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Whether you want an adventure tour, a dose of culture and history or something more relaxing and stress-free, there’s a tour out there for you. In this article we look at five of the best European tour companies currently operating. With excellent reviews and high-quality service , they’re ideal for American travelers who want to explore everything Europe has to offer.
1. Trafalgar
Trafalgar is a well-known name in the travel industry, and has run immersive tours focusing on cultural experiences and local interactions for years. They offer tours across almost every European country, including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy and more.
They set themselves apart thanks to the local experiences offered on each tour. For example, visitors have the chance to dine in a local home or learn about regional lifestyles and traditions firsthand. Their trips are fully inclusive besides flights. Accommodation, selected meals, transportation and a travel group leader are included in the price, ensuring you’ll be in safe hands whichever country or itinerary you choose.
2. Rick Steves’ Europe
Rick Steves is loved across the world, particularly by American travelers. They offer tons of European tour options. While you’ll get to see plenty of famous sights, the tours also encompass lots of sights that aren’t as touristy. Tours aim to have small group sizes and personalized service in destinations such as Italy, Greece and France, meaning you’ll have authentic experiences throughout.
You’ll visit local villages, markets, museums and more along with like-minded travelers. The tours are also very transparent, with no hidden fees, thanks to major costs all being included in the price, from transportation to accommodation and even entrance fees for attractions. Previous travelers give the company nothing but positive reviews, and tour leaders are experts in their fields, meaning they can share knowledge and local gems along the way.
3. G Adventures
For younger travelers or those looking for a more adventurous experience, G Adventures is the company to choose. They’re the go-to operator for thrilling trips that involve exciting, active excursions, such as hiking in the Alps or cycling through Spain. They focus on small-group travel emphasizing sustainable tourism and authentic experiences, with tours spanning from Norway and the Arctic Circle down to Greece, Portugal and Italy on the Mediterranean.
They’re particularly committed to responsible travel, supporting local communities wherever possible and making tours eco-friendly. Plus, they offer both budget and more comfortable accommodation options, and every trip has guidelines on what to expect in terms of fitness levels and activities, meaning you can choose the right option to suit your needs. They also have tours for more off-the-beaten-path destinations if you’re someone looking for an adventure.
4. Contiki
Another adventurous brand popular with younger travelers is Contiki. Their tours are aimed for travelers between 18 - 35 years of age. They offer exciting tours across Europe that are quite active or have party aspects, visiting destinations such as the Greek islands and city hopping around central Europe. Whether you’re alone or with friends, they focus on the social aspect of tours, ensuring everyone makes friends and memories for life.
They have all kinds of itineraries, from short getaways to multi-week adventures across multiple countries. Generally, they’re inclusive of accommodation, transportation and select meals, with standout guides who are carefully chosen for their experience running successful tours in each destination. If you’re in the age bracket, particularly for solo travelers, Contiki is the top choice for exploring Europe at a good price point while making friends.
5. Intrepid Travel
On a similar note, Intrepid Travel offers unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences in Europe with positive. Like their competitors, they’re known for being adventurous, having small group sizes and a commitment to sustainable travel. They have fascinating tours to less popular destinations such as Albania, Georgia and Slovenia, as well as country-hopping trips that allow you to visit multiple places for those who are short on time.
Even better, they have certain themed tours, such as walking tours on the Camino de Santiago and food tours in Italy. Every itinerary includes local experiences and is eco-friendly where possible, so you can travel guilt-free. Examples include staying at locally owned accommodations or dining with locals. You can also be certain your guide will know interesting individuals and share a deep knowledge of each country you visit. Their tours are all reasonably priced and include the majority of Europe.