Europe Walking Tours
Explore Europe with Classic Journeys
For many of us, the first time we used that shiny new passport was for a Europe trip. The continent is still a sentimental favorite, not least because of the kaleidoscopic options it offers. Maybe it’s time to (re)visit perennial favorite European destinations in Italy, France or Spain. Or does this year’s bucket list say to the Europe trip planner in you to thread your way through the fjords of Norway or go to see the vineyards and villages of Portugal. Discover the culture and history that links Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Or go a little farther afield when you’re planning a trip to Europe this year and explore the Greek Isles or Croatia on the Adriatic.
More than a quarter century ago, the first Classic Journeys trips were in Europe. Our roots are deep, our friendships are strong, and our connections guarantee you the best Europe trips with immersive and unforgettable experiences.
Our deep and personal connections…
…deliver the best Europe tours for you.
“Shhhh. You must tell no one,” Marinela whispered with a conspiratorial wink and smile. A longtime friend and one of Greece’s leading guides, she had just led us on the walk of a lifetime on Santorini: endless views across the sea, circular ground-hugging grapevines, farmers and their donkeys in fields of barley. How could we not hurry home and tell everybody? “This is my secret route. If we keep it to ourselves, it will always be quiet and beautiful and perfect, just as it is today.”
Be welcomed in our friends’ vineyards, homes and workshops.
We have to admit that hanging on to exciting secrets when we’re planning a trip to Europe is one of the toughest things we do at Classic Journeys. Sometimes it’s about respecting the privacy of local people who welcome us into their homes, farms and workshops. They’re happy to let our guests into their lives, but only because they know and trust us, and they don’t want to become tourist attractions. Other times, the goal is to keep remarkable moments close to our vests so we can spring surprises on you when you travel to Europe with us.
Planning a European trip?
Here’s some Europe trip planner intel you can use.
Of course, some insider news is too good to keep under our hats. For example, there are some not-so-obvious advantages when you travel to Europe by land instead of from a cruise ship. Will our loose lips sink a ship? Not along the Amalfi Coast where we can share with you insider tips on the best things to do in Capri. We’re not worried about oversharing there because our trips spend two days on the island. Most visitors are day-trippers, so they don’t have time to do most of it anyway. And we have to hand it to Marinela and all of our wonderful local guides. They are the secret sauce that makes each Classic Journeys Europe trip the vacation of a lifetime.
What’s on your mind for your next Europe trip?
Our guides and local friends do often swear us to secrecy about an unexpected picnic in Cappadocia or their near-secret side door into a site like the Academy Gallery to see The David on our Tuscany trips. But their ingenuity, spontaneity and the sheer delight they take in showing off their home terrain are what make each departure unique and authentic when you travel to Europe with us. Why not take us into your confidence and tell us what’s on your mind for your next Europe trip?
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Here
Which airlines fly to Europe from USA?
Virgin Atlantic, British Airways/Delta, Air France, American, United and Lufthansa are a handful of airlines with direct flights to Europe.
What is the best time of year to visit Europe?
Europe is an excellent travel destination year-round. Visit in the spring and fall for quieter attractions and milder weather. Summer is best for sunshine, sailing and beach days, while winter has a fabulously festive atmosphere, with snow in the Alps and Christmas markets in the cities.
Activities & Adventures
What are the top activities in Europe?
- Visiting historic cities
- Exploring archaeological sites
- Sailing
- Wine-tasting
- Walking and cycling in national parks
- Cooking classes
- Canal boat rides
- Thermal baths
When you explore Europe with Classic Journeys, these kinds of activities (and many more) are incorporated into your trip.
What are the top Europe travel experiences?
- Ride a gondola in Venice
- Soak in Budapest’s thermal baths
- Island hop in Greece
- Walk England’s Cornish coast
- Explore Florence
- Walk on a glacier in Norway or Iceland
- Eat pastries in Paris
- Visit the Christmas markets of Prague, Vienna and Budapest
- Visit Pompeii with an expert archeologist guide
- Take a cooking class in Tuscany or Provence
What are the best landmarks / travel attractions in Europe?
- Eiffel Tower, France
- Colloseum, Rome
- Acropolis, Athens
- Stonehenge, England
- Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
- Amalfi Coast, Italy
- Grand Canal, Venice
- Sistine Chapel, Italy
- The Alps, Switzerland
Many travelers visit Europe by cruise ship. Is a cruise the best way to travel in Europe?
If you are a tourist with limited mobility or want only a brief introduction to a city or region, a cruise can be a very good option for you. However, for travelers looking for a more in depth and immersive experience, land-based travel in Europe allows you to explore a country in far greater depth. Rather than commuting to and from the ship, you can stay in the heart of the town or countryside you’re exploring and experience true local cuisine and hospitality.
On a cruise I get the luxury of only having to unpack once. Is staying in multiple hotels a hassle in Europe?
No! With our invisible check in, moving between hotels couldn’t be easier.
Europe
What is the food like in Europe?
Delicious! From the fresh morning pastries to picnic lunches, and evening meals with regional wines and cheeses, the food and wine throughout Europe is legendary. For the ultimate foodie experience, take one of our culinary tours in Italy or France.
What are the best Europe travel destinations for food?
Europe’s best foodie destinations include:
- Italy
- France
- Greece
- Spain
- Croatia
- Cornwall
- Ireland
- Czech Republic
- Turkey
What are the best Europe travel destinations in the winter?
Europe’s best destinations for Christmas and winter travel include:
- Swiss Alps
- Prague, Vienna & Budapest
- Amalfi Coast
- Iceland
- Portugal
- Slovenia
- Copenhagen
- Paris
What are the best Europe travel destinations for history?
Europe’s oldest cities and historic landmarks can be found in:
- Greece
- Italy
- France
- England
- Croatia
- Spain
- Turkey
- Hungary
What are the best Europe travel destinations for beaches and coastline?
Europe’s best beaches and coastline can be found in:
- Italy
- Greece
- French Riviera
- The Cornish Coast, England
- Turkey
- Croatia
- Iceland
- Norway
- Portugal
What are the best Europe travel destinations National Parks and nature?
Europe’s best countries for landscape and parks include:
- Iceland
- Norway
- Montenegro
- Croatia
- Switzerland
- France
- Italy
- England
- Ireland
Which European travel destinations are best for weddings or honeymoons?
Europe’s best countries for weddings and honeymoons include:
- Italy
- Greece
- France
- Croatia
- Iceland
- Norway
- Portugal
- Denmark
- Hungary
Which European travel destinations are best for families?
Europe’s best family destinations include:
- Croatia
- France
- Italy
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Norway
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Turkey
8 of Our Favorite European Castles
By Classic Journeys
6 of Europe’s Best-Kept Secrets
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