Grand European Tour: Is 23 Days on the Road Right for You?
Everyone has a version of this trip in their head. Three weeks, a different city every few days, no work emails. A grand European tour is the holiday people talk about for years afterwards. It’s also a big chunk of money and annual leave, so it’s worth thinking it through properly before you book.
This guide does that. It covers what our 23-day grand tour costs, how much leave you’ll actually need, how it compares with a shorter multi-country trip, and the questions to ask before you pay a deposit.
A quick word on who’s behind this page. Red Tours runs escorted and guided tours across Europe and worldwide, from 3-day short breaks to multi-week grand tours. We handpick our hotels, our tours are led by highly trained, experienced Tour Managers, and we list starting prices openly on redtours.co.uk, so what you read here matches what you’ll see when you book.
Our grand tour: Contrasts of Europe
Contrasts of Europe is our longest European tour at 23 days, from €3,564 per person. That’s about €155 a day. For two people sharing, budget from €7,128 before any single-room or seasonal differences.
Like all our tours, it’s led by a highly trained, experienced Tour Manager, with handpicked hotels of a minimum 3 to 4 star rating and premium coaches with air conditioning, TV, DVD and WC facilities. Check the tour page for the full day-by-day route and what’s included.
Grand tour or 12-day trip?
The real choice for most people is between the full 23 days and A European Odyssey, our 12-day tour of Austria, Italy and Switzerland.
| Contrasts of Europe | A European Odyssey | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 23 days | 12 days |
| From (per person) | €3,564 | €1,852 |
| For two people | €7,128 | €3,704 |
| About per day | €155 | €154 |
| Working days off needed | 15 to 17 | 8 to 10 |
| Best for | One big trip of a lifetime | Three countries in under two weeks |
Prices are listed in euros on redtours.co.uk, were checked on [date] and can change. “About per day” is our own arithmetic from the listed price and length.
Two things stand out. The daily rate is almost identical, so you’re not paying a premium or getting a discount for going longer. And the leave figure is the real decision. Twenty-three consecutive days cover three full weeks plus two days, so you’ll need 15 to 17 working days off depending on where the weekends fall. A full-time worker in the UK gets 28 days of statutory leave a year, bank holidays included, so the grand tour can use more than half of it.
Want to see which departure dates fit your leave? Send us the weeks you could get off and we’ll tell you which departures line up. Call +44 (0)20 3031 6996 or get in touch online.
Who a grand European tour suits
Recently retired travellers who finally have the time. Couples marking a big anniversary or birthday who want one trip rather than three. Anyone with a career break or sabbatical coming up. And people who’ve done short breaks with us and liked the format enough to go big.
It’s less suited to first-timers who haven’t tried an escorted tour at all. If that’s you, a 3-day short break from €258 is a cheap way to check you enjoy group travel before committing three weeks.
Five questions to ask before booking 23 days
- How many hotel changes are there? Lots of one-night stops means lots of packing.
- How long is the longest day on the coach?
- How much free time is built in? Three weeks of non-stop sightseeing is tiring.
- What’s included? Meals, entrances and flights add up over 23 days.
- What are the cancellation terms? On a trip this size, read them before paying the deposit.
Comparing other options? See our best European tours picks or our European multi country tours guide.
Ready to book?
Browse our Europe tours or talk to a real person. To get a proper quote on the first call, have these ready:
- The weeks you could take off, and how flexible they are
- Number of travellers and the room type you want
- Your departure city
- Any dietary or mobility needs
- Whether you’re choosing between 12 and 23 days
Frequently asked questions
How long is Red Tours’ grand European tour?
Contrasts of Europe is 23 days, our longest European tour.
How much does a grand European tour cost?
Contrasts of Europe starts from €3,564 per person, which is about €155 a day.
How much annual leave do I need for a 23-day tour?
23 consecutive days usually need 15 to 17 working days off, depending on where weekends fall.
Is there a shorter option?
Yes. A European Odyssey covers Austria, Italy and Switzerland in 12 days from €1,852 per person.
Can I get Indian food on the tour?
Yes. Talented Indian chefs freshly prepare authentic meals, and you’re free to try local cuisine too.
How do I book?
Call +44 (0)20 3031 6996 or email enquiries@redtours.co.uk.
The short version
A grand European tour is a big commitment of time more than money, since the daily rate matches our 12-day tour. Check your annual leave first, ask about hotel changes and free time, and read the cancellation terms. When you’re ready, browse our Europe tours or call us on +44 (0)20 3031 6996.
Planning your grand European tour?
Tell us when you can travel and who’s coming. We’ll check departures against your leave, or tailor a route from scratch.
Prefer to talk? Call +44 (0)20 3031 6996 or email enquiries@redtours.co.uk