Art, Culture and History Tours in
Europe made for you
Start PlanningDelve into Europe’s extraordinary artistic and historic legacy
Art tours in Europe take in some of the continent’s most precious and celebrated pieces. Become fully immersed in the arts from Italy and the Renaissance masterpieces housed in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, to Spain and Gaudi’s architectural wonders in the city of Barcelona, to the imperial grandeur of Vienna’s palaces and the galleries, ateliers and museums of Szentendre in Budapest.
With your expert guide, visit Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and Shakespeare’s Globe, and then venture from London to explore royal residencies, sumptuous palaces and stately homes – enjoying England castle tours along the way. In Greece, walk in ancient footsteps on an Acropolis tour in Athens, where the Parthenon’s marble columns have witnessed 2,500 years of history, and stay in a tranquil beachfront retreat on the fascinating island of Crete, unravelling the mysteries of the Minoan civilisation on a Palace of Knossos tour. Historians, art experts or archeologists will accompany you throughout, and you’ll gain an insight not just into what you’re seeing, but also how it contributes to culture and tradition.
We’ll arrange exclusive after-hours viewings at the Louvre, early-entry to Vatican City and skip-the-line access to Leonardo da Vinci’s Cenacolo (The Last Supper) in Milan. Our expert travel designers create bespoke art tours in Europe flawlessly tailored to your passions, ensuring every moment of your cultural journey is perfect.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
It’s impossible to overstate the breadth of artistic achievement in Europe. Within a relatively compact geography, you can visit museums, churches, palaces and public spaces, and witness everything from Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and Monet’s water lilies, to ancient Roman frescoes and Picasso’s Cubism.
Travel Designer
Luxury historic Europe accommodation
There are many incredible places to stay in Europe. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
European culture tour inspiration
Get inspired with our Europe example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
Where to visit in Europe for art and history
Austria
The captivating country of Austria pairs grand imperial palaces, world-class museums and concert halls with stunning alpine scenery and beautiful lake districts.
Belgium
Belgium’s medieval towns harbour some of Europe’s finest museums and galleries. Though small, this cultural powerhouse between France and Germany brims with artistic heritage, from Flemish masters to Art Nouveau treasures.
Croatia
At the crossroads of central and southern Europe, Croatia and its distinctive red-roofed architecture and pretty islands of the Adriatic is one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating countries.
Denmark
In northern Europe on the Jutland peninsula, Denmark’s capital is Copenhagen, home to royal palaces including Amalienborg and Renaissance-era Rosenborg Castle with its exquisite gardens.
England
England’s varied geography – from countryside to quaint villages to celebrated cities – provides the backdrop for extraordinary cultural riches. World-renowned museums, theatres and literary landmarks thrive here.
Finland
Finland boasts 40 national parks in largely unspoiled landscapes. Beyond nature, Finnish design and cultural traditions shine, from Helsinki's museums to the mythic home of Father Christmas in Rovaniemi.
France
France pairs iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Versailles with unmatched cultural sophistication. Enjoy world-class museums, legendary cuisine and splendid wine regions.
Germany
Germany is a country of pioneering arts, old-world charm and festive traditions. December transforms the country with cheerful Christmas markets, while year-round, museums and architectural wonders reveal centuries of creative achievement.
Greece
Rich mythology, ancient history and vibrant culture define Greece. Beyond Athens’ archaeological treasures explore 6,000 glorious islands, including Santorini, Crete and Naxos.
Ireland
Ireland’s celebrated literary heritage, traditional music and festive culture make it ideal for cultural exploration. Explore historic sites and dramatic coastlines.
Italy
Step into ancient civilizations, admire Renaissance masterpieces, dine on world-famous dishes or cruise the coastline seeking ‘La Dolce Vita’ – Italy encapsulates the best of European travel.
Netherlands
Explore the Netherlands’ remarkable reclaimed-from-the-sea landscape – carpeted in tulips in the sprint – and visit cities like Amsterdam where the museums and galleries are filled with the works of the Dutch Masters, including Van Gogh.
Norway
Norway’s glaciers, mountains and charming villages are home to rich cultural traditions. Beyond northern lights expeditions and outdoor adventures, discover Viking heritage, maritime museums and vibrant arts scenes in Oslo and Bergen.
Portugal
Portugal charms with azulejo-adorned architecture, soulful fado music and a deep seafaring history. Lisbon and Porto showcase stunning Gothic and Manueline architecture, and a plethora of museums and galleries.
Romania
At Central and Southeastern Europe’s crossroads, Romania preserves medieval towns, painted monasteries and rich folk traditions along the Danube's southern flow.
Scotland
Scotland captivates with its dramatic Highland landscapes, historic Edinburgh with its castle and festivals, and Glasgow’s impressive art galleries and museums. Delve into traditional music, literary heritage and whisky.
Slovenia
Wedged between Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, Slovenia packs remarkable cultural diversity into modest terrain. Alpine mountains meet Mediterranean influences, creating unique artistic traditions and architectural heritage.
Spain
Rich cultural traditions, outstanding cuisine and vibrant fiestas define Spain. Barcelona showcases Gaudí's masterpieces and Madrid houses legendary art museums, while sun-kissed Mallorca has outstanding beaches and luxury accommodation.
Sweden
From handsome cities to wild archipelagos, Sweden embodies Scandinavian cultural sophistication. Museums, design traditions and historic sites complement the country’s breath-taking scenery.
Switzerland
Switzerland waltzes between urban culture and mountain beauty. Zurich houses world-class art, while lakeside Lausanne and Lucerne reveal thriving cultural scenes alongside the nation's famous chocolate heritage.
Turkey
Bridging two continents, Turkey is where rich history meets artistic traditions, from Byzantine mosaics to Ottoman architecture. Explore the old neighbourhoods of Istanbul and travel the Turkish Riviera.
Meet your Europe team
When to visit Europe for art and history experiences
Europe offers year-round appeal with different seasonal highlights. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) bring pleasant weather and fewer crowds – ideal for exploring museums, galleries and historic sites. Summer features outdoor festivals and open-air concerts across the continent, though popular destinations can get very busy. Winter sees Christmas markets transform many cities, while opera seasons and gallery exhibitions flourish in major capitals.
There’s no single best time to visit Europe for culture – world-class museums, architectural masterpieces and artistic heritage are accessible year-round. Your ideal timing depends on which experiences matter most to you, whether that’s Edinburgh’s festival season in August, Venice’s Carnival in February, or simply enjoying quieter galleries during the off-season.
Tulips in the Netherlands
March–June
Christmas markets
November–December
Museums and galleries
Year-round
Europe Travel Guides
Plan your trip to Europe
Whatever you want from your art tour in Europe, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
