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Western Europe

Douro River, Portugal

From picture-perfect coastal villages in Ireland to the serrated ridge lines of the Swiss Alps, the history, landscapes and cultures of Western Europe offer more diversity than you’ll find anyplace else on earth. For people with a passion for educational travel, this corner of the world is the sweet spot. When you explore it with Road Scholar, you’ll learn from authors, university professors, passionate locals and others who know their lands better than anyone else.

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Italy
Become an expert on the Eternal City on an adventure combining local scholarly insight with a flexible schedule and city-center lodging ideal for self-directed discovery.
Portugal
From the beautiful coastal Cascais to the modern city of Lisbon, trace the history of Portugal as you explore castles, walk along farmland and sample local cuisine.
Azores
Walking/Hiking
Learn about the Azores’ island beauty as you join expert naturalists on hikes to the woodlands, thermal spring pools, caves and volcanic landscapes of Europe’s best-kept secret.
England
Venture to the famous Falmouth Harbor to learn about Cornwall’s 4,000-year-old history, from the ancient standing stones of Bodmin Moor to medieval castles and historic mines.
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Living & Learning
Discover the centuries-old city of Sevilla, gaining a comprehensive understanding of its customs, history, unique architecture and world-class museums as you learn Spanish by immersion.
Portugal
Explore the landscapes of Madeira, the “island of eternal springtime,” during the quieter winter months. Seafaring tradition, exotic plants and sweet treats await on this lush island.
France
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Make Bordeaux your home for six weeks and immerse yourself in French culture, history and cuisine as you explore the city on your own and join experts on educational field trips.
Ireland
Go off the beaten path and learn the story of Ireland as you speak with locals, taste authentic cuisine, discover ancient traditions and enjoy expert-led excursions to historic sites.
Italy
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Learn the time-honored art of Sicilian cooking as you visit a historic winery and enjoy chef-led cooking classes!
France
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Could you live like a true Provençal? Find out on this six-week learning adventure in Provence as you stay in a local apartment and learn the arts and history of the region.
Italy
Holidays
Experience New Year’s in Sorrento, a picturesque town on the gorgeous southern coastline of Italy. Celebrate the holidays as you learn Italian history and culture from local experts.
Northern Ireland
Unravel the complex story of Northern Ireland as you meet its people, learn its history, explore its monuments and discover the exciting transformation of this vibrant region.
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Western Europe Tours with Road Scholar

From picture-perfect coastal villages in Ireland to the serrated ridge lines of the Swiss Alps, the history, landscapes, and cultures of Western Europe offer more diversity than you’ll find anywhere else on Earth. For people with a passion for educational travel, this corner of the world is the sweet spot. When you explore it with Road Scholar, you’ll learn from authors, university professors, passionate locals, and others who know their lands better than anyone else. Browse our exciting collection of Western Europe tours today to immerse yourself in the cultures and landscapes of these historic and diverse destinations.

 

Western Europe Tours and Adventures

Tours of Western Europe provide insight into some of the world’s richest histories, cultures, and landscapes. In this corner of the world, you’ll be able to discover a wide range of landmarks, geographical features, and wildlife. 

At Road Scholar, our adventures in Western Europe can bring you anywhere, from coastal villages in Ireland to the ridge lines of the Swiss Alps. Whether you’re interested in the history of ancient cultures in Spain or stories of the kings and queens of France, our Western Europe sightseeing tours cover it all. Explore Western Europe with Road Scholar by exploring our tour groups below.

 

Western Europe Tours Destinations and Highlights

The landscapes and cultures of Western Europe offer more diversity than anywhere on Earth. With that said, Western Europe sightseeing tours give you the chance to witness and explore these areas yourself. Led by authors, university professors, and passionate locals, here are some of our top tours of Western Europe:

  • France: One of the best adventures in Western Europe is exploring France. France is home to countless attractions, such as the lavender fields in Provence, the luxury beaches of Nice, and the chateaus in the Loire Valley.  With Road Scholar, you can discover all that France has to offer and visit iconic cities and towns like Paris, Normandy, and mountain villages in the Pyrenees. You can even take a riverboat cruise down the Seine to view D-Day beaches and the city lights of Paris. Through tours of France, you can immerse yourself in mouth-watering cuisine in Parisian bistros, walk the same streets as the royals in Versailles, and relax on the glamorous beaches of Saint Tropez, making for the ultimate Western Europe trip.
  • Czech Republic: The Czech Republic is another country that should be on a Western European tour itinerary. In the Czech Republic, you can visit the Old World city of Prague and take in the city skyline filled with Gothic rooftop spires on churches and the Charles Bridge crossing the Vltava River.
  • Greece: Greece is another top destination for an educational tour in Western Europe due to its ancient relics, iconic architecture, and Aegean islands. At Road Scholar, you can find walking and hiking tours for your destination, and in Greece, you can explore ancient civilizations on foot in cities like Athens and Thebes.
  • Netherlands: Interested in art history? Look no further than the Netherlands, where you can learn about great European artists like Vermeer and van Gogh. You can also tour world-famous cities like Amsterdam to learn more about the Dutch culture and way of life.
  • Ireland: One of our top West Europe tour packages guides you through Ireland. Explore the capital city of Dublin, where you can learn about the history and architecture of popular attractions like Dublin Castle or Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Or, enjoy an outdoor trek to the Cliffs of Moher or the picturesque landscapes of the Ring of Kerry. In Ireland, the options for discovery are endless, whether you’re interested in art and history or outdoor adventures to learn about the region’s geography and wildlife.
  • Italy: One of Europe’s prized gems is Italy, known for its traditional cuisine, immaculate architecture, and stunning scenery. A Western Europe tour can take you on a gondola ride through the canals of Venice to the ancient attractions of Rome like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. Tours of Italy with Road Scholar offer the ability to discover these attractions with the guidance of a local instructor, whether you’re off to Florence to explore the Duomo or to relax on the tranquil beaches of the Amalfi Coast.
  • Portugal: Western Europe tour packages to Portugal offer one-of-a-kind learning experiences in cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve. In the capital city of Lisbon, visit the Belém Tower that guards the entrance to the city’s harbor, explore the Jerónimos Monastery to marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture, and walk through the Alfama district’s narrow streets to enjoy traditional Fado music and cuisine. In second cities like Porto, you can tour the famous Port Wine Cellars to taste the famous Port wine and explore the Ribeira District perched along the serene Douro River. A West Europe tour to Portugal lends itself to easily exploring its neighbor Spain. A short train ride away, Spain and Portugal tours allow you to discover these popular destinations’ unique cultures and traditions.
  • Switzerland: Western Europe tours to Switzerland are second to none, offering a rich blend of natural beauty and history. In Zurich, you can wander the medieval streets and visit the Grossmünster church, while an expedition to Geneva allows you to tour the European headquarters of the UN. And we can’t forget about the world-famous Swiss Alps, where mountain towns like Zermatt and Interlaken offer panoramic vistas of alpine landscapes.

These are just some of the top ways to explore Western Europe. With Western European tours of countries like Spain, Belgium, Turkey, Italy, and everything in between, you’re sure to find a learning program that suits your needs. 

Road Scholar has family tours of Western Europe and Western Europe tours for singles, so anyone can explore the history and landscapes of Europe in a setting most comfortable to them.

 

Why Choose Road Scholar for Western Europe Tours

At Road Scholar, our adventures to Europe are led by local instructors who will help you fully immerse in the cultures of popular Western European destinations like France, Italy, Switzerland, and beyond. Whether you’re interested in history, art, food, or the outdoors, we have a unique collection of Western Europe tour packages. No matter the program you land on, you’ll join a diverse cohort of like-minded learners, allowing you to forge strong connections and create lasting memories to reminisce on for years. 

 

Educational Tours of Western Europe with Road Scholar

At Road Scholar, our educational adventures in Europe are second to none. Group travel to Western Europe is a great way to better understand the diverse cultures of our world. Our expert guides will walk you through the history, landscapes, and wildlife to give you a holistic understanding of your destination. 

As you browse our Western Europe tours, familiarize yourself with our European travel tips to ensure you make the most out of your adventure.