Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00 (JST)
Destinations
Europe
A continent of history, art, and exquisite gastronomy.
Introduction
A millennium of refined beauty, concentrated in one continent
Europe is a continent where the supreme achievements of human art, architecture, and gastronomy are concentrated in extraordinary density. The Louvre in Paris, the Uffizi in Florence, the Staatsoper in Vienna. Cultural masterpieces refined over centuries satisfy the deepest intellectual curiosity and broaden one's perspective on life itself.
A European journey with NEWT Bespoke ventures into layers inaccessible to the ordinary traveller. A private audience with the Mona Lisa before the Louvre opens its doors, a private tasting at a Premier Grand Cru Classé château in Bordeaux, a family dinner in a Tuscan castle reserved entirely for your party. The true richness of Europe resides within these privileged moments.
The continent's changing seasons add yet another dimension of allure. Lavender fields in Provence in spring, the white-washed villages of Santorini in summer, harvest festivals in Tuscany in autumn, and Alpine ski resorts in winter. Whichever season one chooses to visit, an indelible journey awaits.
Why journey through Europe with Bespoke
Depth of culture and art
Millennia of history have given rise to extraordinary museums, architecture, and music. A journey to satisfy the keenest intellect. Behold Renaissance masterpieces at close quarters, attend a private chamber concert in a Baroque palace, and converse with contemporary artists in their ateliers. In its depth and breadth, the cultural experience of Europe is without equal.
The world of fine dining and wine
The spiritual home of Michelin. French, Italian, Spanish. The world's most exalted dining experiences. A chef's table at a three-star Parisian restaurant, truffle hunting in Alba, bar-hopping in San Sebastián, a seafood luncheon in a Sicilian fishing village. To dine in Europe is to taste the history and culture of a place made manifest.
Extraordinary historical heritage
From ancient Rome to mediaeval castles and Renaissance palaces. A journey that transcends time. Walk the underground passages of the Colosseum with an expert guide, visit the restricted areas of the Palace of Versailles, and spend a night in an ancient castle in the Scottish Highlands. The experience of inhabiting history yields a depth of understanding and emotion that no textbook can impart.
Countries
Destinations in this region
France
The temple of gastronomy and art, France gratifies every sense: from three-Michelin-star dining in Paris to drives through the lavender fields of Provence and private tastings at Grand Cru châteaux in Bordeaux. The azure waters of the Côte d'Azur, the castle-lined Loire Valley, and the ethereal silhouette of Mont-Saint-Michel should not be overlooked.
Recommended stay: 7-14 nights
Best season: May to October
Italy
The eternal beauty of Rome, the Renaissance treasures of Florence, the waterways of Venice, and the colourful cliff-side villages of the Amalfi Coast. Italy rewards the returning visitor with fresh wonder at every turn. Wine estate tours through the Tuscan hills, authentic Neapolitan pizza, and the fashion houses of Milan. A culture in which gastronomy, art, and couture are inseparable stands unrivalled in the world.
Recommended stay: 7-14 nights
Best season: April to October
Spain
Gaudí's architecture adorning Barcelona, the passion of flamenco swirling through Andalusia, and San Sebastián, widely regarded as the world's foremost culinary city. Spain is a nation of art, cuisine, and sunlight. A private evening tour of Granada's Alhambra, a stay at a private finca in Mallorca, and winery visits in Rioja are among the many varied experiences that await.
Recommended stay: 7-10 nights
Best season: May to June / September to October
United Kingdom
London's refined cultural scene, the honey-coloured stone villages of the Cotswolds, and the rugged Highlands of Scotland. The United Kingdom is a nation where tradition and innovation exist in elegant balance. Afternoon tea at a classic hotel near Buckingham Palace, a tour of single malt distilleries in Scotland, and a weekend at a country house hotel in the Lake District.
Recommended stay: 7-10 nights
Best season: May to September
Germany
The historic resonance of the Berlin Wall and the grandeur of the Brandenburg Gate, the exuberance of Munich's Oktoberfest, the deep emerald of the Black Forest, and its tapestry of mediaeval towns. Germany is a nation of profound cultural and historical layers. A private tour of Neuschwanstein Castle, a river cruise past the ancient fortresses of the Rhine Valley, an evening in a Bavarian beer hall, and the emerging fine dining scene of Berlin: a wealth of experiences awaits the discerning traveller.
Recommended stay: 7-10 nights
Best season: May to October
Greece
The white walls and blue domes of Santorini, the sophisticated resorts of Mykonos, and the Acropolis of Athens. Greece is a Mediterranean jewel where the legacy of ancient civilisation merges with the splendour of the Aegean Sea. Cruise the Cyclades aboard a private yacht, explore the culinary roots of Mediterranean cuisine on Crete, and stand in awe before the clifftop monasteries of Meteora.
Recommended stay: 7-10 nights
Best season: May to October
Croatia
The terracotta-roofed old town of Dubrovnik, the emerald lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park, and the lavender fields of Hvar. Croatia has captured the attention of discerning travellers worldwide as the Adriatic's hidden jewel. Stay at a boutique hotel along the Dalmatian coast and enjoy private tastings at local wineries.
Recommended stay: 5-8 nights
Best season: May to September
Switzerland
The commanding presence of the Matterhorn, the elegant lakeside towns of Lake Geneva, and the Alpine panoramas from the Bernina Express. Switzerland is a nation of natural grandeur and meticulous craftsmanship. Stay at a premier chalet in Zermatt, arrange a private visit to a haute horlogerie workshop in Geneva, and experience the winter ski resort culture of Gstaad.
Recommended stay: 5-8 nights
Best season: June to September (summer) / December to March (winter)
Portugal
The cobblestone lanes and fado melodies of Lisbon, the vineyard-clad Douro Valley of Porto, and the golden cliffs of the Algarve. Portugal offers perhaps the warmest hospitality in all of Europe. Savour a vintage port tasting, reside at a rural estate hotel in the Alentejo, and discover the innovative cuisine of Lisbon's new generation of chefs.
Recommended stay: 5-8 nights
Best season: April to October
Iceland
The aurora borealis painting curtains of light across the winter sky, the milky-blue thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, the geysers and waterfalls of the Golden Circle, and the luminous blue ice caves of Vatnajökull Glacier. Iceland is an island of fire and ice where the very forces of creation are witnessed at first hand. Traverse glaciers by private super jeep, bathe in hidden hot springs amidst lava fields, and cruise the North Atlantic in search of whales. A journey distilled from the most primordial beauty on earth.
Recommended stay: 5-8 nights
Best season: June to August (midnight sun) / October to March (aurora)
Norway
Sheer cliffs mirrored in the still, sapphire waters of the fjords, the aurora borealis shimmering above the Arctic Circle, and the red fishermen's cabins of the Lofoten Islands clinging to a wild coastline. Norway is a Nordic treasure without equal in the grandeur of its natural scenery. Journey along one of the world's most beautiful railway routes aboard the Flåm Railway, cruise Geirangerfjord aboard a private vessel, and gaze upon the northern lights from Tromsø in the high Arctic. An adventure embraced by the great northern wilderness.
Recommended stay: 7-10 nights
Best season: June to August (summer) / November to February (aurora)
Netherlands
Elegant gabled mansions lining the canals of Amsterdam, the masterworks of Rembrandt and Vermeer housed in the Rijksmuseum, and seven million tulips in bloom at Keukenhof in spring. The Netherlands concentrates world-class art and natural beauty within its compact borders. Cruise the canals by private boat, visit the ceramic workshops of Delft, and encounter the quintessential Dutch landscape of windmills at Zaanse Schans: a journey of quiet refinement and cultural depth.
Recommended stay: 4-6 nights
Best season: April to May (tulips) / June to September
Czechia
Prague, the city of a hundred spires, is a living museum of architecture where Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau layers interweave. Dawn on the Charles Bridge, the majestic silhouette of Prague Castle, and spa retreats at the historic thermal towns of Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně offer a rare encounter with the timeless elegance of old Europe.
Recommended stay: 4-6 nights
Best season: May to September
Austria
In the musical capital of Vienna, opera at the Staatsoper and a private concert at Schönbrunn Palace await. Follow in Mozart's footsteps through Salzburg, hike the Alps of the Tyrol, and savour Sachertorte and mélange at a traditional Viennese coffeehouse. A journey steeped in the enduring splendour of the Habsburg empire.
Recommended stay: 5-8 nights
Best season: May to September (summer) / December to January (festivals and skiing)
Hungary
Budapest is a city of the illuminated Chain Bridge spanning the Danube at night, the resplendent thermal baths of Gellért and Széchenyi, and the vibrant energy of its celebrated ruin bars. The vista from Castle Hill, overlooking the Danube and the Parliament building, is of breathtaking beauty, whilst an evening of opera at the Hungarian State Opera House provides a memorable highlight. Private tastings of Tokaji wine and equestrian experiences on the Hortobágy Plains are equally exceptional.
Recommended stay: 4-6 nights
Best season: April to October
Belgium
The Grand-Place of Brussels, widely celebrated as the most beautiful square in the world, and the mediaeval canals and cobblestone lanes of Bruges, possessed of a timeless stillness. Belgium is also a nation of gastronomy, home to the world's most distinguished chocolatiers and Trappist monastery breweries. The diamond quarter and fashion scene of Antwerp, together with the magnificent mediaeval architecture of Ghent, further enrich this compact kingdom of treasures.
Recommended stay: 4-6 nights
Best season: May to September
Ireland
The windswept Cliffs of Moher, the dramatic coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way, and centuries of stories whispered within the moss-clad walls of ancient castles. Ireland is an island nation where untamed nature, mythology, and music are woven into a single, soul-stirring tapestry. The Guinness Storehouse and traditional live music in Dublin's pubs, a scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry, and afternoon tea at a castle hotel: a journey steeped in deep emotion and warmth.
Recommended stay: 5-8 nights
Best season: May to September
Monaco
The world's second-smallest sovereign state, perched on the Mediterranean, Monaco is the ultimate sanctuary of ultra-luxury. The glittering evenings of the Monte-Carlo Casino, the spectacle of superyachts arrayed in the harbour, and the electrifying excitement of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix. Reside at the legendary Hôtel de Paris or the Hermitage, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and savour the deep azure views of the Mediterranean. A journey that encapsulates the very pinnacle of worldly opulence.
Recommended stay: 3-5 nights
Best season: May to September
Malta
Megalithic temples dating to 3600 BC, older than the Egyptian pyramids, and the UNESCO-listed capital of Valletta, inscribed with the grand history of the Knights of St John. Malta is a small island nation at the heart of the Mediterranean that harbours seven thousand years of history alongside crystalline blue seas, a hidden gem of a destination. Stroll through streets of honey-coloured stone, pass tranquil hours on the beaches of Gozo, and savour Mediterranean cuisine with Maltese wines: a journey that gratifies the keenest intellectual curiosity.
Recommended stay: 4-6 nights
Best season: May to October
Itineraries
Sample itineraries
Italy: A Renaissance Gastronomic Journey
Begin with the ancient ruins of Rome and the treasures of the Vatican, then traverse the Tuscan hills, visiting wineries and estates along the way. Immerse yourself in Renaissance art in Florence before retiring to a luxury clifftop hotel on the Amalfi Coast for Mediterranean vistas. Michelin-starred restaurants and authentic trattorias feature throughout.
France: Paris and Provence
From a chef's table at a three-star Parisian restaurant, journey through the châteaux of the Loire Valley, the lavender fields and wineries of Provence, and conclude at a private villa on the Côte d'Azur. A private pre-opening visit to the Louvre in Paris and a cookery class with a local chef in Provence may also be arranged.
Mediterranean Yacht Cruise and Island-Hopping
Cruise the Greek Cyclades aboard a private yacht, savouring the vistas of Santorini and Mykonos from the sea. Call at Dubrovnik in Croatia and snorkel in hidden Adriatic coves. At each island, enjoy the freshest seafood procured by local fishermen, paired with fine Greek wines.
Experiences
Experiences unique to Europe
Michelin restaurant reservations
Even the most sought-after three-star establishments are secured by your concierge with certainty. From Guy Savoy in Paris to Noma in Copenhagen and Arzak in San Sebastián, we arrange chef's table seatings and bespoke menus at the world's most distinguished restaurants.
Private château wine tastings
Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tuscany. Exclusive private tastings at the world's most storied estates. A personal tour of the Lafite Rothschild vineyards led by the proprietor, a luncheon with a Barolo producer in Piedmont. We fulfil the aspirations of the most devoted wine connoisseur.
Private art viewings
The Louvre, the Uffizi. Experience the world's great museums in complete solitude before opening hours. An art historian accompanies you as guide, illuminating the stories behind each work. The Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, the Prado, the British Museum: the world's greatest treasures, contemplated in perfect stillness.
Mediterranean yacht cruise
Sail the Aegean islands aboard a private yacht. An indulgent voyage across storied waters. The sunset of Santorini, the whitewashed streets of Mykonos, the hidden coves of Croatia. With a dedicated crew and personal chef aboard, enjoy local cuisine and exceptional wines at each island. The route is entirely customisable to your preferences.
Castle overnight experience
A mediaeval castle reserved entirely for you. An extraordinary night sleeping within the walls of history. A Highland castle in Scotland, a Loire Valley château, an ancient fortress along the Rhine in Germany. Spending a night within architecture spanning centuries conjures the sensation of travelling through time itself.
Travel Tips
Practical travel information
Getting there
Direct flights from Tokyo to Paris, London, and Frankfurt take approximately twelve to thirteen hours, with services operated by JAL, ANA, Air France, and British Airways, among others. Within Europe, low-cost carriers and high-speed rail networks are well developed, enabling efficient multi-city itineraries. We also arrange business and first class flights, together with VIP lounge access.
Visa requirements
Japanese passport holders enjoy visa-free access of up to ninety days for tourism in all Schengen Area nations (France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and twenty-two others). The United Kingdom permits stays of up to six months without a visa. From 2025, pre-registration via ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected to become mandatory. We keep you informed of the latest requirements.
Currency and payment
Credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere within the Eurozone. The United Kingdom uses the pound sterling, and Switzerland the Swiss franc. Tipping customs vary across countries; we provide comprehensive guidance on local etiquette in advance of your journey.
Climate overview
Europe's north-south extent results in considerable climatic variety. The Mediterranean coast (southern Europe) enjoys warm, dry summers, whilst northern Europe remains cool in summer and bitterly cold in winter. Paris and London are relatively temperate year-round, though an umbrella for passing showers is advisable. Alpine ski resorts are in season from December to March.
Health and safety
Europe is generally safe, though vigilance against pickpockets is warranted in tourist areas of Paris, Rome, and Barcelona. We arrange dedicated drivers and, where appropriate, security-accompanied transfers, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey throughout. Medical standards are high, and travel insurance is recommended.
Best Season
Best Time to Visit
Mar — May
Spring — Art and Blossoms Awakening
Europe stirs from its winter slumber and every city is infused with flowers and light. In the Netherlands, Keukenhof Gardens erupts in a torrent of tulips — a chromatic spectacle of breathtaking scale. In Paris, the horse chestnuts of the boulevards burst into leaf, and breakfast on a terrace café becomes a moment of pure contentment. Provence's almond blossoms whiten the fields, and by April the Tuscan hills are ablaze with poppies. Seville's Feria de Abril and Semana Santa processions rank among Europe's most stirring cultural experiences. In the Greek Aegean, the waters are still cool for swimming, yet the near-absence of crowds makes this the connoisseur's season for temple exploration, and the privilege of watching a Santorini sunset in near-solitude is a rare luxury indeed.
- •Keukenhof Gardens in full tulip bloom in the Netherlands
- •Seville's Feria de Abril and Semana Santa processions
- •Tuscan hillsides carpeted with spring poppies
Jun — Aug
Summer — Midnight Sun and Mediterranean Gold
Europe at its most resplendent. The lavender fields of Provence unfurl in purple waves, the whitewashed houses of Santorini gleam against the Aegean blue, and the Swiss Alps open their finest hiking trails beneath the Matterhorn's silhouette. In Scandinavia, the midnight sun transforms Iceland and Norway into lands of perpetual golden light, and a fjord cruise under an evening sky that never darkens is an experience of singular magic. The cultural calendar is at its richest — the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe, the Bayreuth Wagner Festival — each offering performances of the highest calibre. Popular hotels and celebrated restaurants require booking months in advance during this peak season, yet the investment of forethought is abundantly rewarded.
- •Provence's lavender fields and Santorini's iconic vistas
- •Salzburg Festival and Edinburgh Fringe cultural calendar
- •Swiss Alps Matterhorn-view trekking at its finest
Sep — Nov
Autumn — Harvest and Haute Gastronomy
Europe's autumn is the most gratifying season for the traveller who cherishes fine food and art. In Bordeaux and Burgundy, the grape harvest is celebrated with festivals that open the doors of Premier Grand Cru Classé châteaux for private tastings of extraordinary intimacy. In Alba, the white truffle festival envelops Piedmont in an intoxicating aroma — a gastronomic pilgrimage without equal. Portugal's Douro Valley invites one to witness the port wine harvest at close quarters. The Mediterranean coast of southern Europe remains warm enough for comfortable days on the Amalfi Coast and in Dubrovnik, now blessedly free of the summer throngs. Germany's Oktoberfest in Munich and the opening of Vienna's new opera season are among the autumn's most distinguished cultural occasions.
- •Bordeaux châteaux private harvest festival tastings
- •Alba's white truffle festival and Piedmont gastronomy
- •Amalfi Coast in the tranquil shoulder season
Dec — Feb
Winter — Alpine Splendour and Festive Radiance
Winter in Europe possesses an allure entirely its own. The Alpine ski resorts of St. Moritz, Courchevel, and Zermatt offer skiing of the highest order, complemented by evenings of fondue, fine wine, and fireside conversation in timber-clad chalets. Vienna's ball season opens in grand style, and the Opera Ball is the pinnacle of European social elegance. The Christmas markets of Germany and Austria — nestled in mediaeval squares, scented with Glühwein and Lebkuchen — conjure an atmosphere of timeless enchantment. In Paris and London, the winter sales draw fashion devotees from across the world. Iceland enters its prime aurora season, and witnessing the northern lights from the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon is an experience that defies comparison.
- •St. Moritz and Zermatt premier Alpine ski resorts
- •Vienna ball season and enchanting Christmas markets
- •Iceland's northern lights from the Blue Lagoon
Testimonial
Client testimonial
“
Our fourteen-day journey through Italy and France was the most luxurious experience of our lives. A private viewing at the Uffizi before opening, luncheon with a winery proprietor in Tuscany, and a chef's table at a three-star restaurant in Paris. Everything was arranged to perfection, and we did not experience a single moment of travel stress. The fact that our concierge had direct relationships with restaurant proprietors and sommeliers on the ground made possible experiences that would be utterly unobtainable on an ordinary trip.
S.K. (Couple in their 60s, Yokohama)
Italy and France, 14 days
Destinations
Explore Other Destinations
Begin your Europe consultation
Your dedicated concierge will design a journey through Europe crafted exclusively for you. Begin with a complimentary consultation.
Begin Your Journey