Top 10 best places to visit in Europe
Greece, Italy, Croatia, and more—these are the best countries to visit in Europe on weeklong trips according to our travel experts.
The 10 destinations that made this list are the best places to visit in Europe—aka the continent’s greatest hits. Each spot brings the full package: standout food scenes, landmark attractions, and seriously photogenic landscapes. A week is enough time to go beyond skimming the surface and experience the real deal, so we’ve queued up the top weeklong tour of each destination.
1. Greece
What makes Greece one of the best places to visit in Europe?
Greece is where ancient history meets island charm, and the food scene rivals anywhere else on the continent.
- Mythological wonders. In Athens, more than 2,400 years of history are at your fingertips—or rather, under your feet—at sites like the Parthenon. Now that’s the stuff of gods and legends.
- Santorini’s sunsets. The hilltop town of Oia is where most travelers go, and for good reason. For a less crowded (and equally stunning) view, add our Santorini Caldera Cruise & Dinner excursion.
- Architecture draped in bougainvillea. Those fuchsia-hued flowers, which pop against the iconic white-washed island buildings, are in bloom from April to November.
Your week in Greece, mapped out
Our A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini tour brings you to the capital city and two islands. Here’s what’s great about each stop.
- Athens. This may be the most underrated food capital of Europe. For a taste of what we mean, head to Nolan. It’s a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant (aka fine dining flair without the flashy price tag!).
- Mykonos. The iconic white windmills in Mykonos Town are the ultimate photo backdrop. They were built as early as the 16th century and were originally used to mill wheat and barley.
- Santorini. Don’t miss sipping Assyrtiko on our Greek Wine Tasting & Lunch. The wine originated here and the grape vines are trained to grow close to the ground to protect themselves from the strong ocean winds.
2. Italy
What makes Italy one of the best European countries to visit?
Artisan craftsmanship meets ancient history in Italy—and here, the regional diversity rivals entire continents.
- Plenty of local pastas. Each of Italy’s 20 regions has its own pasta shape. Our Italy tours cover 16 regions—80% of the country—where you’ll dig into everything from orecchiette to malloreddus.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Italy has 55 UNESCO-listed sites—the most of any country in the world. Visit ones like San Gimignano, the Venetian Lagoon, and Vatican City on our weeklong Italy tour.
- Roman history. Soak up more than 2,000 years of history in Imperial Rome, from the fourth-century Arch of Constantine to the iconic Colosseum to the Forum’s still-stately remnants.
Your weeklong Italy itinerary at a glance
Italy’s most iconic trio of cities comes to life in a week’s time on our A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome tour. Here’s what to look forward to.
- Venice. Watch molten glass transform into art during a glassblowing demonstration. It’s a craft Venetian masters have been perfecting since the 10th century.
- Florence. This is Italy’s leather capital, and the Santa Croce neighborhood is the hub. Your Tour Director will take you to Leonardo’s on Borgo dei Greci to shop for handcrafted jackets, belts, and bags.
- Rome. Enter the Colosseum, a nearly 2,000-year-old amphitheater. For a photo that captures its grandeur, walk five minutes to where Via degli Annibaldi meets Via Nicola Salvi.
3. Ireland
What makes Ireland one of the top places to visit in Europe?
In Ireland, storytelling is an art form, and the countryside lives up to its Emerald Isle reputation with scenery that stops you in your tracks.
- Pub culture. There are more than 700 pubs in Dublin, and you can go for some good craic (aka fun) and a great pint. Guinness, anyone?
- Castles. Whether you’re stepping inside Kilkenny Castle, kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, or staying overnight at Cabra Castle, you’ll feel like royalty on our Ireland tours.
- Every shade of green. Ireland’s countryside unfolds in endless shades of emerald. For a wildly underrated view, travel along the Wild Atlantic Way—a Tour Director favorite route.
Your Ireland trip, stop by stop
Our A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway tour hits the country’s eastern, southern, and western edges. Here are the highlights.
- Dublin. Enter St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church, which has witnessed nearly a millennium of Irish history. Its towering stained-glass windows captivate with vivid depictions of biblical scenes and saints.
- County Cork. As Ireland’s largest region, it’s only fitting that it’s home to one of the country’s biggest draws: Blarney Castle. Lean backward over the parapet to kiss the Blarney Stone and claim your “gift of gab.”
- Galway. The Claddagh ring was born here, so buy yours from the source: Thomas Dillon on Quay Street. The ring features two hands clasping a crowned heart and has been crafted in Galway since 1700.
4. Portugal
What makes Portugal one of the best places to go in Europe?
If a sun-soaked country is what you’re after, Portugal delivers with nearly 300 days of sun per year. Plus, it’s just a seven hour flight from the East Coast.
- Azulejo tilework. These hand-painted tiles decorate everything from church walls to metro stations. Pick up your own at traditional shops like d’Orey Azulejos or the contemporary LX Factory in Lisbon.
- Cork products. Portugal produces over half the world’s cork supply, which is found in way more than wine stoppers. You’ll see this material used to create bags, wallets, postcards, and more.
- Bacalhau. Portugal’s explorers relied on salt cod during long voyages since it stayed edible for months at sea. Now it’s the national dish, served in countless preparations throughout the country.
Where to go during a week in Portugal
Our A Week in Portugal: Porto, Evora & Lisbon tour takes you from the top to the bottom of this compact country, and these are the standout stops.
- Porto. See the city from its best vantage point: the Douro River. You’ll drift under historic bridges and past the vibrant waterfront and Port wine warehouses during a river cruise.
- Evora. Prepare for an encounter with the macabre at the Chapel of Bones. Here, 16th-century monks lined the walls with thousands of skulls and bones as a reminder of our mortality.
- Lisbon. Step inside Jeronimos Monastery, where octagonal pillars and ornate carvings of maritime and religious motifs recognize the explorers who set sail from the nearby waterfront.
5. Croatia
What makes Croatia one of the best countries to visit in Europe?
Croatia’s for travelers who want a coastal trip with a twist. Think: less lounging on the beach and more discovering a unique destination with real depth.
- Adriatic seascapes. Croatia’s coastline stretches for more than 1,100 miles along the Adriatic Sea. The hundreds of islands, hidden coves, and dramatic cliffs rival anywhere in the Mediterranean.
- Cevapi. These affordable grilled sausages are lovingly called “little fingers” by locals for their shape. Dip them in ajvar, a Balkan condiment made from roasted red peppers, to get the full flavor effect.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sixteen lakes connected by waterfalls make up this protected park. Walk on boardwalks above blue-green water, which gets its color from limestone deposits.
Three must-see places in Croatia
Our A Week in Croatia: Zagreb, Split & Dubrovnik tour covers the capital, a national park, and plenty of coastal cities. Here are the standout stops.
- Zagreb. This inland capital has a dual personality: a historic Upper Town with medieval churches and a Lower Town with buzzing cafes. Croatia’s oldest funicular connects them in under a minute.
- Split. While the Adriatic coastline draws visitors here, the Ivan Meštrović Gallery is the hidden highlight. This small-but-mighty museum is filled with sculptures and drawings by Croatia’s greatest modern artist.
- Dubrovnik. Walk atop the city walls for sweeping views of the Adriatic and the terracotta-roofed Old Town—aka King’s Landing in “Game of Thrones.” Go in the morning to beat the crowds and midday heat.
6. Spain
What makes Spain one of the top places to go in Europe?
Spain offers unbeatable value and its warm weather makes it ideal to visit year-round—especially in the offseason when crowds thin out.
- Tapas. These made-for-sharing bites of food are a Spanish staple. This is Tour Director Manuel’s top tip: “Keep it simple. Ask for two, three things, and if you feel hungry, have some more.”
- Late-night happenings. Spanish life awakens when the sun goes down: Dinner starts around 9 p.m. and the streets stay buzzing well past midnight. Our advice? Embrace the rhythm and let the night unfold.
- Gaudí’s whimsical architecture. Maximalist. Colorful. Organic. In Barcelona, the iconic architect’s fingerprint is everywhere, transforming the skyline with structures that blend natural forms with innovation.
Places to prioritize seeing in Spain
See the best of Spain without rushing—one week does the trick. Here are the highlights from our A Week in Spain: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville tour.
- Barcelona. Step inside La Sagrada Familia, architect Antoni Gaudí’s creation, where tree-like columns branch toward the heavens and stained glass floods the space with light, evoking a sacred forest.
- Madrid. Explore the renowned Prado Museum, built from the Spanish monarchy’s private collection and showcasing masterworks by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, and Bosch.
- Seville. Enter the Royal Alcazar, Europe’s oldest active royal palace, once home to the Catholic Monarchs and still used by the Spanish royal family today.
7. France
What makes France one of the best places to visit in Europe?
The French defend their traditions with the same energy they bring to a long lunch. Here, joie de vivre is a way of life.
- Cafe culture. Order your pastry and coffee, sit shoulder to shoulder facing the street, and settle in for prime people watching.
- Fashion. Paris is a fashion capital where citygoers dress with simple sophistication. Travel in winter or summer to catch les soldes season—the only times stores can sell merchandise below cost.
- Wine. France protects its wine tradition with laws governing everything from grape varieties to production methods. We take you to the source—Veuve Clicquot’s cellars—for an exclusive tasting of their cuvees.
Your France itinerary at a glance
Our A Week in France: The Riviera, Provence & Paris tour combines the capital city, the coast, and the countryside. Here’s the can’t-miss moments.
- The French Riviera. Set sail from the fishing village of Cassis and cruise past sailboat-dotted coastline and dramatic calanques, which are fjord-like inlets carved from white limestone.
- The Provence region. Step inside the Papal Palace, one of the most significant medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Its walls soar more than 160 feet high—former residents relied on that height for protection.
- Paris. Stop for a photo at the Eiffel Tower. We recommend heading to the mid-point of Champ de Mars park for shots that capture the tower’s size with fewer crowds.
8. Switzerland
What makes Switzerland one of the best European countries to visit?
Switzerland’s where German, French, and Italian cultures meet. Alpine peaks, lakeside villages, and slick cities connect via Europe’s most efficient railways.
- Train transportation. Whether you’re taking citywide public transit or hopping aboard a scenic railway like the Glacier Express, efficient and clean train travel is part of the Swiss experience.
- Cheese. Switzerland produces more than 700 cheeses, from extra-hard to soft, cream cheese to melting varieties. Each is regionally produced, meaning you’ll taste something new and distinct wherever you visit.
- Craftsmanship culture. From Swiss Army knives to timepieces by storied brands like Rolex, the Swiss have perfected the art of precision—creating items built to last generations, not seasons.
Three key places to visit in Switzerland
On our A Week in Switzerland, Germany and Austria tour, you’ll spend 48 hours in Switzerland, which is just enough time to see these highlights.
- Zurich. This is where you’ll fly into, so start using your Swiss German by saying phrases like “Gruezi”—the word for “hello”—and “Merci vilmal”—a multilingual way of saying “thanks a lot.”
- Swiss Alps. Mount Pilatus rises 7,000 feet above sea level and is accessible via the world’s steepest cog railway. From the summit, panoramic views reveal a sea of snowcapped Alpine peaks.
- Lucerne. Cross Kapellbrucke, the world’s oldest timber truss bridge, which was built in 1365. Many of the interior paintings depicting Lucerne’s history survived a 1993 fire.
9. Eastern Europe
What makes Eastern Europe one of the top places to visit in Europe?
Eastern Europe was central to the 20th century’s most significant political movements—being here shows how this past shaped each country’s culture.
- World War II history. From Auschwitz to Budapest’s Shoes on the Danube memorial, Eastern Europe’s preserved sites offer powerful encounters with the past that transform how you understand history.
- Unmatched affordability. Your budget stretches further here—a local beer costs just $2-3 and a traditional dinner, like goulash, runs $10-15.
- Thermal baths. Budapest sits atop more than 100 natural hot springs that heat the city’s iconic thermal baths, making it one of the world’s only capital cities where soaking in geothermal waters is part of daily life.
Top cities in Eastern Europe
Our A Week in Eastern Europe: Prague, Krakow & Budapest tour combines four countries and three capitals. Here’s what awaits in each city.
- Prague. Walk down to the Mala Strana district to sip a coffee at a local cafe. Order a turek (Turkish coffee) or videnska kava (Viennese coffee with whipped cream) like a true Praguer.
- Krakow. Pass Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, where the German industrialist transformed his workplace into a sanctuary that saved over 1,200 Jewish lives during the Holocaust.
- Budapest. Head to Fisherman’s Bastion for tip-top photos. This neo-Gothic terrace built in 1902 honors the city’s fishermen defenders, and its seven turrets frame one-of-a-kind views of the Danube.
10. England
What makes England one of the best places to go in Europe?
The parks are sprawling, the world-class chefs wow, and the Tube makes London’s nooks and crannies easily accessible. Need we say more?
- No language barrier. English is the native language, but Brits have their own colorful slang—“Fancy a cuppa?” means “Want some tea?” and “knackered” means “exhausted.”
- Free museums. London hands you the keys to world-class collections at the National Gallery, Tate Modern, and beyond. See the Rosetta Stone and Van Gogh masterpieces without spending a penny.
- Countryside estates. England’s grand historic estates aren’t just for touring. You’ll get to stay on the grounds of Ashridge House, King Henry VIII’s former residence.
Your England tour breakdown
While a bit more than a week, our Highlights of Southern England trip features estates, cities, and countrysides. Save these spots.
- London. Stop by Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the ruling monarch since 1837. Look for the Royal Standard flag flying above. That means the King is home.
- Bath. No visit’s complete without entering this city’s namesake site: the Roman Baths. They’ve stood since the first century A.D., and you can see the ancient pools that are fed by Britain’s only natural hot spring.
- Oxford. Walk the New College and Christ Church campuses, University of Oxford institutions dating back to 1379. Christ Church serves as both cathedral and college—and doubled as Harry Potter’s Hogwarts.
