Group trips in Europe

Spring (April-June) and early fall (September-October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is best for the Mediterranean coast, while winter is great for Christmas markets and skiing.

A first taste takes 10-14 days focused on 2-3 countries; for a more complete tour across Western, Central, and Mediterranean Europe, plan at least 3-4 weeks.

EU citizens can travel with a valid ID card; visa-exempt non-EU travelers need a valid passport. From late 2026, the ETIAS travel authorization will also be required to enter the Schengen area.

Most EU countries use the euro, but some keep their own currency:

• British pound in the UK
• Swiss franc in Switzerland
• Krona/krone in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway

Check the local currency before you travel.

Among the most popular stops are:

• Paris
• Rome
• Barcelona
• Amsterdam
• Prague
• The Greek islands

But lesser-known gems like Slovenia or Portugal also offer authentic landscapes and experiences.

The rail network is extensive and efficient, ideal for moving between capitals and major cities; for longer routes, low-cost flights are cheap and frequent, while renting a car is convenient for rural areas.

Europe has dozens of official languages. Among the most widely spoken are:

• English
• French
• German
• Italian
• Spanish

English is generally understood in tourist areas.

Budget varies a lot by country: Eastern Europe and Portugal are more affordable, while Scandinavia, Switzerland, and the UK have a high cost of living. On average, plan for $90-160 per person per day for accommodation, meals, and transport.

The climate ranges from Mediterranean in the south (hot, dry summers) to continental in central Europe, up to Nordic and subarctic conditions in Scandinavian countries, with long, cold winters.

Cities like the following are perfect for a 3-4 day weekend thanks to their compact historic centres:

• Barcelona
• Lisbon
• Budapest
• Vienna
• Prague
• Amsterdam

The following are also great for a short getaway:

• Dublin
• Krakow
• Porto
• Bruges

Among the most iconic are:

• Venice Carnival
• Munich's Oktoberfest
• Christmas markets in Strasbourg and Vienna
• Edinburgh Festival in August
• La Tomatina in Buñol
• Cannes Film Festival

Every summer, European capitals also host numerous world-famous music and theatre festivals.

Among the hidden gems stand out:

• Faroe Islands (Denmark)
• Slovenia with Lake Bled
• Albanian Riviera
• Montenegro
• Georgia, on the edge of Europe
• Moldova

Even in popular countries like Spain, France, and Italy there are still undiscovered regions, such as Extremadura, Lorraine, or Basilicata.

Low-cost carriers like the following cover most intra-European routes at competitive prices:

• Ryanair
• Wizz Air
• easyJet

To find the best fares:

1. Book 6-8 weeks in advance
2. Stay flexible on dates
3. Use comparison tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner with price alerts activated

The quintessential romantic classics are:

• Venice
• Paris
• Santorini
• Prague
• Lisbon

For more off-the-beaten-path experiences, consider:

• Tallinn in Estonia
• The Norwegian fjords
• The Scottish lochs
• Provence

The secret is often a slow pace — sunset dinners and aimless strolls through historic quarters.

Cities like the following are beautiful even in winter — far fewer tourists and lower prices:

• Barcelona
• Rome
• Amsterdam
• Dublin

Portugal and the Canary Islands offer mild weather year-round. The Baltic states and the Balkans shine in spring and autumn, with stunning landscapes and more affordable accommodation.

A classic is the Paris–Amsterdam–Berlin triangle with Eurostar and ICE trains. For those with more time, the Venice–Vienna–Budapest–Prague–Berlin route in a week is spectacular.

The Interrail pass is especially good value for under-28s and those wanting flexibility across multiple countries; night trains are also making a comeback on many European routes.