Explore Europe
One Continent, a Hundred Countries Deep
Europe is the easiest place in the world to travel badly. Four countries in ten days, a train every morning, a different hotel every night, and nothing actually seen. We have watched people come home exhausted, with a camera roll full of stations and a vague memory of a cathedral they cannot name.
Our answer is always the same: fewer places, longer stays. Three nights minimum, a driver or a train booked properly rather than sprinted for, and time left over for the afternoon that was not on the plan. That afternoon is usually the one you talk about afterwards.
The Beauty of Europe
Cities and Art
The great collections are worth every bit of their reputation, but only if you see them on your own terms. We book the early hours, the private openings and the guides who talk like people rather than audio handsets, then leave your afternoons free.
- Before-hours access to the Vatican, Uffizi and Accademia
- Art historians who guide one family at a time
- Restaurant tables held where the city actually eats
- Neighborhood walks well beyond the old town
Coast and Islands
The Mediterranean rewards anyone who moves by water and stays the night. A private boat gets you to the coves the day trippers never reach, and sleeping on the island means you have the harbor to yourself twice a day.
- Private skippered days along the Amalfi and Cinque Terre
- Cycladic island-hopping timed to the ferries
- Coastal villages where you stay, not just stop
- Swimming and lunch far from the day boats
Alps and Lakes
Summer in the mountains is the most underrated season in Europe. The Dolomites, the Italian lakes and the Swiss valleys are cool, green and quiet while the south bakes, and the walking is genuinely world class.
- Dolomites hiking with mountain guides and rifugio lunches
- Lake Como and Maggiore by private boat
- Scenic rail through the Swiss passes, booked in first
- Handpicked lakeside and alpine hotels, vetted through trusted partners
Explore the World Your Way
Independent Travel
Self-guided with Andrew's curated itinerary, hotel bookings, and local recommendations.
Guided Touring
Small group tours with expert local guides at each destination.
Private Touring
Dedicated driver-guides and private experiences, fully customized.
River Cruises
Luxury river cruise journeys through Europe's great waterways.
Where ABTC Can Take You
Itineraries in Europe
"We had a wonderful experience with Andrew from the moment we said we wanted to go to Ireland until we safely got back home. He has very strong communication skills, is well organized, and accommodated all of our needs. Our trip to Ireland is one I will cherish forever."
Frequently Asked Questions
April to May and September to October offer the best overall conditions for most of Europe with mild weather and smaller crowds. For high summer, the Alps, lake regions, and Scandinavia are ideal, while the Mediterranean south is best avoided due to heat and crowds. Winter is reserved for city breaks, where holiday markets and cultural events flourish.
It depends on how long you plan to travel. We recommend dedicating at least 3 to 4 days in one country to truly experience it, with enough time to settle in without losing days to packing, transfers, and finding your footing.
We'll help determine the best mode of transportation for your itinerary. Trains are excellent between major cities, offering a faster, calmer alternative to flying. A private driver becomes essential once you leave the rail line, where the journey itself is part of the experience. Most itineraries benefit from a thoughtful mix of both.
Europe is well-suited for families, offering an excellent mix of culture, history, and hands-on experiences that engage children. When planning trips with children, we favor fewer moves, spacious accommodations, and one activity each day the children get to choose.
Summer travel typically calls for 9 to 12 months of lead time, especially for smaller destinations. Shoulder season offers more flexibility, 4 to 6 months out. For a tailored answer specific to your travel plans, contact us at booknow@andrewburnstravelco.com.