Top 5 European overland tours

Travelling through Europe, you can vividly see the influences of various empires that have risen and fallen over the centuries, conquests and re-conquests, and a swirling blend of cultures that changes from street to street. A wealth of prestigious museums and art galleries, world renowned natural landmarks, castles, palaces, religious architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to discover – not to mention the incredibly diverse activities, cuisine and entertainment you’ll find in every stop on your route, mean that every day is completely different to the next. Here are our top five European tours, showcasing the best that this continent has to offer.

Dubrovnik to Athens

The majestic walled city of Dubrovnik is your starting point on an odyssey from the Adriatic to the Aegean, via Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania, illuminating some of Europe’s finest and least known natural heritage. Between Croatia and the ancient icons of Athens lie Ottoman minarets, faded Communist murals and stunning national parks. You can also expect a great mix of activities including swimming, hiking and sightseeing by lake cruise or cable car.
When to depart: April to September
Our top selling trip:
Dubrovnik to Athens tour
Dubrovnik to Athens route map

Tour Scandinavia

Scandinavia refers to Denmark, Norway and Sweden, but when you're here, you might also want to give Finland a look-in, too – and from there even extend your voyage onwards down to the Baltics. It's all very easy to get carried away up here, seeing as how easy it is to tour on the train networks between these nations. Over three weeks of slow, relaxing travel you could see four countries: Denmark, Norway, Sweden and then off to Helsinki for a Finnish finish.
When to depart: April to October
Our top selling trip:
Three week Scandinavia tour 
Scandinavia route map from Copenhagen to Helsinki: Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland

The Baltics: Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania

A region that has seen immense interest in recent years, the Baltics offer a mix of ancient cities, UNESCO sites, Cold War history and natural beauty such as Lithuania’s Curonian Spit, and the boggy, wildlife-rich Lahemaa National Park of Estonia. A typical tour might see you travel by bus, bicycle and ferry, staying in comfortable hotels close to traditional restaurants. You can also explore the Baltics by bike, exploring national parks, historic fishing villages and idyllic coastal paths – the terrain is friendly, but electric bikes can also be used for those wanting to take it easier still.
When to depart: April to September
Baltics route map: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

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Vienna to Budapest

Whizzing you through Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia using old rolling stock that brims with character, this itinerary covers a lot of ground over two weeks but is carefully designed so that you never feel rushed. You’ll journey from the heart of European classical music through the beauty of Prague to Budapest, ‘Pearl of the Danube’. Travel is by a combination of public buses and trains, staying in privately run pensions and apartments, and rubbing shoulders with local people all the way.
When to depart: April to October
Our top selling trip:
Vienna to Budapest tour
Vienna to Budapest route map: Austria, Czechia (Czech Republic), Poland, Slovakia and Hungary

Bucharest to Sofia

A kaleidoscopic tour that takes you from Romania to Bulgaria via Hungary. Magnificent palaces and fortresses, ancient Roman ruins, vast monasteries, hot springs and the opportunity to visit Europe’s largest bear sanctuary ensure that the travel time zips along. This is a sublime tour for foodies too, as you’ll taste plenty of local cuisine throughout: Hungarian goulash, or Bulgarian cured meats and wine. Tour leaders are happy to point you in the direction of good eateries, but half the fun is going out in search of your own experiences.
When to depart: April to October
Our top selling trip: Bucharest to Sofia tour
Bucharest (Romania) to Sofia (Bulgaria) route map
Written by Rob Perkins
Photo credits: [Page banner: zkbld] [View over Budapest: Anastasia Zhenina] [View of Old Town - Dubrovnik: Jonathan Chng] [Tour Scandinavia: MAO YUQING] [Talinn - Estonia: Loris Silvio Zecchinato] [A panorama of Tatra Mountains: Leszek Leszczynski] [Rila Monastery, Bulgaria: Kyle Taylor]