The top-10 traveler-reviewed Europe trips to book this Black Friday
Trips to Europe are some of the most sought-after travel experiences ever. Whether you’re craving art history, ancient ruins, incredible food and wine, designer shopping, or jaw-dropping natural wonders, the best of Europe is guaranteed to inspire every kind of traveler. But as you might already know, there are a lot of options out there. That’s why we’ve rounded up the 10 Europe tours our travelers love the most. Let these guide you toward your next European vacation.
And to make planning a trip to Europe a little sweeter, these tours are going to be part of our Black Friday deals, meaning your dream trip to Italy or bucket list tour of France might be closer than you think!
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1. London, Paris & Rome
2. Grand Tour of Europe: London to Rome
3. Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland
4. A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway
5. Grand Tour of Ireland
6. A Week in Switzerland, Germany & Austria
7. Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland
8. Germany, Switzerland & Austria
9. Scandinavia: The Capitals & the Fjords
10. Highlights of Scandinavia: Sweden, Norway & Denmark
1. London, Paris & Rome
Why you’ll love this classic Europe itinerary
When you think of the best of Europe, it’s easy for the continent’s great capitals to come to mind first. These are usually where you’ll find the best museums, shopping, dining, and sightseeing. And that’s why our 11-day London, Paris, & Rome tour is among our bestselling itineraries. It gives you the perfect introduction to Europe, and this bundle of three iconic cities couldn’t offer more variety—which means an 11-day trip filled with educational moments and surprises at every turn.
Highlights of the tour
- Discovering three major European capitals. One of our favorite parts of this popular Europe trip is that you get to visit and tour some of the most enduring locales in the world. These three cities are home to attractions that represent their culture and history so beautifully. (We’re talking about Big Ben in London, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the Colosseum in Rome.) These are truly bucket list sites, and you’ll get to experience them in one immersive trip to Europe.
- Making the most of free time. Because these cities are quite big and offer such a wealth of experiences, we’ve included plenty of free time for you to explore on your own. (That’s what makes for the best trips, right?) One of our favorite European travel tips is to find a spot for people-watching. Where better to do that in Paris than along the Champs-Élysées? Or how about an afternoon taking in incredible art at the British Museum in London? In Rome, we love a meandering pizza crawl—so be sure to ask your Tour Director for recommendations.
Take it from a traveler
“Our first trip to Europe and first trip with a tour group. I can’t imagine doing this any other way or with any other group! Absolutely blown away by our Tour Director Pascal! He made the trip magical, memorable, educational, and enjoyable with his 24/7 attention to detail, his knowledge, and wit. Our tour guides were top-notch professionals and our itinerary was perfect for us. Just the right amount of free time and excursions. I can’t recommend this tour enough! Thank you for the trip of a lifetime! We are beyond grateful to the entire staff, from those who helped with the planning to the trip itself. We can’t wait to book again with this group!”
—Five-star review from first-time traveler Cathi
2. Grand Tour of Europe: London to Rome
Why you’ll love this immersive Europe itinerary
What makes a grand tour so special? There’s something about planning a trip to Europe—one that takes you from one end of the continent to the other—that resonates with people who love to travel. And that’s why our 16-day Grand Tour of Europe: London to Rome has been one of our most beloved trips to Europe for so long. You get to fully immerse yourself in so many unforgettable destinations, from a bustling capital like London to the postcard-perfect villages of the Swiss Alps to the glamorous villas of Lake Como. If you want to see the best of Europe, this is the Black Friday deal to book.
Highlights of the tour
- Venturing to famous destinations and off-the-beaten-path stops. What makes this Europe tour so well-rounded is that you don’t just go to the big cities: You’ll hit smaller, lesser-known places along the way, too. Maybe you’ve never considered going to Cologne—but on this trip, your Tour Director will guide you through Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also get to stroll around the picturesque lakeside city of Lucerne, one of the most beautiful gems in Switzerland.
- Taking a food tour of Amsterdam. Besides the bustle of the base itinerary, this trip’s also chock full of exciting optional excursions that can elevate your experience. The Food of Amsterdam Walking Tour, for example, is a great way to get to the heart of the city while tasting some delicious treats, like locally made chocolates and the utterly addictive stroopwafel.
Take it from a traveler
“What an adventure! If you think you might only travel to Europe once in your life, this is the tour you’ll want to take. It has every highlight on your bucket list! Even though you cover a lot of ground, the various modes of transportation, stops along the way, and incredible destinations make every day a prime adventure. But beware: It will leave you pining for more, because you’ll want to go do it all again!”
—Five-star review from fourth-time traveler Jodi
3. Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland
Why you’ll love this tour of the British Isles
From bustling Trafalgar Square to the stunning Cliffs of Moher, this 12-day tour of Great Britain and Ireland is one for the books. Add Scottish castles and Dubliner pub culture to the mix, and you’re in for one of our best Europe itineraries. (And since English is the region’s mother tongue, getting to know locals is that much easier!)
Highlights of the tour
- Encountering the natural wonders of Ireland. One of our favorite things about this European itinerary is the unreal views you’ll take in, especially when you get to Ireland. Yes, you’ll get to see cultural landmarks like the Blarney Stone and the Rock of Cashel, but there’s also plenty of time to soak up the Ring of Kerry: a 112-mile coastal route featuring some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.
- Living out your Beatles fantasy in Liverpool. Music lovers will never forget their stop in Liverpool, one of the friendliest cities in Europe and the birthplace of music legends The Beatles. If you’re a fan, sign up for our The Beatles: History & Story Museum excursion, during which you’ll visit spots important to the band’s history, including Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.
Take it from a traveler
“This was our first tour and we are already planning our next with EF Go Ahead Tours! The Tour Director, Ian, was phenomenal. He was extremely knowledgeable, helpful with advice for where to spend free time, and was a ton of fun himself! The hotels, food, shows, and sights exceeded our expectations. The coach drivers were wonderful, driving us everywhere and stopping plenty of times to stretch, eat, or take restroom breaks. The spectacular views, stories we learned, and places we visited will last us a lifetime! We were fortunate to be in an amazing group of people who we now call friends. My husband, David, and I thoroughly enjoyed everything from start to finish! Highly recommended!”
—Five-star review from first-time traveler Denise
4. A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway
Why you’ll love this Ireland tour
Sometimes, all you need (or have time for) is a week-long Europe itinerary—and that’s exactly what you’ll get with this three-city trip to Ireland. From historic landmarks in Dublin to bustling markets in Cork to Claddagh ring shopping in County Galway, this short-and-sweet Irish vacation is the quickest way to create memories for a lifetime.
Highlights of the tour
- People-watching in Cork. A guided stroll through its city center will, of course, tell you about its history and culture. But there’s plenty of time to learn more about how the modern Irish live, whether it’s when snaking around town along a medieval canal or perusing locally made treats and trinkets at the English Market.
- Basking in Ireland’s dramatic landscapes. There’s so much natural beauty in County Galway, and your visit will include a walk along the famous Cliffs of Moher. However, if you’d like to see more, sign up for the Kylemore Abbey & Connemara National Park excursion. The latter is a stunning and unspoiled stretch of land with curvy mountains, dense forests, and mysterious bogs.
Take it from a traveler
“We had a great trip! Our Tour Director, Richard, took care of our whole tour group. From the beginning, he made us feel like a good friend. He was very informative about all he spoke about with much knowledge and passion. The country was beautiful! From the waterfalls, mountains, wildlife, and ocean, it was sometimes more than my mind could handle. I was in awe of all the beauty! Our hotel accommodations were also wonderful, as was the food. Another thank you to our bus driver, Ray, who got us safely wherever we went. I highly recommend this tour company. Thanks for everything!”
—Five-star review from first-time traveler Teresa
5. Grand Tour of Ireland
Why you’ll love this Grand Tour of Ireland
Ireland is only about the size of South Carolina, but there’s more than enough to do, see, and taste to fill up a two-week Grand Tour. Days spent exploring Cork and Dublin will be complemented with tours of Derry and Belfast across the border in Northern Ireland. This itinerary is one of our most popular Europe trips, with travelers feeling totally immersed in the culture and history of this rich, exciting destination.
Highlights of the tour
- Exploring a gorgeous national park just outside of Dublin. Wicklow Mountains National Park lies just south of Dublin—and not only is it an absolute stunner with rugged mountains and peaceful lakes, but it’s also got a lot of history. While there, your Tour Director will lead a visit to Glendalough, a monastic settlement and one of the earliest Christian communities in the British Isles.
- Hanging out with sheep. Animal lovers will be thrilled by the stop at Glen Keen Farm, one of the largest sheep farms in Ireland. You’ll get to spend a bit of time with these cuddly creatures while learning about sheep farming and herding. (Plus, this part of County Mayo is gorgeous.)
Take it from a traveler
“Our tour was top-notch, and much of this was due to our Tour Director, Kevin. His extensive knowledge of Irish history, culture, and language were enlightening. He added personal perspective as an Irishman, and related how the struggles faced by the Irish affected his family. We were very touched by these accounts. He is a wonderful guide, and anyone who gets him should consider themselves lucky! Our driver, Gavin, was outstanding as well. He was funny, kind, and patient, not to mention an artist behind the wheel! What a great team! We will remember the delights of this trip for the rest of our lives. Thank you!”
—Five-star review from first-time traveler Constance
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6. A Week in Switzerland, Germany & Austria
Why you’ll love this tour of Central Europe
Planning a trip to Europe but want to go a bit off the beaten path? This week-long adventure in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria might just be the ticket. It visits lesser-known gems, like Melk, while still stopping in buzzy cities like Vienna and Munich. Don’t worry: There are still plenty of bucket list stops, from whimsical Neuschwanstein Castle to Salzburg, the filming location of The Sound of Music.
Highlights of the tour
- Sampling food and drink from all over the world. This Europe itinerary offers countless opportunities to treat yourself to some of the best regional cuisines in Europe, from sausages in Germany to chocolates in Switzerland to schnitzel in Austria. In Vienna, you can even opt for a night at a traditional heuriger: a wine tavern tucked away in the lush outskirts of the city.
- Extending your vacation with a visit to Prague. Travelers’ reviews for this tour consistently mention its extension to opulent Prague. The two-night detour to the Czech capital is full of delightful experiences, from discovering the city’s architectural heritage (think: ornate Baroque buildings, imposing Gothic churches, and a medieval, astronomical clock) to taking an evening dinner cruise along the Vltava River.
Take it from a traveler
“I’m not a history buff, I actually went on this trip for my wife, who is one. I loved every second of this trip. From the tiny shops to the tip of the mountains in Lucerne, we were in awe of the sheer beauty of Europe. It changed our outlook on everything. We ate at a restaurant founded over 330 years before our country came into existence. We went inside a chapel that was built in the 12th century. The food was excellent. The Tour Director, Atto, was perfect. Even our bus driver, Daniel, was amazing. We met some of the most amazing people on this trip. Since being home, we can definitely say that we miss the sites, sounds, and smells, but most of all the people we shared our experiences with. We definitely will use Go Ahead Tours again, and I hope that the next tour compares to this one.”
—Five-star review from first-time traveler Rob
7. Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland
Why you’ll love this tour of Scotland
How many historic castles can you see in 10 days? Take this bestselling trip to find out! On this Scotland tour, you’ll also check out world-class museums in Glasgow, drive through the Highlands’ stunning landscapes, and stalk around the banks of Loch Ness to see if the legends of Nessie are true. You might be coming for the castles, but the rest of Scotland will surely keep you captivated.
Highlights of the tour
- Studying Edinburgh’s past and present. Iconic landmarks—like an imposing hilltop castle and the Georgian New Town and Royal Mile (both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites)—tell the city’s grand history. But free time in Edinburgh can also be used to sip Scotch cocktails in award-winning bars and to shop for modern tweed fashions from cutting-edge local designers.
- Spending a day on the Isle of Skye. One of our best Europe travel tips is to add the excursion to the Isle of Skye during your free time in the Highlands. One of the most beautiful of the Scottish islands, it boasts dramatic untouched landscapes—and plenty of historical intrigue, too. Did you know that the 18th-century Jacobite hero Charles Edward Stuart—aka Bonnie Prince Charlie—spent a bit of time on Skye ahead of the historic Battle of Culloden?
Take it from a traveler
“Castles, kilts, bagpipes, whisky, and so much more! This robust tour did not disappoint and no stone was left unturned. The scenery was breathtaking, the Scots so welcoming, the palaces decadent, the history of the feuding clans intriguing, and the shrill of the bagpipes captivating! My favorites were the dramatic beauty of the Highlands and the charm and antiquity of Edinburgh. Happy travels! Sláinte!”
—Five-star review from second-time traveler Paula
8. Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Why you’ll love this tour of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria
These three countries may all share the same language, but Germany, Switzerland, and Austria couldn’t be more different from one another. And this two-week European itinerary will showcase the very places and things that make each destination unique. Whether it’s Austria’s world-class musical history, Switzerland’s quaint lakeside villages, or Germany’s fairy tale castles (hello, Neuschwanstein), this once-in-a-lifetime trip is full of breathtaking experiences—and it’s included in our Black Friday deals this year!
Highlights of the tour
- Exploring the city of Heidelberg. Discover why Heidelberg is one of the most charming towns in Europe—and a must-add for travelers planning trips to Germany. This historic town isn’t very big, but it’s full of intriguing sights and history. (Did you know that it’s home to the oldest university in Germany?)
- Hitting Bratislava and Budapest on the same trip. If you want to check more countries off your bucket list, make sure to add the Danube River Cruise & Bratislava excursion to your tour. Slovakia’s capital is just a short sail away from Vienna and its compact center makes for easy exploration. From there, you’ll head to the stunning city of Budapest, where grand architecture, immense history, and delicious food and wine await. No Europe tour is complete without a visit to these cities!
Take it from a traveler
“This tour exceeded my expectations! Visiting six countries was a dream come true and the further east we went, the more I loved it. I can’t say enough great things about Jürgen, our Tour Director. He was fun and witty while being extremely organized and thoughtful. I would recommend this tour without hesitation, with a warning for long days, tons of history, great wine and food, and moderate amounts of walking. I fell in love with Budapest, so I personally think the best was saved for last. Do. The. Extension.”
—Five-star review from third-time traveler Amy
9. Scandinavia: The Capitals & the Fjords
Why you’ll love this Nordic tour
This European itinerary combines Scandinavia’s regal capitals with some of the most beautiful natural landmarks of Northern Europe. For two weeks, you’ll poke around a local market in Oslo, discover the opulence of Rosenborg Castle—a 16th-century Dutch Renaissance royal residence in Copenhagen—and check out Temppeliaukio Church, which was carved into a hillside. Then, aboard a cruise ship, you’ll zigzag through Norway’s spellbinding fjords.
One of the comments travelers often make about Scandinavia is how expensive it can be. So, if you’ve ever been interested in visiting the region, you’ll want to take advantage of our Black Friday deals.
Highlights of the tour
- Experiencing Northern Europe through transit. From sailing the narrow fjords of coastal Norway to taking a scenic train ride on one of the world’s steepest railways, each journey captures the region’s thrilling beauty. (You’ll want to keep your camera handy for this one.)
- Appreciating Scandinavia’s cultural treasures. Art and architecture lovers will enjoy this 14-day tour. At Vasa Museum, stand in awe of a 1628 warship that used to be at the bottom of Stockholm’s harbor. Along Copenhagen’s waterfront, marvel at the bronze Little Mermaid statue, which was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale. And in Oslo, admire Edvard Munch’s most famous painting, The Scream.
Take it from a traveler
“My wife and I had an amazing and unforgettable trip to Scandinavia! We saw many historical sites in Bergen; cruised along breathtaking fjords, saw amazing views from the world-famous Flåm Railway; explored castles and interesting canals in Copenhagen (including the colorful Nyhavn canal district); explored amazing palaces and interesting museums in Stockholm; saw unique and beautiful monuments in Helsinki, including the Temppeliaukio Church and the Senate Square; and, lastly, explored the picturesque city of Tallinn in Estonia. Our Tour Director was very organized with a personable personality to match! [...] We had one of our best trips ever! I would strongly recommend EF Go Ahead’s Scandinavia tour for anyone looking for an amazing, unforgettable Scandinavia adventure!”
—Five-star review from second-time traveler John
Ready to take your own unforgettable trip to Europe? Shop our Europe tours, and save with our unbelievable Black Friday deals.
