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At Eurobound, we are committed to the travel agent. We understand how the internet has been both a boon and a bust for the industry. Consequently, service is what we are all about. We provide elegant, professional full-service proposals, rich in content that comes with experienced input that would be difficult, if not impossible, to find.

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European country experts.

Based in the US and in Europe, we provide perfectly planned itineraries across Europe. From must-see attraction to hidden gems, we have the experience and access to tailor your requests into reality.

Private or small group tours

Our philosophy: "Get the most out of every journey". Subsequently, we only supply private and small group tours. Unlike some bigger named operators that market themselves as providers of picture perfect experiences. It is simply not possible to match ours to theirs when theirs incorporates a coach tour with 30 to 50 people.

Full service

Most travel agents want to book their entire package with one supplier. We are a full service provider offering; air transfers, hotels, tours, cars, rail and concierge services.

About eurobound

Eurobound specializes in providing tailor-made European tours packages. Working exclusively with travel agents, Eurobound is truly a one-stop shop, arranging every detail of your client's trip from take-off to landing. For you, this means one centralized Eurobound contact and one commission, paid up-front. We don't believe it's your responsibility to take the risk associated with currency exchange rates which is why our prices are guaranteed in U.S. dollars. And with suppliers based in every European country we can promise thoughtful, local insight into current travel trends. LEARN MORE

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• Tour Operators

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Europe 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Europe. Below you will find 173 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in Europe offering in total 4293 tours and holidays through-out Europe. Combined they have received 6169 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in Europe are: Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history, Adventure and sport & Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife.

• Tours in Europe
• Europe Travel Guide

172 Tour Operators in Europe with 6,169 Reviews

• Address Guram Rcheulishvili 1, Tbilisi, Georgia
• Response Rate 91%
• Response Time 2 hours

• Address 6 Fife Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey,, London , England
• Response Rate 83%

• Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
• Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
• Superior Service Top 15% of companies

Taste and Slow Italy

• Address via Borghetto, 30a, Fossato di Vico, Italy
• Response Rate 99%

Expat Explore

• Address 10 Merryweather Place, London, England
• Response Rate 90%
• Response Time 1 hour

G Adventures

• Address G Adventures Ltd, 60 Bastwick Street, London, England
• Response Time 3 hours

Sunnova Travel

• Address Korkutreis Mah. Ilkiz Sok. 12/2 Sihhiye Cankaya, Ankara, Turkey
• Response Rate 98%

Iceland Untouched

• Address Meistaravellir 11, Reykjavík, Iceland
• Response Rate 100%

Penguin Travel

• Address 2, Sveta Gora str. , Sofia, Bulgaria

Choose Balkans

• Address Rruga Reshit Çollaku, Pallati 38, Shkalla 2, Tirana, Albania

• Address 33 Kern Road, Toronto, Canada
• Response Rate 88%

Exodus Travels

• Address Grange Mills, Weir Road, London, England
• Response Rate 85%

Sail in Greece

• Address International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct, London, England

Sicily Activities

• Address Via Leonardo da Vinci 10, Taormina, Italy
• Response Rate 79%

• Address 1B Osiers Road, Wandsworth, London, England

Europe Tour Reviews

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Explore all the places we go in Europe

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Expert Advice

Featured Tours to Europe

Flavors of Portugal & Spain: featuring Barcelona

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

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

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

Treasures of Turkey Istanbul, Ancient Ephesus & Cappadocia

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

Exploring Britain & Ireland featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Best of Ireland featuring the Wild Atlantic Way

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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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Enjoy afternoon tea in London

Sample over 300-years of history in the simplicity of homemade scones with whipped cream and jam. This deliciously British treat is best enjoyed in the afternoon, complete with a hot cup of Earl Grey, cucumber sandwiches and a tower of sugary delights.

Explore ancient Athens

You don't need to be a historian to appreciate the significance of Athens. Your love affair with the city might begin with goddess Athena’s Parthenon temple and the ruins of Acropolis, but it’s likely to end in a quaint alleyway getting a glimpse at daily life in this ancient capital. The story of Athens continues to unfold.

Catch a flamenco show in Spain

Discover the soul-stirring emotion of a Flamenco show in Spain. This expressive art-form has an intangible cultural heritage recognised by UNESCO, merging song, dance and musical instruments into a performance that has to be experienced at least once. Finish with dinner of paella or tapas to round off your perfect evening.

View the Northern Lights in Iceland

Mother Nature’s wonders come to life with the Aurora Borealis or ‘Northern Lights’. In the frosty landscapes of Iceland, this light display offers viewers a genuine pinch-me moment as vivid colours dance across the night sky.

Spend a night at the opera in Vienna

Hear the talents of traditional opera with the ghosts of Mozart and Strauss in your presence. Though there are more than few places to catch the opera in Vienna, none can compare to the State Opera House (Staatsoper).

Our top 5 things to do in Europe & Britain

There are endless pinch-me moments to be found across the many countries that make up the continent of Europe. But where to even begin? Perhaps a Flamenco show in Spain, afternoon tea in London or a Northern Lights viewing in frosty Iceland? Here are some of the highlights of our Europe and Britain trips that you're sure to love. 

Paris, France

The world’s largest gallery and the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Louvre is without rival in the art world and is a must see when in Paris. Allow an entire day to explore its eight departments, not missing the Egyptian antiquities, Islamic art and various halls of sculptures. End your day with sunset by the Louvre Pyramid.

London, England

The British Museum

With some eight million works within its permanent collection, The British Museum is an illustrious European landmark. Admire objects brought back from the voyages of Captain James Cook and walk in the controversial presence of the Parthenon Marbles.

Florence, Italy

Uffizi Gallery

The Tuscan capital is home to Uffizi Gallery, where the brushworks of art’s true masters can be found. Names like Raffaello, Leonardo, and Michelangelo fill Uffizi’s grand pink walls, whilst internal courtyards leading to the Arno River reveal the building’s architectural brilliance.

Best museums in Europe & Britain

When traveling Europe with Trafalgar, museum hopping is one of the best ways to understand the culture and history of the places you visit. You’ll find yourself critiquing ancient art and staring in awe at some of the world’s most prominent works. Here are some of our favorites.

Paella Valenciana

Saffron, snails, butterbeans and bomba rice are just some of the ingredients you might find in traditional Spanish paella. Despite originating from the coastal town of Valencia, Paella Valenciana is a variety without seafood. You'll love sitting back to enjoy a steaming plate over the sounds of Spanish jazz in a lively alfresco restaurant.

Beef Stroganoff

Now a staple dish in many parts of the world, beef stroganoff is best enjoyed in its birthplace in Russia with a vodka in hand. This simple dish of beef strips sauteed in a sour cream sauce offers a heart-warming taste of this country’s culinary heritage.

Bouillabaisse

The Mediterranean city of Marseille is where a French culinary icon can be found and devoured. The fragrant stew of bouillabaisse, commonly served with crusty white bread, boils up the finest local seafood and seasonal vegetables with the flavors of fennel, saffron and cayenne pepper.

Best food in Europe & Britain

Our trips to Europe gravitate around indulgent local mealtimes. With new cuisines and cooking methodologies found at every turn, this continent is simply delicious. 

What to pack for a tour in Europe

With such a large expanse of space to explore, on some days, long journeys are unavoidable. The scenery will provide plenty of visual entertainment, while headphones can be used to listen to some local music or enjoy podcasts about European history, culture and politics when you're not enjoying the storytelling from your Travel Director.

A good book

Exploring Europe is best done at a relaxed pace with ample opportunity to absorb your surroundings. Dedicate a few days to sitting in a park or a cafe, alternating between reading and watching the world go by.

Versatile shoes

Within the space of one outing you may experience all kinds of terrain when in Europe. Pack shoes that can see you walking from an elegant restaurant to a cobbled footpath, with a stroll along the soft grass of a park in between.

A blank journal

With the wealth of inspiration tucked into every corner of Europe, you may find yourself compelled to write down notes or memories. At the very least to share recommendations with friends when you return home.

All climate clothing

No matter the time of year you travel, Europe can deliver a myriad of temperatures. From frosty cities of Scandinavia to the temperate hills of Portugal, layered clothing best suits the varying micro-climates across this continent.

Our Europe & Britain destinations

Bosnia Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

North Macedonia

Netherlands

Northern Ireland

Switzerland

Italy Test 02

Other worldwide regions we visit

Africa the Middle East

Australia and New Zealand

North and Central America

South America

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Europe

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Europe. There are 6701 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.

250+ Fully Guided tour packages in Europe with 77,305 reviews

• Train & Rail
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Berlin to Venice (15 Days) (including Salzburg)

• Coach / Bus

Europe Jewel

Great tour led by Shae our tour leader and Hans our driver. The tour is busy but we found it to be the best way to see abit of each location in case we will revisit another time. We look forward to taking another tour one day.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• In-depth Cultural

Berlin and Imperial Capitals

The bus was comfortable and the drivers skilled. Even better that the tour groups were smaller and buses not full; made for efficiency and comfort. Tour guides were variable but ok with Eric being the best one. Novotel in Budapest was the best of all accommodations with the other hotels variable in quality and beds; the Prague hotel needed updating. Only Novotel was located in the city center which is a huge plus. The other hotels were less convenient and required separate transportation. Breakfast was consistently good. However, the dining room supervisor for dinner and breakfast (same person) in the Alps hotel was rude and possibly racist as she treated my travel companion who is white, better than me who is Asian. The Indian contingent was particularly shocked at their treatment. Overall, the tour was a swift introduction to the places visited. It helped me decide as to which cities deserve return visits.

Best of Central Europe

Great tour... cesky krumlov the best!, great suggestions by guide, great travellers!

Madrid to Rome

This tour was excellent. I can't fault the guides or drivers. The places we saw were just amazing and beautiful. The guide Maiya from Madrid to Switzerland was fabulous. She had so much knowledge and experience but was just such a beautiful person as well. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend and do again.

All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

A well organized whirlwind of experiences! Each day introduced us to the most spectacular sights of a new country. At each stop, well educated proffessional local guides explained the history and social complexion of the people. We received a taste of each region and often wished we had more time to explore. This tour could have been twice as long but for limited vacation time. Simon, our Travel Talks representative, masterfully lead a diverse group of 40 through the Balkans using humor, knowledge, passion and compassion. He brought us together as cohesive group and we forged new friendships. Any issue arising was handled in a mannner that left all of us having fun and learning new things.

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

From Copenhagen to Helsinki

There were 3 guides (we do not know their last names). Miguel was a very good guide, knowledgeable, attentive, no need to be aggressive to control the group. He earns respect. A suggestion for your tours. It would help us a lot if the hotels where they put us up were close to the historic center, to take advantage of the free time they give us. Of all the points visited Suomelina leaves me with doubts. Although it has its historical importance, it consumed too much of our time, which we could have taken advantage of in other important points.

Zagreb to Athens: Adriatic & Ancient Capitals

A great fast-paced tour that was well led by our wonderful guide Ivan!

Magnificent Four

brilliant. The tour spent the perfect amount of time in each location, the tour guides - shout-out to both Gabby and Linus! - were so brilliantly customer focused, informative, patient, professional. They removed any hiccups and made the trip easy to just enjoy.

Baltic Experience

First and foremost with these tours, the enjoyment and experiences can be enhanced by the guide you have and our guide for this trip was exceptional! There are a LOT of cobblestones to walk on this tour so sensible footwear is an absolute must. Every city visited had its 'Old City" which were paved with cobblestones. It was a fascinating tour of the history of this part of Europe from medieval times to present day. The days spent canoeing and trekking in the countryside offered a welcome break from the cities visited. Klaipeda and the day trip to the unique, World Heritage-listed Curonian Spit National Park was just one of the highlights of the countryside experience. A hillside of Witches was a unique collection of sculptured tree trunks depicting all manner of mythical witches and demons. Amazing to wander through this huge area with such an engaging local guide to share the stories and history of the area. Hiking and canoe through Aukstaitija National Park's dense forests and lakes provided an opportunity for not only physical activity, but also time to swim and stop to appreciate the wild flowers and other flora. Plants that are considered garden annuals here, grow wild amongst the grasses and forests of this area. But Riga was one of the most beautiful cities visited. Fragrant gardens, fountains, old and new public sculptures and the well preserved and restored art nouveau buildings, made this city enchanting and fascinating. The trip did consist of long journeys especially by bus from Warsaw to Berlin. It proved to be quite exhausting and could be well improved by a stay somewhere in between these two major cities. Overall, if interested in Russian and German occupation and the history of these Baltic countries and their struggle for independence then this is the trip for it.

ScanBaltic Tour

overall I think the tour was well worth it for what you paid for and what was included Accommodation was good, (beds were comfortable ) buffet Breakfast every morning were good and the buses were pretty comfortable - I would say some parts of the tour were a bit rushed and you would have liked to have spent more time at some places, however as it is a "highlights" tour of quite a few countries, time was in short supply. It did give you good idea and feel for where you would like to go back too though. The Tour guides however helpful and friendly they were, I feel could have been a bit more organized and clear in so far as communicating information on i.e times to meet back, leaving times etc.. etc.. Overall I had a good time , enjoyed what I saw and would recommend this tour as it was well worth the money.

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

I really enjoyed the trip

Classic Europe

Awesome tour. Great people. Super tour guide and driver - Adam & Florin.

Essential Britain & Ireland

Tour was action packed Sometimes too busy Scottish evening was too soon and too much like the Irish Cabaret the night before John Tour Guide and Juilian Driver were absolutely the best Hotels were too big I found... I found the best ones were smaller I dont understand Hotels not having wash cloths anymore... I dont like that

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

This tour exceeded our expectations. The history of these countries is very interesting. The cities and towns we visited were fascinating. The scenery of mountains, lakes and coast was beautiful. We saw wonderful churches, mosques, monasteries, bazaars, castles, forts and walled cities. Our guide Sokol was great fun to be with. Before booking this trip, we had lots of questions, which were answered by Sirma from the CHOOSE BALKANS team promptly and with the information we had requested. As tourism is increasing in these countries, visiting at this point in time was magical. The use of local hotels was nice. This was a special trip that we highly recommend, and will stay in our minds for a long time.

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Europe

Having Gustavo Gomes as a Team Leader and combination with Sebastiano as a Coach driver really made a difference in having a memorable experience our first trip in Europe.

Fantastic Experience on our Berlin and Imperial Capitals Tour! - Our special thanks to Tourradar.com Staff for a well coordinated booking and follow up on our tour. You always answered our inquiries on time. In fact, I already recommended your website to some of my family friends for their future tours.

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!!

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The Best Tour Companies in Europe

Europe is one of the most popular destinations in the world.

While I love solo travel as much as the next person — and think Europe is one of the best places to backpack around — the continent is also a huge destination for tour groups.

When you think of group tours , you may imagine a horde of camera-clicking tourists wearing socks and sandals swarming off a massive bus, taking lots of pictures, and then moving on to the next site.

In the past, that image was pretty accurate.

But now? Not so much.

These days, the best tours have evolved and are much more nuanced and diverse, catering to all different age groups and travel styles. From hop-on, hop-off tours and river cruises to big bus and backpacker tours and everything in between, there’s a wide variety of tour options now.

No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for (or your budget), you’ll be able to find awesome and insightful tours to help you make the most out of your next trip to Europe.

I’ve taken tours offered by dozens of companies on the continent. Some were good, some bad, some great.

If you’re thinking of taking a tour around Europe — whether because it saves you time or money — here is a list of the best companies:

THE BEST DAY TOURS IN EUROPE

Pretty much every major city in Europe has a free walking tour. They are a fun, insightful way to orient yourself and learn about the history of a city. Plus, you’ll have access to a local expert who can answer any and all questions you have about the destination!

New Europe is one of the largest and best tour companies out there. Its guides are knowledgeable, and its tours cover all the major tourist sites. They also offer specialized tours, like food tours, day trips, and tours to specific historical sites (such as Edinburgh Castle or the Sachsenhausen concentration camp). You can find them pretty much everywhere in Europe. Just remember to tip your guides at the end!

Most tours will last around 3 hours. For their paid tours, prices start around 15 EUR per person and go up from there, depending on the duration of the tour.

–> Click here to learn more about New Europe!

Free Tours By Foot

Another free option is Free Tours By Foot . Like New Europe, they have qualified guides and a wide variety of themed tours in over 30 destinations across the continent. Chances are you’ll be able to find a tour with them (or with a company affiliated with them) in every major city around the continent. Tours usually last around 3 hours, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Since they offer free tours, make sure you tip your guide at the end.

They also have partnerships with other tour companies so you can find more specialized options here as well. For example, they have a great beer tour of Paris (as well as a macaroon tour if that’s more your style). Those tours aren’t free (they cost around 60 EUR per person) but they are a great way to get a specialized insight (as well as to try some amazing French beer and desserts!).

–> Click here to learn more about Free Tours By Foot!

If you’re looking for something a little more in-depth, my favorite walking tour company in Europe is Take Walks , which can be found in London , Athens , and various cities in Spain and Italy .

What makes these food, art, and history tours so special is that they get access to places others don’t, like the Louvre after hours, secret spots in the Vatican or Versailles, etc. The guides are incredibly well informed, so you’ll learn a ton of information. If you’re looking for a paid walking tour company, Walks is the best.

Their tours are usually around 3 hours, though they also have a few full-day options as well. Expect to pay at least 60-90 EUR per person. Be sure to book in advance as well, as many of their best tours (like their Sistine Chapel early entrance tour) sell out fast!

–> Click here to learn more about Walks!

Devour Food Tours

For foodies, my go-to tour company around Europe is Devour . They run delicious food tours in Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the UK. From wine tours to dessert tours to filling hours-long food tours, takes you to local joints that the tourists don’t know about. Their guides are passionate and knowledgeable so you’ll not only feast on delicious eats but you’ll learn a ton about the food and culture too!

Most tours last 1.5-3.5 hours and generally cost around 50-110 EUR per person.

–> Click here to learn more about Devour!

THE BEST MULTI-DAY TOURS IN EUROPE

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is my go-to choice. I’ve been going on their tours for years and I’ve yet to be disappointed. The guides are excellent, the company offers amazing off-the-beaten-track itineraries, and it is committed to the local environment and supporting local communities. Their small groups ensure you’re never on one of those giant bus tours either.

–> Click here to learn more about Intrepid Travel!

While solo travel will always be my favorite way to travel, I really do enjoy going on tours . They are a fun way to meet other travelers as well as locals while you see and experience new destinations.

So if you’re looking for a tour on your next trip to Europe , be sure to consider the options above.

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Europe? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Europe for even more planning tips!

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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The Best European Tour Companies To Discover Europe With!

Posted on Last updated: October 16, 2023

Categories Tours

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Ah, Europe. A magical and diverse continent jam-packed with fascinating cities, stunning scenery and enough art and delicious food to satisfy even the most cultural foodie.

Whether it’s the buzzing nightlife and incredible history of Berlin, the incredible new Nordic dining of Copenhagen,   the placid lakes of Slovenia or the sun-baked Mediterranean coast, there’s an amazing amount to discover. Rugged Scottish Highlands , Renaissance art in Italy, ancient monuments of Rome, Indonesian rijstaffel in Amsterdam, the Imperial Cafes of Vienna – we could go on (and on, and on).

So with such a rich choice, how are you even going to start? Planning a trip can be really stressful and the stress only increases the more options you have. That’s why going on a tour is one of the best traveling choices you can make to really discover Europe.

Although tours get a bad rep, they’re actually one of the best ways to help you get to know a place more – with local guides taking you places you wouldn’t have found on your own, you get a much deeper understanding of the countries. Not to mention the fact that they remove all of the pressure of planning.

But this brings us back to that same challenge of choice – how do you choose your tour operator? It’s vital not to go with a wild card operator, someone you don’t know and can’t trust. Have a look at some of the best European tour companies, each focused on different areas to suit every traveler.

Page Contents

G Adventures

Intrepid tours, avalon waterways.

This is one of the most established tour companies in Europe and has been delivering interesting, varied, and affordable tours since 1947. That’s basically when tours as we know them appeared, so Trafalgar was always at the forefront of travel!

It’s a great way to meet like-minded travelers who really love getting to the heart of a place, enjoying cultural experiences, and visiting unique places. The accommodation is always great (no hostels here!) and the perks include queue skipping and private access. Participants get to go beyond the big-name sights to learn how to cook in Italy or tour farms in France.

With such a premier reputation, it won’t come as a surprise that Trafalgar is particularly popular among the older crowd with what might be called a ‘classic touch’. This doesn’t mean it’s slow, or dull, simply that you’ll spend more time chatting with people and getting to know a place through the locals, rather than bungee jumping off mountains. Another plus is the cost – Trafalgar specializing in offering tours great for those on a budget.

European tours include things like ‘Best of’ country tours, ‘Great Italian Cities’, ‘Spanish Wonder Summer’ and ‘Traditional Europe’. Their experience and expertise is evident at each stage and you’ll discover more than you ever expected.

As the name might suggest, G Adventures is one of the best European tour companies for its fun sense of adventure in all the tours it runs. It helps that it was established by a traveler at heart, Bruce Poon Tip, who got the idea after backpacking in Asia.

It’s always said that the focus was not on helping with holidays, but on “changing people’s lives” and that ethos lives on. Going on one of these tours means you won’t just see things; you’ll experience them. You use local transport (pack light!), eat at locally-owned restaurants and generally get to the core of the places you go. There’s an emphasis on s ustainable travel practices that we can definitely get on board with.

Choose from a range of tours, from Classic to Active to YOLO. With such a variety of options, G Adventures can suit all kinds of travelers, although their original target market is still strong – people who don’t want to play it too safe, don’t want their experience airbrushed, and like to take risks. The tours are usually quite active but the company are moving away from their traditional 18 to 39 age range.

Whoever’s on the tour with you, you know they’ll be up for a laugh and keen on authentic experiences – just like you! We love the ‘London to the Mediterranean on a Shoestring’ and ‘Discover Moorish Spain’ tours, but these are just a couple on a long list.

If you’re bored of going to cities, traipsing around museums and then never finding the best nightlife, then a Contiki tour is perfect for you. It specialises in providing lifelong travel memories for people between the ages of 18 and 35 – young, adventurous people who want to have a lot of fun while exploring new places.

It’s all about spontaneity on a Contiki trip, not lengthy itineraries planned down to the last second. There are loads of different concepts to the trips, from ‘High Energy’, which does what it says on the tin, to ‘In Depth Explorer’ if you like cultural travel, to multi-country ‘Discover’ tours which always have a wide mix of activities and destinations. You can camp, ski, head to festivals or cruise; whatever floats your boat, really.

Contiki is a bit of a by-word for party tours now and it’s definitely for people who want to have fun both day and night. They say that 50% of their travellers are going solo and everyone expects to make friends and socialise. It’s not all tequila body shots, we promise, but whether you’re nearer the 18 or 35 end of the age range you’ll definitely need a lot of energy!

In Europe you can choose from Greek Island Hopping, a Berlin to Budapest trip or even a short city break like Christmas in Amsterdam, or many more. Whatever you go for, you’re guaranteed a memorable time.

You might have already guessed this from the name, but Intrepid Tours is definitely one of the best European tour companies if you’re looking for fearless adventuring (in a supported context, of course!). Its brand is all about ‘real-life experiences, so expect big detours from the beaten track!

As most tours have a maximum of 10 participants, you’ve got a lot more chance to get close to the local culture and way of life than you would with massive groups in coaches. You’ll use public transport and stay at independently run accommodation, all with plenty of free time. Be warned: if you like things to be super-planned, steer clear!

There are no official age limitations although the average travellers are aged between 18 and 45. What is differentiated is the level of comfort (or the cost, depending on how you want to look at it!). There is a choice of ‘Basix’ tours for those of us on a shoestring, ‘Original’ with a bit more on offer and ‘Comfort’ for the highest level of activities and accommodation.

We love the idea of the ‘Iceland Discovery’ tour for something truly different, or Dubrovnik to Athens for some of the Mediterranean’s most gorgeously rugged coast.

Love the idea of all these fascinating tours but have no idea how you would ever pay for one of them? Enter BusAbout , a wallet-friendly tour company that wants to help adventure-hungry travellers experience as much as they can without breaking the bank.

There’s a wide-ranging bus network that allows travellers to ‘hop on’ and ‘hop off’ flexibly and independently. They might not be business class but they’re comfortable enough and you can watch movies or use the Wi-Fi. The drivers and guides are always keen travellers and happy to share what they know about the countries you’re going around.

It’s the perfect way to maintain your independence while learning more about places and getting to know other like-minded people on the journey. It’s also pretty ideal if you’re not a fan of flying!

From the super-budget, to the super luxe, Avalon Waterways is one of the best European tour companies for high-end cruises and sheer relaxation. You can enjoy all the beauty this continent has to offer and you don’t even have to leave the boat if you don’t want to!

There’s something incredibly peaceful about gliding along the majestic rivers of Austria and Switzerland , France , Germany , Italy or more; drinking in the scenery, you can enjoy all the extra touches onboard one of these sophisticated boats. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the suits means passengers can open their rooms up to the outdoors and the food is delicious.

Yes, it’s pricey, but the great thing is that so much is already included, so once you’re on board you don’t need to worry about hidden costs – entry to must-see sites, for example, or alcohol with your meal. It’s mainly for the over-50s, although anyone will enjoy the romance and indulgence of the water.

One of our favorite European rivers to explore is the magnificent Danube, especially as it travels through a variety of destinations, but there’s something to discover on all of them.

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15-day HEART OF EUROPE® Circle Tour

PARIS, FRANCE

Welcome to the City of Light

Lucerne, switzerland.

This is the quintessential Swiss city

Rothenburg, germany.

Explore this picturesque storybook village

Innsbruck, austria.

You'll get a close up view of the Austrian Alps from this imperial city

Lake garda, italy.

Come experience a slice of Italian heaven

Munich, germany.

The festive capital of Bavaria is home to Oktoberfest

Antwerp, belgium.

Ornate, 16th-century Flemish Guildhouses fill the city's square

The netherlands.

The shoe always fits at a Dutch Klompenmaker shop

Rhine river.

This legendary waterway is lined with castles, vineyards, and romantic villages

Pricing disclaimer.

15-day tour featuring Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, Belgium and Holland. For more than 60 years, Image Tours has offered this signature tour of Europe's most popular countries. With spectacular scenery and local flavor, this is an ideal choice for travelers who want an introduction to the Old World at a great value.

Tour Year 2024

Tour itinerary.

DAY 1 - Overnight Flight to Europe.

Today brings the beginning of a new adventure . . . your trip of a lifetime is about to unfold. The Trip Documents will provide guidance for airport check-in and arrival in Europe. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details. 

DAY 2 - GERMANY . . Arrival at Frankfurt Airport - Schriesheim.

As morning dawns, the European coastline comes into view. Upon arrival at Frankfurt’s Rhein-Main Airport, clear passport control, claim your luggage, and pass through customs. Communicating is no problem as English is widely spoken. Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in the Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager, who will accompany you to your deluxe motor coach. Settle in for a pleasant drive, through central Germany, to your hotel in the village of Schriesheim. This evening, get acquainted with your fellow tour members during a “Welcome to Europe” dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)

DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Medieval Rothenburg - Bavaria.

The route this morning takes you to the northern section of the “Romantic Road,” introducing unspoiled countryside, ancient castles and storybook villages. Spend a few hours in Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved medieval village, surrounded by its original town walls. The cobblestone streets are lined with historic inns and charming storefronts, including the famous “Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Weihnachtsdorf,” a sprawling, year-round Christmas shop. Take a walk on the city walls for a bird’s-eye view of the town and the lovely surrounding landscapes. This afternoon, transfer to your hotel in the scenic and festive state of Bavaria. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Munich & AUSTRIA . . Tyrolean Village.

The drive into Munich reveals many of the Bavarian capital’s interesting landmarks. There will be time to explore the central square (Marienplatz) with its unique Glockenspiel (clock tower). For a taste of Oktoberfest, consider beer, sausages and sauerkraut at the famous Hofbräuhaus. After lunch, head south to the Austrian border. Take in the natural beauty while motoring through the majestic Austrian mountains. Enter Tyrol, one of the friendliest and most scenic regions in Austria. Continue to your chalet-style hotel in a typical Tyrolean Village. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 5 - AUSTRIA . . Tyrolean Village.

This day is devoted to the boundless splendor of the Austrian Alps. Awe-inspiring mountain landscapes surround you as you walk through your Tyrolean Village admiring the flower adorned and frescoed chalets. Consider taking a chair lift up the mountain to behold the magnificent Alpine vistas. Another choice is to join your tour manager for a full day optional Salzburg & Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions), which includes a guided tour of Salzburg (known for Mozart’s birthplace and setting for the “Sound of Music”) and a traditional Austrian meal. (Breakfast)

DAY 6 - AUSTRIA . . Innsbruck & ITALY . . Lake Garda - Verona.

The Hapsburg dynasty is responsible for much of the architectural beauty you will see during the morning stop in Innsbruck. Most notably, Maximilian I, ruler of the Holy Roman Empire from 1493 to 1519, commissioned the iconic Golden Roof balcony.  Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol and has twice hosted the Winter Olympics. Enter Italy via the Europa Bruecke (Bridge), a remarkable feat of highway engineering through the Dolomite Mountains. Descend to “Lago di Garda” (Lake Garda), whose steep mountain shores give it a subtropical climate with rich vegetation, including colorful oleander bushes, olive and citrus trees, and grape vines which produce some of the famous Italian wines. During an afternoon stop, stroll along the lakefront, browse the quaint markets, or enjoy a gelato (Italian ice cream). From Lake Garda, it’s a short drive to the legendary city of Verona, made famous by Shakespeare’s tragic love story of “Romeo and Juliet.” Experience an authentic Italian meal during an independent dinner before transferring to your hotel. (Breakfast)

DAY 7 - ITALY . . Verona.

Today is yours to absorb the Italian art, architecture, music, and overall romantic atmosphere at your own pace. Explore Verona and its nearly 2000-year-old Roman Arena that is still used today for performances of beloved Italian operas. Use your time to browse the fashionable shops or take a local bus back to turquoise-colored Lake Garda, where you can relax along its shore while sipping a Campari or Cappuccino. Another choice for today is to join the optional Venice excursion (see Optional Excursions) to see canals, gondolas, bridges and delicately-blown glass. This excursion includes dinner at a classic Venetian restaurant. However you choose to spend the day, Italy’s uniquely captivating ambiance will surely leave an everlasting impression. At the end of the day, return to your Verona area hotel. (Breakfast)

DAY 8 - SWITZERLAND . . Lake Lugano - Swiss Alps.

Travel north through the unsurpassed splendor of the Italian and Swiss Lake districts. Switzerland greets you with a background of snow capped mountain peaks in contrast to the palm tree-lined subtropical Lake Lugano. Often referred to as the ”Rio de Janeiro of the Old Continent,” Lugano is the perfect spot for a lunch break. In the afternoon, transfer from the Italian to the German speaking region of Switzerland by way of the 11-mile-long St. Gotthard Tunnel. Overnight in a cozy village surrounded by the Swiss Alps. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 9 - SWITZERLAND . . Stans - Lucerne - Swiss Alps.

A morning drive through William Tell country uncovers impressive Lake Lucerne. The soaring mountain peaks of Rigi and Pilatus standing guard over this vast water basin create one of the most imposing sights in Europe. Stop in the old mountain village of Stans for the optional Swiss Mountain excursion (see Optional Excursions), offering thrilling panoramic views by funicular and cable car. In the afternoon, visit Lucerne with its historic covered bridge and famous Lion Monument, commemorating the heroic deaths of Swiss soldiers who defended Louis XVI during the French Revolution. The rest of the day is yours to explore Lucerne's Old Town, browse displays of delicious chocolates and wood-carved music boxes, or relax on the lovely lakeshore promenade. Before returning to your hotel for dinner, consider joining your tour manager for an optional Swiss Lake Boat Ride excursion (see Optional Excursions) on beautiful Lake Lucerne. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 10 - FRANCE . . Champagne Region – Troyes.

The church bells usher in another glorious day. Follow the Swiss Autobahn past Basel, where Switzerland, Germany and France meet. This is where the Rhine River becomes navigable before starting its approximate 700-mile run through Germany and on to the Atlantic seaport of Rotterdam, Holland. Crossing the border into France, the mountains give way to hilltop settlements and rustic vineyards. Make a mid-day lunch stop before continuing through the Burgundy and Champagne wine regions to Troyes. Your tour manager will offer a walk to the picturesque medieval town square where you may wish to try the local champagne at one of the sidewalk cafés. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 11 - FRANCE . . Paris.

After a mid-morning arrival in Paris, venture out on your own, or join the optional Seine River Cruise excursion (see Optional Excursions), featuring some of the city’s popular landmarks. Before you start your independent exploration, the tour manager will direct you to the location of principal sights such as Place de la Concorde, Champs-Élysées, Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum (open every day except Tuesday), Arc de Triomphe and Galeries Lafayette department store. Tonight, join the optional Paris Evening excursion (see Optional Excursions) with dinner at a characteristic French bistro located in the heart of Paris. Or, choose your own location for an independent dinner. (Breakfast)

DAY 12 - BELGIUM . . Antwerp & HOLLAND.

Travel north to Belgium and proceed to the North Sea port of Antwerp, known for its convivial atmosphere and delicate lacework. Explore the city center, with its historic buildings and quaint shops. Treat yourself to an irresistible Belgian waffle at one of the outdoor cafés on the city’s attractive main square. This afternoon, enter Holland, also known as The Netherlands (or Nederland in Dutch which means “low lands”). Much of the country lies below sea level and is protected from flooding by an intricate system of canals, dikes and pumping stations. Many of the retired windmills, which initially accomplished this process, have been beautifully preserved and can be seen on the drive to your South Holland hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 13 - HOLLAND.

Take advantage of the efficient bus and railway network to a myriad of interesting places, many of which are less than an hour away. Your tour manager will offer a full-day optional Grand Holland excursion (see Optional Excursions), featuring the neatly-groomed countryside, a picturesque Dutch village, and a boat ride through the canals of historic Amsterdam showcasing the elegant bridges and 17th-century architecture. Choose from pancakes, seafood, or other Dutch specialties for your independent dinner. (Breakfast)

DAY 14 - GERMANY . . Rhine River - near Frankfurt Airport.

This morning, return to Germany and travel on the Autobahn (Expressway) to the Rhine River Valley. From Boppard, embark on a scenic boat ride on the Rhine River, one of Western Europe’s most important waterways. Glide past endearing villages, hillside vineyards, medieval castles and fortresses. Pass by the legendary Loreley Rock, which is the subject of boatmen folklore about a bewitching siren. Your hotel is strategically located near Frankfurt Airport and provides a place to gather with your tour companions to toast a memorable holiday during a celebratory "Farewell Dinner."  (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 15 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.

Your journey of Europe’s scenic, cultural and historic highlights has come full circle. You will forever remember the many sights, sounds and tastes from this wondrous adventure. Transfer to the Frankfurt Rhein-Main Airport for your flight home. We sincerely hope you will return and experience more of Europe’s treasures with Image Tours. Until we see you again — “Auf Wiedersehen!” (Breakfast)

Travel Time

Overnight flight to Europe.

DAY 2 - GERMANY. . Arrival at Frankfurt Airport - Schriesheim.

Arrival at Frankfurt Airport . Meet your tour manager and transfer (1¼ hrs) to your hotel in Schriesheim . (Dinner)

Travel (1½ hrs) to your morning stop. Continue (1 hr) to the beautifully-preserved, medieval, walled town of Rothenburg . After a leisurely visit in Rothenburg , follow the Romantic Road (1¼ hrs) to one of the charming, old-world villages. Continue (1¼ hrs) to your hotel in Bavaria . (Breakfast, Dinner)

Motor (1½ hrs) to the elegant Bavarian capital of Munich for a panoramic tour (1 hr) and free time in the pedestrian-only old town (Marienplatz). Continue (2¼ hrs) across the German-Austrian border to the Tyrolean Village where you will spend the next two nights. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Free day to relax, hike or explore on your own among the Tyrolean Alps. Or, join the optional, full-day Salzburg & Dinner excursion (1¾ hrs), which includes a stop (1¼ hrs) in an alpine village restaurant for a traditional Austrian meal before returning (1 hr) to your Tyrolean Village hotel. (Breakfast)

Travel (1½ hrs) to the Imperial City of Innsbruck. Following independent sightseeing, cross the spectacular Europa Brücke (Bridge) through the Dolomite Mountains (2½ hrs). Make a rest stop in the mountains before descending (1½ hrs) to subtropical Lake Garda . Continue to legendary Verona (1 hr) of Romeo & Juliet fame. After an independent dinner, transfer (½ hr) from Verona to your hotel. (Breakfast)

Spend a leisurely day in Verona or on beautiful Lake Garda. Or, join the full day optional excursion to Venice (2 hr transfer each way). Spend the night in your Verona Area hotel. (Breakfast)

After a border stop (1½ hrs), cross into Switzerland (1¾ hrs) and stop in  Lugano , the "Rio of the Old Continent." Motor through the St. Gotthard Tunnel or Pass (2 hrs) with a short stop. Then, continue (1 hr) to your hotel in the Swiss Alps for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)

This morning, drive (½ hr) to the mountain resort of Stans , with the opportunity to take an optional Swiss Mountain excursion. On to Lucerne (½ hr) for afternoon sightseeing and the optional Swiss Lake Boat Ride excursion. Return (½ hr) to your hotel in the Swiss Alps . (Breakfast, Dinner)

Follow the Swiss Autobahn (1½ hrs) to Basel, where Switzerland, Germany and France meet. Continue (2 hrs) across the border and stop for lunch in the Burgundy wine region. Travel through the French Countryside (2 hrs) making a comfort stop along the way. Proceed (1½ hrs) to Troyes for dinner and overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Travel (1½ hrs) to your morning stop and arrive (1½ hrs) in the center of Paris . The remainder of the day is yours to explore Paris, with opportunities for two optional excursions;  Seine River Cruise and Paris Evening . This evening, transfer (¾ hr) to the hotel. (Breakfast)

Travel north to Belgium (2 hrs). After a mid-morning break, continue (2 hrs) to Antwerp . In the late afternoon, motor across the Dutch border (1½ hrs) to your South Holland hotel for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day of leisure to explore Holland . Or, join the optional Grand Holland excursion, which includes a drive (1 hr) through Holland's countryside, a stop (1 hr) in Amsterdam for free time and a boat ride through the canals, and a visit (1½ hrs) to the picturesque village of Delft for independent dinner, before returning (¾ hr) to your South Holland hotel. (Breakfast)

DAY 14 - GERMANY . . Rhine River- Frankfurt.

Travel (2¼ hrs) across the German border. Enjoy a morning stop, before continuing (2½ hrs) through the Rhine River Valley to Boppard. Board a steamer for an upstream boat ride on the legendary Rhine River. Proceed (1¾ hr) to your hotel located near Frankfurt Airport. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Transfer (¼ hrs) to the Frankfurt Airport for your daytime flight back to U.S.A. (Breakfast)

Favorite Traveler Experiences

•   Walk the wall surrounding the medieval village of Rothenburg
•   Sip ale from a stein at Munich’s famed ‘Hofbräuhaus’ beer hall
•   Wake up to views of the Alps from an Austrian chalet hotel
•   Kiss your true love under Romeo & Juliet’s balcony in Verona
•   Ascend to the peak of a Swiss mountain on a cable car excursion
•   Marvel at the extensive architectural triumphs of Paris
•   Sample a Belgian waffle at a café on Antwerp’s Grand Square
•   Try on a pair of traditional Dutch wooden shoes
•   Glide past castles and vineyards on a Rhine River boat ride
•   Accommodations in Superior Tourist Class or First Class hotels
•   13 Breakfasts and 8 Dinners in addition to any in-flight meals
•   Tour Manager for the full European duration of the tour
•   Land Transportation in Europe by deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach
•   Image Tours Touroclopedia® trip preparation tips
•   Trip Documents with luggage tags, final details and travel guidance

Traveler Reviews

Henry & alyssa g..

The Availability, Departure Dates, and Rates are for illustration and planning purposes only. Since final pricing and single availability can only be confirmed with a travel agent, steps 4 & 5 of this on-line booking module is reserved for your travel agent only. (Please Call) indicates that we still have some tour availability; however, you should have your travel agent call our office to confirm air availability.

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Upcoming departures, apr 23, 2024, may 07, 2024, $4,140 p.p.d.o., may 02, 2024, may 16, 2024, may 14, 2024, may 28, 2024, jun 11, 2024, jun 25, 2024, almost sold out, jul 09, 2024, sep 03, 2024, sep 17, 2024, sep 10, 2024, sep 24, 2024, oct 01, 2024, sep 23, 2024, oct 07, 2024, sep 26, 2024, oct 10, 2024, oct 15, 2024, oct 08, 2024, oct 22, 2024, oct 14, 2024, oct 28, 2024, tour hotels.

Hotel Scheid

• satellite TV
• beer-garden
• nature paths

NH Collection Nürnberg City

• Air Conditioning
• Satellite TV
• In-Room-Safe

Seminaris Hotel Nuremberg

• in-room safe
• fitness center

Q! Hotel Maria Theresia

• fireplace lounge

Landhotel Kirchenwirt

• wellness area

Montresor Hotel Tower

• air conditioning
• in room safe
• spa treatments

Hotel Schweizerhof

Hotel Crystal

Hotel Central am See

• outdoor pool

Mercure Hotel Troyes Centre

Hotel IBIS Styles Troyes Centre

Holiday Inn Express - Canal de la Villette

• internet center
• safety deposit box at reception

NH Hotel Capelle

Hotel Felsenkeller

NH Hotel Frankfurt-Niederrad

Optional excursions.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS DETAILS

Our tours are carefully planned to offer a comfortable balance of sightseeing, entertainment and leisure time. Optional Excursions provide the flexibility to choose between leisure time or additional guided sightseeing activities. Unless otherwise noted, optional excursions must be booked with and paid to your tour manager during the tour. Prices are in U.S. Dollars. MASTERCARD®, VISA®, or DISCOVER® (no other credit cards are accepted) are recommended to avoid carrying excessive cash and exchange rate fluctuations. You must be able to present the actual card to your tour manager. If you bring a DISCOVER® card, also bring a VISA® or MASTERCARD®, as DISCOVER® is not widely accepted in Europe. Cash payments during the tour must be in Euros. Personal checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted. The operation of all excursions is subject to sufficient participation, and some excursions are subject to favorable weather conditions. Your tour manager reserves the right to make changes or cancel excursions at their sole discretion.

SALZBURG & DINNER

Transfer to Salzburg where a local guide will accompany you on an informative walking tour through Mirabell Gardens and the historic town center. You will have ample free time for lunch and to discover more of Salzburg's many treasures. Before returning to your hotel, stop for a traditional Austrian dinner at an alpine village restaurant.

A private boat transfers you from the mainland, through the Venetian Lagoon, to the center of Venice. A guided walking tour provides an introduction to the history, culture and architecture before concluding with a visit to a glass-blowing workshop. If you have your heart set on gliding through the canals, the cost is about €45 per person based on up to six people sharing a gondola. This excursion includes dinner at a characteristic restaurant.

SWISS MOUNTAIN

Reach the summit of Mount Stanserhorn (elevation 6,232 feet) by both cog-wheel train and the world’s only open-top cable car. At the highest stop, enjoy the panoramic views from the terrace, take a walk along the paths, and snap pictures of the magnificent alpine vistas. This excursion is subject to favorable weather and cable car operation, and may be rescheduled or cancelled. In some cases, another mountain may be substituted.

SWISS LAKE BOAT RIDE

Board a steamer for a relaxing and scenic ride on Lake Lucerne. The lake borders four cantons (states) of Switzerland and, for this reason, is also known as Vierwaldstättersee (“Lake of the Four Forest Cantons”). Your cruise will provide splendid views of the surroundings, comprised of mountain cliffs rising up to 5,000 feet, picturesque villages, and gorgeous lakeside resort homes.

SEINE RIVER CRUISE

Glide along the Seine River by boat, while viewing the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and several other impressive sights in Paris. This excursion provides for excellent photo opportunities.

PARIS EVENING

Your French cuisine experience at a true Paris bistro is accompanied by roving musicians. Dinner includes wine or another beverage and features a tantalizing choice of French dishes. Your return motor coach ride will provide memorable impressions of the "City of Light".

GRAND HOLLAND

Travel among the rural and urban landscapes which highlight the distinctive characteristics of Holland. The day includes a panoramic tour of Amsterdam aboard a glass-topped boat. Also visit the picturesque Dutch village of Delft with an informative explanation on the craft behind the famous locally-made earthenware. 

Tour Extensions

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10 tips for finding buyers on the European tourism market

The European tourism market is crowded, sophisticated and fast-moving. It is also very competitive. European tour operators are always looking for new suppliers with innovative ideas. This helps them develop a strong USP and stand out in a crowded field. As a local operator providing tourism services, you must identify new buyers on an ongoing basis. Below are ten tips to help you find European buyers.

Contents of this page

• Know your market and whom you are targeting
• Find European buyers at travel fairs
• Consult websites of tourism sector associations
• Find buyers on online databases
• Create your own database of European tour operators
• Use OTAs to sell to consumers
• Optimise your website to reach buyers
• Use social media to connect with buyers
• Advertise in European trade publications
• Consult other organisations for help or information

1. Know your market and whom you are targeting

You need to understand the market that you are planning to sell into. The tourism sector has many different niches, and each has individual needs. Market research will enable you to understand the needs of the market you are targeting. CBI has published several studies covering specific European tourism market segments. These include  Adventure tourism ,  Food tourism ,  Nature tourism and  Wildlife tourism . They outline visitor types and their motivations for travel.

The European buyer market is large and dynamic. Since the pandemic, more and more European travellers are looking for authentic, unique travel experiences. Booking habits are also changing as more people book holidays, tours and activities online. As a result, routes to the European market now include both traditional and online channels.

The diagram below shows how providers of local tourism services (supply) reach the two major travel markets: tour operators and independent travellers (demand).

Figure 1: How tourism services reach European tour operators and independent travellers

Source: Acorn Tourism Consulting

Holidays and trips are sold either directly to the consumer (the traveller) or indirectly through travel businesses. European tour operators tend to be either specialist or general travel businesses. The main buying channels on the European market are as follows.

• Specialist tour operators supply a particular type of travelling customer and tourism niche segment. One of the largest of these is adventure tourism. Examples of specialist tour operators are Anders Reizen (Belgium) for walking holidays; Better Places Travel (the Netherlands), specialising in tailor-made, family and impact travel; and Nomade Aventure (France), which offers trekking holidays and adventure trips.
• General tour operators usually cover several niche segments. They often sell packages to all-inclusive beach resorts and hotels. Examples are German-owned TUI , the largest travel company in Europe, and DERTOUR (Germany). Others include Sunweb (the Netherlands) and Jet2holidays , the UK’s largest tour operator. Specialist operators tend to be smaller, while general operators often cater for larger numbers of travellers.
• Travel agents usually package together different elements of a holiday (flights, accommodation, activities). They also sell package holidays on behalf of tour operators. There is some crossover between general tour operators, travel agents and online travel agents. High-street travel agents like Trailfinders (UK) and alltours (Germany) were the traditional method of buying holidays throughout Europe for many decades. Their number has fallen, though, as online bookings have grown. But traditional travel agents are still important in some markets, like Germany.
• Online travel agents (OTAs)  market and sell travel products directly to consumers online. The OTA manages the booking and makes the sale. Some of the biggest OTAs focus on accommodation, flights and car rental; they include Booking.com and Expedia . Others specialise in selling tours, activities and experiences – for example, Viator , GetYourGuide and Travel Local .
• Online travel marketplaces and travel portals (or directories) are websites where tour operators can list their business and market their tours to consumers. Consumers browse many different products; when they are read to book, they are redirected to the seller’s own website. Examples include SafariBookings , TourHound and Travelstride .
• Fully independent travellers (FITs) are individual holidaymakers. They buy the elements of their holiday separately, from a variety of sources. These include airline tickets, accommodation, local and international tours, car rental and so on. They may purchase some elements before leaving their home country and others while travelling.
• Decide which niche segment(s) best suit(s) the products and services offered by your organisation. If you are not sure, have a look at CBI’s interactive infographic . This useful tool outlines the main tourism segments and shows how their subsegments are related to each other.
• Decide your key target countries. Identify those with good access to your destination, such as direct flights, and/or with good onward connections. For more information on European tourism markets, read the CBI study What is the demand for outbound tourism on the European market ?.
• Ask your national tourist board and/or trade association about target markets for your country. They may compile tourism data and other statistics that will help you identify key inbound markets.
• Consult the CBI study How to work effectively with OTAs? to find out which OTA works best for you.

2. Find European buyers at travel fairs

There are two types of travel fair: business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C).

Sometimes these are combined, and certain areas or days are dedicated to each form. To distinguish between the B2B and B2C fairs, it can be helpful to look at the name of the event. B2B fairs are often called “travel trade fair” or “tourism trade fair”. A “travel show” or “consumer show” is usually a B2C event.

During the pandemic, many fairs were held online. This may still be the case. Be sure to explore the websites of the fairs that interest you, to see what elements you can join online.

European travel businesses exhibit or attend travel fairs for different reasons.

• They attend B2B shows to network with suppliers and identify new destinations.
• They exhibit  at B2C fairs to attract potential travellers.

Local tour operators from developing country destinations, such as yourself, might exhibit at B2B fairs in order to attract buyers. National tourist boards exhibit at both B2C and B2B fairs, as they are both seeking to attract visitors to their country and make contact with business buyers. Lastly, consumers attend B2C fairs to research destinations and/or find an operator to travel with.

The table below summarises the key audiences for travel trade fairs and consumer shows, and the main reasons for their visits.

Table 1: Main audiences attending and exhibiting at travel trade fairs and consumer travel shows

Travel trade fairs are an excellent way to network with the organisations you want to sell to. But they are expensive to exhibit at and you need to be well-prepared.

Below is a list of some of the major travel trade fairs. Most are held annually and the dates of the most recent or upcoming event are included. If that date has passed, you can still tell when the next fair is likely to be held. But always check to verify when the event is taking place.

• ITB Berlin (5-7 March 2024, Berlin, Germany) is the world’s leading travel trade show. ITB attracts more than 113,500 trade visitors and 10,000 exhibitors from more than 180 countries. (B2B)
• World Travel Market (WTM) (6-8 November 2023, London, UK) is an annual B2B show for the global travel trade. WTM attracts more than 50,000 international travel professionals from 190 countries and regions. (B2B)

To target buyers in specific European countries, consult the websites of these regional fairs.

• Ferien-Messe Wien (14-17 March 2024, Vienna) – Austria’s largest holiday and travel show. (B2C)
• Belgium Travel Expo (13 November 2023, Nivelles; 14 November 2023, Antwerp) – trade show for tourism and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) professionals. (B2B)
• Brussels Holiday Fair (1-4 February 2024, Brussels) – holiday, travel, tourism and leisure fair. (B2C)
• Vakantiesalon Antwerpen (26-28 January 2024, Antwerp) – the largest holiday fair in the Flanders region. (B2C)
• IFTM Top Resa (International & French Travel Market) (20-22 September 2023, Paris) – annual trade show for travel and tourism, targeting the business, leisure, group, MICE and events segments. (B2B)
• ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) (4-7 December 2023, Cannes) – trade show aimed at luxury travel suppliers and buyers. (B2B)
• Rendez-vous en France (21-22 March 2023, Paris) – international trade show for the French tourism offering. (B2B)
• Salon du Randonneur (24-26 March 2023, Lyon) – travel show specialising in the adventure travel segment. (B2C)
• Salon Mondial du Tourisme (26-28 January 2024, Lille; 8-10 March 2024, Lyon; 14-17 March 2024, Paris) – the French world tourism fair, hosted annually at three locations in France. (B2C)
• SIT Nantes and SIT Rennes (held every January in Nantes and Rennes) – regional tourism fairs. (B2C)
• Fair Handeln (13-16 April 2023, Stuttgart) – international exhibition for fair-trade and globally responsible trade and activities in business, finance, tourism and development co-operation. (B2B + B2C)
• F.re.e Die Reise- und Freizeitmesse (14-18 February 2024, Munich) – the largest exhibition for recreation and travel in southern Germany. (B2C)
• GBTA Conference (14-16 November 2023, Hamburg) – trade fair for business professionals. (B2B)
• GTM Germany Travel Mart (16-18 April 2023, Wiesbaden) – the largest workshop for inbound travel professionals for Destination Germany. (B2B)
• IMEX Frankfurt (23-25 May 2023, Frankfurt) – business trade fair for planners looking to book and organise MICE events. (B2B)
• Reisemarkt Rhine-Neckar-Palatinate (January 2024, Mannheim) – holiday fair in southwest Germany. (B2C)
• Reisen Hamburg (Hamburg) – Hamburg’s travel trade show. (B2B)
• TourNatur (Dusseldorf) – travel show for outdoor enthusiasts, covering the segments hiking, cycling and nature experiences. (B2C)
• BIT Milan (4-6 February 2024, Milan) – the largest travel trade show in Italy, with more than 2,000 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors. (B2B)
• BTO Florence (22-23 November 2023, Florence) – major travel trade show. (B2B)
• TTG Rimini – (11-13 October 2023, Rimini) – an important international travel trade show. It attracts 55,000 visitors, 2,200 exhibitors, and 1,000 buyers from 50 countries. (B2B)

The Netherlands

• Vakantiebeurs (11-14 January 2024, Utrecht) – major tourism and leisure fair. (B2C)
• Vakantiebeurs Vakdag (11 January 2023, Utrecht) – travel trade event. (B2B)

Scandinavia

• Danish Travel Show (23-25 February 2024, Herning, Denmark) – travel show at which 80% of visitors are seeking inspiration for their next holiday from international exhibitors. (B2C)
• Matka Nordic Travel Fair (19-21 January 2024, Helsinki, Finland) – the biggest travel fair in northern Europe. (B2C)
• Matka Pro (18 January 2024, Helsinki, Finland) – the largest travel industry event in northern Europe. It runs alongside the Matka Nordic Travel Fair. (B2B)
• Reiselivsmessen (13-14 January 2024, Oslo, Norway) – consumer travel show with an international audience. (B2C)
• Senior Göteborg  (14-16 March 2023, Gothenburg, Sweden) – consumer show aimed at an active older audience. (B2C)
• Travel News Market (9 November 2023, Stockholm, Sweden) – the leading trade travel event in Sweden, bringing together international travel suppliers and the Nordic outbound market. (B2B)
• B-Travel International Tourism Show (24-26 March 2023, Barcelona) – international tourism show for experiential travel (B2C)
• Expovacaciones (5-7 May 2023, Bilbao) – travel fair that attracts 23,500 visitors and 184 exhibitors. Aimed at an international audience. (B2C)
• Feria Internacional de Turismo (FITUR) (24-28 January 2024, Madrid) – the leading international tourism fair in Spain. (B2B and B2C)

United Kingdom

• Destinations (11-14 January 2024, Manchester; 1-4 February 2024, London) – holiday and travel show with a focus on international destinations. (B2C)
• Experience Latin America (19-21 June 2023, London) and Experience Africa (26-28 June 2023, London) – travel events dedicated linking buyers from the UK and Europe with suppliers from each continent. (B2B)
• Adventure Travel Show (11-12 November 2023, London) – important consumer show aimed at the adventure travel segment. (B2C)
• AdventureELEVATE Near East (12-14 October 2023, Amman, Jordan) – event for an international audience of outbound tour operators, travel advisors and media. (B2B)
• Arival | Activate Bangkok (12-14 June 2023, Bangkok, Thailand) – aimed at the tours, activities and attractions sector in the Asia Pacific region. (B2B)
• GEM (Global European Marketplace) (2-3 November 2023, London, UK) – trade fair for global tour operators and travel buyers to contract business. (B2B)
• International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) – regional trade fairs aimed at the luxury market, held in several regions: Asia Pacific , North America , Latin America , Africa and the Middle East . There is also a European show held in France, listed below. (B2B)
• PATA Travel Events (Pacific Asia Travel Association) – hosts a number of events in the Asia Pacific region: PATA Annual Summit & Adventure Mart (30 May-2 June 2023, Pokhara, Nepal); PATA Destination Experience Forum and Mart (21-23 June 2023, Sarawak, Malaysia); PATA Travel Mart (4-6 October 2023, New Delhi, India). (B2B)
• Regional ITB events: ITB Asia (25-27 October 2023, Singapore); ITB China (12-14 September, Shanghai, China); ITB India (26-28 April 2023, Mumbai, India). (B2B)
• Regional WTM events: WTM Africa (10-12 April 2024, Cape Town, South Africa); Arabian Travel Market (1-4 May 2023, Dubai, UAE); WTM Latin America (2-4 April 2024, Sao Paulo, Brazil). (B2B)
• TravelMart LatinAmerica (TMLA) (20-22 September 2023, location not yet known) – the region’s largest trade show, aimed at building business to Latin America from worldwide markets. (B2B)

Niche market fairs

• Adventure tourism.  Adventure Travel World Summit (11-14 September 2023, Hokkaido, Japan) – an annual show attended by around 800 tour operators, adventure travel writers and influencers, tourism boards and industry partners. It is a key networking event for businesses in the adventure travel niche. The summit is held in different locations every year. Past hosts include Sweden, Chile and Argentina. Other fairs under the same brand include AdventureELEVATE (9-11 May 2023, Maine, USA), which focuses on networking and education. It features workshops, panel discussions and keynote speakers covering adventure industry topics. (B2B). AdventureNEXT (25-27 June 2023, Bogota, Colombia) is a networking event for adventure tourism providers to share experiences around this business as an instrument of peace. (B2B)
• Bird watching. Global BirdFair (14-16 July 2023, Rutland, UK) – annual show dedicated to bird watching. (B2C)
• Cycling tourism. Eurobike (21-25 June 2023, Frankfurt, Germany) – annual show that attracts large numbers of exhibitors (1,500 from 57 countries), 33,780 trade visitors and 27,370 cyclists. Some 52.1% of attendees are from outside Germany. (B2B + B2C)
• Diving. Go Diving Show (4-5 March 2024, Kenilworth, UK) – an annual show aimed at scuba divers, dive operators, resorts and destinations. (B2B + B2B)
• Diving.  InterDive (21-24 September 2023, Friedrichshafen, Germany) – trade show specialising in the diving and snorkelling segment. (B2C)
• Experiential travel. PURE Life Experiences (10-13 September 2023, Marrakech, Morocco) – experiential travel show aimed at high-end buyers. (B2B)
• SAVE (scientific, academic, volunteering and educational) tourism.  World Youth and Student Travel Conference (WYSTC) (12-15 September 2023, Lisbon, Portugal) – trade event for the youth, student and educational travel industry. (B2B)

Listings of travel and tourism trade fairs/shows

• World Tourism Exhibitions provides a comprehensive listing of travel and tourism fairs around the world, including Europe.
• 10times is a searchable database listing many thousands of travel and tourism trade shows around the world.
• Make sure that you have a clear purpose for attending or exhibiting at a show. Are you looking for business suppliers (B2B) or to sell directly to consumers (B2C)? If both, does the fair attract both type of buyer? For more tips, see the Import Promotion Desk’s Foreign trade fair participation guide .
• Research the market well so that you know all about potential buyers. Consult the list of exhibitors on the fair’s website and draw up your own list of tour operators that could be potential buyers.
• Exhibit at a regional travel trade fair if the buyers you want to meet usually attend these events. This may be cheaper, too.
• Fix meetings with your target operators well in advance. Follow up with the tour operator soon after the fair. This keeps the outcome of the meeting fresh in both your minds.
• Schedule a Zoom or Teams meeting if you are unable to attend a show. Since the pandemic, many businesses are open to online meetings.

3. Consult websites of tourism sector associations

The tourism sector in Europe is well-supported by trade associations. Tour operators are often members of their national associations and may have a listing on its website. When you have identified the country and niche segment that offers you the most potential, consult the relevant association’s website to find out which members may be potential buyers.

Here are some of the most important tourism sector associations.

• The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) is a community of more than 30,000 individual guides, tour operators, lodges, travel advisers, tourism boards, destination marketing and management organisations and more. Over 100 countries worldwide are represented. You can browse the ATTA’s active members across many categories.
• The African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA) is a member-driven trade association that promotes tourism to Africa from all over the world. ATTA has more than 600 members, including European and UK tour operators.
• The Latin American Travel Association (LATA) is a membership association that aims to promote the region as a tourist destination. Members include destination management companies (DMCs) and European tour operators.
• The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is the leading association for travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region. PATA chapters are local community organisations of travel industry professionals working to develop travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific. The European division has several chapters, including Denmark , Finland , Germany , France , Norway , Sweden and the United Kingdom . Check the links to each branch for activities in its region.
• The European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) is the trade association for tour operators and suppliers in European countries. It operates a number of events aimed at the B2B market.
• The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA) comprises a group of national travel agents and tour operators within the EU and elsewhere in Europe.

European countries also have national tourism associations you should consult.

• The Österreichischer ReiseVerband (ORV) provides a listing of its members online.
• The Association of Belgian Travel Organisers (ABTO) provides details of members.
• Agir pour un Tourisme Responsible (ATR) is a network of tour operators committed to responsible tourism.
• Les Entreprises du Voyage is a membership organisation representing travel and tourism companies, and is a source of information about market trends. It features more than 3,500 members on its website.
• The Syndicat des Entreprises du Tour Operating (SETO) is a group of French tour operators. Its website also features tourism statistics.
• The Allianz Selbstandiger Reiseunternehmen Bundesverband (ASR) represents medium-sized tour operators and travel agents. It also welcomes membership applications from international operators that supports its goals.
• The Arbeitsgemeinschaft LateinAmerika (ARGE) has 90 members committed to promoting tourism in Latin America.
• Die Reisewirtschaft (DRV) represents tour operators, travel agents and tourism service providers. Enter the name of any German city/town (e.g. Hamburg) in its location search bar to pull up a list of local members.
• The Federazione Italiana Associazioni Imprese Viaggi e Turismo (FIAVET) represents 1,500 Italian travel agencies across 16 regions.
• The Italian Association for Responsible Tourism (AITR) has more than 100 members working in the tourism sector.
• The Dutch Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (ANVR) is a representative body for the travel industry. Its website has a searchable database of members.
• The Association of Danish Travel Agents and Tour Operators (DRF) has more than 100 members.
• The Association of Finnish Travel Agents (SMAL/AFTA) website lists all its members.
• The Association of Swedish Travel Agents and Tour Operators (SRF) has an online list of its tour-operator members, which can be downloaded as an Excel spreadsheet.
• The Asociación Corporativa de Agencias de Viajes Especializadas (ACAVe) , representing specialist travel agencies, has more than 500 members.
• EXCELTUR , the Alliance for Excellency in Tourism, has 29 members from various tourism sectors, including travel agents and tour operators.
• The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) is the UK’s largest travel association, representing 1,200 travel agents and tour operators. If you know the name of a UK operator, you can use ABTA’s member search function to check whether it is a member.
• The Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) is a travel association for specialist tour operators. You can find all its members listed here.

4. Find buyers on online databases

Online databases are useful tools to find travel companies. Here are some examples for you to explore.

• Tourism Review provides a directory of tour operators around the world. The listing can be filtered by western Europe and central/eastern Europe, and again by country and market sector. The website also features details of regional tourist boards and other tourism organisations.
• Travel and Tourism Directory is a large resource for consumers, buyers and suppliers. Businesses are listed by style of tourism – for example, backpacking, cultural tourism and pilgrimages.
• Directory Tourism is an international resource with almost 100 guides and directories to browse.
• Online travel marketplaces are also good places to find buyers. For example, TourRadar features a listing of all the operators active on its website. SafariBookings has more than 4,000 operators in its marketplace, which can be filtered by country.

5. Create your own database of European tour operators

Spend time researching the European tour operator market and create your own database of companies you think would be suitable partners. Most European tour operators have professional websites with lots of information about the company. Some provide information about their staff, with short biographies. You can often find this under the heading “About us”, “Who we are”, “Meet the team” or something similar. Take a look at this example, the KE Team at KE Adventure Travel.

Figure 2: The KE Team

Source: KE Adventure Travel

Sometimes, the contact person for local operators like you is listed with a direct e-mail address and/or telephone number. Otherwise, job titles can be a useful indicator. For example, the Operations Manager, Overseas Project Manager or Destination Manager is often the person responsible for working with local operators. This is useful information to gather when doing your research.

Make sure that you explore the websites fully. Identify what niche(s) the company serves – adventure, cycling, walking, wellness and so on. If you have a good understanding of what tour operators include in their packages and which destinations they travel to, you will be fully informed when you make an approach.

Your database of contacts will be a valuable asset to your business, so keep it up to date. Make sure that you refresh it with new contacts and archive old ones on a regular basis.

• Ask your national tourist board for details of any European tour operators it works with. It is good to build a strong relationship with your tourist board. Ask if it can include a link from its website to yours. European tour operators like to know that the suppliers they work with have a good relationship with their national tourism authorities.

6. Use OTAs to sell to consumers

Online travel agents (OTAs) are the fastest growing sales channel for trips, tours and experiences. They are widely used by fully independent travellers (FITs). OTAs have an extensive reach and can provide direct access to large numbers of potential customers who are otherwise hard to reach.

The market for OTAs is very large and complex. They differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace by specialising in a particular tourism niche and/or type of trip that appeals to their target audience. At its most basic level, the OTA marketplace is divided into two parts.

• Core global market – OTAs like Booking.com , Expedia and Airbnb .
• Specialist OTAs – some focus on day or half-day tours, like Viator and GetYourGuide . Others specialise in multi-day tours; for example, Ethical Travel Portal , Evaneos and kimkim . And others still serve niche segments like food tourism ( Traveling Spoon ), adventure ( Much Better Adventures ) and community-based tourism ( Lokal Travel ).

The CBI study How to work effectively with OTAs ? will help you research and prepare, so that you can reach more customers using this channel.

7. Optimise your website to reach buyers

A business website is your shop window. European buyers often use the internet to look for new suppliers. If you are not on the web, buyers may not be able to find you. First impressions are very important in the European market, so a well-presented website is likely to generate interest. It may even be the main reason why a European tour operator or independent traveller decides to buy from you.

To find local travellers already at your destination, create a Google Business Profile (GBP) . This is particularly useful for small and medium-sized businesses trying to generate sales in their local markets. If you manage your GBP well, you increase your visibility when travellers search for tours in your area. Find out more in the CBI study 10 Tips for doing business with European tourism buyers – see section 6, “Market your trips and experiences online, set up a Google Business Profile”.

If you do not have a website, consider building one. Online website builders are good value, easy to use and look professional. Examples include GoDaddy , Weebly and Wix .

If you already have a website, assess how well it is working. Ask yourself these questions.

• Who is your website aimed at? Trade buyers, consumers or a combination of the two?
• Are you making sales and reaching new buyers?
• Does it look professional and contemporary, with some great images and videos?
• Is it fast and enabled for mobile use? If you think it needs updating, discuss the options with your developer.

Take a look at the table below for tips to optimise your website for different audiences.

Table 2: Tips to optimise your website

Source: Acorn Tourism Consulting, Peter Fabricius

The CBI study How to be a successful tourism company online ? will help you further.

8. Use social media to connect with buyers

Social media is an important tool that is widely used by tour operators to increase awareness and boost sales. So it really needs to be part of your marketing strategy, to help you connect with buyers. Driving traffic from social media platforms to your website will also improve its search engine optimisation (SEO). Good SEO ensures that search engines list your business higher in a user search.

The leading platforms used regularly by travel businesses and professionals are Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Instagram is the platform most used by travel consumers. Good images and video stories (Reels) on Instagram are particularly important to reach independent travellers, especially those aged 16-40. Find out more about recording and posting Instagram Reels here.

Figure 3a: Journey Latin America’s social media channels – Facebook

Figure 3b: Journey Latin America’s social media channels – Instagram

Figure 3c: Journey America’s social media channels – Twitter

Sources: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Journey Latin America

Social media is also used widely by travellers themselves to share stories, images and videos, and to research future trips. Instagram is the most popular platform for that research. TikTok is also rising in popularity, particularly with the younger generation.

Working with travel influencers and bloggers can be a good way to attract buyers, because they know what their audiences want. Small businesses often invest in contacts with local influencers to promote their brand, as that helps them gain visibility and increase engagement. This approach can also be very cost-effective. Use Google to help you find a local influencer, or ask around for recommendations.

• Research how to use social media to generate leads and build brand awareness. Most platforms post help articles to point you in the right direction. Take a look at LinkedIn pages best practices for tips to how make the most of a LinkedIn page, and also How to create a free Facebook Page .
• Explore ways to make your content shareable and more effective. Read this article: Becoming a travel content creator .

9. Advertise in European trade publications

Consider an advertising campaign to broaden your reach amongst European tour operators. Many of them read and/or subscribe to well-known trade publications, either online or in print, to keep up to date with industry news.

• Travel and Tour World is a global B2B travel magazine. It reaches 250,000 tour operators, travel agents, DMCs, MICE planners and luxury planners. The publication is also distributed at more than 150 international travel trade shows each year and can be read online. Download its 2023 Media Kit here.
• eTurboNews provides global travel industry news. It delivers news bulletins across several publications. Its various platforms attract more than 2 million unique users every month. The opt-in subscriber list totals more than 230,000 people worldwide, most of them travel trade professionals and specialist travel and tourism journalists. European travel businesses account for 30% of its geographical reach. The UK and Germany are the leading subscriber countries in Europe. To find out how to advertise, download the Media Kit . 
• Business Travel News Europe provides information, news, features, data and research for European corporate travel managers. BTN Europe is published four times a year and has a circulation of 5,000 people. Its e-newsletter reaches 14,000 opt-in subscribers.
• INFOX is a German information logistics organisation that generates mailings for 15,000 travel agents and tour operators, plus 300 tourist providers. INFOX can prepare and print the mailing, and most business is handled electronically.
• The Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) is the UK’s weekly travel trade newspaper, covering many aspects of the business. It also has an advertising section that enables you to communicate with the UK’s travel buyers. You can advertise online, in print or at events. Check out how to advertise with TTG .
• MICE Central & Eastern Europe focuses on that region’s business and MICE industry. To see if this magazine would be right for you, consult 6 reasons why you should advertise with them.

10. Consult other organisations for help or information

Government departments or other trade organisations throughout Europe may be able to offer you support.

• If you are selling sustainable tourism products in Ecuador, Nepal, Tunisia or Uzbekistan, the German Import Promotion Desk (IPD) can help you access the European tour operator market.
• If you are selling sustainable tourism products in Colombia or Peru in Latin America or in Albania or North Macedonia in the Balkans, the Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) can help you access the European tour operator market.
• CBI  supports more than 800 entrepreneurs looking for success in the European market. Attracting tourists from Europe focuses on tourism and features a wide range of business studies to help you develop your product and reach new markets in Europe.
• The Netherlands Enterprise Agency has some good tips on finding business partners.
• Contact the local embassies and/or consulates of your target European countries to see if they can provide guidance on importing services into their markets.

To complement this study, CBI has published a number of related publications that you might be interested in.

• Once you have identified a new business partner, consult our 10 tips for doing business with European tourism buyers so that you know how to develop a good business relationship.
• For tips on launching your tourism service in the European marketplace, read our study 10 tips for organising your tourism services export to Europe .

This study was carried out on behalf of CBI by Acorn Tourism Consulting .

Please read our market information disclaimer .

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Whenever we're developing new tours or setting up in a new country, we undertake stringent online research. One of our first ports of call is always the country's tourist board, so I would urge local suppliers to get listed with them. We choose locally owned suppliers that value sustainability, so ensuring that your information includes your sustainability position and core values will help you to stand out. Hanna Methven, Sustainability Manager, Explore .

At ASI REISEN we find that ITB is a great opportunity to foster the existing relationships with our partners and maybe to find some new ones. When it comes to selecting new partners, our product managers do a lot of online research and like to be inspired by what our customers want to experience. Jasmin Hadron, CSR Manager,  ASI Reisen .

Related research

• What is the demand for outbound tourism on the European market?
• What trends offer opportunities or pose threats on the European outbound tourism market?
• What are the requirements for tourism services in the European market?
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Category: Travel

Date: December 18, 2023

Best Tour Operators & Travel Companies in Europe

In today’s digital spectrum, owning a website for a travel agency has become inevitable. If you are operating a travel agency in Europe and lack a web presence, then it’s time to partner with a website development company to take the plunge into web development.

With a sleek, intuitive, and fully functional travel website, you can showcase your offerings to travel aspirants, for example, booking options, room availability, travel itineraries, and whatnot. Before embarking on the travel website development journey, it would be wise if you look for inspiration from the websites of successful tour operators in Europe.

Without further ado, let’s discover a few impressive websites of travel agencies in Europe

11+ Tour Operators & Travel Companies in Europe

1. belgium – topdeck since 1973.

Achievements in Adventures

Topdeck has got a set of travel explorers who provide hassle-free services to travelers. The crew takes the travelers to their desired places through ships, boats, flights, metros that are sophisticated and compact. Also, the company offers various trip styles such as festival trips, sailing trips, explorer trips, and personalized trips.

Features We Like In This Travel Agency Website

• Travelers can speak to the adventure specialists over the website through live chat
• The team has segregated the tours into 3 grades – walking tours, Camino tours and cycling tours. Travelers can view the desired destination with just a few clicks
• For three grades, there are three types of difficulty levels. Also, a clear description is given about each of the levels on the website for an easy understanding of the travelers
• Online booking of favorite trips is possible via credit card or debit card system. Also, the website supports online payment gateways such as PayPal
• If there are no trips available in the selected region a message that says ‘no holiday available’ is displayed

Places They Have Explored

• Asia, Europe, Africa, New Zealand, Australia, North & South Africa, and North America

Ratings & Reviews

• According to Google search, the company has got a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 5,379 reviews

2. Czechia – The Natural Adventure Company Since 2009

The Natural Adventure company, one of the leading tour operators that arrange walking & cycling holiday trips. The team aims to make travelers enjoy and relax at the beautiful natural sites.

• The team has segregated the tours into 3 grades – walking tours, Camino tours, and cycling tours
• Travelers can view the desired destination with just a few clicks

Place They Have Explored

• Middle East & Africa, Asia, Europe, Austria, Croatia, Germany, Macedonia, Poland, Spain, Belgium, France, Italy, Netherlands, and Slovenia

Ratings and Reviews

• According to Google search, the company has got a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 80 reviews

3. Croatia – GAdventures Since 1990

GAdventures, one of the popular travel agencies that provide authentic, sustainable travel experience to travelers. It takes 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year on exciting trips. The team collaborates with the Global Exploration of Educators Organization(GEEO) that takes school teachers to world tours and trips.

• The different styles of tours such as classic tours, national geographic tours, 18-30 age group tours, wellness tours, active tours, rail tours, marine tours, local living tours, marine tours, family tours, private tours are all are sorted in the website
• Booking for trips can be managed on the website. Also, the site recommends the locations which do not require a visa
• Travelers can make use of the promotion codes and get the best travel deals
• Every detail related to travel such as itineraries, accommodation, food, transportation, tourist guide, etc are explained on the website
• Travel agents guide travelers for booking trips either through phone or direct visit to the agency
• Asia, South America, Europe, Central America, North America, Africa, North Africa, Middle East, Europe, Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and Arctic

Rating & Reviews

• According to Google search, the company has got a rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 22 reviews

4. France – Intrepid Since 1989

Intrepid, the largest travel company in the world has taken travelers to about 1000 travel destinations. Travelers can enjoy a real-life travel experience by learning new languages, cultures, and so on. This amazing travel team offers three styles of travel, namely basic, original and comfort.

• The company has a 24/7 support team for responding to travel-related questions
• Travelers can get useful information about an overview of the trip, itineraries, gallery, dates & availability, important notes, essential trip information, and reviews
• Favorite travel locations can be added to the ‘wishlist’ with just a few clicks
• Best travel deals are available for certain destinations
• Travelers can manage their booking, provide feedback and suggestions about the trip on the website
• Asia, Africa, Australia, Central America, Europe, Middle East, Antarctica, Artic, South America, and Oceania
• According to Google search, the company has got a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 7,586 reviews

5. Germany – Trafalgar Since 1947

Trafalgar, the world’s most award-winning travel brand has got about 70 years of experience in travel & tourism. The team offers hassle-free services that provide the best travel experiences to their travelers.

• All the details related to travel deals are updated on the website that paves an easy way for travelers to plan accordingly
• Filter search results option on the website allows travelers to specify their travel budget, the number of days, destination, etc so that the trips related to their choice will only be listed
• Itinerary, trip details, reviews, etc related to traveler’s preferred destination are well designed on the website
• Travelers will be able to get the best travel deals using the tripcodes
• Travelers can choose their own transport medium, for example, train, high-speed train, and flight
• Europe, Britain, Latin America, USA, Canada, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand
• According to Google search, the company has got a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 800 reviews

6. Iceland – GJ Travel Since 1929

GJTravel mainly focusses on providing unique and interesting travel experiences to its travelers. The company offers ‘special interest’ tours for travelers who love photography, bird watching, geology, school trips, walking, natural history tours. The travel company is popular for the Iceland and Greenland tours.

• Travelers can search for their preferred location in the ‘search’ area available on the website
• Secure payments are easily carried out with the support of payment gateways such as Borgun and Alipay
• All details related to itinerary, price, map, and statistics related to the destinations are listed on the website
• ‘Proceed booking’ feature on the website helps travelers to easily confirm the travel booking
• If travelers are in a situation to cancel the trips, it is easily possible through the ‘cancellation’ feature
• Iceland and Greenland
• According to Google search, the company has got a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 21 reviews

7. Ireland – Shamrocker Adventures Since 1999

Shamrockeradventures one of the leading travel agencies with the experience of 20 long years. It mainly aims at taking its travelers who are budget conscious to enjoy the beauty of Ireland. The team is linked with the other two tour operators HAGGiS Adventures and Busabout to provide the best quality added travel experience.

• All the essential details related to travel, for example, accommodation, special offers are clearly mentioned on the website
• Using the information on the site such as phone numbers, visiting time travelers can easily contact the team
• Agency offers tailor-made tours for travelers. The website elaborately gives descriptions about each of the tour
• Travelers can easily book their trips with just a few simple clicks. Any trip that travelers have selected will be listed out at the front of the booking page
• The link to the company’s Facebook page with promo codes and deals are included on the website
• According to Google search, the company has got a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 159 reviews

8. Italy – Exodus Travels Since 1974

For the past 44 years, Exodus travels – one of the best adventure companies takes its travelers to explore different countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts, jungles and more. They keep traveler’s satisfaction as their priority and offer real practical experiences to the travelers

• Chatbot facility is available on the website to contact the team for getting solutions for travel-related queries
• The company provides insurance for travelers’ medication, baggage theft, accidents, etc. Travelers need not stand in queues or search for agents to know about the insurance policy. These details are clearly mentioned on the website
• The Exodus Agent Collective option supports travelers to easily choose their tourist agent
• Partnerships with Tilley Endurables and velofix Mobile Bike Shop supports travelers to get membership discounts
• Travelers can gain knowledge about trip overview, itinerary, gallery, essential info, accommodation, experts, reviews, data, and price on the website
• Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Central America, Middle East, South America, Oceania, Antarctica, and Artic
• According to Google search, the company has got a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 13,617 reviews

9. Norway – On Go Tours Since 1998

On the Go Tours, the perfect tour operator specializes in providing tailor-made travel experiences to travelers. With the local guides’ support, you can travel to 60+ interesting countries. The team aims to give personalized experiences to its travelers, therefore, it has segregated the trips into different styles.

• The website provides information about tours on special events like Christmas & New Year tours, Thanksgiving vacations, Easter breaks, etc and also makes the booking facility easier
• Travelers can filter the availability of tours in a particular month with just a few clicks
• The upcoming trips along with the top travel deals combo are displayed on the site for viewers to access easily
• ‘Book now’ option restricts the traditional method of travelers standing in long queues and waiting for responses
• Useful information about itinerary, prices & dates, hotels are listed on the website
• Africa, Central America, Central Asia, Europe, Asia, Middle East, North Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia
• According to Google search, the company has got a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 1,708 reviews

10. Netherlands – Tauck Since 1925

Tauck an ideal tour operator for travelers who are aspiring to explore new places in the world. It has been providing the best travel experiences for the past 95 years and also has earned a good reputation from its audience. It has taken its travelers to almost all 7 continents and 70+ countries.

• All the trip styles like small ship cruising, river cruising, land journeys, small group trips, etc are listed on the website
• General instruction about how to make a reservation, protection plan information, deposit information, cancelation policy information, activity & pace details and more are elaborated on the site
• The website helps travelers with detailed information about the overview of the trip, itinerary, deck plans, accommodation, pricing, and availability and more
• The book now option allows travelers to easily register their trips online via the website
• Antarctica, Arctic, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Europe, Jordan, Israel, Latin America, and USA
• According to Google search, the company has got a rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 16 reviews

11. Russia – Tucan Travel Since 1987

Tucan Travel, an amazing tour operator that is responsible for providing personalized travel experiences to all types of travelers including newbies and experienced. The company has 30 years of experience and has taken its travelers to more than 200 adventures.

• Travelers can contact the team via chat-bot facility on the website
• Travel deals, late-space specials, special offers and tour discounts offered by the company are all mentioned on the website
• Trips related to two different travel styles – group tours, tailor-made tours are suggested on the website
• The website offers several local payment options such as money transfers, credit card/debit card payment, and more
• The ‘book’ option helps the travelers to register the trips online via the website
• Asia, Central America, Europe, Africa, North Africa, Middle East, Antarctica, and South America
• According to Google search, the company has got a rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 879 reviews

12. Spain – Globus Since 1928

Globus, an ideal center for adventures has a network of more than 32 offices around the world, serviced by a group of more than 5,000 professionals. The team has made a partnership with brands like Avalon, Monograms, and Cosmos. The company takes complete responsibility in delivering stress-free travel experience to the travelers.

• Inquiries about vacation trips, itineraries, travel deals, and more can be clarified to an expert travel agent via the ‘ask an expert’ feature on the website
• Booking can be done through direct phone calls, emails, travel agent support, purchase brochures, and group booking
• The vacation that travelers mark as favorites will be included in the saved trips page
• A lot of travel deals available for travelers in order to save the time and money of the travelers
• Europe, South America, Central America, Cuba, the United States, Canada, Asia, Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and the Middle East
• According to Google search, the company has got a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 417 reviews

How ColorWhistle’s Solutions Can Help Travel Agencies Grow?

• Do you need to have guidance on implementing smart digital marketing strategies in your marketing plans?
• Are you planning to reach more visitors from your attractive website?
• Are you looking to provide personalized user experiences to your travelers?

If you have these types of questions loaded on your minds and are looking for skillful service providers for web design, development, and digital marketing, ColorWhistle is the perfect company for you. Our team strives hard to support your online travel business to make a mark in the tech-savvy world.

Our clients are feeling free to work with us since we understand their requirements and make plans accordingly. Our expert travel portal development team has got years of experience working with different travel agencies and with various technologies. We come up with smart marketing techniques to help you gain higher visibility in the online business world. If you like to discuss more contact us anytime. We are always happy to help.

Drive Conversions and Boost your Business with Expert Travel Website Development.

From the snow-capped mountains of the Swiss Alps to the golden charm of the Italian coastline, Europe has many attractions.

This is one of the main reasons why a lot of travelers wish to travel to Europe, one of the smallest continents with mind-blowing touring sites.

It is an accepted fact that each traveler has his/her own expectations and requirements at the time of travel. A tour operator will receive the best appreciation only when it fulfills the requirements of the travelers in its best way.

We hope that our blog has given you some ideas on how to fulfill the expectations of your travelers to the fullest. If you like to get some real-time examples on how to market the travel services , click here.

Which travel agency did you like on our list? Do share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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I'm a word-aholic copywriter who always loves to share a close bond with digital marketing. Google, being my father of research, accompanies me shoulder-to-shoulder in every step of writing. I always look up to copywriters who generate educative, persuasive content impeccably seasoned with creativity & innovation. I can deliver content for web service pages, blogs, social media, emails, and so on. I can engage myself in content-related works for B2B, B2C, SMEs, niche-specific businesses. Other than reading & writing, my other two escapes are sweets & songs. My dream desk would be more of creative writing projects, desserts, music, & minions.

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Our team of European travel enthusiasts are skilled at designing both single city tours and multi-destination itineraries for leisure groups.

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Wellness travel inspiration.

Hotel Cipriani Venice

Depart London aboard Eurostar for Paris and join the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express on an overnight journey to Venice. Travel in style across the European landscape before arriving in the City of Water.

Reykjavik Iceland

We are Center Hotels, a family run hotel chain with a family of hotels all located in the city center of Reykjavík. Starting with a guesthouse in 1994, we have grown into nine hotels with restaurants, spa and meeting room facilities.

The Cadogan London

When you stay at The Cadogan, London is yours to explore. Step out from the main entrance and be swept up in the luxury brands and high-end retailers of Knightsbridge.

Grand Hotel Timeo Italy

Grand Hotel Timeo, a Belmond Hotel, is a storied hideaway in the heart of Taormina. Set high on rugged cliffs, next to the Greek Theatre, its views span majestic Mount Etna and Naxos Bay.

Villa Sant Andrea Italy

Balconies of jewel-like geraniums. Subtropical gardens bordering an exclusive Sicilian beach. This is Villa Sant’Andrea, a Belmond Hotel in Taormina Mare that feels like a beautiful private home.

Finca Cortesin Spain

Let the soul float through unknown dimensions and indulge yourself with exclusive Hatha classes. Begin the session with techniques dedicated to calm your mind and encourage lightening by following the counselling of the private yoga master.

What is Wellness Travel?

Wellness travel is a broad term encompassing travel experiences that prioritize holistic well-being. It encompasses activities and destinations focused on improving physical, mental, and emotional health. It can involve: 1. Spa treatments and massages 2. Yoga and meditation retreats 3. Hiking and outdoor adventures 4. Healthy eating and detox programs 5. Mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques 6. Cultural immersion and spiritual experiences

What are the different types of Wellness Travel?

Wellness travel encompasses various experiences, including: 1. Spa retreats: Luxurious resorts offering spa treatments, fitness classes, and healthy meals. 2. Yoga and meditation retreats: Focused on mindfulness practices and spiritual growth. 3. Adventure travel: Combining physical activity and stunning natural landscapes. 4. Detox retreats: Designed to cleanse the body and mind through healthy eating and lifestyle changes. 5. Mindfulness retreats: Helping participants develop present-moment awareness and reduce stress. 6. Cultural immersion programs: Offering opportunities to learn about different cultures and traditions.

How do I plan a Wellness Travel trip?

1. Define your goals: What do you hope to achieve through your wellness travel experience? 2. Research different options: Explore various destinations and programs that align with your goals. 3. Consider your budget: Wellness travel can vary in price depending on the chosen experience. 4. Choose a reputable provider: Look for companies with experience and positive customer testimonials. 5. Book your trip: Once you've found the perfect experience, book your travel and accommodations.

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The cost of wellness travel varies depending on the chosen experience, duration, destination, and accommodation. Budget-friendly options are available, while luxury retreats can be expensive.

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Wellness travel is generally considered safe. However, it's important to do your research and choose a reputable provider. Always inform yourself about the risks associated with any planned activities and take necessary precautions.

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Wellness travel caters to everyone seeking to improve their well-being. Whether you want to: 1. De-stress and unwind 2. Boost your fitness 3. Connect with nature 4. Learn new skills 5. Discover inner peace

What are the benefits of Wellness Travel?

Wellness travel offers numerous benefits, including: 1. Reduced stress and anxiety: Improved mental well-being, greater resilience, better sleep. 2. Enhanced emotional well-being: Increased self-awareness, deeper connections with others. 3. Personal growth and development: Learning new skills, discovering new perspectives. 4. Greater appreciation for nature and the environment: Connecting with nature, fostering a sense of peace.

What should I pack for a Wellness Travel trip?

Your packing list will depend on your chosen wellness experience. However, some general items include: 1. Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for planned activities. 2. Swimsuit and poolside attire. 3. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. 4. Insect repellent and first-aid kit. 5. Yoga mat and meditation cushion (if applicable). 6. Journal and pen for reflection. 7. Books and magazines for relaxation.

How can I find affordable Wellness Travel options?

Several tips can help you find affordable wellness travel options: 1. Travel during the off-season. 2. Consider alternative destinations. 3. Look for deals and discounts online. 4. Choose less luxurious accommodations. 5. Participate in group programs instead of private sessions.

Is Wellness Travel worth it?

Wellness travel can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering numerous benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It can provide a much-needed escape from daily life, allowing you to reconnect with yourself and your surroundings. Ultimately, whether wellness travel is worth it depends on your individual needs and priorities.

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What Summer Travel to Europe Will Look Like This Year

By Arati Menon

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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.

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.”

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.

Jessica Puckett

Cassie Shortsleeve

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.

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.”

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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