With so many countries packed in close to each other, and excellent transport links between them, it’s possible to see a huge amount of Europe in one go.
(Photo: TourRadar)
One of the many attractions of London is its proximity to mainland Europe, making it an ideal base from which to visit a wide number of destinations with relative ease. And with budget airlines along with the Channel Tunnel providing quick and affordable ways of travelling to cities across the continent, it’s little surprise that so many people choose to make the short hop to explore the continent’s delights. We’ve picked out seven of the best European tours available that start in London.
European Horizon (10 days)
Spend a week and a half exploring some of Europe’s finest cities and sites and indulging in quintessential activities unique to each destination on this action-packed tour. Restricted to 18 to 35-year-olds, you’re sure to meet like-minded travellers as you traverse beautiful landscapes via a combination of coach, bus and ferry. Starting in London, you’ll spend the next week-and-a-half enjoying activities such as a canal cruise with an onboard bar in Amsterdam, seeing the famous Lorelei Rock in Rhine Valley, cruising Venice’s legendary canals and eating a Parisian feast in the district of Montmartre. The tour price includes all accommodation, meals and transport, plus an expert guide. From $2,525 per person.
Oktoberfest (4 days)
(Photo: Bookmundi)
One of the world’s most famous beer festivals can trace its origins back to early 19th-century Bavaria. This tour invites you to retrace those steps and experience Oktoberfest in its modern form over 4 days of drinking, eating and revellery. After making your way independently to Munich from London, you’ll meet your guide for an orientation of the city and the chance to pick up a dirndl or lederhosen for those keen to dress like the locals. Get to bed early to prepare for a full day at the festival, drinking beer out of steins, and hopping from festival tents to amusement rides. The next day, shake off those cobwebs with a bike tour through the city before heading back into the festival. Day four will see you depart Munich after breakfast. From $653 per person.
London and Paris Explorer (9 days)
Experience all the major icons of two of London’s greatest cities on this 9-day adventure. Enjoy an in-depth discovery of London, including stop-offs at the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, with a side visit to Windsor, Bath, and the mystical stone giants of Stonehenge before a quick hop across the channel to Paris to explore, dine and live like a local as you soak up its joie de vivre. On the UK leg of the trip you’ll visit the Roman Baths in Bath, Stonehenge and the White Cliffs of Dover, while in France you’ll be taken to the Palace of Versailles, as well as famous Paris landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame Cathedral. From $2,604 per person.
European Whirl (12 days)
(Photo: Global Coach Tours)
This 12-day adventure across mainland Europe starts with a high-speed Eurostar train journey from London to Brussels, before continuing by luxury coach to Amsterdam and then on through various enchanting destinations across Germany, Austria, Italy and a final stop-off in Paris. Highlights include a cruise past vine-clad hills and crumbling medieval castles on the Rhine River, a visit to a glassblowing workshop in Venice, and a scenic drive across the Alps into Switzerland. Included are 11 hot buffet breakfasts and 5 dinners, audio headsets, VIP entry to several famous sites and landmarks, and plenty of free time. From $2,525 per person.
Book at www.globalcoachtours.com
Get Social: Central Europe Highlights (14 days)
Taking in 10 of Central Europe’s most enticing destinations, this magical two-week tour will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Starting in London, you’ll head by comfortable coach across the channel to Paris – the City of Lights. Over the ensuing 14 days you’ll get to enjoy activities including picnicking on a prominent spot next to the Eiffel Tower, hiking in the Swiss Alps, indulging in traditional Tuscan cuisine and gelato, visiting the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Vatican, and sampling the local beer in Munich and Berlin. From $2,553 per person.
England, Scotland and Ireland (13 days)
(Photo: TourRadar)
This in-depth cultural tour of England, Scotland and Ireland will immerse you in the rich history of these three nations of the British Isles. Over 13 days you’ll get to explore some of London’s most iconic landmarks and attractions, as well as other UK cities such as Cambridge and Durham. There’ll also be visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scotland, a boat trip on the legendary Loch Ness, free time to explore the buzzing downtown district of Dublin, and a sombre but fascinating history lesson in formerly troubled Northern Island. $1,894 per person.
WWI and WWII Battlefields
Travel to the front lines of Europe, where brave soldiers once fought for freedom on this epic, thought-provoking tour. Over 12 days, you’ll travel through the countryside of Britain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, exploring the tragedy and triumph of two World Wars. Highlights include visiting the Imperial War Museum in London, the D-Day Landing Beaches in Normandy, military cemeteries throughout northern France and Belgium, and the Dunkirk War Museum. In Holland, you’ll also get to connect with locals by savouring delicious local cheeses with a family on their dairy farm near Amsterdam, as well as discovering the secrets behind perfecting Dutch cheese and crafting the traditional clog. $3,379 per person.