& this vast continent reigns supreme so far as our sensory nourishment goes. With cafes, wine bars and pizzerias brimming with authentic delicacies and atmosphere alike.
A local musician on the street
Individualised Travel
Europe is a treasure trove of dazzling cities, sophisticated cultures, enchanting rural scenes and sparkling coastlines and each country unique with its own important heritage and history. Choosing a destination is difficult, but where to overnight near impossible. The options are endless: famous old establishments vie with charming country inns, seductive contemporary hotels rival intimate river vessels. But piecing all these elements together is what A&K does best.
With the backing of six offices in the region, A&K delivers a seamless experience time and time again no matter whether you are travelling solo or with a chosen group of friends or family. A ‘Guardian Angel’ is on hand round the clock offering expert local advice and coordinating privileged entry into some of the finest sights.
The Best Time to Go
Areas around the Mediterranean and Adriatic coastlines generally have a milder winter than further north with plenty of sunshine during the summer months (Jun-Aug). Refreshing sea breezes make sunbathing very pleasant indeed. Autumn sees the end of the long days and the gradual return to longer nights. 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 generally in spring and autumn when the weather is still pleasant. It is best to avoid European holidays when tourist numbers are very high.
Europe A&K Style
- 45 years of experience in the region
- 6 local offices
- A&K Guardian Angels
- A&K Concierge Rail
- Flexible Design Your Day & choice of accommodation on most itineraries
A&K’s Guardian Angels
- 24/7 accessibility
- Locals in the know
- Restaurant and shopping recommendations
- Theatre bookings
- Your personal interpreter
An integral part of any A&K holiday to Europe are the Guardian Angels you meet along the way. They are an invaluable part of a unique team that supports you on your private journey.
At your ‘beck and call’, they are there to assist when the need arises, they are ever-present without being intrusive. On arrival in each country you are met by your A&K Guardian Angel who introduces themselves, conducts a briefing and invites any queries or concerns you may have. You are free to contact them whenever you wish.
This unique Guardian Angel service is included on each journey featured in our Europe tour portfolio, as well as on tailor-made holidays (with the exception of A&K’s barging portfolio, Venice-Simplon Orient Express, Royal Scotsman and Turkey).
A&K’s Concierge Rail
- Escort service for train boarding and disembarkation
- Assistance with seating
- Luggage handler and coordinator
- Station porterage
- A&K travel pack for the journey
One of the biggest drawbacks of rail travel throughout Europe is the difficulty of finding one’s way around a busy train station, in a foreign country where station staff often do not speak English. Added to this, the hassle of handling luggage on and off the train.
A&K’s Concierge Rail Service eliminates these hassles and offers a unique, seamless service where all the hard work is done for you, leaving you to relax and enjoy the journey.
A&K’s Concierge Rail Escort shows guests to pre-reserved, first class seats and provides an A&K travel pack (bottled water, snacks and newspaper/ magazine) for the journey. On arrival at the destination you are welcomed by A&K’s Concierge Rail Escort at the train door and transferred to your hotel. The luggage is taken care of and handled from your hotel at the departure destination until check-in at the hotel of your next stop.
A&K’s Concierge Rail Service is available on selected European rail sectors, when incorporated into an A&K private journey of Europe.
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 arranges a privileged visit of the lavishly decorated Budapest State Opera House, a splendid example of neo-Renaissance architecture with its superb gilded auditorium and exceptional acoustics. Completing this magical experience is a private operatic recital.
Local Cuisine
Visit some of Rome’s famous fountains, such as Nicola Selvi’s spectacular Trevi Fountain, immortalized in Fellini’s film ‘La Dolce Vita’ and Bernini’s impressive sculptures in the theatrical Piazza Navona, once a Roman racetrack. End your day watching the world go by with an evening cocktail in the square of the Pantheon, originally a Roman temple to the gods, more recently a church with an awe-inspiring dome.
