Europe Travel Guide

There are no limits to what you can discover and enjoy in Europe.

From the ancient monuments of Italy and regal elegance of France to the culinary delights of Spain and the enchanting islands of Greece, your dream vacation will come to life when you plan your trip with a top travel specialist.

Let your imagination run wild with the inspiration and information provided by Zicasso’s Europe Travel Guide.

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Grand canal and Santa Maria della Salute Basilica in Venice, Italy

Best Time to Visit Europe

The best time to visit Europe is typically during spring, March to May, and fall, September to November, as these times offer the benefits of traveling...
Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

Top 10 Things to Do in Europe

Europe is full of exceptional experiences that feel historic and timeless, and the top 10 things to do on the continent allow travelers to experience...
Eiffel Tower in Paris, France

15 Best Places to Visit in Europe

A dazzling continent with epic history and natural beauty, our list of the 15 best places to visit in Europe demonstrates the endless glamour and priceless...
Orange and blue umbrellas on the beach in Positano on the Amalfi Coast of Italy

How to Plan a Trip to Europe: Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you want to spend time on Mediterranean beaches or explore the history and mythology of Italy and Greece, our answers to the most common travel...
Canal in Ghent, Belgium

Top 12 Most Underrated Cities in Europe

Our list of the top 12 underrated cities in Europe highlights how each remains a gem bursting with unique charm, captivating history, and unforgettable...
Mother and daughter overlooking Rome

Top 9 Things to Do in Europe with Family

The top things to do in Europe with family will capture everyone’s imagination and immerse you in the marvels of your surroundings, whether wandering...
Happy family of three having fun together in Paris near the eiffel tower

6 Best Places to Visit in Europe with Family

Train like a gladiator in Rome’s Colosseum or see England’s capital city from lofty heights on the London Eye, embracing the vibrant atmosphere and highlights...
Rector's Palace in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Our 12 Most Requested European Itineraries

Find inspiration from this collection of our 12 most requested European itineraries and customize them further to create your best vacation. With so...
Tower Bridge in London, England

Our 7 Best Europe Itineraries for First-Timers

Our seven best Europe itineraries for first-timers offer inspiration for your trip, with ideas on where to visit, what to do, and more. From touring...
Belvedere Palace and Gardens in Vienna, Austria

7 Best Places to Visit in Europe for Seniors

With an unimaginable wealth of art, architecture, culture, and natural splendor, the best places to visit in Europe for seniors abound with incredible...
Vineyards in southwestern France

16 Best Food & Wine Destinations in Europe

Europe has culture and heritage, and food and wine tell the story of both past and present in these best food and wine destinations. History across the...
A couple hold hands strolling through the romantic village of Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux, France

5 Most Romantic Places in Europe for Couples

The five most romantic places in Europe for couples demonstrate the variety of cultural, historical, and natural wonders to uncover as you experience...
Thermal hot springs in Tuscany, Italy

10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Europe for Couples

Whether touring historic quarters or viewing masterpieces in famous galleries, the 10 most romantic things to do in Europe for couples invite you to embrace...
Manarola, Italy

Should I Plan a Single or Multi-Country Trip to Europe?

When deciding how to visit Europe, it can be challenging to choose between an immersive single country or the best multi-country Europe vacation package....
The Louvre in Paris, France

10 Best Cities for Art Lovers in Europe

Europe abounds with culture from thousands of years of collective heritage, and these best cities for art lovers paint a priceless picture of the region's...
Gorgeouse beach and the clear blue Mediterranean sea in Paxos, Greece

Our 7 Best Mediterranean Vacations

Our seven best Mediterranean vacations celebrate the dynamic destination by showing the surprising diversity of culture, landscapes, and charm. From...
Hallstatt, Austria

Europe in January: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

From snowy alpine slopes to mild Mediterranean shores, Europe in January presents diverse experiences for every type of traveler. During January, you...
Florence, Italy

Europe in February: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Europe in February offers a unique blend of snowy alpine slopes and mild Mediterranean shores. During February, you can expect a continent transformed...
Lake Bled, Slovenia

Europe in March: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Europe in March offers a unique blend of late winter charm and early spring renewal. As the continent awakens from its winter slumber, you can enjoy a...
Park in Edinburgh, Scotland during spring

Europe in April: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

April in Europe marks the beginning of spring, offering you a chance to experience the continent in full bloom. With milder temperatures and a lively...
Cannobio on Lake Maggiore, Italy

Europe in May: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

May is one of the best times to visit Europe, offering pleasant weather, colorful landscapes, and a mix of unforgettable experiences. When visiting Europe...
Gidaki Beach on Ithaca Island, Greece

Europe in June: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Europe in June is an enchanting time to visit, offering you a balance of pleasant weather, cultural celebrations, and fewer crowds. During June, you...
Burgundy, France

Europe in August: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

August is a fantastic time to visit Europe, offering a diverse array of experiences and opportunities for travelers of all kinds. Across the continent,...
Tuscany, Italy

Europe in October: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

October is a fabulous month to explore Europe, as the continent is filled with vibrant autumn colors. With fewer crowds and a milder climate, it's an...
Kufstein, Austria

Europe in November: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

November in Europe is a time when the continent’s charm shines in unexpected ways, offering experiences you won’t find at any other time of year. As...
Italy

Europe in December: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Europe in December can feel majestic with its blend of festive cheer, winter sports, and cultural experiences. From snowcapped mountains to cozy Christmas...
Clear blue waterof the Mediterrenean and golden sand at Tuerredda Beach in Tuerredda Beach in Sardinia, Italy

Europe in Summer: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Europe in summer is a treasure trove of experiences, offering everything from sun-soaked beaches to vibrant festivals and cultural events. The long days...
Ramsau Bei Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps, Germany

Europe in Winter: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Winter transforms Europe into a magical wonderland, offering a unique blend of festive cheer, cozy atmospheres, and stunning snow-covered landscapes....
Hamburg skyline in winter with Christmas trees

12 Best Places in Europe for Christmas

The festive winter break from Christmas to New Year offers comfort, coziness, and culture at these best places in Europe for the holiday season. Sip...
Villandry Castle in Loire Valley in France

How to Spend 10, 14, or 21 Days in Europe

How to plan your trip to Europe depends mostly on the amount of time you have, in addition to your interests, needs, and expectations. Our examples of...
Biker with view of Elba Island in Tuscany, Italy

9 Best Cycling Destinations in Europe

Europe has some of the world’s best cycling routes. You can enjoy them in one country or cross borders on an ancient trail. Venture into the mountains,...
Hiking trail in the Dolomites, Italy

7 Best Places to Hike in Europe

With exceptional opportunities for active adventures, the following list provides our suggestions for the seven best places to hike in Europe. From the...
The Small Heaven of Amalfi Village in Italy

How to spend 10, 14, or 21 Days in Greece and Italy

Planning your grand Mediterranean tour across Greece and Italy represents an exploration of Western civilization's greatest achievements, each offering...
Seaside village of Port Isaac in Cornwall, England

Best Time to Visit England, Ireland, and Scotland

Discover the wonders of fascinating and diverse countries when you travel during the best time to visit England, Ireland, and Scotland. In all three,...
Hiker in Glencoe, Scotland

How to Spend 10, 14, or 21 Days in England, Ireland & Scotland

Embark on an epic adventure of classic England, Ireland, and Scotland by dividing your time between the three countries over 10, 14, and 21 days. Explore...
The Tower of London in London, England

Best Time To Visit London and Paris

The best time to visit London and Paris is from late spring into early summer, from May to June and again when the summer season winds down and fall starts...
Small Paris street with view of the famous Eiffel Tower

How to Spend 10, 14, or 21 Days in London & Paris

How to plan your trip to London and Paris can depend on the time you have to spend on your vacation, while understanding how it should be split between...
Medieval village of Obidos in Portugal

Spain vs Portugal: Where Should I Travel?

When choosing between Spain and Portugal for your vacation on the Iberian Peninsula, you can find breathtaking beaches, awe-inspiring historical towns,...
Female traveler at overlook in Lisbon, Portugal

7 Best Spain & Portugal Itineraries

From Madrid to Barcelona, Lisbon to Porto, find inspiration for your Iberian adventure with our seven best Spain and Portugal itineraries. Discover destinations...
Senior traveler standing between colorful pillars at Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona, Spain

Our 9 Best European Tours for Seniors

Experience the rich history and culture of Europe with our nine best European tours for seniors. These thoughtfully designed journeys cater to the mature...
Playa de Bolonia in Cádiz, Spain

10 Best Beaches in Portugal & Spain

Spain and Portugal boast some of Europe's most stunning coastal destinations. From golden sands to hidden coves, these Iberian neighbors offer a diverse...
The Manor House Golf Club in Castle Combe, England

10 Best European Golf Destinations

Our list of the 10 best European golf destinations includes courses with rich heritage in diverse landscapes, making them a dream for golf enthusiasts....
Woman biking on dirt road towards Pienza in Tuscany, Italy

10 Best Cycling Trails in Europe

The best cycling trails in Europe provide an alternative way to experience the continent's history, cultures, and landscapes. With an extensive network...
Outdoor dining scene at Copenhagen Cooking and Food Festival, people enjoying food in a lively square.

10 Best Food Festivals in Europe

Food festivals in Europe celebrate cuisine, culture, and community as they showcase the continent’s diverse gastronomic traditions. From the bustling...
Open-air opera performance on a floating stage at sunset with a dramatic backdrop and calm waters

10 Best Arts Festivals in Europe

Europe’s best arts festivals are a celebration of creativity, culture, and human expression, drawing visitors from across the globe. From vibrant street...
Dutch National Ballet Gala in Amsterdam, Netherlands

8 Best Dance Festivals in Europe

Europe is home to some of the world’s most exceptional dance festivals, where tradition meets innovation in stunning settings. From grand opera houses...
Colorful tulip garden at Tulip Festival Amsterdam with a windmill and visitors on a bright spring day

8 Best Flower Shows in Europe

Vibrant flower shows and festivals bloom across Europe in spring. From the iconic tulip fields of the Netherlands to the stunning floral carpets of Belgium,...
Tren Al-Andalus. Photo courtesy of: www.eltrenalandalus.com

8 Best Luxury Train Trips in Europe

The best luxury train trips in Europe present experiences during which vintage elegance meets modern comfort. Climb aboard for refined travel reminiscent...
Plaza de España in Seville, Spain, featuring a grand fountain, historic architecture, and a horse-drawn carriage

Spain vs France: Where Should I Travel?

Choosing between Spain and France is like stepping into two vastly different yet equally mesmerizing worlds. Both countries promise enchanting landscapes,...
A woman admires Santorini’s breathtaking caldera and deep blue Aegean Sea.

Croatia vs Greece: Where Should I Travel?

Croatia and Greece paint vivid portraits of Mediterranean splendor, each offering a fascinating blend of ancient heritage and coastal beauty. Greece’s...
Family on vacation in Slovenia.

Greece vs Slovenia: Where Should I Travel?

Greece and Slovenia present distinct faces of European luxury travel. Ancient mythology, crystalline waters, and iconic island landscapes in Greece will...
Medieval village in Rovinj, Croatia.

Croatia vs Italy: Where Should I Travel?

Croatia and Italy are stunning destinations. Each offers a mix of experiences, from the sun-kissed Adriatic coast to ancient ruins, making the choice...
Luxury vacation on the Mediterranean Sea in Spain.

Spain vs Italy: Where Should I Travel?

Spain and Italy are Mediterranean overflow with culture, culinary excellence, and historical treasures. Both are filled with passionate energy and timeless...
Galicia, Spain.

Portugal vs Spain: Where Should I Travel?

Portugal and Spain captain maritime heritage, culinary mastery, and historical riches. Both are filled with Mediterranean spirit and timeless appeal,...
The Eiffel Tower stands tall over Paris with golden sunset hues.

Paris vs Rome: Where Should I Travel?

Artistic grandeur, culinary excellence, and centuries of history are what you will uncover in Paris and Rome. Both capitals have endless architectural...
Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival Finale with Daniel Hope in Germany

10 Best Classical Music Festivals in Europe

If the word “classical” is music to your ears, you can experience one of the 10 best classical music festivals in Europe during a customized vacation...
Vineyard in the hills of Burgundy, France.

8 Luxury Barge Tours with Private Chefs in France and England

Sailing through tranquil canals lined with historic villages and lush landscapes, you can experience the true essence of slow travel. Barge tours in France...
Drangarnir sea stacks rising from the Atlantic Ocean near Vágar, Faroe Islands, with dramatic cliffs and waves crashing below.

Top 7 Things to Do in the Faroe Islands

Mythical, dramatic, and breathtakingly beautiful, the top things to do in the Faroe Islands give you the chance to create timeless memories of a remote...
Balloons over Cappadocia in Turkey.

How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip in 4 Easy Steps

Explore the world with Zicasso by working with top travel specialists who will bring your dream vacation to life. Our primary goal is to make planning,...
Aerial view of luxury overwater bungalows on Bora Bora island in French Polynesia.

How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip Budget in 3 Easy Steps

Knowing your budget is an essential component of any trip-planning process. Whether the sky's the limit or you have specific parameters, a customized...

4.8

Reviews of Zicasso's European Tours

Based on 1169 verified traveler reviews.

Midhat Q.
Italy Vacation Review: 13-Day Trip

Zicasso's tour operator elevated this trip far beyond what we could have managed ourselves. It was a five-star, worry-free experience, and every single day felt tailored to us. If you’re looking for true white-glove service for a European getaway, look no further than the tour operator. They’re not just travel planners, they’re travel artists.

We’re already looking forward to booking our next adventure with them!

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Rosemary M.
Italy Vacation Review: Taormina, Cefalu, Palermo, Ortigia Island, Catania, Mount Etna, Cooking Class, Winery Visit, 9 Nights

I was connected with the travel company through Zicasso. What an amazing trip! Many thanks to our travel designer of the travel company!!!

Our travel designer and her expert team planned a trip to Sicily for my husband and I, my siblings, and my sister-in-law. We were six and everything about the trip was executed beautifully and with great attention to every detail.

We chose to go to Taormina, Cefalù, Palermo, and Ortigia Island, flying direct in and out of Catania. Our travel designer arranged all transfers by private van for the six of us and we never had to worry where or when we were going anywhere. She was able to make changes on the spot and accommodate our every wish.

Planning the trip was so easy, as she was available to chat with me on the weekends to answer questions and clarify details. She even made dinner reservations in every city. I cannot say enough about her willingness to be available and the choices she helped us make. From the terrific winery near Mount Etna to a drive up Etna, guided tours (we had an incredibly fabulous art historian showing us the churches of Palermo), a day at leisure on the beaches of Cefalù, and an amazing cooking class in Palermo, where we learned about and visited the markets, and made pasta and cannoli, every experience was better than the one before it.

We definitely recommend, with five stars, the travel company. Have them plan your trip to Italy! This was my first time back to Europe since 2004 and it was stellar!

I surely will use this company when I plan new trips to Italy, and Zicasso as well!

When we were trying to decide where to go, we chatted with travel partners in several European destinations. Zicasso chooses the best of the best and our experiences with each of them was exceptional!

We will be back to Zicasso when we travel to other destinations!!

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Mark S.
Switzerland Trip Review: Scenery, 12 Nights

Zicasso's tour company made sure our trip was a five-star trip! Our travel designer, who worked with us to plan and provide personalized service, did a wonderful job, was a treasure, and will never be forgotten! We will contact her for our next European adventure!

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Jill B.
Spain, Portugal Birthday Trip Review: Wine Tasting, Local Cuisine, Scenery, 9 Days

Zicasso went above and beyond in helping this first-time traveler to Europe navigate a trip for nine ladies. Yes, nine, in celebration of my birthday. Not only did Zicasso provide suggestions, but the company was available in our moments of panic when we were making transfers. The professional and kind agents took care of changing reservations, setting up the most delightful drivers, and making us feel like we were not a burden when we know we were a pain in the arse more than once.

The flexibility and hotel accommodations for our group were set in perfect locations. We could not have enjoyed such a smooth travel experience without the support of the Zicasso team. We are ever grateful and definitely plan to use this service again.

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Stephen M.
Italy Tour Review: Sicily, Taormina, Agrigento, Palermo, Cefalu, Mount Etna, Erice, Castelbuono, Savoca, Valley of the Greek Temples, Wine Tour, Godfather Experience, Farm Cooking Class, Cheese and Pastry Tastings, 7 Nights

Zicasso’s travel professional crafted an unforgettable Sicily trip for our group of seven. After discussing our preferences, she designed a flawless itinerary, incorporating unique experiences that became trip highlights. Her communication was exceptional, with prompt responses to our questions before the trip and daily updates for the next day's activities, including driver and guide details, which were incredibly helpful.

We stayed at superb hotels in Taormina, Agrigento, Palermo, and Cefalù, each with stunning views and private tours. Sicily’s warm, hospitable people stood out compared to other European destinations. At our hotel on Via Leonardo da Vinci in Taormina, the staff greeted us warmly, setting a perfect tone. Other stops included Mount Etna, Erice, Castelbuono, and Savoca. All of these locations were great, but don't miss Castelbuono!

Two standout experiences were private meals with families. Near Erice, a chef and his family welcomed us into their sea-view home, preparing amazing Sicilian meals that felt like dining with family. In Palermo, another home chef and her husband created a similarly memorable evening, with lots of great conversation and stories.

Every driver was professional, friendly, and informative, while our guides — often archaeologists or historians — were engaging and knowledgeable.

Highlights included a welcome dinner in Taormina, a farm cooking class, two wine tours with lunch, a Mount Etna hike, a Valley of the Greek Temples tour, town and village tours, cheese and pastry tastings near Cefalù, and a farewell dinner. The Godfather tour in Savoca was special, with our guide introducing us to a local who played Apollonia’s mother, waving from her balcony.

Our travel professional's meticulous planning and personal touches made this trip extraordinary. Thanks to Zicasso for matching us with the tour company and we highly recommend them for a perfect Sicilian/Italian adventure!

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Katy P.
Australia Trip Review: Helicopter Ride, Snorkeling, 8 Days

First of all, I want to thank the travel company and Zicasso for an amazing experience in Australia. The trip was phenomenal, and all the travel arrangements were seamlessly planned. Our travel agent was stellar and responsive.

This trip had to be planned quickly and had a short turnaround time. He made everything happen for us. I had certain travel conditions that centered around a professional meeting and he made it work perfectly. Honestly, I wish that I could use the travel company for all of my future travel. Any chance you do travel plans for Europe?

Most importantly, our travel agent made very specific recommendations about experiences, such as the helicopter ride and the choice of hotel. He highly encouraged these two things. I was a bit dubious, particularly of the helicopter ride, but it was amazing, truly amazing. I am so appreciative of the travel company and our travel agent for being so thoughtful, so responsive, and so confident in their planning and recommendations. Thank you again.

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