A Guide to Touring Europe for Beginners

Planning your first tour to Europe can be completely overwhelming. The first big hurdle is choosing where to go, and simply deciding on “Europe” doesn’t get you there! Every corner of this magnificent continent offers something different – a unique culture, a varied history, distinct cuisines and diverse landscapes. Often countries right next door to each other share nothing but a border. That is the beauty, and the challenge. So, how do you narrow it down?

Do you want to see the iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, or gaze out over the lesser-known moonscape of Cappadocia? Do you want to listen to foreign languages intertwined with pulsating city sounds, or have the silence interrupted only by the hum of waterfalls in a national park? Do you want to have your taste buds set alight by Spanish tapas, or sample frog legs? Is it the spicy aromas of markets or the historical narratives mapped out across the continent that interest you? Whatever the experience, you will find it in Europe.

Europe for History Buffs

European history stares you in the face wherever you go. Discover the Acropolis in Athens, the Temple of Apollo in Ancient Delphi, and the birthplace of the Olympics at Ancient Olympia during a tour of Greece. Walk in the footsteps of gladiators in the bowels of the Colosseum, admire The Pantheon in Rome and uncover the ruins of Pompeii during an exploration of Italy. Visit Turkey to marvel at the Basilica of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul or visit the Ancient City of Troy. Fast forward to recent history and be moved by the memorial site of Lone Pine Cemetery and by the stirring shoreline of Anzac Cove.

You will never forget the emotional narratives in the museums of Warsaw and Krakow and the Holocaust’s horrific legacy at the Auschwitz Concentration Camp in Poland. Tour through Germany’s history-rich countryside and take a stroll past the remnants of the Berlin Wall or visit Normandy and the Somme in France on a battlefield tour.

Europe for Foodies

It is a big menu to work through in Europe, so where to indulge your palate? Start with the classics.

Italian food is celebrated around the world. Home-cooked pasta and simple pizzas packed with flavour have foodies flocking in droves to the terrace cafes and charming restaurants. Next door, the French boast patisseries aplenty, and the pastries and baguettes will put a smile on your face. Eating well in France is easy, even far from the iconic attractions, where the prices are far more reasonable.

Along the Mediterranean enjoy fresh fish, crumbling fetta and rich olive oil in Greece, tapas that will leave your mouth watering in Spain, and Portuguese egg tarts that you will never forget. Visit Germany for a hearty meal of pork knuckle or try Currywurst - a street-food favourite. Consider a Food and Wine tour to sample Europe’s culinary delights.

Europe for Nature Lovers

The landscapes are as diverse and extraordinary as the cultures throughout Europe. Some of the most stunning include Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, where tiered waterfalls cascade over lush green escarpments, and the serene-yet-striking Lake Bled that is set against the backdrop of towering alps in Slovenia. Perhaps cruise the fjords in Norway, where you can spot seals and whales frolicking in the cool waters, or marvel at the towering Matterhorn rising above Zermatt in Switzerland.

Spend some time exploring Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice, where you can view glacial lagoons and contrasting volcanos and lava caves. Explore the Greek Islands with turquoise water lapping at colourful sand beaches and charming villages perched atop striking cliff faces. For a unique experience, take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia to drink in views of this intriguing dusty moonscape in Turkey.

Europe for Art Enthusiasts

Step into any museum or gallery in Europe to view renowned works of art. The Louvre Museum is a must see. You can also view works of Picasso and Monet at Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris or continue to Giverny to explore Monet’s garden on one of the many tours you can take from Paris. Marvel at extensive displays of art and history at the Rijksmuseum or admire the largest collection of Van Gogh’s artwork at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

Take a tour to Florence to see Michelangelo’s Statue of David in the Accademia Museum, or visit the Uffizi Galleries for an array of masterpieces. Admire the creations of architectural genius Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona, including La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, or gaze at Michelangelo’s legacy adorning the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome.

How long will you need?

If you are a bit short on time, don’t worry – check out our guide to Europe for the time poor. However, if you are lucky enough to have a bit more flexibility, you can choose your time frame and how to spend it. With tours up to 49 days and the option to do multiple itineraries back to back, the choice is yours.

Travel means different things to different people. The mark of a successful holiday for some is the number of things they ticked off their list, and for others, it is the feeling of relaxation they had while they were away. There is no “right” way to travel Europe. Here are some ways to do it, and some things to consider when deciding on what is right for you for your first European tour.

A fast-paced exploration

If you want to see as much as possible, choose a tour that spends a night or two in each destination and whisks you all over the continent. You will cover a lot of ground and see a lot of different contrasting sites and cultures on a tour like the Grand European. Learn about ancient history in Rome, journey through Germany’s Black Forest, explore the cityscape of Paris, try some Swiss chocolate, wander the treelined canals of Amsterdam, and discover the artistic heart of Austria.

The benefit of this kind of trip is that you get a lot of variety and it gives you a feel for places that you may want to go back and visit again for longer. Some people may find that being on the move so often can get a little tiring, but if you’re keen to keep busy and see it all, then this is a great first-timers tour!

A leisurely journey

Alternatively, another way to see a lot is to stay fewer places for longer. While you don’t see as many places, you do arguably see more. Your encounter with a place goes beyond a whirlwind introduction and becomes an in-depth immersion. Try snails on the back streets of Paris, find the Lennon Wall adorned with Beatles’ lyrics in Prague, and get taught traditional Italian cooking techniques in a family home in Campania.

Choosing a tour that spends two, three, or more nights in every place (or just choosing one or two main bases) means you get to see more of each. You will spend less time packing and unpacking and have more of a balance between time in a destination and time on the road. It is a great way to connect with the local life and go beyond the tourist trail. Perhaps consider an Insight Vacations ‘Easy Pace’ itinerary like the 10 Day Easy Pace Spain, or an independent tour with Monograms where you can choose your pace.

A mixed-pace holiday

If you want to see a lot of different places, but the thought of being on the move constantly makes you feel that you will need a holiday after your holiday, then maybe do just that! Choose a tour that covers off on your hit-list and gives you a taste of all the iconic places, and then maybe pair it with a slower-paced tour or tack on a short break at the end.

Finish off with a week in Paris, four days in Berlin, or a week exploring the rolling hills of Tuscany from your base in Montecatini Terme. No matter how you decide to finish your trip, or the pace you choose, a guided tour is the perfect way to find your feet on holidays – particularly on your first visit to Europe.

Need more help to decide on your perfect holiday – take a look at our guide to choosing the right tour company and itinerary for you. Ready? Find your Europe tour.