Europe
One continent. Countless ways to experience it.
From custom European itineraries and guided tours to river and ocean cruises, we'll help you choose the travel style that fits the way you want to experience Europe.
Europe, Planned Around the Way You Want to Travel
Europe isn't one type of vacation. You might spend ten days traveling by train through Italy, unpack once aboard a river cruise through the heart of Europe, explore multiple Mediterranean countries by ocean cruise, or let an expert-led guided tour take care of the logistics.
At Great Plains Travel, we don't start by deciding where you should go. We look at how you want to travel, what you want to experience, your budget and how much planning you want handled for you.
Whether this is your first trip to Europe or your tenth, we'll help you choose the destinations and travel style that make sense together.
How Do You Want to Experience Europe?
There's no single “best” way to see Europe. Start with the travel style that sounds most like you.
CUSTOMIZED EUROPE
Your trip. Your pace. Your Europe.
A customized European vacation gives you the freedom to decide where you go, how long you stay and what you experience. We can bring together hotels, rail, private transfers, tours and experiences into an itinerary designed around you.
Best for: Independent travelers, couples, families and anyone who wants flexibility and personalization.
OCEAN CRUISES
See Europe's coastlines one port at a time.
Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Northern Europe and other European cruises make it possible to experience several destinations while returning to the same ship each night.
Best for: Travelers who want variety, onboard amenities and a taste of several destinations in one vacation.
Where Will Europe Take You?
Italy
Ancient cities, coastal villages, Renaissance art and unforgettable food make Italy one of Europe's most versatile destinations. Combine Rome, Florence and Venice, slow down in Tuscany, head south to the Amalfi Coast, or build a trip around Sicily and southern Italy.
France
From Paris and the French Riviera to Normandy, Provence and the wine regions, France works beautifully as a standalone vacation or as part of a multi-country European itinerary.
Spain & Portugal
Historic cities, Mediterranean coastlines, distinctive cuisine and easy connections make Spain and Portugal an excellent pairing—or two destinations worth exploring individually.
Greece
Combine Athens and its ancient history with island time in Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and beyond. Greece works particularly well for both customized land vacations and Mediterranean cruises.
United Kingdom & Ireland
London, Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands, Dublin, the Irish countryside and historic villages offer an entirely different European experience, with plenty of options for independent or guided travel.
Central & Northern Europe
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Scandinavia and surrounding destinations offer everything from Alpine scenery and Christmas markets to historic capitals, fjords and some of Europe's most popular river-cruise routes.
Not Sure How You Want to See Europe?
Choose Customized Europe if...
You want control over your schedule, hotels, destinations and pace and prefer a trip designed specifically around you.
Choose a Guided Tour if...
You want to see a lot while having transportation, accommodations and much of the sightseeing organized for you.
Choose a River Cruise if...
You prefer a smaller ship, a relaxed pace and destination-focused travel through the interior of Europe.
Choose an Ocean Cruise if...
You want to visit several coastal destinations while enjoying the dining, entertainment and amenities of a larger ship.
Still not sure? That's where we come in.
You don't need to choose your travel style before contacting us. Tell us what you'd like to experience, and we'll help determine which option fits you best.
Why Plan Europe With Great Plains Travel?
Europe can look deceptively easy to plan online. But choosing cities is only the beginning. The experience often comes down to how those destinations fit together.
We help our clients think through details such as:
Which destinations realistically fit into the time available
How many nights to spend in each location
Whether rail, flights, private transfers, cruising or a guided tour makes the most sense
Where to stay for convenient sightseeing and transportation
Which tours and experiences are worth prioritizing
How to balance sightseeing with enough time to actually enjoy the destination
Entry requirements and important pre-travel details
Our goal isn't to pack as many cities as possible into your vacation. It's to build a Europe trip that makes sense from the moment you arrive until the day you return home.
Travel through the heart of Europe.
Sail along Europe's iconic rivers while historic cities, villages and landscapes unfold just beyond your ship. River cruising combines a relaxed pace with included or available excursions and the convenience of unpacking once.
Best for: Travelers who enjoy culture, history, smaller ships and an easy way to experience several destinations.
EUROPE FAQ
RIVER CRUISES
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We recommend beginning the planning process 9–12 months in advance, especially if you're traveling during the busy summer season or visiting multiple countries. Popular river cruises, guided tours and accommodations can book up even earlier. While last-minute European vacations are possible, planning ahead generally provides better availability, more options and greater flexibility.
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That depends on how much time you have and how you prefer to travel! For a 7–10 day vacation, we generally recommend focusing on one or two countries rather than trying to see everything at once. Longer trips may allow you to comfortably explore three or more countries. At Great Plains Travel, we help create realistic itineraries that balance sightseeing, transportation and relaxation so you spend more time enjoying Europe and less time traveling between destinations.
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Both are excellent ways to experience Europe! Customized independent travel offers greater flexibility, allowing you to choose your destinations, accommodations, activities and pace. Guided tours provide a more structured experience, with transportation, accommodations and sightseeing often arranged in advance. If you enjoy exploring independently, a customized vacation may be ideal. If you prefer having the logistics handled for you, a guided tour could be the better fit.
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Absolutely! River cruising is one of the most convenient ways to explore Europe's historic cities, charming villages and scenic countryside. Unlike ocean cruises, river ships are smaller and frequently dock near city centers, making sightseeing convenient. Many itineraries include guided excursions, and you'll only need to unpack once. Popular European river cruise destinations include the Rhine, Danube, Seine and Douro rivers.
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It depends on what you'd like to experience! An ocean cruise allows you to visit multiple European destinations while enjoying the convenience of returning to the same ship each evening. It's an excellent way to sample several countries without constantly changing hotels. A land vacation provides more time to explore individual destinations, experience local culture and visit attractions beyond the major cruise ports. We can also combine a European cruise with a customized pre- or post-cruise land vacation for the best of both worlds!
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Yes! Depending on your itinerary, we can help coordinate European rail travel, private transfers, flights and other transportation arrangements. Whether you're traveling between major cities by high-speed train or need transportation from an airport to your hotel, we'll help determine the most practical options for your trip. Our goal is to make traveling between destinations as convenient and seamless as possible.
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Absolutely! We can assist with everything from selecting destinations and accommodations to arranging transportation, guided tours, excursions and activities. Whether you're looking for a fully customized European vacation, a guided tour or a cruise with additional time on land, we can help coordinate the details. You'll also receive an organized travel itinerary and important information to help you prepare for your vacation. Our services can be tailored to your travel preferences and the level of assistance you'd like.
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A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Europe. Many European countries allow U.S. passport holders to visit for tourism without a traditional visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, passport validity requirements and entry regulations vary by destination.
Some countries also require electronic travel authorizations, such as the United Kingdom's ETA. The European Union is introducing ETIAS, a travel authorization system for eligible visa-exempt visitors. Requirements may change, so we recommend checking the entry regulations for every country on your itinerary well before departure.
Travelers are responsible for obtaining the required passports, visas and travel authorizations.
Meet Our Europe Travel Advisors
Planning Europe involves a lot of moving pieces. Our advisors can help you choose the destinations, travel style and experiences that fit the vacation you envision.
Allyssa Arouri
Owner & Travel Advisor
Italy • Spain • United Kingdom • France • Germany • Switzerland • Norway • Poland • Czechia • Hungary
Sarah Keller
Travel Advisor
Spain • France • Italy • Switzerland • Netherlands • Belgium • Germany • Denmark
GUIDED TOURS
See more without managing every detail.
Guided touring combines transportation, accommodations, sightseeing and expert guidance into a structured itinerary. It's an excellent way to experience multiple destinations while leaving much of the logistics to someone else.
Best for: First-time Europe travelers, multi-city trips and travelers who value structure and convenience.