The best escorted tours and cruises in Europe
We have chosen ten tours and cruises that reveal this historically rich and varied continent at its best. Thes tours showcase the best of Italy, from alpine lakes to sublime islands, from baroque façades to divine coasts as well as hidden gems in unique and unspoilt Albania, the intriguing Baltics and unparalleled ancient sites on offer in Greece and Turkey.
Ancient Albania: Cities, Mountains, Castles & Coastline
Unspoilt, uncrowded, and unique in its culture, Albania is a treasure chest of ancient cities, mystical mountains, museums, castles and coastline, its feast of Ottoman architecture the jewel in its crown. This tour lifts the lid on its riches, of heritage and of nature
Danube River Cruise: Christmas Market Exploration
A short break during the weeks of Advent, this tour combines the history of the Habsburg Empire with the traditions of the Christmas Markets, cruising the Danube to a trio of riverside capitals, from elegant Vienna to beautiful Budapest and medieval Bratislava
A Tale of Four Rivers
A cruise on four rivers, this is a relaxing float through luxuriant landscapes and ravishing scenery, visiting vineyards, castles, and Roman monuments, with overnight moorings in medieval towns for leisurely evenings ashore
Italy's Amalfi Coast Discovery: Sorrento, Positano & Capri
A supremely scenic week, with Meta di Sorrento as your base, includes the evocative remains of Pompeii, a drive along ‘the divine coast’ to Amalfi, Positano and Ravello, and Capri by boat
Explore Sicily: Catania, Palermo & Mount Etna
A veritable feast of Greek and Roman monuments vie for attention amid the Norman, Phoenician and Saracen landmarks of Sicily’s cultural heritage. The island’s astonishing wealth of well-preserved sites bring the ancient past to life and make this our top tour in Italy
Baltic Capitals Explorer: Estonia, Finland, Latvia & Lithuania
Four countries, four capitals, and seven centuries of architectural styles, in their street-scenes and monuments, form the focus of this intriguing Baltics tour, as we travel to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, and take the ferry across the Gulf for a final day in Finland
Royal Barge Cruise on the Douro: Portugal River Journey
From baroque castles to beautiful bucolic villages, from hilltop medieval ruins to valleys cloaked in the vineyards of age-old wine estates, from mountain scenery to ocean shore, enjoy the ever-changing landscapes of this unique Royal Barge cruise on the Douro
Croatia's Dalmatian Coast Cruise: A Journey of Emperors & Explorers
A magical meandering around the intriguing sites, inviting islands, and inimitable scenery of the Croatian coast, this relaxing and refreshing cruise sees new horizons every day of its seven-night sail on a private Jules Verne small-ship, the elegant MV Admiral
Douro River Cruise: Wine, Towns & Landscapes
Cruising the Douro from its mouth on the Atlantic to its crossing into Spain, with daily excursions to medieval towns, majestic palaces, port wine cellars, and vineyard valley landscapes, this beguiling journey includes visits to Guimarães, Lamego, and Salamanca
Transylvania Treasures: Castles, Mountains & Myths
A remarkable tour of Romania, this journey begins at Bucharest’s majestic monuments and takes you to medieval towns and rural villages, legendary castles and iconic ‘painted churches’, via mountain roads, river gorges, idyllic landscapes and inspiring heritage