Planning a Vacation in Europe

Planning a vacation in Europe is a challenge, especially if it’s your first trip. You may have visions of castles, cathedrals, and coastal cities you’ve seen in books or in movies, but have limited time to experience the best of what Europe has to offer. Here are our picks for vacations that will get you started or take the veteran to places off the beaten path. If you don’t want to miss a thing, a cruise or a guided tour vacation are the best choices. If you want to wing it and wander, we’ve got one for you, too.   

Essential Planning Tips

Make the most of your European trip with these tips

• Check the Exchange Rate – Find the value of the US dollar compared to the Euro or other European currencies and plan your budget accordingly.  A cruise or a guided vacation which includes so much and has been pre-paid might be a better value than winging it on your own and paying as you go.
• Packing and Luggage – Depending on the vacation you choose, you might be handling your luggage yourself. Take only what you will need and can tote yourself.
• Arrival Day Time Adjustment – You will have flown overnight from the US to Europe, usually arriving in the early morning. You’ll need to adjust to the time change, so don’t plan on anything too demanding the first day.
• Hotel on Arrival Day - Because you will be arriving on your flight in the very early morning, make sure that your hotel is aware of this by requesting early check-in. Most hotel check-in times are 2 p.m. at the earliest, so requesting early check-in will prevent you from hanging loose in the hotel lobby for hours. Hotels will never guarantee early check-in, but you’ve made the request.
• Book Cruise Shore Excursions Before You Leave – If you are cruising, setting up your shore excursions before you leave will avoid disappointment. AAA recommends Shoretrips for your off-ship excursions.
• Passport – Make sure your passport is not about to expire. To travel abroad, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your final travel date.
• Arrive with Country’s Currency – It’s advisable to have $20-$40 of the country’s currency in your pocket. You might need to take a taxi, or hang out in a café while your hotel room is made ready for you.

Getting Started

Your AAA travel professional will offer their expertise and knowledge to make your European vacation the best. You may be going to Europe for the first time or returning after many trips. Let us sort though all the possibilities and put together the vacation just right for you.   

TOP 10 EUROPEAN VACATIONS

GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND

If you haven’t traveled to Europe, start with English-speaking countries so you can converse with the locals easily. Trafalgar offers several itineraries, but the best value is the Costsaver guided tour that gives you a fascinating overview of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Britain and Ireland Experience

15 Nights, round trip from London

Departures: March 31 – Sept. 29

Prices from $2,225 – Costsaver

» See itinerary, dates and rates, inclusions, and map

THE HEART OF EUROPE

Travel from England to Italy and take in the countries that are filled with castles and cathedrals. For a first trip, this tour gives you a perfect overview of what you see printed on the postcards.

This Trafalgar tour cuts a wide swath through the best countries.

European Accents

16 nights, start London, end Paris

Countries Visited: Belgium, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Monaco

April 1 – October 14, 2012

Prices from $2,899

» See itinerary, dates and rates, inclusions, and map

CRUISE THE MEDITERRANEAN

Because Europe was built from explorers and seafarers sailing the Mediterranean Sea, many of the best places to visit are along her southern coastlines. Princess® offers one of the best itineraries that takes you to the ancient lands that thrive and prosper today.

12-night Eastern Mediterranean

Ruby Princess®, sailing between Barcelona and Venice May– Sept.

Visit: Spain, Italy, Monaco, Greece, Turkey

Prices from $1,790

» Find sailings

Price based on sailing 9/3/12.

SAIL NORTHERN EUROPE

Like cruises in the Mediterranean, the northern countries in ancient times had Vikings plying the waters of the North Sea and Baltic, establishing some of the most beautiful cities in the world. From Russia to the East and Norway to the West, these countries will surprise you with a sophistication and sparkle you won’t find anywhere else. While many cruise lines sail these storied seas on shorter cruises, Celebrity’s 14-day itinerary tops the list with more ports and longer stays. 

14-night Northern Europe

Celebrity Eclipse, sailing from Southampton, England round trip May – July.

Visit: Belgium, Germany, Finland, St. Petersburg, Russia (two days); Estonia, Sweden, and Denmark.

Prices from $2,795

» Find sailings

Price based on sailing 7/21/12.

ETERNAL ITALY

No other European country celebrates a passion for living like Italy. Maybe it’s because the culture reaches back centuries to the Roman Empire and the flowering of Christianity, and today inspires world-famous designers that make cutting edge cars and clothes. The people, though, are its soul, with a love of life found in few other places. This Insight Vacations guided tour takes you to the most heralded cities along the back roads so you can have authentic experiences with many 2-night stays. 

Country Roads of Italy

16 nights, round trip from rome

Visit: Rome, Amalfi coast, Sorrento, Orvieto, Perugia, Venice, Florence, Chaienciano Terme.

Departures: April 12 – October 18, 2012

Prices from $4,450

» See itinerary, dates and rates, inclusions, and map

EASTERN EUROPE

For many years, many of the countries of Eastern Europe like Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic were off limits to tourists. Today, they thrive and offer some of the most scenic and culturally rich areas of Europe. This Insights Vacations tour takes you to all of the most important places.

Highlights of Eastern Europe

14 nights, start in Budapest and end in Vienna

Visit: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany , Hungary, Poland, Slovakia

Departures: April 13 – Oct. 14, 2012

Prices from $3,635

» See itinerary, dates and rates, inclusions, and map

RIVER CRUISING – The Uniworld Way

Not only can you sail on cruise line’s big ships that skirt the shores of the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas, you can get into the heart of Europe on the rivers that for centuries were trade and travel routes. You'll experience superior service on stunning vessels, shore excursions, many exclusive to Uniworld, that are included in your cruise package, and so much more.

Cruise the Rivers of Europe

» See details

NORWEGIAN FJORDS CRUISE

Rivaling Alaska’s dramatic coastline, the rugged coastline of Norway, where age-old glaciers have carved out dramatic fjords, is the up-and-coming European destination. The small villages along the way are charming and take you back to the days of the Vikings. Again, a small ship is the way to go and Holland America’s 14-night North Cape Cruise on the intimate ms Prinsendam is the best.  

Norway’s North Cape and Fjords

Ms Prinsendam®, sailing 14 nights round trip from Amsterdam June 12, June 26, and July 10. 

Visit: Alesund, Geiranger; Leknes, Kirkenes, Honningsvag Tromso, Bergen, and Stavanger, Norway

Prices from $2,499

» Find June 12 sailing » Find June 26 sailing » Find July 10 sailing

Price based on sailing 6/26/12.

Chelsea Flower Show & The Royal Collection
May 21, 2012, 9-day/7-night Escorted Vacation: Round-trip London, England
Travel to England and get the royal treatment during this week of celebration. Attend the renowned Chelsea Flower Show as well as discover all that London has to offer.
» Learn more

FREE SPIRITS – Independent

Are you a free spirit? You don’t want to be tied down to a planned itinerary and would rather explore on your own. It’s easy to plan a European trip online with our look and book vacation builder. Pick your city and dates and let the fun begin. Here are a few examples of spring trips you can put together quickly and easily.

Rome, 8days/7nights, May 16-24, 2012

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Rome St. Peters. 

» Look and book

London, 8days/7nights, May 16-24, 2012  

Hotel: Kensington Close  

» Look and book

Brussels, 8days/7nights, May 16-24, 2012   

Hotel: Brussels Marriott Hotel  

» Look and book

Search more European Destinations

» Find your vacation

Add European rail passes or tickets to your trip and save at AAA.

» Find the perfect rail product for every trip to Europe

Important:

Prices are per person based on double occupancy for select travel dates and are land-only or cruise-only unless otherwise specified. Government taxes and fees for cruises are additional for all guests. All prices are capacity controlled, subject to change, availability and confirmation. Prices do not include taxes and certain other fees. Other conditions and restrictions may apply. Ships’ registry: Bermuda, The Netherlands, Malta. Updated 12/29/11