Best Summer Trips in Europe with GetYourGuide

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NomadSam
  • By: NomadSam
  • May 22, 2026

Discover Europe’s Most Unforgettable Adventures This Summer with 1TripWiser

Summer in Europe feels like stepping into a postcard. Picture yourself cruising through crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, tasting authentic tapas in hidden Spanish taverns, exploring centuries-old castles in Scotland, or reliving iconic movie moments in the Austrian Alps.

From sun-soaked islands and scenic coastlines to vibrant cities rich in culture and history, Europe offers endless opportunities for unforgettable summer adventures. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a solo backpacking journey, or a family vacation, the right experience can completely transform your trip.

At 1TripWiser, we’ve selected some of the most incredible GetYourGuide experiences across Europe with tours that combine breathtaking scenery, local culture, hidden gems, and unforgettable memories.

These are the best summer trips to take in Europe with GetYourGuide.

1. Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle Guided History Tour with Tickets

Step Into 3,000 Years of Scottish History

Towering above the city skyline, Edinburgh Castle is one of Europe’s most iconic historical landmarks. This guided history tour takes visitors deep into Scotland’s dramatic past, filled with kings, queens, battles, rebellions, and legendary stories.

Perched on Castle Rock, the fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views over Edinburgh while uncovering centuries of royal intrigue and military history.

Highlights of the Tour

  • Explore the legendary Edinburgh Castle with expert guides
  • Discover 3,000 years of Scottish history
  • Visit St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh
  • See the Crown Jewels of Scotland
  • Hear stories of royals, rebels, bloodshed, and battles
  • Enjoy panoramic city views from the castle walls

What You’ll Experience

Your journey begins along the famous Royal Mile, where your guide introduces the dramatic history behind Edinburgh Castle and the powerful figures who shaped Scotland’s past.

Inside the fortress, travelers explore the Argyle Battery, One O’Clock Gun, Hospital Square, and the stunning Western Panorama viewpoint overlooking the city.

The tour also reveals fascinating stories hidden within the castle’s ancient walls including military prisons, royal feasts in the Great Hall, and daring wartime escapes during the Scottish Wars of Independence.

One of the most remarkable stops is St Margaret’s Chapel, a tiny yet beautiful chapel that has stood for over 900 years.

Why This Tour Is Perfect for Summer

Summer offers the best weather for exploring Edinburgh’s historic streets and castle grounds. The longer daylight hours make the panoramic views even more spectacular.

Perfect For

  • History lovers
  • First-time visitors to Scotland
  • Couples and solo travelers
  • Fans of medieval history and architecture

2. Madrid: Tapas & Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide

Taste the Authentic Flavors of Spain

Madrid comes alive during summer with buzzing plazas, outdoor dining, vibrant nightlife, and endless culinary experiences. This tapas and wine tasting tour offers travelers the perfect way to experience the city like a true local.

Instead of visiting tourist-heavy restaurants, this guided tour takes you into hidden century-old taverns where madrileños gather for authentic Spanish food and wine.

Highlights of the Tour

  • Taste 12 authentic Spanish tapas
  • Visit 4 historic century-old bars
  • Enjoy local wines, beer, or sangria
  • Explore Madrid’s Literary Quarter
  • Learn about Spanish food culture and history
  • Discover hidden local spots most tourists miss

What You’ll Experience

Your local guide leads you through the charming streets of old Madrid while sharing fascinating stories about the city’s history and culinary traditions.

At each stop, you’ll enjoy carefully selected tapas that represent different regions of Spain. From cured meats and cheeses to seafood specialties and traditional Spanish dishes, every bite offers a new taste of Spanish culture.

The experience goes beyond food, travelers also learn the origins of tapas culture, local wine traditions, and how Spaniards socialize through food.

Why Summer Is the Best Time for This Tour

Madrid’s warm summer evenings create the perfect atmosphere for bar hopping, outdoor dining, and exploring the city’s lively nightlife scene.

Perfect For

  • Wine enthusiasts
  • Food lovers
  • Couples and friend groups
  • Travelers seeking authentic local experiences

3. Malta: Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon & Sea Caves Tour

Explore Europe’s Most Beautiful Turquoise Waters

If your dream summer vacation includes crystal-clear water, boat adventures, sea caves, and island hopping, Malta should be at the top of your list.

This full-day GetYourGuide boat tour explores the stunning islands of Comino and Gozo while taking travelers through some of the Mediterranean’s most breathtaking coastal scenery.

Highlights of the Tour

  • Swim in the famous Blue Lagoon
  • Explore Gozo Island and Victoria Citadel
  • Cruise through sea caves and hidden coves
  • Visit Crystal Lagoon and Santa Maria caves
  • Relax aboard a modern catamaran
  • Enjoy waterslides, sun decks, and panoramic views

What You’ll Experience

The adventure begins with a scenic cruise along Malta’s northern coastline, passing dramatic cliffs and hidden caves only accessible by boat.

One of the biggest highlights is the Blue Lagoon which is famous worldwide for its shallow turquoise waters and white sandy seabed. Travelers can swim, snorkel, relax on deck, or capture incredible summer photos.

The journey continues to Gozo Island, where visitors can explore historic Victoria, discover the Citadel fortress, or relax at the island’s famous red-sand beaches.

On the return cruise, the boat glides through Crystal Lagoon and nearby sea caves, offering some of the most scenic views in Malta.

Why This Tour Is Perfect for Summer

Summer is the absolute best season for swimming, snorkeling, and boat tours in Malta thanks to warm Mediterranean temperatures and calm turquoise waters.

Perfect For

  • Beach lovers
  • Couples and families
  • Adventure travelers
  • Instagram and photography enthusiasts

4. Salzburg: Original Sound of Music Tour

Relive One of Cinema’s Most Beloved Movies

For movie lovers and travelers seeking breathtaking alpine scenery, this Sound of Music tour through Salzburg is pure magic.

This half-day tour takes visitors through iconic filming locations from the legendary movie while showcasing Austria’s stunning lakes, mountains, and historic architecture.

Highlights of the Tour

  • Visit famous filming locations from The Sound of Music
  • Explore Salzburg’s beautiful countryside
  • See Leopoldskron Palace and Mirabell Gardens
  • Visit Mondsee Cathedral
  • Hear songs from the original soundtrack
  • Discover Salzburg’s history and architecture

What You’ll Experience

Travelers relive unforgettable scenes from the movie while exploring picturesque Austrian landscapes.

Stops include Leopoldskron Palace, used as the Trapp family home, and Nonnberg Abbey, where Maria was a novice.

The scenic route also passes through Lake Fuschl and St. Gilgen before arriving at Mondsee Cathedral — the breathtaking church where Maria and Captain von Trapp were married in the film.

Throughout the tour, guides share behind-the-scenes stories while music from the original soundtrack plays in the background.

Why Summer Is the Best Time to Visit Salzburg

Summer transforms Salzburg into a lush green paradise filled with blooming gardens, alpine lakes, and warm weather perfect for sightseeing.

Perfect For

  • Movie lovers
  • Couples and families
  • Fans of Austrian culture
  • Scenic photography travelers

5. Kotor: The #1 Rated Blue Cave & Our Lady of the Rocks Tour

Discover Montenegro’s Hidden Coastal Paradise

Montenegro is quickly becoming one of Europe’s hottest summer destinations, and this Blue Cave speedboat tour is one of the best ways to experience its incredible coastline.

Set against the stunning UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor, this adventure combines history, crystal-clear swimming spots, dramatic scenery, and hidden military tunnels.

Highlights of the Tour

  • Swim inside the glowing Blue Cave
  • Visit Our Lady of the Rocks island church
  • Explore hidden submarine tunnels
  • Cruise through the breathtaking Bay of Kotor
  • Pass Mamula Island and coastal fortresses
  • Experience Montenegro from the water

What You’ll Experience

The adventure begins with a speedboat cruise across the Bay of Kotor toward Our Lady of the Rocks, a famous artificial island church surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.

As the boat continues through the Verige Strait and Luštica Peninsula, travelers witness some of the Adriatic’s most dramatic coastal landscapes.

The highlight for many visitors is swimming inside the Blue Cave, where sunlight creates glowing electric-blue water unlike anything else in Europe.

On the return journey, the boat enters hidden submarine tunnels once used by military vessels, adding a cinematic touch to the experience.

Why Summer Is Perfect for This Tour

Warm Adriatic waters and sunny skies make summer ideal for swimming, sightseeing, and speedboat adventures in Montenegro.

Perfect For

  • Adventure seekers
  • Couples and groups
  • Beach and boat lovers
  • Travelers exploring the Balkans

Why Book Summer Tours with GetYourGuide?

GetYourGuide makes European travel easier, safer, and more immersive by connecting travelers with trusted local experiences and unforgettable adventures.

Benefits of Booking with GetYourGuide

  • Easy online booking
  • Verified traveler reviews
  • Local expert guides
  • Flexible cancellation on many tours
  • Skip-the-line experiences
  • Unique activities across Europe

Final Thoughts

Europe during summer is filled with unforgettable moments from swimming in Malta’s turquoise lagoons and cruising Montenegro’s coastline to exploring medieval castles in Scotland and tasting authentic tapas in Madrid.

Every destination on this list offers a unique experience that combines culture, scenery, adventure, and local charm.

At 1TripWiser, we believe travel should create stories you’ll remember forever. These GetYourGuide experiences are perfect for travelers looking to explore Europe in the most exciting and memorable way possible.

So grab your passport, plan your itinerary, and get ready for the ultimate European summer adventure.

Your next unforgettable journey starts here.

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