Overview
How to reach Europe?
Europe has excellent connectivity to all continents and you can easily choose your choice of transport to reach there. Some of the modes of transport are even included in the Europe tour packages as well. Get more details on how to reach Europe.
- By Air
- By Train
- By Road
By Air
Air connectivity is amongst the fastest and easiest way to reach Europe. Also, in all the Europe tour packages, flights are included. There are several international airports in Europe, and you can find direct flights to most destinations without much transit. Even though taking connecting flights can save you a bit of money and bring down your European tours cost, you should try to keep the travel time to a minimum. There are also plenty of local flights that you can take after de-boarding at an international airport to reach your destination easily.
By Train
Europe has an excellent train network and you can easily cross international borders by trains heading from one country to another. It is recommended that if you are visiting several countries, you can land at an international airport and continue your journey on the train. Some of the notable trains can be Italian Frecciarossa, Thalys, French TGV, Eurostar, and German ICE. You can also take trains such as EUrail or the Inter Rail that travel to as many as 18 countries and run across the entire continent. Train journeys can make your Europe travel much easier within the continent.
By Road
Road travel is usually recommended when you have already reached your destination city. There, you can hire taxis to travel between hotels and various tourist spots. You can enjoy the sights of the countryside while traveling on the roads and also take breaks according to your convenience.
Visa Process information
To travel to most countries in the European Union, you can apply for a Schengen Visa which covers 26 countries. Once you have applied for the Schengen visa and have received the same, you can proceed to travel to any of these 26 countries through the common visa. You can apply for the tourist Schengen visa up to three months prior to the scheduled journey and should do so at least 15 days before the journey. Once you have gathered your required documents including visa application form, two recent passport photographs, valid passport, round-trip itinerary, travel health insurance, proof of accommodation, letter of tour organizer, proof of financial means, and travel itinerary, you can submit your application. It should be done at the embassy, consulate, or visa center of the destination country. Once you book and attend the visa interview, you can get your visa in 10 working days; however, it may take longer. You can also look for the Europe tourism packages on the SOTC website to find the one that includes visas.
Best Places to visit in Europe
There is no dearth of places to visit in Europe, no matter which country you are traveling to. Here are some of the most visited countries along with their best places to visit in Europe that are mostly included in the Europe tour packages.
- Switzerland
- France
- Italy
- Greece
Switzerland
Mount Alps is one of the main attractions for which people choose Europe as their destination. You can indulge in snow activities in cities such as Zurich, Interlaken, and Lucerne. This beautiful country houses several lakes, scenic landscapes, hiking trails, and mountains blanketed by snow. The trip will get over but the memories of these beautiful places will remain in your heart forever and you will only thank yourself for taking a Europe trip package.
Switzerland is famous for: Cheese and chocolate factories, lakes
Attractions: Montreux, Lake Geneva, Chateau de Chillon and Chateau de Chillon
Best places: Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Winterthur, Basel, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Bern, Chur, Montreux, Fribourg, Lausanne
France
European tours without France are just not complete. After all, France houses the iconic and most-visited Eiffel Tower in Paris. And apart from that, there are so many things to see during France tours. You can witness several marvels in France such as the Tour de France, Louvre, Montmartre, and many more. You must visit Paris if you want to see the latest fashion trend. Also, do not forget to indulge in some shopping to complete Europe holidays.
France is famous for: Vineyards, Moulin Rouge, Eiffel Tower, Fine wines, Notre Dame De Paris, Fashion
Attractions: Louvre Museum, Arc De Triomphe
Best places: Mont Saint Michel Normandy, D Cote De Azur, Paris
Italy
While choosing your European tour package, make sure you add Italy to it. The country is known for its rich historical past and the various popular cities like Rome, Pisa, Venice, and Naples. You can witness many architectural wonders in these cities as well as experience the unique customs of the land. And yes, the most loved Italian cuisine is a must try without which your European tours cannot be completed.
Italy is famous for: Vineyards, Wine factories, Fashion, and Eateries
Attractions: Colosseum, Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, Cinque Terre, Pantheon
Best places: Valley of the temples, Mount Vesuvius, Rome, Milan, Naples, Venice, Florence
Greece
From its glorious history to its attractive coastline, and magnificent architecture, everything about this country is great. You will come across several heritage sites, museums, and beautiful islands in Greece. You can visit Mykonos here to experience the nightlife which you may have never experienced before, as it will add more fun to the Europe tours.
Greece is famous for: Architecture, Art, ancient temples
Attractions: Parthenon, Acropolis of Athens, Meteora
Best places: Mykonos, Santorini, Delphi
Apart from these popular choices, there are a plethora of other fabulous destinations in Europe that you can explore and which are also included in most of the Europe tour packages. To find out more details about such destinations and create a tentative itinerary, you can head to SOTC. You can browse through bespoke itineraries and book from Europe tour packages from India at attractive prices.
Top Things to do in Europe
Europe is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful continents with splendid sites and rich cultural heritage. This makes all European tours a great opportunity to indulge yourself in some of the most memorable experiences available here. Here are some of the top suggestions that you may consider while choosing through the Europe tourism packages.
- View the mesmerizing Northern Lights in Iceland
- Click endless photos with your bae at the Eiffel Tower
- Take a Thermal Bath in Budapest
- Appreciate the architecture of the Colosseum in Rome
- Have spine-chilling Skiing experience in the Alps
- Witness the splendid sunrise from the top of Reichstag in Berlin
- Enjoy the canal tour in Venice
- Live the history of Athens
- Attend the Opera Shows in Vienna
View the mesmerizing Northern Lights in Iceland
Northern lights or Aurora borealis is one of the most fascinating things to cover in the European tours. You will be able to see several colorful lights in the sky and the view is mesmerizing. To experience this one of a kind thing, you have to visit the southern edge of the Arctic Circle. The best time to experience this is during the winter season.
Click endless photos with your bae at the Eiffel Tower
Paris is a major inclusion destination in the majority of the Europe tour packages. This means, you should keep your DSLR ready to click as many photos as you can. As a matter of fact, when you are around the Eiffel Tower, you must take pictures so that you can cherish the memories later. So, make sure you choose from the Europe tourism packages that have Paris included in it.
Take a Thermal Bath in Budapest
When you have chosen from the Europe tour packages that have Budapest added to it, you must prepare yourself for a relaxing thermal bath. Budapest has around 120 hot springs and the majority of them date back to the 16th century. These hot springs have medicinal properties and are believed to be very good for skin issues. These hot springs are available throughout the year. Apart from the thermal bath, you can also go for a massage treatment here.
Appreciate the architecture of the Colosseum in Rome
Roman Colosseum or Flavian Amphitheatre is one of the most popular attractions in the world and you cannot miss visiting this during European tours. The monument is more than 200 years old and visiting this structure will take you to the era of the Roman Empire. It is one of the largest amphitheaters which was inaugurated in the 80 AD.
Have spine-chilling Skiing experience in the Alps
If you are planning to visit Switzerland as a part of Europe tourism package, one of the memorable activities there is skiing in the majestic Alps. After enjoying your fill of Swiss chocolates, it is time to head to the pristine snow-covered Alps and enjoy skiing there. Skiing is suitable for everyone whether they are experienced in the sport or have never participated in skiing ever before. When booking Europe tours, you can include destinations such as the Jungfrau region, Interlaken and St.Moritz.
Witness the splendid sunrise from the top of Reichstag in Berlin
The home of the German parliament, the Reichstag has seen many changing phases of Berlin. Watching the sunrise from the top of Reichstag is one of the most featured activities of European tours, featuring Berlin. If you have included an overnight stay while booking Europe packages, you can easily witness this once in a lifetime view.
Enjoy the canal tour in Venice
The Venetian waterfront is home to some of the most iconic views from many Europe tourism packages and while you are there, one of the best ways to spend your time is to take a boat tour on the grand canal. Truly, it features prominently in the must-visit list for many travelers embarking on European tours. The ride takes approximately an hour and gives you an amazing insight view of the most famous landmarks of Venice and it is one of the best ways to explore Venice as part of Europe tourism.
Live the history of Athens
Named after the Greek Goddess of wisdom, Athena, the city of Athens is one of the most visited destinations of Europe tourism packages. What makes this destination stand out from the rest is the immense historical connection you can feel to the magnificent Greek culture. You can explore the city on foot traveling along the beautiful streets of Plaka and pay homage to the King of Gods, Zeus at the otherworldly temple. Along the way, you can enjoy the various delicacies, missing out on which can leave all Europe tours incomplete.
Attend the Opera Shows in Vienna
One of the gems of Europe tourism, Vienna is one of the most popular European destinations which is rich in culture. This is why many Europe trips prominently feature Vienna and include watching opera at the State Opera House or Staatsoper. It is a mecca among opera aficionados and has had the honor of housing some of the most famous opera composers Mozart and Strauss.
Well, these are just a few things to do in Europe and the list is extensive. While you are on Europe trips, you can come across a heap of things and have a wonderful vacationing experience. You can choose whether to opt for an adventure or a calming experience.
Foods to Eat in Europe
Your Europe trip is not complete without having soul-satiating food. Whichever country you are visiting, you will find their traditional cuisines. So, let us see the cuisines that you can try in various European countries.
- Greece – Gyros
- Switzerland – Cheese Fondue
- France – Escargots
- Italy – Pizza
Greece – Gyros
Pronounced as “Yeh-ros”, this delicacy comes from the Mediterranean nation of Greece. The dish consists of rotisserie-cooked pork or chicken meat served along with Tzatziki sauce, onion, tomato, and French fries. You may find it served in the pitta bread or on a platter, based on where you are having it.
Switzerland – Cheese Fondue
Apart from chocolate, one of the most famous food ingredients from Switzerland is the delicious cheese. If you visit Switzerland you can find it commonly, especially during the winter. The cheese is melted and kept in the center from which bread can be dipped using long forks and then eaten.
France – Escargots
Snails might not be your idea of an appetizer, but snails cooked in parsley and garlic butter are a delicacy that most French people swear by. The edible snails are also a great source of protein and it was once widely eaten all over Europe. Today you might spot it in many fine dining restaurants in France.
Italy – Pizza
Pizza hardly needs an introduction, but one of the best ways to enjoy this Italian food is in its homeland. You can explore several styles of pizzas in Italy as many Italian cities have their unique way of making them.
There are innumerable dishes such as Haggis from Scotland, to Paella from Spain that deserves to be experienced. The great thing about a Europe tour is that you can satiate your taste buds with local flavors no matter your destination.
Best Restaurants in Europe
For those who have their heart set out on tasting the gastronomic delights of Europe, there are some treasured restaurants to try out during your europe tour. Although a thorough list is impossible to put together due to the sheer number of restaurants in Europe, here is a take on the select few that you must not miss.
- Spain – El Celler de Can Roca
- Denmark – Roma
- Austria – Steirereck
- Italy – Piazza Duomo
Spain – El Celler de Can Roca
The restaurant with three Michelin stars is one of the best places in Spain to taste Catalan cuisine. The menu is an absolute treat to the senses with a tasting menu that has unmatched visual appeal. It also has a strong focus on sustainability and therefore garners even more respect.
Denmark – Roma
With a flavor of seasonal Nordic cuisine, Roma is one of the most prized restaurants in Europe and focuses on dishes made of local Scandinavian ingredients. It has topped four times the list of the world’s top 50 restaurants. So, if the Europe trips consist of Denmark, ensure you visit Roma as well.
Austria – Steirereck
Set in the heart of the beautiful city of Vienna, this beautiful restaurant has a majestic view of the river Wien. It specializes in the food influences and flavors of the Styrian region brought out by the local ingredients.
Italy – Piazza Duomo
The vision of the Michelin star chef Enrico Crippa has made the food at this restaurant transcend the realm of mere food. You can taste the rare white truffle dishes here which the Piedmont region, where the restaurant is located, is famous for.
In each of these restaurants, you can have the opportunity to savor the culinary delights of that region which is an integral part of the culture. You can choose several other restaurants that can easily fit any budget in the country that you are visiting; however, having a reservation at popular restaurants is much recommended.
Ideal Places for a Honeymoon in Europe
If you are looking for honeymoon destinations in Europe, consider these places as they are some of the most romantic cities on this continent where you can make memories with your better half. You can even customize Europe tour packages as per your preferences.
- Rome
- Paris
- Santorini
- Madeira
- Vienna
Rome
Rome is the perfect place for a couple that loves exploring historical places. Once you are here, a tour of the Colosseum is a must since it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. You can next visit Venice to witness the Sistine Chapel. You must take as many pictures of St. Peter’s square as you can. And do not forget to throw a coin at the Trevi fountain, making a wish.
Paris
The “City of Love”, as it is called; a visit to Paris must be there on your bucket list. You can enjoy some of the most romantic sights here. The ambiance of the city will make you fall in love over and over again. Make sure you click pictures at the Eiffel Tower, visit the Louvre Museum, shop at the Champs-Élysées, and spend an evening at the Moulin Rouge.
Santorini
The beautiful island of Santorini is a unique Greek island that will add more charm to your honeymoon. The white buildings and blue water with absolute warm hospitality at the hotels here make Santorini one of the most sought-after honeymoon places in Europe.
Madeira
The water babies can blindly choose Madeira as their honeymoon destination. Indulging in water skiing, surfing in the Atlantic, and exploring the underwater nature reserves at the Garajau coastline, you can do so many things here.
Vienna
The “City of Music”, Vienna is closely associated with the art of Europe. You can take a walk at the largest musical park of Stadtpark, take a tour of the largest open-air food market in Naschmarkt, and try some quality wines at Viennese vino.
As the honeymoon is one of the special times that you will be spending with your special someone, you must take care of all the little details. Apart from these romantic destinations, you can explore the attractive SOTC Europe tourism packages with an appealing bouquet of destinations.
Best Places for Shop in Europe
No matter which of the Europe tourism packages you opt for, you must dedicate some time for the simple pleasure of shopping in Europe. Many European cities are hailed as world-famous shopping destinations and you can pick up some outstanding goods while also enjoying the aimless hunt for mementos. Here are the best shopping destinations that most Europe tours offer.
- Milan, Italy
- Paris, France
- Barcelona, Spain
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Berlin, Germany
Milan, Italy
If there is a city in the world that has fashion floating in the air, the place can be none other than Milan in Italy. While traveling through Europe as part of European tours, Milan is an important pitstop if you are fond of fashionable apparel and accessories. Many famous designer brands including Valentino, Prada, and Gucci have luxurious boutiques in the city and you can visit venues such as Via Montenapoleone, Corso Venezia, and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
Paris, France
Shopping while on Europe travel takes an entirely new meaning when visiting Paris, arguably the fashion capital of Europe. There are several luxurious brands that have stores in Paris and you can find many of them at Faubourg Saint-Honore and Boulevard Haussmann.
Barcelona, Spain
One of the liveliest shopping destinations that you can ever encounter while on Europe tours, Barcelona is also famous for its shopping district. You can find magnificent and luxurious retail stores from several well-known brands across the world. The well-known shopping places in Barcelona that you can visit during your Europe travel are Plaza Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia, and Portal de L’Angel.
Geneva, Switzerland
Many Europe tourism packages from India prominently feature Switzerland, and if you happen to visit this beautiful country, Geneva is where you should head for a great shopping experience. Geneva happens to be one of the most expensive shopping destinations that you might encounter during Europe tours. The notable shopping venues include Rue de Rhone, Rue de Marche, Rue des Alpes, and the most famous Bon Genie – Grider.
Berlin, Germany
The magnificent capital of Germany can be easily found in many Europe tourism packages, not only for its scenic and historical significance but also for the amazing shopping experience. When visiting Berlin as part of European tours, you might not find any particular shopping districts; however, shopping streets such as Kurfürstendamm, Tauentzienstrasse, Friedrichstrasse, and Potsdamer Platz are great places to find stores from several well-known brands.