Europe is a year-round destination, with varying climates across its many countries and regions. The best time to visit Europe depends on what type of experience you'd like to have during your trip, and which destinations you'll be visiting.

Summer is always a popular time to travel to Europe, when warm, sunny days lend themselves to exploring outdoors. In July, the average high temperature in London, England is in the 70s F—while in Rome, Italy the average high is in the 80s F. Some travelers prefer to travel on Europe tour packages during the spring and fall, when temperatures are more comfortable and popular sites tend to be less crowded.

Winter is also a wonderful time to take a European vacation. During this time of year, travelers can stroll through festive holiday markets, visit excellent museums, and settle in for tasty meals of seasonal specialties. To take the stress out of planning a winter trip, we even offer Europe trip packages specifically designed for visiting Christmas markets.

One of the main benefits of joining our guided tours of Europe is the opportunity to visit must-see sites with an expert leading the way. When you travel on one of our escorted tours to Europe, we'll help you skip the long lines at popular landmarks. Here are some of our favorites:

• The Colosseum in Rome, Italy
• National Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy
• St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy
• The Alhambra in Granada, Spain
• The Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain
• La Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain
• The Acropolis in Athens, Greece
• The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
• St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland
• The Titanic Museum in Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Hungarian Parliament building in Budapest, Hungary
• Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria
• Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, Norway
• Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, Denmark

There are so many places to visit in Europe, from the Norwegian fjords to the Swiss Alps to the French Riviera. When it comes to deciding which one of our Europe guided tours is right for you, in addition to the popular landmarks on your travel wish list, consider how long you'd like to be on tour for.

On our Europe tours, you can choose to explore a particular location in depth, such as on a week-long Paris City Stay or on a two-week Grand Tour of Italy. Or, you can join a multi-country tour like the Grand Tour of Europe: London to Rome for a taste of several different destinations. Our team of regional experts is available to help you find the adventure that lines up to your interests.

One of our favorite parts of traveling the world? Trying new cuisine! You'll be introduced to brand-new flavors when you join one of our escorted tours of Europe.

Your included meals during our guided tours of Europe will give you a taste of regional specialties. Our recommendation is to give dishes a try—you never know what might become your new favorite meal. You can also ask your Tour Director for their advice about what the local must-try is, and where to find it.

Each country in Europe has its own distinct type of cuisine, as well as customs around when meals are eaten and how they're usually served. We'll provide you with an overview of the cuisine in your tour destination before you go, from tapas in Spain to tea time in England to the order of courses in Italy.

Restaurant tipping etiquette varies by country, culture, and situation. Since it’s a gesture to show your gratitude for the quality of your service, tipping always comes down to your personal preferences as well.

We recommend packing light for your trip to Europe. One suitcase and one carry-on per person is a good guideline to follow—you should feel comfortable managing your baggage at the airport. Bring lightweight clothing that can be easily layered, so you're prepared for any unexpected changes in temperature. Since you'll be exploring new destinations with local guides while on your Europe trip, a comfortable pair of walking shoes, as well as a light jacket, are important to have with you.

Other must-bring items? A camera, so you can take photos during your journey, and a notebook, for jotting down notes or recommendations your Tour Director shares. After you've reserved one of our Europe tour packages, we'll give you information about how to prepare for your particular trip and even share a list in our mobile Tour Companion App.