Explore countries in Europe
Choose a destination to view guides and travel tips
At a glance
- Best for: Rail travel between cities, food and culture, summer beaches or winter markets
- Typical trip: 7–10 days in one country; 2–3 weeks to combine two neighbours by train
- Visa note: Most of our guides sit in the Schengen Area — one 90-day allowance shared across the zone, not per country
Where to start
First visit? France or Italy — dense sights, good trains, and plenty of English in tourist areas. Better value and mild weather? Portugal and southern Spain. Art and hill towns? Base in Italy and day-trip by train rather than trying five capitals in a week.
When to go
April–June and September–October offer warm weather without peak crowds. July–August is busy — book museums, trains, and coast hotels early. December suits Christmas markets in central Europe; January–March is ski season in the Alps.
Getting around
High-speed rail (TGV, Frecciarossa, AVE) is the default between major cities. Budget airlines help on longer hops — watch baggage fees and airports far from town. Driving makes sense for wine regions and villages where trains are thin; park outside historic centres.
Good to know
- The euro is used in France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain — one cash card covers all four
- Sunday closures and August holidays still slow some restaurants and shops in rural areas
- Pick one region deeply before adding a second country — Europe rewards slow travel