How to plan a Europe tour from South Africa

Are the charming streets of Paris calling your name? Are your dreams full of Rome’s ancient wonders? Sounds like a trip to Europe is just what the doctor ordered! As all South African travellers know, heading to the Northern Hemisphere is not exactly easy. We’re talking long-haul flights, currency conversions to make your eyes water and the dreaded visa application. However, don’t let these factors stop you from answering the call to adventure! We’ve got you covered with Europe tours from South Africa.

Expat Explore is here to answer all your questions about planning your dream trip to Europe. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about flights, visas and the best tours and destinations to make the most of your European journey.

Flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg to Europe 

Major European airlines with regular flights from Cape Town International Airport and O.R. Tambo International Airport include:

1. Air France to Paris, France 
2. KLM to Amsterdam, Netherlands
3. Lufthansa to Munich and Frankfurt, Germany
4. British Airways to London, United Kingdom
5. Turkish Airways to Istanbul, Turkey

Airlines like Qatar and Emirates also offer convenient connections to many European cities. While these journeys tend to be a bit longer, they are often the more affordable option. 

Related: Discover the top travel trends among female South African travellers.

When is the cheapest time to fly from South Africa to Europe?

To find the best deals on flights, consider using tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights. Weekend flights are usually more expensive, so if you’re able to fly midweek, you may save a fair bit! Flying in May, October and November is usually more affordable than the high season months of July, August and December. Booking at least 4-6 months in advance is highly recommended as prices usually increase considerably closer to the time.

Do South Africans need a visa to travel to Europe?

If you hold a South African passport, the short answer is yes. Unfortunately, at this time, there are no European countries that are visa-free for South Africans. Europe is divided into two visa categories: Schengen States and Non-Schengen States. 

You will need to apply for a Schengen visa that covers all the countries you’ll be visiting at your nearest embassy or consulate. In some cases, if your tour visits multiple Schengen countries, you’ll need a multi-entry visa. You need to apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most amount of time/nights. If there are two or more countries which have an equal number of ‘most nights’, you must apply to the embassy of the country you will visit first.

If your tour includes a non-Schengen country, we recommend checking with your local embassy to see if you’ll need a separate visa for those destinations. Examples of non-Schengen European countries are the United Kingdom, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Related: Learn everything you need to know about visas in our visa guide.

When is the best time to travel from South Africa to Europe?

If you’re keen to take a break from the chilly winter months, you could swap your seasons and enjoy a summer in Europe! From June-July, all of Europe enjoys warm weather, a festive atmosphere and plenty of sunshine. However, just keep in mind that this is peak season, meaning that many destinations are far more crowded. Prices and temperatures can also be painfully high around this time of year. 

A festive season holiday is a great idea if you want to experience Christmas like you’ve only seen in the movies. Christmas markets, twinkling lights and perhaps even a sprinkling of snow are what festive dreams are made of. If, however, you’re not a fan of the cold weather and shorter daylight hours, this may not be the time of year for you.

Undoubtedly, the best time of the year to travel to Europe is shoulder season (March-May and September-November). This time of year, the weather is pleasant and mild, the crowds are fewer, and you may even get some special deals on flights, accommodation and tours. 

Related: In this blog, we deep dive into Europe’s seasons and the best time to travel.

The best Europe tours for South Africans

When travelling such a long distance, it just makes sense to make the most of your trip. That’s why a multi-country Europe tour is the best way to tick off multiple destinations in this vast and varied continent! 

One of our top travel packages is our 18-day Europe Explorer tour. This unforgettable adventure conveniently starts and ends in Amsterdam. KLM operates daily flights to Amsterdam from both Cape Town and Johannesburg throughout the year. You’ll also be able to apply for a tourist visa in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria or Durban. Visit the official Netherlands government website for more information.

This epic tour will take you through some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations, including buzzing cities, charming towns and scenic sights. Arrive in Amsterdam, make your way through iconic cities like Paris, Barcelona, Rome and Venice. Enjoy a guaranteed snow day in the Swiss Alps, journey along the dazzling French Riviera and cruise the Rhine River. Taste pizza in Italy, fondue in Switzerland and macarons in France! 

The Europe Explorer tour lets you tick off multiple bucket-list landmarks, uncover hidden gems and get a true taste of European life.

Related: Discover more long tours to make the most of long flights.

What to pack for a Europe tour from South Africa

Our Europe Explorer tour departs multiple times a year, with departure dates available from April to October. The weather can vary depending on when you choose to travel. From April to May and September to October, you will likely enjoy warm days and cooler nights. Packing layers is highly recommended to prepare for changing temperatures. 

If travelling in summer, get ready for sunny skies and warm weather. Pack swimwear and light, breathable clothing. No matter the season, don’t forget your sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes and reusable water bottle. 

Related: Pack like a pro with our expert packing list!

Handy tips & tools for planning your Europe getaway

Travel insurance is a must-have for peace of mind. It covers everything from medical emergencies to lost luggage. Expat Explore requires all travellers to have valid travel insurance before joining our tours.

A multi-currency travel card makes it easy to manage spending across multiple countries without worrying about constant currency exchange. To stay connected, consider buying an eSIM, such as Hoam, so you can access maps, travel details and social media wherever you go.

For pre- and post-tour accommodation planning, Booking.com is a great go-to platform offering flexible options across all budgets and destinations.

With this handy guide to planning Europe tours from South Africa, you should have everything you need to start planning your adventure. All that’s left is to book your trip!

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