I’d been planning a Europe trip for almost a year, and the three companies I kept comparing were Thrillophilia, MakeMyTrip, and Thomas Cook. I checked their Europe tour packages to get a better idea of what each offered, as I wanted to understand what each company offered before booking my trip.

Even though all three are well known and offer Europe tour packages, their approach to holiday planning is a little different. MakeMyTrip lets you book flights, hotels, and sightseeing through one platform. Thomas Cook is one of India’s oldest travel brands and is best known for its escorted Europe group tours. Thrillophilia offers customized itineraries, packages with flights, activities, and planned travel experiences. Their pricing varies too, but it’s mostly based on the inclusions like accommodations, meals, internal transfers, and more.

But the more I researched, the more confusing it got. There were so many places I wanted to see, and I wasn’t sure how to fit everything into one trip without overspending or spending half my holiday travelling between cities.

Then, I also had questions like whether I should spend more time in Switzerland or explore Italy. Would booking flights and hotels separately work out cheaper, and who do I contact for help?

I spent some time comparing their packages, inclusions, pricing, and other important factors. I’m sharing what I found here to help anyone planning a Europe trip understand what to expect from Thrillophilia, MakeMyTrip, and Thomas Cook before deciding which one to book with.

Let’s get started!

Key Factors I Compared Before Choosing a Europe Tour Package

1. Understanding What Thrillophilia, MakeMyTrip, and Thomas Cook Offer

The first thing I noticed was that the three platforms cater to slightly different travellers, even though there is considerable overlap between their offerings.

MakeMyTrip has a broad selection of travel products, including flights, hotels, activities, guided tours, and customised holidays. Through MMT, travellers can also build a DIY travel package and book everything individually.

Thomas Cook’s Europe range includes escorted group tours as well as customised holidays. Its Europe page lists 175+ holiday packages. The available tours and departure dates vary, so check the individual listing for the current itinerary, tour category and inclusions.

Thrillophilia, on the other hand, places considerable emphasis on itineraries and experience-led holidays. Its Europe collection includes classic routes covering Paris, Switzerland and Italy, alongside trips focused on Iceland, Norway, Finland, Lapland, Spain and Portugal.

All three platforms have Europe packages organised into categories such as group tours, honeymoon tours, family packages, etc., making it convenient to browse options based on the kind of holiday you have in mind.

I checked the Europe package listings in October 2026. The number of packages displayed can change as listings are added or removed, so I would compare the actual itineraries and inclusions rather than rely on the total number of packages alone.

However, if you have a particular destination in mind or want to combine countries, Thrillophilia’s range of specialised itineraries is worth exploring.

2. Personalization of Available Packages

Since I’m a huge fan of travelling easy, I wanted a package that I could build as per my needs, which is why the ability to personalize the package was one of the most important factors in my comparison.

Thrillophilia’s approach felt more consultative and supportive here. Instead of simply choosing a package and accepting every detail as fixed, I was able to discuss the itinerary with a trip planner and explore changes to the route, hotel category, activities, and overall pace, depending on availability and the package selected.

For instance, if you want to spend more time in Switzerland, include a particular experience in Italy, or avoid squeezing too many destinations into a short holiday, discussing these preferences before confirming the trip can be helpful.

MakeMyTrip offers holiday packages along with activities and other add-ons. It is a useful option if you already know what you want and prefer to compare available packages before booking.

Thomas Cook also offers customised holidays, where hotels, travel dates and activities can be changed, and its website has a “build your own trip” tool along with a callback option for expert help. That said, its main strength is the fixed-departure group tour, where the route, hotels and daily schedule are set in advance for the whole group.

Of course, customisation depends on the specific package. A fixed-departure group tour on any of the three platforms will generally offer less flexibility than a customised holiday.

My takeaway was simple: MakeMyTrip works well when you want to compare clearly defined options, Thomas Cook works well if you are happy to follow a structured group tour, and Thrillophilia is worth considering if you want to discuss shaping the holiday around your preferences. The level of customization and planner support should be confirmed for the specific package on any platform.

3. Comparing Europe Package Prices

Price was another area that was very important for me. And because the headline package cost does not always tell you how much a Europe holiday will ultimately cost, I compared every detail word by word.

One significant difference is that some MakeMyTrip Europe packages include return flights, while Thrillophilia’s Europe collection displays a mix of itineraries where international flights may be available separately or as an add-on. Check the inclusions on the specific package before comparing prices.

Thomas Cook sits somewhere in between. Its group tours have traditionally been marketed as all-inclusive, covering airfare, hotels, sightseeing, transfers, meals, visa and insurance, but its current Europe listings mark flights as optional. The current listing shows ₹2,29,700 for Europe For All (Winter) (7N/8D) and ₹3,09,400 for Swiss French Magic (Winter) (7N/8D). Thrillophilia’s Europe collection displays starting prices around ₹1,52,314 per adult, while MakeMyTrip’s Europe package listings advertise prices starting around ₹69,955. These are indicative listing prices, not like-for-like comparisons: the selected itinerary, travel dates, duration, hotel category, flight inclusion and other inclusions can change the final cost. It also runs seasonal offers such as early-bird discounts and free add-on holidays with selected tours.

These displayed prices are indicative and can change with departure dates, availability, room occupancy, promotions and selected inclusions. Comparing the displayed prices directly can therefore be misleading.

The displayed prices can differ significantly when one package includes international flights and another covers only land arrangements. Without matching the travel dates, duration, hotel category, and inclusions, it would be misleading to treat the displayed prices as a direct comparison. Airfares, hotel availability, departure dates, and seasonal demand can all affect the final amount.

Before booking with any platform, I would recommend preparing a complete cost breakdown that includes:

• International return flights and any connecting flights.
• Hotels, including the room category and meal plan.
• Airport transfers and intercity transportation.
• Sightseeing tickets, guided tours, and optional activities.
• Visa fees, travel insurance, and service charges, where applicable.
• Meals that are not included in the package.

MakeMyTrip makes it convenient to view prices and inclusions on many listing cards. With Thomas Cook, confirm whether the price you see includes flights, visa fees, and insurance for your departure city. With Thrillophilia, I would recommend requesting a detailed, itemised quotation before confirming the booking. In every case, compare the final costs for the same dates and broadly equivalent inclusions.

4. Checking the Convenience of Commute and Hotel Locations

Hotel selection can make a surprisingly big difference to a Europe holiday.

A hotel might have an attractive star rating but be located far from the places you want to visit. That could mean additional transport costs, longer journeys and less time exploring the destination.

MakeMyTrip provides hotel-category information on its package listings and offers filters that help travellers narrow down their options. This is useful when you want to compare packages based on hotel standards before speaking to a consultant.

Thomas Cook’s Europe listing page does not show hotel star categories or names upfront, so you would need to open the individual tour or ask the team for details. On coach-based group tours, it is also worth checking whether hotels are in the city centre or on the outskirts, since this is a common way group tours keep prices down.

Thrillophilia’s hotel arrangements also vary by package. The exact hotel names may not always be confirmed before booking, so it is worth asking for the proposed properties or clear hotel-selection criteria. For any platform, check the hotel’s location and proximity to transport links rather than relying on the hotel category alone.

I would pay particular attention to the location of hotels in cities such as Paris, Rome and Amsterdam, where staying close to transport connections can save considerable time.

After so much consideration, I think the better choice is not necessarily the platform with the highest hotel category. It is the one that can clearly explain where I will be staying, what is included, and how the accommodation fits into the overall itinerary.

5. Detailed Flights, Transfers and Sightseeing Inclusions

Europe itineraries often involve multiple cities and countries, making transportation planning especially important.

When browsing MakeMyTrip, I found that flight inclusions and package categories can make it easier to identify holidays that combine flights, accommodation, and selected sightseeing. However, not every guided tour necessarily includes flights, so checking the individual package remains important.

Thomas Cook’s group tours usually move the whole group together by coach, with rail, ferry, or cruise legs on some routes. This is convenient because you don’t have to plan any connections yourself, but it also means fixed timings and less free time in each city.

Thrillophilia’s land packages can be useful if you prefer to arrange flights independently or already have tickets. Its trip-planning approach also allows you to discuss how transfers and activities fit into the itinerary.

Regardless of the package that you finalize, ensure that the following are in place before paying:

• Whether airport pickup and drop-off are included.
• Whether intercity travel is by train, coach, private vehicle or another mode.
• Whether sightseeing tickets and guided visits are included or optional.
• How much free time is available in each destination.
• Whether transfers operate on fixed schedules or can be arranged privately.

These details can affect the experience much more than the number of destinations mentioned in the package title.

6. Considering Food, Dietary Preferences and Family Travel

Food is another consideration, especially for Indian travellers visiting Europe for the first time.

I am a vegetarian and want vegetarian cuisine throughout my trip, while others may prefer other dietary arrangements. Families travelling with children or senior citizens may also want a more predictable meal schedule.

MakeMyTrip has clearly labelled Indian group tours and selected packages that mention Indian meals. If food preferences are a priority, these categories can make the search easier.

Thomas Cook is strong here. Its Europe group tours advertise Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals along with local cuisine, which is one reason they are popular with families and older travellers.

Thrillophilia also offers group tours with Indian meal options, although the arrangements vary by itinerary. Its customised planning approach can be useful for discussing dietary requirements in advance, but specific meals should never be assumed unless they are confirmed in the package inclusions.

My advice would be to communicate your preferences before making the payment and get written confirmation of what can be arranged.

7. Checking the Difference in On-Ground Support and Assistance

Once I’m out travelling, I need help understanding transfer arrangements, coordinating with hotels, confirming activity timings, or dealing with an unexpected change. So, I want amazing support right when I need it.

MakeMyTrip offers customer support for its travel products, and group tours may include tour managers depending on the package. The exact support arrangement can vary, so it is worth understanding who will assist you during the trip and how to contact them.

Thomas Cook’s group tours are escorted by its own tour managers, which is one of its biggest selling points. Having one person with the group throughout the trip is reassuring, especially for first-time travellers. Its website notes that tour managers come with select plans, so check whether your package includes one.

Thrillophilia lists a Guest Experience Officer for some trips and may provide on-ground support. Its support arrangements are designed to help travellers during their journey. Since arrangements vary by package, this does not automatically mean its support is better than that of the other two; the specific services and availability need to be compared.

Having a dedicated team coordinating with local partners is particularly useful when an itinerary involves several cities, pre-booked activities, and multiple transfers.

However, I would still confirm the availability of on-trip assistance, the contact method, operating hours, and the responsibilities of the local operator.

For my decision, the possibility of having that additional coordination was an important advantage.

8. Getting Visa Assistance and Transparent Booking

A Europe holiday also involves paperwork, particularly if your itinerary includes countries in the Schengen Area.

All three platforms offer visa assistance on selected packages, but assistance should not be confused with a guaranteed visa approval. Travellers remain responsible for meeting the relevant requirements, submitting accurate documents, and allowing sufficient time for processing.

Thrillophilia’s visa assistance may include itinerary documentation, hotel vouchers, flight reservations, and document checklists, depending on the service and package. MakeMyTrip also provides visa-related assistance on selected tours. Thomas Cook runs its own visa services and says most of its Europe packages include visa assistance or visa fees, with an online application and status tracker. Check the terms for the specific package, including whether visa assistance and visa fees are included.

Before booking, check whether the visa fee is included, which documents the platform will provide, what assistance is offered, and what happens if your application is rejected.

I would also request the cancellation and refund policy in writing, especially for payments made before the visa decision. Do not assume that a visa refusal automatically entitles you to a full refund; the applicable terms matter.

For all three platforms, transparency comes down to knowing exactly what you are purchasing and understanding the conditions before making a financial commitment.

So, Which Platform is the Best for a Europe Trip?

After comparing the three, I would not say that one platform is automatically better for every traveller. However, you should factor in your preference based on your travel style, who you’re travelling with, and what your budget is.

MakeMyTrip is a strong option if you want an easy booking experience, off-the-shelf packages, clearly categorised packages, and the convenience of viewing flights, hotels and sightseeing together. It is particularly worth considering if you prefer a defined itinerary and want to compare costs before speaking to a travel consultant.

Thomas Cook is a good option if you want a traditional escorted group tour, with a tour manager, Indian meals and the whole route planned for you. It suits first-time travellers, senior citizens and families who would rather not make decisions on the go and don’t mind a fixed schedule.

And if you’re someone like me, who wants to travel your way, Thrillophilia stands out for offering a personalised approach. With Thrillophilia, you can consider destinations beyond the usual Europe circuit, or value coordinated support throughout your journey. The opportunity to discuss itinerary changes and have a dedicated team coordinate with local partners made it the better fit for my preferences.

As for me, I chose Thrillophilia because I wanted more than a pre-planned sightseeing schedule. I valued the ability to discuss the itinerary, understand how the arrangements fit together, and have a dedicated support structure to turn to during the trip.

Of course, MakeMyTrip and Thomas Cook also deliver good Europe holidays. All three platforms have options worth exploring, and the right choice depends on your itinerary, budget, travel style, and expectations.