Europe Things To See

Europe is one of the world's favorite continents for organized tours thanks to its dense concentration of historic sites, varied landscapes and excellent travel infrastructure. Whether you want city culture, wine country or coastal routes, Europe's regions offer well-developed itineraries and easy day-trip options.

Western Europe

Home to iconic cities like Paris and London, Western Europe blends museums, culinary scenes and renowned wine regions.

• City highlights: Paris, London, Amsterdam
• Wine routes: Bordeaux, Burgundy
• Historic tours: Normandy and Brittany castles
• River cruises on the Seine and Rhone
• Gastronomy and culinary workshops

Central Europe

Rich in medieval towns and scenic landscapes, Central Europe is ideal for cultural itineraries and multi-day rail journeys.

• Vienna, Prague, Budapest – guided walks
• Alpine villages and thermal spas
• Scenic train routes across Switzerland
• Themed tours (music, architecture)

Northern Europe (Scandinavia & Baltic)

The north offers pristine nature, dramatic fjords and modern cities focused on design and sustainable tourism.

• Fjord cruises in Norway
• Northern Lights and Arctic experiences
• Short city breaks in Stockholm and Copenhagen
• Baltic capitals: Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius

Southern Europe (Mediterranean)

The Mediterranean region serves sun, history and cuisine from Greece and Turkey to Spain and Italy.

• Island-hopping in Greece and Croatia
• Archaeological sites: Athens, Pompeii
• Coastal cruises and sailing
• Wine and culinary routes in Italy and Spain

The Balkans

The Balkans combine wild nature, monastic heritage and mountain trails — great for authentic, off-the-beaten-path tours.

• Cultural routes in Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Hiking and rafting in Montenegro and Bosnia
• Historic towns: Ohrid, Dubrovnik
• Local food and wine experiences

Iberian Peninsula

Spain and Portugal offer a mix of urban life, wine country and coastal drives suitable for both road trips and cruises.

• Pilgrim routes and historic walks
• Wine regions: Rioja, Douro
• Coastal itineraries: Costa Brava, Algarve
• Festivals and culinary tastings

Europe offers a huge variety of tours — from cultural walks to high-adrenaline adventures and specialized food-and-wine programs. Below are the most common categories and examples of countries or regions where to find them.

Cultural & Historical

These tours include museums, castles, archaeological sites and guided city walks, often with thematic focuses like the Renaissance, wartime history or architecture.

• Italy (Rome, Florence)
• Greece (Athens, Mycenae)
• United Kingdom (London, Hadrian's Wall)
• France (Paris, Loire Valley chateaux)
• Croatia & Montenegro (coastal heritage)
• Central Europe (Prague, Budapest)

Nature & Adventure

Tours focused on hiking, cycling, rafting, wildlife watching and outdoor activities, often set in national parks and mountain ranges.

• The Alps (France, Switzerland, Austria)
• Scandinavia (fjord and wilderness trips)
• Iceland (glacier hikes and geothermal sites)
• The Balkans (backcountry trekking)
• Canary Islands (volcano trekking and surfing)

Food & Wine

Includes wine routes, market tours, tastings and hands-on workshops — perfect for culinary enthusiasts.

• France (Bordeaux, Burgundy)
• Italy (Tuscany, Piedmont)
• Spain (La Rioja, Basque Country)
• Portugal (Douro)
• Greece & the Balkans (local cuisine experiences)

Cruises

Coastal and river cruises let you visit multiple ports or historic towns with comfortable logistics and onboard amenities.

• Mediterranean cruises (Greece, Italy, Croatia)
• Norwegian fjord cruises
• River cruises: Danube, Rhine
• Short cruises from major hubs (Barcelona, Venice)

City Walking

Short guided walks through historic cores, modern art districts and themed routes (street art, food, architecture).

• Paris, London, Barcelona
• Lisbon, Dubrovnik, Prague
• Themed walks: art, pub crawls, architectural tours

Multi-Country Circuits

Longer itineraries connecting several countries by rail, coach or private transfer — ideal for travelers who want diverse experiences in one trip.

• Pan-European rail itineraries
• Road trips across the Iberian Peninsula
• Balkan circuit trips
• Scandinavian tours including fjord regions

Europe offers countless day trips and short adventures from major cities and natural hubs — perfect for travelers with limited time. Here are 10 recommended examples from across the continent with brief notes on duration, transport and theme.

• Paris → Palace of Versailles: ~4–6h, train or coach; theme: history and palaces.
• London → Stonehenge & Bath: full-day coach tour; theme: prehistoric monuments and Roman baths.
• Barcelona → Montserrat: 4–7h, train or organized transfer; theme: mountain monastery and short hikes.
• Rome → Tivoli (Villa d'Este & Hadrian's Villa): 4–6h, train or bus; theme: gardens and Roman architecture.
• Amsterdam → Keukenhof or Zaanse Schans (seasonal): 4–8h, organized tour or train; theme: flower fields and historic windmills.
• Lisbon → Sintra: 5–8h, train; theme: palaces, castles and scenic landscapes.
• Dubrovnik → Lokrum or Elaphiti Islands: half-day to full-day, ferry; theme: nature, swimming and history.
• Vienna → Wachau Valley (Danube castles & vineyards): 6–10h, boat or bus; theme: wine tasting and monasteries.
• Reykjavik → Golden Circle (Geysir, Gullfoss): full-day coach; theme: geothermal features and waterfalls.
• Budapest → Szentendre: 3–6h, train; theme: art, galleries and quaint town atmosphere.

Europe attracts adventure lovers and outdoor enthusiasts with a wide range of terrains — from glaciers and high mountains to remote islands and dramatic fjords. Many destinations offer guided tours with equipment tailored to all fitness levels.

The Alps (France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy)

Classic area for hiking, via ferrata, mountaineering and skiing. Typical routes range from day hikes to multi-day treks; best seasons are spring–autumn for trekking and winter for skiing.

Scandinavia & Arctic

Fjord expeditions, kayaking, whale watching and polar experiences. Summer is best for kayaking and hiking; winter for Northern Lights and Arctic expeditions.

Iceland & Atlantic expeditions

Glacier walks, volcanic field hikes and geothermal visits. Tours can range from half-day trips to multi-day adventures; spring–summer is most accessible.

The Balkans & Dinaric Alps

Excellent for multi-day trekking, via ferrata and mountain biking; also strong rafting and canyoning options. Best visited in spring and autumn.

Iberian Peninsula & Canary Islands

Volcano trekking, surfing and mountain biking; the Canaries are a year-round outdoor destination, while more extreme volcanic ascents suit spring and autumn.

Mediterranean coasts & underwater sites

Diving trips and sailing along the Adriatic, Aegean and Mediterranean. Typical excursions last half a day to several days; summer is the prime season.

Europe's cultural diversity and heritage span ancient civilizations to cutting-edge contemporary arts. Below are main themes and examples of regions or countries where thematic tours excel.

Ancient Civilizations

Focus on archaeological sites, classical ruins and major museums preserving ancient history.

• Greece (Athens, Mycenae, Santorini)
• Italy (Pompeii, Roman Forum)
• Turkey (Ephesus, Troy)
• Malta (Neolithic temples)

Colonial & Imperial History

Tours tracing empires, trade routes and historical overseas connections originating in Europe.

• United Kingdom (imperial history museums)
• Portugal & Spain (maritime and colonial legacy)
• France (imperial collections and museums)

Religious Heritage

Visits to sacred sites, monasteries and pilgrimage routes with deep historical and spiritual significance.

• Vatican City & Rome (Catholic heritage)
• Santiago de Compostela (pilgrimage)
• Orthodox monasteries across the Balkans
• La Mezquita in Córdoba

Art & Architecture

Tours through museums, galleries and architectural routes highlighting movements and famous artists.

• Paris (Louvre, modern galleries)
• Florence (Renaissance art)
• Barcelona (Gaudí architecture)
• Museum routes in Berlin and Amsterdam

Wine & Gastronomy

Themed experiences focused on tastings, cellar visits, cooking classes and tours of local markets and producers.

• France (Bordeaux, Champagne)
• Italy (Tuscany, Piedmont)
• Spain (Basque Country, La Rioja)
• Portugal (Douro)

Planning tours across multiple countries in Europe requires some logistics but offers great flexibility. Here are practical tips to simplify booking and travel.

• Visas & border crossings: Check Schengen rules and visa requirements for every country on your route; some itineraries cross borders frequently so carry documents.
• Local operators: Consider small local operators for more authentic experiences and flexible departures, especially in less-touristed areas.
• Transport logistics: Compare trains, buses and flights; trains often save time and provide scenic itineraries across Central and Western Europe.
• Multi-day packages: For multi-stop trips, packages with accommodation and transfers can be more cost-effective and simpler to manage.
• Average prices: Research expected costs by region — Northern and Western Europe tend to be pricier, while the Balkans and Eastern Europe often offer better value.
• Seasonal differences: Check ideal seasons for activities (skiing in winter, beach in summer, hiking in spring/autumn).
• Best booking platforms: Use a mix of global platforms and local websites; read reviews and verify cancellation policies.
• Insurance: Always get travel insurance that covers high-risk activities if you plan adventure tours.
• Guide languages: Confirm guide language options and availability of local guides for deeper cultural insight.
• Safety: Learn local rules, health measures and safety advice for outdoor activities and urban travel.
• Payments & currency: Cards are widely accepted across Europe, but carry cash for small towns and local markets.
• Flexible bookings: Choose options with date-change or refund policies, especially for off-season travel or weather-dependent activities.