GETAWAYS DESTINATION GUIDE
Europe Vacations
The mistake we see most on a first Europe trip is trying to see everything. Two or three places, well chosen, always beats five in a rush. Here's how we build a Europe trip that still feels like a vacation!
Where to go in Europe
Italy
The most requested trip we plan. Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast for a first visit, Puglia and the lakes when you want fewer crowds and slower days.
The British Isles and Ireland
Easy for first timers: no language barrier, gorgeous countryside, and short flights or trains between stops. Wonderful for multigenerational trips.
Greece and the islands
Athens for a couple of nights, then island time. Santorini for the views, Naxos or Milos for a quieter week, and a small ship cruise to see several without packing twice.
River and Mediterranean cruises
The lowest effort way to see Europe. Unpack once, wake up in a new city, and skip the train stations. Rhine and Danube in spring and fall, Mediterranean in summer.
When to visit Europe
April to May
Our favorite. Mild weather, blooming countryside, fewer crowds, and better hotel rates than summer.
June to August
Peak season, long days, and hot in southern Europe. Book 9 to 12 months out for the good hotels.
September to October
The other sweet spot. Warm water in the Mediterranean, harvest season, and thinner crowds.
November to March
City breaks, Christmas markets, and the year's best pricing. Coastal and island areas largely close down.
Questions we hear most
How many cities should we visit on a first Europe trip?
Two or three in ten days. A good rule is three nights minimum per stop, because travel days eat more time than people expect.
How much does a Europe trip cost?
For ten days for two, plan on roughly $6,000 to $10,000 with flights, good hotels, trains, and a few guided experiences. River cruises usually land in that same range with almost everything included.
What is the best month to visit Europe?
May and September, nearly every time. You get warm weather without August crowds or August pricing.
Should we do a tour, a cruise, or independent travel?
Independent for repeat travelers who like to wander, a river cruise for a relaxed first trip, and a small group tour when you want the history explained and the logistics handled.
Let’s plan it together
Let's plan your Europe trip
Tell us your dates, the places on your list, and your pace. We'll send a realistic itinerary with honest notes on what to cut.