Narrowing down the best European summer destinations is a hard enough task as it is, let alone when you take spring into account. Luckily we have a foolproof way of figuring out which European destination is for you this spring and summer – the key is our Trafalgar Travel Personality Quiz.
We have the best European summer destinations sorted, depending on your travel personality. Haven’t discovered yours yet? Join thousands of other travelers in taking the Trafalgar Travel Personality Quiz here.
Whether you’re an avid adventurer, social butterfly, or thoughtful traveler, we have your 2025 spring and summer trips covered – and now you can book your trip of a lifetime for less in the Big Tour Sale, with savings of up to $1,500. What are you waiting for?
Best European summer destinations for your Trafalgar personality
The Experience Collector
You’re the “yes” person on vacation, and trying everything at least once is part of your agenda whether that’s traditional food, an adrenaline-fueled escapade, or getting acquainted with local customs. With Trafalgar, collecting new experiences will seem like a breeze as we help you see everything you need to come back with a suitcase full of them, from spotting must-see sights to uncovering hidden gems and local secrets.
Perfect spring destination: Portugal
Portugal comes to life in spring, with colorful flowers blooming up across the country – Madeira even has its annual flower festival, the Festa da Flor in May. But on the mainland, regions like the Algarve are covered in a rainbow of florals, making it the perfect time to explore rural regions and national parks before the heat of the summer. This time of year is when the Douro Valley is in full bloom, and you can visit local wineries to sample their delicious craft.
Tours you’ll love:
Highlights of Spain and Portugal
Perfect summer destination: Norway
A more unusual choice, but that’s why Norway is one of the best European summer destinations for people who want to get off the beaten track. Above the Arctic Circle you can get up to 24 hours of daylight (known as the Midnight Sun), which is an experience in itself, but the long daylight hours and temperate weather across the country in the summertime allow even more time to witness the fjords, stroll its cultural cities, or hike through its valleys.
Tours you’ll love:
Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords
The Empowered Ranger
You could be a long-time traveler or a first-time tourer, but one thing’s for sure – you’re always dreaming of your next adventure and thinking of ways to extend yourself beyond your comfort zone. You’ll love Trafalgar because, as the world’s most-awarded tour company, you can throw yourself into new adventures knowing you’re in safe hands with our experienced Travel Directors and Local Specialists.
Perfect spring destination: Northern Italy
From the colorful cliffside houses of Cinque Terre to the shimmering waters of Lake Como, and even the fashionable streets of Milan, Northern Italy is as diverse as it is beautiful – particularly in spring, when the flowers and vines come to life with an explosion of color and smell. From cruising across the lakes to hiking along the clifftops, you’ll want to know the best places to throw yourself into rural Italian life (something we can help with).
Tours you’ll love:
Northern Italy Including Cinque Terre
Perfect summer destination: Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen has it all: beautiful canal walks, countless food markets, renowned restaurants, and even city beaches. See the city like a local as you cycle round this cosmopolitan city on bike, stopping by one of the many outdoor cafes that come to life in the warmer months of the year. Northern Copenhagen brings you to a lush forest and stunning coastline, for when you want a break from the city on your city break, without even leaving the city limits.
Tours you’ll love:
The Memory Maker
You won’t say no to seeing the sights on vacation, but really you travel to make memories – not just for yourself, but for everyone else too. Every moment is one to be seized, and your energy and enthusiasm for travel is infectious. Trafalgar tours are right up your street because you can always ask questions, dig deeper into each destination, and make lifetime memories with the help of our incredible Travel Directors and Local Specialists who go above and beyond.
Perfect spring destination: Greece
Greece gives you the unique opportunity to step back in time with its ancient history, and also make the most of all that modern day Greece has to offer with its stunning coastlines, lively cities, and excellent food. Spring in Greece brings you the best of the weather before the heat (and crowds) descend in the summertime. Late spring also brings softer Meltemi winds, perfect if you’re looking to explore or sail the islands.
Tours you’ll love:
Secrets of Greece including Corfu
Perfect summer destination: Rome, Italy
A classic, and one of the best European summer destinations, Italy’s capital city has endless adventures to offer. From ticking off key sights like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, you’ll also end up getting lost in Rome’s shaded back streets and stumbling across a local trattoria in the foodie Trastevere district – and that’s all part of the magic. Plus, summer offers the perfect excuse to always be on the lookout for a new gelato spot.
Tours you’ll love:
The Ice-Breaker
Whether or not you’re the loudest in the group doesn’t matter – what matters is you’re the one making an effort to learn everyone’s names and make introductions, bringing the group together. Needless to say group tours give you energy, as you get a buzz off meeting like-minded people and expanding your circle to people you’d never have otherwise met.
Perfect spring destination: Spain
Spring in Spain is a magical time, filled with sunny days, temperate weather, and cherry and almond blossoms as far as the eye can see. From enjoying streetside tapas to hiking in the stunning Picos de Europa National Park, you can be as active as you like in the springtime. The Spanish are known for their fun, friendly nature, so we’re sure you’ll also be bonding with the locals in no time.
Tours you’ll love:
Perfect summer destination: Scotland
Summer is the warmest time in Scotland where you can enjoy the longer days, with parts of northern Scotland like the Isle of Skye getting nearly 12 hours of daylight. Not only can you avoid most of the rain at this time of year, but it’s also the season when art, music, and cultural festivals come to life across the country, from the Edinburgh Fringe to the Highland Games, the annual Islay whisky festival on the island, and so many more. Find out what Scottish hospitality is all about as you share incredible food and drink, and immerse yourself in this lively, historic culture.
Tours you’ll love:
Scotland’s Highlands, Islands and Cities
The Attentive Tourer
Rushing around isn’t for you – each detail of your destination is worth slowing down for, so you can really take it all in. Immersing yourself in the culture is top of the list, and from natural beauty to indigenous rituals you make sure you leave a positive mark wherever you visit. You’ll love our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, offering one-of-a-kind experiences that help you gain a new perspective on the world, and yourself.
Perfect spring destination: Switzerland
Spring in Switzerland offers the perfect time to dive into the culture and traditions that make this country special, as Switzerland comes alive with festivals. There are so many celebrations and activities to immerse yourself in, from the Tulip Festival in Lake Geneva, the Classic Music Festival in Interlaken, the Interfinity Festival in Basel, the acoustic-only Zermatt Unplugged, and the Sechseläuten in Zürich, which commemorates the end of winter. There’s also no better time to take the famed Glacier Express, as you take the slowest train in the world while alpine flowers are beginning to bloom in the fields below, and the mountaintops are still covered in snow.
Tours you’ll love:
Perfect summer destination: Croatia
It’s hard not to be stunned by the beauty of the Adriatic, one of the best European summer destinations for beach lovers. Take yourself into the natural sanctuary of Plitvice National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with its waterfalls, forests, and lakes. Back in urban Croatia, you can lose yourself as you wander through the Old Towns of famous spots like Dubrovnik, Korčula and Zadar, trying traditional dishes like Peka, a delicious slow-cooked 5,000-year-old specialty baked over hot embers.
Tours you’ll love:
The Connection Seeker
You take getting to know your destination seriously, fully immersing yourself in learning local culture and customs – that’s how real connections are made, with both the people and the place. You’ll cherish our Be My Guest experiences, which give you a unique chance to bond with locals as you’re invited into their homes to share stories over a home cooked meal as you break bread and share stories.
Perfect spring destination: Norway
After a long winter, spring in Norway brings much-welcome longer days, more sunshine, and warmer weather. Snowmelt brings rushing waterfalls across the country, along with a burst of yellow from native buttercups that begin to bloom. A visit to Norway isn’t complete without understanding the culture of the indigenous Sámi people from the North of the country, from the herding of reindeer, witnessing unique art forms like bone carving, and hearing their history through traditional storytelling.
Tours you’ll love:
Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords
Perfect summer destination: Ireland
The best season if you want to avoid the Irish rain (which serves its purpose – it’s what helps makes the Emerald Isle so lush and green), summer in Ireland is best for outdoor activities and making the most of the many festivals that pop up. Countless film and arts festivals allow you to see the best talent coming out of Ireland today, from Listowel Writers Week to Galway International Arts Festival and Belfast TradFest. The best part about getting involved in local events? You’ll be able to have some good craic with the local people, and discover the real Ireland through them.
Tours you’ll love:
Ready to get the most out of the best European summer destinations with your Trafalgar Travel Personality in mind? Get ready to Tour Differently with Trafalgar.