Cultural Tours & Holidays in Europe
Europe cultural tours go way beyond surface sightseeing - ready to explore? Check out Central Europe’s castles, Prague Wenceslas Square, Mikulov medieval town, Vienna Schonbrunn Palace, and glacial valleys and waterfalls. Or venture on a Balkan odyssey, with Durres amphitheater, Berat castle, and Onufri Museum. Cultural tours focus history, architecture, local traditions versus just ticking boxes photographing. It’s Europe, with true depth.
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Taylor • traveled in December
The beginning of our adventure was amazing. We started our tour in Rome. The group we started with were great! We had a small group - about 14 tourists - and they were all very friendly. The tour guide was Angeles and she did an amazing job! She was very informative, funny, and helpful throughout the tour. She was with us from Rome to Bern. As the tour went on, we would lose and add different tourists which was fun. And sad, since we made friends with many of them. In Bern, we got a new tour guide - Jon. He was welcoming, kind, and very knowledgeable. When we arrived in Paris, things started to get a little confusing. My wife and I jumped to different tour groups throughout our stay in Paris. Luckily, our tour guides - Jon and Dianna, assisted us throughout the transitions to make sure we were comfortable. The worst part on the tour happened during our departure from Paris. We were, again, moved to a different tour group. This time the group was a Spanish language tour group. We were treated rudely by the group, and made to feel unwelcome. Every time we found a seat on the bus, somebody told us to move - that it was their seat. This happened so many times that my wife and I stepped off the bus. We waited for our tour guide, Dianna, to arrive. She helped us find a seat. But again, somebody told us to move. This time Dianna explained to them that we’re new to the group and helped with our seats. Unfortunately, passengers complained about Dianna doing this. Come to find out, most of the seats were not taken - but some passengers wanted 2 seats for more space. We were with this group until London - even getting harsh treatment from them at the hotels. Europamundo can’t be blamed for how tour groups act - but they can be more mindful of how they mix tourists with other groups, especially if there is a language barrier. We ended our tour in London. It was the best ending for a tour. My wife and I were the only English language tourists, so it was just us and Dianna. Very personalized ending to the tour. We had such a great time in London! Dianna was absolutely amazing as our tour guide. She is definitely the shining light of Europamundo. She’s a joyful soul and kind spirit. Overall - we really enjoyed the tour. We would recommend Europamundo, and will use them with our next travel. There was that slight inconvenience - but the sights were lovely, the initinerary was full of adventures, and the tour guides really made the entire experience enjoyable for us.
Genuine Europe (20 destinations) - G
Gerry • traveled in July
Eastern Europe has a magic of its own. Serbia can boast of its heart warming residents, magnificent structures and its gourmet food; the itinerary is jam-packed with action; beautiful sceneries-like the life like painting grandeur of a place called Hallstatt in Austria's lake town; the Heroes Monument in Hungary; the majestic backdrop of Regensburg in Germany; the UFO Bridge in Slovakia; the quiet charm and elegance of Slovenia and the picturesque Bled Lake plus the bustling nightlife of Zagreb in Croatia. A must tour for those who love adventure.
Small Group: Imperial Cities and Austrian Alps from Belgrade - KC
Kim • traveled in July, 2024
This was a wonderfully organized tour. The itinerary was all encompassing providing an historical overview of each country as well as enough free time to enjoy the elements each location had to offer. Our guide, Milan, was terrific on all counts; knowledgeable, engaging, informative and helpful. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this tour. You will not be disappointed.
Small Group: Balkan Grand Circle, 19 days
250+ cultural tours of Europe with 51,172 reviews
Compiled by
NadineEurope travel expert at TourRadar
- Central & Southeast Europe: A Cultural Circuit
- Embark on a Balkan Odyssey: 11 Days of Cultural Exploration
- West Balkans Tour: History, Culture, and Scenic Landscapes
- Discover Bosnia Montenegro and Macedonia in a 14 days tour from Sarajevo. UNESCO sites. Nature. Culture. History. Cuisine. Wine. Slow travel.
- Journey through the Netherlands, Belgium & France: Canals, Champagne & Culture featuring Christmas Markets (Amsterdam to Paris)
- Balkan Experience – seven countries in two weeks - SMALL GROUP
- Genuine Europe (20 destinations)
- Year-round 18 days Bosnia +Serbia discovery tour from Dubrovnik. Tour across Bosnia and Serbia: monasteries, fortresses, Roman findings, impressive nature, long history, rich culture and a whole lot more
- Small Group: Balkan Grand Circle, 19 days
- The best of Montenegro, Albania & Greece! All seasons, 14 days tour from Tivat. Balkan Peninsula. UNESCO sites. Nature. Architecture. Culture. Archaeology. History. Cuisine. Wine. Slow travel
Duration 11 days Destinations Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Go as Local From
- NZ$3,938
Duration 7 days Destinations Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Go as Local From
- NZ$2,272
Rich cultural heritage awaits at 5 UNESCO sites including Mostar's iconic bridge and Kotor's medieval quarter. Monastic traditions come alive at Ostrog and Tvrdos, while Roman ruins at Stobi reveal ancient history. Professional guides illuminate cultural context throughout the route.
Duration 14 days Destinations Bosnia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Greece Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Monterrasol Travel From
- NZ$11,026
Journey through the Netherlands, Belgium & France: Canals, Champagne & Culture featuring Christmas Markets (Amsterdam to Paris)
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
Duration 11 days Destinations Netherlands, Belgium, France Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From
- NZ$9,049
Balkan Experience – seven countries in two weeks - SMALL GROUP
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The quality of tour excellent. The guide very knowledgeable.”
DAVID, traveled in October
UNESCO sites like Dubrovnik's Old Town and Mostar Bridge showcase architectural mastery. Wine tasting in Sremski Karlovci and Sarajevo's Turkish Bazaar provide cultural immersion, while Hotel Art Sarajevo and Mark Hotel Belgrade offer upscale stays.
Duration 14 days Destinations Serbia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Victor Tours DMC From $5,477
12% Off- NZ$4,819You save $657
Genuine Europe (20 destinations)
73 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our tour was very informative and made especially special by our tour guide Suri who we can only say was excellent.”
Ian, traveled in March
Artisans demonstrate glassmaking in Murano while Paris's Montmartre district reveals its artistic soul. Rome's Imperial Forums, Florence's Ponte Vecchio, and London's British Museum showcase 20 European cities' heritage. Carefully selected hotels like NILHOTEL Rome provide comfortable stays.
Duration 12 days Destinations Italy, Vatican City (Holy See), Austria, Switzerland, France, England Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
12% Off- NZ$4,083
Three countries share their UNESCO treasures, from Studenica monastery to Visegrad bridge. Traditional life flourishes at Sirogojno ethno village, while archaeological wonders await at Viminacium. Medieval towns of Pocitelj and Trebinje preserve their historic charm.
Duration 18 days Destinations Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Monterrasol Travel From
12% Off- NZ$13,463
Small Group: Balkan Grand Circle, 19 days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was all encompassing providing an historical overview of each country as well as enough free time to enjoy the elements each location had to offer.”
Kim, traveled in June
Twenty-six cities across 6 countries showcase Europe's cultural mosaic. Herbal cosmetics crafting in Bulgaria's Etar Village offers hands-on learning, while UNESCO sites like Kotor Old Town preserve history. Historic properties like Arbanaski Han provide authentic accommodation.
Duration 19 days Destinations Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Montenegro, Croatia Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Balkan and more From $12,813
30% Off- NZ$8,969You save $3,844
Seven UNESCO sites showcase European grandeur, from Meteora's dramatic monasteries to Delphi's ancient oracle. Venetian heritage graces Kotor's streets, Ottoman culture lives in Gjirokaster's fortress, and Greek mythology comes alive at Thermopylae.
Duration 14 days Destinations Montenegro, Albania, Greece Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Monterrasol Travel From
30% Off- NZ$13,362
What our customers ask about Cultural Tours & Holidays in Europe
What unique cultural experiences can I expect on an In-depth Cultural tour in Europe?
European In-depth Cultural tours connect travelers with authentic local traditions through hands-on experiences. Visitors can taste wines at historic vineyards in Romania's Dealu Mare region learn traditional coppersmithing in Mostar's Old Town and explore lesser-known sites like the Sedlec Ossuary chapel in Kutna Hora which features decorative elements made from 40,000 human bones. Accommodations often include stays at properties that showcase regional architecture such as the Arbanashki Han in Bulgaria. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The history of these countries is very interesting. We saw wonderful churches mosques monasteries bazaars castles forts and walled cities."
What are the must-visit cultural highlights on a Europe In-depth Cultural tour?
The Balkans region contains a dense concentration of UNESCO World Heritage sites and cultural landmarks. Key stops include the rebuilt 16th-century Stari Most Bridge in Mostar the ancient Acropolis overlooking Athens and the rock-perched Meteora monasteries in Greece. Visitors explore Belgrade's Temple of Saint Sava stay at notable properties like the Hotel Moskva and wander through preserved medieval centers such as Kotor's old town. One TourRadar traveler noted "The monasteries and churches were absolutely breathtaking especially in Sarajevo where we experienced diverse Orthodox Catholic and Islamic cultures influencing local traditions."
When is the best time to take an In-depth Cultural tour in Europe?
May through June and September through October offer ideal conditions for cultural touring in Europe. These shoulder seasons bring comfortable temperatures and manageable crowd levels at major sites. The Balkans region sees temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F) in May making it comfortable to explore coastal cities like Dubrovnik and inland capitals like Athens. One TourRadar traveler noted "We went in September and it was ideal - not too hot for walking tours but still places like Sarajevo's Baščaršija." Properties like the Movenpick Hotel Sarajevo and Hotel Athenaeum Athens provide convenient bases during these months.
What type of accommodation can I expect on these cultural tours?
These tours prioritize 4-star hotels that combine local character with central locations near cultural sites. Properties range from the historic Hotel Moskva in Belgrade to the boutique Hotel Majestic in Budva. According to one TourRadar traveler "The Hotels like Central Sofia 4* were perfectly positioned for exploring cultural sites and had their own historical significance." Accommodations include restored Ottoman mansions and contemporary hotels chosen to deepen visitors' understanding of regional heritage.
What's included in terms of meals on these cultural tours?
Tours typically cover daily breakfasts while incorporating select cultural dining experiences. Special meals might include traditional Serbian barbecue dinners or wine tastings in North Macedonia's Vardar Valley. One TourRadar traveler shared "The cultural food experiences from street food in Sarajevo's Baščaršija to fine dining at the Hotel Europe 5* were highlights of the trip." Most itineraries include 15-18 breakfasts and 3-4 cultural dinners with meal packages ranging from 240-450 USD per person.
How physically demanding are In-depth Cultural tours in Europe?
These tours require moderate fitness for daily walking tours and site exploration. Expect 3-4 hours of walking each day often on cobblestone streets plus stairs at sites like Kotor's city walls and standing time in museums. Most tours are classified as 'Easy' to 'Moderate' with regular breaks. One TourRadar traveler noted "The walking tours in cities like Belgrade and Sarajevo while staying at hotels like the Royal Inn 4* were manageable but required comfortable shoes and stamina."