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Unrivaled history, unbelievable sightseeing, undeniably marvelous.

Europe Travel Guide

With history for millennia and dozens of the world’s most popular destinations, Europe has something for everyone. Looking for some R&R on the beach? We’d like you to meet our friends, the Greek Islands. Are you a food and drink junkie? Have a seat at one of Italy’s world class restaurants or pull up a stool in a Dublin pub. Looking for incredible art and architecture? There’s a little place in Spain called Barcelona that might be of interest to you. Whether you’re in the market for a quick, relaxing getaway or ready to set off on a month-long adventure, Europe has what you’re looking for.

Experience Europe

Never a dull moment, always a thrilling adventure.

Beauty

Europe looks good for its age.

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Three women laughing together by the Seine River with the Eiffel Tower in the background on a clear day.

Float past Paris’ most iconic landmarks on the Seine River

Large Ferris wheel beside a river with a blue sky backdrop, surrounded by buildings and cranes.

Enjoy epic views from Europe’s tallest Ferris Wheel: the London Eye

Ornate facade of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, featuring intricate mosaics and detailed architectural sculptures under a clear blue sky.

Stare in wonder at the artwork of St. Mark’s Basilica

Marble statue of a muscular male figure with curly hair, gazing thoughtfully, set against a curved architectural background.

Try not to blush at Michelangelo’s David

Cliffside village with colorful houses overlooking the sea, set on rugged rocks, with a serene blue sky and ocean in the background.

Discover the vibrant cliffside villages of Cinque Terre

Dramatic cliffs overlooking the ocean under a cloudy sky, with green grass in the foreground and a sea stack visible in the water.

Witness the struggle of ocean against rock at the Cliffs of Moher

A tall waterfall cascading down a lush green cliff into a serene pool, under a purple-tinged sky at sunset.

Marvel at Iceland’s incredible waterfalls and geysers

Scenic view of Santorini with iconic blue-domed churches and white buildings overlooking a sunset-lit sea and rugged coastline.

Watch the best sunset of your life in Santorini

A majestic castle with multiple towers and spires stands on a lush green hill under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Gaze upon Germany’s fairytale castle, Neuschwanstein

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Indulgence

Sometimes a glass of wine and a bath after work just doesn’t cut it.

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View of a vibrant landscape with fields and a clear blue sky through a stone archway, with a cobblestone path leading out.

Drool over food and wine in the Tuscan countryside

A lively party scene with people dancing; broken plates scattered on the ground, and string lights above create a festive atmosphere.

Dance the night away in Europe’s world-class nightclubs

A glass stein with blonde beer and foam, branded "München HB," sits on a green table outdoors in dappled sunlight.

Raise a stein in Munich’s lively beer gardens & halls

Aerial view of a sunny beach with colorful umbrellas and beachgoers on the sand, and people swimming in the clear turquoise sea.

Sunbathe at Greece’s world-famous beaches

Hand holding a stroopwafel in a checkered paper wrapper, with a backdrop of traditional Dutch houses and a clear blue sky.

Have hot waffles for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in Amsterdam

A hand holding a chimney cake topped with whipped cream and a strawberry, with a cobblestone street and historic buildings in the background.

Savor a mouth-watering Trdelnik cake in Prague

Outdoor restaurant with diners under umbrellas and string lights on a cobblestone street, with vines and greenery above. Cozy evening atmosphere.

Pig out on Porchetta in Rome

Wooden walkway leading to a small platform over a steaming geothermal lagoon, surrounded by rocky terrain. People relax in the milky blue water.

Enjoy the ultimate spa day at Iceland’s Blue Lagoon

A hand holds a tall, swirled ice cream cone on a street with bicycles and historic buildings in the background.

Try every flavor of gelato in Italy, then do it again

A metal bowl filled with swirled vanilla ice cream topped with whipped cream, raspberry sauce, and a single raspberry.

Choose between sweet or savory at a French crêpery

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Adventure

Your friends may have “done” Europe, but not like this.

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Scenic view of a mountainous landscape with a blue lake, green valleys, and distant snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky.

Gaze at Lake Geneva while summiting Rochers-de-Naye

Person paddleboarding on calm water near rocky shore, under a blue sky with fluffy clouds, and buildings in the background.

Take a paddleboard lesson in Barcelona

Snow-covered mountain peak under a clear blue sky, with rocky terrain in the foreground.

Hike to the Matterhorn’s Hornlihutte at 10,695 ft

Red cable car above lush green mountains with a view of a lake and distant town below a cloudy sky.

Summit the Swiss Alps via gondola

A winding mountain road surrounded by lush green grass, rocks, and trees, leading towards snow-capped peaks under a bright blue sky.

Trek through the King’s trails at Gran Paradiso National Park

Woman smiling on red bicycle near a grassy area with a windmill in the background, under a cloudy sky.

Bike like a local into the stunning Dutch countryside

A scenic mountain town with a flowing river, vibrant pink flowers on the banks, and buildings under a clear blue sky with snow-capped peaks in the distance.

Navigate your raft through the thrilling rapids of the Arve River

A narrow pedestrian bridge connects two rocky mountain peaks under a clear blue sky, with people walking along it. Snow is visible on the peaks.

Explore Aiguilles Rouges, where the first Winter Olympics took place

Rocky canyon with clear water reflecting the sky, surrounded by moss-covered cliffs and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Toe the line between continents at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

A rocky, green-covered mountain peak under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, surrounded by grassy slopes and boulders.

Journey to the peak of Ireland’s tallest mountain, Carrauntoohil

Scenic view of a historic stone monastery by a vibrant blue lake, surrounded by lush green hills, with boats docked nearby under a clear blue sky.

Find your way into the Cave of Odysseus at Mljet National Park

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Sunset view of Santorini, Greece, featuring iconic white buildings with blue domes, overlooking the Aegean Sea and rugged coastline.

Accommodations. Activities. Rockstar Tour Director who knows a guy who’ll hook you up with an extra scoop of gelato.

This is group travel with EF Ultimate Break. Expertly crafted itineraries, everything included. We keep your stress levels low and holy-s#!t-that-was-awesome levels high.

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Fun facts

  • According to legend, Iceland’s Oxarafoss waterfall turns from water to wine on New Year’s Eve, which is convenient if you need a refill.
  • St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival (but nobody does it better than the Irish).
  • Londoners serve beer at...room temperature. Cheers?
  • Gustave Eiffel originally pitched his tower to Barcelona, but the city rejected it, fearing it would be an eyesore. #missedopportunity
  • Amsterdam boasts more museums per capita than any city in the world.
  • If you looked at all 35,000 works of art in the Louvre for 60 seconds each, it would take 64 days to see them all.
  • The iconic white pillars of Athens’ Parthenon were originally painted in multiple vivid colors.
  • Martigny, Switzerland is home to the world’s only St. Bernard Museum, which was named Best Place in the Universe...by us, just now.
  • At least six ravens live in the Tower of London , under the superstition that the tower will crumble and harm will befall the nation if they leave.

Eat like a local

Eating is why we travel, right?

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Tapas

Barcelona Bite-size dishes like montaditos and patatas bravas (crispy, spicy potatoes).

Bistecca fiorentina

Florence Sirloin cut from Italian cattle aged for at least two weeks, served rare.

Stroopwaffel

Amsterdam The ultimate cookie: two thin wafers filled with a caramelly syrup, served hot.

Beer

Munich Nobody brews like Germany: their beer contains only water, hops, malt, and yeast.

Steak tartare

Paris A French favorite: raw ground beef topped with an egg that’s served, you guessed it, raw.

Irish stew

Dublin Potatoes, onions, carrots, mutton, and bacon—best way to fill up for a night on the lash.

Souvlaki

Athens Meat on a stick, kabob-style, with tzatziki sauce. Simple, savory, and delicious.

Harðfiskur

Reykjavik A Viking tradition of wind drying fish creates this healthy white-fish jerky.

Fish and chips

London A true classic that needs no introduction. Best served with a pint, innit?

Schoggi brötli

Lucerne Two of life’s comfort foods, bread and chocolate, combined in a buttery roll.

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Best ways to visit Europe

Immerse yourself in the continent that has it all.

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We know a spot or two

Europe has no shortage of iconic destinations—let’s get into it.

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London

A history buff’s dream, London has a wealth of famous landmarks (think Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral) backed up by its rich culture.

Big Ben clock tower and parts of the Palace of Westminster next to the River Thames with Westminster Bridge and a red double-decker bus.
A classic white taxi and a red double-decker bus drive on a street adorned with Union Jack flags in front of historic buildings.

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Amsterdam

A maze of beauty you’ll be thrilled to get lost in. Walk or bike along picturesque canals and stumble upon one-of-a-kind attractions like the Van Gogh Museum, the floating Bloemenmarkt, or the Anne Frank house.

Colorful, historic canal houses with ornate facades are reflected in the water in Amsterdam.
Charming canal scene in Amsterdam with boats, parked cars, bicycles, and historic brick buildings lining the waterfront, trees in autumn.

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Paris

The Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, the Mona Lisa, the Eiffel Tower— Paris clearly has no shortage of inviting sights. Top it off with coffee and a pastry at a French café for the perfect visit.

Lit-up Eiffel Tower at dusk, against a deep blue sky with airplane trails, surrounded by silhouettes of trees and buildings.
Street view of a Parisian café with outdoor seating, floral decor, patrons dining, and a waiter serving food on a cobblestone street.

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Rome

Rome offers so much more than incredible Tuscan pasta—it’s got gelato, too! Walk all the food off towards historic landmarks like the Colosseum, St. Paul’s Basilica, and the Roman Forum.

The Colosseum in Rome on a sunny day, with tourists exploring its ancient, partly-ruined structure, and people walking in the foreground.
The Trevi Fountain in Rome, featuring ornate sculptures and flowing water cascading into a clear blue pool.

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Dublin

The ideal day in Dublin? Start with a full Irish breakfast, hit the Guinness Storehouse and learn to pour the perfect pint, then take in castles and museums before dancing the night away at world-class pubs.

Cobblestone street in front of a lively pub adorned with string lights and flower boxes. People are gathered around, and bicycles are parked nearby.
Historic arched bridge over a river with ornate railing, colorful buildings in the background, and a vibrant sky reflected in the water.

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Santorini

Between the volcanic landscapes, cliffside vineyards, and whitewashed villages with pastel-colored homes, visiting Santorini is like being transported into a watercolor painting.

Scenic view of Santorini, Greece, featuring white buildings with blue domes against a clear blue sky and colorful hillside architecture.
White Greek building with blue doors, stone steps, pink flowers climbing the wall, and a blue gate under a clear blue sky.

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Barcelona

Can’t decide between a beach trip, foodie’s paradise, sightseeing adventure, or the ultimate nightlife getaway? Meet Barcelona.

Colorful mosaic foreground with vibrant cityscape and skyline in the background, featuring unique architectural elements and distant buildings.
View of Sagrada Família's intricate towers and stone facade under a clear blue sky, framed by green tree branches.

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Munich

Home to the world’s most famous beer hall and once ranked the world’s most livable city, Munich is a major center of German entertainment, art and music.

Cityscape of Munich at dusk, showcasing the Frauenkirche towers, St. Peter's Church, and Alps in the background under a vibrant sky.
Aerial view of a busy city square with historic buildings, a clock tower, and people walking and gathering around.

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Prague

At 16 centuries young, Prague boasts an abundance of sightseeing opportunities to Czech out , including Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the John Lennon Wall.

Aerial view of Prague's Old Town, featuring the Gothic spires of the Church of Our Lady before Týn and surrounding historic buildings with red roofs.
View of a historic cityscape with red-roofed buildings, a bridge, and swans swimming in a river under a bright blue sky.

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Swiss Alps

Summiting the Swiss Alps will be one of those moments where the rest of the world doesn’t matter and you ask yourself, “What could ever top this?”

Aerial view of a picturesque alpine village beside a turquoise lake, surrounded by lush green hills and mountains under a clear blue sky.
A person stands on a viewing platform overlooking a vast mountainous landscape with rugged peaks and valleys under a cloudy sky.

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Europe with a group vs. solo

Young adults looking to see Europe often find themselves in a dilemma: plan everything yourself with friends, or plan everything yourself and go solo. The idea of Europe with friends sounds great at first, but once you start trying to coordinate busy schedules, varying budgets, and finding a way to hit everyone’s “must see” city, the logistics can become overwhelming.

Traveling solo might sound like a fun adventure—and we’re all for stepping out of your comfort zone—but then who’s going to help you finish all that pasta in Florence, be there for a champagne toast under the Eiffel Tower, and hold the camera for all your glamour shots along the way? (Remember: pics or it didn’t happen.)

So what’s better, group travel or solo travel? Why not both! EF Ultimate Break offers the best of both worlds. Sign up solo, but travel with a group of soon-to-be BFFs. Once you arrive, you’ll say “hola!” or “bonjour!” or just “what’s up?” to a group of other like-minded travelers who, like you, just want to experience Europe in all its glory.

Why EF Ultimate Break?

Picture yourself getting off a plane in Europe for the first time. You don’t speak the language or know your way around, fumbling around with your suitcases trying to hail a cab to take you to a hotel with a name you can’t pronounce. Sure, you can hop on Google and try to figure out the best places to go—but good luck finding any of the countless off-the-beaten-path gems that make Europe so special. Plus, every minute you spend trying to figure out what to do and where to go is time you’re not spending exploring and soaking up the culture, and you worked so hard to get here!

With EF Ultimate Break, you can forget about all those concerns. Our expert European Tour Directors live, eat, and breathe travel. With your destination as their canvas and your tour group as their brush, watch in awe as your dedicated Tour Director goes Pablo Picasso on your trip, painting a new unforgettable experience with every stroke.

So don’t worry; sit back and relax while we book accommodations and plan everything else you’ll need on your journey.

Europe inspo

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Take it from them👇

Our travelers love visiting Europe, and they aren’t afraid to tell us.

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Still undecided? We’ll help you find the perfect trip.

Our expert Trip Consultants are waiting to hear from you. Seriously. They freakin’ love helping travelers figure out their dream trips.

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