Articles: Articles about Europe
Enjoy a collection of articles on a variety of subjects such as art, music, literature, history and country highlights and must-see attractions as well as curiosities and hidden gems.

Articles by Country
Related Tours
17 days
Sep, AprIceland cultural and wilderness small group tour
Visiting Iceland
Discover the dramatic landscapes and rich heritage of Iceland on this fully escorted small group journey designed for mature travellers. Circumnavigating the island, the tour explores glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, geothermal wonders and charming Nordic towns, with highlights including Reykjavík, Thingvellir National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and whale watching in Husavík. Led by expert guides, this immersive itinerary combines Iceland’s natural beauty, Viking history and unique culture in the comfort of a relaxed small-group setting.
This tour can be combined with 4 days in Greenland.
From A$19,350 AUD
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13 days
Sep, May, Apr, Oct, MarTour of Northern Italy’s Lakes and Alps | Short Small Group Tour for Seniors
Visiting Italy
Our small group tour begins in the cosmopolitan city of Milan and ventures to 2 of the region's lakes - Garda and Maggiore. Our tour uncovers a wealth of natural beauty, castles, serene waters, snow-capped mountains, and breathtaking scenery.
From A$9,685 AUD
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12 days
Apr, SepMalta & Sicily - Mediterranean Islands small group tour
Visiting Italy, Malta
For centuries Malta and Sicily held the key to the Mediterranean. We explore ’s the Mediterranean natural beauty, its ancient Roman, and Imperial heritage, its World Heritage Sites, and world famous cities, all with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group tours of the Islands of Mediterranean, designed for the senior traveller, and led by experienced, and enthusiastic like-minded people. This escorted tour of western Mediterranean explores the geography, history, culture and peoples of these 2 islands.
From A$11,150 AUD
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25 days
Apr, Sep, OctMediterranean Islands Small Group Tour | Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica
Visiting Corsica, Italy
For centuries Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica held the key to the Mediterranean. We explore ’s the Mediterranean natural beauty, its ancient Roman, and Imperial heritage, its World Heritage Sites, and world famous cities, all with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group tours of the Islands of Mediterranean, designed for the senior traveller, and led by experienced, and enthusiastic like-minded people. This escorted tour of western Mediterranean explores the geography, history, culture and peoples of these 4 islands.
From A$20,750 AUD
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16 days
JunBach Classical European Music Festival small group tours
Visiting Germany
Experience the best of Bach on a small group tour designed for mature couples and solo travelers. Over 16 days, immerse yourself in not only the music but also the rich history and influences that shaped Bach's life. Journey through Germany, visiting key locations tied to his legacy, and culminate the experience with a visit to the renowned Bach Music Festival in Leipzig.
From A$1,400 AUD
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18 days
Sep, Jun, Mar, OctEuropean Ballet escorted small groups tour for senior travellers
Visiting France, Germany
For couples and solo travellers who enjoy the ballet and the arts this 16 day program from Amsterdam to Hamburg and finishing in Paris is a dance delight. Programs and actual performances will vary, but the structure and fabric of the experiences to be enjoyed within a small group remains the cornerstone of your experience on this program.
From A$13,225 AUD
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20 days
Jul, JunRichard Wagner Ring Cycle, Leipzig | Small Group Tours Germany
Visiting Austria, Germany
The small group tour will see the opera performed in the capital of classical music, Vienna. We also visit Munich, Bayreuth, Leipzig, and Dresden. We will not only experience his music in these 4 operas, but also be shown the influences of culture and family on the extraordinary composer’s life.
From A$13,150 AUD
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20 days
JulItaly Puccini Festival small group Tour
Visiting Italy
The Puccini festival is an escorted tour complete with local guides as part of our small group travel program, we will also visit Rome, Siena, Florence, Lucca, Viareggio, Genoa, Milan, Verona, and Venice. Join like minded people on this European tour in Italy. For solo travellers there is a nominal single supplement charged.
From A$16,995 AUD
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20 days
May, OctCaravaggio’s Journey | Small Group Tour in Italy
Visiting Italy, Malta
On this small group tour of Italy and Malta for mature and senior couples and solo travellers we trace the life of Caravaggio, exploring the artistic works he left behind and the tumultuous life he led. We follow him from his birthplace in Milan to Rome, Malta, Sicily and Naples. In each place he lived Caravaggio left behind a rich legacy of art for us to admire.
From A$15,885 AUD
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21 days
SepScandinavian Design Small Group Tour: Denmark, Sweden and Finland
Visiting Denmark, Finland
Denmark, Sweden and Finland realised that the only way to remain competitive on the world stage was through the value of superior design. Travelling with like-minded people on our small group tour you will explore the cities and towns where those high quality products, appreciated around the world, are created including hygge.
From A$17,525 AUD
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21 days
May, SepDiscover Spain
Visiting Spain
Join us on an escorted unforgettable 21-day small-group journey through Spain, perfect for both couples and solo travelers.
Immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Spain with local guides, offering authentic insights and unique experiences. From the historic streets of Madrid to the vibrant energy of Barcelona, you'll explore iconic landmarks, savor regional cuisine, and delve into the rich cultural heritage of this captivating country.
From A$15,750 AUD
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22 days
Mar, Sep, Apr, OctFlorence: Living in a Renaissance City
Visiting Italy
A small group tour with like minded people, couples or solo travellers, that is based in Florence. An authentic experience of living in this Renaissance city The daily itineraries draw on local guides to share their knowledge on this unique European tour. Trips to Vinci, Sienna and San Gimignano are included.
From A$15,250 AUD
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Piecing together the life of Caravaggio
Uncovering Caravaggio The following article picks up on, and extends, our general introduction to Caravaggio. Here, we we delve further into the details of Caravaggio’s early life and relationships and use available evidence to piece…
Trip advice for Travellers going to Italy
Trip planning advice for Mature Travellers touring Italy Italy is one of the world’s great tourist destinations. This Trip planning advice for mature travellers going to Italy should assist you […]
Guided Small Group Tours of European Art Galleries
Related Tours From $17,525 AUD Art and History of Italy | Small Group Tour for seniors Taken as a whole, Italian Civilization (which includes, of course, the splendid inheritance of […]
Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens, Europe's Magical Theme Park
Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s Magical Theme Park When you think of European theme parks, what springs to mind? France’s Parc Asterix? PortAventura World in Spain? Germany’s Europa-Park? Disneyland Paris? It may not have quite the international reputation of these…
What is hygge? Denmark's very own brand of cosiness
Have you heard of hygge (pronounced “hoo-guh”)? It’s a way of life in Denmark, and there’s been a recent buzz around the subject. It certainly contributes to Denmark being the happiest country in the world.…
Greek Islands and Cyprus: Discovering the East Mediterranean
The Greek Islands and Cyprus are teeming with opportunities to visit archaeological sites and historic locations, while getting to know the region’s marvellous contemporary culture. Following the financial crisis, Greece […]
Ideas when visiting Turkey for Mature & Senior Travellers
Ten things to see in Turkey | Small group history tours Turkey Turkey has much to offer when it comes to the nation’s history, food, and landscape. The country has a number of ancient monuments…
Malta; Megalithic temples, ‘fat ladies’, and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
Malta; Megalithic temples, ‘fat ladies’, and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum The tiny islands that comprise Malta, set in the middle of the Mediterranean sea, are home to prehistoric art and […]
Tours of France. Guided tours of France for mature travellers
Related Tours From $16,695 AUD Belgium, Netherlands, France, Germany Art Tour | Western Europe Art Tour Most of us have already experienced the grandeur of classic galleries such as the […]
Pilgrimages of the World- Advice for Seniors & Mature travellers
Pilgrimage routes and walking tours Several pilgrimage tracks remain intact and active centuries after they were first established. Many Odyssey tours trace their routes, walking in the footsteps of people […]
Ten Things To Do in France When You Visit
Related Tours From $20,315 AUD France on Foot | Small Group Walking Tours France Our France on Foot small group walking is designed for the active walker and extends from […]
Trans-Siberian Landscapes and Wildlife
Trans-Siberian Landscapes and Wildlife Even in a fast-paced world where travelling long distances means hopping on a plane and journeying through the air for a few hours, the Trans-Siberian Railway continues to have a magnetic…
Armenia: An Ancient Civilisation
Armenia: An Ancient Civilisation View over the city of Yerevan, capital of Armenia, with Mount Ararat in the background With a recorded history of more than 3,500 years, Armenia is home to one of the…
15 of the Best Places to Visit in Spain
15 of the Best Places to Visit in Spain Spain is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations, attracting 82.8 million international visitors in 2018. We have collected the 15 best places to visit in…
Armenia's Religious Architecture: The Definitive Guide
Buildings and Christianity in Armenia | Small Group Tours Armenia In this post, we will look at examples of Armenia’s buildings and building design before and after its conversion to Christianity. These buildings represent some…
Britain: First Industrial Nation
Britain: The First Industrial Nation In the mid-18th century, the Industrial Revolution was largely confined to Britain. Historians and economists continue to debate what it was that sparked the urbanisation and industrialisation that would change…
Creating Athens
Creating Athens Aerial view of Athens, Greece This article Creating Athens traces the civilisations of antiquity to the rise of Athens as a city-state after the world’s first “Dark Age”. It is intended as background…
Mediterranean World Heritage Sites Threatened
Mediterranean World Heritage Sites threatened Mediterranean World Heritage Sites threatened with flooding and permanent inundation as a consequence of global warming. The images of a flooded Venice that spread worldwide in late 2018, highlights another…
Living at Versailles: The Definitive Guide
The Political and Social Climate at the Palace of Versailles The Palace of Versailles was a place of total luxury from the time of Louis XIV’s initial plans to the end of the French monarchy…
Exploring Ancient Cities
Exploring Ancient Cities What can we learn from exploring the ancient world? What do we take away from the wealth of knowledge uncovered as archaeologists investigate the ruins of past societies, while social scientists speculate…
Key Figures of Renaissance Florence
Five Key Figures of Renaissance Florence | Small Group Tours Regarded as the ‘birthplace of the Renaissance’, Florence from 1400 to 1600 was in a religious, cultural and political ferment that was crucial to shaping…
Visiting Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia
Learn about the physical role the Caucasus mountains have played in shaping the history of the region. Join a small group tour for mature and senior travellers couples and solo travellers to explore and understand the fascinating and intertwined history of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan including the origins of Christianity. in amongst the mosques of Islam.
Visiting Iceland for Mature-Aged and Senior Travellers
Visiting Iceland for Mature-Aged and Senior Travellers If you are a mature-aged or senior traveller who have been thinking about visiting Iceland, then this article might just give you a little nudge. Iceland offers soaring…
About Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica: islands of the western Mediterranean
For senior and mature travellers taking a small group tour to Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica, this paper answers questions and provides the historical context of a small group tour for couples and solo travellers to the Historic Mediterranean sea.



































