The Prices of Budget Tours to Europe
Jump to: Best Tours | Tour Prices
If you're trying to figure out the options and prices for budget tours in Europe, we've got you covered. Using our hands-on travel experience and industry knowledge, we've analyzed every tour option, visited dozens of locations in Europe, and reviewed all the top operators. Below, you'll find a detailed guide to the costs and leading tours, helping you find the best guided tour for your vacation.
Europe boasts a variety of budget tours for every traveler, from budget group trips to high-end, all-inclusive tours. Prices vary based on trip length, included activities, and accommodation standards.
Why does Europe appeal to budget travelers?
Europe's affordability and range of options make it ideal for budget travelers. The region's natural and cultural beauty, along with its wallet-friendly options provide exceptional value for budget-conscious adventurers. Rome is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. Rome, Istanbul, and Paris offer plenty of amazing museums and sights to explore. Rome, Istanbul, and Paris are foodie destinations with fantastic cuisine and world-class restaurants. Budget travelers love Rome, Istanbul, and Paris because of the affordable activities and social vibe. The affordable tour options here allow easy and affordable access to amazing experiences without breaking the bank.
How much do budget tours cost in Europe?
The average price per day for budget tours in Europe is $129, based on our analysis of 303 tours. While the overall prices can vary greatly, when we look at the daily price of these tours, the costs range from $72 to $150 per day.
Budget-friendly tours average around $111 per day, while higher-end luxury tours average about $145 per day.
Budget tours will usually provide less luxurious accommodation, have larger group sizes, and visit less expensive destinations. They will also sometimes have you pay for more activities on your own instead of including everything up front.
Mid-range tours often provide a step up in accommodation and transportation, and include more guided activities.
Luxury tours usually provide the highest levels of service, luxury hotels, more gormet food choices, comfortable transportation, and offer more all-inclusive payment options.
We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.
The Best Tours in Europe
Budget-Friendly Tours
Budget-friendly and affordable budget tours in Europe average $111 per day, with daily prices from $72 to $126. Budget tours usually include hotels, meals, and activities that are not quite as nice as other tours. Often, they might only include transportation, lodging, and some activities, leaving you on your own to pay for meals and other attractions during the tour. This can be a very convenient and economical way to visit France without spending too much money, as it gives you control over the amount you spend on meals and extra services. If you're looking for a really great option, check out 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling here.
Mid-Range Tours
For typical budget tours in Europe that fall in the middle range of prices, the average cost is $133 per day. Daily prices range from $126 to $138. Taking this step up in price from the cheaper tours to mid-range will often get you plenty of extra amenities and service for a great price. These tours usually include very comfortable hotels, meals at delicious local restaurants, comfortable transportation, knowledgable guides, and entry to many of the top attractions. One of the best tours is Stoke Afloat Croatia (7 nights - Split to Dubrovnik).
Luxury Tours
Luxury budget tours in Europe average around $133 per day, with daily costs ranging from $138 to $150. At this price, you'll be very well taken care of and pampered on your journey through the scenic destinations. Knowledgable guides, the best accommodation options, the finest restaurants, comfortable transportation, and quick entry into attractions are all part of the itinerary. Every luxury and detail has been planned and thought about so that you don't have to deal with any hassle, you simple show up and enjoy your vacation. One of the best luxury tours here is 8-day Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago - self-guided.
Which tour companies offer these trips?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer budget tours in Europe. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
Contiki
Contiki is a large multi-national travel company which offers tours to destinations around the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Great Britain, Italy, France, and Germany. Younger travelers looking for adventures love this company. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as island hopping, snorkelling, wine tasting, surfing, camping, whale watching, diving, rock climbing, white water rafting, and jet boat rides.
A-ROSA
A-ROSA offers local river cruise tours through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, the Netherlands, and others. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 5 days to 3 weeks. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.
Mediterranean Bike Tours
Mediterranean Bike Tours offers local bicycle tours through Spain. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 4 days to 7 days. Traveling with Mediterranean Bike Tours provides for a very personal experience, because most of their tours have less than 8 people. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. Their main focus is bike tours, and they offer a wide range of adventures to bike enthusiasts.
See All Tours from Mediterranean Bike Tours
Med Sun Yachts
Med Sun Yachts offers local sailing tours through Greece. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 6 days to 8 days. The small group sizes, often less than 8, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. By specializing in sailing and boat tours, Med Sun Yachts offers terrific adventures to travelers.
See All Tours from Med Sun Yachts
Departure Destinations in Europe
Wondering where tours launch from in Europe? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
London
London is a world class international city that has charming neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and a vibrant nightlife scene. There are a diversity of attractions that offer something for everyone. Although prices can be steep, there are many free activities as well, with wandering the many markets being a favorite of many visitors.
Dover
Dover is home to the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. This spectacular sight offers views down the coastline and highlights the remoteness of the setting. On the east side you'll find the Dover Castle, which warrants at least a few hours of exploration.
Rome
Rome is the capital city of Italy, and for many visitors it serves as the entry and departure point of their trip. Rome is filled with ancient ruins hidden next to modern development. It's a history enthusiasts dream. The city is also filled with cafes and Italian restaurants where you can sip wine and dine on Italian pasta dishes.
Calais
Many people overlook this part of France for the more popular southern regions, but those who do visit can enjoy sandy beaches and nice wine and cheese. UK visitors often arrive by ferry and enjoy some shopping as they pass through.
More
Other popular destinations for budget tours through Europe include Goreme, Gallipoli, Dachau, Hopfgarten im Brixental, and Tuscany.
Budget Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
If you're debating whether to plan your trip solo or join a guided tour, take some time to reflect on the pros and cons of both options.
Organized Tours
Pros- Pre-planned itineraries reduce stress.
- Group discounts keep costs low.
- Affordable accommodations and meals included.
- Transportation is handled, saving time and money.
- Access to experienced guides for insights and tips.
- Opportunity to meet like-minded travelers.
- No need to research every expense in advance.
- Often covers popular destinations efficiently.
- Limited flexibility in itinerary or activities.
- Groups can be large, affecting experience quality.
- Less focus on unique or personalized interests.
- Unexpected extra charges for optional activities.
Independent Travel
Pros- Total control over your itinerary and expenses.
- Choice of accommodations that match your preferences.
- Flexibility to travel slower.
- Personalize transportation options to suit your needs.
- Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
- Time-consuming to find and compare low-cost options.
- Risk of overspending without careful budgeting.
- May miss out on group discounts for activities.
- Requires managing all transportation and logistics.
- Limited access to insider tips or local guides.
- Uncertainty about hidden costs or scams.
- Harder to predict overall trip expenses.
- Requires extra effort to ensure safety on a budget.
Which is cheaper?
Is traveling independently less expensive than taking guided budget tours? The answer isn't straightforward. Guided tours often include services like hotels, transportation, meals, entry tickets, guides, and activities, all of which you would need to arrange and pay for individually if traveling on your own. To determine the cost difference, you'd need to compare the total cost of the tour package with the cost of booking everything separately. You may prefer a less expensive hotel or splurge on dining, so the cost of a tour could either save you money or cost you more. Be sure to review what's included in the tour package before making your comparison.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
More Tour Options
See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Europe, The Best Wildlife Tours to Europe, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Europe, The Best Historical Tours in Europe, The Best 10-Day Tours in Europe, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Europe, The Best 3-Day Tours in Europe, The Best 2-Week Tours in Europe, The Best 3-Week Tours in Europe, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Europe, The Best Extended Trip Tours in Europe, One Month or Longer, The Best River Cruises in Europe, The Best Bicycle Tours in Europe, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Europe, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Europe, The Best Christmas Market Tours in Europe, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Europe, The Best Adventure Tours to Europe, The Best Eco Tours in Europe, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Europe, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Europe, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Europe, The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in Europe, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Europe, The Best Cultural Tours in Europe, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Europe, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Europe, The Best Music Tours in Europe, The Tours for Animal Lovers in Europe, The Best Photography Tours in Europe, The Best Gap Year Tours in Europe, The Best Camping Tours in Europe, The Best Educational Tours in Europe, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Europe, The Best Self Drive Tours in Europe, The Best Safaris in Europe, The Best Budget Safaris in Europe, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Europe, The Best Nightlife Tours in Europe, The Best Religious Tours in Europe, The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Europe, The Best Walking Tours in Europe, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Europe, The Best Mountain Biking Tours in Europe, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Europe, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Europe, The Best Luxury Tours to Europe, The Best Tours for Seniors to Europe, The Best Contiki Tours to Europe, or The Best G Adventures Tours to Europe for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.