Travel to Europe your way

to–europe is an associate of the Romantic Road Tourist-Association and the official partner of diverse tourism associations such as the German Fairy-tale Route Tourist-Association, the Castle Road Tourist Association and the Tourist-Association Historic Highlights of Germany. to–europe helps to inform visitors from overseas in close cooperation with the German National Tourist Board (Deutsche Zentrale für Tourismus, Frankfurt). We are located in Germany and know our partners in German tourism for many years. to–europe is specialized in pre-packaging tours for independent travelers and our staff knows Germany and Central Europe best!

Why do you offer tours for independent travelers?

There are more and more travelers who want to enjoy the sights at their own pace outside of a group. We pre-package tours focused on topics or events so you do have a high level of independence on the one hand and the security of an organization on the other hand.

How do I book a tour with to–europe?

You can book every tour by clicking on the yellow hand to the right of the tour descriptions, there is a step-by-step booking procedure which allows you to choose individually.

Is it possible to combine tours or change them in any other way?

Yes, up to a certain point this is possible. Please contact us if you are interested in combining tours or adjusting a tour.

How long in advance do I need to book a tour?

It is best to book as soon as your planning allows. Theoretically you can book very close to your departure date, although there are times when the hotels are more likely to be booked out than at other times (e.g. during a fair or at Christmastime).

What is the best travel time?

In Middle Europe, the seasons are quite different from each other, and each season has its charm and beauty. Although it usually doesn’t rain in summer, you might also spend two weeks in October in the brightest sunshine, and there might still be snow at the end of March …

Can I bring my young children on the tour?

Of course, children are very welcome on every tour!

Can I combine a to–europe tour with a tour to another European country?

Our tours range from 3 to 14 days, they can easily be combined with any other activity you may have planned while you are in Europe.

How can I pay for the tours?

You can pay online on our website when you book the tour with a credit card (VISA, MasterCard, JCB). You can also pay for the tour by bank transfer or money cheque.

Is it safe to pay on your site?

You book the tour on our site. However, when you are asked to do the payment you are transferred to a secure site of our bank. Our bank is the Deutsche Postbank AG, the leading multi channel bank in Germany.

Do I pay for the tour at once?

It makes it easier for us if the payment for the tour is made at once. However, if you prefer to make a down payment and pay the remaining balance later just sent an e-mail to sales@toeurope.eu and let us know which tour you would like to book, when you would like to travel and how many people there are in your party.

When will I receive a booking confirmation?

You will receive a confirmation of your booking request immediately and your booking confirmation within 24 hours after you booked the tour.

What kind of documents do I receive?

You will receive a confirmation of your booking request immediately and your booking confirmation within 24 hours after you booked the tour. We book the hotels, the day- and sightseeing tours if included and all other services described on the “what’s included” page. We will issue vouchers for each hotel, tour and service and sent it to you by e-mail. You will also receive a tour information including a train schedule custom made for your tour. If you booked a sightseeing package you will also receive a brochure in which the sights are described in English. All tickets we can not e-mail to you will be deposited at the reception of the hotel where you spend the first night along the tour.

Why are there several train schedules shown in the documents I received?

We want you to be as flexible as possible, that’s why we show several connections for you to choose from.

Where do I get the vouchers?

The vouchers will be sent to you by e-mail (PDF file). Everything which cannot be sent to you by e-mail will be deposited at the reception desk of the hotel where you spend the first night along the tour.

How do I travel from one city to the next?

Our tours are designed using trains, that’s why the hotels are all located close to the cities’ main stations

What is an ICE?

An ICE is the InterCityExpress, a German high speed train which you take in most of our tours.

Are the regular trains very slow compared to the ICE?

The regular trains have more stops than the ICE and do not go as fast, which of course allows you to see more of the country.

What happens if I missed a train I wanted to catch?

Check on your documents for the next train; if you missed the last one on the schedule check with the information if there is another connection you can take using your ticket.

What do I need to rent a locker for my luggage at a train station?

If we suggest you visit a city along a tour, that means we have already checked for the availability of lockers at the train station to make the handling of your luggage as easy as possible. You have to insert 1 or 2 Euro coin in order to lock in your luggage.

What is “Bed Tax”/”City Tax”?

In some cities in Europe guests have to pay City taxes for private travel directly to the hotel. According to the regulations of the already existing tourism tax, the hotels in the citys are obliged to levy the new tourism tax directly from the guests at the hotel, and pass on to the city. The required payment is scaled according to the accommodation price including the value-added tax. Extra costs such as breakfast, dinner, etc. are excluded from the tax.
Some examples for “Bed Tax”:

Belgium (e.g. Brussels, Bruges) – in certain cities around € 2,00 – € 8,00 per person and night
France (e.g. Paris) – around € 0,20 – € 4,00 per person and night
Germany (e.g. Berlin, Dresden, Cologne)- in certain cities around € 0,20 – € 9,00 per person OR 5 % of the bill depending on type, room rate and location
Italy (e.g. Rome, Venice) – “Tassa di soggionrno” around € 0,35 – € 5,00 per night depending on region
Netherlands (e.g. Amsterdam) – 5 % of the room rate
Switzerland (e.g. Bern, Zurich) – around CHF 1,50 – CHF 6,00 per person and night depending on region

Will I need to bring my own guide book?

We try to give you lots of information on the web-page and the tour information papers you receive after you booked the tour. However, it is advisable to bring your own guide book to get even more background information such as city maps, historic facts and so on.

Do I need a visa if I want to come to Europe?

If you do not stay longer than three month you might not need a visa for Europe. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil for example do not need a visa. Please check the website of the German Federal Foreign Office for further details.

Will I be able to find my way around even if I don’t speak any German?

Yes, most Germans speak English quite well, and nearly everybody in Germany and Austria speaks enough English to give you the information you need.