2026 is shaping up to be a big year for European travel. Fewer crowds in shoulder seasons, new tour routes, and a growing appetite for slower, more meaningful journeys mean Europe is firmly back on the wish list.
If you’re planning ahead, here are 26 places across Europe worth considering in 2026. Some are iconic, others a little quieter, but all offer rich culture, scenery, and unforgettable experiences.
Ireland features strongly, with the Wild Atlantic Way continuing to draw travellers looking for rugged coastlines, small villages, and living history. Highlights include County Clare, the Ring of Kerry, Connemara, Dingle, and the lesser-visited Beara Peninsula.
- Dublin: History, pubs, museums, and easy day trips.
- Galway: Music, food, and a great base for the west.
- The Cliffs of Moher (County Clare): Proper jaw-drop coastal views.
- Killarney and the Ring of Kerry: Lakes, mountains, and classic Irish scenery.
- Dingle Peninsula: Wild coastline and that “Ireland postcard” feeling.
- Connemara: Quiet roads, rugged landscapes, and small villages.
Scotland remains a firm favourite for 2026, particularly the Highlands, Isle of Skye, Glencoe, and Edinburgh. Travellers love the balance of dramatic landscapes and historic cities, with guided tours making longer distances easy.
- Edinburgh: A city that feels like a film set, in the best way.
- Glasgow: Culture, music, and brilliant day trips.
- Glencoe: Dramatic scenery without needing to hike for hours (unless you want to).
- Isle of Skye: Quiraing, Fairy Pools, big skies, bigger views.
- Loch Ness and Inverness: Highland landscapes and a bit of legend.
England offers a mix of classics and countryside. London never loses its appeal, while places like the Cotswolds, Lake District, Cornwall, and Northumberland are ideal for those who want charm without the rush.
- London: Classics, museums, theatre, and endless neighbourhood exploring.
- Bath: Roman history, Georgian elegance, and great food.
- The Cotswolds: Honey-stone villages and countryside calm.
- The Lake District: Walks, lakes, and cosy towns.
- Cornwall: Coastal paths, beaches, and charming fishing villages.
Italy continues to reward repeat visits. Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast remain popular, but regions like Puglia, Umbria, and Sicily are gaining attention for food, culture, and slower travel.
- Rome: Ancient history, big energy, and unreal food.
- Florence: Art, architecture, and Tuscan day trips.
- Venice: Early mornings here are magic.
- Amalfi Coast: Coastal villages and scenic drives.
- Sicily: History, beaches, and the best “why didn’t we come sooner?” feeling.
Spain brings warmth, colour, and variety. Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Granada, and the Basque Country are all strong picks, especially for travellers who enjoy food, history, and relaxed pacing.
- Barcelona: Architecture, beaches, and tapas nights.
- Madrid: Museums, parks, and great day trips.
- Seville: Orange trees, flamenco, and sunny plazas.
- Granada: The Alhambra and a real sense of old-world Spain.
Iceland rounds out the list for those craving something different. Waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and the chance to see the Northern Lights make it unforgettable, especially on a guided itinerary to The Golden Circle for geysers, waterfalls, and landscapes that look slightly unreal.
Planning a European trip can feel overwhelming, which is why many travellers choose escorted tours. They remove the logistics while still allowing you to experience each destination deeply. For 2026, NACTA Travel offers a range of guided European tours that cover many of the destinations above, with expert planning and local insight.
If Europe is calling your name for 2026, now is the time to start shaping the journey.
To explore guided European tours for 2026, contact NACTA Travel at tracey@nactatravel.com or call 866-622-2244.
