Europe Transformative Tours & Trip Packages

Europe Transformative Tours & Trips

8,012 Europe trips. Tours from 583 tour companies. 19,725 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

171 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Transformative
Iceland Northern Lights & Golden Circle
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Blue Mountains, Geysir, Gullfoss, Reykjavík, Solheimajokull Glacier, Thingvellir National park

Highlights

  • Explore iceland's glaciers and waterfalls
  • Keep your eyes peeled for dazzling displays of the northern lights
  • Explore the golden circle and meet the famous icelandic horse

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Local Living Italy—Amalfi Coast Winter
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Amalfi Coast, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento

Highlights

  • Get cozy at an agriturismo on the amalfi coast
  • Hike the famous "path of the gods"
  • Explore chic resort towns and historic villages
  • Savour delicious home-cooked italian food made from local ingredients
  • Enjoy having the amalfi coast to yourself during the off season

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Local Living Croatia – Southern Dalmatia
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Croatia, Dubrovnik, Kona

Highlights

  • Relax at a rustic farm villa with friendly croatian hosts
  • Sample local wines and olive oil
  • Cycle through the rural countryside
  • Cook traditional fare alongside a croatian family
  • Explore the walled city of dubrovnik

Themes

Education / Learning, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Baltic Adventure
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Helsinki, Paris, Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius

Highlights

  • Explore the charming and enigmatic baltic countries
  • Ride a bike around the coastal dunes of lithuania's curonian spit
  • Picnic in beautiful riga
  • Live like a local on a farm in estonia
  • Wander the charming streets of helsinki

Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Local Living Italy—Tuscany San Gimignano
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Florence, Rome, San Gimignano, Siena

Highlights

  • Share an apartment in our local friend ugo's home
  • Eat delicious tuscan cuisine and sample regional wines
  • Stroll the lanes of medieval san gimignano
  • Walk along the beautiful tuscan countryside
  • Make new friends at your home away from home

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Absolute Turkey: Winter
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Acropolis, Antalya, Bergama, Çanakkale, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Istanbul, Konya, Pamukkale, Troy

Highlights

  • Discover historic cities and explore the ancient ruins of ephesus
  • Marvel at the extraordinary scenery of cappadocia
  • Enjoy dinner in a local family home

Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Budapest to Istanbul
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bucharest, Budapest, Istanbul, Romania, Sofia

Highlights

  • Discover the rich and varied culture of eastern europe
  • Visit 'dracula's castle' and charming slavic villages
  • Explore the spectacular cities of budapest and istanbul

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Train & Rail Journeys, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Best of Georgia & Armenia
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Georgia, Tbilisi, Yerevan

Highlights

  • Set eyes on the stunning caucasus mountains
  • Tour ancient monasteries
  • Stroll narrow streets in tbilisi
  • Savour under-the-radar delicious food and wine in georgia

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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171 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Europe Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
19,725  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

We picked this trip to pack the best of five countries we had never previously visited into two weeks, and were not disappointed. The tour gave us a taste of everyt...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

Fast-Tracking Central Europe

We all met up in Prague, a lovely city, and very soon (too soon!) found ourselves in Bratislava. Supposed to be the smallest of the capital cities that we saw, Brati...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

HIGHLIGHTS OF CENTRAL EUROPE

I enjoyed this trip very much.  It was my third Exodus trip and I pretty well knew what to expect.  We had a very good group, all very good to travel with....

Write a Review

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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