Europe Transformative Tours & Trip Packages

Europe Transformative Tours & Trips

8,026 Europe trips. Tours from 583 tour companies. 21,438 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

171 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Transformative
Best of Germany, Austria & Switzerland in 14 Days Tour
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
23 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bavaria, Hofburg Imperial Palace, Lake District, Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle, Salzburg, Vienna

Highlights

  • Visit old resort town of Baden-Baden, famous for its mineral baths and games of chance.
  • Discover Burg Eltz Castle tour
  • Explore Munich
  • Experience awesome Salzburg which is a perfect town for a walking tour
  • See the impressive Hofburg Palace's jewel-filled Treasury and the Kunsthistorisches Museum

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We purchased two backpacks from Rick Steves Europe. One of them arrived damaged and unusable. Their website says that you must contact them if you receive damaged merchandise. I have attempted to email them through their website and I have left 3 voicemails (nobody answers the phone, ever!) and nobody has contacted me back. At this point, it seems like I've been ripped off. Buyer beware. Extremely disappointed."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Best of Basque Country of Spain & France in 9 Days Tour
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
23 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Basque Country

Highlights

  • Experience walking tour through half-timbered Bayonne, the capital of the French Pays Basque
  • You will have Great time in San Sebastián as pilgrims, hiking along a stretch of the famous camino
  • Massive walking tour of elegant San Sebastián ("Donostia" in Basque)
  • Explore more of Bilbao's Old Town maze, its Maritime Museum, and other sights
  • Discover Basque Bayonne

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We purchased two backpacks from Rick Steves Europe. One of them arrived damaged and unusable. Their website says that you must contact them if you receive damaged merchandise. I have attempted to email them through their website and I have left 3 voicemails (nobody answers the phone, ever!) and nobody has contacted me back. At this point, it seems like I've been ripped off. Buyer beware. Extremely disappointed."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Northern Lights
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Moscow

Highlights

  • A fully tailor-made program according to your interest;
  • Your professional local guides and drivers;
  • Touch history in the red-walled Kremlin of Moscow and cobblestone Red Square with your experienced guide in the capital of Russia;
  • Take part in a cooking class of the authentic Russian borsch, traditional pelmeni (dumplings) and thin blini pancakes;
  • Feel as a true Russian on a troyka ride around the scenic winter park, followed by a vodka tasting in the Vodka museum;
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Every part of our tour was magnificent and well planned out to perfection by Firebird's agent, Julia Hardy. All of the tour guides in Rome, Pompeii, and on the Amalfi Coast were friendly and experts in their knowledge of the areas we were visiting, My daughter and I especially appreciated that our daily tours did not consume all of our time, so we were able to explore on our own and create special memories of our time in Rome and Sorrento. Also our hotel accommodations were superb in both Rome and Sorrento. The hotel complex in Sorrento was unique and rich in history. All the staff at both hotel were welcoming and helpful. Without a doubt I will use your company in the future as I explore the world and have already recommended Firebird Tours to several of my friends. Thank you so much for this very memorable experience. Every part of our trip exceeded our expectations. Your company is fabulous."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Amsterdam, Paris & London
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
1/5 Terrible
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Buckingham Palace, Eiffel Tower, London, Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

Highlights

  • See Big Ben and Westminster Abbey from 443 feet high on the London Eye
  • Go for high tea before catching the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace
  • Pedal through the streets of Amsterdam amongst hundreds of thousands of bikes
  • Marvel at the City of Light from atop the Eiffel Tower
  • Taste savory and sweet crepes in the capital of culinary creations

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Great experience and had a great group to travel with. Our guide, Angela, was AMAZING. Our hotel in cusco wasn't my favorite, the beds were very uncomfortable and the walls were thin, but otherwise I enjoyed the entire trip. Prepare for altitude sickness as best as you can, non of the remedies you buy online help, if you're going to get it, you're just going to get it. Homeopathic didn't help me, and Angela said it won't. Don't miss out on this wonder of the world though. Best experience of my life"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Grand Tour of Ireland
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dublin, Galway, Killarney National Park

Highlights

  • Make friends with locals and enjoy live music in Ireland’s pub scene
  • Stand in awe at the Cliffs of Moher, 700 feet above the Atlantic
  • Kiss the Blarney Stone and receive the “gift of gab”
  • Explore the Aran Islands, rich in Irish

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Great experience and had a great group to travel with. Our guide, Angela, was AMAZING. Our hotel in cusco wasn't my favorite, the beds were very uncomfortable and the walls were thin, but otherwise I enjoyed the entire trip. Prepare for altitude sickness as best as you can, non of the remedies you buy online help, if you're going to get it, you're just going to get it. Homeopathic didn't help me, and Angela said it won't. Don't miss out on this wonder of the world though. Best experience of my life"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
A Taste of Tuscany Culinary Tour
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
1/5 Terrible
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Florence

Highlights

  • Testing mouthwatering recipes in friendly cucinas
  • Strolling through vineyards and sampling their wares
  • Seeing premium olives pressed into oil

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Relaxing Retreats, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Life changing! Alex our guide incredibly knowledgeable, caring and has a great sense of humor. If I needed a day to relax (and perhaps shop) it was totally encouraged and acceptable - Porto Fino amazing! The itinerary and hotels spot on! I’m ready to go back, maybe the Amalfi Coast!!! Don’t hesitate, book the guided trip now!!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
Ultimate Italy
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
1/5 Terrible
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cinque Terre, Colosseum, Florence, Lake Como, Milan, Mount Etna, Naples, Rome, Sicily, Sistine Chapel, Tuscany, Umbria, Vatican City, Venice

Highlights

  • Float through the Venetian canals aboard a traditional gondola
  • Step into the Renaissance in Florence
  • Indulge in Italian food and wine while taking in the Tuscan countryside
  • See the best of ancient Rome, the Vatican and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
  • Take in the turquoise waters and coastal views of luxurious Capri
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Great experience and had a great group to travel with. Our guide, Angela, was AMAZING. Our hotel in cusco wasn't my favorite, the beds were very uncomfortable and the walls were thin, but otherwise I enjoyed the entire trip. Prepare for altitude sickness as best as you can, non of the remedies you buy online help, if you're going to get it, you're just going to get it. Homeopathic didn't help me, and Angela said it won't. Don't miss out on this wonder of the world though. Best experience of my life"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
England, Scotland & Ireland
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
1/5 Terrible
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh, Galway, London, Stirling Castle

Highlights

  • See Big Ben and Westminster Abbey from 443 feet high on the London Eye
  • Escape to the cozy cafe where J.K. Rowling penned her story of a young wizard
  • Pour the perfect pint of Guinness while overlooking Dublin’s skyline
  • Make friends with locals and enjoy live music in the pubs of Ireland and Scotland
  • Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and childhood home, Stratford-Upon-Avon
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Great experience and had a great group to travel with. Our guide, Angela, was AMAZING. Our hotel in cusco wasn't my favorite, the beds were very uncomfortable and the walls were thin, but otherwise I enjoyed the entire trip. Prepare for altitude sickness as best as you can, non of the remedies you buy online help, if you're going to get it, you're just going to get it. Homeopathic didn't help me, and Angela said it won't. Don't miss out on this wonder of the world though. Best experience of my life"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip
171 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Transformative

Europe Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
21,438  Reviews
See all Europe tour reviews
Excellent
8,912
Great
3,229
Average
558
Disappointing
181
Terrible
87
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Brilliant ... but

I will deal with the 'but' first. This is definitely not a 1; leisurely; more a 2, moderate. The distances to walk are comparatively large and the surfaces (cobbl...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

highlights of central europe

An excellent introduction to the countries visited. The tour leader, Peter, plying and explaining the flute. Very pleasant knowledgeable man, with a good sense of ...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

HIGHLIGHTS OF CENTRAL EUROPE

The tour takes in five of Central/Eastern Europe's historic capitals, allowing you to see as much as possible in the  time available. Hotels are good....

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

HIGHLIGHTS OF CENTRAL EUROPE

Had a fantastic time.Saw some beautiful places, amazing arctitecture, met some fantastic people, laughed til I cried. X Auschvitz...........an emotional place. We pa...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

HIGHLIGHTS OF CENTRAL EUROPE

I was a bit worried about being too long on the bus but the timings were so well organised and during these bleak rainy days of winter I think about how happy I was ...

Write a Review

Europe Tour Selection Trips

  • River cruises are an appealing way to tour Europe in a relaxed mode that offers sightseeing in both atmospheric villages and big cities.
  • Europe is about more than high culture; active Europe tours include cycling in Greece, hiking in the French or Swiss Alps, even walking across England.
  • Point-to-point walking or cycling tours through the countryside are a great way to meet locals along trails, in pubs, or in small town settings.
  • For the truly adventurous, consider tours that include running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain; “mud walking” in Holland; or glacier walking in Switzerland.
  • The “If It’s Tuesday, It Must Be Belgium” rush-rush-through-seven countries-in-a- week bus tours are mostly passé; consider focusing on one or just a few countries at a time.
  • Spain-Portugal; Denmark-Sweden-Norway; Czech Republic-Austria-Hungary; and Belgium-Netherlands are among those countries that make for nice regional tours.
  • While you can see something of Europe in a week, allowing at least ten days to two weeks for one to three countries is more satisfying.
  • Don’t be too concerned with language barriers when booking your tour, since many Europeans now speak English, and your guides can translate when necessary.
  • Many Europeans go on vacation for the entire month of August, so visiting in September or October can be ideal; the weather is cooler, too.
  •  

     

Additional details

Traveling to Europe - ETIAS

Europe is implimenting a new travel authorization system that American travelers will need to enter into Europe’s EU and Schengen Zone. ETIAS, which stands for EU Travel Information and Authorisation System, will charge a fee and check security credentials for travelers visiting for business, tourism, medical or transit purposes.

ETIAS won’t be required until 2022 but there will be a six month grace period which means travelers won’t be required to have approval until 2023.

Read more about traveling to Europe and what the ETIAS means for American travelers.


New Update - Europe Ban

As of July 1, 2020 the European Union has opened their borders to tourists from 15 different countries.

The reopening plan was based on health criteria, and ultimately officials decided to leave the U.S. off the list. The list of countries allowed to enter Europe will be reviewed every two weeks to keep up with the changing reality of coronavirus outbreaks.

Here is the full list of countries that the European Union has opened up to:

  • Algeria
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • China
  • Georgia
  • Japan
  • Montenegro
  • Morocco
  • New Zealand
  • Rwanda
  • Serbia
  • South Korea
  • Thailand
  • Tunisia
  • Uruguay
 
 

Where does the language barrier matter?

One of the most fascinating qualities of Europe is the way that countries so close together, with so much interaction, have maintained strong individuality. This manifests in culture, customs, and of course - language. There are 24 official languages in the EU, but countries both in the Union and outside it often have their own official languages.

Because of this, if you are planning a trip around Europe - you will likely run into a situation where you cannot speak the local language. Don’t worry! Most Europeans can speak more than two languages, and in Western Europe, as well as capital cities, this means many Europeans speak English.

Eastern Europe & Russia

One common concern when traveling to Europe is that there is very little English spoken in Eastern Europe -- this is, however, rapidly changing. As the popularity of destinations like Budapest, Prague, Riga, and Krakow continues to boom, many more young people there are becoming fluent in English.

There are, however, several places where English speakers are a little harder to come by. Four countries where English speakers are uncommon include:

  1. Russia (with the exception of St. Petersburg)

  2. Albania

  3. Rural Spain

  4. Bulgaria

Dialects

As can be expected, there are also countries with specific regional dialects. This is unlikely to be a problem -- but it is something good to be prepared for! For example, even if you are fluent in French, you might not be able to understand Alsatian (spoken in the Alsace region of region, including the city Strasbourg) or Catalan (spoken in the southwestern corner of  France).

Best Winter Family European Vacations

A winter vacation to Europe is a timeless and magical experience, especially when the trip is shared with loved ones. Here are three of the best locations to keep in mind for when you’re planning your next trip for you and your family.

1. Zermatt, Switzerland
Take an alpine tour of Europe to this picturesque town is nestled between the sharp and dramatic mountains. Not only this, but it is at the base of one the Alps’ most famous peaks: the Matterhorn.

Enthusiastic climbers, skiers, and snowboarders will thrill in some of the best skiing Europe has to offer. Afterwards, head back to your chalet and tuck into a steaming mug of Swiss hot chocolate before heading out for a traditional fondue dinner.

2. St. Petersburg, Russia
One of the most popular cities to visit throughout the year, visitors come to St. Petersburg in the winter to beat the crowds and experience a genuine Russian snow. You will be stunned by the sight of the frozen Neva river, and snow piling on the arches of the St. Nicholas cathedral.

When things get too chilly outdoors, take a well earned break by visiting the infamous Russian ballet and opera, or take an educational tour of the Hermitage museum inside of the Winter Palace.

3. Canary Islands, Spain
For families looking to escape the cold, Europe is still a great destination. Consider the Canary Islands, which are located off the coast of West Africa, and are favored with sunbathing weather all year round.

With opportunities to go hiking, jetski, waterski, surf, even sandboard off Gran Canaria’s massive, Sahara-like sand dunes, there are countless ways to have active fun. At night, indulge in the island’s unique cuisine.

Flying to Europe

What with the introduction of so many new budget airlines, many travelers are curious about new flight options to, and around, the continent. With fuel costs low, and the value of the dollar on the rise, trips to Europe are cheaper for Americans than ever before. This interest is increased by the fact that many vacation packages do not include flights, and it is still necessary to book your own. 

Airlines like Ryanair travel within the continent very cheaply, but be prepared to forgo checking in, and airplane tray tables, much less built in TV’s. These budget airlines also have stringent and unique restrictions. For example, Ryanair requires that you check in before arriving at the airport, or you will lose your ticket. Another downside to "flying budget" is that customer service can be very difficult to obtain with these no-frills airlines, and cancellations without any recourse are also relatively common.

If you aren't willing to risk a budget airline, there are still ways to find cheap flights. One good tip is to look airlines fly out of cities that serve as a hub (an example in the U.S. would be the Atlanta airport). Whether you are flying for a Europe tour from the USA, or India, flights from these airports are usually lower in price.   

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 8026 trips to Europe and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!