9 inspiring women’s tours
Want to forge lifelong female friendships as you travel the world? Our women’s tours are intentionally crafted to foster connections and cherished memories with other inspiring women like you.
On our nine EF Go Ahead Tours for Women, you’ll embrace new experiences alongside women who share your curiosity about the world and craving for meaningful connection. Grab your sister, best friend, grandma, niece—you get the picture—and embark on made-for-you experiences on one of our women’s tours.
These carefully curated itineraries are some of the best trips for women, offering opportunities to connect, explore, and make memories that last a lifetime. (You can also opt to embrace a solo journey and forge bonds on one of our solo female travel tours.) Dig into our exciting Tours for Women, which were created with women in mind, and which were designed to foster connections while supporting women farmers, winemakers, and artisans around the world.
1. France: Paris, pastries, and perfumeries
Visit on: France for Women: Paris, Loire Valley & Champagne Region →
From Joan of Arc’s bravery to Madame Clicquot’s ingenuity (she is the grande dame of Champagne after all!), you’ll toast to the women who’ve shaped France’s story—all while exploring the glittering lights of Paris and the storybook hills of the Loire Valley. On our France for Women: Paris, Loire Valley & Champagne Region tour, you’ll experience the country’s most beloved icons in Paris and beyond while connecting with fellow female travelers who share your passion for art, history, and a well-paired glass of wine.
Women-focused experiences on this tour
- Uncover the artistry behind France’s world-famous desserts. Join a woman-led pastry workshop in Paris to learn the techniques behind classic French pastries—specifically macarons!—and sample your sweet creations alongside your tourmates. (We think the best trips for women should always include something sweet.)
- Walk in the footsteps of Joan of Arc as you visit sites tied to her remarkable story, from the city of Orleans, where she led French forces to victory, to the Royal City of Loches, where she persuaded Charles VII to claim his crown. Along the way, trace the legacy of the young heroine who helped shape the soul of France.
- Raise a glass to Madame Clicquot, the pioneering widow who transformed the world of Champagne. On a private tour of Veuve Clicquot’s UNESCO-listed cellars in Reims, learn how her innovation and determination built one of the most celebrated Champagne houses in history. Then, toast to her spirit of innovation at a private Champagne tasting.
- Create your own fragrance in the world’s perfume capital. Extend your tour to the French Riviera to discover the art of scent-making in Grasse, where perfume became both craft and cultural symbol. Here, you’ll learn traditional distilling and conditioning techniques from a female perfume expert and create your own custom Eau de Cologne to take home as a sweet-smelling reminder of your time on our group Tours for Women.
2. Japan: Artistry, serenity, and finding your Zen
Visit on: Japan for Women: Tokyo, Ise-Shima Peninsula & Kyoto →
Japan is a place where innovation and tradition live side by side, and serene temples sit alongside bustling neon streets. On our Japan for Women: Tokyo, Ise-Shima Peninsula & Kyoto tour, you’ll uncover the country’s artistic spirit, savor its culinary heritage, and connect with local women who keep centuries-old customs alive—all while sharing these once-in-a-lifetime experiences on one of the best trips for women. Whether you’re joining as part of a group Tour for Women or traveling independently on one of our solo female travel tours, you’ll find a welcoming community of like-minded women throughout your journey.
Women-focused experiences on this tour
- Meet Japan’s legendary ama pearl divers. In the Ise-Shima region, sit down to a freshly grilled seafood lunch prepared by the remarkable female free divers who have harvested from the sea for generations. Hear their stories, learn about their lives, and take part in a pearl and sea glass jewelry workshop, crafting your own necklaces, inspired by their ocean-centered way of life.
- Learn about the women who shaped Kyoto’s legacy. On a guided sightseeing tour, explore temples, shrines, and artisan workshops that illuminate the resilience and artistry of Kyoto’s women—from the temple founded by a devoted wife to the intricate weaving traditions preserved by female craftspeople.
- Cook up a classic at a women-owned culinary studio. Add the optional Kyoto Ramen Cooking Class & Dinner excursion to your tour to learn the secrets of this beloved Japanese dish. Under the guidance of expert female chefs, you’ll make noodles from scratch, craft your own savory broth, and enjoy your handmade ramen alongside your fellow travelers. Whether you’re seeking solo women’s travel or traveling with a group, it’s the perfect way to bond with your tour mates on our group Tours for Women.
- Find your Zen. Tap into your unconscious mind during a guided Zen meditation at a local Buddhist temple in Kyoto. After coming back to the present, you’ll tour the temple’s grounds, then taste some matcha. This finely ground green tea boasts an earthy flavor and has been used by monks to hone their focus during meditation, but the ritual of crafting a perfect cup also has deep ties to Buddhism, which you’ll learn about as you taste. Try pairing your sips with a wagashi, or traditional Japanese sweet, to heighten the taste of both the sweet treat and earthy matcha.
3. Spain and Portugal: Coastal views, wine tastings, and pasteis de nata
Visit on: Spain & Portugal for Women: Madrid, Seville & Lisbon →
The Iberian Peninsula is a delight for every traveler—think breathtaking beaches, sprawling vineyards, colorful villas, and UNESCO-listed historic districts. On our Spain & Portugal for Women: Madrid, Seville & Lisbon tour, nature-loving adventurers and Baroque art-seekers alike have a haven. Take in the countries’ must-see sights while bonding with your all-women travel group and gleaning expert insights from your Tour Director. You’ll also have some free time to follow your heart’s desire, like strolling around the storied Alfama neighborhood, one of our favorite places in Lisbon.
Women-focused experiences on this tour
- Snap a picture with the statue of Clara Campoamor, considered the mother of Spain’s feminist movement, while sightseeing highlights like the Royal Palace and the Neoclassical Liria Palace around Madrid with your local guide.
- Enjoy wine tasting at Bodegas Coloma while viewing the sprawling vineyards of Extremadura. Winemaker Amelia Coloma runs the winery with her two siblings, and she’s involved in every step, from tending the vineyard to selecting the best grapes.
- Shop one-of-a-kind handmade crafts at A Avo Veio Trabalhar (meaning “Grandma Came to Work”). This intergenerational creative hub is made up of mostly senior women who create goods like pillows, doilies, quilts, and stuffed animals—each handmade with love and care by “granny.” You’ll meet one of the workshop’s representatives and learn more about their mission and community.
- Learn to make pasteis de nata at the women-run Lisbon Cooking Academy. When you join our optional Portuguese Pastry Cooking Class excursion, expert chefs will teach you how to make Portugal’s beloved custardy treat, but crafting this iconic dessert is just one of the culinary techniques you’ll get to take home. (Check out other delicious bites you should taste while in Portugal.)
4. Ireland and the United Kingdom: Literary legends, British suffragettes, and revolutionaries
Visit on: Ireland, England & Scotland for Women: Dublin to Edinburgh →
Beyond lush landscapes, notable historical sites, and influential culture, Ireland and the United Kingdom are known for their hospitable people skilled in “the gift of gab” (the pub scene is famous for a reason!). On our Ireland, England & Scotland for Women: Dublin to Edinburgh tour, you can share a pint with your new female travel-mates-turned-besties at cozy spots like Stag’s Head, one of the best pubs in Dublin, before continuing on to explore England and Scotland. Or, check out our solo traveler’s guide to Scotland for more of the best things to do during your free time.
Women-focused experiences on this tour
- Admire Dublin’s Rosie Hackett Bridge and Constance Markievicz statue—sites honoring two revolutionary women of the Irish Citizen Army. Your guide will tell you all about the impact they made on women’s rights and Irish history as you take in panoramic views of the city.
- Immerse yourself in literary history at the former home of the Brontë sisters. On our optional Literary Yorkshire excursion, you’ll see where authors Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë wrote some of their greatest works, such as “Jane Eyre,” “Wuthering Heights,” and “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall,” respectively.
- Hear tales of Scottish women on a visit to the Scottish Storytelling Centre. You’ll be regaled with stories from past to present during a guided sightseeing tour of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s old town.
- Learn the legacies of British suffragettes on a guided walking tour of London. If you opt to join the tour’s London extension, you’ll visit the Millicent Garrett Fawcett Statue, Women of World War II Monument, and Edith Cavell Memorial—which honors the British WWI nurse who helped more than 200 Allied soldiers escape German-occupied Belgium. End your walking tour at the monument of accomplished author Agatha Christie.
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5. Italy: Pasta, wine, and amore
Visit on: Italy for Women: Rome, Tuscany & the Italian Lakes →
When it comes to the historical sites, art, and architecture that get travelers’ hearts racing, there aren’t many places that beat Italy. And who can forget Italy’s food and wine? On our Italy for Women: Rome, Tuscany & the Italian Lakes tour, you’ll enjoy eating your way through the country’s most iconic cities with a built-in social community of fellow female foodies.
Women-focused experiences on this tour
- Dive into the intriguing world of women who made their mark on the Roman Empire with an expert guide on our optional Women of Renaissance Rome excursion. You’ll uncover the many roles these women played, from influential courtesans to cunning noblewomen, forging the path to where Italian women are today.
- Taste tantalizing Tuscan red wines at Casato Prime Donne in Montalcino, the first Italian winery staffed entirely by women. Descended from generations of winemakers, the owner and founder, Donatella Cinelli Colombini, created a space to employ women, reduce gender discrimination, and prove that producing fine wines depends on passion and talent that everyone has in equal measure.
- Whip up a traditional Bolognese dinner with the guidance of professional chef Federica Frattini. You’ll make pasta from scratch at Podere San Giuliano, the agriturismo where Federica will teach you recipes passed down from her nonna. Psst... want to try making one of her recipes now? Check out this Bolognese ragu recipe she shared with us!
6. Greece: Goddesses, wine-makers, and nuns
Visit on: The Greek Islands for Women: Athens, Rhodes & Crete →
Can you think of a better destination for one of our women’s tours than the home of ancient Greek goddesses? Athens has thousands of years of history for you to explore on foot, and the Greek islands evoke the “Mamma Mia!” fantasy of white sand beaches, lifelong female friendships, and, of course—dancing queens! Feel breezy and carefree while swimming, admiring sunsets, and people-watching on our The Greek Islands for Women: Athens, Rhodes & Crete tour.
Women-focused experiences on this tour
Set out on a walking tour of Athens, starting at the Melina Mercouri Memorial that honors the activist, singer, actress, and politician who paved the way for Greek women in the 20th century. Finish your morning with a walking tour of the Parthenon, including temples dedicated to goddesses Athena and Nike.
Bite into homemade sweets and meet the women of Apolloniatisses, a women’s agritourism cooperative. Traditional sweets (such as melekouni, Rhodes’ most famous dessert) are prepared on-site and made with aromatic flavors, like thyme-infused honey, sesame seeds, and citrus.
Sip wine at Domaine Paterianakis, a woman-run Cretan vineyard where you’ll enjoy a sommelier-led tasting of fine vintages, such as: kotsifali, a red grape indigenous to Crete; mandilaria, another red grape grown throughout the Greek Isles; and malvasia, a white, Mediterranean varietal used in everything from dry whites to dessert wines.
Add the extension to meet with nuns of a Meteora monastery and learn about the tenets and traditions of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. They’ll tell you about the beliefs followed by this branch of faith, the daily lives of initiates, and the work monks do at the monasteries.
7. Peru: Ancient culture, world-renowned coffee, and handcrafted textiles
Visit on: Peru for Women: Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu →
Peru is filled with wonder from mystical Machu Picchu to the vast Colca Canyon; it’s a place people go to connect with nature and themselves. Whether that means reconnecting with old friends on one of the best trips for women or getting to know yourself better on one of our solo female travel tours, you’ll do that and more on our Peru for Women: Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu tour.
Here, you’ll explore diverse corners of the country, from the floating islands of Lake Titicaca to the impressive heights of the Andes Mountains. You’ll come away with a deep love and appreciation for Peru, its people, and the friendships forged with your fellow female travelers.
Women-focused experiences on this tour
Visit the Larco Museum for a guided tour connecting the lives of women in Peru’s ancient cultures with the impressive collection of pre-Columbian art while visiting the coastal city of Lima.
Refuel after sightseeing with a cup of coffee from Florencia y Fortunata Cafe, a woman-founded specialty coffee shop in Cuzco. From sourcing beans from women-owned farms to only employing female baristas, the cafe empowers women in each step of the coffee-making process.
Watch women weavers create traditional textiles at Awamaki, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing economic opportunities for women in the Sacred Valley. You’ll get to try out their techniques as you weave your own bracelet at this Education First partner organization.
8. Egypt: Poets, pharaohs, and songbirds
Visit on: Egypt for Women: Cairo & Nile River Cruise →
Women have long shaped history in the land of the pharaohs, from Queen Hatshepsut to Nefertiti to Cleopatra. On our Egypt for Women: Cairo & Nile River Cruise tour, you’ll experience their impact alongside fellow female travelers. Your Tour Director—a trained Egyptologist—will make Egypt’s history come alive in all the ways a guidebook never could. (Psst... see the reasons we think Egypt should be on every solo traveler’s list.)
Women-focused experiences on this tour
See the mausoleum of Shajar al-Durr, Egypt’s first and only sultana (or female sultan), on a guided tour of old Cairo. As you sightsee through the city, you’ll learn how Egyptian women’s lives have evolved from ancient times and hear about international icon Umm Kulthum, an actress and songwriter praised as one of the greatest singers of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. You’ll also learn about Doria Shafik, a poet and activist whose efforts brought women’s suffrage to the Egyptian constitution.
Meet the furry faces of some of Luxor’s working animals at Animal Care in Egypt, known as ACE. This women-founded organization provides free medical care for animals, like donkeys and horses, that communities depend on for their livelihood. They also provide education on animal welfare. You’ll meet a representative to hear about ACE's mission and see some of the animals in their care.
Extend your trip to Jordan, where you’ll visit Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Cooperative, an organization aiming to reverse the high unemployment rate of Jordanian women. Enjoy lunch prepared by your hosts, then see how the women create olive oil soap and greeting cards from recycled paper.
9. Thailand: Monasteries, tea gardens, and elephant sanctuaries
Visit on: Thailand for Women: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Krabi →
The Land of Smiles will have you grinning from ear-to-ear as you take in grand palaces, vibrant night markets, and postcard-worthy views all around. Plus, you’ll get to visit an elephant sanctuary—how could you possibly do that without cracking a smile? On our Thailand for Women: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Krabi tour, you’ll explore the bustling capital of Bangkok, the serene mountains of Chiang Mai, and the sparkling shores of Phuket island while making cherished memories with the women in your group.
Women-focused experiences on this tour
- Enter Songdhammakalyani Monastery—the country’s only all-women Theravada Buddhist priory. Per a 1928 law, it’s still illegal for women to be ordained in Thailand, so these dedicated women traveled to other countries to be initiated. Sit down with some of the monks to hear their stories and understand life in the nation’s first all-female monastery.
- Visit the Araksa Tea Garden (one of the oldest in the country), where you’ll explore part of the 111-acre property, tour the factory, and enjoy a steamy cup with treats at the tea house. Traditionally, women make up the bulk of the leaf-picking workforce, and the company empowers its neighbors by employing many women from local Akha, Hmong, and Lisu hill tribes.
- Marvel at traditional Laotian silk handicrafts at Ock Pop Tok Weaving Craft Center when you join the extension to Laos. This women-owned and women-run social enterprise was founded to promote and preserve Laos’ textile traditions and help local women achieve careers as skilled artisans. You’ll see how they create these intricate works from start to finish—or, in other words, from silk worm to cloth.
