What are the top sights to see in Europe?

Europe enjoys over 400 World Heritage Sites, ranging from entire cities like Venice, to the historic centres of Tallinn, Bruges and Riga, and Norway’s spectacular Geirangerford. Other must-see sights include Gaudi’s famous Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Colosseum in Rome, Sintra (on a tour from Lisbon) and the Hermitage in St Petersburg.

What time zones are there in Europe?

Europe mainly operates around three time zones: Western European or WET (+0 UTC/GMT), Central European or CET (+1 UTC/GMT) and Eastern European or EET (+2 UTC/GMT).

How many countries are there in Europe?

The official total, according to the UN, is 44 countries. However this figure is debated. Some count up to 51 countries within Europe, adding the likes of Turkey, Cyprus, Georgia and Armenia to the list.

European cruises

From the charm of the Mediterranean to the enigma of the Northern Lights, a cruise in Europe reveals history, sun and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Find cruises to Europe

Cityscape in Florence, Italy; Shutterstock ID 506905216; Invoice Number: -

European cruises

Trace the footsteps of Vikings and succumb to ancient cities. Admire medieval castles guarding secluded coves and sail ethereal fjords where the scenery is spellbinding.

Mediterranean cruises

The Mediterranean is a jewel in Europe. Be captivated by crumbling coastal towns and charming fishing ports, savour exquisite sandy beaches and hidden bays, and indulge to your heart’s content.

Discover the Mediterranean

Amazing view of beach las Teresitas with yellow sand. Location: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Canary Islands. Artistic picture. Beauty world; Shutterstock ID 622717052; Invoice Number: -

The Canary Islands

These volcanic isles sit clustered in the east Atlantic and delight with their varied landscapes, enticing beaches and year-round sunshine.

Discover the Canary Islands

St. Anne's Church, Shandon, Cork; Shutterstock ID 146752394; Invoice Number: -

Western Europe cruises

Staying within Europe’s western reaches can be truly illuminating. You can experience Spain, France or the Netherlands, or even complete a memorable circle around the British Isles.

Discover Western Europe

Northern Europe cruises

Immerse in the wonder of icy peaks and piercing blue fjords. Fall for the charm of canal-linked streets and marvel at imperial and gothic architecture as you venture through Northern Europe.

Discover Northern Europe

Your Europe questions answered

Northern European cruise delights

Lush forests and waterfalls border the blue water of Geirangerfjord in Norway

Norwegian Fjords cruises

This UNESCO listed land where the midnight sun never sets is an awe-inducing blend of glacial granite cliffs, jewel-coloured pine forests and lakes in every shade that nature can conjure.

Find out more

Northern Lights cruises

A Northern Lights cruise propels you to the heart of Norway’s atmospheric fjords, where the prospect of glimpsing nature’s famous lightshow only adds to the sense of wonderment.

Find out more

1 of 2

Cakes and pastries offered by white-gloved waiter

Life on board

An oven warm scone served to you by a white-gloved waiter, a chocolate left on your pillow each night and complimentary room service, 24 hours-a day. These are the everyday experiences that await you on a cruise with Cunard. Savour the standard of our White Star Service, relax in the serenity of your ship’s spa, and enjoy evenings illuminated by theatre, music, and fine dining.

Explore life on board

Guests enjoying Champagne and chocolates in the theatre

Why Cunard?

Recognised around the world, a Cunard Queen is a British icon of luxury ocean travel as famous for carrying royalty, presidents, and legends of the stage and screen, as for the White Star service provided by our ship’s crew. To travel with us is to become part of history. We’ve transported passengers around the world since 1840 – longer than any other cruise line – and our itineraries always offer a unique point of difference. Be it a naturalist on board to narrate the scenery or an explorer regaling you with tales of adventure.

Our 180 year history

Frequently asked questions about Europe

This all depends on where in Europe you’re going and what you hope to see. If you’re visiting the Mediterranean, you can enjoy warm and pleasant days as early as April and well into October, while July and August generally herald the highest temperatures. Northern Europe is also best explored April-October before temperatures fall below freezing, while if you’re hoping to glimpse the Northern lights September to April offers the optimum window.

Summers tend to be hot and dry in central Europe, Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, with temps in parts of Spain, Portugal and Italy climbing above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). Winters tend to be cold, often frosty and sometimes snowy in central and Eastern Europe, while Mediterranean winters are cool with rain. Summers are coolest in Northern Europe and winters tend to be harshest here too.

Most European countries, particularly those in the Mediterranean, accept the Euro as currency. You’ll need Euro for France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Greece, The Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Estonia, Montenegro, Ireland and Latvia.

In Denmark you’ll need Danish Krone, in Sweden it’s Swedish Krona, in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland it’s British Pounds Sterling, in Iceland it’s Icelandic Krone, in Norway it’s Norwegian Krone and in Russia it’s Russian Rouble.