Europe is quite literally brimming with an amazing selection of architecture, cultures, languages, customs, heritage sites, and traditions. It is, therefore, very important to properly plan any trip to this continent to ensure that it's an unforgettable experience that will create lasting memories.
The European continent has perfected the art of luxury travel many years ago, and since then it has remained the undisputed king of this market. Whether your dream is to go sailing in the Mediterranean, skiing in the Swiss Alps, or exploring the vineyards of France, you can be sure that luxury travel options will be available in abundance.
If this is the first time you plan to experience this part of the world in luxury and you are looking for a few suggestions on how to make it an unforgettable journey, keep on reading.
[1] Start your trip in style by flying business class or first class, or a private jet
There are few things as luxurious and relaxing as starting the journey to your destination with a first-class or business-class flight. Flying in style with one of the top airlines will ensure that you arrive at your destination refreshed, relaxed, and ready to enjoy whatever the continent has to offer in style.
Traveling in first class typically involves good food accompanied by good wine, a spacious and relaxed environment, world-class service, and fast-tracked boarding. If you have to catch a connecting flight, you will normally have access to an airport lounge that offers comfortable seating, food, snacks, television, or restrooms.
The bottom line is that, if you would like to spoil yourself even before you arrive at your first European destination, then flying first class or business class is a great idea. If you can afford to, why not book a suite? This will give you the opportunity to completely relax and be pampered by the staff. In the process putting yourself in the perfect frame of mind for your luxury trip through Europe.
[2] Consider using VIP travel services
Many airports, such as London Heathrow, offer VIP services which usually include fast-track security, private lounges, and personal assistance.
Upon your arrival at your doorstep, dedicated chauffeurs will welcome you for a private ride to the airport. At the airport, you will be guided into a private suite where a personal butler is there to attend to your needs. Here, you can relax in the private lounge until it's time for your flight. In the lounge, you may also be able to invite guests or family. The menus will usually provide fare from Michelin-starred chefs. Ranging from light snacks to more lavish meals within meal times.
All security protocols usually take place within the private suite for your convenience. When your flight is set for departure, you will be chauffeured right up to the aircraft. These VIP services can make your travel experience much more comfortable and stress-free.
[3] Hire a chauffeur-driven car when you arrive in Europe
Making reservations for a chauffeur-driven car before your departure will make your transport across Europe totally hassle-free. From the moment you arrive at the airport to when you want to visit an otherwise hard-to-reach destination, you will be able to relax, sit back, and enjoy your surroundings without having to worry about getting lost or stressing about the heavy traffic.
Plus, with a chauffeur, you will usually never get lost on your way to that 5-star restaurant or famous tourist site because you will have someone behind the wheel who knows the area. By the time the journey is over, your driver may be your new best friend.
[4] Book accommodation at a 5-star hotel
If you would really like to spoil yourself, stay in 5-star hotels during your whole European trip. Not only will you have access to a much bigger than usual choice of amenities, but the service will also be top-notch. These hotels go out of their way to make sure that all their guests' needs are met, even if they are sometimes a bit esoteric.
Common facilities at 5-star hotels include restaurants that serve world-class food and refined bars. Other amenities often include things like spas, swimming pools (heated in winter), Jacuzzis, gymnasiums, conference facilities, massage and beauty parlours, tennis courts, spacious and relaxing lounges, free Wi-Fi, and 24/7 room service.
Apart from that, you can also expect committed, well-trained staff members who will try everything possible to make sure that you enjoy your stay. Housekeeping services will be top-notch, and so will the food in the restaurant and the drinks that are served in the bar.
This approach to customer service is, after all, what sets a 5-star hotel apart from the rest of the crowd.
[5] Make friends with the hotel owner, manager or concierge
As you move from one 5-star hotel to the next across the European continent, you will quickly learn that there is virtually nothing a professional hotel concierge can't do for guests. The fact of the matter is that a concierge at a luxury hotel is often one of the most reliable insiders if you want certain things done because they normally have a vast network of contacts. If you, for example, desperately require help with replacing your lost passport, getting a table at a restaurant that is normally fully booked for months ahead, or buying tickets at a very popular performance, if the concierge can't help it's unlikely that anyone else will be able to. They will also often be able to come up with suitable alternatives.
[6] Spoil yourself, family or friends with your own private villa
If luxury combined with privacy and peace and quiet are important to you, why not spoil yourself and your travel companions with a stay in a private villa? This might be the best way ever to enjoy the beauty of the French countryside, the Swiss Alps, or the amazing culture and cuisine of Tuscany in Italy. Staying in private villas in all these regions (and more) is a great way for individuals who would like to experience the natural beauty and culture of Europe at a more relaxed pace while being pampered in luxury.
A private villa will typically come with services like your own private chef, a nanny, and concierge service, plus other bespoke services. There are numerous private villas available for short-term rent throughout Europe and the majority of them offer private swimming pools, every mod con you can probably think of, and very often also a stunning location.
[7] Personalize the special experiences
In case you are visiting a specific destination for the first time, you should do everything in your power to make it an unforgettable experience. You can start by asking your travel advisor or hotel concierge to plan a schedule that's really different, maybe even a bit over the top. However, the experiences will leave lasting memories that you will savour for many years to come.
Europe has an incredible number of options from which you can choose. Whether it's a trip through the Black Forest, a cruise along the Mediterranean coastline on a private yacht, or a helicopter flight over the Acropolis in Athens, you will never forget it. If you, for example, happen to visit the United Kingdom during the annual football season, you could reserve a VIP ticket and attend the FA Cup Final. Or if you are a huge fan of the game, why not book one or more football classes with one of Lisbon's most famous players?
Another exciting option is to take part in the annual bull run in Pamplona, Spain. Or why not go truffle-hunting in France? Whatever your choice, you are bound to go home with a treasure trove of unforgettable memories.
[8] Get a dedicated tour guide
As you travel around Europe, you will encounter fascinating historical places, interesting cultural experiences, and new culinary delights around every corner. There are many ways to learn as much as possible about all of this in a relatively short period, including studying travel guides or textbooks or watching online videos. The best way in our view, however, is to explore them in the presence of your own private tour guide. A personal tour, whether it's on foot, by road, or by boat, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide will make the whole experience truly unforgettable. The guide will typically have lots of insider knowledge about the area's sights and might sometimes even be able to get you exclusive access to attractions that are normally not open to tourists.
You will be able to find a reputable tour guide via the local tourist office, although your hotel should also be able to introduce you to one.
[9] Dine at Michelin Star restaurants
Europe has a great selection of Michelin Star restaurants, offering everything from authentic local dishes made with simple ingredients to avant-garde fine dining. From the many options available in London and Northern Spain to the outstanding cuisine of Italy and France, you can be sure that the food, location, and service will be one-of-a-kind, offering an unforgettable dining experience that will please even the most demanding of clientele.
[10] Savour in an outstanding hotel bar
If you love the ambiance of a genuinely great hotel bar, then you can appreciate how a good find can feel. A hotel bar can become the perfect spot to relax after a long day of sightseeing. It can be a place where you sit back, order your favourite drink, and just chill while soaking up the atmosphere.
Your hotel concierge should be a great source of information regarding this topic. Or you could do your own research before the trip. There are many online sites where one can find more information on the outstanding experiences that many of the top hotel bars in Europe have to offer.
ETIAS - A non-luxurious travel requirement coming in 2025
Citizens of who can travel visa-free to Europe will soon require a digital travel authorisation to enter Schengen Area countries. This digital travel authorisation is called ETIAS. It will pre-screen travellers prior to their departure into an EU country. It is intended to enhance the security screening procedures of EU border authorities. Applications must be submitted online. You can learn more by visiting the ETIAS requirements.
Conclusion
The following are just a few suggestions and should in no way prevent you from doing your own research: In Rome, the Hassler bar; in Barcelona, the Mandarin Oriental's rooftop terrace; In London, the Corinthia Hotel's Bassoon art-deco bar; and in Dublin, the Merrion Hotel's Cellar Bar.