Europe

Europe is a treasure trove of dazzling cities and sophisticated cultures, enchanting rural scenes and sparkling coastlines: the unique heritage, history and architecture of each country promise endless fascination for discerning travellers. While choosing a destination can provide a pleasurable challenge, accommodation options are myriad - iconic establishments vie with charming country inns and seductive contemporary hotels rival the intimacy of river cruise vessels. Ensuring the perfect blend of elements for each individual is what A&K does best. 

Experience counts

A&K specialises in luxury travel for discerning guests and for nearly 25 years, A&K has been delivering outstanding journeys throughout Europe. The company has three offices in the United Kingdom, Italy and Russia.

A&K's Guardian Angel & Concierge Rail Service

These A&K innovations are integral elements of your holiday experience in Europe. Your 'Guardian Angel', ever-present but unobtrusive, will meet and brief you on arrival in each country and is there to assist you whenever the need arises. This unique service is included on all European journeys with the exception of A&K's barging portfolio, Volga Dream, Croatia Yacht Charters, Venice Simplon-Orient Express, Royal Scotsman and Turkey.

A&K's Concierge Rail Service eliminates the hard work of rail travel and offers a seamless service which leaves you free to relax and enjoy the journey. A&K's Concierge Rail Escort will show you to your seat and provide an A&K travel pack. On arrival at the destination station you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. A complete porterage service is provided. A&K's Concierge Rail Service is available on selected European rail sectors, when incorporated into an A&K private journey in Europe.

Signature Journeys

Our 'Signature Journey' label identifies those itineraries which are designed by A&K to present the best way to see a destination, usually for the first time visitor. The itinerary order, the inclusions and the accommodation choices have been made after thorough assessment by the A&K team and as a result have become our bestselling journeys. The label also signifies that we can provide instant confirmation for you on these itineraries for specific dates throughout the year. Generally falling during busy times, this means you won't miss out on the journey you have selected. Nor will you travel as part of a group but rather with your chosen companion in your own private A&K vehicle.

A&K's Guardian Angel & Concierge Rail Service

These A&K innovations are integral elements of your holiday experience in Europe. Your 'Guardian Angel', ever-present but unobtrusive, will meet and brief you on arrival in each country and is there to assist you whenever the need arises. This unique service is included on all European journeys with the exception of A&K's barging portfolio, Venice Simplon-Orient Express, Royal Scotsman and Turkey.

A&K's Concierge Rail Service eliminates the hard work of rail travel and offers a seamless service which leaves you free to relax and enjoy the journey. A&K's Concierge Rail Escort will show you to your seat and provide an A&K travel pack. On arrival at the destination station you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. A complete porterage service is provided. A&K's Concierge Rail Service is available on selected European rail sectors, when incorporated into an A&K private journey in Europe.

Solo Traveller

More and more travellers are choosing to see the world on their own. Wherever you travel with A&K there's a friendly face on hand at all times from the arrival Meet & Greet to the farewell. Expert guides bring the destination to life and act as companions while round-the-clock support means your safety and security.

A&K's favourite destinations for Solo Travellers in Europe include: The Royal Scotsman and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Family

Quality time spent with family is increasingly hard to find. An A&K holiday delivers the perfect opportunity: a journey which lets children learn about the wider world in beautiful locations and parents comfortable in the knowledge that every detail is being taken care of.

A&K's family favourites in Europe include: Chartering a barge or a luxury yacht for the exclusive use of your family group where the pace of the journey is relaxed and touring highlights take in monuments, locations and experiences to appeal to all ages.

A&K also has specially tailored journeys in Italy and Croatia to appeal to travelling families.

Platinum or Gold

For your convenience and flexibility there is a choice of accommodation given on most journeys in this brochure. This allows you to match the style of hotel, cruise or lodge to your tastes and budget. Those properties with A&K's Platinum grading represent the finest in the destination with upgraded room types a feature. They are handpicked by A&K for the service they deliver, the facilities and their location. Properties with A&K's Gold grading will appeal to the discerning traveller whose travel plans will not be compromised on service and touring inclusions but whose budget is more modest. These hotels and lodges are more economically priced while retaining a high star rating and A&K's seal of approval.

A&K Insider Access

An important symbol of Paris and France, the Eiffel Tower belongs to the circle of the most visited monuments in the world. A&K takes you on a fascinating "Behind The Scenes" Private Tour. Accompanied by a licensed guide, enter the surprising original engine room, which still operates the elevators; discover the old bunker hidden under the Champ de Mars, wander through the technical gallery on the first floor and admire the beautiful view over the esplanade. During this exclusive visit, the most unusual facts in the history of the Eiffel Tower will be related, from the initial projects to the challenges of its construction, from its conversion by Gustave Eiffel to the events of its last two centuries of history.

Tailor-Made Travel

Should one of our featured journeys not fit your requirements, A&K's Tailor-Made travel specialists are on hand to customise your journey. Years of experience in the field and time spent absorbing the precise needs of our guests, mean our specialists will work closely with you, taking into account your preferred travel times, the destinations you wish to cover, the style of accommodation sought and any financial constraints in order to craft your perfect journey.

When to Go

The Mediterranean and Adriatic coastlines and hinterlands generally have a mild winter, with magnificent sunshine during the summer months (Jun-Aug). Refreshing sea breezes make sunbathing very pleasant indeed. Heading north and away from the coast, the climate is generally continental, with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters.

The best time to travel in Europe is in spring and autumn. It is advisable to avoid the European holiday season, when tourist numbers are very high.

The Finest Guides

Our carefully selected guides allow you to become fully immersed in a destination, taking you beyond the usual tourist haunts, into a world that only locals know. Intelligent, knowledgeable and supremely organised, these individuals have the clever ability of bringing the history and culture of each region and its people to life, helping you understand current and historic events.

When travelling to France, you may meet Jean-Manuel Traimond. Born and raised in Paris, he has a unique way of customising each tour to suit your interests. A dynamic personality and linguist he knows museums intimately and has written seven books including the 'Erotic Guide of the Louvre and Orsay museums'. His current project is a guide on gastronomy and wine for the same museums.

A&K Pearls of Wisdom

Local Cuisine
One of Madrid's quintessential treats that is not to be missed is 'chocolate con churros' - a freshly made Spanish doughnut with a cup of melted chocolate on the side for dipping. After a day of sightseeing revive yourself with a siesta before slipping into local mode with a sangria in hand at the open air Piazza Martini cocktail bar at the neo-Moorish Alfonso XIII in Seville. Sprawl on the comfortable cushions and watch the city come alive!

Our partner airlines

We work with the best airlines to fly you to Europe and beyond.

Our preferred partners are:
Etihad, Emirates, Qatar, Singapore Airlines, Qantas