The top 10 most-loved Europe trips to book this Black Friday

Trips to Europe are some of our most sought-after travel experiences. Whether you’re craving art history, ancient ruins, incredible food and wine, designer shopping, or jaw-dropping natural wonders, the best of Europe is guaranteed to inspire every kind of traveler. However, with so many exciting Europe itineraries to choose from, deciding on a destination can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve rounded up the ten Europe tours our travelers love the most. Let these guide you toward your next European vacation.

Plus, to make planning a trip to Europe a little sweeter, these tours are going to be part of our Black Friday deals, meaning your dream trip to Italy or bucket list tour of France might be closer than you think!

2. London, Paris & Rome

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Why you’ll love this classic Europe itinerary

When you think of the best of Europe, it’s easy for the continent’s great capitals to come to mind first. That’s often where you’ll find the best museums, shopping, dining, and sightseeing—and why our 11-day London, Paris, & Rome tour is among our bestselling itineraries. It gives you the perfect introduction to Europe, and this bundle of three iconic cities couldn’t offer more variety—which makes for an 11-day trip filled with educational moments and surprises at every turn.

Highlights of the tour

• Discovering three major European capitals. One of our favorite parts of this popular Europe trip is that you get to explore some of the most enduring locales in the world. These three cities are home to attractions that represent their culture and history so beautifully. (We’re talking about Big Ben in London, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the Colosseum in Rome.) These are truly bucket list sites, and you’ll get to experience them on one immersive trip to Europe.
• Making the most of free time. These cities are quite big and offer a wealth of experiences, so we’ve included plenty of free time for you to explore on your own. One of our favorite European travel tips is to find a spot for people-watching. Where better to do that in Paris than along the Champs-Élysées? Or how about an afternoon taking in incredible art at the British Museum in London? In Rome, we love a meandering pizza crawl. Be sure to ask your Tour Director for recommendations for their favorite free-time activities in London, Paris, and Rome.

Take it from a traveler

“[This was] our first trip to Europe and first trip with a tour group. I can’t imagine doing this any other way or with any other group! Absolutely blown away by our Tour Director Pascal! He made the trip magical, memorable, educational, and enjoyable with his 24/7 attention to detail, his knowledge, and wit. Our tour guides were top-notch professionals and our itinerary was perfect for us. Just the right amount of free time and excursions. I can’t recommend this tour enough! Thank you for the trip of a lifetime! We are beyond grateful to the entire staff, from those who helped with the planning to the trip itself. We can’t wait to book again with this group!”

—Five-star review from first-time traveler Cathi

3. A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini

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Why you’ll love this weeklong trip to Greece

We’re not surprised that our travelers love our weeklong tours. They pack an enormous punch and allow you to see the best of Europe in a compact amount of time. Our A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini tour is a perfectly balanced blend of history, culture, food, and relaxation—all in just over a week. You’ll see the best of both ancient and modern Greece, with one foot in the city’s hustle and bustle and the other in laid-back island living. If you’re not quite ready to return home after that, you can add our Rome extension to this tour to tack on another bucket list European destination.

Highlights of the tour

• Soaking up the beauty of Greece. One of our favorite things to do on this tour of Greece is to wander around and just take it all in. From the black-sand beaches of Santorini and the white windmills in Mykonos Town to the view from atop Mount Profitis Ilias, there are so many natural and man-made wonders to behold. So take a deep breath of that crisp, Adriatic air and enjoy them all.
• Experiencing the intersection of ancient history and modern life. One of the coolest things about a city like Athens is its juxtaposition of old and new. You can hop on public transportation for some free-time shopping after viewing the Temple of Zeus or sip a cocktail on a rooftop bar overlooking the Acropolis. When you visit Athens on this tour, the city’s long, rich history—stretching back thousands of years—will be unmistakably clear.

Take it from a traveler

“This was the best trip I have ever been on. The food, the scenery, the people, the history, the beaches, and the islands were all things I will never forget. This tour was well-planned, organized, efficient, and well done. Sandy, our [Tour Director], was unbelievable. She made everything so easy and a ton of fun. Everything was done just right. You didn’t even have to think and stress about anything. I’ve traveled a lot in my life and never really thought about doing a tour before. Now, I’m not sure I want to travel any other way. I felt like there was the perfect balance of doing a ton of activities and sightseeing but also some much-needed downtime. My wife and I did every excursion that was offered and they were all amazing. The food tours in both Athens and Rome were incredible. The catamaran cruise around Santorini at sunset was a day I’ll never forget. Thank you, Sandy and everyone at EF Go Ahead, for making our travel absolutely safe, fun, and amazing. I’m already thinking about planning another trip with them. Thank you for lifelong memories.”

—Five-star review from first-time traveler Taylor

4. Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland

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Why you’ll love this tour of the British Isles

From bustling Trafalgar Square to the stunning Cliffs of Moher, this 12-day Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland tour is one for the books. Add Scottish castles and Dublin’s pub culture to the mix, and you’re in for one of our best Europe itineraries. (Plus, since the tour is on sale during our Black Friday Event and English is the region’s mother tongue, getting to know locals is that much easier!)

Highlights of the tour

• Encountering the natural wonders of Ireland. One of our favorite things about this European itinerary is the unreal views you’ll take in, especially when you get to Ireland. Yes, you’ll get to see cultural landmarks like the Blarney Stone and the Rock of Cashel, but there’s also plenty of time to soak up the Ring of Kerry: a 112-mile coastal route featuring some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.
• Living out your Beatles fantasy in Liverpool. Music lovers will never forget their stop in Liverpool, one of the friendliest cities in Europe and the birthplace of music legends The Beatles. If you’re a fan, sign up for our The Beatles: History & Story Museum excursion, during which you’ll visit spots important to the band’s history, including Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.

Take it from a traveler

“This was our first tour, and we are already planning our next with EF Go Ahead Tours! The Tour Director, Ian, was phenomenal. He was extremely knowledgeable, helpful with advice for where to spend free time, and was a ton of fun himself! The hotels, food, shows, and sights exceeded our expectations. The coach drivers were wonderful, driving us everywhere and stopping plenty of times to stretch, eat, or take restroom breaks. The spectacular views, stories we learned, and places we visited will last us a lifetime! We were fortunate to be in an amazing group of people who we now call friends. My husband, David, and I thoroughly enjoyed everything from start to finish! Highly recommended!”

—Five-star review from first-time traveler Denise

5. A Week in Switzerland, Germany & Austria

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Why you’ll love this tour of Central Europe

Planning a trip to Europe but want to go a bit off the beaten path? Our A Week in Switzerland, Germany & Austria tour might just be the ticket. It visits lesser-known gems like Melk, while still stopping in buzzy cities like Vienna and Munich. Plus, there are plenty of bucket list stops, from whimsical Neuschwanstein Castle to Salzburg, the filming location of “The Sound of Music.”

Highlights of the tour

• Sampling food and drink from all over the world. This Europe itinerary offers countless opportunities to treat yourself to some of the best regional cuisines in Europe, from sausages in Germany to chocolates in Switzerland to schnitzel in Austria. In Vienna, you can even opt for a night at a traditional heuriger: a wine tavern tucked away in the lush outskirts of the city.
• Extending your vacation with a visit to Prague. Travelers’ reviews of this tour consistently mention its extension to opulent Prague. The two-night detour to the Czech capital is full of delightful experiences, from discovering the city’s architectural heritage (think: ornate Baroque buildings, imposing Gothic churches, and a medieval astronomical clock) to taking an evening dinner cruise along the Vltava River.

Take it from a traveler

“I’m not a history buff; I actually went on this trip for my wife, who is one. I loved every second of this trip. From the tiny shops to the tip of the mountains in Lucerne, we were in awe of the sheer beauty of Europe. It changed our outlook on everything. We ate at a restaurant founded over 330 years before our country came into existence. We went inside a chapel that was built in the 12th century. The food was excellent. The Tour Director, Atto, was perfect. Even our bus driver, Daniel, was amazing. We met some of the most amazing people on this trip. Since being home, we can definitely say that we miss the sites, sounds, and smells, but most of all the people we shared our experiences with. We definitely will use Go Ahead Tours again, and I hope that the next tour compares to this one.”

—Five-star review from first-time traveler Rob

6. Scandinavia: The Capitals & the Fjords

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Why you’ll love this Nordic tour

This European itinerary combines Scandinavia’s regal capitals with some of the most beautiful natural landmarks of Northern Europe. For two weeks on our Scandinavia: The Capitals & the Fjords tour, you’ll poke around a local market in Oslo, discover the opulence of Rosenborg Castle—a 16th-century Dutch Renaissance royal residence in Copenhagen—and check out Temppeliaukio Church, which was carved into a hillside. Then, you’ll zigzag through Norway’s spellbinding fjords aboard a cruise ship.

One of the comments travelers often make about Scandinavia is how expensive it can be. So, if you’ve ever been interested in visiting the region, you may want to take advantage of our Black Friday deals.

Highlights of the tour

• Experiencing Northern Europe through transit. From sailing through the narrow fjords of coastal Norway to taking a scenic train ride on one of the world’s steepest railways, each journey captures the region’s thrilling beauty. (You’ll want to keep your camera handy for this one.)
• Appreciating Scandinavia’s cultural treasures. Art and architecture lovers will enjoy this 14-day tour. At Vasa Museum, stand in awe of a 1628 warship that used to be at the bottom of Stockholm’s harbor. Along Copenhagen’s waterfront, marvel at the bronze Little Mermaid statue, which was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale. And in Oslo, admire Edvard Munch’s most famous painting, “The Scream.”

Take it from a traveler

“My wife and I had an amazing and unforgettable trip to Scandinavia! We saw many historical sites in Bergen; cruised along breathtaking fjords; saw amazing views from the world-famous Flåm Railway; explored castles and interesting canals in Copenhagen (including the colorful Nyhavn canal district); explored amazing palaces and interesting museums in Stockholm; saw unique and beautiful monuments in Helsinki, including the Temppeliaukio Church and the Senate Square; and, lastly, explored the picturesque city of Tallinn in Estonia. Our Tour Director was very organized with a personable personality to match! [...] We had one of our best trips ever! I would strongly recommend EF Go Ahead’s Scandinavia tour for anyone looking for an amazing, unforgettable Scandinavia adventure!”

—Five-star review from second-time traveler John

7. Grand Tour of Portugal & Spain: Porto to Barcelona

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Why you’ll love this tour of the Iberian Peninsula

Sometimes, when planning a trip to Europe, you may find yourself stuck between two alluring destinations—two lively, sunny countries on the Iberian Peninsula, for example. With our two-week Grand Tour of Portugal & Spain: Porto to Barcelona, you won’t have to decide between Spain vs. Portugal. Plus, our Black Friday deals will get you there even faster. You’ll walk away from this tour with memories of sunny cities, coastal breezes, and welcoming locals (and a belly full of tapas, sangria, and pastéis de nata!).

Highlights of the tour

Discovering our favorite sites on the Iberian Peninsula. This tour takes you to a staggering number of historic sites and cultural landmarks. You’ll visit the Monument to the Discoveries in Lisbon, the Alhambra in Granada, and the Mezquita in Córdoba. Cap off your tour with a stop at La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s architectural masterpiece, in Barcelona, or continue on our Basque Country extension for a chance to admire the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum.

• Exploring hidden-gem neighborhoods like a local. It may feel as though there’s another cathedral, castle, or fortress waiting to be explored around every turn on this tour, but you’ll also have ample opportunities to experience authentic local life on your trip to Spain and Portugal. Sit shoulder-to-shoulder with the locals at a tapas bar in Seville or wander through Porto’s Ribeira District in search of perfectly painted ceramics. Have a little extra free time? Head to a public park for some tranquility and people-watching. Relaxing in Gulbenkian Park is one of our favorite things to do in Lisbon.

Take it from a traveler

“I recently went on the Spain and Portugal tour and had an incredible experience. We were able to see so much of both countries, from adorable towns to historic landmarks. The meals [and] accommodations were top-notch. Our Tour Director, Xana, was beyond wonderful—knowledgeable, friendly, fun, and always ready to help.”

—Five-star review from second-time traveler Sara

8. The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini & Crete

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Why you’ll love this island-hopping trip to Greece

Dreaming of a trip to Greece often brings to mind images of ancient ruins, whitewashed cliffside villages, and fresh cuisine enjoyed on a sun-drenched terrace. When you join us on our The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini & Crete tour, you’ll not only experience these things that make Greece a popular European destination, but you’ll also discover the hidden gems that make each place within the country unique. Each Greek island has its own personality, and island hopping on this tour is the best way to get to know three of our favorites.

Highlights of the tour

• Visiting the real-life locations of your favorite myths and legends. It’s one thing to read about them in literature or see them in movies, but it’s an entirely different feeling to stand beneath imposing temples dedicated to the gods or visit Delphi, home of the legendary oracle. This tour allows you to walk in the footsteps of gods and mythological heroes in places like Crete, the birthplace of the Minoan civilization and where, according to legend, King Minos imprisoned the minotaur in a labyrinth.
• Enjoying the freshest Greek cuisine in unexpected settings. Not only will this tour provide you with a wealth of opportunities to enjoy all of the seasonal produce, fresh seafood, and golden olive oil that make the Mediterranean diet so fabulous, but you’ll also be able to enjoy them all in some unique locations. Savor a home-cooked meal in the home of an Athenian, stop for lunch in a hidden-gem cliffside taverna, or learn to make authentic dishes during a cooking demonstration in Mykonos—you’ll even have a chance to snack on Greek specialties while cruising through Santorini’s caldera on a catamaran.

Take it from a traveler

“I highly recommend this tour. This was such a beautiful, culturally rich, fun, and memorable trip! There was a nice balance of free exploration, beach time, tour guides, both provided and on-your-own meals, and great shopping. The hotels were very nice, [with] great amenities [and] friendly staff. It was very well organized, with buses, high-speed ferries, and flights. Our Tour Director made all connections and additional tours easy and seamless. She had several suggestions for free-time activities. [...] Our group was 19, which was very manageable. You’ll meet fabulous new friends! Don’t miss the Santorini dinner cruise!”

—Five-star review from first-time traveler Linda

9. A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway

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Why you’ll love this Ireland tour

Sometimes, all you need (or have time for) is a weeklong Europe itinerary—and that’s exactly what you’ll get with this three-city trip to Ireland. From historic landmarks in Dublin to bustling markets in Cork to Claddagh ring shops in County Galway, the stops on this short-and-sweet A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway tour create memories for a lifetime.

Highlights of the tour

• People-watching in Cork. A guided stroll through Cork’s city center will tell you about its history and culture, as well as highlight how the modern Irish live. See it all while snaking around town along a medieval canal or perusing locally made treats and trinkets at the English Market.
• Basking in Ireland’s dramatic landscapes. There’s so much natural beauty in County Galway, and your visit will include a walk along the famous Cliffs of Moher. However, if you’d like to see more, sign up for our Kylemore Abbey & Connemara National Park excursion. The latter is a stunning and unspoiled stretch of land with mountains, dense forests, and mysterious bogs.

Take it from a traveler

“We had a great trip! Our Tour Director, Richard, took care of our whole tour group. From the beginning, he made us feel like good friends. He was very informative about all he spoke about with much knowledge and passion. The country was beautiful! From the waterfalls, mountains, wildlife, and ocean, it was sometimes more than my mind could handle. I was in awe of all the beauty! Our hotel accommodations were also wonderful, as was the food. Another thank you to our bus driver, Ray, who got us safely wherever we went. I highly recommend this tour company. Thanks for everything!”

—Five-star review from first-time traveler Teresa

10. Iceland: Reykjavík & the Northern Lights

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Why you’ll love this journey to Iceland

Iceland may be known as the Land of Fire and Ice, but it’s also a land of salt, stone, and skies that stretch for miles. Our Iceland: Reykjavík & the Northern Lights tour will take you away from your day-to-day life for a week and into a world of volcanic landscapes and misty, mineral-rich hot springs—you may even witness the northern lights dancing above you as you explore this dream-like country.

Highlights of the tour

• Riding along the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle is a 190-mile route that loops past some of Iceland’s most impressive natural wonders. You’ll stop to see the Great Geysir and cascading Gullfoss, also known as the Golden Waterfall, and will have time to explore UNESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park. The park showcases the stunning diversity of Iceland’s natural landscapes—it straddles the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and is a hotbed of geothermal activity. It’s also a historically important location as it’s home to the original site of the Alþing, or Althing, the open-air assembly of chieftains largely considered to be the world’s first parliament.
• Witnessing the harmony of untamed wild and urban living. Iceland isn’t all rocky landscapes and fiery volcanoes, despite what shows like “Game of Thrones” and films like “Dungeons & Dragons” have led us to believe. Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital, is a clean, walkable city with historic buildings, minimalist modern architecture, and a wealth of delicious restaurants serving a wide range of things to eat. Our Iceland: Reykjavík & the Northern Lights tour gives you ample time to snack, shop, and pop into a few museums while still leaving plenty of space for exploring the Icelandic wild and chasing the northern lights.

Take it from a traveler

“Iceland is such an amazing and beautiful place! This tour truly captured the essence of the wild and wonderful nature and people and history, and every activity that we experienced was truly inspirational! There was plenty of time to explore, and the guides were very knowledgeable and made this a truly memorable experience. The northern lights were absolutely magical! We took this trip in February, so we were prepared for cold temperatures, and the snow-covered lava fields and mountains were breathtakingly beautiful. Accommodations, transportation, and food quality were also very much in line with our expectations. This is my third trip with the EF tour group, and I will definitely be planning future trips.”

—Five-star review from third-time traveler Kelly

Ready to take your own unforgettable trip to Europe? Shop our Europe tours and save with our unbelievable Black Friday deals.