From chasing the Northern Lights across Scandinavia to following the sun down to the Greek Isles or Morocco’s Sahara Desert, here are 9 bucket-list Europe tours that include expertly curated itineraries covering the most brag-worthy sights and cities. They’re full of local insights and activities, thanks to expert guidance along the way.
1. Glide through canals, piazzas and gelato in Italy
Looking for Europe tours with quintessential sightseeing itineraries? Live la dolce vita from Milan to Sorrento on this Europe tour, ticking off Italy’s dreamiest destinations along the way. Discover the magic of Lake Como and Bellagio on a peaceful boat cruise, explore Venice’s winding canals and romantic piazzas and fall in love with Florence’s flair while sampling pizza, pasta and gelato – as well as classic chianti wine in Tuscany.
Unearth centuries of history, from the work of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel to the striking ruins of Pompeii. Finish with Sorrento and the Capri Coast, where pastel-coloured facades, terracotta roofs and ornate balconies are framed by sweeping vistas of the Bay of Naples and imposing Mount Vesuvius.
2. Indulge in Michelin dining in Spain and Portugal
Discover Spain and Portugal the best way there is – one plate at a time. This small-group journey crosses the Iberian Peninsula, from hands-on cooking classes in Barcelona’s old town to Lisbon’s storied pastry shops and bustling food halls.
Near Porto, sit down to an included lunch at two-Michelin-starred Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, where modern Portuguese seafood is served in a striking dining room built into the rocks above the Atlantic. In San Sebastian, follow a local guide between lively pintxo bars before dining inside a private Basque gastronomic society.
3. Discover ancient Greece beyond the usual island hop
Dig deeper into Greece’s history, food and landscapes on a journey that combines its headline ancient sites with mountain villages, wine country and coastal towns. Explore the Acropolis in Athens, see Meteora’s monasteries perched high on towering rock formations and visit Delphi and Epidaurus with expert local guides.
There’s plenty of modern Greek life woven in too, with a tsipouro distillery visit, traditional pie-making in the fishing village of Galaxidi and wine tasting in Nemea.
4. From Douro Valley to the Sahara Desert through Spain, Portugal and Morocco
From the streets of Spain to the Sahara, an immerseive 22-day tour dives deep into the Iberian Peninsula and neighbouring Morocco for a Southern European experience like no other. Take in tapas and flamenco in Madrid and Seville, the sweet wines, colourful tiles and pastel de natas of Lisbon and Porto, and so much more.
Spend a day marvelling at Sintra’s enchanting Pena Palace, sail down the Douro River, visit local vineyards in Pinhao and catch a fado performance in Coimbra. Pay a visit to world-famous sites – the Alhambra, Tomar Monastery and Hassan II Mosque – and lose yourself among locals in the alleys of Fez before heading high into Morocco’s Atlas mountains. The grand finale of this itinerary is an overnight stay in the Sahara Desert, where a star-studded sky awaits.
5. Discover the magic of Christmas through Northern Europe
Experience Northern Europe at its festive best, from fairy-lit marketplaces and gingerbread workshops to a limited-time pre-cruise stay in Basel. Continue through Denmark, Sweden, Estonia and Finland, discovering each destination’s Christmas traditions. Stroll Copenhagen’s colourful Nyhavn Harbour, pass the former home of fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen and soak up the festivities at the world’s second-oldest amusement park.
Travel by scenic rail to Stockholm, where centuries of architecture, culture and cuisine await, along with traditional Swedish meatballs and a stay at Hotel Rival – the four-star boutique retreat owned by ABBA’s Benny Andersson. Savour warming glögg along the way and stay within Tallinn’s medieval heart at Nunne Boutique Hotel.
6. Explore medieval towns and island hop in Croatia
Trace the Adriatic from Croatia to Slovenia and Istria, beginning among Zagreb’s landmarks before discovering Lake Bled’s medieval castle and Ljubljana’s cobbled lanes. Continue to the hilltop towns of Hum and Motovun, where truffles, wine and regional flavours take centre stage, then admire the cascading lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park. In Split, board the MS Adris for a seven-night cruise along Croatia’s spectacular Dalmatian Coast.
7. Explore châteaux, coastlines and wartime history in northern France
Journey through Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley, visiting Monet’s gardens at Giverny, the D-Day landing beaches and Mont Saint-Michel. Continue to the Loire’s grand châteaux, try traditional crêpe-making in Quimper and finish with a Seine dinner cruise in Paris.
8. Immerse yourself in the caves, mosques and thermal springs of Turkiye
On this ultimate tour through Turkiye, dive deep into Istanbul on guided visits to Topkapi Palace, the fascinating Sultanahmet neighbourhood and the striking Blue Mosque with its six soaring minarets. Stay in a Cappadocia cave hotel in Goreme, where you’ll wake early to watch hot air balloons adorn the sky. Marvel at the mineral-rich hot springs, petrified calcareous waterfalls and spectacular stalactites of Pamukkale. Then take in the Turquoise Coast, from seaside towns to Ephesus and Troy’s astounding history.
9. Walk the Camino through northern Spain’s wine and food country
Follow selected stages of the Camino Francés from San Sebastián through Navarra, Rioja and Galicia, with luggage transfers and a support vehicle making the journey more comfortable. Along the way, enjoy pintxos, regional wines, a gourmet lunch at Marqués de Riscal and characterful stays before reaching Santiago de Compostela.
