Traveling in Europe
during the heatwave.
An extreme heatwave is affecting much of Western Europe. Here's what's happening, how it may touch your trip, what we're doing to support every group, and how to stay safe in the heat.
An early, intense heatwave across Western Europe.
Since mid-June, a stalled high-pressure system — a “heat dome” — has trapped hot air over France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the UK, and neighboring countries, sending temperatures well past 40°C (104°F) in places. Forecasters expect the peak to hold through late June before easing. National weather services have issued their highest-level (red) alerts in the hardest-hit regions, and heat-related illness has been reported across the continent. Conditions are changing daily — always follow local authorities and your Tour Director for the latest.
Red heat alerts across much of France, Spain, and Italy, with further warnings in the UK, Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland.
France recorded its hottest night on record, and the UK and Iberia have broken June temperature records.
A stalled “heat dome” is pulling hot North African air north — Europe's second such event in two months.
What it may mean for your trip.
Attractions cutting hours
Paris landmarks are closing during the hottest part of the day. The Eiffel Tower closed early (4 p.m.) on Tuesday, June 23, and the Louvre is closing two hours early — at 4 p.m. — Wednesday through Saturday. Expect reduced hours, timed-entry changes, and longer queues at major sites across France, Spain, and Italy.
Rail delays & cancellations
Eurostar has reduced Paris–London service (June 22–25). Commuter lines around Paris (RER and Transilien) have seen cancellations, and national operators in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain have imposed speed restrictions and trimmed timetables to protect track and power lines that warp in extreme heat. Build in buffer time and reconfirm departures.
Hours & plans may shift
Attractions, restaurants, and outdoor events across the region are adjusting to beat the heat — trimming hours or shifting activities to cooler parts of the day. For travelers, the practical takeaway is simple: opening times and crowd levels can change at short notice, so it's worth confirming the day's plans before heading out.
Closures and timetables are being updated frequently. If a change affects your group, your Tour Director will let you know on the ground.
Looking after every group, every day.
In contact with Group Leaders
We've reached out to Group Leaders to review each itinerary and adjust where we can — shifting outdoor visits to cooler morning and evening hours, adding indoor or air-conditioned alternatives when a site closes early, and building in midday breaks out of the sun.
Tour Directors on the ground
The Tour Director traveling with each group is tracking local heat alerts and closures, making sure everyone has chances to refill water and rest in the shade, and keeping a close eye on every traveler — especially younger ones — for the earliest signs of heat stress.
Adjusting plans as needed
Where confirmed closures or rail disruptions affect a planned activity, we rebook and reroute wherever possible so groups stay safe and still make the most of their time. Plans may shift day to day as conditions change.
Stay cool, stay hydrated.
It’s okay to step back.
No one should push through the heat. In coordination with their Group Leader and Tour Director, we’re encouraging participants to head back to the hotel to cool off — or to sit out an activity entirely — whenever the heat becomes too much. Choosing to rest is always the right call.
A note for parents.
Children feel heat faster than adults and don’t always say when they’re struggling. Our Tour Directors have been instructed to watch younger travelers closely, prompt regular water breaks, and step in early. You can help from home by reminding your traveler to keep their water bottle filled and to speak up the moment they feel off.
Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion is a warning sign you can usually reverse. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. Knowing the difference matters.
Watch for:
- Heavy sweating with pale, clammy skin
- Tiredness, dizziness, or headache
- Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick
- Muscle cramps in the arms, legs, or stomach
- Strong thirst and a fast pulse
What to do: Move to a cool, shaded place, loosen clothing, and have the person sip water or a rehydration drink. Cool the skin with a damp cloth, a fan, or cold packs to the neck and armpits. Most people feel better within 30 minutes — if they don’t, get help.
Call for help if you see:
- A very high temperature; hot skin that may be dry (not sweating)
- Confusion, slurred speech, or agitation
- Fast breathing and a racing heartbeat
- A seizure, fainting, or loss of consciousness
What to do: Call 112 immediately and alert your Tour Director. While you wait, move the person somewhere cool and actively cool them with water and fanning. Do not give fluids to anyone who is confused or unconscious.
In an emergency in Europe, call 112.
112 is the free emergency number across the EU and the UK, and works from any phone. If a Passports traveler is affected, please alert your Tour Director right away as well.
We’re here to help.
If you’re a Group Leader, parent, or traveler with questions about how the heat may affect an upcoming or in-progress tour, reach out anytime. Travelers on tour should also talk directly with their Tour Director.
This page offers general information, not medical advice. Health guidance reflects public guidance from the NHS and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For the latest conditions and alerts, follow your national weather service (such as Météo-France) and local authorities. Closures, temperatures, and travel figures reflect what was reported as of June 23, 2026 and are changing daily.