10 Countries the Gurus Take You (and Why They’re So Loved)

When you look at lists of the “most visited countries in the world,” you see familiar names like France, Spain, Italy, and the United States. Those numbers are interesting, but what matters more is how a place feels when you are actually there—walking the streets, tasting the food, and sharing the experience with a small, friendly group. These are 10 countries the Gurus love taking travelers to, and why they work so well for our hosted trips.

If you want a bigger picture of how these destinations match different comfort levels and personalities, start with our Travel Styles page to see what kind of trip feels “just right” for you.

1. France

France is one of the world’s most visited countries for a reason. Simple moments feel special here—morning coffee at a sidewalk café, wandering through village markets, or driving through vineyard-covered hills. Paris delivers the iconic sights, while regions like Provence, Normandy, or the Loire Valley offer quieter charm and slower days.

How the Gurus take you there: typically as part of small-group land tours or European cruise itineraries that combine France with nearby countries, so you see the highlights without feeling rushed.  France tours are always different; especially when you visit different regions.

2. Spain

Spain blends art, architecture, and an easygoing lifestyle. Cities like Barcelona and Seville are full of color and energy, with plazas where people gather late into the evening. Coastal areas and islands add sunshine, sea breezes, and leisurely walks along the water.

How the Gurus take you there: often on itineraries that combine Spain with neighboring countries (such as Portugal), using guided city tours, free time, and hosted support so you can enjoy the atmosphere instead of worrying about logistics.

If you are curious how group travel can help you see more in places like Spain without the stress of planning, the article Making the Most of Group Travel Tours walks through what hosted trips are really like.

3. Italy

Italy is a favorite for travelers who love history, scenery, and long dinners. From ancient ruins in Rome to canals in Venice and rolling hills in Tuscany, there is always something beautiful to look at. Even everyday experiences—like a simple plate of pasta or a glass of local wine—feel memorable.

Italy and Sicily trips make for an awesome experience; especially with the great views you will discover every place you look.

How the Gurus take you there: with itineraries that balance the big sights (Colosseum, Vatican, Florence, Venice) and smaller, more relaxed towns, often combined with neighboring countries on land tours or Mediterranean cruises.

4. Ireland

Ireland feels both exciting and comforting at the same time. Green hills, dramatic cliffs, and coastal drives are paired with friendly pubs, live music, and locals who love to talk. It is an especially good fit for travelers who want a gentle pace, beautiful scenery, and a strong sense of welcome.

How the Gurus take you there: on hosted, small-group tours that combine famous spots (like the Cliffs of Moher or Ring of Kerry) with smaller villages and plenty of time for music, storytelling, and local food.

5. United Kingdom

England, Scotland, and Wales offer a mix of historic cities, castles, countryside, and coastline. London delivers big-city excitement; the Cotswolds, Scottish Highlands, and seaside towns bring quieter charm. For many people, the lack of a language barrier makes this part of Europe feel easier and less intimidating.

How the Gurus take you there: often as part of UK-and-Ireland combinations, using comfortable pacing, guided days, and free time so you can enjoy everything from afternoon tea to castle visits without feeling overwhelmed.

6. Portugal

Portugal has been steadily rising in popularity, thanks to cities like Lisbon and Porto and regions like the Douro Valley. Picture tiled buildings, river views, ocean breezes, and a relaxed rhythm of life. Food and wine are excellent, and many travelers find Portugal offers great value compared to some other Western European destinations.

How the Gurus take you there: usually paired with Spain on itineraries that highlight city life, wine regions, and coastal views, with hosted support to make hills and logistics easier to manage.

7. Greece

Greece combines ancient history with stunning island scenery. One day you might be walking past temples in Athens; the next, you are on an island with whitewashed buildings and wide sea views. It works well for people who want sunshine, culture, and time to relax, rather than a packed, high-speed schedule.

How the Gurus take you there: often by cruise, where island-hopping is built into the itinerary, or as part of land-and-sea combinations that give you both city experiences and quiet island days.

8. Switzerland

Switzerland is all about clean air, mountain views, and well-organized travel. Lakes, alpine villages, and scenic train rides create a calm, picture-perfect experience. It is ideal if you love nature, gentle walks, and beautiful landscapes more than crowds and nightlife.

How the Gurus take you there: typically as part of multi-country European trips, using trains and guided transfers to keep travel days simple while you enjoy lakes, mountain towns, and relaxed city stays in places like Lucerne or Zurich.

9. Canada

Canada offers wide-open spaces, friendly cities, and coastal charm—especially on New England and Maritimes cruises that combine U.S. and Canadian ports. Think lighthouses, rocky shores, seafood, and historic districts that feel both familiar and new.

How the Gurus take you there: on hosted cruises that visit ports like Halifax, Sydney, and Québec City, often combined with New England towns such as Bar Harbor and Boston.

To see how a close-to-home cruise can look day to day, you can read our post on cruising through New England, Nova Scotia, and Canada once you are done with this article.

10. United States

The United States is one of the most visited countries in the world, and many travelers still have not explored far beyond their own region. Hosted trips within the U.S. are a great way to see new places—coastal cities, national parks, wine regions—without dealing with international flights or language differences.

How the Gurus take you there: with carefully selected itineraries and cruises that focus on scenery, culture, and comfort, rather than rushing from place to place.

Where You Fit In

Lists and rankings are interesting, but the real question is: which of these countries fits you right now? Some travelers are ready for a long-haul European adventure; others prefer to start with a closer cruise or a shorter trip to “test the waters.” All of these countries can work beautifully when you match them with the right travel style, pacing, and support.

If you are not quite sure where to start, the First Time Travelers page can help you think through what kind of trip makes sense for your very first hosted journey.

Ready to Start Planning?

If a few of these countries are already tugging at you, the next step is to see which trips we already have on the calendar and which ones match how you like to travel.

• Explore current hosted itineraries in the Active Trips section on our homepage to see what is available now.
• Want help choosing the right country or travel style? Use the Contact Us form to share a bit about how you like to travel, and we will recommend the best fits.
• Prefer to talk it through? Call 337-453-1932 and we can walk through options together at your pace.
• Ready to stay in the loop about new trips, fun local events, and travel tips? Join our free VIP Club to get first notice of new Social Events and Group Travel Trips, plus instant access to our travel guide.

Wherever you decide to go first, Two Travel Gurus is here to help you experience these beloved countries in a way that feels easy, comfortable, and truly memorable for you.