European tours

The best of Europe by road, rail and sea

Europe is full of incredible landscapes and exciting adventures. There are thousands of ways to explore this diverse continent on foot, by bike, by train, by car and by boat. Whether it's a road trip around the Loire Valley, a train ride on the Orient Express or a cruise through the impressive fjords of Norway, Europe promises some truly unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime tours and trips. Here are just some of our favourites.  

This beautiful valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the world's oldest wine-producing regions. It also offers enchanting views – to appreciate them fully you'll need to mix up your modes of transport. A logical place to begin your adventure is in Porto's Vila Nova de Gaia. Take the chance to lounge on one of the sandy beaches – Praia da Madalena is a favourite – and enjoy a tour and a tasting, at one of the 60 or so port cellars. Onward transport options from Porto into the Douro include road, rail and train. Hiring a car gives you flexibility but the famous Presidential Train is by far the most stylish way to make the journey.

Once the mode of transport for presidents, monarchs and popes, the Presidential Train is now a gloriously-restored microcosm of the ‘Golden Age’ of travel. On board, you can expect luxury, comfort, fine dining and, from the windows, incomparable views. The train departs from São Bento Station and, in under four hours, takes you deep into the Douro, to Vesúvio. Here, you can take a jeep tour of the hillside vineyards before boarding a boat for a cruise through this photogenic, largely undeveloped valley.

You might think you know it from dozens of films, postcards and books but nothing beats experiencing Italy's Amalfi Coast in person. Beginning in the vibrant city of Naples, you'll strike out on the Amalfi Coast road, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, towards Sorrento. Get to know the city by enjoying a drink and a spot of people-watching in its piazza before exploring its historic centre. From Sorrento, the pastel colours and picture postcard perfection of Positano await. A boat trip is the ideal way to admire the famous town but you'll also want to walk its streets and perhaps spend time on one of the beaches. If you're a hiker, the hills behind the town are home to a well-known and very scenic trail: Il Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods).

As one of Europe's most important, historically significant and picturesque rivers, the Rhine is a definite contender for a modern-day European tour. To do it justice, it makes sense to begin in Amsterdam where a canal connects the city to the river. The voyage to Cologne, perhaps the Rhine's most famous city, will take you past the windmills of Kinderdijk. 

Once in Cologne, the Old Town, the restored Dom (Germany's biggest cathedral) and the waterfront are must-sees. Afterwards, why not relax in one of the beer halls and enjoy the city's own brew, a light beer called Kölsch. En-route for Strasbourg, perhaps you'll stop at Koblenz or detour to the Neckar river to visit the university city of Heidelberg. Kehl is the disembarkation point for Strasbourg.

Although in France, this Alsatian city remains a bewitching mixture of French and German influences. The European Parliament, the cathedral and the nearby wine country are just three of the sightseeing attractions. From Strasbourg, Basel or Vienna lie ahead. Swimming in the Rhine is popular among the locals of Basel or, alternatively, take a paddling trip in one of the city's traditional wooden boats. Meanwhile, if you've gone to Vienna, you'll have left the Rhine for the Danube and perhaps you'll be ready to try a Viennese waltz or revel in a visit to the Vienna State Opera.

If you want to explore by foot, a coast-to-coast hike in Corsica is a great option. For confident hikers, self-guided walks – with or without luggage transfer – are worth considering. Alternatively, you can join an organised trip with a guide. Whichever you choose, your expedition is likely to begin in Porto-Vecchio on the east coast. Along the way, expect basic but comfortable accommodation in small auberges (inns), bed and breakfasts and, for the ultimate hiking experience, mountain refuges. Five days of relatively straightforward walking will take you all the way to Propriano on the west coast. Between the two lie the mountains of the Alta Rocca.

You'll pass through a landscape of maquis – dense shrubs and small trees characteristic of the Mediterranean – before reaching the Cartalavonu plateau. On day two, expect outstanding views over the Lake of Ospédale and the red granite spikes of Aiguilles de Bavella. Highlights of days three and four include the Chapel of Saint Laurent, the Rizzanese river and the granite houses of Santa Lucia di Tallano. The final day will see you crossing two ravines before arriving at the beach resort of Propriano.