Europe Tours

You should expect daily walking, especially during city tours and visits to historic centres. Many European streets are cobblestoned, and some sites involve stairs or inclines. Active adventures and walking & hiking tours through Europe will involve longer distances and varied terrain. If you prefer minimal walking, look for itineraries described as “Leisurely” or “Comfortable,” and review the activity level or ask your Global Journey's Travel Advisor for advice before booking.

A medium-sized suitcase or bag that you can lift independently, plus a daypack, is recommended. Larger, very heavy luggage can be difficult on hotel stairs or when moving between transport and no European tour operators allow you to bring multiple suitcases. Some coach tours offer luggage handling or porterage, but it’s still wise to pack light and choose a suitcase that’s easy to manoeuvre over uneven surfaces.

More detailed information on what to bring and specific luggage sizes are provided in your travel documentation or you can ask your Global Journey's Travel Advisor for advice before or after your booking.

Yes. Many itineraries are designed with mature travellers in mind, with comfortable pacing, centrally located hotels, and support from a Tour Director. If mobility is a concern, focus on tours with shorter walking distances and review activity ratings carefully. Your Global Journey's Travel Advisor can also help suggest itineraries that match your comfort level.

Of course there are many tours of Europe that are designed specifically for younger travellers as well as active adventures for those that are young at heart, but long in years!

Europe is generally considered safe and well set up for visitors. The most common issues tend to be petty theft or pickpocketing in busy areas. Touring with a group and being mindful of your belongings can greatly reduce these risks. Your Tour Directors will provide practical advice on safety, local customs, and areas to be extra cautious in.

Multi-country tours are great if you want to sample several cultures and landmarks in a single trip, or if it’s your first time in Europe. One-country or regional tours are better if you prefer to explore a destination in more depth, with shorter travel days and more time in each location. Think about whether you value variety or immersion more, and choose accordingly.

Both have their advantages. Rail journeys offer scenic routes and quick city-to-city transfers, often with more freedom to move around during travel. Coach tours can access smaller towns and rural areas where trains don’t reach, and keep your group together from door to door. Your decision may depend on whether you prefer more structured days and direct access (coach) or a mix of speed and scenery (rail).

Late May, June and September are often regarded as ideal months for touring through Europe. These periods balance pleasant temperatures with generally smaller crowds than the peak months of July to August.

Spain, Portugal, Southern Italy and the Eastern Med can still be very warm in September, while tours to  central european countries and eastern european countries usually enjoy comfortable weather for walking and outdoor sightseeing during the entire season.

Absolutely. Many solo travellers choose to tour through Europe for the social aspect and the reassurance of travelling with a group. Many coach operators offer reduced or no single supplements on selected departures, or a room-matching service for solo travellers willing to share.

With many small group active tour operators (like Explore, Intrepid & G Adventures), as well as youth based opersators (like Contiki & Topdeck)solo travellers actually make up a large percentage of each group and while you can upgrade to have your own accomodation in most cases, most solo travellers choose to share rooms with their fellow travellers and so there is no difference in price.

Typically, your tour price covers accommodation, internal transport (coach, rail, local transport or a mix), the services of a Tour Director or Tour Guide, some meals (usually daily breakfast and selected dinners), and a range of included sightseeing or entry fees. Optional excursions, some meals, personal spending, and flights to and from Europe are usually extra. Each itinerary lists the specific inclusions on each trip and you can reach out to our expert travel advisors if you'd like clarification before booking.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the countries you’re visiting. Many travellers from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States can enter the Schengen Area for short stays without a visa, but there are rules around how long you can remain within a set period. The UK and some non-EU countries have separate entry rules. You should always check current regulations before booking and again before departure. We've provided more specific details in our Visa guide.

Travel times vary. Some days may involve only a couple of hours between nearby cities; others might be longer, especially when crossing borders or travelling between regions. Coach travel days will include rest stops and scenic breaks. Rail segments are typically faster between the major hubs. Your itinerary usually gives an indication of longer transfer days versus shorter “local exploration” days.

Most tours build in a mix of guided activities and free time. You might have structured sightseeing in the morning and free time in the afternoon, or a full free day in a major city such as Paris or Rome. Optional excursions are often offered so you can add experiences without having to organise them yourself. Look for itineraries that match your preference for structure versus flexibility.

A common mistake is picking an itinerary purely based on the number of countries or the lowest price, rather than considering pace and travel style. Some travellers underestimate walking distances, early starts, and travel time between stops. Others choose a group style that doesn’t match their expectations for social interaction or comfort. Reviewing the day-by-day itinerary and activity level, reading trip reviews from our past clients and speaking with our advisors if you’re unsure, will help you choose a tour you’ll genuinely enjoy.