Best Europe Tours

Calling all adventurous spirits to embark on an odyssey and discover breathtaking sights and ancient legends. Begin where it all began, the ancient city of Athens where the Panathenaic Stadium and the Acropolis proudly preside and where the spirit of athletes and gods, philosophers and poets still fill the air with legendary tales. Set sights on the sea with visits to the islands of Crete, Naxos, and Paros to unveil the mysteries, myths, and marvelous history that awaits you, along with idyllic villages, pristine shores and so much more! You’ll find plenty of island time to wine, dine, and dream in sidewalk cafés and tavernas, creating a few legendary memories of your own. Your tour of Greece and Turkey continues to Istanbul to behold the bold beauty of sacred Byzantine architecture in Istanbul’s mosques and palaces is complemented by the warm people who welcome us to share in the traditions and tastes (think Turkish coffee & Turkish Delight!) in this gateway to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

Revisit the past on this leisurely Scottish tour filled with castle ruins, ancient battlefields, and colorful stories from the country's rich history.

Experience the best of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales on this in-depth exploration tour of the British Isles. In between time in the major cities—London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Cardiff—visit some of the historic towns and witness some of the breathtaking scenery. On any tour through Britain and Ireland, you’d expect to visit ancient ruins, majestic castles, and historic sights. That’s why Cosmos has included visits to prehistoric Stonehenge; Bath, known for its Roman ruins and baths; Edinburgh Castle, dating to the 12th century, where you’ll admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels; Hadrian’s Wall, the remains of the fortifications built by the Romans 2,000 years ago to defend against marauding northern tribes; the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620; the battlefield of Culloden Moor, where in 1746, the last battle was fought on British soil; and more. You’d also expect to see stunning scenery and lush landscapes on a Britain and Ireland tour. That’s why Cosmos has included a drive around the Dingle Peninsula, a dramatic drive passing seaside villages, ancient monuments, and views of the Blasket Islands; a drive on the 100-mile Ring of Kerry, with its rugged and magnificent landscapes; the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher, where rugged cliffs drop into the ocean; a scenic drive along North Wales coast to England’s tranquil Lake District, recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status; and drives through rich dairy farmland. In the Scottish Highlands, drive through the rolling terrain interspersed with lochs (lakes), picturesque towns, and the sparkling coastline. Watch for Nessie at Loch Ness, Scotland’s largest lake. Bustling cities, smaller towns, historic sights, breathtaking landscapes, and much more are offered on this incredible Britain and Ireland tour.

Embark on a Spanish adventure as you take in medieval architecture, idyllic landscapes, and delectable cuisine. Explore the wonders of the Prado Museum, one of Europe’s greatest museums. See the Cathedral of Seville, the third largest in the world. Enjoy reserved seating at a flamenco show and feel the passion of this famous dance. Visit the exotic and expansive Alhambra palace. Indulge in an authentic paella experience. View Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, including a visit to La Sagrada Familia. Explore Spain's priceless treasures of art, history, and culture set against a backdrop of sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges.

Experience Ireland in all its vibrant shades as you travel from the lively city of Dublin to the untamed natural beauty of Northern Ireland. Explore Dublin with a local guide. See Killarney National Park on a boat ride. Experience the world-famous beauty of the Ring of Kerry. Marvel at the stunning 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy tea and scones on a traditional family farm. Tour the walled city of Derry. Stand on the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway. Uncover the legend of the Titanic at Belfast’s famed Titanic Experience. From breathtaking nature and stunning coasts to a captivating culture and friendly locals – this is Ireland.

Enjoy the splendor of every corner on this leisurely Ireland tour of the essential—and the unexpected.

In Greece, discover a place where age-old legends and monuments intertwine with warm sunshine and island-style living. Tour Athens with a local guide. Explore the Acropolis, home to the famous Parthenon and the city’s best lookout. Enjoy three days at leisure on the island of Mykonos, an Aegean paradise of sandy beaches and bustling energy. Uncover the past at the excavation site of Akrotiri. Make the most of a free day on the picture-perfect island of Santorini. From to the ruins of Athens to the bright rooftops of Mykonos and Santorini - embrace the country at its best.

In Greece, discover a place where age-old legends and monuments intertwine with warm sunshine and island-style living. Tour Athens with a local guide. Explore the Acropolis, home to the famous Parthenon and the city’s best lookout. Enjoy three days at leisure on the island of Mykonos, an Aegean paradise of sandy beaches and bustling energy. Uncover the past at the excavation site of Akrotiri. Make the most of a free day on the picture-perfect island of Santorini. From to the ruins of Athens to the bright rooftops of Mykonos and Santorini – embrace the country at its best.

Follow the path of Paul the Apostle as you discover bucolic beauty and ancient history on this Grecian sojourn. Enjoy a 3-night cruise of the magical Greek islands of Mykonos, Patmos and Santorini. Visit the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, Turkiye. Explore the Acropolis in Athens. Discover the biblical town of Corinth and see the Agora and the Bema, where Paul was brought before the tribunal. Stop in Philippi, where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe and baptized Lydia, the first Christian. On your journey, feel the spirit of the New Testament as you visit the places where the great apostle lived and preached.

Journey through a crossroads of civilizations in Sicily and on to the spectacular coastlines of Southern Italy. Uncover Sicily’s capital Palermo and its Moorish and Norman influences. Explore Agrigento’s ancient Valley of the Temples and the Ancient Roman mosaics of Piazza Armerina. Travel to the historic hilltop town of Taormina. Visit a local winery for a wine tasting and agriturismo dinner. Venture to the ancient cave dwellings of Sassi di Matera. Explore Sorrento and stunning Positano, the pearl of the Amalfi Coast. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in the excavated Pompeii. Allow the unique culture to capture your heart and get a glimpse into an age-old heritage composed of ancient monuments and cultivated lands.

Uncover Italy’s soul through artisan traditions, Renaissance treasures, and culinary passions from Venice’s canals to Rome’s timeless streets. Journey though the wine-producing Romagna countryside for a relaxing two-night stay along the Adriatic coast, and visit the Republic of San Marino, an enclave state within Italy. Discover the craftmanship behind Venetian mask-making, gondola building, and Murano glassblowing, and try your hand at making Italian culinary classics. Walk through Florence’s artistic heart, discover Etruscan Orvieto, and taste your way through Rome’s vibrant Trastevere. Embrace the history, culture, art, and romance of Italy.

Explore Sicily and Malta – two island paradises nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Engage with Malta’s dynamic past on a leisurely 4-night stay. Explore the charms of Ragusa with a guide. Spend three nights in Taormina, perched above the Ionian Sea. See Mount Etna from a different perspective on an off-road excursion. Discover how ancient traditions blend into modern society as you travel along timeless Italian and Maltese towns.

Venturing north to south from the Douro Valley to the capital of Lisbon, discover Portugal’s tapestry of regional traditions and customs as you encounter this small country’s many sides. Sample Amarante’s flavors fresh from the market, explore hilly Porto, and cruise along the Douro River through the UNESCO terraced vineyard landscape. Learn about the Alentejo’s rich and proud traditions with visits to an olive grove, winery, and more. In Evora, step inside a medieval city with Roman ruins. Explore the vibrant Portuguese capital of Lisbon, where narrow Moorish streets meet expansive squares. Enjoy this leisurely-paced tour with three-night stays in Douro, Alentejo, and Lisbon. Delve into the history of Portugal and immerse yourself in the country’s unique culture and local flavors.

On a journey through the less-traveled country roads of Umbria and Tuscany, discover another side to the Italy you love. Stroll Assisi’s old city, and explore the Umbrian hill town of Spoleto, where the gilded façade of the cathedral rivals with the silvery sheen of the olive trees. Visit Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” In Siena, stand inside one of Tuscany’s most ancient piazzas. Admire the famous towers of San Gimignano and hunt for truffles in the Umbrian countryside. Delight in regional specialties and Italian wine with every dinner. Feel like a local as you discover the marvels of wine, cuisine, culture, and history.

Athens to Athens and everything in between makes this Greek adventure one for the history books. From the mysterious ruins dedicated to Greek deities, to the magnificent realms of the great philosophers, your imagination will overflow with the sights, tastes, and ancient tales of Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, and more mind-blowing experiences—all between the blue skies and seas. Set sights on the sea with visits to the islands of Crete, Naxos, and Paros to unveil the mysteries, myths, and marvelous history that awaits you along with idyllic villages, pristine shores and so much more! You’ll find plenty of island time to wine, dine, and dream in sidewalk cafés and tavernas, creating a few legendary memories of your own.

Explore Ireland's gorgeous scenery and rich history on this comprehensive Irish tour that hits every corner of the island.

Skirt along the entire rugged coastline to see the highlights on this Ireland tour.

Explore Ireland’s cliffs and castles on a small-group walking and hiking tour, limited to just 16 guests. Hike along the awe-inspiring Slieve League cliffs, discover the wild beauty of Glenveagh National Park, and marvel at the Giant’s Causeway. This scenic journey through Donegal, Derry, and Antrim includes guided visits to monastic ruins on Devenish Island, the folk traditions of Glencolmcille, and the storied ruins of Dunluce Castle. You’ll balance active discovery with meaningful sightseeing and cultural encounters, making it the perfect way to experience Ireland’s northern wonders, up close and on foot. Ideal for active travelers, with up to 5 hours of scenic walking daily (2–6 miles) on mostly gentle paths and hill trails. Expect occasional muddy or rough sections and climbs up to 1,500 feet.

Relaxing days and fascinating knights. That is the appeal of the ancient island of Rhodes, famous for its brilliant azure waters, its Acropolis-topped village of Lindos, and its fortress-lined Old Town built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. This exhilarating land and cruise tour of Greece, starting with our 8-day Classical Greece vacation, includes Rhodes in the island-hopping fun that sets sail from Athens and follows a captivating course to modern Mykonos, unspoiled Patmos, medieval Rhodes, Minoan Crete, and serene Santorini (weather permitting)—with a special stop on the Turkish coast in Kusudasi. See the iconic sights of mainland Greece—including Athens’ monumental Parthenon and the legendary town of Olympia—before you cruise into the blues on this tour of glorious Greece.

Small groups translate to great experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour. Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 18 guests in Europe, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. Arrive in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina to explore the country’s turbulent and triumphant history before continuing to explore more of Southern Konjic, one of the oldest permanent settlements in Bosnia & Herzegovina, dating back to 4000 years ago. Poised amid some of the country’s highest mountains, Konjic also captivates with amazing architecture, spectacular canyons and peaks, and charming people. Discover the cobblestoned streets and stone buildings of Mostar with its graceful bridge spanning the Neretva River, evoking picturesque scenes from a fairytale. You’ll find serenity beside the flowing Kravica Waterfalls on the Trebizat River as you travel to the dramatic coastline and turquoise blue waters of Split and the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Ferry on with a visit to the island of Hvar where islands surround the harbor town. Find your purple haze on the “lavender island” of Hvar with a tour of the museum and lavender distillery. Explore the coastal fortress city of Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” as well as filming location of productions such as Game of Thrones. So much more beauty and bold history are waiting to be discovered on this Small Group Discovery tour on the islands of Croatia.

Journey from the fashionable city of Milan to the breathtaking shores of Lake Como and Lake Garda. Explore the romantic city of Verona, taste wine in Valpolicella, and experience the experience the timeless beauty of Venice, Florence, and Rome. This tour features must-see attractions, local cuisine, and authentic Italian culture for an unforgettable travel experience.

Enter an untouched paradise on an adventure through the Azores, the archipelago gems of Portugal. Explore the rim of the Sete Cidades Caldera. Indulge in a traditional cozido das furnas meal, cooked by the heat of the volcanic earth. Enjoy a home-hosted meal during your stay on São Miguel Island. Encounter the volcanic ash-covered landscape of the Capelinhos Volcano. From thermal pools and lush craters to local farms and volcanic cuisine, delve into the culture of Portuguese island life.

What shoes should you pack for walking on sunshine? The pair best suited for 1,000 miles of shoreline and 300 days of sunlit skies per year. With its refreshing Atlantic breezes and live-life-to the-fullest Mediterranean ways, the sun-drenched country of Portugal invites you to dip your toe—and entire body—into a sea of relaxation. This rejuvenating tour of Portugal leads you past rolling olive farms, through scenic cork groves, and down winding Moorish alleyways to the country’s signature delights. In its coastal villages and medieval towns, grilled seafood fills the tables, sweet port fills the glasses, and the soulful sounds of fado music fill the air. Continue your tour with a trip to Santa Cruz on the magical Island of Madeira, complete with crystalline waters and centuries of tradition and culinary treats. Explore “Little Lisbon” in Funchal, with its creative atmosphere that inspires the imagination. From the quaint charms of fishing villages to the quiet reflections from luminous pools and lofty plateaus, your vacation in Portugal is a feast for the senses and an unforgettable adventure for the soul. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Lisbon so you can plan your day your way.

Knobby knees? Skinny calves? Thick ankles? No matter here. You can show them off with pride on this tartan-filled tour through the kilted and Celtic countries of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales with the added bonus of England’s postcard-perfect Lake District. Whether you’re in search of heritage, haggis, rolling glens or smooth Guinness, there’s so much to discover on this Celtic tour of Britain and Ireland. Ancient castles? Check. Legendary lochs? Indeed. Sparkling seascapes and hallowed battlefields? You can bet your boots. Speaking of betting, you’ll visit the Irish National Stud at Kildare, a working stud farm and the beating heart of Ireland’s esteemed thoroughbred racehorse industry. From the storied cities to the tiny towns, you’ll feel your own heartbeat as you savor the deep-rooted traditions and customs of the Emerald Isle and the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands.

Icelandic folklore maintains there are clans of elves and trolls living in the country’s extraordinary hills, rocky outcrops, and lava fields. Will you meet these “Huldufólk”, or “Hidden People” said to dislike churches, daylight, and electricity? Hard to say. But here’s what you will see on this breathtaking tour of Iceland—active volcanoes, roaring waterfalls, jagged glaciers, floating icebergs, black-sand beaches, and brilliant-blue geothermal springs. Unique, local experiences await in the “Land of Fire and Ice,” including tasting piping hot bread baked by the heat from the hot springs, sipping Geysir schnapps served at freezing point, and standing in awe before the spectacular Lake Jökulsárlón, home to Europe’s largest glacier and the site of some of the most dramatic scenes from the James Bond movie Die Another Day. The gargantuan sights in the land of the elves will surely leave you stirred, not shaken.