Welcome to Europe Inspired
European Travel, Planned by Someone Who Lives Here
Europe Inspired is written by Geri and Stefano, a travel advisor and a cruise director with combined over 20 years working aboard Carnival Cruises and Avalon Waterways river cruises, now based between Bulgaria, Italy and the Canary Islands. This is not a content site assembled from research. It is advice from two people who travel Europe constantly, plan European itineraries for travellers from the US, UK, Canada and Australia, and know the practical difference between what a brochure promises and what the experience actually delivers.
The blog covers European river cruises across the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Rhône and Seine; ocean and small ship cruises in the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Northern Europe; scenic train routes from the Bernina Express to the West Highland Line; adventure trips and hiking in the Alps, Dolomites and Balkans; food-focused travel through Italy, Portugal, Spain and France; visa and entry requirements for US citizens; and the destinations, hidden gems and honest practical advice that make European travel feel effortless rather than complicated.
If you are planning a first trip to Europe or a return visit with more depth, this is where to start.
Experience the World of European Travel
Europe Inspired is a home of European Cruise, Train, Food, Hidden Gems reviews that immerse you in our culture.
From trying new foods, getting lost in old towns to making lifelong memories, let us inspire you for the river, land or ocean trip of a lifetime.
Start Here by Trip Type
Click on the categories to discover relevant blog articles.
Europe River Cruise
Planning a River Cruise? Our river cruise guides cover the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Rhône and Seine — including what to pack, how tipping works, water levels, which cruise lines suit which travel styles, and what every port day actually looks like..
Hidden Gems
Looking for Something Different? Our hidden gems section covers the Balkans, Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, Slovenia, Albania and other European destinations that reward travellers who have already done the obvious circuit..
Day Trips & Foodie Trips
Food and Wine Travel? Our food trip guides cover Emilia-Romagna, the Basque Country, Lisbon, Lyon, Sicily, Slovenia and more — with specific restaurant, market and producer recommendations from people who eat seriously.
Art, Culture & Nightlife
Looking to Immerse yourself in the local culture? Our diverse selection of cultural activities and experiences will take on a discovery journey of European Heritage.
Rail Travel
Travelling by Train? Europe’s scenic rail routes are among the finest journeys in the world. We cover the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, West Highland Line, Rhine Valley Railway and more, with honest advice on passes versus point-to-point tickets.
Trip Planning Guides
First Trip to Europe? Start with our visa requirements guide for US citizens, our Europe packing list, our honest breakdown of guided tours versus independent travel, and our destination guides for the cities most first-timers want to see.
Gallery & Virtual Walks
Visual inspiration for your next adventure: visit our Youtube Channel to discover European virtual city walks in 4K.
Latest From the Blog
Start planning your trip:
Flight, hotel, transfer, day trip? Pick away:
Flight and Hotel Bookings
For all your flight and hotel needs so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
Transfers and Daytrips
Explore new places with ease by booking a customizable transfer – a short trip or multi-stop adventure.
Activities and Adventures
From hiking to canal cruising we offer a variety of fun activities to make your vacation unforgettable.
Contact us
Have a question or suggestion? Drop us a line.