The Best Places to Visit in Europe
Whether you’re a foodie, a history enthusiast or a thrillseeker, Europe caters for all. Read on to discover where in Europe calls your name.
Europe’s landscape is ever-evolving, so you can return once a year and always discover new aspects of its history and culture. From the unspoilt landscape of Iceland down to the Bosphorus Bridge linking Turkey to Asia, you could spend a lifetime exploring the wonders of Europe. The only thing harder than whittling them down to a list of the best? Picking exactly which of these top European destinations to visit first.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Sicily, for volcano viewing
Leave the mainstream cities for another journey and move Sicily to the top of your Italy bucket list. Few European destinations will take you this deep into the Med, so pack the sunscreen and a stylish swimsuit. The Sicilian sun will shower you endlessly; thank goodness there’s no shortage of gelato or limoncello. You can even turn up the heat with a jaunt across the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna during this eight-day excursion around Sicily.
From US$2924
Next available from 20th Apr 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Palermo, Italy
ENDS AT
Siracusa, Sicily
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
The Dalmatian Coast, to go behind Croatia’s walled cities
Was Croatia one of the European countries you dreamed of visiting long before the Game of Thrones hype? You’ll love exploring the best of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast on this Culture Trip tour. Seaside towns full of fresh fish, Roman architecture and vibrant nightlife all rival the excitement of Dubrovnik’s city walls. Of course, a few hours of sun-worshipping on secluded beaches is also a must. Kayak, cycle and eat your way along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast with this group tour from Split to Dubrovnik.
From US$2169
Next available from 29th Mar 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Split, Croatia
ENDS AT
Dubrovnik, Croatia
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Turkey, to get lost in bazaars and caves
If you want to travel to Europe and Asia on one trip, look no further than Istanbul. Sitting at a continental crossroads, it offers a unique and enthralling lens on cultural diversity. Enter the vibrant, labyrinthine Grand Bazaar and you may never be seen again. Assuming you do find the exit, you should also explore centuries of tradition in Ankara, wander through the caves of Cappadocia, and relax on the Turkish Riviera. Take time to define your own Turkish delight during this twelve-day discovery of Turkey, from Istanbul to Antalya.
From US$2699
Next available from 1st Mar 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Istanbul, Turkey
ENDS AT
Antalya, Turkey
DURATION
12
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Iceland, for chasing waterfalls
The Land of Fire and Ice is easily one of the most captivating places in Europe. Far more than a stopover country, Iceland’s vast landscape will treat intrepid travellers to the gorgeous Northern Lights, glacier cruises and waterfall chasing. Beaches, volcanoes and hot springs dot the terrain, inspiring you to wear your soles out seeing it all. Escape to Iceland’s frozen wilderness with this scenic five-day Culture Trip.
From US$2889
Next available from 17th Feb 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Reykjavik, Iceland
ENDS AT
Reykjavik, Iceland
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Scotland, for a magical train trip
The ruggedly handsome landscapes of the Scottish Highlands are best explored from the comfort of a window seat, which is why our Scotland Rail Trip should be high on your European bucket list. Catch the Caledonian Sleeper train with us from London to Fort William, where we’ll almost immediately embrace local traditional by toasting our arrival in a whisky distillery. Then it’s onto the iconic Jacobite steam train – AKA the Hogwarts Express – for a journey west, across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and towards the Isle of Skye, Cairngorms National Park and Inverness. Our final stop? The whimsical, gothic streets of Edinburgh.
From US$2499
Next available from 29th Apr 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
London, England
ENDS AT
Edinburgh, Scotland
DURATION
7
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Additional words by Gethin Morgan.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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