On our trips to Europe, you can see it all on a sweeping journey across the continent, or get an in-depth look at a certain country that interests you.
That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour. And to make things even easier, you can pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments with AutoPay.
Prep your packing list
While you’re deciding what to take, we’ll be busy arranging your hotels, meals, tickets, and more tour essentials. That’s what going guided is all about.
What our travelers say about their trips to Europe
Unforgettable trip!
09/15/22 by 1st-time traveler Alexandra
After years of wanting to travel to Europe and a pandemic putting travel to a halt, I was very much looking forward to this trip. This tour was more than what I expected to experience and our tour director Steel really went above and beyond to make sure we had a memorable experience. The local guides were great as well and made this trip the first of many I will do with Go Ahead!
This trip was everything we expected and more. Cathal was an amazing tour guide. It was a whirlwind, so be prepared to pack and unpack every day or two, and see a whole bunch of Europe in a very short time. It was my first trip to any of these places and was a great way to be introduced to the continent of Europe. Highly recommended for first time travelers to Europe.
The Grand Tour of Europe coupled with our amazing Tour Director Steel made for a spectacular fun filled first trip to Europe for me. Seeing all of the amazing sites for the first time was jaw-dropping, and the Go Ahead Tour group did a good job making sure everything ran smoothly. I would recommend this trip to all travelers. You really do get your money’s worth with this tour experience.
It’s was an exceptional tour, would highly recommend it if u want to see most of Italy. David our tour guide was the best. He was not only informative but made our trip fun! We will definitely go on another tour!
Our tour of Eastern Europe was outstanding. We had an excellent tour guide who was very knowledgeable of the region, and his knowledge and experience greatly enhanced our trip.
Loved the beauty, history, and culture of this ancient country. The Acropolis was impressive and Mikonos and Santorini provided spectacular views. This was my fifth tour with Go Ahead and was one of the best.
We thoroughly enjoyed our Grand Tour of Ireland! From the jolly welcome dinner til the wonderful last night! We highly recommend this tour! The sites, exhibits, meals, experiences and wealth of imparted information were astounding! Thanks ever so much!
I had a wonderful experience with Go Ahead, they were quick to answer any and all of my questions, and were very prepared with all the quick government changes and making sure we had what we needed.
From start to finish John P. our tour director was amazing. The tour went fast and I learned so much. All the art we saw changed my life as an artist. I’m inspired forever. Thank you go ahead tours.
We did it and it was all so worth it! Go Ahead service was excellent and the safe travel rules were all complied. Hotels, transfers, dinners, places, views, driver, and guide, absolutely outstanding!
We were excited to resume travel after the lock down in Greece. We had a fantastic time, experienced very few crowds and felt very welcome by everyone we met in Greece. Our guide was great, too!
This was my first experience with a tour group and I would 100% do it all again. The whole experience from accommodations to excursions were phenomenal. My tour Director Kurt I would recommend to anyone.
Just returned from our Grand Tour of Europe trip with our family. From the first time we contacted Go Ahead until we stepped on the plane to return home, we were taken care of so well. Our family loved the chance to see so much of the major cities of Europe...
There are plenty of options when it comes to exploring the continent. Some of the most popular destinations to visit on a tour of Europe include Italy, Greece, Spain, and Ireland.
If you're looking for a multi-country trip, you can join our Grand Tour of Europe: London to Rome, for a taste of several destinations. Our team of regional experts is available to help you find the adventure that aligns with your interests.
Europe is a year-round destination with varying climates across its many countries and regions. The best time to visit Europe depends on what type of experience you’d like to have and which destinations you’ll be visiting.
Summer. A popular time to travel to Europe is summer because warm, sunny days lend themselves to exploring the outdoors. In July, the average high temperature in London, England, is in the 70s Fahrenheit—while in Rome, Italy, the average high is in the 80s.
Spring and Fall. Some travelers prefer to travel on our Europe tour packages during the spring and fall because temperatures are more comfortable and popular sites are less crowded.
Winter. A wonderful time to take a European tour is the winter. During this time of year, travelers can stroll through festive holiday markets, visit excellent museums, and settle in for tasty meals of seasonal specialties. To take the stress out of planning a winter trip, we even offer Europe trip packages specifically designed for visiting Christmas markets.
One of the main benefits of joining our guided tours of Europe is having the opportunity to visit must-see sites with an expert leading the way. When you go guided with Go Ahead we’ll help you skip the long lines at popular landmarks. Here are some attractions you’ll get the opportunity to see on our group tours of Europe:
The Colosseum in Rome, Italy
The National Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy
St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy
The Alhambra in Granada, Spain
The Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain
La Sagrada Família church in Barcelona, Spain
The Acropolis in Athens, Greece
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland
The Titanic Museum in Belfast, Northern Ireland
The Hungarian Parliament building in Budapest, Hungary
We recommend you spend at least six days in Europe. While our most popular Europe tours run from 10–14 days, you can enjoy a shorter trip if you limit your tour to one country or visit a handful of cities in neighboring countries.
What country should I visit for my first time in Europe?
With its rich history, vibrant culture, and fantastic food, Italy is a popular destination for your first European trip. But plenty of other countries are worth visiting depending on your interests and concerns about international travel. For example, if the language barrier makes you nervous, Ireland, Scotland, or England make great first-time trips for visiting Europe.
Can I visit more than one country on a Europe tour?
Yes! On our Europe tours, you’ll get the chance to explore multiple countries. Europe’s compact size and efficient transportation network make it easier—and more enticing—to take in numerous countries on one trip.
Experiencing Europe—for the first time or your 10th time—should be all about taking in the culture, the food, the history, and the sheer joy of new discoveries. Imagine doing all that without researching or booking any of these travel essentials. That’s the advantage of our all-in-one tour packages. Every Go Ahead tour includes an expert Tour Director and talented local guides to lead the way, so you can sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty, history, and culture of Europe. No figuring out transportation, researching hotels, or booking flights is required.
How far in advance should I book a trip to Europe?
The typical timeframe to book a trip to Europe is about six months or more. However, there are plenty of benefits to planning even further in advance. On our European tours, you can set up an automatic payment plan, work out what you want to see and do in your free time, and even connect with fellow travelers on our free EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app.
Yes! The holidays are an exciting time to travel on our Europe trips because they offer an exceptional opportunity to visit Europe’s Christmas Markets and to experience countries’ unique holiday traditions. The holidays are a magical time in many European countries, allowing you to soak in the seasonal ambiance, enjoy festive food, and pick up unique gifts.
Thankfully, that’s a tough question to answer, as so many European countries offer delicious food. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference, so you’re sure to find something you love no matter which country you visit. One strong contender for the top spot, however, is Italy.
Best known for its pasta, pizza, cheeses, and gelato, Italy is a foodie’s delight. That’s because the purest expression of Italian cooking relies on farm-fresh ingredients, and the cuisine changes from region to region. Fresh, delicious, and unlike anything you’ve tried outside the country, Italian food never disappoints the palate.
Another foodie's favorite destination in Europe is France. From its boeuf bourguignon to its pain au chocolat, France is known for its world-class culinary scene and timeless favorite dishes. While you’re guaranteed to taste delicious dishes no matter where you travel to France, the type of French food you’ll find depends on the region and season. The north of France features heavier dishes; the south features fresh fish, lean meat, and grilled vegetables.
We recommend packing light for your trip to Europe. One suitcase and one carry-on per person is a good guideline to follow; you should feel comfortable managing your baggage at the airport. After you’ve reserved one of our Europe tour packages, we’ll give you information about how to prepare for your particular trip and even share a packing list in our mobile app.
Sun protection. For all our trips, especially during the summer months in Europe, we recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the sun.
Layers. For tours of Europe, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
Comfortable walking shoes. Because you’ll be exploring new destinations with local guides while on your trip, a comfortable pair of walking shoes is essential. Whether hitting the landmarks of London or on a walking tour of Amsterdam, you’ll be glad you brought your most comfortable footwear.
Dressier attire. You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance on any of our Europe trips.
Full-coverage layers for religious sites. In Europe, it is preferable not to visit churches, temples, or other religious sites with bare legs or shoulders, and entrance may be denied on this basis.
Other must-bring items. A camera to take photos during your journey, and a notebook for jotting down notes or recommendations your Tour Director shares.