Europe Escorted Tours & Guided Holidays

Escorted Tours & Guided Holidays to Europe

Scenic beauty, a fascinating artistic heritage and an epic history, all of this and more makes Europe a dream destination for curious travellers wanting a Europe guided tour. Lovely landscapes offer a diverse feast for the eyes, whether you head south to Spain and Italy,  or east to Croatia and Romania or explore some of it's most beautiful islands such as Sicily, Sardinia or Malta. Alternatively, stay closer to home as you explore the French Riviera.

There are so many options and variety on our European tours. Discover the rich historical sites of Turkey - such as the legendary city of Troy or head to warmer climes to find beaches in all shapes and sizes, from dramatic and rugged to golden and idyllic. Then there’s Italy’s Tuscan hills, which are dotted with Cypress trees, while pastel-shaded houses cling precariously to the glorious coastline of Amalfi. And if you want to reach really dizzy heights, a holiday to the Swiss Alps offers jaw-dropping views in every direction. There’s a long list of man-made wonders to consider when choosing your European tour, too. Italy is crammed with treasures from top to toe, with Rome’s Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Florence’s Duomo for starters. The romance of France, and the magnificent Spain’s Alhambra Palace will leave you utterly spellbound. And you’ll wonder how on earth Greece’s Meteora Monasteries were built on towering rocks in the 11th century. The chance to step back in time is never too far away wherever your travels take you, with well-preserved historic treasures around every corner. Delve into the seemingly endless alleyways in Malta, where the Knights of St John would have roamed in the 14th century. Or stroll through Italy’s myriad medieval villages, which stand to this day untouched by time. Ponder life back in 79AD when the well-to-do city of Pompeii was smothered in hot ash by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. And you can walk in gladiators’ footsteps in Roman amphitheatres scattered right across the land. Sightseeing aside, a wonderful way to experience your chosen European holiday hot spot is through its cuisine. A cheese fondue, Kalamata olives, nutty olive oil, sun-ripened tomatoes, fish freshly plucked from the sea, earthy truffles – each country, and each region boasts its own specialities. And nothing quite beats breaking bread with the locals, or drinking a glass of wine in the very vineyard where the grapes were grown.

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Top Trending Tours in Europe

  1. A Week in Andalucia

    This relaxing holiday gives you the chance to unwind and soak up the sun whilst discovering the best of Andalucía.

    • Return flights
    • 7 nights in a 4-star hotel
    • 15 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 7 dinners
    8 days from
    £1,199
    Explore
  2. Amalfi Coast, Pompeii & Capri

    Pastel-coloured villages perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the azure sea - it's this picture-postcard scenery that makes the Amalfi Coast so special.

    • Return flights
    • 7 nights half-board in a 4-star hotel
    • 15 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 7 dinners
    8 days from
    £1,524
    Explore
  3. Pompeii, Paestum & Herculaneum

    Uncover captivating stories, marvel at majestic ruins and wander the well-preserved streets of some of Italy’s most fascinating archaeological sites.

    • Return flights
    • 7 nights half-board in a 4-star hotel
    • 14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners and welcome drink
    8 days from
    £1,499
    Explore

What our customers say...

  1. Another great Travel Sphere holiday.

    My wife and I spend a week at Hotel Aequa in Vico Equense in May 2024. Firstly a big shout out to our superb holiday director Dr Karina, she worked extremely hard and looked after us all superbly. She has a world class knowledge about archeology and a very detailed understanding of the area which is exactly what we needed. She seemed to know everyone and everyone seemed to know Karina! A special mention to our amazing hotel staff who did an amazing job. The manager, together with Karina and my wife arranged for a cake to celebrate my 55th birthday and even a bottle of champagne, which was left in our room. This is my fifth holiday with Travel Sphere and we can’t recommend them highly enough.

  2. Travelsphere ~ 10 out of 10

    I would certainly recommend a Travelsphere holiday to anyone who was considering a coach tour. They are very well organised and the tours are well thought out, the attention to detail is second to none. Our Tour Manager, Aideen was fabulous, she helped to make our holiday really special. She has a genuine passion for what she does and really cares about her clients having the best possible holiday.

  3. Everything as advertised

    Everything as advertised. Hotel location excellent and food great and very varied and catered for all tastes. Excursions well organised with experienced guide.Roses is a delightful resort, so relaxed and a relief from the hurly burly of other resorts further south.Be prepared for 1 to 2 hour coach journeys to reach the little trains, but well worth it.Travelsphere have got this one well organised and value for money. Appreciated free wines by the bottle and not the glass with evening meal!

An outstanding holiday The holiday was packed with exactly the activities we wanted. Everything was planned and organised by an outstanding guide, so all we had to do was turn up and be taken to the next activity!

Stevel Neal

Europe Touring Holidays Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tours to Europe

Europe has an array of exciting destinations from Italy to Turkey to Croatia and many more, here's some good tours for you to choose from.

Italy has so much to offer from the colosseum to Pompeii to Venice – all locations you definitely won’t want to miss! To cover all these you will need to take the Grand Tour of Italy. 15 days exploring the country from Venice to Catania, Rome, Sorrento and Sicily on route!

Turkey tantalises the senses on our Treasures of Turkey holiday. You’ll go from the hustle and bustle of the grand bazaar to watching the sunset with wine in hand at Love valley, enjoying archaeological sites, mosques and hot springs along the way.

If the medieval era is your thing then our Discover Romania and enchanting Transylvania tour will be right up your street. You’ll visit Sibiu, with its 14th century Lutheran Cathedral. Go to Sighisoara, the birthplace of one of Transylvania's most notorious sons, Vlad the Impaler – the real-life inspiration for Dracula and of course you’ll stop off at Bran’s Castle itself! (better known as Dracula’s Castle) and visit a 300-year-old monastery – still home to several monks in Bucharest.

If island hopping is more your dream holiday then our Croatian Island hopping tour may float your boat. Travelling from Split to Solta and back again, on our luxury ship solely for our group! You’ll enjoy kayaking around the walls of Dubrovnik, swimming in secluded coves, bobbing around in an inflatable, and discovering interesting facts like ancient methods of air-conditioning, all accompanied by laughter and cheerful chatter of your shipmates!

What are the highlights of Europe

There is so much to see and enjoy across Europe from Germany’s architecture, to Frances artistic attractions and an array of historical sites in Italy.

Key attractions not to be missed on your tours are:

Italy – The Colosseum, built in AD 70-80 using travertine, limestone and volcanic rock, seating over 80,000 spectators, it was most famously known for its gladiator fights but it was also the arena for re-enactments of famous battles and executions. More remarkably, it was also the set for simulated sea battles! The arena would be filled with water so vessels could float in during the shows and drained rapidly afterwards.
Equally as interesting is the engineering behind this theatre. It had a retractable awning to protect its spectators from the bad weather! Also hidden beneath the colosseum was a warren of tunnels and cells which held the gladiators and animals captive before they were sent to fight.

Another site not to miss in Italy is Pompeii – a 440,000 square meter town that was tragically engulfed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Approximately 10 percent of the population died and the city was buried under lava and volcanic ash. The lava preserved the town which means you can walk the streets and see the well-preserved buildings such as the Lupanare (brothel), and thermopolium (the Roman equivalent of fast food).

France - The famous Eiffel Tower, at the centre of Champ de Mars in Paris, built to be the entrance to the World's Fair in1889.This world famous structure has not always been admired though, in fact Engineer Gustave Eiffel was greatly criticised by locals, calling it a monstrosity! Never did he or they imagine quite how successful and important a structure it would be today, with its 81 floors of exhibits, viewing decks, cafes and gift shops.

Venice – The floating city. A romantic location with over 118 islands connected by the canals that run through Venice. Grab a gondola and sit back, relax and take in the scenery.

Romania – Dracula’s Castle - Bram Stoker’s 1897 Gothic, horror novel Dracula may be imaginary, but the castle isn’t. It was the real life setting of the sinister novel and is located just outside of Brasov in Romania. Officially known as Bran Castle it includes all the weapons and armour that is mentioned in Bram’s book. As for the blood-sucker himself, Bram used Vlad the Impaler as his muse. A ruler who was notorious for brutal torture and demise of in excess of 10,000 people during his reign.

Turkey – Turkey has an array of wonders to offer from Mosques to palaces, to hot springs and the famous bazaars

What is the food like in Europe?

There is so much delicious food to be tasted across Europe and such a variety from one country to another. From delightful seafood in Portugal, Greece and Croatia to perfect pasta dishes in Italy and world-famous desserts in Austria.

While in Romania you can try stuffed cabbage rolls and in Turkey, anyone with a sweet tooth must try the ancient, traditional pastry dessert of baklava.

There really is something for everyone. 

Be Inspired to Travel to Europe

  1. 30 Facts about Croatia You Didn’t Know

    Let’s look at some le­sser-known facts about this fascinating nation that will intrigue seasoned travel­lers and those about to make their first trip to this compelling destination.

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    Discover when it's best to visit Spain in this handy guide. You'll find out about Spain's weather, celebrations and much more.

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  3. Taormina & Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy

    Seductive Sicily

    Bursting with cultural treasures and boasting a quite extraordinary and evocative landscape the splendours of Sicily are sure to seduce you.

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Destinations in Europe

  1. The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

    Turkey

    Sitting astride two continents, a position that has given rise to a culture that reflects both East and West, our holiday packages to Turkey show a country where European aspirations mix comfortably with Asian traditions. With a heritage stretching farther back than the Byzantine Empire and even the Trojan War, the country we now know as Turkey has seen some of the most important events in all of human history.

    Turkey
  2. Tree silhouette , Northern Lights, Finland

    Finland

    From winter magic to irresistible summers; wild beauty to contemporary culture, you can expect vitality and excitement whenever during the year you visit Finland. Known as Suomi to the locals, Finland’s scenic landscapes are nothing short of extraordinary; whether you fancy photographing your way around fabulous parks or taking in beautiful coastline dotted with islands, we're sure you'll be able to indulge your nature-loving side.

    Finland
  3. Colourful clock tower in St. Tropez, France

    France

    France is a fantastic place for a holiday. Everywhere you go, there’s something new and exciting to experience. Here no two regions are the same, and whether you prefer captivating countryside chateaus or stylish seaside resorts, you're all but guaranteed a good time. Plus, there’s the added benefit of not having too long a journey; at its shortest, France lies just 20 miles off the coast of Kent and is easily accessible using all major transport methods.

    France
  4. Croatia

    An escorted tour to Croatia offers the opportunity to discover a country that has, in recent times, become one of the most popular destinations in Europe thanks to a rewarding mix of sublime scenery and towns and cities that are positively brimming with history.

    Croatia
  5. Italy

    If you’re looking for a holiday packed with adventure, Italy is where you should go. A land of warmth and beauty, Italy is the place for fine art, fine food and fine living – a toast to the heritage of Europe’s favourite (and only!) boot-shaped country! Escorted tours of Italy with Travelsphere are an excellent way to make the most of this enchanting destination.

    Italy
  6. Lithuania

    If you want to be enchanted on your holidays, Lithuania is the place to go. Tradition and folklore are deeply ingrained into Lithuanian culture; here, songs, stories and tales only serve to enhance the quietly eccentric vibe that abounds within this beautiful country.

    Lithuania
  7. Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece

    Greece

    Widely regarded as the birthplace of Western civilisation, Greece is an enticing destination for culture vultures and history buffs (though if you're happier taking in beautiful landscapes and exploring new places, you won’t miss out!). An array of archaeological gems offers much insight into this country’s vast and ancient heritage.

    Greece
  8. Malta

    Located in the Mediterranean, Malta offers stunning views at St Paul’s Bay, the Blue Grotto caves, and rich history from Roman to British influences. Enjoy mild climate, explore historic Valletta, and visit Mosta’s remarkable church.

    Malta
  9. Lake Bled, Slovenia

    Slovenia

    Slovenia, a hidden gem in Europe with Travelsphere. Combining natural treasures with charming rustic culture, Slovenia boasts snow-capped peaks, turquoise-green rivers, and a Venetian-style coastline. Enjoy medieval centers, Lake Bled's beauty, and Baroque Ljubljana. Wine tasting and escorted tours ensure a memorable holiday.

    Slovenia
  10. Lake and mountain range in Austria

    Austria

    The stuff of fairy tales, Austria is famously beautiful. Characterized by mountain villages, baroque architecture, Imperial history and rugged Alpine terrain, no other country waltzes so elegantly between the urban and the rural mode of life.

    Austria
  11. The Royal Castle in Warsaw, Poland

    Poland

    Poland offers stunning landscapes with woods, rivers, lakes, and hills. Its history spans over a millennium, dotted with World War II monuments. Discover Warsaw's vibrant energy, from Castle Square to St John's Cathedral. Drive along the Royal Route and visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

    Poland
  12. Northern Lights, Norway

    Norway

    Norway, famous for its majestic mountains and gleaming glaciers, is a captivating destination. Tromsø offers cultural delights and proximity to the Arctic Circle, featuring the Polaria Museum and the Aurora Borealis.

    Italy
  13. Spain

    Experience the magic of Spain with and explore captivating castles, historic cities, and Moorish architecture. Tour Andalucia, ride through the Pyrenees, and visit whitewashed villages. Savor tapas in renowned bars and enjoy Spain's Mediterranean climate

    Spain
  14. Switzerland

    Experience Switzerland's serene beauty and vibrant culture on our expertly crafted tours. From majestic mountains to pristine alpine lakes, Switzerland offers unrivalled snowy slopes and scenic rail journeys. Immerse yourself in the local way of life and discover all Switzerland.

    Switzerland
  15. Portugual

    Portugal boasts picturesque landscapes and historic architecture from the 1500s–1800s. Known for fine cuisine and warm hospitality, it offers sun-kissed beaches and the vibrant capital, Lisbon. Join us for an unforgettable Portugal tour, blending rural charm with urban delights.

    Portugal
  16. Transylvania castle

    Romania

    Experience Romania's breathtaking landscapes, from rugged mountains to rolling hills. Explore historic stone churches and vibrant cityscapes. Uncover Transylvania's timeless towns and legendary Dracula's castle. Our guided tours reveal medieval villages, fairy-tale forests, and ancient abbeys. Engage with locals supporting charitable causes.

    Romania