Being a native of France (from Perpignan, at the foot of the Pyrénées), I’m of course a patriotic travel advisor. So I often say that there are so many things to see and visit in France, and that travelers who come to Europe should dedicate their entire trip to only one destination, let’s say France, my own country…
But on the other hand, I completely understand that for someone who lives on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, like Americans or Canadians, or for an Australian or New Zealand traveler coming from the antipodes, France may appear just as one destination among the others in Europe, on this fascinating “old continent”. And that it’s very enticing not to limit oneself to one country of this continent, but explore several on a single trip. Moreover, American people have not much vacation, and when they take a 2-week break, they expect to get great value for money and most of the time plan to optimize their sightseeing. So here is my recommendation to make a perfectly balanced trip, that is to say a good dose of France… and a touch of somewhere else, whether it can be the United Kingdom, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy or Spain… Have a look at the reasons to make a multi-destination trip in Europe!
Talking the same language, American people and other English speaking travelers from anywhere else in the world have a natural attraction for the United Kingdom. That’s understandable. But, what you might not expect is that England can be a really exotic country as its culture, monuments, history, and of course, people, are truly unique and different.
So why not starting your European trip (ok, England has officially left the EU, but it still belongs geographically to Europe!) with a bit of England and experience its famous “so british!” style and humour? Immersed in history, London has something for everyone. The city’s buildings are striking milestones to a unique and beguiling biography, and a great many of them – the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben – are instantly recognizable landmarks. There’s more than enough innovation (the Shard, the Tate Modern extension, the planned Garden Bridge) to put a crackle in the air, but it never drowns out London’s seasoned, centuries-old narrative. Architectural grandeur rises up all around you in the West End, ancient remains dot the City and charming pubs punctuate the historic quarters, leafy suburbs and river banks. Take your pick and explore the capital of England on board of an elegant and typical black cab. Or witness the famous ceremony of Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace with one of our accredited guides, who will provide you with best location and experience and will get you around at the right place on the right time. Most of the people wait uncomfortably at the gates of Buckingham Palace and actually miss the majority of the pomp, ceremony, music and marching that is taking place elsewhere! We recommend at least three nights in the capital.
For your stay in England, we often include also a visit of Oxford university (if you’re a fan of Harry Potter, this is where some famous scenes in Hogwarts school were shot), the city of Bath, the mysterious site of Stonehenge, or the castles of Windsor and Warwick…
The Netherlands and Belgium are both small countries (less than 50,000 Square kilometers each). They can be easily combined in a Western Europe trip, with a bit of England, and Normandy or Paris in France. Amsterdam’s canals and narrow houses offer echoes of its Golden Age in the 17th century, when explorers, investors, and traders led the city into a tremendous boom, and Dutch Old Masters painted the artworks that have captivated generations since. In more recent years, artists, immigrants, and social progressives have transformed Amsterdam into a forward-thinking and artistic metropolis. Immerse yourself in the glory of Amsterdam with our private and small group walking tours. 2020 has seen some incredibly progressive moves from the authorities in Amsterdam and the city is evolving again, to adapt to its success as a tourist destination.
Once a medieval settlement in the swamps of the river Senne and later home to Napoleon, Brussels has paved its own dramatic path. Home to the European Parliament and celebrated for its gastronomic delights, the city has a narrative that is worth learning about. Its impressive, ornate architecture—such as the Grand Place and the Royal Palace—demonstrate how the Belgian capital should be more prevalent on the European world stage. Discover its charm with us!
Have a look on our 13-days customizable tour from Amsterdam to Paris through Brussels, and get some inspiration before you ask us for a personalized quote!
Many travelers come to Europe for sun, and expect to immerse yourself in this incomparable Mediterranean spirit, which is a mix of hospitality, nonchalance, and “douceur de vivre”, whether you might be in Tuscany (Italy), French Riviera and Provence (France). This is a good choice as well!
Arriving directly in Nice or Marseille, you can continue your trip to the Italian border once you had enough of Provence and the French Riviera, their perched villages, vibrant markets, scenic corniche roads, immense beaches and small hidden creeks. In Italy, Hike the trails that link the tiny and colorful hamlets of Cinque Terre, explore the cultural treasures of Florence… sip a glass of Chianti at a local winemaker in Tuscany, and finally get lost in the narrow streets or canals of Venice, and take a gondola to find your way again… This is Dolce Vita!
Have a look on our 16-days customizable tour from Marseille to Venice ; it’s a perfect honeymoon trip with a lot of romantic and epicurean experiences.
Spain is a wonderful destination and it can be combined perfectly with Southern France, as the two countries share not only a 900km border along the Pyrénées mountain range, from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, but also a Latin culture and a real mood for « fiesta », « ferias » and other traditional events.
On the Mediterranean side, you can imagine an amazing adventure from Barcelona (Spain) to French Provence, through the medieval cities of Girona (Spain), Carcassonne (France), punctuated by culinary experiences : taste the famous tapas in Barcelona, visit a local winemaker near Carcassonne, digest a cooking class in Saint Rémy de Provence, savour the delicious Calissons (almond and lemon stuffed pastries) in Aix en Provence…
If you’re on the Atlantic Ocean side, and are a architecture and wine lover, a great escape is to start in Bordeaux and end in Bilbao. Be amazed by the cultural, culinary and wine tasting experiences along the journey. This trip is not only for wine and culture lovers but also for those who are inspired by the rugged landscapes of the rocky Atlantic Coast between French Pays Basque and Spanish side. Here you will touch the Basque soul, which is lives strongly on both sides of the Pyrenees. Locals here are proud of their traditions, of their mountains and even continue to practice the famous basque game of pelota. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims along the Camino trail, hit the road to explore high and wild mountain passes and ride the mighty Atlantic Ocean waves, this trip is for travelers who are in the quest of a different experience…
And if finally you want to immerse completely in magical Spain, far from the borders with France, get deeper and further south into Andalusia, the crown jewel of Moorish Spain, which has been captivating travelers for centuries. Andalusia’s stunning landscape and rich cultural history are a compelling combination for visitors. Home to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the Costa del Sol and a myriad of fascinating cities including Seville, Granada, Cordoba and Malaga, this stunningly beautiful region serves as a microcosm of the complex and fascinating history of the Iberian Peninsula and the many different cultures that have co-existed across it. Contact us for a trip at the junction of African and European past and culture. Once again, some good reasons to make a multi-destination trip in Europe!
The variety of different sights to see in Switzerland is truly incredible. Discover glaciers, mountain worlds, rivers and impressive buildings. Or explore museums and institutions that especially symbolize this country’s identity.
The most comfortable and relaxing way of discovering Switzerland is by train, boat and bus. A panoramic rail trip through the Alpine scenery, a romantic boat trip on a river or an excursion with a nostalgic paddle steamer on one of the famous Swiss lakes can be an unforgettable experience.
For example, the Luzern–Interlaken Express turns the journey from one city to the other into a great experience. During a train ride of roughly two hours, passengers marvel at five crystal clear mountain lakes that gather the waters from various rivers and waterfalls. At the lakeshore, steep rock faces of surrounding mountains rise up protectively and provide unique photo motifs.
Shortly before starting its steep, winding ascent to Brünig Pass, the train changes to cogwheel drivetrain technology in order to conquer the gradient. With good reason, the Luzern–Interlaken Express is part of the scenic GoldenPass Line leading to Interlaken and on to Montreux.
Just have a look on our transalpine road trip from France to Switzerland and take height by reaching the Jungfraujoch Glacier, entering a world of ice, snow and rock at an altitude of 11,330 feet.
I hope you enjoyed to read some of the reasons to make a multi-destination trip in Europe! Comme vous pouvez le voir, il existe de nombreuses combinaisons possibles car la France est une première étape pratique vers un plus grand voyage en Europe . J’ai travaillé récemment sur une tournée originale Ecosse – France – Suisse et Italie pendant 5 semaines , et une tournée inattendue Islande – Ecosse sur 2 semaines pour un groupe de 10 personnes. N’hésitez pas à nous contacter, quel que soit votre projet !
Travailler avec une agence de voyages présente de nombreux avantages : en savoir plus ici .
