Best Europe Tours for First-Timers: Ultimate Guide

If you’re looking for the best Europe tours for first-timers in 2026 and 2027, this guide is for you. We’ve put together everything a first-timer needs to know: how Expat Explore‘s Europe group tours compare, what’s included, and how to choose the tour that suits you best.

No fluff, no pressure. Just the information you need to make a good decision.

Why a Europe Group Tour Makes Sense for First-Timers

First-time visitors to Europe might consider travelling independently, thinking it’s the more flexible, more affordable option. But in practice, it’s usually neither.

Here’s what a guided Europe group tour actually gives you:

Better value than you’d expect 

We negotiate directly with hotels, transport providers and local guides and experience providers. The benefits of that buying power get passed on to you. When you add up the cost of researching and booking each leg yourself, plus the inevitable mistakes a first-timer is likely to make, independent travel rarely comes out cheaper.

Less to worry about 

Transfers, check-ins, timings, changes… all handled. The hotels are tried and tested. Navigating transportation in each destination is sorted. You just show up and enjoy it, without having to worry about locating an attraction on your own or planning how to get there. 

For a first trip to a continent with 40-plus countries, that peace of mind is worth a lot.

People to share it with 

This one is usually unexpected, but ends up being one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip for many first-timers. The social side of a group tour is consistently one of the things people mention first when they get back. 

You’ll travel with people from different countries, different backgrounds, and different walks of life. Some travellers hit it off so well that they even make plans to travel together again afterwards!  

More from every destination 

There’s a difference between being somewhere and understanding it. A good tour leader gives you the context of each monument, ancient building, or site, like the history and the local knowledge. They already know the best restaurants and bars, the viewpoints that might not be listed in brochures and the local side streets with unique souvenirs.  

They also make sure you get to the places that are worth your time, and can give you great tips and information for what to do and see in your free time, should you wish to. 

That turns a city into an experience rather than a checklist. 

Related: For a look behind the scenes, get to know tour leader Peter! 

How to Choose the Right Tour for a First Visit

These three things matter most when choosing a Europe tour as a first-timer:

How much time you have

Our Europe tours range from 7 to 26 days. The shorter tours cover the iconic highlights and offer great bucket-list moments. The longer tours include deeper immersion and cover more ground. Depending on your availability, you might want to use the time you have to see all the iconic sights and learn which destinations you’d like to return to. Or you might want to see as many countries and as many experiences in each as possible on your tour. 

How many countries you want to visit 

On your first trip to Europe, you might have a long wish list. Some of our tours cover as many as 15 countries across Western, Central and Eastern Europe. Others cover only one or two countries, but they really dig into them. If you want breadth, go longer. If you’d rather leave some countries for next time, a shorter tour gives you a focused, satisfying first experience.

What you want to come home with

Some first-timers want the bucket-list moments: the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, the canals of Venice. Others want to feel like they’ve genuinely experienced a place, not just photographed it. Most want both. All three of our first-timer tours deliver on both counts. The difference is in the pace and the scope.

Ready to pick your dates? Browse all Europe tour departures and prices.

Which Europe Group Tour Is Right For Me?

Here’s how our three most popular tours for first-time visitors compare:

Classic Europe

If seeing Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa up close, visiting the Eiffel Tower, and a canal ride in Amsterdam are on your list, you’ll love Classic Europe. This 14-day tour explores breathtaking cities across eight countries. 

You can look forward to a scenic Swiss mountain drive, dinner in a historic Bavarian restaurant in Munich, a Rhine Valley wine tasting, and a cheese and clogs demonstration in the Netherlands. 

It’s a great option for first-timers, because our expert-curated stops mean no guesswork about where to go or what to prioritise.

Related: Keen on planning a spring tour to Europe? Discover the best places to travel in Europe in spring.

Europe Explorer

Covering nine countries over 18 days, you’ll like Europe Explorer if you’ve always wanted to experience the glitz and glamour of Monaco, do a French wine tasting, and explore Germany’s famous Black Forest. 

You’ll really get a feel for each country, not just pass through it. Marvel at the views along the French Riviera, see Andorra’s dramatic Pyrenean scenery, and cruise along the Rhine River. 

It’s a balanced adventure of famous cities, stunning scenery and local experiences.

Related: South Africans, discover these insider tips on how to plan a Europe trip from South Africa. 

Best of Europe

This tour covers Western, Central and Eastern Europe all in one trip. Best of Europe is ideal for you if you’re looking for a comprehensive introduction to the continent. 

Indulge in a French Champagne tasting, visit Luxembourg City, see the world’s largest cuckoo clock in Switzerland, and dine in a Viennese wine cellar! It includes spectacular scenery, like Switzerland’s dramatic Rhine Falls.

Related: Plan a shoulder season trip and discover Europe in September.

Compare These Europe Tours 

	Classic Europe	Europe Explorer	Best of Europe
Duration	14 days	18 days	22 days
Countries Visited	8	9	15
Price From	$2,750 per person	$3,505 per person	$4,055 per person
Departure city	London	Amsterdam	London
End city	London	Amsterdam	London
Flights to start included	No	No	No
Number of included experiences	16	28	31
Accommodation type	Hotel	Hotel	Hotel
Tour leader included	Yes	Yes	Yes
Perfect for	Seeing iconic highlights & bucket list items	Varied experiences and lesser-known spots.	Slower travel, deeper immersion and more free time.

We hope this helps! Of course, you might end up deciding on an altogether different tour. Take your time to do some research and then choose the one that gets you most excited. 

Related: Based in Australia? Find some insider tips in this Europe Travel Guide for Australians. 

The right tour for you is out there. Browse Classic Europe, Europe Explorer and Best of Europe to find your fit. 

What First-Timers Usually Want to Know

What countries does each tour visit? 

It varies by tour. Classic Europe and Europe Explorer focus on Western Europe’s most recognisable destinations: France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and more. Best of Europe casts the widest net, covering Western, Central and Eastern Europe across 15 countries. Click through to any tour page for the full day-by-day itinerary.

Are flights included? 

No. You’ll arrange your own flights to the tour’s starting city. This gives you the flexibility to pick the best flight option for you. Factor in potential delays when booking and make sure you arrive with time to spare before day one. Skyscanner is useful for comparing prices across airlines.

What’s included in the price? 

All Expat Explore Europe tours include accommodation, transport between destinations, selected meals and your tour leader throughout. Flights, visas, and travel insurance are not included. Always check the specific tour page for the full inclusions list.

Is this suitable for solo travellers? 

Absolutely. A group tour is one of the best ways to travel solo. You have company from day one without having to arrange any of it yourself. Most solo travellers say the people they meet are one of the highlights of the trip. How much you engage with the group is entirely up to you.

What’s the best time of year to go? 

Tours run year-round. Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) tend to be the most popular, with good weather and slightly fewer crowds. Summer departures work well if you’re travelling around school holidays. Available departure dates are listed on each tour page.

Will there be other first-time visitors in the group? 

Almost certainly. Groups are genuinely mixed — people on their fifth Expat Explore tour alongside people doing this for the very first time. Your tour leader looks after everyone at the same level, regardless of experience.

How big are the groups? 

Around 30 to 40 travellers on most departures, though this varies.

Can I extend my trip around the tour? 

Yes, and plenty of people do. If you want extra days in the starting city or somewhere along the route, arrange that independently around your tour dates, just make sure your flights account for the extra time.

What should I pack? 

You’ll carry your own bags throughout, so lighter is better. Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. Some excursions involve up to three hours on foot. Layers work well given the weather variation across countries and seasons.

What fitness level do I need? 

Walking tours can last up to three hours, and some sites involve stairs or uneven surfaces. You should be comfortable walking for extended periods and carrying your own luggage.

Is travel insurance compulsory? 

Yes. You’re responsible for arranging your own cover before departure. Your policy should cover medical expenses, cancellation and loss of belongings. Make sure there are no exclusion clauses for the activities on your tour. For a quote from our preferred partner, visit World Nomads.*

*World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance specifically with World Nomads.

Is my deposit refundable? 

The deposit is non-refundable, but you’re covered by our 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee: a full refund if you cancel within 10 days of booking. You can also change your tour or departure dates for free if you need to. T&Cs apply.

How do I get visa support documents? 

For travellers who require a visa, email info@expatexplore.com and request your visa support documents once your tour is paid in full. Allow up to 10 working days. Full payment is required before documents can be issued; this is an embassy requirement.