From a long-awaited announcement regarding entry procedures and new tour itineraries to thorny issues of overcrowding in European destinations, August was full of travel headlines from across the Atlantic. If you missed any of them, read on to get up to speed, and be sure to register for the TravelPulse newsletter to keep up to date with the latest news in the travel industry.
EU Sets Entry-Exit System Launch Date
This month, the European Union announced when it will roll out its much-anticipated biometric Entry-Exit System (EES): November 10. Once live, the system will process visitors by fingerprints and digital photos exclusively, providing an added layer of security while eventually speeding up the entry process. The system will be rolled out in 30 participating European nations, which includes 26 of the 27 EU countries (notably, Ireland is not included) plus Lichtenstein, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland).
Crowds in Venice, Italy (Photo Credit: Lichtwolke99 / Adobe Stock)
Venice Tour Group Limit Begins
The start of the month saw the long-awaited arrival of a limit on tour group size in Venice. To cut down on street clogging and other nuisances associated with large groups, tours cannot exceed 25 people. TravelPulse reported that the early indications are that the measures are being met with approval by locals and travelers alike.
New Night Train Revealed
Upstart night train company European Sleeper announced that they will launch their second-ever route in 2025: a seasonal night train from Brussels to Venice, which will run in February and March. Along the way, the train will make stops at locations like Rotterdam, Cologne, Munich, Innsbruck, Bolzano and Verona, making it perfect for both skiers and Carnival-goers.
(Courtesy of Windstar Cruises)
Windstar Expands Winter Sailings
If you need an excuse to hop across the pond this winter, Windstar has increased its winter sailings on the Mediterranean. In addition to its core cruise that includes stops in Rome, Nice, Marseille, and Barcelona, Windstar has added excursions to Spain and The Adriatic Sea. The sailings offer the chance to see destinations with fewer crowds and experience cherished holiday traditions.
Frustrations Simmer on Santorini
The mayor of this idyllic island said this month that the standards of living for locals have gone down on the island (one resident is quoted as saying that mass tourism is threatening to turn the island into a “monster”) and that he is proposing a cap of 8,000 cruise passengers per day, a decrease from the current number of 17,000. This comes off the back of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Prime Minister of Greece, saying back in June that he is also looking to put a cap on cruising in the country.
St. Michael’s Mount, Cornwall (Photo Credit: Tauck)
Tauck Reveals New Tours
Next year, Tauck will commemorate its 100th birthday with a quartet of new land tours in Europe. The tours are “A Week In… Piedmont” (Italy), “England and the West Country”, “A Week In… Switzerland” and “Paris, Dordogne & Bordeaux”. All the newly announced tours will feature exclusive food, wine and cultural experiences.
Cunard-Roux Collab Announced
Sailings to Norway with Cunard just got a lot more intriguing for food lovers as the line revealed that two Michelin-starred chef Michael Roux will host four culinary-themed sailings in 2025. In addition to featuring the flavors of Norwegian seafood, Roux will also give live cooking demonstrations, book signings and lectures.
Cinque Terre (Photo via Hans Brunk)
‘Path of Love’ Returns to Cinque Terre
After a decade-plus of renovation works, the so-called Path of Love (Via dell’Amore) reopened in Cinque Terre this month. Connecting the two coastal villages of Manarola and Riomaggiore, the pedestrian route dates back to the 1930s and for a long time served as the only way between them. Upon opening, the coastal path will be open during the day only and can be accessed by visitors by reserving a space online. Locals can access the path without any restrictions.
Globus Goes All In on Small Tours
The Globus family of brands (Globus, Cosmos and Avalon Waterways) announced this month that they are launching upwards of 50 signature Small Group Discovery tours, with several on the list set in Europe. The tours are aimed at those who prefer the intimacy of smaller groups and include European adventures like “A Journey Through Time: Armenia & Georgia”, “Croatia Island Hopper”, “Paris & Provence”, “Swiss Splendors by Train”, “Inspiring Iceland” and more.
The Monaco Grand Prix takes place annually on the scenic French Riviera. (Photo via Flickr/United Autosports)
Explora Makes Monaco Move
Formula 1 fans make note: Explora Journeys has announced that its newest ship Explora II will be based at Monaco’s Port Hercule during Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco in 2025. The vessel will be docked a few hundred feet from the track, allowing guests to be fully immersed in the adrenaline-pumping action of the glamorous competition.
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