  • Transport Coach, Bus & Helicopter
  • Age Range 18-39 yrs
  • Brochure Price: US$ 3,739
  • Special Deal (10%): - US$ 374
  • Total Price from: US$ 3,365
  • May 08 10+ seats left
  • Jun 05 10+ seats left

Spain & Portugal: Flamenco & Tapas Tour

  • Starts Barcelona, Spain
  • Ends Madrid, Spain

Spain & Portugal: Flamenco & Tapas

  • Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture City sightseeing , Art and architecture , Party and nightlife & Food tours 'data-more-tripid='4978'>+2 more
  • Accommodation Hostel
  • Transport Train, Bus & Coach
  • Brochure Price: US$ 1,729
  • Special Deal (20%): - US$ 346
  • Total Price from: US$ 1,383
  • Apr 26 Only 1 seat left
  • Jun 21 Only 1 seat left

All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels) Tour

  • Starts Sofia, Bulgaria
  • Ends Athens, Greece

All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

  • Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='17753'>+1 more
  • Transport Bus, Coach & Boat
  • Brochure Price: US$ 2,497
  • Special Deal (45%): - US$ 1,124
  • Total Price from: US$ 1,373
  • Apr 27 10+ seats left
  • May 04 10+ seats left

Small Group Food & Wine Tour Of Sicily

  • Starts Catania, Italy
  • Ends Palermo, Italy

Small Group Food & Wine Tour of Sicily

  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
  • Activities Food tours & Wine tasting tours Food tours , Wine tasting tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Countryside and village visits & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='22521'>+3 more
  • Transport Minibus
  • Age Range 1-89 yrs

Baltic Capital Cities Tour

  • Starts Vilnius, Lithuania
  • Ends Tallinn, Estonia

Baltic Capital Cities

  • Activities Active and outdoor & Cultural, religious and historic sites
  • Transport Bus
  • Age Range 16-95 yrs
  • May 25 Only 7 seats left
  • Jun 01 Only 4 seats left

Caucasus Countries (12 Days) Tour

  • Starts Baku, Azerbaijan
  • Ends Tbilisi, Georgia

Caucasus Countries (12 days)

  • Activities Sightseeing Tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites Sightseeing Tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture & National parks 'data-more-tripid='18354'>+2 more
  • Transport Coach & Minibus
  • Age Range 12-75 yrs
  • May 04 Only 6 seats left
  • May 18 10+ seats left

Irish Explorer Tour

  • Starts Dublin, Ireland
  • Ends Dublin, Ireland

Irish Explorer

  • Activities Art and architecture & Cultural, religious and historic sites
  • Transport Coach
  • Brochure Price: US$ 1,480
  • Special Deal (23%): - US$ 335
  • Total Price from: US$ 1,145
  • Mar 30 10+ seats left

European Vistas Tour

European Vistas

  • Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & City sightseeing
  • Transport Coach, Boat, Private Vehicle & Taxi
  • Brochure Price: US$ 1,890
  • Special Deal (26%): - US$ 490
  • Apr 17 10+ seats left
  • May 01 10+ seats left

Highlights Of Portugal Tour

  • Starts Lisbon, Portugal
  • Ends Porto, Portugal

Highlights of Portugal

  • Activities Local culture & Art and architecture Local culture , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Shopping and Markets 'data-more-tripid='10596'>+2 more
  • Transport Train, Private Vehicle & Boat
  • Age Range 12-95 yrs
  • Brochure Price: US$ 1,649
  • Special Deal (20%): - US$ 330
  • Total Price from: US$ 1,319
  • May 17 Only 1 seat left
  • Jun 10 Only 9 seats left

Croatia Sailing Adventure Tour

  • Starts Split, Croatia
  • Ends Split, Croatia

Croatia Sailing Adventure

  • Activities Sailing, yachting and motor boating & National parks Sailing, yachting and motor boating , National parks & Chill out 'data-more-tripid='37268'>+1 more
  • Accommodation Yacht Cabin
  • Transport Private Vehicle, Yacht & Boat
  • Age Range 18-40 yrs
  • Brochure Price: US$ 1,895
  • Special Deal (30%): - US$ 569
  • Total Price from: US$ 1,326
  • May 29 10+ seats left

Europe Tour Reviews

  • Carrie Van De Polder
  • Shamsiev Shokhrukh

Europe - Tour Package Highlights and Trip Insights

With so much to see, do, eat and buy, planning a Europe tour is no easy feat. There are, of course, the typical sightseeing musts: Paris’ Louvre, London’s Tower Bridge, and Rome’s Colosseum. Even Europe’s most frequent visitors will always find something new to discover. Read on for our top Europe tour highlights and Europe trip insights.

Europe Tour Package Highlights

  • Go back in time and explore the ruins of ancient civilizations in Italy and Greece
  • Snack on cheese and wine (or escargot, if you’re feeling adventurous) in the Champ de Mars, beneath the Eiffel Tower
  • Ride a bicycle through the townhouse-lined streets of Amsterdam before touring the canals by boat
  • Listen to the romantic songs of the gondoliers as you cruise through the canals of Venice
  • Indulge in an authentic Belgian waffle, drowned in chocolate
  • Enjoy an ice-cold beer from a beer stein at Oktoberfest in Germany
  • Hike from village to village in Italy’s Cinque Terre
  • Get lost between the shelves of some of the world’s most beautiful libraries, like those at Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland), Mafra Palace (Mafra, Portugal), and the Clementinum Baroque Library Hall (Prague, Czech Republic)
  • Join a Europe tour that goes through many of Europe's travel highlights in countries such as Spain , France , Italy , Netherlands and Scandinavia .

Europe Trip Insights

  • Traveling by rail is one of the easiest (and sometimes cheapest) ways to get around Europe, especially if you plan to travel for a couple of weeks (or longer). Investigate rail passes before you visit, particularly ones that can be used between countries. Interrail and Eurail are very popular among travelers.
  • Don’t skip the “touristy” destinations. Everyone travels differently, but the most popular European highlights are popular for a reason. Brave the crowds and be sure to stop by those more cliché sites - you’ll be glad you did.
  • Try not to over prepare! One of the great benefits of visiting Europe is that it’s incredibly easy to travel between towns and countries. Allow yourself some flexibility to open yourself up to new adventures (and avoid travel burnout). If you've booked a Europe tour package with accommodation, activities, guides etc. get ready to indulge and relax - you are up for a Europe trip of a lifetime. 
  • Chances are you don’t speak 23 different languages, so be prepared before you travel. Avoid carrying around heavy guide books by downloading a translation app on your phone.
  • Note that not all European countries use the Euro, including the United Kingdom , Denmark and Hungary (among others). Do your research beforehand and be ready to juggle different currencies if you’re planning an extensive trip.
  • Travelling on a budget? Check our last minute holiday and travel deals to Europe . Also, consider looking for accommodation outside the city centre. Most large European cities are very well connected by public transportation, meaning all your bucket list sites are just a quick (and often inexpensive) bus, train, or metro ride away.

Tours in Europe - Questions and Answers

You can spend a couple of months exploring Europe and still feel like you have not seen everything. Generally speaking, a two-week Europe trip should be just enough if you are looking to cover its major highlights. However, if you want a comprehensive travel experience within this duration, it is better that you focus on a region or a few countries rather than traveling all over the continent. 

Choose a single country or schedule your trip around a handful of cities in different countries. While larger European cities may require three to four days to explore, you can get around smaller destinations in a day or two. Planning your trip around a particular region will cut down your travel time and save your time in transit.

If you are planning to visit multiple countries, you should prepare a tentative list of destinations you are interested in. If it is your first trip, stick to major cities and cultural centers for the sake of simplicity and convenience. Also, be flexible and optimize your travel time and budget. Be open to changing your itinerary depending on schedules and ticket prices.

There are dozens of insurance companies offering travel insurance, which can make it difficult for you to choose the right one.

There are a number of things that you should be aware of while purchasing travel insurance. If it is comprehensive medical insurance plans that you are interested in, make sure to find out what all the plan covers. If you are concerned about certain scenarios, then check out customizable travel insurance policies and find out if the provider can cover you for those situations. You also need to determine if there are reasonable coverage limits. Check deductibles and compensation limits in the insurance policy for this.

While insurance is important, it is mostly a safeguard against emergencies. If you are on a budget, you can go with the second- or even third-best option and prioritize getting your money’s worth instead of purchasing the most comprehensive coverage.

Europe has swathes of spectacular landscapes, a rich history, and vibrant cultures. Therefore, deciding on the best travel destinations on the continent can be difficult. However, you can narrow down on highlights by choosing one overarching theme for your trip. 

If you are looking forward to immersing yourself in art and history, then Italy, Spain , and France should be on the top of your list. Head for Switzerland , Norway , or Croatia if nature is what you love the most. For beaches and water sports, you will be hard-pressed to find better destinations than Greece , Portugal , and Montenegro.

Having said that, you can also diversify your itinerary by mixing and matching different elements of the same country. Italy  tops the charts not just for its medieval monuments and Renaissance art but also for coastal scenery and sun-soaked beaches. Similarly, Spain is a foodie paradise as much as it is an architectural hotspot.

Bus services like FlixBus and BusAbout offer a convenient means of transport if you wish to move from one city to another within the same country. Although these services do travel between countries, they might not be the best choice due to a longer travel time.

Budget airlines are another great way to get around Europe’s major cities, especially when you want to cut down on travel time between two countries. Keep an eye out and you might be able to snag tickets at unbelievable rates. Services like Skyscanner can be of help. Some of the largest budget airlines in the continent are Ryanair , WizzAir , Eurowings , and EasyJet .

Ridesharing services are a godsend for those wishing to immerse themselves in local culture as they offer you the chance to catch a ride with locals along the way. BlaBlaCar is the largest one. The only downside is that it is not always as easy to book a rideshare service as it is to catch a bus or hop on a budget flight.

The USA is one of the 63 countries whose citizens enjoy visa-free entry into the EU Schengen zone along with the UK and associated states like Iceland , Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. 

This means that if you are an American citizen with a valid US passport and want to travel to Europe for a limited amount of time for tourism or business purpose, you can do so anytime you want to. However, if you have more long-term plans (say, you intend to get employed, study, or simply live in Europe for an extended period of time), you will need to apply for a visa. The type of your visa and required documentation depend on your goals. 

Update for 2022: EU is set to launch ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) by the end of this year. It is similar to ESTA and is supposed to help simplify travel procedures and decrease security risks. All travelers allowed to travel to the EU and associated states visa-free will require an ETIAS authorization. This also includes US citizens.

If your country has a visa-free agreement with the EU, you are allowed to spend up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. Keep in mind that the countdown starts on the date of your entry and ends on the date of your exit. So, for example, if you fly into an EU country on the first of the month and exit on the 15th, it will count as a 15-day stay.

There are 63 countries in the world that have a visa-waiver agreement with the EU . If your country is part of this agreement, you can travel to Europe visa-free. You do, however, need to show the following to be allowed into the Schengen Zone and associated states.

  • A valid passport: Your passport should have a validity of at least 3 months at the time of your entry into Schengen and be less than ten years old.
  • Purpose of entry: In addition to your passport, you also require documents that prove that you are there for tourism purposes. These documents can include invoices for hotel reservations and booked tours. 
  • Proof of financial means: You also need to carry documents proving that you can support yourself during your stay in the region.

As long as you have got all three, all you need is a plane ticket to your chosen destination. 

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THIS IS WHAT AWAITS IN EUROPE

Towering castles. Untamed natural beauty. Captivating history. Can’t-miss cuisine. This is your time, your moment, your chance to discover Europe.

Destination Must-Sees

Greece Must see takeover

One of the most well-known tourist destinations in Greece, Olympia is located in the western Peloponnese, known as the “Valley of the Gods.” Surrounded by beautiful scenery from the Arcadian Mountains, it is home of the first Olympic Games that were held in 776 B. Step into history when you walk through the ruins of the ancient Olympic stadium or witness amazing sculptures at the museum.

paris europe mustsees

France’s romantic capital is a must-see destination, and a gorgeous gateway to the wonders the rest of this country has to offer. Whether your ideal Parisian getaway has you spending some free time sipping coffee at a café and watching the bustling city life, roaming the halls of art at the Louvre, or exploring the bohemian artist’s haven — the Montmartre neighborhood, there’s rich history and culture abound in every corner of the City of Light.

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Irish countryside:

Take in the atmosphere of quaint seaside villages, see awe inspiring views of the Lakes of Killarney and explore the picturesque town of Kinsale. Wherever you travel in the countryside, you’ll find that the rolling hills and friendly people you encounter will become a part of your fabric.

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Ancient cities of Italy:

Italy is positively brimming with the world’s most famous Roman ruins like the Colosseum, Pompeii and many other relics from the ancient past. In fact, many cities in Italy still hold evidence of what once was. You can find an aqueduct, city gate, Roman theater or the ruins of an entire city there.

Destination Must-Dos

Greece Must dos takeoverv2

Meteora Monastery:

Over 600 years ago Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community atop limestone rock “towers” that extend nearly 900 feet into the air, making them virtually inaccessible. It is one of the greatest monuments in the world, and is the most important monastic center in Greece. You can climb these rocks and travel the paths hidden behind the massive rocks.

Palace of Versailles France2022

The Palace of Versailles

The iconic Palace of Versailles (UNESCO) and its gardens reflect the extravagant tastes of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King." Alongside a local guide, learn the history and admire the various rooms of the State Apartments, including the Queen's bedchamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors. Be sure to explore the incredible gardens, some of the most famous in the world, which took over 40 years to complete and include intricate architecture, elaborate fountains, and gorgeous statues.

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Drift down a canal:

While canals are found across Europe, nothing beats a romantic gondola ride in Venice. Locals like to say the best way to explore the city is to ‘get lost.’ So take a ride along these waterways, step off and then wind your way through the intricate blend of bridges, narrow streets and grand squares.

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This was the first capital of Spain located about 43 miles south of Madrid. The history of Toledo dates back to the Roman occupation circa 192 B.C. The old city of Toledo sits atop of a small mountain surrounded on three sides by the Tagus River, and medieval walls on the fourth. From the top of the mountain you can get a 180 degree view of the surrounding landscape.

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Magnificent landscapes combined with the country’s charming traditions and customs offer new experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. Famous for bullfighting, Spain allows you to grab life by the horns and dive into adventure. Whether it’s the eye-catching architecture of Madrid, the bold Spanish wines, or the shimmering Costa del Sol, this country remains a delight to the senses. Once you experience Spain, you’ll never want to leave and when you do, you’ll always be craving more.

A gem of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is a paradise. On the coasts, sun-soaked beaches meet breathtaking hillside towns all down the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. In the cities, ancient structures rise up shoulder-to-shoulder with modern living. Everywhere you turn, you can find mouth-watering food paired with delicious local wines, medieval architecture paired with Moorish artistic influence, and friendly locals paired with charming attitudes. No matter what you seek, when you go, where you look, or how long you stay, Portugal offers something for every traveler.

Whether it’s old-world traditions and wonderful culture, cuisine, history, fashion or natural beauty, Italy is special to many people for different reasons. Few other countries boast so many legendary cities. There are also many charming hill towns and coastal villages that showcase Italy’s amazing natural beauty. From the big cities to the small towns, there is always something exciting to see in Italy. With so many reasons to visit, the rest is up to you!

A rendezvous with a magnifique experience awaits! As cliché as it sounds, France truly has something for everyone. With over two dozen cities, each with their own nuances of the French culture and contributions to its history, architecture, art and last but not least, the gastronomical delights that the French are famous for throughout the world are yours to explore, experience and fall in love with during your stay. Coast to coast, border to border, there are seemingly endless variations on your French experience to be had. Rolling hills and scenic valleys lined with the fruit of the gods; seaside towns, along sandy beaches with views you just might be sharing with royalty; or maybe snowcapped mountain ranges providing some of the best skiing in the world and an adrenaline rush to match is what you seek. Whatever you decide, France easily makes you feel as if you have stepped out of reality and into the art you learned about and loved since you were a child.

At the heart of Europe, monumental contemporary and historic events shape today’s Germany. From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the rise of the Beatles in Hamburg, the culture of the country is marked by its influential past and present. Imagine yourself exploring postcard-worthy castles such as Neuschwanstein or wandering through medieval cities such as Regensburg. From the Bavarian Alps to the Rhine Gorge to the plains of the north, the range of Germany’s landscapes will capture your heart. Perhaps you’ll also indulge your taste buds as you sample the delicious Marzipan sweet treats of the Hanseatic port of Lubeck, which have been produced there for over 200 years. Whether on a journey on the ‘Romantic Road’ or cruising along the Rhine, know that a stein of German beer or a glass of wine from the Rhine vineyards are both a worthy compliment to a destination that offers far more than the average traveler anticipates.

Switzerland

Incredible skiing on the Swiss Alps and delectable Swiss chocolate are only two reasons for visiting Switzerland. Located between Austria, France, Germany and Italy, you can get quite a diverse European cultural experience depending on which region of Switzerland you choose. And though the food, music, art and people themselves are very much influenced by their European neighbors, they are all still uniquely Swiss. You will leave with plenty of memories to savor for a lifetime.

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Europe tours by region.

If you’re looking for royal castles, romantic ruins, historic buildings, and cosmopolitan cities, you can find it all on a European tour! Whether you’re visiting chic Paris in Western Europe, enjoying the architecture of Prague in Eastern Europe, or sightseeing through the British Isles of the United Kingdom, there’s lots to explore traveling in Europe. Check out the following recommendations for a taste of what each region offers.

Great Britain & Ireland

A tour of Great Britain , the isle comprising England , Scotland, and Wales, could take you to medieval castles, charming villages, wild moors, ancient ruins, and bustling cities. Head north to explore highlands and lochs, find ancient ruins and warm up with a nip of scotch whisky because a Scotland tour has it all! While in the United Kingdom , be sure to visit Belfast , Londonderry, and the legendary Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Island.

Who can resist the charm of Ireland ? A tour through Ireland offers travelers wild coastlines, jagged cliffs, regal castles, famous dance moves, and lively music in local pubs. The capital of Dublin is well-known for its draw to travelers with iconic sites like The Guinness Storehouse at St. James's Gate, the famously red Temple Bar, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College , and the Book of Kells. 

Northern Europe

Take a tour of Iceland to chase the most spectacular show on Earth—the Northern Lights and see the breathtaking night sky filled with the aurora borealis and its vast spectrum of color. Discover Viking heritage and breathtaking Scandinavian scenery on a Sweden vacation. Visit Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid gazing wistfully across the harbor in Copenhagen, Denmark ’s capital. In Finland ’s capital, Helsinki, see the modern marble façades of Finlandia Hall, the Senate and the colorful stalls in Market Square. Norway 's incredible glacier countryside beckons travelers with deep blue waters surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks and lush green landscapes.

Southern Europe

It’s said that if you only visit one European city in your life, make it Rome, Italy . With iconic sites like the Colosseum , Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain , and the Pantheon, plus Vatican City right next door, it’s the perfect first stop on a tour of Italy . Then travel to Florence for the art and Venice for the romance. Make sure you eat as much pasta and pizza as possible while you travel Italy and also try the famous Italian wines .

Venture across the Ionian sea to Greece , famous for its history, cerulean blue sea, sun-drenched Aegean islands , fresh Mediterranean diet, and warm, hospitable people.

Western Europe

Gourmet cuisine, wine, elegant architecture, world-class museums, high fashion, and stunning scenery are all the ingredients for a perfect French vacation! A trip to the Netherlands is like stepping back in time with its picturesque canals, charming windmills, spectacular tulip fields, clogs, and bicycles.

From paella to Peñíscola, tapas to Toledo, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Iberian Peninsula on a Spanish vacation. Begin your Spain tour in Madrid—Europe’s highest capital—and see Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía, Puerta Del Sol, and the Cibeles Fountain. Take a trip to Portugal and discover its tradition as one of the great European naval powers, the music of the Fado guitar, and Port wine from vineyards along the Douro River Valley.

Further east, you can breathe in crisp mountain air from the rooftop of Europe on a tour of Switzerland . From the Matterhorn to Stanserhorn, the magnificent Swiss Alps cover 60 percent of the country. And a tour of Germany could take you from the fairytales of the Brothers Grimm in the Black Forest to Saxony and the cultural treasures of Dresden to the ancient city of Cologne on the Rhine .

Eastern Europe

Get off the beaten path with a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Balkan peninsula. Croatia beckons visitors to its cerulean Adriatic waters, medieval cities, and beautiful national parks.

A unique fusion of the East and West, Turkey’s cultural roots stem from almost every major Eurasian empire. 

Looking for even more inspiration? Check out our Expert Travel Advice on Trip Planning and Art & Culture to learn more about Europe travel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Europe Tours

  • When is the best time to tour Europe? While you can visit Europe all year round, most travelers prefer to visit Europe during the warmer months of June to September. More often than not, you’ll find that the sky is bright and blue, the beaches are wonderful, and the weather is perfect. Still, traveling to Europe in the Spring, Winter, and Fall has several benefits. Sites are less crowded, the weather is milder, and there are seasonal events happening like Tulip Festivals in Spring or Christmas Markets during the holidays. Want to learn more? Read all about choosing the best time for you to travel to Europe .
  • What are the best places to visit in Europe? This answer depends on what you're specifically looking for in a vacation. If you're looking to dive into the culture via the food scene, then Italy, Spain, and France are amazing places to tour. Try countries like Croatia, Greece, and Portugal if you want warmer weather and sandy beaches. For more historical sightseeing, visit Prague in the Czech Republic or Bosnia and Herzegovina in Eastern Europe. If you're a nature lover, you can't go wrong with a trip to Switzerland, Iceland, or Germany. There are so many unique places to enjoy when you travel Europe that it's hard to choose just one reason to go! Check out our picks for the top 20 cities to visit in Europe .
  • What is the best way to tour Europe for the first time? A guided vacation is the best way to tour Europe for the first time. When you travel on a guided vacation, everything is organized for you: the best hotels, the finest meals, must-see sights, the best experiences, and comfortable transportation from one place to the next. Plus, each tour is accompanied by a Travel Director, an expert with a finger on the pulse of the destinations. That means no unpleasant surprises, language barriers, or stress. Simply worry-free travel.
  • How many months in advance should I plan a trip to Europe? We recommend you start to plan your trip to Europe between 3 -10 months before you want to travel. Though, airlines don’t publish fares much further out than 10-11 months. You should look to book your vacation once you can lock in your flights. Luckily, we take care of all of that for you. If travelers know they want to go for a special anniversary or event, they’ll book years in advance so they know they’re set and can let us handle it from there.  It’s important to make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you’re planning to return to the states. Planning earlier allows you plenty of time to renew your passport if needed. Travel rules are changing daily If you're not sure, ask your Travel Specialist or find out more with our simple destination guide .
  • How much does an average tour of Europe cost? No matter what you plan to see or where you’d like to go, you can choose Grand European Travel to plan and book your tour of Europe. When you travel with Grand European Travel, the average tour costs approximately $3,500. Though, we offer great value vacations that start as low as $1,125.
  • Decide WHERE you want to go Do you want to see one or more countries? Do you want to spend lots of time in one place, or move around? Are you looking for a relaxing trip to unwind or an in-depth trip that dives deep into a culture? Depending on what you’re looking for in a vacation, the places you’ll choose to go will vary. If you have a general idea of the region or area you want to visit, it’s easier to start narrowing down what you want to do while there.
  • Decide WHAT you want to see Are you looking to see just the iconic sites of a couple of places to get a taste of Europe and the countries you might like? Are you looking to explore in depth a region you’ve already visited and want to see again? Are there sites you simply cannot miss so you’ll need to make sure you get there while on your trip? Or, is there a special place, maybe nostalgic in ways, that you’d like to visit in Europe? Jot down a few of the highlights you’d like to hit along the way. This will help guide you to exactly when you’d like to travel.
  • Decide WHEN you want to go Again, depending on what you want to do, the time of year you’d like to go is important to figure out. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway in Venice, you might not want to visit during the high-water months. If you’re trying to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, you shouldn't go in June. Want to save some money by traveling in the Off-Season, or simply need to see the Italian Lakes in Fall? If you know where you want to go and what’s important you want to do while there, then you’ll be able to figure out the general months you’re looking to travel. 
  • Decide HOW MUCH you want to spend on your trip If you’re planning a trip of a lifetime, you’re probably going to want to splurge a bit. If you’re looking for an overview of European countries and know you’ll be going back to ones you like, you might not need to spend as much as you think. If you want an all-inclusive, luxury experience it will more than likely cost more than a tour with more optionals to add on as you go.

Why Should You Visit Europe?

There are unlimited reasons to travel to Europe. It is bursting with history, culture, and surreal landscapes, as well as a multitude of cuisines, regional wines, customs, and hospitality unique to every country on the continent. Needless to say, if you’re seeking adventure, a relaxing trip, or even just a break from the regular, you should travel to Europe.

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Europe tours

On our trips to Europe, you can see it all on a sweeping journey across the continent, or get an in-depth look at a certain country that interests you.

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Travel tips for our Europe tours

There are plenty of options when it comes to exploring the continent. Some of the most popular destinations to visit on a tour of Europe include Italy, Greece, Spain, and Ireland.

On our travel packages to Europe, you can choose to explore a particular location in depth, such as on a week-long Paris City Stay or a two-week Grand Tour of Italy .

If you're looking for a multi-country trip, you can join our Grand Tour of Europe: London to Rome , for a taste of several destinations. Our team of regional experts is available to help you find the adventure that aligns with your interests.

Discover six things to experience your first time traveling to Europe →

Europe is a year-round destination with varying climates across its many countries and regions. The best time to visit Europe depends on what type of experience you’d like to have and which destinations you’ll be visiting.

  • Summer. A popular time to travel to Europe is summer because warm, sunny days lend themselves to exploring the outdoors. In July, the average high temperature in London, England, is in the 70s Fahrenheit—while in Rome, Italy, the average high is in the 80s.
  • Spring and Fall. Some travelers prefer to travel on our Europe tour packages during the spring and fall because temperatures are more comfortable and popular sites are less crowded.
  • Winter. A wonderful time to take a European tour is the winter. During this time of year, travelers can stroll through festive holiday markets, visit excellent museums, and settle in for tasty meals of seasonal specialties. To take the stress out of planning a winter trip, we even offer Europe trip packages specifically designed for visiting  Christmas markets .

One of the main benefits of joining our guided tours of Europe is having the opportunity to visit must-see sites with an expert leading the way. When you go guided with Go Ahead we’ll help you skip the long lines at popular landmarks. Here are some attractions you’ll get the opportunity to see on our group tours of Europe:

  • The Colosseum in Rome, Italy
  • The National Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy
  • St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy
  • The Alhambra in Granada, Spain
  • The Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain
  • La Sagrada Família church in Barcelona, Spain
  • The Acropolis in Athens, Greece
  • The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland
  • The Titanic Museum in Belfast, Northern Ireland
  • The Hungarian Parliament building in Budapest, Hungary
  • Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria
  • The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, Norway
  • Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, Denmark

We recommend you spend at least six days in Europe. While our most popular Europe tours run from 10–14 days, you can enjoy a shorter trip if you limit your tour to one country or visit a handful of cities in neighboring countries.

Looking for ideas on where to spend a week in Europe? Check out our recommendations for Europe trips →

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and fantastic food, Italy is a popular destination for your first European trip. But plenty of other countries are worth visiting depending on your interests and concerns about international travel. For example, if the language barrier makes you nervous, Ireland, Scotland, or England make great first-time trips for visiting Europe.

Learn about the best international trips for first-time travelers  →

Yes! On our Europe tours, you’ll get the chance to explore multiple countries. Europe’s compact size and efficient transportation network make it easier—and more enticing—to take in numerous countries on one trip.

Some of our popular multi-country trips to Europe are Italy & Greece ; England & France ; Portugal & Spain ; Scotland & Ireland ; Germany, Switzerland & Austria ; and Norway, Sweden, Finland & Denmark .

Check out the best multi-country trips to book now →

Experiencing Europe—for the first time or your 10th time—should be all about taking in the culture, the food, the history, and the sheer joy of new discoveries. Imagine doing all that without researching or booking any of these travel essentials. That’s the advantage of our all-in-one tour packages. Every Go Ahead tour includes an expert Tour Director and talented local guides to lead the way, so you can sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty, history, and culture of Europe. No figuring out transportation, researching hotels, or booking flights is required.

Read about the 10 big benefits of seeing Europe on a guided tour →

The typical timeframe to book a trip to Europe is about six months or more. However, there are plenty of benefits to planning even further in advance. On our European tours, you can set up an automatic payment plan, work out what you want to see and do in your free time, and even connect with fellow travelers on our free EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app .

Looking to travel to Europe soon? Shop our Last-Minute Specials →

Yes! The holidays are an exciting time to travel on our Europe trips because they offer an exceptional opportunity to visit Europe’s Christmas Markets  and to experience countries’ unique holiday traditions. The holidays are a magical time in many European countries, allowing you to soak in the seasonal ambiance, enjoy festive food, and pick up unique gifts.

Thankfully, that’s a tough question to answer, as so many European countries offer delicious food. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference, so you’re sure to find something you love no matter which country you visit. One strong contender for the top spot, however, is Italy.

Best known for its pasta, pizza, cheeses, and gelato, Italy is a foodie’s delight. That’s because the purest expression of Italian cooking relies on farm-fresh ingredients, and the cuisine changes from region to region. Fresh, delicious, and unlike anything you’ve tried outside the country, Italian food never disappoints the palate.

Wondering what to eat in Italy? Check out these regional dishes →

Another foodie's favorite destination in Europe is France. From its boeuf bourguignon to its pain au chocolat, France is known for its world-class culinary scene and timeless favorite dishes. While you’re guaranteed to taste delicious dishes no matter where you travel to France , the type of French food you’ll find depends on the region and season. The north of France features heavier dishes; the south features fresh fish, lean meat, and grilled vegetables.

Wondering what to eat in France? Check out these delicious dishes →

While individual countries take pride in their languages, English is widely spoken in Europe.

For tips on using the euro while on a trip to Europe, check out our blog post about currency exchange →

We recommend packing light for your trip to Europe. One suitcase and one carry-on per person is a good guideline to follow; you should feel comfortable managing your baggage at the airport. After you’ve reserved one of our Europe tour packages, we’ll give you information about how to prepare for your particular trip and even share a packing list in our mobile app.

  • Sun protection. For all our trips, especially during the summer months in Europe, we recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the sun.
  • Layers. For tours of Europe, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
  • Comfortable walking shoes. Because you’ll be exploring new destinations with local guides while on your trip, a comfortable pair of walking shoes is essential. Whether hitting the landmarks of London or on a walking tour of Amsterdam, you’ll be glad you brought your most comfortable footwear.
  • Dressier attire. You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance on any of our Europe trips.
  • Full-coverage layers for religious sites. In Europe, it is preferable not to visit churches, temples, or other religious sites with bare legs or shoulders, and entrance may be denied on this basis.
  • Other must-bring items. A camera to take photos during your journey, and a notebook for jotting down notes or recommendations your Tour Director shares.

Know where you want to travel to in Europe?

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Europe Tours & Vacations

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Enduring, eclectic, endlessly appealing – Europe is easy to explore and impossible to forget. 

Hike through rugged wilderness, tour 13th-century churches, and sip wine in the sun. In  Europe  you can do it all and do it well. It might be compact, but it is packed with diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious cuisines. They are all only a short flight or train ride away from each other. The walkable ruins of  Italy  will transport you back to when the Romans ruled an empire.  Sweden’s  indulgent national dishes will have your tastebuds begging for more. The natural beauty found in  Scotland  is guaranteed to ignite the mythical side of your imagination. And that’s only the beginning. From the breezy Mediterranean to the chilly Baltics, our European tours have something for every traveler.

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Europe travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do you need a visa to travel to Europe?

Whether or not you need a visa to travel to European countries largely depends on the nationality on your passport and whether the country you're traveling to is part of the Schengen Agreement.

This agreement sees 26 European countries offer visa-free travel to nationals from 60 other countries including Australia, the United States, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom. 

To determine whether the country you're traveling to requires a visa, head to the   Schengen Visa's information website.  

What is the internet access like in Europe?

You can easily access the internet in most countries in Europe, generally in capital cities and other major towns. Internet access may be limited in regional locations such as national parks or remote villages in some countries. 

Can I use my cell phone in Europe?

You shouldn't have a problem using your cell phone while traveling throughout Europe, however, your international data roaming will need to be activated in order to connect to the internet or send messages (unless you connect to the local wi-fi). 

What are the toilets like in Europe?

Modern, flushable toilets are the standard in the majority of European countries. 

Can I drink the water in Europe?

Tap water in most European countries is considered safe to drink unless it is otherwise marked. 

When should I book a tour in Europe?

There is no 'best time' to travel around Europe as most countries offer plenty to do in every season of the year.

T he most popular time to travel to countries like Greece, Italy, and Croatia is during the summer months (June, July, and August) so you can make the most of each country's respective beaches and warm weather.

C ountries such as Iceland, Norway, and Sweden are known for their snowy landscapes and northern lights sightings during Winter (December, January, and February).

How much does a Europe tour cost?

A tour in Europe can vary depending on the countries you want to visit, the style of tour, and how long you want to go for but you can expect to pay anywhere between USD$1,000 to USD$5,000, with most tours around USD$2,500. 

Is tipping common in Europe?

Tipping isn't as prevalent in Europe as it is in some other countries and definitely isn't expected, but if you like the quality of service you've been given at hotels, restaurants etc then a tip is always appreciated. 

Are credit cards widely accepted in Europe?

While credit cards are accepted in all European countries (especially in capital cities and other larger cities), smaller cafes or local run businesses may not have EFTPOS machines so it's always best to carry around a little cash to cover these expenses. 

What is ATM access like in Europe?

You should have no problem finding ATMs in most European cities. 

What currency will I need on a Europe tour?

The official currency of Europe is the Euro (€), however, only 19 of the 28 countries in the European Union use this. Countries that still use their own currency include Norway, Switzerland, Belarus, Croatia, Denmark, and Sweden. 

Is Europe safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

Europe is considered a reasonably safe continent for LGBTQIA+ travelers with plenty of countries openly accepting, welcoming, and embracing the community.

This is evident in large capital cities such as Paris, Berlin, Madrid, and Vienna.

Some countries still hold traditional religious beliefs such as Belarus and Poland so a degree of caution should be taken when travelling around cities and remote regions in those countries.

Will I need a socket adapter for Europe?

If you plan on traveling to multiple countries throughout Europe then purchasing an all-in-one, worldwide adapter is the safest way to go.

I f you don't want to do that, your safest bet is to buy an adapter that uses C or E/F-type plugs as most European countries recognize this. 

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

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Experience the Grandeur

Visit the places you’ve always dreamed of, experience grand cities, historic wonders and embark on unforgettable and timeless rail journeys and river cruises. Europe is one of the top “must see” places on everyone’s bucket list. Whether your interests are historical, culinary, scenic or a little bit of everything, our tours of Europe promise to deliver all that you seek and more.

Explore all the places we go in Europe

Destination must-see's.

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Irish countryside:

Take in the atmosphere of quaint seaside villages, see awe inspiring views of the Lakes of Killarney and explore the picturesque town of Kinsale. Wherever you travel in the countryside, you’ll find that the rolling hills and friendly people you encounter will become a part of your fabric.

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Ancient cities of Italy:

Italy is positively brimming with the world’s most famous Roman ruins like the Colosseum, Pompeii and many other relics from the ancient past. In fact, many cities in Italy still hold evidence of what once was. You can find an aqueduct, city gate, Roman theater or the ruins of an entire city there.

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Get to know the city that was once considered the capital of the world! A panoramic tour by a local expert leads you to all the most iconic spots in London. See Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and many more places you’ve only read about.

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Louvre Museum:

The Louvre Museum holds some of the most priceless treasures in the world. Enjoy touring with a local expert who will take you through an array of works ranging from ancient times to the mid-19th century. Don’t keep the ladies waiting! DaVinci’s famous Mona Lisa and the renowned Venus de Milo await your visit!

Destination Must-Do's

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Explore Chateau de Chillon:

Europe has a wide variety of castles to choose from. The exquisite Chateau de Chillon in Switzerland presides over Lake Geneva. Beginning life as a Roman outpost, today it is the nation’s most visited historic site.

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Drift down a canal:

While canals are found across Europe, nothing beats a romantic gondola ride in Venice. Locals like to say the best way to explore the city is to ‘get lost.’ So take a ride along these waterways, step off and then wind your way through the intricate blend of bridges, narrow streets and grand squares.

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Drink Bordeaux wine:

Just about anywhere you travel in Europe, you’re bound to come across some fantastic wine, especially in Bordeaux in France. Resting on the Garonne River, this charming area is one of the largest wine growing regions on the continent.

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Culinary Surprises:

The best way to experience a culture is to eat like the locals. The straightforward food of Great Britain always seems to delight travelers. While Italian food still reigns, you just might have the best meal of your life enjoying a steak and kidney pie or bangers and mash.

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Featured Tours to Europe

Venice and Croatian Islands Cruise Search

Venice and Croatian Islands Cruise

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Exploring Greece and Its Islands featuring Classical Greece, Mykonos & Santorini

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A Taste of the Balkans featuring Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina & Slovenia

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Flavors of Portugal & Spain: featuring the Douro and Rioja Wine Regions

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Exploring Britain & Ireland featuring England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales

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Exploring Britain & Ireland featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

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The Best of Ireland featuring the Wild Atlantic Way

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Portugal & Its Islands featuring Sintra, Azores & Madeira Islands

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Magnificent landscapes combined with the country’s charming traditions and customs offer new experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether it’s the eye-catching architecture of Madrid, the bold Spanish wines, or the shimmering Costa del Sol, this country remains a delight to the senses. Once you experience Spain, you’ll never want to leave and when you do, you’ll always be craving more.

Located on the west coast of Europe adjacent to Spain, Portugal offers breathtaking scenery from seemingly never-ending beaches to breathtaking views from hilltops high above the sea; rich and vibrant cultural experiences from inside museums to its city nightlife or village sidewalks; wildlife and challenging landscapes for the adventure seeker; and romantic sunsets and sand dunes and moonlit sails for the lover in all of us. Wait, we forgot amazing gastronomical pleasures created by Portugal’s food and wines, or perhaps those are also found under lover?! No matter what you seek, when you go, where you look or how long you stay, Portugal offers something every traveller wants and makes it all too easy to get.

Whether it’s old-world traditions and wonderful culture, cuisine, history, fashion or natural beauty, Italy is special to many people for different reasons. Few other countries boast so many legendary cities. There are also many charming hill towns and coastal villages that showcase Italy’s amazing natural beauty. From the big cities to the small towns, there is always something exciting to see in Italy. With so many reasons to visit, the rest is up to you!

A rendezvous with a magnifique experience awaits! As cliché as it sounds, France truly has something for everyone. With over two dozen cities, each with their own nuances of the French culture and contributions to its history, architecture, art and last but not least, the gastronomical delights that the French are famous for throughout the world are yours to explore, experience and fall in love with during your stay. Coast to coast, border to border, there are seemingly endless variations on your French experience to be had. Rolling hills and scenic valleys lined with the fruit of the gods; seaside towns, along sandy beaches with views you just might be sharing with royalty; or maybe snowcapped mountain ranges providing some of the best skiing in the world and an adrenaline rush to match is what you seek. Whatever you decide, France easily makes you feel as if you have stepped out of reality and into the art you learned about and loved since you were a child.

Greece has been and always will be a country of undeniable beauty from the coasts of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas and the bottom of the Vikos Gorge to the top of Mount Olympus. It’s a place grand enough for the Gods and quaint and friendly enough for us mere mortals to stroll along the streets and roam through the countryside while taking in the radiance of the sun and undeniable pleasures of the earth. Did you say romance? Greece awaits your arrival with so many ways to get something started, rekindle something that needs recharging or to kick things into high gear! With the epicurean delights created with a passion and commitment that rivals the country’s beauty, accompanied by the nectar that flows from the vineyards that the God’s so rightfully coveted, what and who’s not to love! Now we don’t condone shedding your clothes and donning a toga but we do understand the temptation might just be hard to resist. Perhaps you might enjoy a tour of the ancient ruins instead, or explore some history in one of the many museums filled with antiquities and creations of the masters. Maybe you’ll find your inner philosopher and find yourself pondering the meaning of life and other worthy subjects as Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle once did. This is only the beginning of the endless wonders you’ll find when you first set foot on Greek soil. Opa!

With its natural beauty, historical assets, location along one of the most important trade routes established decades ago and a diverse and welcoming population, Turkey just might rank in your top 10 list of places you never thought would go but were oh so glad you did! Where can you explore the most archaeological sites in the world where civilizations, empires and historic figures were born – Turkey. Where will you be able to sample the taste sensations created by the fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines – Turkey. Where are you able to experience some of the best sailing, hiking, mountain trekking, windsurfing and golf in Europe – Turkey. Best of all, where will you wake up to find something new and amazing every day then go to sleep after viewing some of the most incredible sunsets that by whatever you name you choose, there truly must be a God - Turkey.

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  • There are loads of types of vacations in Europe and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $526; Family vacation $442; Romantic vacation $591; Luxury vacation $601; Budget vacation $374.

Why should you book a vacation package to Europe?

By booking packages, you can ensure that your itinerary includes your destination's major sights and experiences. Packages are also a great way to cut the cost of visiting Europe. With the right deal, you can combine luxury accommodation, access to the sights and a rental car, and have money left over to shop for souvenirs.

When should you book a vacation package to Europe?

Booking European packages is an excellent way to save money and make travel easy, and you can make even bigger savings by traveling at the right time of year.

In southern Europe, peak season lasts from around June to September, but cheaper shoulder season breaks in May or October can be almost as sunny. In the north, the peak season is shorter, so look for affordable packages in fall and spring. However, expect price spikes around Christmas and local events like Oktoberfest in Munich or Bastille Day in Paris (14 July).

Where should you stay in Europe during your vacation?

For any vacation type in europe:.

The Four Seasons Hotel George V is perfectly located for sightseers in Paris and is an Art Deco gem with gorgeous views of the Eiffel Tower. It's just an hour from Charles de Gaulle Airport, while a meet and greet service is available on request.

Located on the famous "Rambla", Hotel 1898 is one of the finest places to stay in Barcelona. Blessed with amazing city vistas from its terrace, and created from a renovated 19th century mansion, it is 500 meters from the Aerobus stop at Plaza Cataluña.

For family vacations in Europe:

The La Marquise Luxury Resort Complex on the Greek island of Rhodes is a fantastic family hotel with kids' facilities featuring games rooms, pools and multilingual support staff. It's all just 6 miles from Rhodes Airport.

Located on Italy's Amalfi Coast, the Hotel Poseidon in Castellammare has a spacious parking lot on-site, while recreation options like tennis courts make it very appealing for families. It's also an easy drive to and from Naples Airport.

For romantic vacations in Europe:

If you want to see Venice, the Hilton Molino Stucky is ideal. It's conveniently placed for taking gondola cruises and to see the Biennale. Water taxis from the airport arrive a few meters from the hotel door.

Ideal for a romantic break in laid-back Amsterdam, the Rembrandt Square Hotel is right at the city's heart - and next to the spectacular flower market. A taxi from Schiphol Airport takes just 14 minutes.

For luxury vacations in Europe:

London's Ritz Hotel is like a synonym for luxury. Situated on Piccadilly, it offers delicious Indian and Lebanese food, stunning furnishings and couldn't be more convenient for seeing the sights. It's also almost directly connected to Heathrow Airport via the London Tube.

Lisbon's Four Seasons Ritz Hotel is another great choice for a luxury getaway in Europe, with its Louis XVI style design, artworks in every room and relaxing urban gardens. It's just 20 minutes by car from Lisbon Airport.

For budget vacations in Europe:

A great base for exploring Germany's capital, the A&O Berlin Kolumbus is tucked away from the action but only 15 minutes from Alexanderplatz, the city's hub. This means that getting there from the airport is also quick and easy.

Copenhagen's City Hotel Nebo ticks all the boxes for budget breaks in Denmark. It has a central location and is an easy walk away from the capital's galleries and family attractions like Copenhagen Zoo. And it's just 12 minutes away from the airport by train.

Where to stay in Europe

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Eating through italy, amazing amsterdam, epicurean paris, more about europe.

Europe blends its rich history and modern innovation seamlessly. From the catwalks of Paris fashion week to the awe-inspiring ruins of Greek temples you'll find it hard to fit everything into one vacation. The vast expanse of Europe is covered in numerous cultures, languages and landscapes that can make you feel like you've been transported onto the set of a movie. Sit down for a cup of tea in London, learn how to make your own pasta in Italy or simply take time to stare in wonder at the amazing Highlands of Scotland. Whether you're traveling with family, friends or your special someone, a trip to Europe will be a vacation to remember.

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What Summer Travel to Europe Will Look Like This Year

By Arati Menon

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With additional reporting by Sarah Allard

When travel journalist Jenn Rice decided to spend July and August in Italy and Croatia last year, she wasn’t expecting to be spending most of her time indoors. “It was very very hot, so I booked museum tickets during peak days or just lounged around in my room with a spritz and a book until the sun set.” In Dubrovnik she tried escaping to the sea for a cool dip, but everyone else had the same idea—resulting in sweaty, overcrowded beaches. “In Rome , gelato melted faster than the speed of light,” she says.

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Come summer, major attractions like the Spanish Steps in Rome are thronged by international tourists and vacationing Europeans.

Rome and Dubrovnik weren’t the only European destinations overcome with heat. To travel in Europe in the summer of 2023 was to experience first-hand a single season of contrasting extremes. Temperatures swung from hot and dry to cold and wet, and heatwaves broke out across several of the most heavily touristed destinations, with temperatures reaching upwards of 100°F. In Northern Greece, wildfires broke out —the worst experienced there in 20 years —destroying homes, forests, and vineyards.

Yet in the midst of it all, the continent also saw record-breaking tourist numbers —the highest since pre-pandemic levels—even as hotel prices swelled and airfares hit peaks. From scenic escapes like Bellagio in Como and Taormina in Sicily (where the White Lotus effect was on full display) to bucket-list cities like Paris and Madrid , much of touristed Europe was completely overwhelmed.

“We had people calling us from Athens and Rome asking us to get them out [to somewhere cooler in Europe], because it was too hot and too crowded,” recalls Jan Sortland , founder of Scandinavia specialists Norwegian Adventures.

International tourists weren’t the only ones thronging these spots. According to the European Travel Commission , most Europeans took their vacations before the peak month of August, with Italy and France being their top destinations. This resulted in packed crowds at all the major attractions. For John Canning, an LA-based executive who traveled to Paris in July, the crowds were eye-opening. “We didn’t anticipate that everything we would want to see was sold out. We only got Musée d’Orsay tickets through our concierge at a substantial premium and could not get into the Louvre full stop,” he says.

Rice says the summer taught her to plan her travel differently this year—and beyond: “I’m going to try and do coastal Italy early in May, and if I decide to travel in Europe this summer it will be either Asturias in Northern Spain or the Julian Alps in Slovenia to keep cool."

She’s not alone—according to the travel specialists we spoke with, there’s an increased interest in lesser-known destinations offering a more laid back (and cooler) holiday. “Our guests are asking after places where they can be outdoors, yet have access to wine & foodie experiences and culture. Slovenia is a great example of where you can have all that without being overwhelmed with the heat; the Dolomites in Italy is another,” says Rachael Mendizabal, Europe travel specialist at Scott Dunn . Richard Hyde, COO at Small Luxury Hotels of the World , is seeing similar trends across their European portfolio: “Guests seem to be gravitating towards alternative destinations—Milos instead of Mykonos and Slovenia instead of Spain.”

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Norway is a popular destination this summer, offering cooler weather and a myriad ways to be active outside, exploring the islands and fjords.

A big part of that shift will play into Sortland’s area of expertise: Northern Europe. With the Med getting too hot to handle, experts predict that tourism will shift northwards. “We’re seeing a lot of interest in Copenhagen and Stockholm for the cultural experience, and then onward to Norway for the nature. Currently, the fjords are still a favorite but Norway is a large country and there’s so much more to see—the Helgeland coast for example with its beautiful coastline and mountainous islands,” he says. The draw is a more moderate temperature and unique outdoor experiences. “ Iceland is a big favorite right now with the Northern lights being the most active this year from September through March,” says Mendizabal.

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In turn, for many, the more standard city breaks will fall later in the year. “Athens and Rome will always be desirable destinations, but we’ve seen an uptick in many people preferring to go there in May and October to swerve crowds,” says Carolyn Addison, head of product at Black Tomato , noting the weather in fall has been stable lately and enticing to travelers not tied to school holidays.

With this increased flexibility, shoulder season will become tricker to define, according to Mendizabal. Thanks to hotels extending their season as demand shifts to almost year-round and the high-season pricing window getting longer, the days of “scooping a deal in September are likely over.” At Jumeirah Palace in Capri , the season now runs from March to the end of December. “Thanks to the good weather, guests are staying longer than in the past,” says Ermanno Zanini, regional vice president at Jumeirah Group, Southern Europe and United Kingdom.

Castello di Vicarello in Tuscany 's Maremma countryside has traditionally stayed open in March and November. “We're pushing the low season as much as possible because we truly believe it is a wonderful time to discover Tuscany. There is so much for guests to enjoy from hiking to mountain biking, truffle hunting, and wine tastings,” says owner Neri Baccheschi Berti.

Crucially, traveling in the shoulder and off seasons isn't just about avoiding the crowds; it’s knowing that seasonal destinations are multi-dimensional, with year-round appeal. “One of my favorite things to do in cooler weather is to hike to the peak of Mount Solaro, with its beautiful views of the town of Capri and the bay of Marina Piccola with the Faraglioni, as well as Anacapri. You also see plenty of wintering birds on the island,” says Zanini.

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Zanini adds that they are in talks with the island's municipality to consider what it would take to stay open in February and March, traditionally strictly closed off. “It's not as straightforward as you think. There’s a lot of infrastructure that needs to be geared towards the low season: restaurants need to stay open, as do shops, and guides need to be available; it can’t just be the hotel,” he adds.

However, with staying open longer, there’s a real opportunity to engage local communities year-round, not to mention stabilize the hiring pool—and improve work culture. “We’ve already seen the positive impact of a longer season for our partners on the ground and locals in the hospitality and tourism sector,” says Addison, who adds that shifts in travel seasons are far from a fleeting trend. “This pattern for more year-round travel will continue to pick up pace in 2025—and beyond," she says.

Travel specialists are quick to point out that even with some of this rebalancing, summer this year and next will continue to see high demand for travel to—and within—Europe. According to Hayley Berg, chief economist at Hopper, while airfare remains higher than at this time in 2019, 40% of all searches for international trips this summer are to Europe, in line with last year and slightly higher than in 2019.

“Sure, we think that traveler numbers on the Côte d'Azur will smooth out through the year, but summer will certainly remain the festive season—only it will be longer,” says Lucie Weill, owner of wellness retreat Lily of the Valley near St. Tropez , which sees its faire share of packed streets and crowded beaches come summer. Weill adds that the hotel has seen success in extending its season.

For travel specialist Cari Gray of Gray & Co . late requests and a lack of flexibility could mean getting turned away because of a lack of availability. “Whether it’s a visit to the Vatican or dogsledding in Alaska , access is going to be very difficult. And there are only that many high-end lodges in Lapland ,” she says. Addison offers the example of Lake Como , where the best properties can often get booked up a year or two in advance during the busiest summer months. “Knowing that the top hotels and guides are getting booked up and that weather disruptions are increasingly unpredictable, clients who want to commit to the most popular summer hotspots in Europe, like the Greek islands and Sardinia are securing their bookings a year out.”

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The Balearic island of Menorca is a charming escape with its rocky coves, white-sand beaches, and green rolling hills.

Ultimately, it’s not about giving up on all the places you love: just about pivoting, even if within the same country. “Why not Menorca instead of Mallorca, with its explosion of fantastic hotels and its great beach front, or Epirus in Northern Greece on the Albanian border with its Stone villages, old-growth forests, and truffle hunts instead of the islands," says Gray.

"In Italy we’re always pushing to discover new areas, even in regions that we’ve been exploring for decades like Tuscany and Umbria because new hotels are opening up regularly,” says Courtney Mundy , a travel specialist at experiential travel experts Butterfield & Robinson.

And, a word of caution for the rising favorites: “Smaller destinations in Iceland & Norway will really need to consider how to manage the higher number of visitors than ever before,” says Addison. “Parts of Iceland are overtouristed,” agrees Sortland, “so, it’s not unreasonable to think that smaller communities in Norway could eventually be at risk, too.” Whether it's through new tourist tax regimens or limits on cruise ship day-trippers to reduce crowding, a shifting tide will need more alert local governments—and as we’re swapping beaches for the mountains or Rome for Stockholm, more responsible travel habits that leave fewer traces behind.

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Taylor Swift singing while wearing a silver outfit in a stadium

European cities hope jet-setting Taylor Swift fans will splash the cash for Eras tour

The superstar arrives in Europe next month – and Swifties, tourist boards and venues are already preparing

T im Brown, 44, and his wife, Marcella, 34, may not consider themselves bona fide “Swifties”, but when it was announced last June that Taylor Swift would be visiting their corner of the globe this summer they could not resist joining the scramble for a pair of tickets.

A post-pandemic appetite for live music events has fuelled huge worldwide interest in the American singer-songwriter’s Eras tour, which surpassed in $1bn sales in November to become the highest-grossing series of concerts in history.

The pop culture event of the summer will arrive in Europe next month, kicking off in Paris on 9 May and wrapping up in London on 20 August with 49 dates in between in Sweden, Ireland, Portugal, Germany, Poland, Austria, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

The unique nature of the tour’s ticketing system, which was tweaked after a number of hitches last year, means there will be a mass movement of travelling fans who will not only be Swiftie in affiliation but swift-like in their willingness to travel across the continent.

In expectation of intense demand, Ticketmaster introduced a pre-registration system that rewarded some early applicants with access codes to the ticket sale proper, via staggered windows for each city.

Notionally designed to prioritise genuine fans over “scalpers” – people who buy and resell tickets for a quick profit – the pre-sales system also meant many fans registered for tickets in multiple destinations across Europe to increase their chances.

Taylor Swift performs on stage amid a sea of confetti

Tim and Marcella, who live in Norwich, registered not just for the nearest concerts – in London and Liverpool – but also in Amsterdam and Lisbon. The pair got lucky with a pair of €91 tickets in the Portuguese capital and have turned the trip into a weekend break. “I used to live in Lisbon so I thought why not kill two birds with one stone,” Tim said. “We booked ourselves flights and four nights’ accommodation the same day.” They are far from alone.

Katie Soo, the chief business officer of DICE, a rival ticketing company, said: “The excitement and uncertainty inherent in the ticket-purchasing process might have inadvertently incentivised fans to apply for tickets in multiple cities, thereby increasing the likelihood of travelling across Europe to attend the concerts.”

Hotel prices

Several European cities have already reported a sharp rise in demand for hotel and short-term rental accommodation over the summer, when the Swift hurricane will arrive. In Edinburgh, Liverpool and Cardiff, rooms at the Travelodge chain around Swift’s June dates have been sold out since August 2023, a month after tickets for the shows went on sale.

In Paris, where fans anticipate Swift to debut an updated version of the Eras show with songs from the new Tortured Poets Department album, 80% of hotels and apartments listed on Booking.com are already full up. In Warsaw on 2 August, only 9% of hotels listed on the same site are still available.

Not all of the 18 cities covered by the Eras tour are obvious tourism destinations. From 17-19 July, Swift will play three concerts at the 65,000-capacity home ground of the football club Schalke 04 in Gelsenkirchen in Ruhr valley, western Germany. The city’s less-than-familiar name prompted one US chatshow host to quip that “the place might not even exist”.

Yet even in Germany’s rust belt the influx of Swift fans is temporarily transforming the hotel market: any two-bedroom apartments that remain available are going for €800-2,000 a night, with cheaper accommodation available only in surrounding cities that are just as off the usual tourist track as Gelsenkirchen, such as Essen, Bochum or Herne.

Cities with stricter rules on allowing Airbnb-style holiday lets and a more limited stock of short-term rental apartments are reporting a particularly marked increase in rates during Swift’s visit, with about 30% year-on-year spikes in rental rates in Cardiff, Edinburgh and Milan, according to AirDNA, a data analytics company specialising in the short-term rentals market.

Of all the tour’s European stops, Vienna is experiencing the most notable impact on its rental market, with booking rates for the nights of Swift’s concerts recorded in February 44% higher than at the same point the previous year. By the end of March the number of nights booked in the Austrian capital for the length of Swift’s stay in the second week of August had risen by 430% compared with the same period in 2023.

When Luke Tilden’s wife, Tatjana, suggested last summer that the couple buy their 13- and 15-year-old daughters, Lena and Maya, tickets to a Taylor Swift gig for Christmas, the 53-year-old Briton initially waved it off. “There’s no chance in hell we’d get a ticket without paying through our noses, I thought,” said Tilden, who works as an interpreter at the European parliament in Brussels.

But after pre-registering for tickets in London, Paris and Munich, the Tildens got unexpectedly lucky for four tickets in southern Germany and have turned the concert visit into a mini-holiday: “We’ll visit the in-laws in Bavaria, enjoy the countryside, do a bit of hiking.”

The hope in cities across Europe is that this will be replicated on a massive scale, with fans’ excitement translating into generous spending sprees on food, shopping and leisure. In Stockholm, for example, where authorities are expecting 159,000 visitors to arrive from 135 countries in mid-May, the chamber of commerce has forecast a spending boost of €50m. “We hope the whole town will buzz from the Eras tour,” said Tomas Andersson, a spokesperson for the Swedish capital’s tourism board.

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A large road in Essen in dusk

Whether fans will necessarily act like ordinary tourists, however, is up for debate. “Pop-culture tourists do not necessarily care about traditional buildings and authentic restaurants,” said Maria Lexhagen, a professor at the European Tourism Research Institute, Mid Sweden University.

“Joining up with other fan communities is stronger motivation, as is the idea that they might get closer to the stars themselves. Many of them will map out where Swift is spending her time in the city – they will seek out seemingly marginal but meaningful places like back alleys or coffee shops.” Venues may be hoping for a repeat of Sydney in February, when Swift swept into an unassuming Italian restaurant in the suburbs and sent its name into global media headlines.

A view of the exterior of Pellegrino 2000 in Sydney

In Stockholm the tourism board said it was expecting bookshops and secondhand clothes stores, rather than museums and royal palaces, to attract most of the arriving visitors. Some venues are being proactive: one restaurant within walking distance of the multipurpose Friends Arena in the Solna municipality is putting on a “Taylor Swift brunch experience” with a karaoke stage; the waterfront nightclub Debaser is hosting a pre-concert party on 16 May, an all-ages all-day party with a Swift-themed quiz on 19 May and an afterparty the day after.

Environment

As the Swift circus rolls across the continent, the transport infrastructure of urban centres will also be put to the test. Around the tour’s three-night stop in Dublin at the end of June, Irish Rail has announced additional late-night services to Cork and Limerick to meet an expected increase in demand. Extra tram and bus services are likely to be announced nearer the time.

Unlike rail operators, most airlines do not have capacity to charter additional flights. Due to yield management – airlines adjusting prices based on expected demand – a scramble for airborne journeys into cities that host the Eras tour is more likely to result in more expensive tickets rather than additional flights.

Officials at Lisbon airport said no additional flights had been chartered around Swift’s concerts on 24 and 25 May but that demand would probably be reflected in slightly higher load factors. A spokesperson for Amsterdam Schiphol said general aviation slots could be requested at short notice but nothing out of the ordinary had been logged so far.

Calculating the environmental impact of the tour with any certainty was difficult, experts said. “We can expect that some Swift fans will travel a long way to see one, if not several, shows across Europe”, said Stefan Gössling, a professor of tourism at Linnaeus University in Kalmar, Sweden. “But measuring the environmental impact of these trips is extremely difficult – it would involve a lot of guesswork.”

Swift fans queue to buy a merchandise

This did not mean the carbon footprint was negligible. “Every flight taken by a person adds to demand and hence influences supply considerations,” Gössling said. “The greater the demand, the more aircrafts are in service.”

The pop star’s carbon footprint is easier to estimate. Swift owns two jets by the French manufacturer Dassault, whose journeys are trackable. During the 2023 leg of the Eras tour, Swift’s planes spent 166 hours crisscrossing the US in about 75 individual journeys, though it is possible they were used by people other than the singer.

According to data available through the open-access aviation tracker ADS-B exchange, Swift’s jets caused carbon emissions of about 2,830 tonnes of CO 2 equivalent over the course of the US Eras tour – about 1,700 times the annual contribution of an average person.

A spokesperson for Swift told US media last year that in advance of the tour’s start in March 2023, the pop star bought more than double the carbon credits needed to offset all tour travel. Carbon offset credits are tradable certificates that allow purchasers to compensate for emissions by investing in environmental projects that claim to reduce carbon emissions, though recent studies have questioned the efficacy of these schemes.

Additional reporting by Ajit Niranjan

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Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

Umbraphiles feeling the post-eclipse blues should start checking the expiration date on their passports.

The next total solar eclipse is set to happen on Aug. 12, 2026, over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small part of Portugal, according to NASA . 

In North America, only a partial eclipse will be visible, so if April’s event made you an eclipse chaser and you want to see totality, you’ll need to head overseas.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Here’s what you’ll need to know before packing your bags:

Do you need a passport or visa for the best destination?

The path of totality for the 2026 eclipse mostly goes through places Americans can travel visa-free with their passport, so long as they’re planning to stay for less than 90 days.

Spain, Portugal, Iceland and Greenland all allow visa-free tourist travel for U.S. passport holders.

Spain, Portugal and Iceland are also members of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel in much of Europe, meaning if you decide to make a multi-country trip out of your eclipse adventure, you won’t need to clear customs if you’re coming from much of the rest of Europe, either.

One major change for travelers to Europe from the U.S., however, is that electronic preauthorization will become a requirement beginning in mid-2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) requirement will apply to all four open countries in the path of totality. 

Depending on the state of the Ukraine war, travel to Russia may or may not be an option for most Americans by 2026, so it’s unclear what the paperwork requirements will be by then.

Is it better to see it from the beach?

Beaches can be a great place to see the eclipse because there are few natural obstacles blocking observers’ views of the sky. The 2026 path of totality passes over beaches on Spain’s northern and southeastern coasts, as well as over islands in the Mediterranean Sea including Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. The eclipse will also pass over coastal areas in Greenland and Iceland, according to the National Solar Observatory . 

Cruising Altitude: What it was like to see the eclipse from a plane

Will there be eclipse cruises or flights?

Almost certainly, although most operators have not announced specific plans yet. 

Cruise lines will also offer more viewing opportunities. Princess Cruises “has created a bespoke itinerary aboard Sky Princess to position the ship near Spain on that date,” according to a spokesperson for the line. The cruise will open for bookings on Princess’s website on May 23.

Cunard Line has sailings on its Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and Queen Anne vessels that will put passengers in prime spots to watch .

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Holland America Line is also planning multiple sailings around the event, though details are still to be announced. “Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's vice president of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, previously told USA TODAY in an email.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

April 8: Players for the Cleveland Guardians watch a total solar eclipse before a game against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field.

Want to see the next total solar eclipse in 2026? An expert recommends booking travel now.

  • 2026 will be Europe's first total solar eclipse in 27 years.
  • Travelers worldwide will likely head to Spain, Iceland, and Greenland for the event.
  • A hotel expert encouraged travelers to start planning and booking their trips now.

Insider Today

It'll be two decades before the next total solar eclipse hits the US .

Another option: hop on a plane to Europe and turn the 2026 total solar eclipse into a viewing vacation.

Eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told Space.com that up to 3.7 million people likely traveled for the solar eclipse on Monday.

HotelPlanner's chief communication officer, Philip Ballard, told Business Insider that the eclipse was a major revenue generator for many cities. For places like Austin, Texas, and Rochester, New York, it could have created $1 billion in revenue, Vox reported.

"I would say the total solar eclipse has become a global phenomenon," Ballard said.

Ballard added that the next solar eclipse , which will pass through Iceland, Greenland, and Spain on August 12, 2026, could result in similar tourism and revenue influxes.

And if travelers are considering a trip to Europe for the solar eclipse, Ballard recommends planning your trip now.

Determine your eclipse viewing destination

According to Space.com , 2026 will be Europe's first total solar eclipse in 27 years. Its path will go through Greenland, parts of western Iceland, and northern Spain.

Choosing where to watch the eclipse will be a tough and important decision for travelers.

Iceland and Greenland have some positives. These regions will experience longer totality times, so viewers can watch the eclipse longer. Plus, the sun will be higher in the sky, so finding a spot to watch the eclipse will be less challenging, Space.com reported.

The downside is that these regions are more likely to be cloudy, according to the outlet.

Related stories

While parts of Spain are likely to offer clearer skies, the eclipse's timing will be shorter and closer to the horizon, which means travelers will need to plan and track down a viewing location with unobstructed views of the western horizon, Space.com reported.

Regardless of the destination, according to the outlet, one bonus is that the strongest meteor shower in the Northern Hemisphere will happen the following night, so travelers can pack two events into one trip.

Book flights and hotels far in advance

Ballard encouraged people to book their hotels in their destination of choice as far in advance as possible.

"You should start looking now and booking hotels now because those cities in the path are already going to be at peak season," Ballard said.

Ballard said it's similar to when a Super Bowl city is determined or a Taylor Swift tour date is announced — you immediately see spikes in bookings. He predicts hotel occupancy rates will hit near-record highs, and room prices may double around the solar eclipse date.

Ballard's general rule of thumb is to book international travel at least three months in advance, but since this is such an anticipated event, booking earlier is smart. His advice is to start discussing plans with friends and family. If you decide on a destination, book a refundable room to keep your options open if plans change.

Regarding purchasing a plane ticket, a study from Expedia states that international travel's sweet spot is at least six months in advance.

According to Expedia, travelers who book six months in advance save an average of 10% more than travelers booking within two months or less.

Skip the hassle of planning altogether and book a solar eclipse tour

Another option is to let a tour operator do the work for you. A handful of tour companies have seen the increased interest in the solar eclipse and launched tours designed around the event.

These tours will have predetermined locations to view the eclipse, hotel blocks reserved, and itineraries highlighting both the region and the eclipse.

However, these can sell out quickly. For example, Space and Telescope created an 11-day tour of Spain around viewing the 2026 solar eclipse. The tour has already sold out as of Wednesday, and the waitlist is full.

Other operators, such as Wilderness Travel and Eclipse Traveler, have similar itineraries for the total eclipse in 2026.

Watch: A small Australian town was treated to a rare hybrid solar eclipse

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Holmes Chapel, English village of Harry Styles' youth, needs fans to be tour guides

Many tourists visit sites such as a bakery where Styles once worked and a Chinese restaurant where he once dined with Taylor Swift. Tourism has been great for local businesses.

STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:

Good morning. I'm Steve Inskeep.

Holmes Chapel, the English village of Harry Styles' youth, is looking for superfans to work as tour guides. The village gets a lot of tourists, Harries visiting sites like a bakery where Styles once worked and a Chinese restaurant where he once dined with Taylor Swift. The not-for-profit calling for tour guides says tourism has been great for local business, and now it wants to elevate its offerings.

(Singing) Why don't we leave it at that?

It's MORNING EDITION.

Copyright © 2024 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

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Cultural Tours & Holidays in Europe

A culture trip of Europe lets you learn secrets of ancient times, meet welcoming locals and listen to folklore that has stood the test of time. With 2782 cultural adventures lasting from 1 days to 42 days, you're sure to experience a true cultural immersion. Click here to see all cultural holidays .

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250+ cultural tours of europe with 47,890 reviews.

Best of Central Europe Tour

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Christmas & New Year

Best of Central Europe

The Central Europe tour I was on with my daughter went beyond my expectations. I was nervous about having all that free time in new places but Eliza our amazing tour guide, gave us the best orientations and knowledge of all the places we visited. Sharing her local knowledge and her mastery of all the languages to help us fully experience and enjoy the countries we were in, made it perfect. The group size was good and she looked after us at every turn, especially on busy train stations and on arrival at new places. She helped us experience the local culture and food in each location, so we had highlights all through the tour. Highly recommend

The Best of Eastern Europe Tour

The Best of Eastern Europe

The entire experience was smooth starting from the initial selection and pre-travel preparation. Anytime I had a question, Tourradar was available to assist. I enjoyed my travels and would highly recommend Tourradar.

Baltic Experience Tour

Baltic Experience

The Baltic Experience tour was a lot of fun! Our Tour Leader, Agata, was superb! The small tour size (we had six participants) meant we got to know each other well. The tour had a perfect mix of planned group activities and time to explore the sites on our own. The on-line tour description was accurate and extensive. Three cautions: Travel insurance is MANDATORY, somewhat expensive, and not included in the tour price. Many, like me, will commit to the tour not knowing this additional cost will be tacked on. Second, the tour sometimes involves significant walking (up to 30 minutes) from transportation facilities to hotels while carrying your own bags (two weeks of baggage), as well as walking tours that sometimes involve climbing as many as 800 steps. This is a tour for fairly young and fit participants. Finally, European hotels and home-stay facilities generally don't have air conditioning or screened windows, meaning sometimes in the summer you will have to choose between sleeping in hot, stuffy rooms or opening the windows for mosquitoes to enter. All that said, this was a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience and I would highly recommend it for fit, adventurous people with positive attitudes who can tolerate occasional less-than-luxurious accommodations.

Zagreb to Athens: Adriatic & Ancient Capitals Tour

Zagreb to Athens: Adriatic & Ancient Capitals

This trip was overall in one word... amazing. The destinations covered were amazing & beautiful. It was handy to have everything sorted out : the accommodation (mix of hostels & hotels), the transportation and many of the activities. Most of the places stayed did not have breakfast, but it was stated clearly that they wouldn't. Some of the places that had breakfast included a selection of breads, cereals and coffee - everything that you need. Croatia blew my mind.. The Croatia part of the tour was very in depth and I have a great idea of what the country is all about now & I also want to go back to see more in the future - The tour goes to cities, lakes, medieval villages, islands, beaches and has stops along the way to each usually. Note that on occasion there are stops along the way & the activity isn't always included in the tour.. I found that out the hard way in Albania. The transportation was a mix of using local transportation, personal buses and ferries. Note that in Albania MOST places do not accept credit card & we had troubles using the bank machines to take out cash.. Albania accepts the Euro as currency so make sure you have lots before you go (I also found out the hard way and didn't have any Euros as i Spent them in Montenegro) The groups for the tour are really what made the trip amazing.. Both groups were super friendly & alot of fun.. being a smaller tour and with the age restrictions it did make for a better trip because we were all around the same age, so had more in common! It was great having a smaller group too because we all became closer & spent even the "free time/Free days" together doing the activities. Our guide Marco was with us for both parts of the tour and overall he did a great job covering the information needed and I felt like we could always go to him if we had questions about anything. That was a part of the tour that I liked: knowing that I had someone to ask questions to who knows the area..Overall, HIGHLY recommend doing BOTH parts of this tour, as Many who didn't do the 2nd leg of the trip were super jealous and wishing they did! You won't regret doing this tour!!

Enchanted Landscapes Tour

  • Coach / Bus

Enchanted Landscapes

I want to thank and shoutout to all of the amazing tour guides especially Gabriella from Rome-Italy and Patricia from France to Switzerland. Despite how tight the schedule is, and the limited time given to experience and explore different destinations. It was exhausting and I feel like you are always on the go, and it felt rushed, but I understand because of a lot of factors that may affect it by the traffic and how other passengers are prompt with time that is why there are adjustments. I have met a lot of wonderful people on the tour, and I will for sure come back to Europe and explore what is out there.

Joyful Treasures Tour

Joyful Treasures

All hotels were very good. The sights we saw were good. The bus had no bathroom. The guides were average. They were often unclear with their instructions, for example they say meet in the lobby at 8am, but no one is there and people are outside getting on the bus. I did like the interesting history one guide gave.

Balkan Kaleidoscope Tour

Balkan Kaleidoscope

An amazing, beautiful and educational trip! Well planned and hectic for sure! Would suggest more time to take pictures, some tour guides seemed in a hurry leaving no time to observe and appreciate what they were describing to us!

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days) Tour

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

We had a very lovely experience.

Essential Britain & Ireland Tour

Essential Britain & Ireland

great support driver and guide, excellent stops, especially edinbriugh... BUT... too much time on the bus. This needs to be better balanced.. either shorter distance or more timer

Tour from Athens to Dubrovnik or Split: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days Tour

Tour from Athens to Dubrovnik or Split: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days

Best service, best deals

Rome to London Quest (Summer, 10 Days) Tour

Rome to London Quest (Summer, 10 Days)

Maite was absolutely amazing. She planned everything well, knew so much about the history of every city we went to, played great music, was hilarious, and always had us ready to go and do all the things the next day. I miss Maite all the time, she becomes like a best friend and you miss having her organize your life.
  • €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Tour from Athens to Belgrade: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days Tour

  • Sightseeing

Tour from Athens to Belgrade: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days

Our 4 days tour was more than we imagined. The sights, smells, and history were simply stunning, things I will never forget. You will get the most of the Balkans in four days. I will definitely visit Albania again, it is a hidden gem. Lovely experience

Best of Ireland and Scotland (15 Days) Tour

Best of Ireland and Scotland (15 Days)

Excellent - the timing was great. Glen was lovely, professional, gracious, and made himself available for us. He went above and beyond. This made our experience wonderful.

Iberian Explorer (13 Days) Tour

Iberian Explorer (13 Days)

Explanations of side options could be more clear regarding how long and how physically demanding they will be,

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland

Tour director Fiona and the bus driver Jurgan were terrific. I realize our tour was called Highlights but I felt not enough time was spent at each stop.

Cultural Europe Tour Reviews

To be honest, part of what made the trip fantastic was our group of 12- could not have had a better group to travel with- which is clearly luck, but a piece of our group being so cohesive was Nejca, our guide. She was perfect! Available but not pushy. Laid back, but willing to assert herself to make our experience the best. She made each person in the group feel special and appreciated. Thank you, Nejca! The itinerary was quite good as well. Although there were places I could have stayed for a day longer, I think it’s important to not stay too long and feel like time is wasted on a certain place on the tour. Transportation was efficient and Nejca did a great job getting us to our destinations easily and without rushing. Accommodations were very good- with the exception of Prague. Although our apartment was nice, it was clear that the residents of Prague feel that their space is being taken over by tourists- which is clearly true. I would have preferred to have stayed in a hotel in Prague-honestly, I would have paid more for it. Other than that, cannot day enough good things about the trip! Thank you!!
Very good tour , something’s we didn’t find out right until the moment. But, overall good tour.
The Baltic Experience tour was a lot of fun! Our Tour Leader, Agata, was superb! The small tour size (we had six participants) meant we got to know each other well. The tour had a perfect mix of planned group activities and time to explore the sites on our own. The on-line tour description was accurate and extensive. Three cautions: Travel insurance is MANDATORY, somewhat expensive, and not included in the tour price. Many, like me, will commit to the tour not knowing this additional cost will be tacked on. Second, the tour sometimes involves significant walking (up to 30 minutes) from transportation facilities to hotels while carrying your own bags (two weeks of baggage), as well as walking tours that sometimes involve climbing as many as 800 steps. This is a tour for fairly young and fit participants. Finally, European hotels and home-stay facilities generally don't have air conditioning or screened windows, meaning sometimes in the summer you will have to choose between sleeping in hot, stuffy rooms or opening the windows for mosquitoes to enter. All that said, this was a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience and I would highly recommend it for fit, adventurous people with positive attitudes who can tolerate occasional less-than-luxurious accommodations.

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China commerce minister launches Europe trip defending Chinese EV sector

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un affirmed his position to develop long-standing ties with China, state media KCNA said on Sunday, citing Kim in his meeting with Chinese top legislator Zhao Leji.

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Live Coverage: Sirens and blasts over Israel after Iran launches retaliatory drone attack

Iran launched dozens of drones at Israel on Saturday, Israel's military said. Iran has vowed retaliation for what it called an Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate earlier this month. Israel neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the attack.

The Sydney police officer who shot dead a man after he killed six people in a stabbing attack at one of the city's busiest shopping malls on Saturday has been identified as Inspector Amy Scott.

Jordan's air force intercepted and shot down dozens of Iranian drones that violated its airspace and were heading to Israel, two regional security sources said.

Israeli soldiers prepare near the Israel-Gaza border

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  1. 10 Best Europe Tours & Trips 2024/2025

    Hiking in Europe in May. Hiking in Europe in June. Hiking in Europe in July. Hiking in Europe in August. Hiking in Europe in September. Hiking in Europe in October. Hiking in Europe in December. Browse the best tours in Europe with 82,651 reviews visiting countries like France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and many more. Book now on TourRadar.com!

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    Discover the real Europe with Trafalgar's European tour packages. Experience the culture, history and scenery of Venice, France, Switzerland and more. Whether you want to explore the Alps, the canals or the countryside, Trafalgar has the perfect itinerary for you.

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    Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Europe. Find the right fully guided tour for you in Europe. There are 6650 trips to choose from, that range from one day in length, up to 49 days. The month with the most departures is September, making it the most popular time to visit Europe.

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    Call us toll free at 800.340.5158. Request A Call Back. Talk To An Expert. Learn more about Collette's Europe group travel tours. Experience an unforgettable trip to awe-inspiring cities filled with historic wonders & natural beauty.

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    Europe Tours & Packages. AARP SAVE $100 on select vacations. Learn More. Whether you want to take your time and explore one country in depth or compare and contrast a couple, you're sure the find the perfect Europe tour from our selection of over 250 tours and river cruises from award-winning travel brands. Europe Tours.

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    The Grand Tour of Europe coupled with our amazing Tour Director Steel made for a spectacular fun filled first trip to Europe for me. Seeing all of the amazing sites for the first time was jaw-dropping, and the Go Ahead Tour group did a good job making sure everything ran smoothly.

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    response rate. 96%. response time. within 11 hours. View all Operator Information. Excellent - 4,242 reviews for Europe tours. Peter and Sylvio made this trip. Best ever tour guide. So knowledgeable and so so caring.

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    Hike through rugged wilderness, tour 13th-century churches, and sip wine in the sun. In Europe you can do it all and do it well. It might be compact, but it is packed with diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious cuisines.

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    A Europe tour will enliven your senses with its historic grandeur, natural beauty, cultural diversity, and myriad of unique experiences. Explore one country or tick off all the highlights across the continent. From the Mediterranean to the Arctic Circle and the Atlantic there is a Europe tour that will give you your dream holiday. There is never enough time and always a reason to return.

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    Europe Tours. Rick Steves tours provide the best value for your trip to Europe. Our stress-free European vacations package together small groups, great guides, central hotels, all sightseeing — and memories to last a lifetime. Browse Rick's best Europe tours and vacation packages: Best of Europe in 21 Days Tour. 2024

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    Save up to $825pp * on tours to Europe. View All Europe Tours save up to 10%. Venice and Croatian Islands Cruise . From $3,999 $3,599 pp. save up to 15%. Flavors of Portugal & Spain: featuring the Douro and Rioja Wine Regions . Tour Rating: From $4,399 $3,739 pp.

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    Rick Steves European tours and vacations feature the best value and travel experience around. Rick's 46 itineraries include Italy, France, Turkey, Ireland, Britain, Spain, and much more!

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    Itinerary. View day-by-day trip itinerary. Buckle up for an unforgettable Great European tour, filled with local flavors, the scents of France and artistry of Gaudí and Michelangelo in Spain and Italy. Discover Bordeaux's rich culinary heritage, learn about La Belle Époque in Biarritz, and count the 100 spires of Prague.

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    Thank you for trusting us with crafting your incredible vacations. Amazing architecture, outdoor adventures, stimulating cultures, unparalleled cuisines await you in Europe. Europe guided tours through Liberty Travel can take you to Italy, Great Britain, Greece, Portugal, and Iceland for a vacation full of local insights and adventure.

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    Europe vacation: Search Europe vacation packages on KAYAK. KAYAK is a travel tool that searches Europe trips on hundreds of travel sites to help you find the Europe package that suits you best. Discover Europe deals now and book your Europe flight and hotel today.

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  18. 10 Best Europe Small Group Tours & Trips 2024/2025

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  19. European Traveller Tour 2024

    10 Day Europe Tour from London to Rome. Stroll through streets filled with romance, history and adventure as you travel Europe. Feed your imagination as you relax on the stunning shores of Lake Lucerne, watch master craftsmen create treasures in Venice and admire the magic of the snow-capped Swiss Alps. Looking to book in a group of 9 or more ...

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    Cruise through South America, India, and Egypt in relaxed luxury with Avalon. It's the only time we approve of letting the world pass you by! Visit Avalon Waterways. Globus offers escorted Europe tours to Italy, Britain, Ireland, Spain, France, Iceland & more! Explore our vacations to Europe today!

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  23. Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What ...

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    The 2024 European Tour, titled as the 2024 DP World Tour for sponsorship reasons, is the 53rd season of the European Tour, the main professional golf tour in Europe since its inaugural season in 1972. It is the third season of the tour under a title sponsorship agreement with DP World that was announced in November 2021.

  26. How to Plan a Trip to See the Next Total Solar Eclipse

    It'll be two decades before the next total solar eclipse hits the US.. Another option: hop on a plane to Europe and turn the 2026 total solar eclipse into a viewing vacation. Eclipse cartographer ...

  27. Holmes Chapel, English village of Harry Styles' youth, needs fans ...

    Europe. Holmes Chapel, English village of Harry Styles' youth, needs fans to be tour guides . April 10, 2024 5:56 AM ET. ... is looking for superfans to work as tour guides. The village gets a lot ...

  28. 10 Best Cultural Tours in Europe (with 47,842 Reviews)

    Cultural Tours & Holidays in Europe. A culture trip of Europe lets you learn secrets of ancient times, meet welcoming locals and listen to folklore that has stood the test of time. With 2772 cultural adventures lasting from 1 days to 42 days, you're sure to experience a true cultural immersion. Click here to see all cultural holidays .

  29. China commerce minister launches Europe trip defending Chinese EV

    China's commerce minister began a trip to Europe by telling his nation's top carmakers that U.S. and European assertions of Chinese excess EV capacity were baseless and that innovation and ...