Europe is a continent of endless stories, where every cobblestone street, ancient ruin, and sun-drenched coast has a tale to tell. From the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the azure waters of the Mediterranean, Europe offers a kaleidoscope of cultures, landscapes, and experiences. Whether you're drawn to the romance of Paris or the history of Rome, you'll find that the best European destinations offer something for every traveller. This guide will walk you through some of Europe's must-see places, helping you find the perfect backdrop for your next great adventure.

Begin planning your trip: Europe Tours & Destinations

Why Europe Captures Every Traveller’s Imagination

What is it about Europe that continues to enchant us? It's the continent's incredible diversity, where you can experience a dozen different cultures in a single trip. One day, you might be sipping espresso in a Roman piazza, and the next, you could be gazing at the majestic fjords of Norway. The sheer concentration of history is astounding; empires have risen and fallen here, leaving behind architectural marvels and artistic masterpieces that still take our breath away.

Top 10 Destinations in Europe

Choosing where to go can be the most exciting part of planning your trip. Here are ten must-see places in Europe that promise unforgettable experiences.

1. France: The epitome of romance and refinement, France charms visitors with its iconic landmarks and world-class cuisine. In Paris, you can wander from the Eiffel Tower to the grand halls of Versailles. Further south, the lavender fields of Provence and the glamorous French Riviera await, and Collette’s France Magnifique tour covers them both and more.

   

2. Italy: This is a country where history and beauty collide. And let’s not forget the food. From the ancient wonders of Rome to the Renaissance art of Florence and the floating city of Venice, Italy is a living museum. Imagine being immersed in the heart of the countryside and enjoying a stay in a Tuscan villa. That’s part of our Italy’s Treasures tour. Or visit Rome, Florence, and Venice all in one amazing trip, like on our Reflections of Italy tour.

   

3. Spain: Full of passion, vibrant colours, and delicious flavours, Spain is a delight. Explore the unique architecture of Barcelona, the royal history of Madrid, and the sun-kissed coasts. Embark on a Spanish adventure as you take in medieval architecture, idyllic landscapes, and delectable cuisine. With a tour like Journey through Spain: Madrid to Barcelona, you can immerse yourself in Spain's rich tapestry of art, history, and culture.

   

4. Greece: The cradle of Western civilisation, Greece offers a stunning blend of ancient history and island paradise. Walk in the footsteps of legends in Athens and Delphi before escaping to the whitewashed villages of Mykonos and Santorini on a trip like Exploring Greece and Its Islands.

   

5. Ireland: Known as the Emerald Isle, Ireland captivates travellers with its rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs, and warm, welcoming spirit. Rocky coasts, animated pubs, endless green hills, and quaint villages are highlights of Collette’s The Best of Ireland tour.

   

6. Switzerland: For lovers of epic landscapes, Switzerland is a dream come true. The Alpine scenery is simply breathtaking, with pristine lakes, charming mountain villages, and scenic train rides that wind through snow-capped peaks. You can experience it alongside its neighbors on our Exploring the Alpine Countries tour.

   

7. Portugal: A coastal gem with a rich maritime history, Portugal is one of the best travel destinations in Europe. Discover Lisbon’s tiled streets, relax on the Algarve’s golden beaches, and taste world-famous port wine in the Douro Valley on Collette’s Sunny Portugal tour.

   

8. Croatia: With its dazzling Adriatic coastline and historic walled cities, Croatia is a Mediterranean jewel. We recommend island-hopping to discover hidden coves and charming fishing villages, as well as cities rich in history like Dubrovnik and Zagreb. If that sounds like your travel style, check out Collette’s Croatia & Its Islands tour.

   

9. Scandinavia: The lands of the Vikings and hygge offer sleek design, stunning natural wonders, and vibrant cities. Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo are must-see places. And don’t miss out on the breathtaking fjords of Norway. You can discover all that and more with our Spectacular Scandinavia tour.

   

10. Germany: It’s a country of fairy-tale castles, dense forests, and lively beer gardens. Encounter Germany’s rich history, hearty cuisine, and more with stops in Berlin and Dresden on Collette’s Majestic Cities of Central & Eastern Europe tour.

    

Best Places in Europe by Interest

Europe’s diversity means you can tailor your journey to what you love most. Here are some must-see places in Europe, organized by interest.

Food and Wine

For the culinary traveller, Europe is a paradise. Italy is an obvious choice, where you can learn to make fresh pasta in Tuscany or enjoy seafood by the sea in Cinque Terre. France is a gourmet’s dream, from the bistros of Paris to the world-renowned wineries of Bordeaux. In Spain, you can indulge in tapas and paella, a cultural and culinary journey you can explore deeper in our Exploring Iberia virtual event. Portugal’s Douro Valley offers unforgettable port wine tastings, set against a backdrop of terraced vineyards.

History

History buffs will find themselves at home among Europe's ancient ruins and grand palaces. Walk through the Colosseum in Rome, the Acropolis in Athens, and the sprawling Palace of Versailles in France. In Britain, you can explore centuries of royal history, from the Tower of London to Edinburgh Castle. Collette’s Exploring Britain & Ireland tour covers this rich past. Dig deeper with our Best European Destinations and Tours for History Lovers post. You also may enjoy this on-demand event about Scottish heritage: Rebel Threads: The Untold Story of Highland Tartan.

Nature

If you seek natural beauty, Europe will not disappoint. The dramatic fjords of Norway offer some of the most stunning landscapes on earth. In Finland, you can chase the ethereal Northern Lights across a winter wonderland. Our Chasing the Northern Lights virtual event can give you tips for this amazing experience. Switzerland’s Alpine peaks are perfect for hiking and breathtaking views, whilst Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way presents a rugged and windswept coastline that feels otherworldly.

Culture

Immerse yourself in Europe’s vibrant cultural scenes. Experience the art of the Renaissance in Florence, home to Michelangelo’s David. Discover the passion of flamenco in Seville, Spain. In Germany and Austria, the festive Christmas Markets create a magical atmosphere during the holidays, a tradition you can learn about in our Magical Christmas Markets online event. From the ancient Greek theaters to the modern design of Scandinavia, cultural treasures are around every corner.

Planning Your Trip to Europe

No matter your interest, European destinations offer a journey that can enrich, inspire, and create memories for a lifetime. With so many incredible European destinations calling your name, choosing one can feel like a delightful challenge. That’s where we come in. At Collette, we take the guesswork out of planning your perfect getaway by curating experiences that blend must-see landmarks with hidden local gems. Our travel experts handle every detail — from comfortable accommodation to seamless transport — so you can relax and soak in the moment. Let us guide you to the heart of Europe, where your only job is to travel with ease and make memories that last a lifetime.