7 Europe Tours with Bucket-List Itineraries to Book Now

The Northern Lights in Finland make this tour worthy of any bucket list - Luxury Escapes

Tick some treasures off your travel bucket list with these Europe tours that include the continents most iconic destinations and experiences.

From chasing the Northern Lights across Scandinavia to following the sun down to the Greek Isles or Morocco’s Sahara Desert, these tours include expertly curated itineraries covering Europe’s most brag-worthy sights and cities. Plus, they’re full of local insights and activities, thanks to expert guidance along the way.

Explore some of the best bucket-list Europe tours now.

See the Northern Lights in Finland and Norway

Witness the cosmic colours of the aurora borealis on this winter Europe tour through Lapland. The 16-day adventure takes you across blankets of snow by husky sled and snowmobile to sleep underneath the stars in a glass-domed igloo and follow the fjord postal route through the Norwegian Sea. You’ll enjoy dinner in an ice restaurant in Santa Claus village, fish for king crab in Kirkenes and meet reindeer while learning the Indigenous traditions in Inari. Plus, you’ll have multiple opportunities to try and catch one of nature’s very best light shows – the Northern Lights.

Savour sun, sea and serenity in Greece

This is a Europe tour with a difference. Sail past shimmering coastlines and melt away amid the Mediterranean’s azure waters on this luxury catamaran cruise. From the Venetian architecture of Corfu to the Blue Caves of Zakynthos, you’ll feel just like a Greek god as you uncover the heavenly Ionian coast, savouring every drop of Mediterranean sun with a drink in hand on deck. Sail past stunning sights like Shipwreck Beach, wander the charming fishing villages of Meganis and the colourful markets of Paxos, and unearth ancient history at Olympia. With plenty of downtime on serene beaches and mesmerising scenery along the way, you’re in for an unforgettable treat.

From Douro Valley to the Sahara Desert through Spain, Portugal and Morocco

From the streets of Spain to the Sahara, this 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.

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 by rail, 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.

Discover fjords and fairytales in Scandinavia

Scandinavia isn’t just a winter destination: come summer, the fjords, valleys and waterfalls shake off their snow-capped blankets and turn technicolour. Navigate these spectacular landscapes by land and sea. From Oslo to Trondheim, cross the largest mountain plateau in Northern Europe, greet the fantastic fjords of Flam, walk up Kjenndalen Glacier (part of the largest glacier in continental Europe) and ride the Loen Skylift for panoramic views atop Mount Hoven. It’s not just the natural world that sparkles: discover stunning Art Nouveau architecture in Alesund, dine in a Michelin Green Starred restaurant in Hustavika and learn about Norway’s maritime history in Oslo and Bergen, deepening your appreciation for the region’s lesser-known gems.

Explore medieval towns and island hop in Croatia

Uncover Croatia on this small-group Europe tour, with stops in the up-and-coming destinations of Slovenia and Montenegro. Start in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, followed by a trip to Slovenia’s pristine Lake Bled – watched over by medieval Bled Castle and the Julian Alps. Stay in the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes district in the country’s largest and oldest national park. Journey on to sail the crystal-clear waters of the Dalmatian Coast, pausing to explore secluded coves, medieval towns and the verdant Hvar wine country. Disembark in Dubrovnik, known for its feature in ‘Game of Thrones’ and boasting spectacular sights just waiting to be discovered. A striking day trip to Montenegro rounds off your Central Europe adventure.

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.

Looking for more tour inspiration? Find 7 Reasons Food Tour is the Tastiest Way to Travel

Written by Emily Jacobs

Yet another Aussie in London, Emily spends her days dreaming and writing about food, while planning her next European adventure. If not eating, she can often be found at the gym, or exploring the latest and greatest in London.
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