10 Best Europe Tours on a Budget

There is so much to see and do in Europe that the choices sometimes seem overwhelming, as do the costs involved. Do you keep adding more ‘must sees’ to your list, and upping your budget? The good news is that you can see and do a lot in Europe on an affordable tour that you can budget for in advance, so you know what to expect while you are away - both in terms of experiences and expenses.

We offer over 1,800 tours to Europe and these are top ten picks for travelling through Europe on a budget.

15 Day Central Europe (Cosmos)

Tour from $145 per day

Take a round trip from Frankfurt discovering the best of Central Europe with Cosmos. Learn the history of reunified Berlin, sightsee in Warsaw with a local guide, visit the chilling concentration camp of Auschwitz, and choose to join a traditional folklore dinner in Krakow. Admire the famous Budapest Parliament building throwing its glittering reflection across the Danube, perhaps visit Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, and meander across Charles Bridge to take in views of Prague. Journey through the Bohemian Forest, discover the lively Bavarian capital of Munich, and explore the cobblestone streets of Rothenburg, all for under $150 per day.

12 Day European Experience (Costsaver)

Tour from $182 per day

Take in the iconic cities and regional highlights across eight counties on this twelve-day tour with Costsaver. You’ll get a mix of one and two-night stays, plenty of sightseeing opportunities, and variety of experiences. Meander the canals in Amsterdam, visit St. Mark’s Square in Venice, see the ancient sites in Rome, get artsy in Florence, and stroll the Champs Élysées in Paris. Take a scenic cruise down the River Rhine past terraced vineyards and towering castles, visit the picturesque town of Innsbruck, cross the dramatic Apennine Mountains, and treat yourself to plenty of Swiss chocolate in the Lucerne region.

19 Day Best of Europe with London (Cosmos)

Tour from $2474 per day

A European tour… should include the most popular and exciting cities, the must-see sights, picturesque scenery, and a mix of culture, history, and just plain fun. On this Best of Europe tour, you’ll experience all of this and more. Kick off your Cosmos holiday in London and follow up with the Eurostar train to Brussels and then carry on your journey by coach to discover many interesting continental destinations.

Guided sightseeing includes the must-see sights, including those that will delight history fans. See Amsterdam’s canals; Rome’s St Peter Square; Florence’s renaissance old city centre with a replica of the “David” by Michelangelo; Pompeii, where you’ll see what life was like during the Roman Empire before Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD; Paris’s most famous landmarks, and much more.

7 Day Jewels of Italy (Costsaver)

Tour from $188 per day

Ciao!! Spend a week uncovering the jewels of Italy with two-night stays throughout your tour. Choosing just one country means you will have more time to immerse yourself in the culture and learn about the history and traditions more in depth. Visit the Vatican City and view the mighty Colosseum, travel through the Tuscan countryside, check out the Leaning Tower of Pisa, enjoy a leatherwork demonstration in Florence, gaze up at Juliet’s balcony in Verona, and watch the Venetian craftsmen at work creating local specialities at a glassblowing workshop. Don’t forget to pack your stretchy pants so you can enjoy pizza, pasta, and oh so many gelatos!

15 Day Best of Greece (G Adventures)

Tour from $192 per day

Ahh Greece… full of history, mouth-watering cuisine, striking mountain ranges, azure coastlines, and charming villages – there are so many reasons to visit. And you can see it all! Adventure around Athens after an orientation walk to get your bearings, visit the monasteries of Meteora perched atop staggering rocky outcrops, and discover the ancient city of Delphi. Stroll the old town streets of Nafplio, dine at a harbourside café on the island of Crete, relax at a quaint fishing village, and relish a cooking class and lunch with a local family. Wrap up your tour drinking in views from a hilltop village on Santorini or choose to finish off with a sunset cruise through the glistening water.

6 Day Northern Lights Escape (Intrepid)

Tour from $264 per day

These will be six days you won’t forget. Throw yourself into the vibrant art scene of Reykjavik, visit the old harbour, relax in the quirky cafes, and check out the galleries. Perhaps soak in the geothermal Blue Lagoon or spot killer whales on a whale watching expedition. Away from the city lights, keep your eyes peeled for the aurora borealis dancing across the sky and learn why this fascinating country is called the Land of Fire and Ice. See volcanic black sand beaches, geothermal springs, immense ice caps and gleaming glaciers. Stay in a mix of hotels and guesthouses, one of which is on an Icelandic farm.

22 Day Classic Spain & Portugal (Intrepid)

Tour from $264 per day

This tour offers multiple-night stays, plenty of free time, and local transport to immerse yourself in the local life while you uncover the best of the region. Visit the impressive Alhambra Palace in Granada, be engrossed in a local flamenco performance in Seville, relax in the Algarve, and take an orientation walk of Lisbon before exploring this charismatic capital under your own steam. Tantalise your tastebuds with Portuguese egg tarts in Lisbon and some Port wine in Porto. Soak up the ambience in the lively squares of Santiago de Compostela or choose to join pilgrims walking the last stretch of the Santiago de Compostela route. Admire the architecture of Barcelona, enjoy a pintxos crawl around Logrono, and finish your holiday amidst the vibrant laneways of Madrid.

13 Day Baltic Adventure (G Adventures)

Tour from $205 per day

Decades after the fall of communism, the Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia remain a mystery to most travellers. We’re not complaining, though; more mystery means fewer crowds and an easier time getting to know these fantastic countries. Beginning in charming cobblestoned Vilnius and ending in beautiful Helsinki, this two-week trip gets to the very heart of the region. Get an up-close glimpse of Riga’s castles and art district, experience rural life in Estonia, and venture into the fortresses and medieval architecture of Tallinn before crossing to Finland by ferry. Make the Baltics your special travel secret.

27 Day Get Social: Big European (Topdeck)

Tour from $247 per day

Clue's in the name. It's big. It's European. And it's waiting for you. We're talking almost a month's worth of jaw-dropping cities, eye-popping coastlines and rip-roaring company. From getting horizontal on beaches of the French Riviera, Kefalonia and Dubrovnik to the cultural icons of Rome, Paris and Berlin (plus some pretty hot Balkan destinations), prepare yourself for the biggest and best fun you've ever had. Guaranteed.

15 Day Simply Italy (Contiki)

Tour from $274 per day

Welcome to 15 days of pure Italian travel immersion with Contiki. Covering Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice and beyond, this one brings you the blissful best of this soul-stirring country. Explore Rome's historical highlights, travel through the streets of Michelangelo's Florence, soak up some rays on the Amalfi Coast...and that's just an aperitivo. Beauty, romance and all the pasta you can fit in; the good life just got even better. That's amore!

Prices current at time of publication and subject to availability.