The Best Tour Companies in Europe
Europe is one of the most popular destinations in the world.
While I love solo travel as much as the next person — and think Europe is one of the best places to backpack around — the continent is also a huge destination for tour groups.
When you think of group tours, you may imagine a horde of camera-clicking tourists wearing socks and sandals swarming off a massive bus, taking lots of pictures, and then moving on to the next site.
In the past, that image was pretty accurate.
But now? Not so much.
These days, the best tours have evolved and are much more nuanced and diverse, catering to all different age groups and travel styles. From hop-on, hop-off tours and river cruises to big bus and backpacker tours and everything in between, there’s a wide variety of tour options now.
No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for (or your budget), you’ll be able to find awesome and insightful tours to help you make the most out of your next trip to Europe.
I’ve taken tours offered by dozens of companies on the continent. Some were good, some bad, some great.
If you’re thinking of taking a tour around Europe — whether because it saves you time or money — here is a list of the best companies:
Table of Contents
The Best Day Tours in Europe
New Europe
Pretty much every major city in Europe has a free walking tour. They are a fun, insightful way to orient yourself and learn about the history of a city. Plus, you’ll have access to a local expert who can answer any and all questions you have about the destination!
New Europe is one of the largest and best tour companies out there. Its guides are knowledgeable, and its tours cover all the major tourist sites. They also offer specialized tours, like food tours, day trips, and tours to specific historical sites (such as Edinburgh Castle or the Sachsenhausen concentration camp). You can find them pretty much everywhere in Europe. Just remember to tip your guides at the end!
Most tours last around 3 hours. For their paid tours, prices start around 15 EUR per person and go up from there, depending on the duration of the tour.
Tours By Foot
Another free option is Tours By Foot. Like New Europe, they have qualified guides and a wide variety of themed tours in over 30 destinations across the continent. Chances are you’ll be able to find a tour with them (or with a company affiliated with them) in every major city around the continent. Tours usually last around 3 hours, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Since they offer free tours, make sure you tip your guide at the end.
Walks
If you’re looking for something a little more in-depth, my favorite walking tour company in Europe is Walks, which can be found in numerous cities in Spain and Italy, as well as major European capitals like Lisbon and Amsterdam.
What makes these food, art, and history tours so special is that they get access to places others don’t, like the Louvre after hours, secret spots in the Vatican or Versailles, etc. The guides are incredibly well informed, so you’ll learn a ton of information. If you’re looking for a paid walking tour company, Walks is the best.
Their tours are usually around 3 hours, though they also have a few full-day options as well. Expect to pay at least 50-120 EUR per person. Be sure to book in advance as well, as many of their best tours (like their Sistine Chapel early entrance tour) sell out fast!
Devour Food Tours
For foodies, my go-to tour company around Europe is Devour. They run delicious food tours in Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the UK. From wine tours to dessert tours to filling hours-long food tours, they take you to local joints that the tourists don’t know about. Their guides are passionate and knowledgeable so you’ll not only feast on delicious eats but you’ll learn a ton about the food and culture too!
Most tours last around three hours and generally cost around 70-130 EUR per person.
Get Your Guide
If you’re looking for even more unique tour options, Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. The site has tons of tour options in cities all around the world, including cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, day trips, and more! It’s a good resource to search for specific tours in any destination.
While Get Your Guide runs their own tours (called “Get Your Guide Originals”), they largely are a platform for local companies to list their tours, ensuring most of the money you spend is staying in the community. I like being able to compare different operators and tours all from one website/app.
I’ve used GetYourGuide in a few different places in Europe, including a couple of great food and wine tours in Bologna as well as a day trip around the countryside in Slovenia. I always check out Get Your Guide when I’m in a new place as you’ll never know what kind of unique activities you’ll find there!
The Best Multi-Day Tours in Europe
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is my go-to choice. I’ve been going on their tours for years and I’ve yet to be disappointed. The guides are excellent, the company offers amazing off-the-beaten-track itineraries, and it is committed to the local environment and supporting local communities. Their small groups ensure you’re never on one of those giant bus tours either.
While solo travel will always be my favorite way to travel, I really do enjoy going on tours. They are a fun way to meet other travelers as well as locals while you see and experience new destinations.
So if you’re looking for a tour on your next trip to Europe, be sure to consider the options above.
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Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
For more hostels, here are my favorite hostels in Europe.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
My favorite walking tour company across Europe is Walks. They offer in-depth history, food, and cultural tours in cities around the world (especially Europe). Its small-group tours offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access other companies can’t get and use really incredible and knowledgeable guides. I can’t recommend them enough.
Want More Information on Europe?
Be sure to visit my robust destination guide on Europe for even more planning tips!
