5 of the best family holidays in Europe

Best for ages 7-11: Albania, where adventure parks and white-water rafting await
Best for teenagers: Croatia, where teens can step into their fantasy imagination
Best for first-timers: Italy, where the Amalfi Coast offers a roster of authentic and exhilerating activities
Best for water lovers: Greece Caique cruise, where kids can dive into the sea from the boat or go snorkelling
Best for active families: Spain, where the setting of the Pyrenees offers incredible land and sea experiences

Money and typical costs

You can use Euros (cash or card) on our trips to Spain, Italy and Greece. Albania's local currency is the Lek (you can also use Euro, but Lek is generally preferred) and Turkey's local currency is Lira. For more specific information regarding costs and bugeting guides, visit the individual trip page and see 'More Details'.

Languages

For the most part, English is widely spoken across Europe – but learning a little lingo goes a long way. Practice the basics like hello, thank you and goodbye. If you have allergy or dietary requirements, you can print out a translated copy to easily show waiters or staff as needed. The added benefit of travelling as part of a small group tour is that your tour leader will be on hand to help with any language barriers during your trip.

Plugs

Make sure you have the correct travel adaptor plugs for the destination you're visiting. All of the countries we visit on our Europe family trips use 2-pin round plugs.

Dress

With a variety of included and optional activities, be sure to pack suitable clothing for every member of the family. Check your trip notes for any destination-specific recommendations. As a general rule, bring essentials like sunscreen, hats, swimwearvand beach towels (some hotels offer towel rentals). Pack insect repellent or buy it locally, depending on your destination. A waterproof dry-sac will come in handy for excursions. To save space and reduce waste, consider smart swaps like shampoo bars instead of bottles and download the MyExplore app so you have important trip details stored in one place. For more eco-friendly and space-saving tips, read our eco-friendly easy packing blog.

Tipping

Tipping our tour leaders isn’t compulsory, and we ensure they're paid fairly for the work they do. That said, you may wish to show your appreciation with a tip; it's down to personal choice, but as a general guideline, we suggest €35 to €50 per person, per week.

Transport

We use a mix of transport to help you explore each destination with ease and adventure. On our Italy and Albania family trips, you’ll travel by bus and boat; in Spain, it’s a combination of bus and 4WD for off-the-beaten-path experiences; our Croatia itinerary includes journeys by bus and ferry; and in Greece, you’ll travel by bus, boat, and ferry (although predominately by traditional caique boat).

Our family trips combine age-appropriate activities, skill-building and authentic local experiences. We opt for family-run stays for a genuine feel, though occasionally use larger hotels (clearly noted on trip pages) due to location or availability within the area.

Led by passionate, knowledgeable tour leaders, each journey is safe, enriching and engaging. Free time is well-balanced, with options to join excursions or enjoy independent family moments.

Designed for families seeking adventure and cultural immersion, our small group trips go beyond the tourist trail. From hidden coves to mountain villages, you’ll connect with locals, share meals and create lasting memories – all with a light carbon footprint and positive impact.

But don't just take our word for it...

Our customer reviews:

"This was our first family Explore holiday and we look forward to doing many more!" - Helen

"We had the best time on the Greek Caique Cruise. The itinerary was fantastic and Thanos [the tour leader] knew everything and everyone. We swam off the boat every day and when we docked in various ports Thanos was able to point us to the best places to go, organise taxis for us if necessary and in the evening recommend the best restaurants." - Trusted Customer

"Very different needs in the group (due to age range) but our tour leader was brilliant at ensuring there was something for everyone. Kayaking was amazing with beautiful places, and the feeling of freedom on the open sea. He was good at engaging everyone to work together." - Rachel