Europe Tours

From the sun-kissed beaches of Greece to the glorious art of Florence; from the snow-capped Austrian Alps to the pomp & pageantry of London, Europe's infinite variety of people, places, and traditions are the perfect setting for a journey that both celebrates and educates.
Capture the flavor of the cities and the beauty of the countryside; climb the Eiffel Tower then bask under the Grecian sun; sample the delicacies and specialties of Germany, England, and Switzerland...
Europe, in all its splendor, awaits.
See the greatest monuments and discover the tiny corners of Europe--let this be your year for discovering the essentials.

Important Destinations in Europe

England

England is a country of great contrast and diversity with incredibly diverse countryside, arresting cities and picturesque towns and villages. It is the largest and most peopled country of the United Kingdom. Housing an unrivalled legacy in the fields of theatre, literature and architecture, England has one of the richest traditions of theatre and literature in the world. Stately homes and fine churches and cathedrals dot the country. Because of its colonial past, England is a veritable treasure trove of masterpieces from every age and every continent. The city is characterised by happening city life, old-fashioned customs and progressive culture, mediterranean beaches and great mountains. England's largest city, London, is also the capital of the United Kingdom is also the political, cultural and economic capital of the city. London is an exciting capital city, famed for first class culture, fascinating history and pageantry, its world-class restaurants and theatre.

Switzerland - 'Europe's alpine miniature'

Small, mountainous and wealthy, with a population of just seven million, Switzerland is renowned for its enviable quality of life in a country that ticks along like clockwork. Its products are sought after the world over, from dangerously delicious cheese and chocolate to luxurious watches whose timekeeping is as sharp as a Swiss army knife, another popular export from this clever, little nation in the Alps.

Switzerland's famed political neutrality and isolated location, ring-fenced by mountains, have enabled it to play a safe but central role in European affairs. These factors also gave rise to the coveted Swiss bank account, whose anonymity, along with tax relief and what may be the safest banks in the world, have made Zürich one of Europe's major financial hubs. The conveniently central location in the middle of Europe has also made Switzerland a favourite meeting place for conventions and international conferences - Geneva, for instance, is home to the United Nations.

Switzerland is not only a place for professionals, though. As a stylish tourist destination it offers top ski resorts like Zermatt and celebrity-studded St Moritz, while the white-peaks of mountains set against blue skies make a wonderful backdrop for summertime hiking. The ancient capital of Berne provides opportunities for sightseeing and elegant shopping, while nightlife can prove to be a lot of fun, too, since the Swiss like their food and folk music even in discotheques and nightclubs.
France - 'An enlightened way of life'

It's hard to generalise about France - as Charles de Gaulle once remarked, 'how could one describe a country which has 265 kinds of cheese?' Yet there is something about this magnificent land which draws millions of francophiles back year after year for a taste of la vie française.

Could it be the chic boulevards of Paris, the sparkling ski slopes of the Alps, sunlit vineyards and sun-baked beaches, a dusty game of boules, or coffee and croissants in an undiscovered village? Or perhaps it's a tour of the majestic châteaux of the Loire that appeals, the glamorous jet-set lifestyle of the Mediterranean, or a relaxing picnic in Provence, where the air is fragrant with wild herbs and lavender? Consider also the delights of other lesser-known regions such as Franche-Comté, Gascony or Berry, deep in the green heart of France - regions firmly rooted to the land, whose snoozing villages offer visitors a chance to sample the true douceur de vivre of provincial France.

There is no denying that France is a land of great contrasts, offering an endless choice of enticing destinations, a rich diversity of landscapes, cuisines, climates and peoples, with an exceptional cultural heritage. It's easy to see why the French stay at home for their holidays and why they so felicitously call their country La Belle France.

Italy - 'Sunshine, wine and smart design'

What would it be like to wake in the heart of the Roman Empire, lunch in a sumptuous sixteenth-century Renaissance villa, and go to bed in the capital of twenty-first century designer chic? Visit Italy, taking in Rome, Florence and Milan, and the experience is yours.

But that's not all. Italy combines art history and contemporary fashion with stunning natural landscapes: the turquoise waters of the Costa Smerelda offer one of Europe's most beautiful stretches of sand, sea and sunshine, while the snow-covered slopes of the Dolomite mountains are a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.

Besides the renowned cities of Venice, Genoa and Naples (each with its own unique identity - Italy was only unified in 1870), there are romantic medieval hill towns, such as San Gimignano in Tuscany, and unspoilt fishing villages, like the unforgettable Positano on the Amalfi coast. Visit vineyards and cellars to taste the very best regional wines: The Veneto, famed for the sparkling white prosecco, and Tuscany, home of the highly acclaimed robust red, Brunello di Montalcino. And to really get away from it all, take a boat to the islands of Sicily or Sardinia to experience rural hospitality in the blissful Mediterranean. Italy: still so much more to discover.

Spain - 'Fiesta in the sun'

Mediterranean beaches, sangria in the sun and paella by the plateful. Southern Spain has long been a popular place, but tourists are increasingly turning to the fascinations of another Spain, far removed from the high-rise developments lining the Costa del Sol.

Spain is a treasure chest of unforgettable scenery. Separating Spain from France, the snow-capped Pyrenees, as well as breathtaking views, offer resorts like La Molina and Panticosa with plenty of opportunities for skiing. In the north, the winding rivers and lush, green forests of Galicia present a picture not usually associated with Spain, and in complete contrast to the Moorish influenced south, Galician culture traces its routes to a Celtic origin. Everywhere are reminders of Spain's rich and varied past, from the Alhambra in Granada to Don Quixote's windmills in La Mancha.

Old mixes with new in cities such as Toledo, Barcelona, Salamanca, and the capital Madrid, as celebrated museums, galleries and Baroque churches rub shoulders with blaring bars and thumping discos.

What will never change is the Spaniards' passion for partying. Snack on tapas as you skip from bar to bar, before heading off to enjoy Spain's infamous nightlife. Then revitalise the senses - Spain's cultural heritage brims with flamenco, painting, opera, literature, sport, bullfighting and flamboyant, colourful fiestas.

Bargains abound amid intense airline competition, so there has never been a better time to visit Spain. Just soak up the atmosphere - you won't be disappointed.
Portugal - 'Europe's last best-kept secret'

Portugal is a country of astonishing beauty and diversity, not to mention clear blue skies and friendly, courteous people. Pick any destination and the view from your window might be a rugged stretch of windswept coastline (Cabo do São Vicente, Castelejo, Cabo Espichel), a pristine beach where fishermen mend their nets beside brightly painted sardine boats (Albufeira, Bordeira, Praia do Camilo) or a cobbled street overlooked by dazzling whitewashed houses with wooden balconies and red-tiled roofs.

Portugal is a land of infinite options. You can mingle with the crowds in one of the more sophisticated beach resorts or wander through the medieval quarters of historic cities like Lisbon, Porto, Braga or Coimbra. To explore the more remote beauty spots (car hire is relatively cheap, driving a delight) stay overnight in a romantic pousada - a converted farm, monastery or manor house enjoying a wonderful setting - an amazing bargain. If it's an activity holiday you're looking for, Portugal is one of Europe's premier golfing destinations while the tennis schools are second-to-none. You could try your hand at big game fishing or horse riding, learn how to windsurf or water ski. Other unmissable experiences include Fado (Portugal's answer to soul music), country fairs where centuries old folk traditions are lovingly reenacted, Port wine tastings and mouthwatering fish suppers. Portugal is a country ripe for discovery.