10 Best holiday destinations europe
Europe, with its rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and landscapes, remains one of the most coveted travel destinations for holidaymakers across the globe. While the continent can be explored independently, guided tours offer a unique way to experience its attractions, allowing travelers to delve deep into the heritage and local narratives that shape each location.
Whether you’re fascinated by ancient ruins, stunning architecture, or delicious cuisines, there’s a guided European holiday waiting just for you. Below, we explore some of the best-guided holiday destinations in Europe that promise unforgettable experiences.
As the sun rises over cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old architecture, Europe’s charm is undeniable. From the romantic canals of Venice to the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps, the continent offers an abundance of unique travel experiences.
Guided tours present an ideal way to explore these diverse destinations, allowing travelers to benefit from local insights and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of culture, history, and cuisine.
We’ve put together a list of places you can hop on a plane and fly to tomorrow. We’ve also included links to our amazing tour guides in each destination, who are just as excited as you that restrictions have eased for travellers coming to their country.
1. Iceland
Iceland was already on your travel list, right? After all, who wouldn’t want to visit this wide open land of fire and water? Icelandic scenery is beyond compare, so book your flight, book your guide and enjoy a place that is truly like no other.
Need tips to build an itinerary? Local guides share a few of their favourite place to visit here.
Iceland is a literal Hot Spot. The small, geo-thermally active country is once again on the radar of adventurous travelers looking for spectacular natural attractions and a unique cultural experience.
Let a friendly Icelandic guide introduce you to the locals on an unforgettable Iceland tour.
Whether you have weeks or only hours to explore Iceland, our Icelandic guides have a tour for you. Perhaps you’re an route to Europe or North America with a day-long layover in Reykjavik.
A local guide will happily customize a whirlwind tour of the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle or the capital city. Here for longer? Ride Icelandic ponies along the South shore, kayak in Stokkseyri, and gaze at the fabled Northern Lights while sipping from a thermos of hot chocolate.
If you’re feeling brave, you can try to outlast the locals at a runtur – the famed weekly Reykjavik pub crawl.
Your Iceland guide wants you to see Iceland as the locals do – as a beautiful, inviting and – above all – unique part of the wo
2. Croatia
Yes, the Adriatic really is that blue. Croatia in summer is paradise – pebbled beaches, clear, cool water, atmospheric old towns to wander, and gelato around every corner.
With local guides ready to welcome you in Dubrovnik, Split, Trogir, Krka, Plitvice, Zagreb and more, don’t hesitate!
Croatia has a timeless appeal that draws travelers to its sparkling coastline and ancient cities. Whether you want to bask on white sand beaches or explore ancient Roman ruins, Croatia offers a myriad of possibilities.
Your friendly guide will know just where to take you for an unforgettable Croatia tour.
In Zagreb you can meander through the medieval streets of Upper Town, taking in the galleries, museums and nightlife in Croatia’s cultural capital. Dubrovnik has been hailed as the “Jewel of the Adriatic.”
Beyond the marble streets of this Renaissance city your guide can help you discover a heavenly landscape of beaches, wooded peninsulas and deep blue sea strewn with islands.
Truly unique is Split, an ancient yet thriving city built around Diocletian’s Palace, a nearly 2000 year old relic of the Roman Empire.
Choose from any of the Croatia tours offered by ToursByLocals, but feel free to suggest other activities. Your local guide wants you to have the trip of a lifetime!
3. Montenegro
While you’re in Croatia, why not take a trip across the border and visit one of the world’s newest countries? Montenegro has only officially been in existence since 2006 – but look around at towns like Kotor and Perast and you’ll see centuries of history everywhere.
As always, local guides are on hand to make your experience in their country even better.
Although Montenegro’s recorded history reaches back to the 9th century, it was only formally recognized as its own nation in 2006, making it one of the world’s newest countries.
Take a private Montenegro tour, and experience the allure of this beautiful nation with a friendly and knowledgeable local guide.
Kotor, located in a dramatic and secluded Mediterranean Bay, is one of Montenegro’s most picturesque cities, and its compact core makes it perfect for exploring by foot.
If you’re into outdoor activity, you’ll want to hike around the ruggedly beautiful mountains and lakes of Durmitor National Park.
Be sure to visit the old walled towns of Budva, Ulcinj, Perast and Herceg Novi. Wherever you go, your guide knows the best places to sample the regional cuisine, so be sure to ask for restaurant recommendations!
Whatever your travel interests, your guide is keen to accommodate them on a private Montenegro tour.
4. Greece
Island hopping in the Mediterranean doesn’t sound like a bad way to spend the month of June. From the marvels of the Acropolis to sunset over the caldera at Santorini…Greece will always delight.
If you’re in Athens this summer, local guide Christina has some tips on the best cafes to beat the mid-day heat.
Classical and enchanting, Greece offers travelers a warm welcome. Take a Greece tour with a local guide who can show you the country’s most popular sights – and best-kept secrets.
Your guide is eager to help you understand this Aegean nation’s fascinating history and contemporary culture on an entertaining private tour.
Feel your spirits lift when you first spot the Acropolis rising boldly above the Athens skyline. Travel to Delphi – the ‘navel of the gods’ and explore the ancient ruins of the Temple of Apollo, with its stunning setting on the slopes of Mt Parnassos.
On the island of Crete your guide will encourage you to hike the beautiful Sumeria Gorge, then cool down with a swim in the turquoise waters of Elaphonisi Beach.
And make sure to witness at least one unforgettable sunset from the edge of Santorini’s ancient Caldera.
Along the way, make sure to enjoy a bracing glass of ouzo with your guide who hopes to help make your Greece tour the trip of a lifetime.
5. Cyprus
Cyprus sits at the crossroads between Europe and the Middle East, looking across the Mediterranean to North Africa. As such, its cultural influences are rich and varied.
Your local guide here is eager to show you everything from archeological sites to mountain vistas, tiny villages to sun-kissed vineyards. Enjoy!
Take a private Cyprus tour with a friendly and knowledgeable local guide and peel back the island’s many layers of history and culture.
Your guide is eager to show you everything from archeological sites to mountain vistas, tiny villages to sun-kissed vineyards as a part of your Cyprus tour.
Around Paphos, you can see the Byzantine fort of Paphos Castle and the ancient city of Marion. Head into the Troodos Mountains where you can hike through sublime scenery, visit monasteries, and sample some of the region’s fine wines.
Or perhaps spend a day traveling along the Akamas Peninsula, visiting tiny Cypriot villages and swimming in the warm waters of Lara Bay.
Your guide is happy to design a private Cyprus tour that reflects your personal travel interests in this beguiling Mediterranean nation.
6. Italy
Europe’s most popular destination for American travelers comes with one small caveat: you need to arrive on an official “Covid-Free flight” – meaning the airline certifies you’ve received appropriate covid-testing before arrival.
Once that’s out of the way, there’s nothing standing between you and Florence, or Naples, or the Cinque Terre, or Venice, or the Amalfi Coast, or…
Italy is balm to the traveler’s soul. Its great cities of Rome, Venice and Florence are unlocked treasure houses of Western art, architecture and gastronomy.
Ready to explore? Your friendly personal guide will know just where to take you for an unforgettable Italy tour that reflects your special interests in this timeless, tantalizing country.
Spend a morning exploring Rome’s ancient streets and the monumental Colosseum, before lingering over a late lunch at the Piaza Navona.
Your heart will quicken at the first glimpse of Brunelleschi’s dome in Florence, the jewel of Renaissance Italy. Browse galleries of classical masterpieces and contemporary art along the canals in beautiful Venice.
Sip a glass of Chianti in a hilltop village in sunny Tuscany and wonder aloud how you’ll ever leave this glorious part of the world.
Choose from any of the Italy tours offered by ToursByLocals, but feel free to propose alternative sights and activities – make this trip your trip of a lifetime!
7. Turkey
Incredible food, ancient history, outstanding architecture, and the fabulous “Turquoise Coast” all beckon you to explore Turkey. Our local guides are waiting to unravel centuries of history and customs while you enjoy one of Europe’s warmest welcomes.
Enjoy a flexible private tour in Turkey, with a friendly personal guide from ToursByLocals. Get a local’s perspective and find out why your private guide is so passionate about all that Turkey offers you, the independent traveler.
View the must-see attractions that interest you, including Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, but also experience the places that your knowledgeable local guide can show you, as they share the Byzantine history of Istanbul with you. This is where Europe meets Asia.
Discover treasures in the Grand Bazaar’s thousands of shops. Enjoy a delightful Turkish night out, from music and cuisine to belly dancing. Explore the astonishing wonders of Cappadocia, from “fairy chimneys” to rock-cut churches and frescoes.
Book a unique and unforgettable Turkish tour with ToursByLocals. Ask your private local guide about customizing your tour to include exactly what you want to see and do in Turkey.
8. Ukraine
Visit Kiev and the Black Sea town of Odessa. See Lviv’s UNESCO-listed city centre, with its charming jumble of Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic style architecture.
The drive along the Crimean coast is stunning; sheer cliffs rise up from a coastline covered in cypress, juniper and grape vines. Local guides? Check. They’re on hand all over the country to share Ukraine’s unique stories with you.
Welcome to Ukraine, a country rich in natural beauty, cultural treasures and layers upon layers of history. Take a private Ukraine tour with a local guide who is eager to help you discover their country – through the eyes of a local.
In the capital city of Kiev, your guide will want to take you to the splendid and mysterious Kievo-Pecherska Lavra – a cluster of gold-domed churches hiding an underground candle-lit labyrinth.
Head to Odessa, where you can walk down the famous Potemkin Steps, as they sweep down to the Black Sea. See the UNESCO-listed city centre of Lviv, with its charming jumble of Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic style architecture.
The drive along the Crimean coast is stunning; sheer cliffs rise up from a coastline covered in cypress, juniper and grape vines – your guide will point out the region’s unique volcanic formations.
Your guide will be happy to customize a private Ukraine tour that addresses your unique interests in this fascinating region of Europe.
9. Spain
This second most-visited country in the world boasts the amazing cities of Barcelona, Madrid and Seville, along with sparkling coastline and the rugged Pyrenees. And did we mention tapas…? Book a guide and see the best of it.
The smell of oranges, the swirl of flamenco skirts, the surrealism of Dali – experience it all on a magical private tour of Spain.
As locals, your friendly personal guides know where to take you for an unforgettable tour that reflects your special interests in vibrant, spectacular Spain.
From the north to the south, Spain is a land of fascinating history and constant renewal. You can wander the medieval warren of Toledo one day, and take part in the non-stop nightlife in Madrid the next.
Engage in Barcelona’s ground-breaking art scene, where your guide will make sure you see Gaudi’s surreal Sagrada Familia church.
Visit Andalucia – the true heart of bullfighting, tapas and flamenco dancing – and marvel at Grenada’s Alhambra – a splendid fortress set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Choose from one of the Spain tours offered by ToursByLocals, but feel free to propose alternative sights and activities. Your local guide wants you to have the trip of a lifetime!
10. France
Yes, we’re slipping this one onto the list too. How could we ignore the #1 most visited country in the world.
Only two weeks to book your flights, find your tours and brush up on your francais. Local guides across France can’t wait to welcome you back. If Paris is a part of your trip plan (and how can it not be?) check out local guide to Paris.
Every year, France welcomes more tourists than any other nation – and it’s no wonder. France boasts a rich history of arts and culture, stunning architecture, vibrant cities and splendid natural attractions.
Your local guide will help you see the sights that make France famous, and take delight in steering you off the tourist trail to witness charming scenes of local life.
Savour the romance of Paris, from its iconic Eiffel Tower to bohemian Montmartre. Tour the vineyards of a local Champagne producer in Reims, and let your local guide help you make the most of France’s bountiful culinary traditions.
Take in the historical beaches of Normandy, then experience one of the loveliest drives in the world, down rustic lanes past farmhouses and Renaissance châteaux in the Loire Valley.
Whether you want to sunbathe in Nice or ski in Chamonix, your friendly personal guide knows where to take you for an unforgettable tour that reflects your special interests in beautiful, evocative France.
Europe is a continent filled with diverse experiences, each with its own unique charm and allure. Guided tours offer travelers the chance to uncover hidden gems while gaining insights that elevate their understanding of each destination.
From the historic streets of Rome and Paris to the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands and Croatian coast, the options are endless. Embracing the guidance of knowledgeable locals can transform a good holiday into an unforgettable journey, providing memories that will last a lifetime.
The best part? No matter which destination you choose, Europe guarantees an adventure brimming with culture, history, and culinary delights.
