Best European Tour Companies

TREND BLOGERS March 30, 2025

Best European Tour Companies (2024)

If you're planning a trip to Europe, choosing the right tour company can make a huge difference. Here are some of the best European tour operators, categorized by travel style and budget:

1. Guided Group & Escorted Tours (Perfect for first-time travelers & hassle-free experiences)

Trafalgar – Well-organized, culturally immersive group tours.
Globus – Classic European itineraries with experienced guides.
Insight Vacations – Premium, small-group luxury tours.
Rick Steves' Europe – Small groups with in-depth historical focus.
Cosmos – Budget-friendly guided tours covering multiple countries.

2. Small-Group & Adventure Travel (Ideal for active travelers & off-the-beaten-path experiences)

G Adventures – Small-group tours with cultural and adventure focus.
Intrepid Travel – Eco-friendly, sustainable travel experiences.
Exodus Travels – Specializes in hiking, cycling, and wildlife tours.
Backroads – Luxury active tours, including biking and walking trips.
Explore! – Adventure-focused, budget-friendly European tours.

3. Luxury & High-End Tours (Exclusive experiences, private guides, & top-notch accommodations)

Abercrombie & Kent – Ultra-luxury, tailor-made European tours.
Tauck – High-end escorted tours with unique cultural access.
Luxury Gold (by Insight Vacations) – Small-group, 5-star experiences.
Kensington Tours – Personalized, private European travel.
National Geographic Expeditions – Exclusive, expert-led journeys.

4. Budget & Youth Travel Tours (Great for backpackers, students, & solo travelers)

Contiki – Fun, social group tours for ages 18-35.
Busabout – Flexible hop-on-hop-off tours across Europe.
Topdeck Travel – Budget-friendly trips for young travelers (18-39).
EF Ultimate Break – Designed for students and young adults.
Euroventure – Customizable rail travel itineraries.

5. Food, Wine & Cultural Tours (Best for foodies & history lovers)

Secret Food Tours – Local culinary experiences in major European cities.
Devour Tours – Small-group food and wine tours.
Culinary Backstreets – In-depth, authentic local dining experiences.
Walks of Italy & Walks of Europe – History-focused walking tours with expert guides.
Wine Paths – Luxury wine and vineyard tours in France, Italy, and Spain.

6. Self-Guided & Rail Travel Tours (For independent travelers who prefer structured itineraries without a guide)

Railbookers – Custom European rail journeys.
Eurail – Flexible train passes across Europe.
Inntravel – Self-guided walking and biking tours.
Macs Adventure – Self-guided hiking and cycling trips.
Zicasso – Custom-tailored luxury itineraries.

7. River Cruises & Scenic Tours (For relaxed, scenic travel across Europe’s rivers & coasts)

Viking River Cruises – Luxury cruises on the Danube, Rhine, and Seine.
AmaWaterways – High-end boutique river cruising.
Avalon Waterways – Modern, spacious river cruise experiences.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises – Luxurious all-inclusive river journeys.
CroisiEurope – Affordable, family-run European river cruises.

8. History & Heritage Tours (For history buffs & cultural immersion seekers)

Smithsonian Journeys – In-depth historical and cultural tours.
Odyssey Traveller – Educational tours for mature travelers.
Context Travel – Private, expert-led city tours.
Road Scholar – Learning-focused tours for seniors.
Martin Randall Travel – Classical music and art history tours.

9. Specialty & Unique Tours (For niche interests like photography, castles, or war history)

Photography Tours Europe – Workshops in iconic European locations.
Historic Battlefield Tours – WWII and medieval history tours.
Jack the Ripper Tours (London) – Mystery and crime-themed walks.
Dark Rome – Haunted and underground tours in Italy.
Game of Thrones Tours – Filming locations in Ireland, Spain, and Croatia.