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First Time in Europe? Tick Off the Big Sites with These Europe Tours
Written by Emily Jacobs
These beginner-friendly Europe tours make exploring the continent a breeze.
From gelato in Italy to Gaudi in Barcelona and mythology in Ireland, it’s hard to know where to start when planning a first-time trip to Europe. These small-group Europe tours offer the perfect introduction to the sights and sounds of some of the world’s best-known countries, covering big cities and hidden gems across places like Finland and Norway, Croatia, Italy and Turkey.
Ready to dip your toes in? Read on for our pick of the best Europe tours.
A Europe tour for: arctic luxury across Finland and Norway
Chase after the cosmic colours of the Northern Lights with this small-group tour to Norway and Finland. Taking you into the heart of snow-blanketed Lapland, this itinerary is designed to be the perfect introduction to the Arctic, travelling from Finland’s south, up and around to Tromso and back down to Norway’s south, ending in Bergen.
Mix historical highlights with natural wonders around Scandinavia, uncovering Helsinki’s cathedrals, Inari’s reindeer and the Sami culture, before following the famous fjord postal route on a six-day cruise along Norway’s coast. With all travel – including snowmobile and husky – sorted, you can focus on collecting new experiences, enjoying a traditional Lappish dinner in Rovaniemi and feasting on king crab in Kirkenes.
A Europe tour for: sun-seeking in Spain, Portugal and Morocco
Discover the best of the Iberian Peninsula on this enchanting tour of Northern Spain, Portugal and Morocco, exploring cosmopolitan cities and hidden gems over 23 days. Tick off the big-ticket items – Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona, Madrid’s storied streets and Lisbon’s cobblestoned hills – as well as key historical sites, like the reputed resting place of the apostle Saint James in Santiago de Compostela, and Tomar, the former seat of the Knights Templar.
Travel with ease on a private coach as you explore ancient Moorish palaces, the golden dunes of the Sahara and bustling medinas of Marrakech, with local guides to show you the way. Along the way, uncover each culture’s culinary scene, with tastings of tapas in San Sebastian, wines in the Douro Valley and cider in Getaria.
A Europe tour for: island-hopping in Croatia
Heed the call of the Adriatic with this small-group drive and sail tour, covering not only key Croatian ports but Slovenia’s Lake Bled and Montenegro’s UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor. Listen to the rhythmic cascade of the Plitvice Lakes’ waterfalls in Croatia’s largest and oldest national park, then head to the coast to start your exploration of the Dalmatian Coast from Split. Break up each morning with a swim as you hop between Hvar, Korcula and Ston, before disembarking to explore the ancient streets of Dubrovnik, once the filming location for fantasy series Game of Thrones.
A Europe tour for: the romance of rail travel in Italy
Experience La Dolce Vita on this whirlwind tour of Italy as you travel from Milan to the Amalfi Coast by first-class train. Uncover the country’s remarkable landscapes, zipping between cities written in history books: weave through the fashionable streets of Milan, cruise across Lake Como and get lost among the iconic canals of Venice. Admire the work of Renaissance greats in Florence, experience the splendour of the Vatican in Rome and create your masterpiece with a cooking class in Sorrento. Embrace the southern sun with a day trip to Capri and stand in awe of the ashy ruins in Pompeii. This is Italy’s best bits, perfect for the first-time traveller.
A Europe tour for: coast by catamaran in Greece
Set sail along the Ionian Coast for an odyssey you’re unlikely to forget with this small-group tour along Greece’s western shore. A luxury catamaran will take you from Palairos to Meganisi, Kalamos and Kastos, where you’ll rub shoulders with locals while exploring charming fishing villages and tranquil beaches. Knock out the sites in big hitters Corfu and Zakynthos (Zante), then unearth ancient Olympic history at the archaeological site of Olympia. With countless breathtaking islands, secluded coves, local tavernas and complimentary local beer and wine onboard, this tour is the perfect introduction to all things Greek.
A Europe tour for: history and hills in Ireland
Uncover the beauty of the Emerald Isle with this comprehensive small-group tour through Ireland. Start in Northern Ireland, where you’ll discover the captivating history of the Titanic in Belfast, follow the footsteps of folklore giants along Giant’s Causeway and cruise the idyllic Lough Erne, two connected lakes home to over 150 islets. Once in the Republic, feel the wind in your hair at the Cliffs of Moher, soak up the stunning landscapes of the Ring of Kerry and learn about Waterford’s world-renowned crystal industry. Finish with a kiss of the Blarney Stone and a Guinness in Dublin for an Irish adventure like no other.
A Europe tour for: travelling between two of Europe’s greatest cities
Follow the historic route of the Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul on this all-inclusive, ultra-luxurious eight-day journey with Golden Eagle Trains. Champagne vineyards roll into Balkan beauty as you make your way southeast through Vienna, Belgrade (Serbia’s proud capital) and Bulgaria’s Sofia, stopping for guided tours and exclusive musical performances, including a private concert with the Vienna Supreme Orchestra. Feast on local cuisines and sample traditional tipples, including rakija fruit brandy and Champagne from the source. With your every whim looked after, there’s no better way to see the sights of central Europe.
Looking for more inspiration? Read on for even more benefits of booking a guided tour.
