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.

50 years of travel with A&K - Experience Counts

Established in Kenya in 1962, Abercrombie & Kent founded the original African safari company. As travelling choices broadened, new destinations were identified and subsequent operations set up. A&K has been operating in Europe for nearly a quarter of a century and today there are three offices throughout the region: Cheltenham, Florence and Moscow.

A&K specialises in luxury travel for discerning guests and expertly designs holidays to match. It does not compromise by lessening standards to capture a broader audience. This means the quality and range of special experiences and services is unparalleled and hand-selected.

Individualised travel, tailor-made for you

To ensure maximum flexibility, there are no set departure dates on private journeys throughout Europe. You travel at your desired pace, with your own guide. The only limitations are for those taking a luxury barge cruise or rail journey where there are set days of departure.

When travelling with A&K, you can expect a friendly uniformed team member to provide support, and expert guides who are sensitive to your every need. You are guaranteed friendly and efficient service at your chosen hotels. Restaurant reservations will be made for you, and transport is by private A&K vehicle.

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.

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.

Family

Quality time spent with family is increasingly hard to find. An A&K holiday delivers the perfect opportunity: this is a bespoke journey tailored to your needs letting children learn about the wider world in beautiful locations, parents relaxing in the knowledge that someone else is in charge, home comforts in hand-picked lodgings, fun and adventure for young and old alike.

A&K’s family favourites in Europe include: Chartering a barge 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.

View our Canal & River Cruising

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 ensures your safety and security.

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

Preferred airlines: Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, Singapore Airlines, Qantas.

Europe Luxury Rail Journeys | The Royal Scotsman

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.

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.

Local Cuisine

A must have treat whilst in Madrid is trying the quintessential ‘chocolate con churros’ – a freshly made Spanish donut accompanied by a cup of melted chocolate for dipping. After a day of sightseeing revive yourself with a quick siesta before slipping into the local lifestyle and sipping a sangria 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!