European Tours

Avoid the summer crowds and enjoy the pleasant spring and fall weather when traveling to Europe from mid-April through May, September, and early October. These shoulder season months are some of the best times to visit Europe, particularly countries in the Mediterranean.

Summer, June through August, is Europe’s peak season for tourism. And while sightseeing, beach vacations, island-hopping, and outdoor activities are excellent experiences for a summer trip, it is also the hottest time of the year in many European regions. If summer is your season of choice, plan early as accommodations book out quickly, and come prepared for the high temperatures.

Winter’s off-season months, particularly mid-December through early January, are also great options for European Christmas tours, winter sports, and seeing the snow. Whether you want to spend your summer on the Greek islands, explore Paris in the springtime or in the fall, or visit Italy’s Christmas markets in winter, we can help you find the perfect time to travel to Europe.

When you travel to Europe for the first time, we recommend exploring the highlights of the most popular destinations. Here are several top countries to visit on your first-time trip:

• Italy: Europe’s most popular destination. Explore ancient ruins in Rome, enjoy wine tasting in the Tuscan countryside, or sunbathe on Sicilian beaches.
• Greece: A treasure trove of European history and paradise beaches. Discover ancient Greek history in Athens, sail between stunning Greek islands, or embrace tradition in mainland towns.
• Spain: Europe’s cultural gem and hidden culinary hotspot. Admire art and architecture in Barcelona, learn about Moorish heritage in Seville, or taste pintxos in the Basque Country.
• France: One of Europe’s most romantic destinations. Savor pastries with views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, sip Champagne in the French wine country, or delve into local history in Versailles.

Find trip ideas for these destinations and more in our collection of the best Europe itineraries for first-timers.

From ancient cities in Italy to Europe’s best food and wine destinations, coastal towns overlooking the sea to iconic sites steeped in history, here are some of the best places to travel in Europe:

• Rome, Italy: The iconic Italian city is a beacon of Roman history. Explore the Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum, and more.
• Florence, Italy: Gateway to Tuscany and home to Renaissance masterpieces, Florence is a paradise for art lovers exploring Italy’s highlights.
• Tuscany, Italy: Tuscany’s rolling sunflower fields and vineyards are a sight to behold. Sip fine wines at famous estates and discover the region’s historic towns.
• Athens, Greece: From the ancient heritage sites to vibrant neighborhoods, Athens is a reservoir of Greek history, mythology, and cultural tradition.
• Santorini, Greece: Iconic white-washed villages with blue-roofed buildings hang on Santorini’s rugged and steep cliffs. From the local charms to picturesque caldera views, the Greek island is an enchanting place to escape to.
• Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona is a vibrant city of historic architecture and surreal art. From Antoni Gaudi’s phenomenal works to the legendary culinary scene, experience the best of the Catalan capital.
• Paris, France: Celebrated for its romance and style, Paris is a European icon worth visiting on your trip to France. Explore renowned museums, savor signature dishes, and wander bustling boulevards in view of the Eiffel Tower.
• Lisbon, Portugal: Portugal’s capital city is a blend of global influences with its own cultural charm to discover on your trip. Visit cathedral ruins, tuck into pasties de nata, and learn about the azulejo tiles.
• London, England: Home of the royal family, London invites travelers to learn about its monarchy and far-reaching global influence, as well as explore popular culture and trendy neighborhoods.

Whether chasing sunshine on Greek beaches or snow covering the Dolomites, learning about ancient European civilizations, or touring famous food towns, here are some of the top things to do in Europe:

• Explore Europe’s ancient sites, including the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, and the Colosseum in Rome, Italy.
• Discover the depth of flavors of famous cuisines on European food tours and cooking classes.
• Admire the unique architecture of royal castles and palaces across Europe’s diverse regions with distinct cultural backgrounds.
• Sip the finest European wines as you tour the best wine countries across the continent.
• Visit Europe’s best cities for art to appreciate the iconic masterpieces tracing centuries of creative history.
• Sail between Europe’s breathtaking islands, whether you choose to explore the Greek islands, Azores islands, Italian islands, or another archipelago.
• Experience Europe in winter, whether skiing down the slopes and participating in winter sports or celebrating the festive spirit at Christmas markets.
• Traverse the breathtaking landscapes and countryside as you explore the best places to hike or top cycling destinations in Europe.

From sailing the Greek islands to island-hopping in Croatia, there are many stunning islands to visit in Europe on vacation. Depending on where you decide to go, here are some of our top recommendations for your Europe island-hopping trip:

• Santorini, Greece: With stunning caldera views, a rich culture, and unique culinary traditions, Santorini offers a wealth of enticing experiences which make it one of Greece’s top islands to visit
• Sicily, Italy: Home to Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe, millennia-old ruins and heritage sites, and charming coastal towns, the Mediterranean jewel of Sicily is one of the best Italian islands to explore.
• Hvar, Croatia: Known for its sunny climate, lavender fields, and historic towns, Hvar is a wonderful island in the Dalmatian archipelago with a rich history and culture to explore. Visit historic Renaissance cathedrals, Spanish fortresses, sea caves, and more, during your island-hopping adventure.
• Azores, Portugal: Each island has its own charm and attractions, from the lush green hills of São Miguel to the majestic peak of Pico. You can enjoy hiking, whale watching, diving, surfing, or just relaxing in the natural hot springs.

Most of the best beaches in Europe are in the Mediterranean, from Greek island shores to Italian coastlines. Some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean include:

• Red Beach, Santorini, Greece
• Spiaggia Grande, Amalfi Coast, Italy
• Bogatell, Barcelona, Spain
• Banje Beach, Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Praia da Marinha, the Algarve, Portugal
• Super Paradise Beach, Mykonos, Greece
• En Vau, Calanque, France
• Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, Italy
• Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain

European cuisine boasts some of the most recognized culinary cultures in the world, including Italian, French, Greek, and Spanish. You can savor regional delicacies on food and wine tours in Europe, whether authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples or traditional Paella in Valencia. To learn more about Europe’s most popular cuisine, explore our food and wine travel guide or our Italy food and wine travel guide.

We recommend spending 10, 14, or 21 days in Europe. Shorter trips are excellent options for exploring famous cities in your favorite countries, while longer trips are ideal for multi-country adventures or discovering a country’s hidden gems.

We typically recommend visiting a single European country to explore as much of a specific destination as possible. Single-country trips are fantastic options for first-timers or if you want to slow down on vacation.

Provided that you give yourself enough time between transfers to explore and tour each city or town you visit, multi-country travel is a great option to see more in a single trip. We encourage you to set higher budgets for a comfortable and logistically-friendly experience. Explore our guide on single vs. multi-country trips to Europe to learn more about which is right for you.

Whether you want to explore the highlights of Italy, tour the capital of Greece and the Greek islands, or discover Spanish history and culture, our most requested European itineraries offer some of the best travel routings for your preferred European destination.

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Europe and inspiration in our Europe travel guide.