Europe Tours and Trips

Like history? And art? How about beaches and pubs? Then say hello to Western Europe on this three-week tour of the highlights from London down to Lisbon. See some of the world’s best museums, have lunch under the Eiffel Tower, eat as many tapas as you can handle, and party on Europe’s most coveted beaches with your new group of international friends. This unique route will take you places every traveller should see.

Journey through land, sea and time courtesy of the Adriatic's glittering waters. Set sail for the gorgeous Adriatic as you navigate the coastlines of Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Italy and Greece. From the fortified walls of Dubrovnik and Kotor to the unique Italian dwellings nestled in the hills outside Bari, this cruising adventure showcases history at its most beautiful. Spend some nights in port and some sailing overnight to maximise time spent swimming off little-known Albanian beaches and delving into the myths that define the Greek islands. With opportunities to visit the Delphic Oracle and explore Odysseus's homeland, you'll soon find out that though these places' stories are epic by definition, their reality is even better. 

Fresh ocean air, rolling green hills, and solitary back roads; our 8-day cycling tour of Ireland is unforgettable. Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way has all the ingredients for a perfect cycling tour. Magnificent coastal scenery, fascinating local history and bustling villages rise up to greet us with each bend in the road. Our trip highlights the diversity of the west coast. We stop in lively pubs to listen to live music, experience stretches of rocky landscape at the Cliffs of Moher and marvel at impressive monuments to Ireland's illustrious past. Our journey begins on the magnificent plateau of The Burren and onward to the legendary Cliffs of Moher. On the Aran Islands, where Irish Gaelic is spoken daily, ancient Celtic stone forts and early Christian churches stand in isolated grandeur. Wild rivers, clear lakes and heather-covered mountains bring a striking change of scenery as we pedal our way through Connemara. Celebrate the day's ride with pints of Guinness and traditional Irish merriment. We bid farewell to our newfound friends and newly-discovered country along the narrow, cobblestone streets of bohemian Galway.

Travel through China and Mongolia before reaching Russia on the famous Trans-Siberian Railway. Travel across continents and time zones on one of the world's greatest train journeys. Start in busy Beijing before heading to the untamed wilderness of Mongolia to meet its historically nomadic people. Leave Asia behind as we cross into Siberia for some traditional hospitality and stunning natural landscapes in Lake Baikal and then into Russia to arrive in majestic Moscow. This trip will open your eyes to the history, scenery and unique cultures that make up this fascinating region, so climb aboard for the ultimate Trans-Siberian experience.

Travel through the gems of Central Europe and explore Romania. Experience the best of this old-world region on a journey through enchanting Central Europe and Romania. Travel to Austria and be immersed in the country's superb musical heritage and step back in time in the castles of the Czech Republic. Experience Polish traditions while exploring the romantic Old Town of Krakow and get active in Slovakia's Tatra Mountains. Then Explore Hungary and Romania; from the beautiful Baroque churches of Budapest to the haunted castles of Transylvania. Learn about the failed Turkish invasion of Eger and take a wine cellar tour in the Valley of the Beautiful Women. Become acquainted with traditional Romanian culture and customs in Maramures. Tour the medieval churches of Brasov, dine with a local family on an overnight homestay in Viscri and visit Bucharest's 12-storey Palace of Parliament. This epic journey through Central Europe and Romania gives a great insight in to that magical part of the world.

Share seven days of quality family time in a land with charming culture and magnificent historical riches. Home to postcard-perfect coastlines and fascinating archaeological wonders, Greece is the perfect destination for an island-hopping, adventure-packed family vacation. We leave the hurry of our daily lives behind as we hike, walk and sea kayak our way through the breathtaking scenery of this unforgettable country. Beginning in Athens, we climb in ancient footsteps to the ruins of the Acropolis. Speeding off by ferry to the island of Mykonos, we hike by the amazing UNESCO world heritage site of Delos, said to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. On Santorini, world famous for its dramatic crater and connection to the lost city of Atlantis, we kayak, swim and play. Try the life of a Grecian native on for size, making famous local specialties like tzatziki sauce, crafting our own Greek worry bead bracelets and learning about the country’s culture from our excellent, local guides. We return home with a bit of the Grecian love for life with us forever. Kids get an REI day pack — Kids traveling on our Family Adventures will receive an REI day pack for their adventure! Kids age 8-17 will receive the REI Flash 18 Pack (while quantities last, colors may vary). Learn more about REI Family Adventures. Not traveling with kids under age 18? Check out our Greek Island Hopper trip or inquire about a private departure of this itinerary.

Spend eight days savoring ancient wonders and the simple, timeless pleasures of Mediterranean island life. From ancient Athens to sun-soaked Santorini, this trip connects you and a group of adventure-loving women to the sights and sounds of Greece. Designed to provide a full picture of Greece’s spirit and soul, the journey includes incredible historic landmarks, natural beauty worthy of high praise and the chance to experience the vibrant life of locals along the way. In Athens, explore ancient ruins like the Acropolis and Parthenon, visible reminders of Greece’s transformation through the years. Feel challenged and empowered on hikes, enjoy a full body stretch with a seaside yoga session in Naxos and discover Grecian culinary secrets in Tinos. Then ferry down to iconic Santorini, a crescent-shaped island known for its stunning sunsets. Witness the spirit of the island with a hike along the crater’s edge from Fira to Oia. Wander Oia’s narrow passageways and quaint shops, stopping to sample souvlaki and take in the sights. Back in Fira, we gather for a farewell dinner, toasting to new friends and unforgettable memories in beautiful Greece.

Beginning in iconic Athens and ending in picturesque Santorini, eight days spent hiking blue-domed, white-walled, beachy Greece makes for a spectacular adventure. Historic landmarks, whitewashed villages and hiking views worthy of the gods—Greece is as much a treat for the senses as it is soul food for the adventure-lover. This island hop moves from Athens to Santorini, with lesser-known Naxos and Tinos in between, comprising a well-designed journey through some of the most remarkable highlights of Greece. In Athens, take a walking tour of the city’s oldest neighborhood, Plaka. Stand in awe of the Acropolis and Parthenon while learning about each landmark from local guides. Hike among terraced vineyards and visit the church of the Virgin Mary in Tinos. In Naxos, modern day life blends beautifully with Grecian history along charming hiking trails. Santorini is the last destination and the last chance to soak in Grecian sights, sounds and tastes. Hike along the crater's edge from Fira to Oia one day and sample local wines and foods in Exo Gonia the next. Walk along narrow, winding paths in search of neoclassical architecture and the stunningly simple moments which only Greece can offer. Traveling with kids under 18? Check out our Greek Islands Family Adventure.

Pedal through the picturesque landscapes and quaint villages of Provence and fall in love with romantic Tuscany on this active cycling adventure. Enjoy the best of European cycling on this 15 day adventure in Europe’s premier cycling destinations – Provence and Tuscany. Wind your way past neat rows of vineyards, beneath towering aqueducts and through forests on this active cycling adventure through Provence. This journey through Southern France is an idyllic blend of scenic trail riding, historical sights and wine tasting. Visit the serene gardens of St Remy to see where Vincent van Gogh created his famous works. Savour regional red wines and walk the cobbled streets of Les Baux and marvel at the stunning views from atop its limestone cliffs. Encounter the picturesque hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this cycling adventure from Florence to Pisa. Be rewarded after a day of pedaling through quaint villages with a delicious slow-cooked Tuscan dinner in Barga. Explore the frenetic streets of Pisa before laying eyes on a legendary lopsided tower. Visit one of the oldest bakeries in Italy for a taste of their delicious biscotti. Walk near the walls of the imposing Verrucole Castle in Garfagnana.

Explore Russia through the remote northern Solovetsky Islands and the charms of the Golden Ring. It’s the multi-faceted culture Russia has to offer that makes it so appealing. Places like St. Petersburg or the cities of the Golden Ring boast so much in art and culture that it would take near decades to even loosely acquaint yourself with what they have to offer, yet the frosty reaches to the north tell different tales of old castles, derelict towns, prison camps and time-lost labyrinths. This trip takes you across a land shrouded in both magnificence and secrets as you explore the bustling architectural glory of St Petersburg, Yaroslavl and Moscow and right up to the Arctic treasures of Murmansk and the Solovetsky Islands.

Circling the highest peak in Western Europe, this eight-day hike serves up spectacular scenery and spans three alpine countries. We’ve distilled the Tour Du Mont Blanc Classic trip for people with limited time who don’t want to compromise on experience. Setting off from the legendary mountain village of Chamonix, we hike beneath the Bionnassay Glacier to the Col du Tricot, pausing along the way to take in storybook scenery straight out of The Sound of Music. We hike with light packs and spend each night feasting, laughing and resting in hotel comfort. Savor meadows and villages, glaciers and spires, and the charm and cuisine of French, Swiss and Italian cultures. About halfway through our journey, as we make our way to Courmayeur, we behold the dramatic southern face of the Mont Blanc massif from the Italian side. Our journey continues to the Grand Col Ferret, the dramatic mountain pass between Italy and Switzerland. Finally, the La Flégère cable car carries us gently down into the valley to Chamonix, where we celebrate our journey with a hearty meal and a warm drink as the sun dips low in the sky.

Spend seven magical days exploring the villages and vistas of the Italian Riviera. For active women who want to experience Italy’s Cinque Terre—a necklace of villages perched on sun-soaked Mediterranean cliffsides—this trip is a bella vita dream come true. We set out from Santa Margherita, a city of orange blossoms and palm-ringed beaches, to get a taste of the daily rhythms and traditions of the region. We take local trains and stay at sleepy inns. Each day, we hike steep seaside trails and descend into jewel-box villages like Vernazza and Volastra from the cliffs high above, exhilarated by the physical challenge and the beauty of the scenery that changes with every step. Past castles and medieval fortresses, through vineyards and olive orchards stretching to the deep blue Mediterranean, we explore cobblestone alleys with tucked-away trattorias where we share fresh antipasto di mare. As our trip winds down, we spend a lazy morning strolling the island of Palmaria, then take an afternoon to wander Portovenere and swim in the Poet’s Grotto. The Cinque Terre inspired Byron and Shelley, and it will inspire you, too.

Spend seven days hiking in the Italian Riviera and picturesque Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre’s sun-soaked villages perched on Mediterranean hillsides redefine the meaning of the word quaint. Dramatic coastal scenery give way to medieval fortresses. Ripe, plentiful vineyards stand in stark contrast to harbors filled with gently floating yachts. Steep, ancient trails connect villages from Portofino to Portovenere. Knowledgeable guides lead us along the terrain, stopping to give us historical context and to remind us to enjoy the fragrant sea air. We embark on daily hikes along the cliffs of the Italian Riviera. Each village brings its own personality and spin on renowned Italian cuisine. Enjoy fresh, delicious seafood, warm Italian pastries and a glass of wine at the end of a long day. Each hike brings new views of the Ligurian coast and each evening gives us a chance to relax at a charming inn amongst new friends.

Combine iconic cities with destinations off the tourist trail on this 16-day tour which satiates travellers looking for fascinating cultural history, archaeological marvels, and little-known gems. Sample some of Vienna's finest eats with a culinary expert, go deep underground into a salt museum previously used as a bomb shelter, and relax along Lake Snagov, where Romanians go on holiday. Trusted local chefs, historians, and cultural experts help enrich this experience in a way that no audio tour or guidebook could ever achieve.

Explore the coastline of Croatia over eight days, enjoying beautiful beaches, islands and fishing villages on the sun-drenched Dalmatian Coast. Adorned with sapphire waters and seaside cafes, Croatia is an ideal place for an adventure. The famously crystal-clear waters are a main attraction; perfect for swimming, stand up paddle boarding and island-hopping by catamaran. There’s plenty of time for leisure, too—lay in the sun, splash in the water and wander down narrow walkways that lead to charming outdoor cafés. Beginning in historic Dubrovnik, take a guided tour of fascinating Old Town. Spend the following days exploring the idyllic Elaphiti Islands by catamaran. Take a short hike to the Placet Cliffs in Koločep, and visit car-free Lopud, well-known for its sandy beaches. In Šipan, enjoy one of the best family-owned restaurants in Croatia. Cycle the gentle pathways of the park in Mljet, then drink wine over stories about Homer’s hero Odysseus. Explore the laidback Mediterranean lifestyle in Korčula. In Hvar, 13th-century walls surround Gothic palaces and marble streets. As each day fades to night, glorious Adriatic sunsets provide a quiet moment to reflect on time well spent with fellow adventurers in magical Croatia.

Immerse yourself in the Tuscan way of life on this seven-day ramble through friendly villages, ancient cities and the timeless countryside. Suitable for anyone who wants to truly experience this region of Italy, this trip blends hiking with history, cultural experiences and to-die-for food and wine, all within the storybook loveliness of the Tuscan landscape. From Florence, we set out to see Tuscany by foot. Each day brings a new trail and new scenery. We walk through vineyards and olive groves, follow a Middle Ages pilgrim’s path past medieval fortresses and Renaissance villas, explore villages like San Gimignano and Colle di Val d’Elsa, and stroll cypress-lined country lanes with the steeples of ancient Volterra beckoning us across the valley. A sampler of quintessential Italian experiences add flavor to our journey. We spend two nights in a Tuscan villa, tour a traditional alabaster workshop and marvel at 3,000-year-old Etruscan artifacts. Our trip ends in beautiful Siena, city of the Medicis, where you can sip one more perfect cappuccino under the Italian sun.

Cruise Spain and Portugal’s sultry south on this eclectic Peregrine adventure cruise. Portugal and Spain’s lesser travelled southern reaches are full of surprises and this trip takes the adventure a step further – to Morocco. Join Intrepid on the stylish Harmony V and discover the wonders of this coast. Begin in Malaga and sail to Puerto Banas to explore Ronda, famous for its dramatic perch above a deep gorge. Sail on to Morocco for a tour of Tangier’s medina and a taste of mint tea, as well as a visit to Chefchaouen, the famous blue-washed city. Continue to Seville and Huelva to learn Columbus’ history and wonder at the immense gothic cathedral, and finally drop anchor in Portimao to explore coastal caves before finishing in Portugal’s charming capital, Lisbon. With the flexibility to choose between cultural activities and sun-soaked leisure, this is a great choice for those wanting to experience the Iberian lifestyle with a dash of Morocco.

Venture into the magical and mysterious lands along the coast of the Norwegian Sea for close encounters with glaciers and gorgeous fjordscapes. Perfect for explorers long on ambition but short on time, this 11-day expedition brings you to important sites of Norway’s ancient history, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and some of the most incredible nature you’ll ever see. The journey is short, but the memories will last you the rest of your life.

Explore spectacular coastlines dotted with ancient ruins and rolling green hills during this 10-day journey from the Irish Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. Experience the history and scenery of the Emerald Isle, beginning in vibrant Dublin. We hike from the peaks of the Wicklow Mountains to the iconic Cliffs of Moher, with interludes at medieval castles and monasteries. Share good conversation and cold Irish beer in local pubs along the way. After we experience the rugged grandeur of the Beara Peninsula in County Cork, the natural wonders of Killarney National Park await. Walk through old oak forests, past idyllic Irish farmsteads and into remote mountain valleys. Explore coastal footpaths and castle ruins on our way to the Dingle Peninsula. When we arrive, revel in music and merriment at this epicenter of Gaelic culture. Our adventure concludes in Ennis, a market town steeped in medieval heritage and renowned for its traditional music scene and festive atmosphere. Lovers of adventure, history and vibrant culture will find Ireland’s spirited ambience and rich landscapes are not to be missed. This is a great trip for adults and fit, older teens. If you're traveling with younger children, check out our Ireland Family Adventure.

Historic cities, colourful culture, and architectural landmarks come together on this 15-day itinerary of Spain and Portugal. Your trusted CEO will lead you through medieval complexes, local farms, and the Moorish masterpiece that is the Alhambra, enlisting knowledgeable local guides and hosts along the way. Immersive and informative, this itinerary through Western Europe satisfies the intellectual curiosities of those that wish to do more than simply cross a destination off their list.