Top Europe Day Trips - page 4

Soak up Portuguese culture and wine on this intimate tour of the Douro Valley, departing from Porto. Travel to the UNESCO-listed region in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, admiring the picturesque landscapes throughout the drive. Make stops at small, family-run vineyards for tastings and learn about the wine-making process. In between tastings, break for an authentic Portuguese lunch at the charming village of Pinhao, in the heart of the valley, as well as a scenic ride along the Douro River.

As amazing as the archaeological sites in Athens are, they’re far from the only Ancient Greek wonders nearby. Join this historical tour and leave the city for a trip to Delphi, once thought to be the center of the world. See the Temple of Apollo—nicknamed the "Navel of the World"—then the Delphi Archaeological Museum. Please note: admission tickets are not included unless you've selected the option when booking.

Explore Ireland’s natural wonders and historic gems on this full-day tour from Dublin. Set out on a scenic drive through the idyllic countryside of Wicklow National Park, stop to admire the views from Wicklow Gap and visit the monastic ruins and beautiful lakes of Glendalough. Then, step back in time with a tour of Kilkenny, Ireland’s medieval capital, and enjoy free time to explore the city independently before returning to Dublin.

Exploring the villages of the Swiss Alps can be confusing, but this group tour has you covered with mountain transportation all the way from Lucerne to the top of Mt. Pilatus. Your seasonal adventure includes panoramic gondola rides up Mt. Pilatus, free time at the summit, a ride down the world's steepest cogwheel train, and a scenic Lake Lucerne cruise (summer only). Guided commentary and round-trip transportation from Lucerne complete the experience.

Reaching the sights in Sintra and Cascais by rental car or public transport can be a hassle. Instead, see Portugal's natural and architectural wonders stress-free with this small-group, guided tour directly from Lisbon. Experience the natural wonders of Pena Park with a guided tour and enjoy a visit inside Pena National Palace (if option with tickets is selected). Use your free time in Sintra to take in the highlights, then drive along the Atlantic Coast past the bluffs of Roca Cape to Cascais for a leisurely walk through town to its scenic beaches.

Discover Montserrat on a hassle-free day trip from Barcelona that blends transport, sightseeing, and local flavors in one easy package. Travel by scenic cogwheel train to the mountaintop monastery, visit the basilica, and sample traditional liquors and artisanal pastries before customizing the rest of your experience to suit your interests. Choose between a tour that pairs a gourmet wine tasting with tapas and time to explore, an option that includes a full lunch and winery visit with three wine tastings, or a Montserrat-only package without the winery. There’s also a Spanish-language tapas tour available for those who prefer to explore in Spanish.

Travel to the highest point reachable by train in Europe on this full-day tour of the Swiss Alps and Saint Moritz, a luxury alpine resort town in Switzerland’s Engadin Valley. After some free time in Saint Moritz for shopping or pastry tastings (own expense), hop aboard the Bernina Red Train for a cliff-hanging 2.5-hour ride through the Alps—on a route with UNESCO World Heritage status.

Tuscany is notable for its food, wine, and scenery, but exploring the region in a limited time isn’t easy. Enjoy a stress-free sampler of locations in the captivating Val d’Orcia region on this full-day tour from Rome. With a guide at your side, visit the wine town of Montepulciano, have lunch surrounded by vineyards, explore the historic center of Pienza, and relax on the return journey to Rome.

Marvel at the natural majesty of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Cliffs of Moher on a full-day trip from Galway. Travel south by luxury coach and pass through quaint fishing villages such as Doolin and Kinvara. Admire the ancient fortress of Dunguaire Castle; get acquainted with the Burren, a limestone landscape reminiscent of the moon; and spend two hours of free time walking the trails surrounding the colossal Cliffs of Moher.

Fitting Ireland’s historic towns and rural traditions into one day can be difficult without a car or local insight, but this guided tour from Dublin makes it seamless. Travel by luxury to visit Kilkenny and the grounds of its castle, then continue to the 6th-century monastic settlement of Glendalough in Wicklow Mountains National Park. Finally, enjoy a stop at a working sheep farm to watch border collies in action. With transport, timing, and commentary handled for you, the tour offers a well-paced way to experience a varied side of Ireland in a single day.

"Outlander" fans are sure to want to book this full-day tour that combines the hit TV show's filming locations with Scottish history, without the worry of figuring out logistics. Join this small-group tour from Edinburgh that visits key sites, including Culross, Doune Castle, Blackness Castle, Midhope Castle, and Linlithgow. Travel comfortably in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach while exploring the real settings behind the popular show.

Immerse yourself in Tuscan culture, cuisine, and history on a full-day group shore excursion from Livorno. This comfortable and efficient transfer by coach ensures you maximize your day on dry land and return to port with time to spare before your ship’s departure. Florence highlights include the San Lorenzo Market, Ponte Vecchio, and multiple iconic piazzas. Round out your Italian adventure with a visit to the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa.

Tick off the highlights of Iceland’s famous Golden Circle route in just one day, and enjoy a more personal sightseeing experience, on this small-group tour from Reykjavik. Settle into a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle with Wi-Fi access, and ride seamlessly between dispersed sights. Along the way, see the Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur geyser, Thingvellir National Park, and Kerid Crater, and learn more from your guide's in-depth commentary.

Discover the beaches of the D-Day landings on this guided day trip to Normandy from Paris. Focusing on the sites where American troops faced intense battles and heavy losses, the tour stops at Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. Enjoy free time at Omaha Beach and take in the powerful history of these sacred sites. Reflect on the day’s history while enjoying a pre-arranged lunch, maximizing your time to explore and learn.

The Tuscan region of Chianti is known for its wine, but sussing out the best wineries on your own can take hours of research. Skip the hassle and head straight to three hand-picked wineries to tour the wine cellars and taste different varietals on this group wine tour from Florence. Midday, treat your senses to a light lunch of fresh regional products like bruschetta, handmade pasta, cheese, and salami. You'll also travel through the Tuscan countryside dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and villas, stopping to explore the traditional village of Greve.

See what Tuscany has to offer without breaking the bank on this budget-friendly day trip to the region's highlights from Florence. Save hours with coach transportation and enjoy free time to explore the medieval old towns of Siena and San Gimignano, plus the sights of Pisa. Upgrade to a guided tour of Siena, or add-on a 2-course lunch with wine pairing for a hassle-free, all-inclusive day.

Travel from Edinburgh to St. Andrews and Fife on this day trip from Edinburgh. Cross the Forth Road Bridge into the Kingdom of Fife and pass by the coastal villages of East Neuk. Then pay homage to the town of St. Andrews, home to Scotland's oldest university and the Old Course, where golf is routinely played. Driving in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, see Falkland and the Lomond Hills. Enjoy a small-group tour for a memorable and personalized experience.

Avoid the difficulty of trying to see the Amalfi Coast’s most iconic towns in a single day without reliable transport or a clear plan. This day trip from Naples is designed for time-limited travelers, taking you by coach to Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi in one streamlined itinerary. With hotel or port pickup and drop-off included, you can focus on the views instead of logistics.

Escape the urban bustle of Bucharest for the day to discover the legends and treasures of Transylvania. Wander through the Gothic chambers and turrets of Bran Castle, nicknamed ‘Dracula’s Castle’ thanks to its spooky atmosphere and ties to Vlad the Impaler, and then feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale on a tour of splendid Peles Castle, the former royal residence of Romanian kings. Finally, explore one of Transylvania’s most well-preserved medieval villages on a walking tour of Brasov.

Discover the fairy tale castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, created by Germany’s 19th-century King Ludwig II, on a hassle-free, full-day trip from Munich. Let someone else take on the driving while you relax and admire Bavaria's magnificent scenery on route to the UNESCO World Heritage sites. At Linderhof, Ludwig’s rococo-style hunting lodge and last home, join an optional interior tour and enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Then, continue to Neuschwanstein, a picture-book clutch of turrets and chambers that inspired Disney’s "Sleeping Beauty" castle.

Get more out of your Zurich vacation—and enjoy a hassle-free way to explore—on this half-day city highlights tour. After a coach tour of Zurich's picturesque Old Town, see the sights from a different angle during a Lake Zurich cruise. Finally, stroll to Lindt Home of Chocolate, where a chocolate museum and samples await. As a bonus, you can upgrade to include admission tickets to the FIFA Museum.

Explore beyond London without renting a car or navigating unfamiliar roads on this full-day coach tour to three of Britain’s historic and culturally important destinations. Visit Windsor Castle to see the State Apartments and St. George's Chapel, continue to the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge, and finish in Bath, famed for its Georgian architecture and the Roman Baths.

Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast are two headliners in southern Italy, but it’s virtually impossible to visit both in one day by public transportation. On this day trip, save hours with round-trip transport directly from Rome, explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii with a guide, and visit Positano. Unlike many tours that simply drive along the coastline, you have free time to experience Positano's colorful streets, stylish boutiques, and breathtaking Mediterranean views for yourself.

Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora by rental car or public transportation from Athens can be stressful. Avoid navigating unfamiliar routes on this tour, which covers all six monasteries—with guided tours of three—plus hermit caves that most tourists miss. Break up the drive with stops in coastal villages (instead of highway rest stops), plus upgrade to add a traditional Greek lunch. Treat yourself to a private tour or opt for an extended, overnight tour with an included hotel stay.