Europe Tourism and Travel Guide

The best time to visit Europe and explore the best of Europe tourism will mostly depend on the countries you are visiting. Typically the period between July and August is the ideal time to visit the continent since the weather is pleasant and quite welcoming. However, it’s best to avoid planning your Europe trip around the Mediterranean countries since it can get quite warm. 

The months between September and November are also considered a good time to plan and book your Europe trip simply because some of the most vibrant festivals are celebrated during this time. We recommend including Belgium, Paris, Netherlands and Sweden in your Europe tour itinerary if you are travelling during Autumn. 

For those who want to experience winter in Europe and add a bit of adventure to their vacation, we recommend visiting between October and January.

Travellers who are planning a Europe trip, must have a carefully planned itinerary and must book round tickets before applying for a visa. The Schengen visa allows entry to 26 EU member countries and hence is one of the best options to explore Europe tourism. The visa covers major countries of Europe, except for the United Kingdom and countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Croatia and Ireland. There are also countries which are not a part of the EU, but they do belong to the Schengen area such as Iceland, Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein.

Indians with valid passports can apply for a Schengen visa at the embassy of the country where you are going to stay the most or the country in which you are landing first. In addition to this, to apply for a Schengen visa, one needs to provide a cover letter, return airline tickets, travel itinerary, three months bank statements, income tax returns for 3 years, 3-month salary slips and overseas medical insurance for at least 30,000 Euros.

The most important tip for a traveller planning a Europe trip is that one should map an itinerary according to budget. Since the continent can be loosely divided into four geographical areas, one can choose to explore the best parts of Europe tourism depending on the places they want to cover. 

For those who are visiting the northern part on their Europe trip, they can cover Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Latvia. Among these ten european countries, travellers usually choose to spend more time in Denmark and Norway owing to their popularity.

England

Europe tourism which covers the northern part of Europe includes the historic country of England. With a rich heritage and an intriguing past, the country takes one back in time. A beautiful mix of tradition and contemporary, it’s said that England is a world within a world. Of course, for nature lovers, there isn’t a better itinerary than one which includes a tour of all the countryside cities, while for history lovers, Bath, York and London shouldn’t be missed.

Denmark

Denmark is another popular destination which is a part of Europe tourism. Known for its enthralling heritage and warm culture, the easy-going country promises a vacation of a lifetime. In fact, the recent increase in visitors has made Denmark one of the biggest highlights of Europe tourism. Among the best places to visit in Denmark, we recommend including Gilleleje, Rosenborg Castle, Skagen and Mols Bjerge National Park in Europe trip.

Iceland

Making it to the list of countries which is promoted by Europe tourism is Iceland. Promising breathtaking and surreal beauty, Iceland is located close to the Arctic Circle and is a must include in your Europe trip. Of course, if you are planning a trip to Iceland to admire the northern lights, we recommend planning your itinerary carefully. Among other places which are highlighted in Europe tourism, Sweden, Ireland, Scotland and Whales stand out for the warm culture and surreal beauty. If you are a nature lover or someone who can’t do without a bit of adventure, Iceland is an idea destination for you and should certainly be a part of your Europe trip.

Croatia

Europe tourism has always laid emphasis on natural beauty, heritage and culture. And if you are looking for all three on your Europe tour, Croatia has to be on your Europe itinerary. A popular country which is part of eastern Europe tourism, we highly recommend including the stunning coastal country of Croatia. Promising a vibrant mix of natural beauty and adventure, it’s best known for the cities of Dubrovnik and Zagreb. 

Belarus

Although Europe tourism in the eastern part of the continent is increasing rapidly, Belarus is still not a very prominent part of Europe tourism or a highlight in Europe trips. However, that might change soon as more people are visiting Belarus owing to country's untouched beauty. Belarus is perfect for all types of travellers including adventure seekers, history enthusiasts and nature lovers. 

One can experience the history and culture of the country in its capital city of Minsk. The city has some marvellous architectural masterpieces, especially from the Soviet era. Minsk is also known for its pulsating nightlife and has some of the best cafes and restaurants in the Eastern part of  Europe. From Minsk, one can travel to other cities and towns in the country that offer century-old historical and cultural experiences. Apart from Minsk, the cities of Brest, Vitsyebsk and Homel are a must-include in your Europe trip.

Germany

Germany is known worldwide for its vibrant festivals, mesmerising forests and superior engineering. One of the most powerful and advanced countries in Europe, Germany is one place that you can visit any time of the year and is a big crowd puller to increase Europe tourism.

Each region in Germany offers an experience one can never forget. While northern Germany is famous for its coastline along the North and Baltic sea, southern Germany is famous for the Black Forest, Bavarian Forest and the Bavarian Alps. A part of all promotions for Europe tourism, western Germany is the industrial heartland of Germany and eastern Germany is home to the majestic capital city of Berlin. There's no shortage of things to do and places to visit in Germany and it is undoubtedly one of the most sought after destinations for anyone preparing for a Europe trip.

Italy

If art and history are important for you then Italy should definitely be a part of your Europe trip. Most popular as the birthplace of the path-breaking Renaissance movement, artists head here to seek inspiration and admire masterpieces by great artists. It’s said that Italy has the most number of World Heritage Sites in the world – a fact which has helped increase the popularity of Europe tourism.

France

Another country which is immensely popular and a part of Europe tourism is France. Offering travellers an exciting mix of architecture, art, natural beauty, warm culture and delicious cuisines, it packs in a bundle of experiences that travellers can’t resist. One of the most visited countries and a huge crowd-puller for Europe tourism, it’s home to the grand Eiffel Tower and the world-famous French Riviera. A shopping enthusiast’s delight and a food lover’s dream, France is what makes holidays perfect. 

Budapest, Hungary

For those who are looking for a quiet and laid-back vacation, Budapest in Hungary is a great option. Popular for Ottoman-era thermal baths, numerous museums, architectural marvels, open-air cafes and small bazaars, it’s a complete holiday destination. Another reason why Budapest is boosting Europe tourism is its popularity among backpackers and budget travellers. With numerous hostels and guesthouses, accommodation is reasonable and living expenses are considerably reduced.

Malaga, Spain

Another lesser-known destination which is a major highlight in Europe tourism is Malaga in Spain. A quaint city, it is best known for its scintillating mix of old and new where you can enjoy historical marvels while sipping cocktails in a contemporary bar. The most beautiful site here is Caminito del Rey and of course the gorgeous hammams. A big reason why Malaga has helped Europe tourism gain popularity is owing to the city’s easy-going culture and open-air cafes.

Český Krumlov

Europe tourism has always highlight Prague as one of the best places to include in your Europe trip. But if you are looking for a lesser-known gem, then Český Krumlov is where you should head to. A quaint, heritage city which is located in the Bohemia region of Czech Republic, it is a marvel for history lovers and art buffs. 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vltava River runs through the city and adds charm to the beauty and warmth the city exudes. For adventure buffs who are looking to add some adventure to their trip, the river also offers thrilling canoeing and rafting opportunities. Though, this beautiful city may not be part of popular Europe trip itineraries, it is definitely worth a visit, especially if it’s your first time in Europe.

For a continent as vast as Europe, it’s best to go through Europe tourism and also through extensive Europe travel guides which give you the most authentic information. Europe travel guides offer travellers detailed information about the various things to do in Europe according to interest and budget. To make your planning easier, we have a short, must-do list of things to do in Europe.

Visit the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre

Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are counted among the best places to visit in Europe. A huge part of Europe tourism, these two places can be considered among the biggest reasons why travellers flock to France. The Eiffel Tower is almost symbolic to France and is considered one of the most beautiful architectural marvels in the world. While it’s visited by tourists throughout the day, we do recommend booking the evening tour to truly enjoy its splendour. 

On the other hand, the iconic Louvre preserves some of the best works in the world including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Venus of Milo and the Coronation of Napoleon. Considered to be one of the largest museums in the world, it takes one back in time through impressive artworks including paintings, drawings and sculpture. 

Since both attractions are major crowd pullers, there are umpteen tours that travellers can take to best enjoy them. If you plan to head out on your own without a travel guide, we suggest checking Europe tourism websites for more information on tickets and timings. Typically covering both destinations takes close to four hours including lunch.

Enjoy panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the most important parts of Europe tourism and anyone who is planning a Europe trip must include this marvel in their itinerary. Situated in Florence, the lookout gives an unbelievable and almost surreal view of the capital. Built in 1865, it is dedicated to Michelangelo Buonarroti and displays bronze copies of some of his most recognised works including the David. 

A must-visit for art lovers, Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the most beautiful highlights of Europe tourism and the authorities have made considerable efforts to keep the area clean and welcoming. 

Museum tour in Madrid

A big part of Europe tourism is art and culture. Of course, then museum tours are an integral part of any Europe trip, especially if you are an art enthusiast. Madrid is home to some of the best museums in the world and museum tours are the best way to spend your time in the city.

There are various kinds of museum tours offered to travellers in Madrid and depending on your interests, you can choose among the Prado tour, the Thyssen-Bornemisza tour, the Reina Sofia tour and many more. We do recommend researching Europe tourism websites for more details on the different kinds of tours and prices. However, irrespective of your budget, museum tours can easily be incorporated in your itinerary.

Canal tour in Amsterdam 

The best way to explore Amsterdam is through an enthralling canal tour. One of the major highlights of Europe tourism, Amsterdam canal tour is for those who enjoy exploring the culture of a city. Another exciting fact about the Amsterdam tour is that the canal ring is UNESCO protected and is one of the best canal cruises in the world. 

Typically the canal cruise takes about an hour but the actual time will depend on the operator you have booked the trip through. We do recommend booking through Europe tourism authorised operators for the best experience. The canal cruise also offers travellers an opportunity to enjoy the tour at their pace so you can hop on and hop off depending on your schedule and interests.

It might come as a surprise but the food in the continent is one of the biggest reasons that travellers keep coming back to Europe. Food and culture have an unbreakable bond and the best way to learn more about people and their ways is through their local cuisine. For food lovers, Europe tourism offers a variety of options and depending on the places you are visiting, you can try popular local delicacies. 
 

We recommend arancini in Italy, which are little fried balls stuffed with cheese, tomatoes and meat, waffles in Belgium and strudel in Austria. Among other popular dishes, goulash in Hungary, currywurst in Germany and black risotto in Croatia definitely stand out for their popularity.
 

Europe tourism also lays emphasis on some of the best cities in the continent for food. Among our favourites, we recommend including the below cities for a memorable Europe trip:

• Girona, Spain
• Venice, Italy
• Rome, Italy
• Lyon, France
• Bologna, Italy
• London, England

Europe has always been a dream destination for young travellers, artists and creative souls. One of the most popular backpacking destinations in the world, Europe brings together people from all over the world only because of one reason - the love for travelling. If you are planning a Europe trip, we recommend keeping aside a considerable sum aside for impromptu plans and extensions. 

Costs for luxury travellers

Costs for luxury travellers to explore Europe tourism can be anywhere between Rs.30,000 to Rs.55,000 depending on the itinerary as well as the kind of activities one chooses to include. 

Costs for mid-budget travellers

For mid-budget travellers, this amount can be anywhere between Rs.10,000 to Rs.35,000 depending on the kind of transport they use for travel as well as inclusions in the itinerary. If you choose free walking tours and budget transport options, this amount can be considerably reduced. 

Costs for budget travellers and backpackers

Europe is an immensely popular destination for backpackers and Europe tourism has done everything to ensure that backpackers feel welcome. From budget railway passes, free walking tours, museum passes, to reasonable bus tours, shared cab services, hostels and budget accommodations, backpackers can expect to have a great Europe trip. Typical costs can range from Rs.5,000 to Rs.10,000 depending on the itinerary. 

What keeps most travellers on their feet in this vast continent is figuring out the best way to travel. But firstly, Europe tourism has made this task simpler and secondly, the  answer lies in your itinerary. The best way to travel in Europe will completely depend on the places you are visiting, the duration and of course, the most important, your budget.

Owing to the huge number of travellers who visit Europe every year, Europe tourism has ensured that travelling is not something that tourists worry about. The entire continent is well-connected by a sophisticated system of roadways, railways and airways. Travellers can choose among various means of transport for their Europe trip.

Buses

There are numerous bus services which come under Europe tourism and aim to make travelling easier for tourists, these buses have reasonably priced passes which give you access to access to most parts of the continent. The most popular bus services in Europe are Busabout, Flixbus and Megabus.

Railways

We have all heard about the pleasures of exploring Europe by the famous EuroRail. For the longest time, this was the most popular way to travel in Europe and most Europe trips were centered around train schedules. While some travellers feel that a EuroRail pass is more expensive and one should simply take the bus, there are others who are staunch supporters of this means of transport. To be honest, a hot cup of coffee and the spellbinding European sights, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience which shouldn’t be missed. 

Airways

Contrary to popular opinion, travelling within the continent by air is a great option. If booked on time, air travel saves both money and time. There are quite a few budget airlines which offer reasonable prices for tourists. This can be considered another way to boost Europe tourism and make exploring the content even easier.

A trip to Europe demands proper planning and fixed budgets. For those who travel to Europe simply on a whim may end up missing the best things that Europe tourism has to offer. We recommend booking tickets and hotels for your Europe trip at least a month in advance so you can begin the visa process and can also start preparing a detailed itinerary. To help you plan better, here are some of the best hotels in Europe for all kinds of travellers. 

Luxury hotels in Europe

If you have the budget, luxury hotels are the best way to spend time in a place. Complete with efficient service, comfort and amenities, luxury hotels add so much more to vacations. Here are a few luxury hotels in Europe to which will help you see the best side of Europe tourism:

• La Réserve, Paris, France
• Little Green Bay, Croatia
• Perivolas, Santorini, Greence
• Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal
• Das Stue, Berlin
• Suvretta House, St. Moritz, Switzerland

Mid-budget hotels in Europe

For those who prefer saving their budget for adventure, shopping and trying unique experiences, we recommend choosing mid-budget hotels in Europe as accommodation options. Promising clean rooms, warm service and local insights, they add charm to any holiday. Here are our favourites:

• Prestige Hotel, Budapest
• Hotel Olimpia, Venice
• Casa Cook, Kos, Greece
• Hotel Gletschergarten, Switzerland
• Hotel Taodomus, Italy

Budget hotels in Europe

Europe tourism has always been a huge attraction for backpackers and budget travellers. In fact, a notable percentage of tourists to Europe are backpackers and adventure enthusiasts who aspire to cover the entire continent. If you are travelling to Europe on a budget, you are in luck since there are a number of hotels. Besides offering comfort and great service, budget hotels are also a great way to learn about the local culture. 

• Sophie’s Hostel, Prague
• Casale Valigi, Italy
• Circus hostel, Berlin
• The Dorm Cave, Turkey
• Bavaria, Florence