Your Best Europe Travel Guide - Akbar Travels Blog

Europe trips are what bucket-lists are made of. At some point, every Indian would’ve considered a dream trip to their favourite, most magical European countries; Paris, Switzerland, Portugal, Amsterdam – the list is possibly diverse and endless. With its striking cultural attributes, world-famous landmarks, and food, it comes as no surprise that Europe is one of the most popular destinations for travel among Indians.

As exciting as it seems, given Europe’s sheer size and range of wonderful countries to visit, touring the continent is bound to get overwhelming. Especially for first-timers and solo travellers, planning a Europe trip from scratch can be quite intimidating.

This is where a reliable Europe travel guide can help you. Expert advice on the best destinations to consider, the best months to visit, and more, can give you more clarity and direction in planning. Booking thoughtfully made all-inclusive Europe tour packages can also help, if you want to delegate the challenging task of preparing itineraries.

No matter how you choose to travel, it would be worthwhile to grasp all that you can about travelling to this spectacular destination.

Here’s a one-stop Europe travel guide covering essential, useful tips to plan a trip.

Is a Europe Tour Worth it in 2025/2026?
Setting a Duration and Budget For Your Trip
The Best Months to Travel to Europe From India
Creating an Itinerary
Flights And Visas
What to Pack For a Europe Trip
Europe Tour Cost From India: An Approximate Break-Down
Wrapping Up: Your Most Reliable Europe Travel Guide
FAQs
Akbar Travels Services

Is a Europe Tour Worth it in 2025/2026?

View of Atrani town and the Amalfi Coast, Italy, Europe
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/SCStock

The answer is a resounding yes. Europe is an evergreen, stunning destination that always seems to have exciting experiences and things to do year round. Whether it is admiring the Lavender fields in Florence in full bloom during spring, exploring the Christmas markets of Alsace in winter or witnessing the iconic Northern Lights, Europe offers dreamy and timeless vacation opportunities.

Besides, Europe tours are increasingly becoming more accessible for Indians with more direct flights opening up. It is also considered one of the safest, most peaceful destinations for Indians, and particularly women. Put together with the continent’s timeless appeal and diverse options of destinations including newer, possibly more affordable options like Albania, Europe is indeed an exceptional place to consider for a tour in 2025 and 2026.

Setting a Duration and Budget For Your Trip

Planning and budgeting for a Europe trip
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Dan Chis

The first step is to set a duration and budget for your Europe trip and stick to it. This is important, because Europe is undoubtedly one of the most expensive destinations for Indians. Going with the flow or winging it may work for some people, but for the most part, Indian travellers are strapped for time, and work with limited budgets. Hence, before you get into the rest of the planning, decide how much time and money you can afford to spend on a Europe trip.

For reference, if you have 5 to 7 days to spare, you will be able to cover two to three cities in Europe, as long as you plan the itinerary efficiently. For example, Amsterdam and Paris, Rome, Florence and Venice, or Athens, Mykonos and Santorini.

To cover more than 3 or 4 cities, and to spend time exploring more iconic destinations, longer trips of 10 to 15 days are recommended.

In terms of Europe tour costs; you can make it as cheap or as luxurious as your budget allows, depending on your flight, destination, and accommodation choices. Online all-inclusive Europe travel packages, including group fixed departure packages start from less than Rs. 50,000 – ideal for solo travellers on a budget and tight trip duration. More extensive tours can cost anywhere from Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 4,50,000. Be sure to customize your trip and make the most of it. You can find a Europe tour cost breakdown below.

Also Read: Cheapest Flights to Europe From India: Booking Tips That Work

The Best Months to Travel to Europe From India

Northern Lights in Norway, Europe
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Thomas Adlhoch

As mentioned before, Europe offers some of the most unique and exciting experiences year-round. Hence, the best time to travel to Europe depends on the kind of experiences you are looking to have.

From a general perspective, the best months to travel to Europe from India are the shoulder seasons from April to June and September to October. During these periods, you will be able to enjoy mild weather conditions with fewer crowds and better prices in the continent. While spring-time brings blooming flowers and lush landscapes across countries, autumn offers aesthetic foliage, harvest festivals and pleasant temperatures.

If you are looking to indulge in activities like hiking, road trips and beach-hopping, summer would be the best time to visit Europe. However, prepare to face larger crowds and higher prices, as summer is considered to be the peak season in Europe.

On the other hand, if a winter wonderland is your idea of a Europe trip, with activities like viewing the Northern Lights, skiing, and shopping at Christmas markets, then winter season, from November to March would be your best months to travel to Europe from India.

Creating an Itinerary

Once you are done setting your budget, deciding on the duration and the time of travel, you can proceed to create your Europe itinerary. First, read up on reliable travel blogs, watch videos, and pick the most appealing, and important destinations to visit. Then, go ahead and create a route map so that you can travel efficiently, and not waste time commuting.

For a head start, here are some of the best places to visit in Europe.

Iconic Cities And Cultural Escapades

The Eiffel Tower and bridge Iena on the river Seine in Paris, France. - Europe — ***The*** Eiffel Tower and bridge Iena on the river Seine in Paris, France – Europe
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/givaga

To visit the most famous landmarks and iconic destinations in Europe, here are some places you can add to your itinerary.

Paris, France – Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles, Notre Dame
Florence, Italy – Art, architecture, street culture
Rome, Italy – Colosseum, historic sites, Roman Forum
London, UK – British Museum, Tower of London, Portobello Market
Prague, Czech Republic – Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, vibrant squares
Budapest, Hungary – Parliament Building, Danube views, thermal baths

Natural Landscapes Peaceful Vibes

Aerial view of Train passing through famous mountain in Filisur, Switzerland - The Swiss Alps — Aerial view of Train passing through famous mountain in Filisur, Switzerland – The Swiss Alps
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Guitar photographer

If admiring nature’s most iconic creations in Europe is on your agenda, here are some places to consider.

Swiss Alps, Switzerland – Majestic mountains, lakes and winter sports
Iceland – Waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, and other unique landscapes
Scottish Highlands, UK – Beautiful castles, rugged beauty, lochs
Dolomites, Italy – Dramatic mountainscapes
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia: – Unique cascading waterfalls

Food and Culture

Port Wine in the Duoro Valley, Portugal
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Sweet Caroline Pics

To indulge in the best of European food, consider these cities.

Lyon – the culinary capital of France, famous for a variety of Lyonnaise specialties and bouchons
Portugal – famous for Port Wine, seafood, and Piri-Piri chicken

Stunning Islands And Coasts

Panoramic view of Santorini island, Greece, Europe
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Olga Gavrilova

For the most exotic islands and coasts of Europe, here is where you should go.

Amalfi Coast, Italy – Turquoise waters and cliffside villages
Algarve, Portugal – Golden sand beaches and dramatic cliffs
Greek Islands Santorini, Milos, and Naxos – Iconic white-washed villages, cobbled streets, stunning sunsets and clear waters

Unique Experiences

Hot air balloon rides at Cappadocia, Turkey, Europe
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Parilov

If you wish to enjoy unique experiences, Europe is home to some of the most famous destinations for those as well.

Cappadocia, Turkey – While only a small part of Turkey is in Southeast Europe, the place is famous for hot air balloon rides over “fairy chimneys”
Lapland, Finland – famous for Northern Lights, and for being Santa’s home
Bruges, Belgium – Medieval charm and beautiful canals

Central European Gems

The Benedictine Melk abbey, above the town of Melk, Austria, Europe — The Benedictine Melk abbey above the town of Melk, Austria, Europe
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Mojolo

There are several culturally rich destinations to explore in Central Europe as well.

Vienna, Austria – famous for Classical music, art, and many imperial palaces
Venice, Italy – for romantic canals, gondolas and a unique atmosphere
Kraków, Poland – for a vibrant nightlife and its historic Old Town

To create your itinerary, consider visiting a few different cities with diverse experiences so that you can make the most of your Europe tour. Make a route map so that you can easily traverse destinations using the most efficient route.

Some possible city combinations you can follow include:

Paris and Amsterdam
Zurich and Paris
Athens, Santorini and Mykonos
Paris, Lyon, Zurich, Milan and Rome
Madrid, Granada, Seville, Barcelona and Paris
London, Durham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dublin and Liverpool
Rome, Florence, Venice, Zurich and Paris
Berlin, Prague, Innsbruck, Vienna and Budapest

Also Read: 2026 Travel Updates for Indians – Europe Travel Rules Explained

Flights And Visas

Airplane flying over business skyline of Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/muratart

Next on this Europe travel guide are tips on booking flights and obtaining your visa.

Flights

When it comes to flights, the earlier you book, the better. However, booking around 6 to 7 weeks in advance is a good idea. Consider the time to secure your visa as well, which can be around 4 to 5 weeks.
Try to book round-trip flights, as they are always cheaper than one way flights
If you wish to start at one destination and depart from another, multi-destination flights work best
To ensure that you get the best rates, keep checking the rates every few days and book once you hit the lowest prices. Setting up reminders on booking apps can help in this regard.
Depending on your travel itinerary, book cheap flights to Zurich, Paris, or any other core destination by considering your travel route. You can also compare flight prices and choose a destination that offers the cheapest flights and prepare your route map from there.
Buy travel insurance from a reliable provider. It is mandatory for Indians flying to Europe.

Visa

To travel to Europe, you need a valid Schengen visa. You can apply to a consulate that you are spending the most time in. For example, if you are spending the most time in Paris you can apply for a France Schengen visa, for Zurich – a Swiss Schengen visa and so on. For shorter than 90 days of visit, a short stay Schengen visa would be perfect. Apply at least 5 months in advance to avoid delays and make sure your documents are perfect to avoid rejections. You can seek the help of a reliable provider of online visa services for 180+ countries for a smooth, hassle-free and efficient visa process.

What to Pack For a Europe Trip

A traveller packing a bag for a Europe summer vacation
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/kan_chana

Packing for Europe primarily depends on the time you choose to travel. However, if you are planning to travel to a few diverse countries or cities, it is advisable to pack for different weather conditions. Needless to say, it is always a good idea to pack light and choose versatile pieces that you can combine and layer.

Here is a general list of clothes and items to pack:

T- shirts and jeans for comfortable sightseeing
Boots for cold weather and comfortable kicks for walking
Sweaters and fleece for all weather conditions
A jacket
Thermals for cold places
Socks
A first-aid kit and other medications if needed
Basic personal care products
Sunglasses for spring and summer weather
Travel documents including your passport, visa, and in-city travel passes if any

Europe Tour Cost From India: An Approximate Break-Down

Cost of a Europe trip
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/ShutterOK

Here is an approximate estimate of a Europe tour’s cost from India and its break-up elements. This estimation includes the approximate cost per person for a 10-12 day Europe trip from India, on a mid-range travel style.

Expense	Amount in Rupees
Flights including return tickets to India	80,000 – 1,25,000
Visa and travel insurance	10,000 – 15,000
Accommodation (9 to 11 nights)	90,000 – 1,50,000 (mid-range)
Transportation within Europe	10,000 – 30,000
Food and dining	2,000 – 3,000 per day/ 20,000 – 30,000
Sightseeing and activities	8,000 – 20,000
Shopping and miscellaneous	10,000 – 20,000
Total	2,00,000 – 3,50,000

For more premium options and activities, you can expect to spend approximately Rs. 3,50,000 to 4,50,000 and upwards. At the same time, for a budget trip, you can keep the expenses within around Rs. 2,00,000 if you plan well enough.

Combining meals, transport and activities, a daily spend range would be Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 20,000. Hence, prepare your budget accordingly.

Wrapping Up: Your Most Reliable Europe Travel Guide

As overwhelming as planning a trip to Europe is, careful and thoughtful analysis can help you achieve the smoothest and best Europe tour of your life. Start planning well ahead of time, research and read up about every destination you intend to visit, and use this comprehensive Europe travel guide to set yourself up for success.

At the same time, rely on a trustworthy travel agency for bookings and make sure to book your accommodation at the best hotels in Zurich and/or other destinations for a comfortable and hassle-free stay. Lastly, have an open mind, and prepare to have the time of your life – a bucket-list-worthy unforgettable Europe tour.

FAQs

What is the average cost of a trip to Europe?

The average cost of a trip to Europe per person for a mid-range travel style can be anywhere between Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 3,00,000. This includes return flight tickets, daily expenses and basic sightseeing.

How to plan the best Europe trip?

To plan the most efficient and best European vacation, here are some steps you can take:

Set the budget, duration of the trip and time of travel first
Research and decide on the destinations to cover within your duration and budget
Prepare a route map for efficient travel between destinations
Make a list of the things to see and do in each destination
Book flights to one of the destinations based on the prices and ease of travel, around 6 weeks before your trip
Book your accommodation at value options in each destination
Apply for your Schengen around 5 weeks before your trip
Prepare and purchase in-city requirements like e-sim and travel passes
Start packing at least a month ahead
Leave on time
Account for unexpected expenses as well as impulsive itinerary additions

What is the cheapest month to go to Europe?

The cheapest months to go to Europe would be during the off-season in winter, from January to March and late December. During these months, the demand for Europe tours is typically lower, which leads to better prices and winter deals.

Which three European countries can be visited together?

There are many combinations of countries and cities in Europe that you can visit on one trip. Here are some possible three-country combinations:

Athens, Mykonos and Santorini
Zurich, Paris and Amsterdam
Rome, Florence and Venice
Vienna, Budapest and Prague
Madrid, Barcelona and Paris
Edinburgh, Scotland and Glasgow

What are the top 5 most visited cities in Europe?

The top 5 most visited cities in Europe are Paris in France, Rome in Italy, London in England, Barcelona in Spain, and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

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