What Are the Top 5 Must-Sees on a Trip to Europe?

Trips to Europe
Dec 17, 2025
3 min read

Europe has no shortage of cultural icons, historic sites and striking landscapes. For school groups and educational travellers, the variety can be overwhelming and exciting. With so many countries within easy reach of one another, even a short itinerary can be packed with value. But if time is limited, what are the places that consistently deliver educational impact, meaningful experiences and memorable moments?

Five smiling friends stand with landmarks Big Ben, Eiffel Tower, and Colosseum in the background, under a blue sky. They're holding maps and cameras.

Below are five standout locations that offer depth, variety and relevance across a range of subject areas from History and Literature to Art, from Business and Economics to DT, Geography and Political Studies. Don't forget fashion and general culture of course. Tour is less about learning facts than learning from the experience itself.

1. Why Is Paris a Key Destination for School Trips?

Paris blends artistic heritage, architecture and cultural identity with excellent infrastructure for group visits. Educational tours often focus on the city’s role in European history, language and visual arts.

Trips to the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower are common touchpoints, but subject-specific tours can include fashion-focused itineraries, political studies of the French Republic, and sessions at accredited language schools.

The city also suits cross-curricular itineraries. French teachers and art departments often plan linked activities, allowing students to see famous works in context while using the language in everyday settings.

Paris is the capital of the style world so Trips To Europe has a fashion and design itinerary for you.

2. How Can Berlin Support Curriculum-Based Travel Tours?

Berlin is rich with material for history, politics and citizenship education. It provides direct context for topics such as:

20th-century European history
World War II and the Holocaust
The Cold War and the Berlin Wall
The rise and reunification of Germany

School groups can walk sections of the former wall, visit the Brandenburg Gate, tour Checkpoint Charlie and experience the German Bundestag. These are not symbolic stops; they’re detailed learning opportunities tied to real-world consequences and decisions.

3. What Makes Rome Ideal for Educational Travel?

Rome remains one of the strongest cities in Europe for classical history, religious studies and art. Sites such as the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Pantheon and Roman Forum allow students to connect directly with the foundations of European civilisation.

Combine Rome with Naples and you have a 2 centre stay, combining the centre of the Roman Empire with Pompeii, Herculaneum and even the Amalfi Coast if the budget stretches. And the World's Best Pizza.

For religious groups or those studying Christianity, a visit to the Vatican adds another layer. Those focused on Latin, archaeology or art benefit from seeing ancient and Renaissance masterpieces in their original setting.

Rome is manageable for walking tours, and well-connected for those also visiting Florence or Naples.

4. How Does London Deliver for Student Group Travel?

London continues to be one of the best cities for subject-specific school travel and multi-subject trips. Its blend of modern infrastructure and centuries of academic, political, economic and creative history is unmatched.

What subject can't you do in London?! Business and Economics, History and Literature, Design Technology are all favourites with Trips To Europe. Highlights can include:

Political studies at the Houses of Parliament
Economics workshops with city firms
Museum sessions in the British Museum, Science Museum or V&A
Theatre-focused trips with a visit to Shakespeare’s Globe or the West End

London is especially useful for mixed-subject school groups, with each department able to tailor its own activities. The city's transport network and accommodation options also make logistics smoother.

5. Why Is Amsterdam So Popular for Educational Tours?

Amsterdam appeals to students across a range of subjects including art, ethics, social history, business and sustainability. Its small size and welcoming atmosphere make it ideal for younger groups or those new to international travel.

Key locations include the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. Many schools also incorporate canal tours and cycling experiences into their itinerary, adding context to urban planning and environmental discussions.

When Should I Start Planning a School Trip to Europe?

Most schools begin the planning process 12 to 18 months in advance, particularly for travel during peak times (spring and early summer). Early planning helps secure preferred dates, accommodation and group bookings at museums or attractions.

Five smiling friends with backpacks look at a map and laptop, standing on a terrace overlooking a historic European cityscape with red roofs.