15 Best Tour Companies for Europe 2024 – Find the Best Deals and Compare Travel Tours

The importance of choosing tour operators wisely is crucial when you plan to travel. They will surely help you find the best deals for travel packages and give advice, so you can have an unforgettable trip. In case you didn’t know, tour operators play the most important role in the success of the tourism industry.

The crucial importance of choosing the best tour companies for Europe is that without them, it will be very hard to sort through the vast majority of info about the destination you would like to visit. And this will make it hard to design the best arrangement on your own.

Tour companies simply do what their job is and offer advice on a destination, make transportation arrangements, hotel or any other accommodation, transfers, car rentals and organise or join the already organised tours for their clients. There are many people, especially after the pandemic, who will say that organising a travel alone is an easy and interesting activity. However, it is the professionally oriented segment in the tourism industry, called tour operator, that will ensure your safety, and adress your concerns about a certain destination you want to visit. Besides all, you will save precious time if you let a tour operator settle the details for your travel.

Before I start listing the best rated tour companies for Europe, let me explain what is the responsibility of a tour operator:

Booking, packaging and organising your hotel

• Transportation
• Meals
• Guides
• Optional tours & sometimes, flights

Now that you know what you can expect, let’s start by introducing the best tour companies for Europe…

1. Trafalgar Tours

Trafalgar Tours (TTC) has been a leader in the tourist industry since 1947. It is well-known for its professional guides, immersive itineraries, comfortable stays and modern coaches. Deciding to cooperate with them, you can be sure that you’ll travel in comfortable modern and spacious air-conditioned motor coaches, and enjoy good company and flexibility.

The amenities that travelling with Trafalgar Tours offers are the following:

• Hotel booking
• Breakfast on a daily basis and some evening dishes as per the offered itinerary
• All porterage and restaurant gratitudes
• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• Sightseeing and activities as described in your itinerary

The grand dame of the touring world, Trafalgar Tour, has so far escorted 5 million guests on its tours. The company has a feed rating of 4.6/5 and a Platinum Trusted Service Award for the year 2022, which makes it a highly-rated brand.

With more than 70 years of experience, the main “product” of Trafalgar Tour is prepackaged trips with a set itinerary and a tour manager. There is a tour director who takes care of trip details and connects travellers with local tour guides, mostly for transportation, meals, sightseeing and accommodations which are included in the price of the tour.

The number of travellers on a tour is a maximum of 40-45 guests for first-class itineraries through Europe.

Location: Geneva, Switzerland and London, England

2. Exodus Travels

This winner of the National Geographic’s Best Tour Operator Award, located in London, England is the original activity & adventure holidays company Exodus Travel- one of the best rater tour companies for Europe.

What they can offer is:

• Walking holidays
• Solo Travel Holidays
• Discount & Offers

Their guided and self-guided walking tours let you take it all in and at your own pace. Their expert leaders have become some of the most experienced trekkers in the world today. You should simply make an inquiry and you will be given an itinerary within the offer and a trekker for the entire group.

Exodus Travels offers incredible holidays that are ideal for solo travellers. This way, you can explore with a group of like-minded people who share the same passion- travel. It can also be cycling along unexplored coastal areas, delving into new cultures or spotting some of the most elusive wildlife which becomes exciting when shared with other travellers. The benefit is that moments like this can spark a lifetime friendship while enjoying a tour exploring places that are not mentioned in any guidebook.

Follow the Exodus Travels offers and once in a while, you will find an unbelievable discount offer for various trip occasions.

Location: London, England, UK

3. Viking River Cruises

Rated today as one of the best tour companies for Europe, Viking River Cruises was founded in 1997. Their vision was and still is, that travel can be more destination-focused and culturally immersive. In the year 2000, the company bought Europe’s KD River Cruises to grow its fleet and has rights to prime docking locations in key European cities because of its long successful work.

Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler. It is also voted at the top of its categories by Travel + Leisure. Sailing Europe’s rivers, the award-winning fleet of identical Viking Longships offers a variety of stateroom categories and true two-room suites with full-size verandas.

The onboard amenities are:

• Restaurant
• Bar and Lounge
• Library
• Expensive sun deck
• Indoor/ outdoor dining on Aquatic Terrace
• Elegant Scandinavian design
• Organic herb garden

European river voyages range from 8 to 23 days, with itineraries featuring Europe’s Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Moselle, Elbe, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers. Besides this, they also offer ocean cruises and expeditions. If you are travelling solo, it is more than clear that you will have great company for conversation.

The most popular European river cruise is the Danube cruise. In addition, the Viking River Cruises is the most luxurious for 2023 according to Forbes.

Location: Basel, Switzerland

4. Eurail

The Eurail Pass was introduced in 1959. It is a rail pass which permits travel through 33 European countries on nearly all railroads. But, if you know the route, it is better and cheaper to buy a Eurail pass for the specific country you wish to visit.

The amenities that Eurail offers are:

• Eurail Find Your Pass – a trip planner
• Eurail Global Pass – 30,000 destinations under certain conditions
• Eurail One Country Pass – a cheaper version
• Eurail Mobile Pass – keep it in your mobile phone version

Being one of the best Europe tour companies, Eurail is owned by over 35 European railway and shipping companies. Since 1972, the Interrail Pass has been available to European residents. Today, the Eurail Pass is also available to non-European residents. These passes, which provide access to 250,000 kilometres of European railway, are used by more than 33,000 travellers.

However, keep in mind that Eurail will not cover accommodation on overnight trains and seat reservations should be paid extra for on selected routes.

Location: Utrecht, The Netherlands

5. Adventure Uncovered

The purpose of this platform is to influence social and environmental change through responsible adventure. The enthusiasts should be motivated for positive actions for the health of the planet and people together.

Have you been dreaming about walking on the wilder side of life, taking on risks and challenges, seeking thrills and enjoying the journey through the adventurous life? These are some of the values that the coordinators of the platform put an accent on, making it one of the best rated tour companies for Europe.

The way to enjoy and how you get involved:

• Storytelling
• Events – film festivals, cycling adventures
• Collaborations
• Support the work

The events offered by Adventure Uncovered are inspirational, immersive and transformative experiences, outdoor excursions, cycling adventures live talks and film festivals. To help this platform develop further and build a more inclusive and sustainable impactful adventure culture there is Patreon to involve yourself in a special and unconventional socialising.

So, making a difference and inspiring others to do the same!

Location: London, England

6. Busabout

If you combine the social atmosphere of a guided tour with the flexibility of travelling independently, the Hop-on Hop-off will give you the freedom to create your own private door-to-door coach network. Your travels will be spent with like-minded people, meeting amazing drivers and guides.

Here’s what you can expect by booking one of the best tour companies for Europe:

• Flexibility – choose your route
• Coaches – Modern coaches and pick-up or drop-off
• Accommodation – you choose or get a handpicked one
• Destination – the network already has 38 destinations in 14 countries
• Connect with travellers – meeting like-minded travellers
• Great guides
• Activities – to choose from many

Location: None ( there isn’t a centralised location)

7. Take walks

“We believe the best way to travel is to take a walk.” – The Philosophy of Walks. It is because of this that the company is favoured as one of the best Europe tour companies by everyone looking for a unique experience.

Walks began as the passion project of two guys with a simple mission: to share their love for, and knowledge of, the city of Rome. Since then, Walks has grown into a team of over 100 ground staff and at any time up to 600 guides, operating across 13 of the world’s most exciting cities… and counting!

Today, they provide some of the most exclusive and beautifully designed small group tours in the tourist industry through Italy-based Walks of Italy and around the world at Walks. Here, the clients are offered special access to some of the European most iconic landmarks and attractions as well as unique cultural experiences.

So, let’s resume with the amenities they offer:

• Every city has a story to tell, but you won’t hear it on a tour bus! And more
• Small groups
• Carefully planned itineraries
• The most experienced guides

Location: Italy, Paris, Spain, London

8. Get Your Guide

Make memorable travel with one of the best tour companies for Europe! Attend a sport or cultural event, indulge in delicious food and make an unforgettable nature experience. This tour platform makes it much easier for you. Just tell them what you would enjoy…

You can either ask for or be offered a tour, and you will also get an expert guide and get closer to places, destinations and important spots that normally you can visit, but will never get so much information about.

You just need to sign up on their tour platform and start exploring after you go through the offer. When it comes to notable amenities, here’s what they offer:

• They give you all that you ask for and even more
• Follow your own pace
• Unique experiences
• Great guides

Location: Berlin

9. DevourTours.com

What about a food and drink tour? Anywhere, any time you want?

With Devour Tours, you can devour the same as a local. Entrusting one of the best tour companies for Europe will allow you to visit handpicked places in different cities and explore them thoroughly.

The groups are small because the commitment to the tour and its quality are of prime importance to DevourTours’ team. The perfect passionate guides, better say the storytellers who are very smart, fun and curious will afford you to have an authentic local experience not mentioned in any guidebook.

These are the amenities they offer:

• Unique tours
• Master Guide
• Follow your interests at your own pace
• Make friends and socialise

If you imagine travelling as simply immersing yourself in a local culture, here, talking about food and drink traditions is everything! You can get this experience in many European countries: Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, the UK, Netherlands, Ireland and Greece.

10. Civitatis

They offer worldwide guided tours and excursions in English. You just have to decide about the destination and sign in on their platform.

You will be able to scroll and find the best activities online and on the spot. There is 24/7 Customer service support, and most importantly, there aren’t any hidden fees.

Since you are interested in European destinations, there are plenty on offer, starting with Lisbon, Paris, Rome, London and many more.

Here’s what you will get by booking one of the best Europe tour companies:

• Many destinations
• Small groups
• Available app on Apple and Google Play
• Sometimes the tours are free of charge, just check

These are two of many and by going on their web or through the phone application you can check all the details at any time.

Location: Online platform

11. Tiqets.com

With 3000 partners worldwide, this platform offers tickets for everyone. If we focus on Europe, there isn’t a doubt about finding whatever ticket you want for any activity or event you are thrilled to visit.

The amenities are:

• Covering every destination in Europe
• Suggesting best places to visit in Europe
• Promotions announced

Tiqets immerses you in the world of mesmerising performances and unforgettable experiences. From music to architectural masterpieces, museums and many more organised excursions, this isn’t called one of the best tour companies for Europe for nothing. On the web, you will find their offers, so request one or be acknowledged which is their best-selling tour.

Amenities:

• Phone application
• Trusted company
• You can enjoy the culture your way
• All segments of tourist interests

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

12. Viator London

By putting your trust in one of the best rated tour companies for Europe, you will find booking your travel an easy and quick purchase process. The full refund availability if you cancel your trip due to the change of situation 24 hours before the start will keep you very relaxed.

With Viator, you can book tours, day trips, tickets, exclusive access, sightseeing trips and more. You will have 24/7 client service support, as well as search and book unforgettable things to do any time you want and any place you want. With Viator, you can always search according to your interests.

Amenities:

• Travel by Interest
• Trip suggestions
• Great offer
• Viator blog

Location: London, UK

13. BCN.Travel

This local team is dedicated to providing tourists with a beautiful and enjoyable stay in the city. They can give you insider tips on Barcelona and Catalonia and organise some of the best Europe tours.

This enthusiastic and professional crew which is passionate about the tourism offered in Barcelona, come from a background of travelling and working in the tourism industry which helps them easily make the tourism socially and ecologically sustainable. There is no doubt that after visiting Barcelona with this type of support and organisation, you will want to get back there over and over again.

In case you are in Barcelona for a business event, then you can count on accommodation, transport through the city and airport transfers. But, in case you are the host of such an event, you can ask for equipment for the meeting, catering, interpreters, various after-activities and all the things that come to your mind.

Being one of the best tour companies for Europe, their main focus is quality tourism. FYI the airport transfer is carbon neutral: for the amount of CO2 that is emitted by transferring passengers. Personally, I do not have much to add, you can inquire about anything you need or are interested in and their team will gladly answer.

Amenities:

• Accommodation in Barcelona
• Tours
• Transportation

Location: Barcelona, Spain

14. Contiki

This tour guide will provide you with transport, accommodation and travel experience sorted by travel experts. They have operated for more than 60 years and have highly trained trip managers & drivers, which is how they’re able to offer the best Europe tours. During your travel, you simply make the best of every moment, meeting awesome people to share the adventure with. Most importantly, the trip managers are the ones who make the magic happen during your travel. In Contiki, I can freely say that they are walking Wikipedias, guides and friends.

Some amenities, besides the great trip organisation, are:

• Transport
• Accommodation
• Only a 100 EUR deposit
• Pay over time, interest-free
• No booking fee
• Flex Deposit

With Contiki, you can enjoy Festival travel, Gap year trips, Multi-destination trips, Detour Mini Adventures, Sailing and cruise, Train trips, small groups and many others. Being one of the best tour companies for Europe, they cover practically every city.

Location: Geneve, Switzerland

15. Topdeck Travel

Whether it’s getting social, playing, delving in deep or sailing and swimming, this is your dream tour company to guide you on your own way. Quality time is guaranteed, no matter your travelling vibes and preferences.

Amenities:

• Iconic sights
• Mates for life
• Great trip leaders
• Top tyre value

In case you are a mixed group and can hardly find a middle ground about organising your trip, Topdeck Travel is there for you to offer the best Europe tours. There are four trip styles, so you can choose your preferred way of travel. All the trips that you book through Topdeck Travel come with some inclusions, so make sure to choose what fits your travel style the best.

You can also count on some attractive dollar-off Europe trips. The European tours are set around a specific region or as a once-in-a-lifetime Europe trip.

Being their client, you can be very relaxed if any changes happen. Within 60 days before the departure you can cancel your trip free of any fees. You can also book and pay only a deposit and the rest amount 60 days prior to departure. This agent will offer last-minute trips, many discount travels or selected Europe trips on sale.

Location: London, UK

Summary

I truly hope that the best tour companies for Europe I listed above will ease the choice and provide you with an unforgettable trip. For more travel inspiration, don’t forget to read more on my blog!

Here are more of our handwritten travel guides such as:

• Where to stay in Barcelona? A complete map with comparing prices
• Our favorite 16 websites for travel planning in Europe
• How to rent a Car in Europe? Without breaking the bank

Any Questions?

We made it to the very end!

I hope you find all of the websites helpful, and hopefully, you write some of them down for whichever type of traveler you are!

Feel free to leave any questions if you have any!