Top Europe Day Trips

Munich is an ideal jumping-off point for day trips along Bavaria’s famed Romantic Road. But escaping the city usually requires negotiating a stressful car rental. Instead, leave the driving to someone else during this full-day sightseeing tour, so you're free to admire the scenery. In just one day, you can explore Harburg Castle (admission tickets own expense) and the picture-perfect medieval town of Rothenburg.

Cinque Terre and Pisa are true wonders, usually requiring several days or more to explore. Ideal for travelers short on time, this one-day extravaganza covers both on an excursion from Florence. Travel by coach through the Tuscan countryside, enjoy a scenic train ride along the spectacular Cinque Terre coastline, explore colorful seaside villages, and see the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

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.

Retrace the steps of American D-Day troops on a full-day tour of Normandy’s US landing sectors from Bayeux. Travel by air-conditioned minivan with your expert guide, and stand at key landing and drop points, including Omaha Beach and St-Mere-Eglise. See the battle sites at Pointe du Hoc and visit the Utah Beach Museum and Normandy American Cemetery to remember those who gave their lives in June 1944.

Checking off the highlights of Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast usually takes days—and a lot of planning. On this attraction-packed full-day tour from Rome, cover major sights in Pompeii, Sorrento, and Amalfi in limited time, without worrying about the logistics. Ride in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach, with a guide on hand all day to keep things running smoothly.

Covering Athens on foot takes far longer than most travelers anticipate, and group tours stick to rigid itineraries. Benefit from a customizable route and comfortable private transport on a tour tailored to your pace and interests. Check off the Temple of Zeus, Roman Agora, Acropolis, and more, all while your driver-guide provides local insights to enrich your experience.

Beat the crowds during this small-group excursion along the Amalfi coast. Discover beaches only accessible by water, traveling aboard a comfortable, restroom-equipped “gozzo,” or traditional Amalfitan boat. Snorkelling equipment is included, as well as complimentary limoncello, prosecco, and soft drinks. Floatation devices can be provided to beginner swimmers.

Warner Bros. Studios, where the "Harry Potter™" movies were made, sits on the outskirts of London, making it a bit of a trek. This full-day tour includes round-trip coach transportation from central London, so you can spend the day exploring the spellbinding movie sets on your own.

The Golden Circle’s three main stops are well known, but Kerid crater, just off the route, is easy to leave out when planning a day trip. Travel from Reykjavik to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area, then continue to Kerid’s volcanic crater. Along the way, learn about Iceland’s natural history and culture from your guide.

Leave the driving to someone else and get a taste of Tuscany's culinary legacy on this wine and food tour from Florence. Led by a guide, travel through the Tuscan hills in a 4WD vehicle, stopping to visit historic wine estates and cellars along the way. Sample specialities at each stop, and enjoy a 3-course meal in the Tuscan countryside before returning to Florence. With several touring options available, you can find one to suit your schedule and budget.

Santorini stuns at any angle, but its most magical destinations are often only reachable by water. Experience its rugged coastline and volcanic islands by boat on this catamaran cruise. Choose between daytime and sunset bookings; snorkel equipment is available for swim stops, and you'll enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch or dinner washed down with local white wine and soft drinks—as well as swimming to the Santorini Hot Springs.

Explore Ireland’s beautiful Burren region and discover top natural landmarks, including the Cliffs of Moher, with ease on this day tour from Galway. Travel through the Burren’s rugged landscapes without having to tackle the winding roads yourself and discover the 16th-century Dunguaire Castle and Aillwee Cave. Explore walking trails on top of the mighty Cliffs of Moher at your leisure and enjoy panoramic views over the coastal scenery.

Witness the three wonders of the famous Iceland Golden Circle, without the hassle of driving, on a day trip from Reykjavik. Travel by climate-controlled vehicle with a guide and learn the history and geology of each site. See the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, the bubbling pools and Strokkur waterspout at Geysir, and the incredible tectonic rift at Thingvellir National Park.

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.

Maximize your time in Iceland with a tour that takes you beyond Reykjavik and into the country's wild landscapes. Venture out with a local guide to explore the Snaefellsness Peninsula and explore black sand beaches, dramatic lava fields, rugged coastline, traditional villages, and more. Uncover spots you'd miss if exploring independently, learn about Iceland's history, and check off plenty of must-see locations in just one day.

Explore Siena and San Gimignano without the self-drive stress, on a tour from Florence. See medieval landmarks, enjoy a guided walking tour of Siena, and savor a delightful Tuscan lunch at a winery. Visit the Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral, and the historic center of San Gimignano. Relax and soak in the stunning countryside views, with ample free time for exploration and gelato.

Visit two of Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed attractions on this full-day shore excursion from Naples. Journey along the picturesque Amalfi Coast; enjoy free time to explore the hilltop towns of Positano and Sorrento; then marvel at the archeological wonders of ancient Pompeii on a guided tour. Upgrade to include an overnight stay in Naples to enjoy more time to explore independently.

Few places in the world wow you like the lost city of Pompeii. And while it's on just about every traveler’s bucket list, getting there has complications. With this tour, you can avoid the stress of planning your visit from Rome: You'll reach Pompeii via high-speed train and leave all the details to your guide. After a fully guided skip-the-line tour of the archaeological site, enjoy wine tasting and a farm-to-table lunch at a vineyard on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius before returning to Rome.

If you plan to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, ensure your spot by prebooking a guided tour direct from Krakow. Gain a greater understanding of what you see, and learn about the atrocities that occurred here during World War II, from your guide. Listen via an audio headset and get to watch a video on the liberation of Auschwitz. Round-trip transport from Krakow simplifies the trip.

See Charles Bridge, the Lesser Town, Jewish Quarter, Old Town, and Prague Castle on a city walking tour of Prague. This full-day sightseeing excursion includes a traditional Czech lunch and a 1-hour boat cruise on the Vltava River. Hear insightful commentary from a professional guide along the way, and fit more in than you could if you were touring on your own.

Gain insight into the Holocaust of World War II on this half-day tour of Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site from Munich. Travel by train and bus to the memorial site, and take a guided tour of the compound, a place of memorial. Learn how Dachau provided a model for all Nazi camps, and see the exhibitions and memorials, together with the reconstructed barracks and cells, as your guide provides illuminating, informative and sensitive commentary.

England's rural highlights are scattered beyond London, and reaching Bath, Windsor, and Stonehenge in a day means driving and navigating country roads yourself. Skip the rental car on this day trip; with transportation handled, you can focus on the sights. Explore the spa city of Bath and the town of Windsor, with optional visits to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge to add on.

The Douro Valley’s landscapes are replete with vineyards and bounteous produce: sip and sample the best of the region’s culinary offerings on this full-day tour from Porto. Alongside your guide, visit wine estates and spectacular viewpoints. See, too, the beauty of the Douro River during a boat ride and enjoy lunch in a typical Portuguese restaurant.