Europe Cycling & Biking, Danube River Tours & Trip Packages

Europe Cycling & Biking, Danube River Tours & Trips

8,075 Europe trips. Tours from 583 tour companies. 19,825 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

8 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
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Cycling & Biking
Danube River
Cycle Central Europe & the Danube
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Budapest, Prague, Vienna, Wachau

Highlights

  • Take an active adventure through Central Europe, cycling leafy paths from the bohemian centre of Prague to the classical vibe of Budapest.
  • Ride alongside the mighty Danube River downstream, passing by romantic riverside castles, picturesque villages and lowland forests surrounding the banks.
  • Take the opportunity to head on an optional brewery tour at the original home of Budweiser: Ceske Budejovice.
  • The perfect mix of cosmopolitan cities, picture postcard towns and traffic-free cycling paths await, with local knowledge to get the best out of each European destination.

Themes

Cycling & Biking

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Cycle the Danube
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna

Highlights

  • Cycle leafy paths from vibrant Vienna to Bratislava and bohemian Budapest
  • Follow the Danube downstream, passing romantic castles, picturesque villages and lowland forests
  • Experience one of Austria's most important archaeological sites, the Roman remains at Carnuntum
  • Marvel at the domed Basilica of Esztergom, reflected in the still waters of the Danube Bend
  • Straddle the borders of Hungary and Slovakia in the historic spa town of Komarom
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Themes

Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Germany & Austria: The Danube River
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Passau, Vienna

Highlights

  • Discover the historic old town of Passau at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers.
  • Stay at comfortable lodges with spectacular river views and hotels brimming with history.
  • Ride along one of Austria’s most famous bike paths, the Ybbs Valley Cycle Trail (Ybbstalradweg), formerly a railroad connecting the Alps with the Danube.
  • Bike on one of Europe’s most well-known bike paths, the EuroVelo 6, along the banks of the Danube combining easy terrain with fabulous views from both sides of the river.
  • Taste the famous white wines of the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley whose vineyards date back to the medieval Roman settlements.

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography

What travelers are saying

"This trip is unbelievably fantastic. Two of the best rides of my life, were on this tour. The guides were very good and this was just the start, when we met them, at the hotel in Cortina. Cortina was the site of the 1956 Olympics, and is a small pretty village. Nothing was open the two nights we were there, so probably bad timing. Hotel was a typical ski village hotel, good Italian/German food, and very comfortable. Second day of biking was up an old railroad spur that is now a ski trail about 15-20 K up to a mountain pass called Cimabanche Pass, which is beautiful. We rode up in a snow storm, then rain, then finally clear skies. This was the number two best ride of my life. Starting out from the hotel in Cortina, up the old spur, through single track bike trails, past babbling brooks, up to this fabulous mountain pass. This is now where the fun starts. Mostly downhill on paved roads very little traffic, at good speeds, through the most spectacular valleys you would ever see on a bike ride. Breathtaking. It had to end back at the hotel for a big dinner. The best ride of my life was the last biking day out of Merano. We were bused up 1500 K, about 85-90 miles to Lake Resia, high up in the Dolomites, then rode around the lake, down, back to Merano. High mountain peaks, many valleys,small towns, many grape growing farms, scenery, the best, and cool brisk weather. This was truly a great bike tour, one I will never forget. The trip is rated easy, but maybe easy/moderate is closer. The Hotel in Merano is excellent, middle of old town, modern, has a thermal bath, rooms were very good. The town of Merano is a must see if in the area, small, beneath the high mountains of the Dolomites, good restaurants, lots of tourists."

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A Cycling Journey: Vienna to Budapest along the Danube River
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna

Highlights

  • Cycle along the scenic paths of the Danube River Valley for an immersion into the cultures of Austria, Slovakia and Hungary
  • Discover the ancient history of Arabian horse breeding during a visit to an equestrian museum and stud farm
  • With a local historian, embark on a walking field trip of the Old Town Bratislava to learn about its history and landmarks

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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Danube River Cruise Biking
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4.9/5 Excellent
74 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Bratislava, Budapest, Linz, Munich, Vienna, Wachau

Highlights

  • Enjoy riding along the Danube Bike Path
  • Discover the Old City in Passau
  • Visit 'Donau Auen' National Park
  • Enjoy a casual bike tour of the main sights and explore Budapest

Themes

50 plus, Cycling & Biking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Butterfield and Robinson just planned and executed a great, great trip for us to the Amalfi coast. All the services and hotels were wonderful and the guides were great fun and and well informed. Many nice surprises along the way and an itinerary we would have had trouble putting together on our own was effortless. All guides were well trained the transportation and drivers were polite and on time. The recommended hotels were amazing. We loved every minute of our vacation."

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Danube River Cruise Bike Tour
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4.8/5 Excellent
62 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Nuremberg, Prague

Highlights

  • With graceful bridges, spires, turrets and abbey towers embellishing its banks, the Danube River guides you through history
  • Experience each grand cityscape as it was historically designed to impress—from the water
  • Enjoy one of our most flexible itineraries—an ideal trip for a range of cycling abilities
  • Experience unforgettable moments like pedaling in Austria's famous Wachau Valley wine region and an evening cruise through Budapest's illuminated cityscape
  • Choose between more miles on your bike or expertly guided tours on foot

Themes

50 plus, Culinary & Wine, Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Until Covid clears, I would steer clear of Backroads. We were partially through their June 2020 Costa Rica tour when a guest tested Covid positive. She and her husband were isolated. The rest of the group were offered wimpy masks. Nobody was offered Covid testing daily and masks were not required of the guests or staff. The guides kept repeating "not in the CDC guidelines." Our group of six decided that the Backroads response was inadequate so returned home mid-excursion. The hotel and food was excellent, but the provided bikes were inadequate. The front derailleurs were poorly adjusted, and most of the riders had the chains come off during the first ride. Hikes or bike rides were conducted in downpours. Disappointed for charging such a premium price."

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Czech Republic & Austria Bike Tour
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4.8/5 Excellent
62 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Český Krumlov, Prague, Vienna, Wachau

Highlights

  • Discover two intriguing countries and cultures in one trip
  • Český Krumlov, charming 13th-century town with twisting lanes and red-tile roofs
  • Enjoy an informal Q&A session with a Czech historian
  • Bike along the fabled Danube River and through Wachau Valley vineyards
  • Austria's picture-perfect villages with onion-shaped church steeples

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking

What travelers are saying

"Until Covid clears, I would steer clear of Backroads. We were partially through their June 2020 Costa Rica tour when a guest tested Covid positive. She and her husband were isolated. The rest of the group were offered wimpy masks. Nobody was offered Covid testing daily and masks were not required of the guests or staff. The guides kept repeating "not in the CDC guidelines." Our group of six decided that the Backroads response was inadequate so returned home mid-excursion. The hotel and food was excellent, but the provided bikes were inadequate. The front derailleurs were poorly adjusted, and most of the riders had the chains come off during the first ride. Hikes or bike rides were conducted in downpours. Disappointed for charging such a premium price."

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Prague To Vienna Biking
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4.9/5 Excellent
74 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Prague, Vienna

Highlights

  • Enjoy the scenery along the Sazava River
  • Explore rural Czech life with a fascinating adventurous ride through Vysocina highlands
  • Experience cycle the delightfully flat paths along the Danube
  • Discover Austria, bike ride through picturesque Waldviertal region.

Themes

18 - 30's, Cultural, Cycling & Biking

What travelers are saying

"Butterfield and Robinson just planned and executed a great, great trip for us to the Amalfi coast. All the services and hotels were wonderful and the guides were great fun and and well informed. Many nice surprises along the way and an itinerary we would have had trouble putting together on our own was effortless. All guides were well trained the transportation and drivers were polite and on time. The recommended hotels were amazing. We loved every minute of our vacation."

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Other trips you may like [sponsored]
Central Europe: Castles, Culture & Capitals
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bratislava, Budapest, Prague, Vienna

Highlights

  • Take a guided tour of the beautiful Old Town in Prague
  • Explore the cobbled streets and quaint squares of Cesky Krumlov
  • Visit the magnificent Lednice Chateau estate, a Unesco-listed masterpiece
  • Sip local wines in a vineyard in Skalica
  • Soak up the majestic landmarks of Vienna on a guided tour
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Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

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Generous cancellation

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Europe Explorer
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Antwerp, Avignon, Bar, Barcelona, Berlin, Berlin Wall, Bratislava, Bruges, Brussels, Budapest, Cinque Terre, Dresden, Florence, Krakow, La Spezia, Luxembourg, Lyon, Pantheon, Paris, Prague, Rome, Tuscany, Vatican City, Venice, Vienna

Highlights

  • Gaudi's modern cathedral, La Sagrada Familia, is like no other building you've ever seen. Still under construction after over 130 years, this Gothic masterpiece embodies Barcelona's artistic and progressive heart.
  • Now one of the world's most artistic and exciting cities, Berlin has a complex history. See remaining fragments of the famous wall that once divided the city in half.
  • Immerse yourself in the bohemian vibes of the Czech Republic, soak up the smooth sounds of jazz at a low-lit bar in Prague and sample locally made pilsners.
  • Enjoy a scenic walk along the banks of the River Danube in Budapest. Threaded with bridges and hemmed in by castles and historic city buildings, Europe’s second longest river is also one of its most beautiful.
  • Feast on mouth-watering seafood along Italy's coast, drink fine wine in Tuscany and indulge in the endless pasta dishes on offer in Rome.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Greece Panorama Adventure
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By Greece Insiders
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Designing original, innovative, and out-of-the-box travel itineraries and incredible personalized service.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Acropolis, Akrotiri, Archaeological Museum of Athens, Athens, Epidaurus, Heraklion, Meteora , Mycenae, Olympia, Santorini, Thessaloniki

Highlights

  • Cook and have lunch with a local family in the Peloponnese
  • Visit the most important archeological sites of Greece
  • Experience a speed-boat Private Tour at the sandy beaches of Crete
  • Hike the Caldera of Santorini
  • End your trip with a cruise witnessing the most famous sunset of Greece

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, Photography, Scuba Diving

What travelers are saying

"Normally, I don't feel like writing reviews, but I felt compelled to do it for Athens Insiders. I made the decision to travel to Athens in the summer of 2012 in order to avoid the commotion that was predicted to result from the Queen's jubilee. As usual, my work kept me busy right up to the last minute, so I ran out of time to do anything fun for my week-long trip. I learned about this young group of tour guides for Athens and its vicinity from a friend. I had a wonderful experience. I got in touch with Daphne, who gave me email recommendations for Athens attractions to see, inquired about my preferences for local cuisine, and then devised an itinerary for my trip. In addition to visiting the typical suspects in Athens (Acropolis, etc.), I also chose to travel to Delhi and spend a night at a campground there. And I had a great time, honestly. We visited the attractions when there were few visitors and spent the busiest times outside of Athens rather than being herded around like cattle. I was taken to incredible tiny eateries (the well-known tavernas), marketplaces, and other regional shops."

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Highlights of Eastern Europe (Vienna, Summer, Classic)
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They really care about everyone's individual needs on each tour and they have an incredible attention to detail.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Budapest: Stroll through the alleys of the Old Town of Buda with a Local Expert.
  • Kraków: The medieval heart of Krakow is rich in legend, a kind of Polish Camelot. Join your Local Expert for an in-depth exploration of this historic Holy Grail.Cross the former Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz to Podgórze and see the Ghetto Square.
  • Kraków: Visit the cathedral atop Wawel Hill, see the castle and look for the iconic dragon, accompanied by your Local Expert.
  • Kraków: Visit the 14th-century St. Mary's Basilica, the most important church in the city.
  • Auschwitz: Experience a powerful and moving visit, with a Local Expert. See the Auschwitz memorial and museum, which bears witness to the terrible atrocities of the Holocaust.
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Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Abul Simbel is a must see add on"

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Real Discovery & Historic Journey in Seville and Granada
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By Iberian Escapes
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
11 reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Delivers exceptional journeys to every client, giving them access to the most authentic and immersive experiences in Portugal,Spain,Morocco,and France
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Granada, Seville

Highlights

  • Seville Culture Walking Tour - "Hidden History: Women of Seville Tour
  • Discovery of Alcazar & Jewish Quarter
  • Excursion to Granada and the mystical Alhambra

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"I have the distinct pleasure of working with Steven at Iberian Escapes as our property manager and host. We moved away from a larger property manager because they couldn't get organized and they never provided accurate accounting - we were frustrated and quickly losing trust. Thankfully, we found Iberian Escapes. Steven met us at our apartment - on time - and he's done everything he said he would. We live in a different country and we needed someone trustworthy and competent. We very much appreciate the honesty, integrity, accurate accounting, and timely communication to us AND our guests no matter the situation. We even heard from some recent guests "you've got a great property manager! He's very responsive and easy to work with" Another guest liked the apartment so much he wanted to stay an extra day. Easy for us, easy for the guest, and all seamlessly coordinated by Iberian Escapes! Highly recommend for property owners looking for a great manager. Also highly recommend finding one of his listings if you're planning on staying in one of the areas he covers! You won't be disappointed."

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8 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Cycling & Biking
Danube River

Europe Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
19,825  Reviews
See all Europe tour reviews
Excellent
8,912
Great
3,229
Average
558
Disappointing
181
Terrible
87
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Brilliant ... but

I will deal with the 'but' first. This is definitely not a 1; leisurely; more a 2, moderate. The distances to walk are comparatively large and the surfaces (cobbl...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

highlights of central europe

An excellent introduction to the countries visited. The tour leader, Peter, plying and explaining the flute. Very pleasant knowledgeable man, with a good sense of ...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

HIGHLIGHTS OF CENTRAL EUROPE

The tour takes in five of Central/Eastern Europe's historic capitals, allowing you to see as much as possible in the  time available. Hotels are good....

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

HIGHLIGHTS OF CENTRAL EUROPE

I was a bit worried about being too long on the bus but the timings were so well organised and during these bleak rainy days of winter I think about how happy I was ...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

Highlights of Central Europe

A great tour around really interesting capital cities and some lesser-known parts of the countries. Prague, Budapest and Vienna in particular were really lovely, esp...

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Europe Tour Selection Trips

  • River cruises are an appealing way to tour Europe in a relaxed mode that offers sightseeing in both atmospheric villages and big cities.
  • Europe is about more than high culture; active Europe tours include cycling in Greece, hiking in the French or Swiss Alps, even walking across England.
  • Point-to-point walking or cycling tours through the countryside are a great way to meet locals along trails, in pubs, or in small town settings.
  • For the truly adventurous, consider tours that include running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain; “mud walking” in Holland; or glacier walking in Switzerland.
  • The “If It’s Tuesday, It Must Be Belgium” rush-rush-through-seven countries-in-a- week bus tours are mostly passé; consider focusing on one or just a few countries at a time.
  • Spain-Portugal; Denmark-Sweden-Norway; Czech Republic-Austria-Hungary; and Belgium-Netherlands are among those countries that make for nice regional tours.
  • While you can see something of Europe in a week, allowing at least ten days to two weeks for one to three countries is more satisfying.
  • Don’t be too concerned with language barriers when booking your tour, since many Europeans now speak English, and your guides can translate when necessary.
  • Many Europeans go on vacation for the entire month of August, so visiting in September or October can be ideal; the weather is cooler, too.
  •  

     

Additional details

Traveling to Europe - ETIAS

Europe is implimenting a new travel authorization system that American travelers will need to enter into Europe’s EU and Schengen Zone. ETIAS, which stands for EU Travel Information and Authorisation System, will charge a fee and check security credentials for travelers visiting for business, tourism, medical or transit purposes.

ETIAS won’t be required until 2022 but there will be a six month grace period which means travelers won’t be required to have approval until 2023.

Read more about traveling to Europe and what the ETIAS means for American travelers.


New Update - Europe Ban

As of July 1, 2020 the European Union has opened their borders to tourists from 15 different countries.

The reopening plan was based on health criteria, and ultimately officials decided to leave the U.S. off the list. The list of countries allowed to enter Europe will be reviewed every two weeks to keep up with the changing reality of coronavirus outbreaks.

Here is the full list of countries that the European Union has opened up to:

  • Algeria
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • China
  • Georgia
  • Japan
  • Montenegro
  • Morocco
  • New Zealand
  • Rwanda
  • Serbia
  • South Korea
  • Thailand
  • Tunisia
  • Uruguay
 
 

Where does the language barrier matter?

One of the most fascinating qualities of Europe is the way that countries so close together, with so much interaction, have maintained strong individuality. This manifests in culture, customs, and of course - language. There are 24 official languages in the EU, but countries both in the Union and outside it often have their own official languages.

Because of this, if you are planning a trip around Europe - you will likely run into a situation where you cannot speak the local language. Don’t worry! Most Europeans can speak more than two languages, and in Western Europe, as well as capital cities, this means many Europeans speak English.

Eastern Europe & Russia

One common concern when traveling to Europe is that there is very little English spoken in Eastern Europe -- this is, however, rapidly changing. As the popularity of destinations like Budapest, Prague, Riga, and Krakow continues to boom, many more young people there are becoming fluent in English.

There are, however, several places where English speakers are a little harder to come by. Four countries where English speakers are uncommon include:

  1. Russia (with the exception of St. Petersburg)

  2. Albania

  3. Rural Spain

  4. Bulgaria

Dialects

As can be expected, there are also countries with specific regional dialects. This is unlikely to be a problem -- but it is something good to be prepared for! For example, even if you are fluent in French, you might not be able to understand Alsatian (spoken in the Alsace region of region, including the city Strasbourg) or Catalan (spoken in the southwestern corner of  France).

Best Winter Family European Vacations

A winter vacation to Europe is a timeless and magical experience, especially when the trip is shared with loved ones. Here are three of the best locations to keep in mind for when you’re planning your next trip for you and your family.

1. Zermatt, Switzerland
Take an alpine tour of Europe to this picturesque town is nestled between the sharp and dramatic mountains. Not only this, but it is at the base of one the Alps’ most famous peaks: the Matterhorn.

Enthusiastic climbers, skiers, and snowboarders will thrill in some of the best skiing Europe has to offer. Afterwards, head back to your chalet and tuck into a steaming mug of Swiss hot chocolate before heading out for a traditional fondue dinner.

2. St. Petersburg, Russia
One of the most popular cities to visit throughout the year, visitors come to St. Petersburg in the winter to beat the crowds and experience a genuine Russian snow. You will be stunned by the sight of the frozen Neva river, and snow piling on the arches of the St. Nicholas cathedral.

When things get too chilly outdoors, take a well earned break by visiting the infamous Russian ballet and opera, or take an educational tour of the Hermitage museum inside of the Winter Palace.

3. Canary Islands, Spain
For families looking to escape the cold, Europe is still a great destination. Consider the Canary Islands, which are located off the coast of West Africa, and are favored with sunbathing weather all year round.

With opportunities to go hiking, jetski, waterski, surf, even sandboard off Gran Canaria’s massive, Sahara-like sand dunes, there are countless ways to have active fun. At night, indulge in the island’s unique cuisine.

Flying to Europe

What with the introduction of so many new budget airlines, many travelers are curious about new flight options to, and around, the continent. With fuel costs low, and the value of the dollar on the rise, trips to Europe are cheaper for Americans than ever before. This interest is increased by the fact that many vacation packages do not include flights, and it is still necessary to book your own. 

Airlines like Ryanair travel within the continent very cheaply, but be prepared to forgo checking in, and airplane tray tables, much less built in TV’s. These budget airlines also have stringent and unique restrictions. For example, Ryanair requires that you check in before arriving at the airport, or you will lose your ticket. Another downside to "flying budget" is that customer service can be very difficult to obtain with these no-frills airlines, and cancellations without any recourse are also relatively common.

If you aren't willing to risk a budget airline, there are still ways to find cheap flights. One good tip is to look airlines fly out of cities that serve as a hub (an example in the U.S. would be the Atlanta airport). Whether you are flying for a Europe tour from the USA, or India, flights from these airports are usually lower in price.   

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