itinerary tour europe

That's how you plan a perfect trip

Top destinations

Amalfi Coast

Best tours of europe.

Start Planning with Triptile

Easy Trip Builder

Book All in One Place

Flexible Modifications

Travel with us.

Your Europe itinerary: 10 routes to explore the continent

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

roughguides.com
your-europe-itinerary-10-routes-to-explore-the-continent

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 11.10.2023

You can’t expect to fit everything Europe has to offer into one trip and we don’t suggest you try. For those taking a big, extended trip around the continent you could join a few countries together. Each of these itineraries could be done in two or three weeks if followed to the letter but don’t push it too hard – with so much to see and do you’re bound to get waylaid somewhere you love or stray off the suggested route.

1. Britain and Ireland

2. france and switzerland, 3. benelux, germany and austria, 4. spain, portugal and morocco, 6. central and eastern europe, 7. scandinavia, 8. mallorca, menorca, ibiza and formentera (balearic islands island hopping), 9. the balkans, 10. greece and turkey.

This article is inspired by our Rough Guides guidebooks — your essential guides for travelling the world.

Where else to begin but London (1) – one of the world’s greatest but most expensive cities. While your wallet is still intact move on to the storied grounds of Oxford (2) before heading to Snowdonia (3), where the Welsh mountains provide excellent hiking.

Soak up some history in the medieval streets of York (4), then make the trip north to stunning Edinburgh (5). Find your inner Braveheart in the Scottish Highlands (6) and fit in an unforgettable hike, climb, or ski while you’re at it.

Pop across the North Channel to Belfast (7), but be sure not to miss the nearby Giant’s Causeway – one of Europe’s great natural wonders. Grab a perfect pint of Guinness in Dublin (8), then wind down on the windswept beaches of Ireland ’s West Coast (9).

Rough Guides tip: For more practical guidance that will help you make the most of your Britain and Ireland trip, have a chat with our local experts , who can help you plan your dream trip.

Start in Paris (1), Europe ’s most elegant capital, then venture off to the châteaux and prime vineyards of the Loire Valley (2). Move south to beautiful Bordeaux (3), which boasts bustling city life and some of Europe’s finest surfing beaches to boot.

Head south of the peaks of the Pyrenees (4) before taking a trip through Southern France to the Côte d’Azur (5). Don’t miss the magic of Corsica (6), a true adventure playground, or traditional cooking in Lyon (7), the country’s gastronomic capital.

Try your luck skiing and climbing in the Alps (8), and end by relaxing riverside in laid-back Zürich (9).

Rough Guides tip: If you're planning a trip to France, our fully customisable French itineraries can help you get the most out of your trip.

Kick-off in Amsterdam (1) before enjoying more atmospheric canals and beautiful buildings in Bruges (2). Cologne ’s (3) spectacular old town is a perfect first stop in Germany , but be sure to head north soon after for the vast port and riotous bars of Hamburg (4).

Few cities can compete with the style and youthful energy of Berlin (5), while Dresden (6) has also become a favourite backpacker hangout. Then head south to Munich (7), where Bavaria ’s capital boasts everything from snowy scenery to beer-fuelled Oktoberfest.

Cross over the border to Austria (8), and conclude this itinerary among the palaces, museums, cafés and boulevards of Vienna (9).

While travelling in Benelux, read our guide to the best things to do in Belgium and you may want to stay in the country longer.

Rough Guides tip: Don't know where to start planning your trip to Germany and Austria? Start planning with our local experts who will help you customise our German itineraries according to your preferences.

Begin in the Basque capital of Bilbao (1), Spain’s friendliest city and home of the Guggenheim . Then it’s on to the city beaches, late-night bars and enchanting old town of Barcelona (2). Ibiza 's (3) nightclubs are famous the world over, but its pockets of peace are worth the trip alone.

Gobble tapas and dance the night away in Madrid (4) before heading west for the countless port lodges of Porto (5). Cruise down the Atlantic coast to the historic Portuguese capital of Lisbon (6), then make for the region of Andalucía (7), stopping in the cities of Seville and Granada as you venture further south.

If you catch a ferry across the Straits of Gibraltar to Morocco and set course for Fez (8), explore the medieval Moroccan city of labyrinth alleys, souks and mosques. Finish up in Marrakesh (9), a colourful city with a stunning backdrop of the Atlas Mountains .

Rough Guide tip: This route may seem a bit intricate. That's why our Spanish , Portuguese and Moroccan itineraries will come in handy, fully customisable they leave room for imagination.

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Find even more inspiration here

Ready to travel and discover spain, get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

2 Weeks in Europe: 6 Itineraries

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

Europe is a continent consisting of 44 countries with diverse languages, climates, and cultures . It has numerous world-famous landmarks preserved from years upon years of history.

Spending 2 weeks in Europe will cover plenty of amazing places. It’s not much, but a good start, especially if it’s your first time here.bulga

Another great thing about Europe is that the places are close to each other, you can reach most of them via train, buses, and driving. Land borders separate the countries. However, many of them practice free movement across borders.

This continent has peninsulas, islands, and varied landforms, as well as seas, lakes, and other bodies of water. There are infinite fascinating places to see, foods to taste, and activities to try out during your 2 weeks in Europe.

TIP : This is a long-form article, I highly recommend you check the Table of Contents below to help you navigate the page easier and faster.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING EUROPE

4 IMAGES - colourful houses in bergen, london tower, colosseum in rome, and buildings by the sea - 2-Weeks in Europe Itinerary

Before you go book your flight and hotels, take a look at the information below first. It will help you visualise and plan your itinerary better. You can get ideas on when to go, how to travel around, and what to pack.

When is the best time to go to Europe

This depends on what you plan to do. Most people go to Europe during summer, but of course, if you want to ski, come between December and February. I personally love going in spring and summer, during autumn, it’s also very pretty but it rains a lot.

You might want to consider travelling during the off-season because this is when there are fewer travellers and the prices of accommodations and tours aren’t sky-high so you’ll be able to save quite a bit.

Getting around Europe

The best way to get around Europe is to rent a car especially if the country you’re visiting are next to each other or have an open border agreement. It’s cheaper and gives you freedom of your time.

However, if you are crossing countries and they are not next to each other, you are probably better off flying than doing a long drive. Check first if your driver’s license is valid in Europe and check what type of cars each country you are going to have.

For example, Italy, Spain, and France are known for using a stick or manual transmission. While the UK and Ireland drive on the left.

Buses and trains are quite reliable and affordable. But there are also domestic flights which are affordable as long as you don’t pack too much unless you are willing to pay extra.

Language and currency

There are over 24 official languages in Europe. You should be able to get around with English but it’s important to also learn basic words to show respect for each country’s culture and easily communicate with locals.

Luckily though, most countries in Europe use Euro, except in the UK, Nordic countries, and maybe some countries in East Europe. It’s easy to pay with credit cards but carrying cash with you for emergencies is still advisable.

Visa and COVID-19 policy

Each country has different visa rules, however, if your destination is an EU member, they have the same visa policy; 90 days visa-free for visitors with a passport from North America, some Latin America, some Southeast Asia and East Asia, and most Oceania. This also applies to non-EU countries such as Switzerland and Norway.

For visitors with a passport from the EU or a European country, you should have freedom of movement for unlimited time except for some nationalities such as the UK and countries in East Europe.

Europe is open to COVID-1 vaccinated tourists. If you are unvaccinated, best to check if your destination has extra entry requirements. Depending on the airline and destination, you might be required to submit a test before boarding.

Wearing a mask is no longer required in many places in Europe, but it’s smart to carry one just in case you get to countries that still require them. Read about the EU reopening .

What is the average cost for 2 weeks in Europe

As diverse as the European culture is, the cost also varies a lot. The budget for 14 days in Europe depends on a few things such as the countries, type of tours, accommodation, and how you plan to move around.

$800 in Eastern Europe will not work for Scandinavia. $800 is a tight budget, but it might work for more affordable countries such as Eastern Europe or the Baltics (assuming this excludes the flights to the region and back). $1,000 will be fine for southern-east Europe, and $1,500 will be decent for central Europe. While west Europe and the Nordics plan to spend around $3,000.

The accommodation will cost the most expensive, but the food can be budgeted. Then the transportation. You can either use public transport or rent a push bike when moving around the cities. Take the bus or train when travelling to the next country or ride a plane.

Travelling during the peak season will also cost a lot more. Check under each itinerary to see the average cost of a 2-week trip in Europe.

Other basic travel tips

Planning a trip can be exhausting and often overwhelming. To make it a bit easier, I use travel sites and services that have flexible cancellation policies in case I change my mind or my travel dates. Here’s a list of travel tools I use. From flight selections, affordable hotels, wide-range options for car rentals, and even affordable travel insurance.

TOP PLACES IN EUROPE (pinned map)

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN EUROPE ITINERARIES

I will show your six itinerary options to choose from for your 14 days in Europe. Covering multiple countries and featuring famous attractions that are historical, cultural, and outdoor activities.

Deciding where to spend your 2 weeks in Europe can be hard. Should it be in Spain or Portugal? How about both? Should you visit Rome or Paris ? When unsure, there are a few things you can do to see which places are more suitable for you.

For example, Rome would be ideal if you love historical sites such as ruins. Perhaps you like history, but in the form of art, then Paris is the one. For food lovers, don’t miss visiting France, Spain, Italy, and Greece.

Itinerary #1 South Europe: Spain and France or France and Italy

We have two sub-options in our first itinerary for your 2 weeks in Europe. This includes either Spain and France or France and Italy. Spain is well-known for its lively culture, flamenco, arts, and literature, as well as its wines, beaches, and, of course, football.

If you feel like this itinerary is a little too expensive, you can instead go to Portugal. Take a look at how to spend 2 weeks in Portuga l or even just a few days in Lisbon. Spending 14 days in Southern Europe is a good place to do your first trip to this continent.

France, on the other hand, is well-known for macarons, wine, champagne, great pastries, as well as fashion, museums, and other historical sites. You could also do many water activities in France or if you plan to come during winter, you can head to the Alps for some skiing.

Italy is loved for its opera, its art cities, unique scenery, and good food. They are also among the four fashion capitals, with luxury brands, and of course, who could forget the Vespa?

If you have never been to Italy, make sure you visit Venice, Rome, Florence, and the southwest coast, where you can visit Naples for Amalfi and Sorrento. You can also consider 2 weeks in Greece for this itinerary. Not to mention, the south is a famous region to spend honeymoon in Europe .

Spain for 7 days

2 images - sunset over cordoba, spain and dome church in venice - 2-weeks in europe

Spain is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, not only for foreign visitors but also for other European nations. With its stunning beaches, yummy food, and very welcoming culture, Spain is undeniably a must-visit when you come to Europe for 2 weeks.

Most people go to Madrid, the capital of Barcelona, a coastal city. However, if you want to get away from big crowds, head to Seville, Valencia, or even Zaragoza. For young travellers who love to dance and party, Ibiza is a top spot, while Palma, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria are awesome islands to explore and spend your vacation in.

We have a specific 2 weeks in Spain itinerary , which might help you plan a trip there if you decide to spend your trip in one European country only.

Here are some of the top-rated attractions in Spain :

Alhambra and Generalife in Granada
Palacio Real in Madrid – get your ticket in advance
El Escorial near Madrid
Aqueduct of Segovia – north of Madrid
Sagrada Familia and Gaudi Sites in Barcelona – check tour prices
Great Mosque in Cordoba, near Seville
Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
Beaches of Gran Canaria

France for 7 days

Some of the options to reach France from Spain include flying, taking a train, riding the bus, using rideshare or driving. The most recommended option is to ride a plane, but if you have plenty of time, you should consider renting a car and driving on your own. We have an article with 3 different itineraries on how to spend 2 weeks in France .

France is a country famous for many reasons. The food is great, it is rich in culture, the abundance of historical sites, and thousands of wineries to explore. France is also known for Tour de France and is a great holiday destination any time of the year. You should geat a hop-on hop-off bu s that will take you to the top attractions of Paris.

Paris is an obvious place to visit, but if you don’t like big cities or have been here before, you can consider other places. For history buffs, head to Calais, Dunkirk, and Normandy. For those who love the outdoors, check out Lyon, Marseille, Nice, and Bordeaux (aka the Basque region).

Here are some of the top attractions n France:

The Louvre in Paris – book a guided tour
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres near Paris
Eiffel Tower in Paris – get your skip-the-line ticket in advance
Chateau de Versailles in Paris – visit with a garden access
Mont Saint Michel
Loire Valley Chateaux
Côte d’Azur aka French Riviera in the South
Provence for lavender fields
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for skiing in the Alps

Italy for 7 days

To reach Italy from France, you could either take the train or fly but taking the train is preferred by most tourists and locals alike because you’ll be able to reach your destination in less than five hours anyway. There are tons of routes to choose from if you want to see some interesting scenery and plan to drive instead.

2 weeks in Europe have to include Italy. It is loved for its dishes to die for, beautiful castles, amazing hiking trails, and warm culture. Just like in Spain and France, wine in Italy is world-class and their historical sites are well preserved.

Before you book anything, decide where you want to go. Rome and Venice are the top places to visit in Italy. But if you have been there, it’s time to explore Florence, Milan, Bologna, and Genoa in the north. For the south, head to Naples, Sicily, and all the way to Palermo. Check out our 4 itineraries for 2 weeks in Italy .

Some of the top tourist attractions in Italy include :

Colosseum in Rome – get your ticket in advance to skip the very long queue
Spanish Steps in Rome
Trevi Fountain in Rome
Venice Grand Canal – don’t skip the romantic gondola ride
Gode Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice – explore with a tour guide and secure a ticket
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Vatican City near Rome; Basilica of St. Peter, Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums – you can visit this in one go
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence
Lake Como near Milan
Cinque Terre
Amalfi Coast
Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius in Naples – visit this and the entirety of Naples on a day trip from Rome

Travel cost

These three destinations are one of the most expensive places in Europe. Budget around $2,000 for a 2-week trip around Spain, France, and Italy not including the flights from your location and back. Accommodation will be the most expensive cost while food is quite affordable in these places.

Of course, if you want to travel with luxury, you can easily spend $3,000-$5,000 which will allow you to stay at 4-5 star hotels, dine at fancy restaurants, and take a private car with a driver anywhere.

For those on a tight budget, $1,500 is possible , however, you will likely stay at youth hostels and share a room with other people in dorm/bunk rooms or even look at Couchsurfing. You can also save more money by looking at ready-to-eat meals at grocery stores or cooking in the hostel is possible. Join a free walking tour where you will be expected to give a tip based on the tour guide and the tour itself.

Itinerary #2 Central Europe: Germany and Poland

For this next itinerary, we’ll be covering 2 weeks in Central Europe, which consists of the countries Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary. However, in this itinerary, we’ll only be covering Germany and Poland.

Germany is well-known for its cathedrals, castles, palaces, and colourful architecture, as well as its sausages and beers. It has many historical sites relating to World War I and II. Berlin is loved for being vegan-friendly, but meat-eaters shouldn’t have a problem finding their way around restaurants either.

Conversely, Poland is famous for its food, stunning geography, folklore, history, and friendly locals. In Poland, you’ll find Europe’s most ancient forest, Medieval Castle, the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp, amazing museums, and more.

Apart from that, you can also visit theme parks in Poland, such as Engerylandia Theme Park, Rabkoland, and Aquapark Sopot.

2 images - bavarian houses in germany and st mary church in krakow, poland - 2-weeks in europe

Germany for 8 days

Germany has so many things to offer that it would take 8 days to satiate your curiosity, and even then, you would barely scratch the surface. Don’t overwhelm yourself trying to see everything in 8 days. If you want t visit Germany only, we have these 2 weeks in Germany itineraries .

Most people will go to Berlin or Munich, but there are also other cities such as Hamburg, Frankfurt, Nuremberg and Cologne to name a few. I highly recommend you rent a car to move around easier, but taking a domestic flight or the train is also easy and affordable.

If you’re going to Berlin, the best way to see all the top attractions is by buying a hop-on hop-off bus with live a tour guide .

Here’s a list of the top attractions in Germany:

Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
Berlin Wall
Cruise the River Spree – book a 2.5-hour boat tour
Museum Island in Berlin
Sachsenhausen Memorial – visit with a tour guide
Neuschwanstein Castle near Munich
Linderhof Palace near Munich – book a combo tour with Neuschwanstein Castle
Marienplatz in Munich
Pay respects at Dachau Concentration Camp – join a tour from Munich
Kölner Dom in Cologne
The Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg, near Stuttgart
Miniatur Wunderland at Port of Hamburg
Bamberg and the Bürgerstadt near Nuremberg

Poland for 8 days

There are tons of modes of transportation from Germany to Poland, including boarding a plane, using rideshare cars, trains, buses, or driving. Flights between these two countries are frequent and affordable.

Poland has a dark history, but the country is more than that. It has stunning lakes, UNESCO sites, and rather interesting cuisine, and it is in the top 20 safest countries in the world – a great place to discover if you are travelling alone.

Poland also has the biggest castle in the world, and many believe that vodka originated in Poland. In winter, you can ski in Poland, which is more affordable than France, Switzerland, and even Italy.

Many foreigners get confused and think Krakow is the capital of Piland, but it’s actually Warsaw. Apart from these two cities, you can also visit Gdansk, Wroclaw, Katowice, and Lublin. Most of the cities are connected via buses and trains hence moving around during your 2 weeks in Europe shouldn’t be a problem.

>>TIP: Check out our 2 weeks in Poland post if you prefer to explore that country on a single trip. There are two itineraries to choose from.

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Poland:

Wieliczka Salt Mine near Krakow
Auschwitz- Birkenau Camps near Krakow – book a guided tour or combine it with the Wieliczka Salt Mine tour
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory in Krakow
Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow
Warsaw Old Marketplace
Lazienki Park in Warsaw
Malbork Castle near Gdansk
Morskie Oko Lake and Hot Bath Pools near Zakopane – check tour prices
Crooked Forest near Szczecin

Travel cost:

Central Europe in general can be costly, but only if you plan to visit Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Poland and Czechia are both affordable destinations compared to their neighbouring countries. $2,000 will take you a long way if you choose one expensive place to spend a week and the other one is a more affordable country (e.g Germany and Poland or Switzerland and Czechia).

You can save even more money if you focus on Poland or Czechia only or book a trip to Switzerland just for 2-3 days instead of an entire week.

$5,000 will be a great budget for a luxury trip . This is suitable for couples who are on their honeymoon or retiree travellers. For young visitors and backpackers, you can probably get away with $1,000 to $1,500 for the 2 weeks trip .

Accommodation in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria is costly but affordable in Poland and Czechia. Rely on using public transportation in all countries, such as buses and trains, instead of renting a car or flying.

Itinerary #3 Baltics: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia

The Baltics are one of the most affordable regions in Europe. Although it has its fair share of tourists, the streets and attractions don’t get too busy, even during the summer season. It’s an awesome place to spend your 2 weeks in Europe vacation without being surrounded by a big crowd.

Lithuania is famous for its natural scenery, including forests, lakes, flatlands, and other landscapes. There are also historical spots here to visit, and you must try their local ciders. I personally loved their local food, especially beetroot. If you’re a foody, check this Vilnius food guide for a list of must-try dishes.

Conversely, Latvia is known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and art nouveau architecture. It’s on the coast, hence if visiting during summer, don’t forget to dip your toes.

Last but definitely not least is Estonia, which is famous for its dense woods, thousands of uninhabited islands, and rich history. It experienced a boom in tourism recently since it implemented a digital nomad visa.

Estonia is among Europe’s most linguistic nations, is one of the countries with the cleanest air in the world, and half of the country is made up of forest, which probably explains the great air quality. We also have two itineraries specifically for 2 weeks in the Baltics only or 2 weeks in Eastern Europe itineraries .

2 images - aerial view of Trakai Castle and snowy tallin - 2-weeks in europe

Lithuania for 5 days

Lithuania is rich in cultural preservation, so much so that UNESCO considered their folk dance as one of the intangible cultural heritages. They also have one of the oldest languages, even older than Greek, German, and Celtic, and the oldest tree in Europe could be found here as well.

With five days in Lithuania, you can do and see a lot of things. You can cover at least two major cities; the capital city Vilnius, and the cultural art city of Kaunas. If it’s warm enough, head to the coast and visit Klaipeda.

Here is a list of the best places to see in Lithuania:

Gediminas Castle Tower in Vilnius
Vilnius Cathedral Square
Hot Air Balloon Flight – over Vilnius or Trakai Castle
Energetikos ir technikos muziejus in Vilnius
Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and A.Mickiewicz Memorial Museum in Vilnius
MO Muziejus in Vilnius
Gates of Dawn in Vilnius
Three Crosses Monument in Vilnius – join a full-day tour from Vilnius
Walk around Uzupis
Trakai Castle near Vilnius
Kaunas Castle
Devils’ Museum in Kaunas
Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai

Latvia for 4 days

You can go to Latvia from Lithuania by driving, riding a bus, plane, or taking the train. The most recommended option is through riding a bus as it is the cheapest and fastest. Latvia is also a great destination during summer. You can take a swim on its sandy beaches, lakes, and rivers.

You can either spend the entire 4 days in Riga, the capital city or take day trips to see Gauja National Park and Turaida Museum Reserve for example. You can also explore Riga on a segway tour .

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Latvia :

House of the Black Heads in Riga – get your ticket in advance
Riga Cathedral
Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture
St. Peter’s Church
The Freedom Monument in Riga
Shop souvenirs at Riga Central Market – join a food-tasting tour
Gauja National Park outside of Riga
Rundale Palace and Museum ner Jelgava

Estonia for 4 days

To reach Estonia if you’re coming from Latvia, you could board a plane, ride a bus, take the train, or drive. The most recommended option would be to ride a plane as it’s the fastest, but the cheapest option would be to take the bus.

Estonia is very unique, they have islands but are inhabited – and that makes them interesting to visit. There, you can go fishing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and for those who love birds, birdwatching is a popular thing to do in Estonia.

Tallinn, the capital, is obviously the most popular destination. However, with 2 weeks in Europe, around the Baltics, you can also head to Parnu and Tartu – both are located in the south of Estonia. Go to Haeska, Kabili, and Matsalu for birdwatching and wildlife experiences.

Here are some of the sights to see in Estonia :

Tallinn’s Old Town
Lennusadam Seaplane Harbor in Tallinn
Lahemaa National Parl – sign up to a day trip
Patarei Prison Exhibition/Communism Prison in Tallinn
Parnu’s Beaches
Alpakafarm near Parnu
Estonian National Museum in Tartu
Tagurpidi Maja (Peapeal OÜ) / Upside Down House in Tartu
TYPA Letterpress and Paper Art Centre in Tartu
Kuressaare Castle in Saare
Join a 3-hour food tour

Travelling around the Baltics is one of my favourite destinations and one I recommend if you’re on a budget. You will still experience the European culture, walk through the alleys and paves with cobbled stone, and eat delicious meals.

It’s honestly possible to travel here for around $1,000 for those on a budget . You will stay in a hostel and consume street food or grocery store meals. The tours also don’t cost that much. Accommodation is around $25 to $35 a night, but transportation is cheap.

$2,000 is the average cost where you get to have a private room and try out a few local restaurants. For a luxury trip, $3,000 will get you very comfortable.

Itinerary #4 East Europe: Hungary and Croatia or Romania and Bulgaria

East Europe is a massive region. You will have to choose 2-3 countries to cover during your visit and perhaps next time, you go to new places. Right now, we’ll only cover 4 destinations for your 12-day in Europe itinerary; Hungary and Croatia or Romania and Bulgaria.

Croatia has so much to offer, but in the last few years, being the filming location of Game of Thrones, this country attracted more tourists. Aside from that, they also have stunning waterfalls and gorgeous Adriatic Islands, among other landscapes.

Hungary on the other hand is famous for its ruin bars, paprikas, and goulash. It also has sought-after outdoor and public thermal bars and great nightlife. Outside the city, Hungary has a lot of nature preserves and can be an affordable ski destination in winter.

Bulgaria is the oldest country in Europe and has tons of hot springs. It’s undeniable how affordable Bulgaria is as a travel destination. It also sits right on the Black Sea, a popular spot during summer.

Nightlife in Bulgaria is another reason tourists come here for its affordability. Speaking of cuisine, the traditional Bulgarian food is something of a must-try.

Romania is famous for its Carpathian Mountains, Salt Mines, and Medieval Fortresses. Just like Bulgaria, it’s also located on the Black Sea. One might want to visit Romania since it’s famous for being the home of Dracula.

2 images -city view of budapest and aerial view of dubrovnik, croatia - 2-weeks in europe

Hungary for 7 days

Hungary, like many other European countries, is a landlocked country. But it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy summer in Hungary. This country has over 1,000 natural springs water, hence, the popularity of its thermal baths.

Budapest is not the only city worth visiting in Hungary, you should also consider Debrecen and Szeged. While Balaton Uplands National Park is the spot to you want to go hiking, join wine tours, and be around nature.

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in this country :

Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest
Budapest’s Széchenyi Thermal Bath – book a full-day spa
Buda Castle
Buy souvenirs at Central Market Hall
Take a boat cruise Danube River in Budapest – check cruise prices
Matthias Church in Budapest
Esztergom Basilica
The Caves of Lillafured near Miskolc
Lavender field at Tihany

Croatia for 7 days

It is relatively easy to travel to Croatia if you’re coming from Hungary as they are neighbouring countries. You could travel by bus, by train or by driving. Any option is fine, but the cheapest option would be to ride the night bus.

As mentioned before, Croatia is now popular for being the filming location for Game of Thrones, but there are other places to see in this magnificent country. Just like its neighbouring country of Italy, Croatia is also a fantastic beach destination and so much more affordable.

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and a must-visit, then you can go to the coast. The most popular city is Split and Dubrovnik, but Zadar, Hvar, and Pula are an equally stunning area for swimming and other water activities.

Want to spend 14 days in Croatia ? Our guide has three itineraries you can check out and see which one suits you best.

Some of the top tourist attractions in this country include :

Dubrovnik’s Old Town Walls – join a walking tour
Trsteno Arboretum, Trsteno near Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s Lovrijenac Fort
Visit Game of Thrones filming locations – book a tour
Nikola Tesla Technical Museum in Zagreb
Diocletian’s Palace in Split – enjoy a walking tour with a local guide
Blue Cave, near Split – book the 5 island boat tour
Krka Waterfalls, near Split – visit on a boat tour
Plitvice Lakes National Park near Zadar
Kornati National Park near Zadar
Euphrasian Basilica in Porec
Pula’s Roman Arena
Swim at Galebove Stijene in Pula
Explore Brijuni/Brioni National Park near Pula
Mulini Beach in Rovinj

Romania for 7 days

A massive country in East Europe, Romania has a lot to offer. From national parks, vibrant cities, historical sites, and beach access to the Black Sea. Bucharest is known for great nightlife, but apart from that, it’s also rich in cultural and historical spots.

Other than Bucharest, you have to go to the Transylvanian region, known as the home of Dracula. If it’s warm enough, head to Constanza, while Brasov and Cluj-Napoca are the areas to go to during winter for skiing and other winter activities.

Here are some of the places you could visit once you reached Romania:

Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest
Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History in Bucharest
National Museum of Romanian History in Bucharest
Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum in Bucharest
Vaser Valley Forestry Railway
Bran Castle aka Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania – book a tour combo with Peles and Brasov trip
Sighisoara Historic Center
Covered Stairway in Sighisoara
The Clock Tower in Sighisoara
The Black Church in Brasov
Peles Castle near Brasov – book a 2-day tour from Bucharest to visit Brasov, Sibiu, and Sighisoara
Bucegi Natural Park near Brasoc
Transylvanian Alps

Bulgaria for 7 days

Just south of Romania, you can reach Bulgaria by train, bus, or driving. The quickest option would be to drive, which would take you more or less five hours, but the cheapest option is by riding a train.

Another country with the best nightlife, Bulgaria is popular with young tourists. But it doesn’t mean non-partygoers cannot enjoy Bulgaria. This country is a great place to explore the outdoors. There are many hiking trails and to ski here, you don’t have to spend too much.

Head to the capital city, Sofia, but for winter sports, you can go to Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo. If you are coming during the warm months, you can still go to the Black Sea by heading toward Varna.

Some of the top spots in Bulgaria are:

National Palace of Culture in Sofia
Sofia History Museum
Rila Monastery – visit with combo tour to Boyana Church
Seven Rila Lakes – check tour price from Sofia
Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo
Belogradchik Rocks
Prohodna Cave in Karlukovo
Krushuna Waterfalls
The Rose Valley near Kazanluk
The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis in Plovdiv – join a tour of Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery
Pirin National Park near Plovdiv
Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari near Shumen

East Europe is one of the most affordable regions in Europe. The accommodation alone can range between $20-$30 while food and the use of public transportation are also very affordable.

It’s easy to travel on a budget in eastern Europe, around $800 is feasible for backpackers and young travellers. If you want to be comfortable, $1,000 will be great and get you your own private room and dine at restaurants. $2,000 can easily be a luxury trip in this region for a 2-week adventure.

Itinerary #5 Nordic: Iceland, Norway, and Denmark

The next option would be the Nordic countries, which consist of Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. However, in this itinerary, we will only cover Norway, Iceland, and Denmark.

Norway is also known as the Land of the Midnight Sun. It is famous for its fjords, lakes, and magical skies (Aurora Borealis), as well as Viking culture and folklore.

Iceland is also famous for a lot of natural wonders such as geysers, active volcanoes, and glaciers. You could also see the Northern Lights here. Iceland is relying 100% on renewable energy; hydropower, and geothermal.

Last but definitely not least is Denmark, which is well-known for its coastal towns, architecture, Royalty, and cuisine. Copenhagen is a must-visit. If you find yourself with extra time, you can hop on a train and head to Sweden.

2 images - colourful houses in bergen, norway and northern lights in iceland - 2-weeks in europe

Iceland for 4 days

Iceland is the land of fire and ice, and you might be wondering why. They have glaciers but have volcanically heated pools at the same time, where you could swim all year round. That’s pretty fascinating.

Aside from that, it is also a literary-focused country. In fact, one out of ten Icelanders will publish a book even at least once in their lifetime.

Iceland is not a big country, but spending four days here is plenty. Most tourists love staying in Reykjavik, but you don’t have to. If you want to save money, you can stay outside the city and rent a car instead. You can easily move around in your own car, which means it doesn’t matter if your hotel is not in the city.

We have a complete guide and itinerary for 2 weeks in Iceland .

Top attractions in Iceland:

Drive the Golden Circle
Blue Lagoon – get your ticket in advance including Kerid Volcanic Crater
Gullfoss Falls
Seljalandsfoss
Silfra – snorkel between 2 tectonic plates between North American and Europe
Þingvellir National Park
Jökulsárlón
Chase the Northern Lights – join a tour to find the best spot
Icelandic Phallological Museum
National Museum of Iceland
Reykjanesfólkvangur
Whale Watching near Reykjavik – book a cruise
Eystri-Fellsfjara / Diamond Beach

Norway for 6 days

You will need to ride a plane to reach Norway if you’re coming from Iceland. The fastest route takes more or less 6 hours. However, the journey would be worth it because there are so many sights and sceneries once you reach Norway.

This includes the world’s longest road tunnel and the world’s most remote island, among others. This is also an amazing place to ski during winter.

Many tourists usually go to Oslo and Bergen, but you can also add Stavanger, Kristiansand, and Tromso to your itinerary of 2 weeks in Europe.

If you want to see Fjords, you have to head west; from Trondheim all the way down to Stavanger. Check our 2 weeks in Norway itinerary list if you only want to see this country.

Here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Norway:

Bygdoy Peninsula in Oslo
Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo
Viking Ship Museum in Oslo
Naeroyfjorden
Akershus Fortress in Oslo
Oslo’s Fjords – check tour prices or a cruise to Nærøyfjorden, Flåm, and Stegastein
Hanseviertel Bryggen in Bergen
Sognefjord near Bergen
Osterrjod and Mostraumen near Bergen – join a cruise
Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), in Stavanger
Lofoten Islands
Geirangerfjord
Arctic Museum in Tromso
Find the Northern Lights from Tromso – book a guided tour
Atlantic Ocean Road

Denmark for 4 days

To reach Denmark from Norway, the best would be to take a plane. There is also a car ferry service, but with a limited time, it’s not ideal. Denmark has the oldest Monarchy in Europe.

Denmark is a small country but popular not only in Europe but around the world. For many years, it has been voted the happiest country in the world. It’s also known for being safe for tourists, the home birth of lego, and has the oldest monarchy in Europe and the oldest flag in the world.

Naturally, visitors will go to Copenhagen, but since the country (excluding Greenland and the Faroe Islands) is not that big, 4 days in Denmark is plenty

You can explore the entirety of Copenhagen and even have time to go to Odense, where the famous children’s book author Hans Christian Andersen was born. You can actually get to the city centre from Copenhagen airport in just 13 minutes – a great way to save time.

Here is a list of some of the best attractions in Denmark:

The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue) – explore Copenhagen in a day
Freetown Christiania
The King’s Garden
Amalienborg
Rosenborg Castle
Tivoli Gardens – get your ticket in advance
Botanical Garden
The Round Tower
Memorial Anchor
Copenhagen Opera House
Walk around Strøget
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Christiansborg Palace
Danish Architecture Centre
Ofelia Plads
Legoland in Billund
Hans Christian Andersen’s Childhood Home
H. C. Andersens House

Nordic and Scandinavia is undeniably the most expensive place to travel around Europe. Accommodation alone could run $100, and dining and consuming alcohol are costly as well. But taking the bus and train is a little bearable.

To ensure that you will enjoy your 2 weeks in Europe around this region, plan to spend about $2,000 . If you are on a budget, you can probably do it for $1,700 but no less. But for l uxury, your trip cost will really skyrocket up to $5,000 .

Itinerary #6 West Europe: The UK, Netherlands, and Belgium

The last itinerary option for your 2 weeks in Europe includes the countries the UK, Netherlands, and Belgium, also known as the west of Europe.

The UK is popular for many things, including its monarchy, culture, history, and performers. Being the home of four different countries; England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you can easily say that it’s worth a visit. From bustling cities, amazing hiking trails, pubs to check out, and castles to explore.

There are tons of iconic places in the Netherlands despite it being a small country. The Netherlands is famous for many things . Here, you’ll be able to see windmills, cheese markets, bulb fields, and earthenware, among others. The Netherlands also have plenty of historical spots to discover including Anne Frank’s House.

The last country on our list is Belgium. They have high-quality chocolates, hence the name Belgian chocolate. This country is also well-known for waffles and beer and is the home to NATO headquarters.

2 images - tulip field with two windmills in netherlands and tower clock of london

The UK for 6 days

There are many things to see in the UK, and six days is definitely not going to be enough. But don’t panic. If this is your first time here, list the attractions you really want to see first. The world-famous Big Ben, London Eye, and River Thames can all be found here, and that’s just in London.

If you have been here before, perhaps, you can now explore less popular areas. Perhaps, you can focus on hiking instead of being in the city or just spend 14 days in England only, especially if it’s your first time.

It’s undeniable that the UK has the most famous monarchy in the world. London alone has a lot of attractions related to the British Monarchy and historical places. In order to make the most out of your trip, the recommended duration of stay is at least five days.

ALSO READ: 2 weeks in the UK , 2 weeks in England , and 2 weeks in Ireland and Northern Ireland itineraries.

List of some best places to see in the UK :

Tower Bridge
Stonehenge – book a combo tour with Windsor Castle and Bath
Buckingham Palace
The British Museum
Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition – buy your ticket in advance
Kensington Palace
Madame Tussauds – get your skip-the-line ticket
Shakespeare’s Globe
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Book a Harry Potter tour – Warner Bros. Studio
Scotney Castle
Bodiam Castle
Warwick Castle
Lake District National Park
Dean Village
Edinburgh Castle – book a skip-the-line tour
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands – check the tour price from Edinburgh
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Titanic Belfast – join a guided tour
Crumlin Road Gaol
Giants Causeway – visit with a stop at Dark Hedges, Dunluce, and Belfast
Free Derry Corner
The Derry Walls

The Netherlands for 4 days

You could either ride the train or drive if you want to reach the Netherlands from the UK. Once you reach the Netherlands, you could experience the biggest ice skating tour in the world, or join a cycling tour. You can also know more about world-famous painters like Van Gogh and Rembrandt.

Four days sounds too little but you can actually do a lot while in the Netherlands. You can of course explore Amsterdam, and head to The Hague, Rotterdam, and Groningen.

Some things to see and do in The Netherlands:

Jordaan and Amsterdam’s Canals – book the famous canal cruise
Anne Frank House
Rijksmuseum
Mauritshuis
Van Gogh Museum – enjoy with an audio guide
The Windmills of Kinderdijk
Hoge Veluwe National Park
Valkenburg Castle Ruins

Belgium for 4 days

To reach Belgium, you could ride the train, ride a bus, use rideshare, or drive. The cheapest option would be to use rideshare and the most recommended option would be to ride the train. It would take you almost 3 hours to reach your destination.

The popular cities in Belgium are Brussels which is the capital, Ghent, Antwerp, and Bruges. You can take buses, trains, or rent a car to travel between cities. Don’t forget to go try different beers and waffles which are two of my favourite part of my visit.

Popular attractions in Belgium:

Grand Palace
Atomium – get your entry ticket in advance
Sign up for the famous Hungry Mary’s beer and chocolate tour or join chocolate making class
Manneken Pis
Day trip to Bruges and Ghent – enjoy with a tour guide
The Canals of Bruges
Battlefield in Flanders
Belfry of Bruges
Basilica of the Holy Blood
Bruges Beer Experience
Sint-Salvatorskathedraal
Gravensteen
Museum Aan de Stroom
The Rubens House

What I enjoy about travelling in western Europe is how it’s honestly a pricey place but it can be done on a budget. If you think you can stay on your feet for long hours and walking around is not a problem, you can easily cut costs by taking the bus or taxi. The accommodation will surely get you, but dining can be affordable.

The street food in all these countries is fun, globally diverse, and easy to find. For budget travellers, $1,700 is required for your 2-week trip and most likely requires you to stay in a youth hostel. $ 2,500 offers comfort and a bit of luxury where you can dine at nice restaurants. $4,000 means you can stay in hotels right downtown and near the top attractions, With this budget, you can even hire taxis during your entire trip.

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN EUROPE

There are so many countries to choose from if you plan to visit Europe. Fortunately, Europe has amazing transportation between cities and countries, making it easy to travel around even with limited time.

When planning your 14-day itinerary for Europe, don’t try to cram it too much. It’s better to travel a bit slower, see fewer places, but be able to enjoy and process everything you have seen and experienced. Europe is not going anywhere, you can always visit again and check out a new place.

I hope that you found these 2 weeks in Europe itineraries helpful in planning your own.

TO SAVE THIS ITINERARY, PIN THIS IMAGE BELOW:

Travel across Europe for two weeks, experiencing Paris's romance, Rome's ancient history, Prague's Gothic architecture, and Amsterdam's canals. Enjoy diverse cultures, cuisines, and landscapes from sunny beaches to majestic mountains in this unforgettable journey. via @twoweektraveller

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

2 Week Europe Itinerary - Barcelona Parc Guell Sunrise

2 Weeks in Europe – The Perfect Europe Itinerary

Last updated: January 28, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 30 Comments

Are you visiting Europe and looking for the perfect itinerary? Well, you’re in the right place! We’ve travelled extensively in Europe, and based on our experiences, we’ve put together a detailed 2 week Europe itinerary to help you plan.

This Europe itinerary will take you to many of the highlights that we think first time visitors to Europe will want to see and explore for themselves. These include many of our favourite destinations that we’ve visited multiple times over.

This itinerary is aimed at those of you visiting Europe for the first time, or those of you looking for an easy itinerary to follow that covers some of the major highlights of Western Europe. It’s not overly rushed as we think you will get more from your experience if you focus on a few major locations rather than trying to see everything in one go.

The trip as outlined is for 14 days in Europe, but you could make it longer or shorter depending on how much time you have. For example, with 10 days in Europe, you could clip off a day or two in some of the cities, and maybe even skip one of the cities to make it a more comfortable experience.

As well as the itinerary, we’re also going to share everything you need to know to help you plan the perfect European trip. Tips about currency, what to pack, where to stay, how to get around and other considerations.

Hopefully this guide will give you everything you need to know to plan your own perfect European adventure, and of course, we’re always happy to answer your questions in the comments. Now, let’s get started!

2 Week Europe Itinerary

This two week itinerary has you visiting four European countries and five cities. We think these cover some of the top highlights of Europe.

The destinations on this itinerary are all cities, so this trip is aimed more towards those of you looking to explore the cities, which are all full of cultural highlights, fantastic restaurants, and plenty of photo-worthy sights!

But if have your eye more on smaller towns, secondary cities, and rural locations, this might not be the best itinerary for you.

If you’d prefer to focus on one country, take a look at our two week UK itinerary , and our 10 day Italy itinerary for some inspiration.

Days 1 – 3: London

We’re going to start your European adventure with 3 days in London . London makes a great starting point for your European itinerary. It has a number of international airports to choose from, so getting here is easy, and there are a wealth of sights and cultural attractions to immerse yourself in. I lived in London for a number of years, and it’s still one of my favourite cities in the world.

If this is your first overseas trip and you are coming from an English speaking country, London is a good place to ease yourself into the experience. You can acclimate yourself to the time difference and get used to travelling in a new country, without having a language barrier to work with as well.

We think 3 days is a good amount of time to spend basing yourself in London. We’d suggest spending at least two days exploring the capital, and perhaps one day trip outside of London. This might look as follows.

On your first day in London, we’d suggest seeing the major sights around Westminster. This includes the Houses of Parliament , Westminster Abbey , Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, the Churchill War Rooms , Buckingham Palace and the London Eye .

House2Bof2BParliament2Bexterior_by_Laurence2BNorah255B3255D

On your second day, which will be a full day, we’d suggest starting at the Tower of London . Get here when it opens to avoid the crowds if you can. Included on the London Pass , or y ou can buy a ticket online in advance here . Using our link saves you some money on the adult admission price for the Tower of London, meaning these discounted Tower of London tickets are some of the best value we’re aware of.

We also recommend checking prices via GetYourGuide here , and on the official website here , as pricing can vary. You can also see opening times and other information for your visit on the official site.

Once you are done with the Tower of London, you can see more sites in the area like Tower Bridge , Borough Market (a London Harry Potter filming location ), St. Paul’s Cathedral , the Tate Modern , Shakespeare’s Globe and the Shard .

You certainly won’t run out of things to occupy your time! For some more inspiration, see our guides for 2 days in London and 3 days in London . We also recommend picking up a two day London Pass to save money on your sightseeing while in London. You can do that here .

On your third day in the UK, we recommend taking a day trip out of the city. This could be to somewhere like Windsor Castle or Hampton Court Palace , neither of which are too far.

If you really want to get out a bit further, we can recommend perhaps taking a trip to Stonehenge, the Cotswolds, Bath or Oxford. There are a variety of companies who offer easy day trips from London which include a number of these highlights like this or this , or you could do it yourself.

See our guide to taking a day trip to Stonehenge and a day trip to Oxford for some inspiration. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, then you may instead consider a trip out to the Harry Potter Studios where the films were made.

Of course, you will want to adjust this schedule depending on when you arrive and depart London. Our suggestion would be to take the day trip on your last day, overnight in London, and then take an early morning train to Paris.

Whilst you’re in London, we recommend getting around by public transport. It’s the most cost effective and also generally the most efficient way to get around. See our guide to public transport in London for some tips, as well as our overview of how to pay for public transport in London .

If you enjoy walking tours, there’s no shortage of options to choose from in the city. We love taking a walking tour when we first arrive in a new city – it can be a good way to get familiar with the city, plus you can ask your guide for local tips on places to eat and less well-known attractions.

If you do decide to take a walking tour, we suggest Take Walks for small group tour (tours range in length from a couple of hours to full day tours), and Context for private tours. We’d specifically recommend this full day walking tour with Take Walks as a possible option to consider.

You’ll most likely be arriving into London by plane, into one of London’s major international airports. London actually has six airports, but you’re most likely to land in either Gatwick or Heathrow. Whichever one you do land at, we have a guide to how to get from the airport to London .

Well, that’s your time in London covered. Now we’ll suggest a few places for you to stay, before giving you some tips on getting from Paris to London.

Where to stay in London

Some of our favourite hotels, from budget to luxury, in London are as follows:

The Walrus Bar and Hostel – A well reviewed centrally located hostel
The Z hotel in Shoreditch – Excellent value in a popular part of London with great dining options
Point A Hotel – We’ve stayed here; the rooms are tiny but clean and it’s a great budget option.
Lime Tree Hotel – A well reviewed boutique hotel, around nine minutes walk from London Victoria
The Resident Victoria Hotel – A well reviewed and centrally located hotel offering excellent value for money. The room we stayed in was quite compact, but it had everything we needed
The Savoy – true luxury as close to the city centre as you can get!

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend Plum Guide .

Plum Guide doesn’t have quite so many choices as some other UK based websites , but they carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve used them on a number of trips and always had a great experience. See their listings for London here .

If you can’t find what you want on Plum Guide or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB which you should check out!

How to get to Paris from London

We’d recommend taking the Eurostar train service from London to Paris. This departs multiple times a day, and the journey takes 2 hours and 16 minutes.

This is a lot quicker than flying, especially once you consider you’ll have to get to and from the airport on either end. The Eurostar will take you directly to Gare Du Nord. Get your tickets for that journey in advance here .

We also have a guide to getting from London to Paris which lists all the options you have.

Days 4 – 6: Paris

Welcome to Paris – the city of lights and love! We’re going to suggest three full days exploring Paris, as the city has so much to offer.

After you’ve dropped your bags off at your hotel (or at a luggage storage location ), it’s time to start sightseeing. As with London, the plan is to see the major sights in the city.

We’re going to start off with the Eiffel Tower . This is without doubt Paris’s most famous landmark, and a must-visit when you come to Paris. You can either enjoy the views from below or head up inside the tower to one of the various stages.

If you do decide to go up the Eiffel Tower, we highly recommend you book your tickets in advance. The best place to do this is on the official website . There are often huge lines for tickets on site, and you don’t want to waste time unnecessarily. For a lot more tips for your visit, see our complete guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower .

From the Eiffel Tower, we suggest taking a cruise on the River Seine , which will let you see many of the highlights of the city from the river. You can book a discounted Seine River cruise which departs from near the Eiffel Tower with our link .

Alternatively, you might prefer to do an evening Seine River dinner cruise , in which case this will happen later.

After the cruise, you might consider a walking tour of Paris or a Hop on Hop off bus trip. Alternatively, consider visiting the Musee d’Orsay .

On your second day in Paris, we suggest you start bright and early with a visit to spectacular Sainte Chapelle , one of Paris’s prettiest churches. The stained-glass windows here have to be seen to be believed. Just be sure to turn up at or just before opening time, as the lines get very busy.

From here, you can pop across to Notre Dame if you want. Due to the fire in 2019 this is undergoing significant reconstruction work, so do keep that in mind. From Notre Dame, head across to the Louvre , one of the most famous art museums in the world.

There’s a huge amount to see here, including highlights such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. You could spend a whole day here, but you may want to limit yourself to 2 – 3 hours so you can see more of the city! Book your tickets online in advance here .

From the Louvre, if you have time, you might consider sneaking in a wine tasting session , or going for afternoon tea in Paris . From here, it’s time to head up the most famous shopping street in Paris, the Champs Elysees, where you’ll finish up at the Arc de Triomphe .

This massive archway stands in memory of those who died in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The view from the top is one of our favourite views in Paris, so do head to the top if you have the time.

For your final day in Paris, our suggestion is that you head out to Versailles . This was the palace of French royalty, and is a stunning place to visit. You can book your tickets for Versailles in advance here .

Between exploring the palace and the extensive gardens, there is more than enough to do here to fill from half a day to a full day, which is why we suggest allocating most of the day to it. Then perhaps plan a nice dinner or show for your final evening.

We can recommend the evening show at the Moulin Rouge, and you can read about our experience at the Moulin Rouge here , and book tickets here .

And that’s all your sightseeing for your time in Paris on our European itinerary! For more detailed inspiration for your time in Paris, see our itinerary for 3 days in Paris and 2 days in Paris , which should give you lots more ideas.

For your visit in Paris, we recommend either the Paris Pass , or the Paris Museum Pass . The former includes a number of activities like the hop on hop off bus tour, guided Eiffel Tower climb, and Seine River cruise, as well as all the museums and sights included on the Paris Museum Pass. These both include most of the attractions we’ve listed, including Versailles.

You can buy the Paris Pass on the official site here , and the Paris Museum Pass here .

Again, for those of you who enjoy walking tours, we recommend Take Walks and Context . The former offer small group walking tours, whilst the latter primarily focus on private tours. We’ve taken tours with both companies in cities around the world and are always happy to recommend them.

As an example tour, check out this full day Paris tour , which includes a Skip the Line Louvre Tour, Eiffel Tower, Montmartre & Seine River Cruise.

As with London, the easiest way to get around Paris is to take public transport. Specifically, the Metro is likely going to be the fastest and most cost-effective way to get around.

We have a full guide to how to get around Paris , which should help you plan your transport in the city.

Now, we’re going to share some tips on where to stay in Paris, as well as how to get to the next city on your itinerary of Europe – Barcelona.

Where to stay in Paris

Our itinerary has you spending 2 nights in Paris, arriving by train on the morning of the first day, and departing either by plane on the evening of the third day. We suggest the following options for accommodation in Paris.

3 Ducks Hostel . A well-rated boutique hostel just 2 minutes from the nearest metro and a 22 minute walk to the Eiffel Tower
Hotel Dress Code & Spa , A highly reviewed centrally located 4 star hotel
Hotel Ekta Champs Elysees – a well rated 3* hotel just off the Champs Elysees
Hôtel Eiffel Turenne , A well rated 3* hotel within a ten minute walk of the Eiffel Tower
Ateliers de Montmartre , An apartment in Montmartre with views of the Sacre Coeur
Vintage Paris Gare du Nord by Hiphophostels , A hostel located just next to Paris Gare du Nord
George V – A fabulous centrally located 5* hotel, an excellent luxury pick

We’ve also stayed in Paris with Plum Guide in a gorgeous apartment with Eiffel Tower views. See their listings for Paris here .

How to get from Paris to Barcelona

You have two main options for travelling from Paris to Barcelona, you can take the train, or you can fly.

There used to be a direct night train from Paris to Barcelona, but this was discontinued in 2013. So you can take a train in the daytime (around 6.5 hours journey time) or you can travel by a slower overnight train (around 13 hours).

We think flying is likely going to be the easiest option. There are a number of direct evening flights from Paris to Barcelona, taking just under two hours. Just try to book a flight from Paris Orly or Paris Charles de Gaulle. Many budget airlines operate from Paris Beauvais, which is quite a long way outside the city, and requires a lengthy coach journey.

Check flight times and prices online here . If you’d prefer to take the train, you can check train times and prices here .

Days 7- 9: Barcelona

It’s time for the third city on your European adventure – Barcelona! Barcelona is full of incredible sights, including architectural gems from Antoni Gaudi, a gothic city center, and even a beach!

Again, we think you’ll need 3 days to do justice to all the sights in Barcelona. We’re also going to suggest a day trip from the city to explore some of the surrounding highlights. Here’s how your three days in Barcelona might look.

We suggest starting your first day with a trip to the Sagrada Familia . This was master architect Antoni Gaudi’s final work, and whilst construction was started in 1882, he didn’t live to see it completed. It’s getting there now, but still has some way to go!

The Sagrada Familia is a very popular attraction and they operate a timed entry system. It’s vital that you reserve your timeslot in advance, as otherwise you will end up in a very long queue, and at busy times of year, tickets sell out far in advance. You can reserve your tickets online here .

We also have a detailed guide to visiting the Sagrada Familia which we recommend reading in advance of your visit.

After spending a couple of hours at the Sagrada Familia, we recommend heading across to the nearby Recinte Modernista Sant Pau , a beautiful Art Nouveau style hospital building which has UNESCO world heritage status.

After the Recinte Modernista Sant Pau, continue on to Park Güell . This is a large public park which was also designed by Anton Gaudi, and there’s a lot to see here. Again, this is a popular spot with timed entry, and we highly advise booking this online in advance here .

Near Park Güell is the Gaudi Experience , where you can learn a bit about the man behind some of the wonderful architecture you have been experiencing. You can get tickets for that here if you are interested.

From the Gaudi Experience, you have a few options depending on your interest. If you are using the hop on hop off bus to travel around Barcelona (included on the Go Barcelona Pass ), it continues from Park Guell on to a number of other attractions.

These include the hill top fairground Tibidabo , the stunning Monastery of Pedralbes , and Camp Nou , the home of Barcelona’s football club.

We’re sure one or more of those will be of interest!

For your second day in Barcelona, we suggest starting with a visit to some of Gaudi’s famous houses near the city centre – Casa Batlló , and Casa Milá . These are popular, so try to get here by opening time so as not to have to queue for too long.

Then, continue your day by exploring the oldest part of Barcelona – the Gothic Quarter. Here you can visit the incredible Barcelona Cathedral , the UNESCO world heritage listed Palau de la Musica Catalana , and the Picasso Museum .

For your third day, you could continue to explore Barcelona. You could visit the beach, Barcelona Zoo , the attractions on Montjuic Hill – the list goes on! See our 3 day Barcelona itinerary for more ideas.

However, we think you might enjoy heading out of the city on a day trip to explore a bit of Catalonia, the region which Barcelona is capital of.

A popular day trip from Barcelona is a visit to Girona and Figueres, two lovely towns which are rich in history. Girona is home to stunning medieval architecture, and Figueres is known as the birthplace of surrealist artist Salvador Dali .

You can see our guide to visiting Girona and Figueres in a day here . In terms of tours, we suggest this full day tour which includes Girona and the coast, or this full day tour which includes Girona and time to visit the Dali Museum in Figueres.

The other popular option is to visit the spectacular monastery and mountains of Montserrat, around an hour from Barcelona. You can see our guide to visiting Montserrat here for all the tips you need to do that.

Of course, there are lots of other tour options. You could go hot air ballooning , visit the Vall de Nuria , go skiing (if you visit in winter), go hiking in La Garrotxa , visit the Montserrat monastery – the list goes on!

That just about wraps up our suggestions for what to see and do with your three days in Barcelona.

To further help you with your planning for Barcelona, we have some guides we think you’ll find useful. See our itinerary for 3 days in Barcelona , our guide to Gaudi sites in Barcelona , and our favourite photography locations in Barcelona to get you started.

There are a few city passes for Barcelona, including the Barcelona City Pass , the Barcelona Card , and the Go Barcelona Pass . These work slightly differently, and so one or the other might be better for you. See our full break down and review of all the passes in our comparison of the Barcelona Discount Passes .

For most visitors we think the Go Barcelona Pass will offer the best value as it includes the main attractions like the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and hop on hop off bus tour. We also have a full review of the Go Barcelona Pass to help you decide if it’s going to save you some money.

Finally, it’s worth bearing in mind that Barcelona has a bit of a poor reputation when it comes to petty crime, specifically around pick pockets, and items like phones being swiped off cafe tables. We have not personally experienced this, but have heard firsthand accounts from readers and friends who have.

We have more on this in our section below with tips for safety when travelling in Europe, but just try to keep your valuables out of sight all the time, ideally in zipped and secured pockets.

Now, let’s look at some options for where to stay in Barcelona, before planning how to get to the next city in your Europe itinerary.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

Here are a few options for your stay in Barcelona across a variety of price points, including a number of hotels we’ve personally stayed in and can recommend.

Hotel Barcelona Catedral – A 4* property in Barcelona in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. We’ve stayed here, and enjoyed the roof top pool and incredible central location.
Hostel One Ramblas – A very well reviewed and very central hostel option
The 8 Boutique B&B – A highly rated and well located bed and breakfast
Duquesa de Cardona – A 4* property on the waterfront with a roof top bar
Leonardo Hotel Barcelona Las Ramblas – Part of the good value Leonardo chain, this 3* property is a few moments from Las Ramblas. We enjoyed our stay here, and the breakfast in particular was excellent.
Ohla Barcelona – A very central 5* property with a roof top pool and excellent reviews.

How to Get from Barcelona to Venice

From Barcelona, the next stop on the trip will be Venice, Italy. If you are travelling for less than two weeks, you might want to skip Venice, and head straight to the last city on this itinerary, but for two weeks in Europe, we think Venice is a great addition.

The main option you have for getting from Barcelona to Rome is to fly. Of course, you could take the train, but as the average journey is around 22 hours and requires a number of changes, we’d suggest a flight is going to make more sense.

A direct flight from Barcelona to Rome is just under 2 hours. You can either go on your evening of your final day in Barcelona or the morning of the following day, it’s up to you. We think travelling in the evening makes more sense so you don’t lose time sightseeing in the morning.

Check times and book your flights here .

Days 10 – 11: Venice

You’ve arrived in the fourth and final country of your 2-week European itinerary – Italy! Home to amazing gelato , delicious coffee , and oodles of history.

We’re going to visit two cities in Italy on your European itinerary, both of which are favourites with visitors to Italy – us included! Of course, it’s hard to pick a second city in Italy from all the amazing options, but we think Venice is a must. Naturally, this will be followed by Rome.

We’ve put Venice ahead of Rome for the simple reason that it’s relatively easy to fly to Venice from the rest of Europe, but a little bit harder to fly onwards from Venice to international destinations. Ending the itinerary in Rome should make it easier for you to travel onwards to international destinations.

Anyway, we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

The next city on your European adventure is the beautiful city of Venice. This car-free city is famous for being built across a number of islands, with waterways and boats replacing roads and cars.

Venice is definitely one of our favourite cities in Europe, and was where we had our wedding ceremony with friends and family. So it’s definitely a city that is close to our hearts.

We’re going to recommend you spend two days in Venice. Many people visit the city for a day, which is do-able of course, but to really get a feel for Venice, we think you’ll enjoy spending two days here.

Our recommendation for your two days in Venice is to spend the first day exploring the highlights of the city – places like St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace and the Rialto Bridge. Take a Gondola ride , listen to musicians playing in the cafes, and get lost down the countless winding alleyways.

For your second day, we recommend taking a boat out to one of the islands around Venice, like Murano or Burano. These are much quieter with a different vibe to Venice itself, and we think you’ll enjoy this as a way to finish off your grand European adventure.

For more inspiration on what to do in Venice, see our guide to spending a day in Venice . We also recommend reading our guide to visiting the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica .

Of course, if you would prefer to visit another city in Italy other than Venice, you could spend these two days in any number of destinations, including the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Naples or Florence . You could even do a one day stopover in Florence on your way to Rome, rather than spending the two days in Venice. It’s entirely up to you, and depends on the flights you can find.

Where to Stay in Venice

Venice has a great many options for accommodation. Just be aware that many of the properties are old (as is much of the city!), and so elevators are not always standard. In addition, there are no vehicles allowed, so to get to your hotel from the train station you’ll need to take a ferry boat, water taxi, or walk.

Casa Cosmo – a great value well rated budget option, five minutes walk from St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. Rooms are air conditioned and are en-suite
B&B Bloom Settimo Cielo – A highly rated and good value B&B breakfast, 10 minutes from St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. Individually designed rooms have en-suite facilities, and there’s a rooftop terrace
Leon Bianco on the Grand Canal – this historic property with Grand Canal views is where we stayed for our wedding ceremony in Venice. The views are fantastic, and it’s amazing value for the location
Hotel Saturnia & International – a lovely 4* hotel just moments from Saint Mark’s Square, this turn of the century hotel offers en-suite rooms, a terrace with views, and an on-site restaurant.
The Gritti Palace – a 5* luxury property right on St. Mark’s Square – this is the place you stay if you want to be in the middle of everything

How to Get from Venice to Rome

The best way to get from Venice to Rome is to take the train.

As always, you’ll get the best prices if you book your tickets in advance. You can check train times, prices, and book online here .

There are also flights, but by the time you have gotten to the airport, checked in, and then collected your baggage at the other end and gotten from Rome airport to the city center, you might as well have taken the train!

Days 12 – 14: Rome

Your next stop in Italy, and the last stop on your Europe itinerary, is the Italian capital of Rome. Founded almost 3,000 years ago, Rome is absolutely stuffed full of historical wonders and attractions.

We think that to do Rome justice, you should spend three days here. Here’s how those days might look.

Start your first day with a visit to the Colosseum . Built during the height of the Roman Empire, and nearly 2,000 years old, this is the largest amphitheatre in the world. It’s a must when in Rome.

Do be aware that like many of the other popular attractions in our itinerary, the Colosseum operates a timeslot system for entry, and you absolutely need to book in advance. See our complete guide to visiting the Colosseum for more on that.

After the Colosseum, we recommend visiting the Roman Forum, which is next to the Colosseum, and usually included on the Colosseum entry ticket. This was the heart of the Roman Empire, and is also a must when visiting Rome.

You’ll likely already be half way through your first day already. We suggest spending the rest of the day exploring the historic city center, with attractions like the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain.

For your second day in Rome, we recommend you head to the Vatican City. This is a city-state inside Rome itself, and is home to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican Museums are home to world renowned works of art as well as the Sistine Chapel – a masterpiece of Renaissance art.

Both these attractions are very popular, and you will want to plan in advance to ensure you don’t waste time standing in line if you are visiting at a busy time of year. You have a few options.

First, you can take a guided tour which includes the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica like this one .

This will give you loads of information about what you are seeing and ensure you don’t waste time standing in line.

Another option is to invest in a pass which includes skip the line entry or a tour of these attractions. We would suggest looking at the Rome Tourist Card which includes skip the line access to the Vatican, Colosseum, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

You can also consider the Omnia Vatican and Rome Card , although this doesn’t currently include skip the line access to St. Peter’s Bascilica.

Finally, you can book individual tickets here for the Vatican via their official website (or here on GetYourGuide , which is easier to use in our experience).

As of early 2023 St Peter’s Basilica doesn’t actually have an entry fee, but nor does it have skip the line tickets (skip the line tickets used to be an option and we hope they come back soon!). So the best option if you want to skip the line is to invest either in a tour or a pass which includes a tour like the Rome Tourist Card .

You can also book Vatican tickets here , using our link gives you 5% off their usual price for Vatican tickets. It’s a little more expensive than the official website but somewhat more user friendly in our experience.

Exit Stairway Vatican Museums Rome_by_Laurence Norah (3)

We recommend allocating at least half a day to explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.

For lots more information on visiting the Vatican City and its attractions, see our complete guide to the Vatican , which has everything you need to know, including all the highlights, tips for visiting, how to buy tickets and lots more.

From here, head along to the Tiber River, and explore Castel Sant’Angelo (get tickets here ). Afterwards you can head back towards the city center, and visit locations like the Piazza Popolo.

If you have time and are interested you could also visit the Borghese Gallery. Note that this is also a timed entry system – see our guide to visiting the Borghese Gallery for more.

For your last day in Rome, we recommend spending some time exploring the Appian Way. This was one of the major routes in and out of the city, and is home to a number of ancient Roman ruins, as well as catacombs. A stop at the Baths of Caracalla on your way out of the city is also recommended.

Another option for your last day in Rome (or your first day, depending on how you decide to structure your itinerary) is to take a walking tour.

We’ve taken a number of walking tours in Rome with both Take Walks and Context , and enjoyed them all. As an example, see this introduction to Rome which includes gelato tasting!

For more inspiration for your visit to Rome, see our itineraries for 3 days in Rome , 2 days in Rome and a day in Rome .

In terms of saving money, there are a number of passes available for sight-seeing. For 3 days, our recommendation would be the Omnia Rome and Vatican Card. This includes public transport in Rome, a hop on hop off pass, and skip the line entry with timed reservations at the major attractions.

There are other passes as well, including the Roma Pass , the Rome Tourist Card and the Best of Rome All Access pass . Which is best for you will depend on how many sites you are interested in visiting, and whether you plan on using the specific features they offer.

That pretty much finishes up the itinerary section of this post. We’ll share with you our tips for where to stay in Rome, before moving on to some practical information to help you plan this trip perfectly.

Where to Stay in Rome

We recommend the following hotels in Rome. The first three are near the main train station, which will make for an easier transfer when you arrive from Venice.

Gioberti Art Hotel – 50 yards from Termini Station, a well rated excellent value 4* hotel
NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento – Awesome value 5* hotel just a few steps from the train station
Hotel Valentino Palace – a fantastic mid-range 3* property, just 150 yards from the train station
The Navona Theatre Hotel – a well reviewed and very centrally located 3* hotel
The Mimosa Pantheon Hotel – an excellent value budget hotel just around the corner from the Pantheon
The Hotel Navona – a well reviewed 3* hotel next to the Pantheon
Di Rienzo Pantheon Palace – a centrally located well reviewed boutique hotel within walking distance of Rome’s highlights

2 days in Rome - Sunrise castell d angelo rome

2 Week Europe Itinerary Map

To help you visualise this itinerary, we’ve put together this overview map of the stops and route.

2 Week Europe Itinerary Summary:

Day 1: London. Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Churchill War Rooms, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye .
Day 2: London. Tower of London , Tower Bridge, Borough Market, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and the Shard.
Day 3: London. Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, Stonehenge
Day 4: Paris. Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise, Musee d’Orsay, Walking tour
Day 5: Paris. Saint Chapelle, Notre Dame, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe
Day 6: Paris. Versaille, Moulin Rouge
Day 7: Barcelona. Sagrada Familia, Recinte Modernista Sant Pau, Park Güell, Gaudi Experience, Camp Nou
Day 8: Barcelona. Casa Batlló, Casa Milá, Barcelona Cathedral, Palau de la Musica Catalana, Picasso Museum
Day 9: Barcelona. Girona & Figueres
Day 10: Venice. St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, Gondola ride
Day 11: Venice. Murano, Burano
Day 12: Rome. Colosseum, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain.
Day 13: Rome. Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza Popolo, Borghese Gallery
Day 14: Rome. Appian Way, Baths of Caracalla

How to Get Around Europe

Europe has no shortage of transportation options to get you from place to place. For this itinerary, we would suggest you primarily use the train to get from city to city.

The high speed trains in Europe run frequently, are very comfortable, and are more environmentally friendly than short hop flights. If you book in advance they can also be cost effective. They also have the advantage that there are fewer baggage restrictions, and train stations tend to be in the city center – unlike airports.

Of course, not every segment of this trip would suit a train. For example, from Barcelona to Venice would take at least 24 hours by train. Also, Paris to Barcelona is a fairly lengthy journey. There is the option to take an overnight train, however it isn’t direct so it takes a while. It does save you the cost of a hotel night though.

For train travel across Europe, it’s important to book your tickets in advance as this will get you the best prices. We recommend thetrainline which supports booking tickets in all the countries visited on this itinerary.

For flights, we suggest you try Kiwi , which includes the major low cost airlines as well the more traditionally priced carriers.

When to Visit Europe

You can certainly visit Europe year-round, although visiting at different times of year will give you different experiences.

For the most part, summers in Europe are quite warm, with temperatures likely to be between 25C & 32C (77F – 90F) on average. Whilst the weather is going to be most reliable in the summer months of June through August, this is also going to be the busiest time of year to visit.

The cities in particular are very popular with visitors, and lines for attractions can be long at these times of year. We wouldn’t say you shouldn’t visit at this time of year, but you should definitely plan ahead and arrange all your entry tickets so as to make the most effective use of your time.

Our favourite time to travel in Europe is the shoulder months of April / May, and September / October. These months tend to offer a combination of reasonable weather and less busy attractions.

We’ve also travelled extensively throughout Europe in the cooler winter months, from November through to March. It never gets much below freezing during this time, so as long as you dress appropriately, we think you will have a great time.

See our guide to what to pack for London to give you some ideas of what you might want to bring along.

We don’t think there’s a bad time of year to travel in Europe. It’s just a question of planning and preparing properly in advance. It is also worth checking if there are any events happening in the city when you visit that might cause it to be busier.

For example, Venice has a major Carnival celebration near the start of the year, and the city is always busier at this time. Other cities also have events, and if you visit during them you will find accommodation prices will be higher, and the city will be busier.

Practical Advice for Travelling in Europe

Europe uses a 220-240V electrical system, so if you are travelling from the USA, Canada, or any other country that uses a 110V system, you will need to check that your electrical items are compatible.

In our experience, lower power items like laptops and smartphone charges are compatible from 110V – 240V, but higher power items like hair dryers and hair straighteners are usually not. The power rating and acceptable voltage should be marked on the device somewhere.

It’s really important you don’t plug a device into a voltage it doesn’t support, as it will damage it. Its best to leave non-compatible items at home and purchase a dual voltage appliance if you need it during your trip, such as a dual voltage hair straightener .

In addition, the UK and continental Europe have two different plug types. Mainland Europe generally uses a two pin system with round holes, whilst the UK has a three pin system with rectangular holes.

For travel, therefore, you will need a travel adaptor like this which will let you plug your devices in. Note that most travel adaptors are not voltage convertors. You would need something like this to convert the voltage.

Internet in the form of free WiFi access is fairly easy to get access too across all the cities mentioned in our article. In addition, since the EU has abolished roaming charges, if you buy a SIM card in one EU country, you should be able to continue to use it in other countries without any additional charges.

Depending on the device you are travelling with, you will have a number of options for accessing the internet when you travel, from picking up a local SIM, to renting a WiFi hotspot, to just using WiFi as you go.

We have a detailed guide to getting online when you travel to help you figure out which is best for you.

The two currencies that you’ll need for this trip are the pound sterling (GBP) and the euro (EUR). The UK (London in the case of our itinerary) uses the pound sterling and the rest of the European destinations on our itinerary use the Euro. Euros from one country can be used in any of the other countries.

In our experience, you should be able to pay for the majority of your travel spending using a credit or debit card. We’d advise getting one of these that doesn’t impose foreign transaction fees if that is an option. Ideally it will also support contactless technology, which will make using it for smaller payments easier.

We would also suggest you always have some cash in the local currency on you for small purchases, tips, and places that don’t accept credit cards (or if there is any issues with your credit card).

There are cash machines available in all the major cities on this itinerary where you will be able to use your bank card to withdraw a local currency. Depending on the policy of your bank at home, you might be able to withdraw cash from these without a fee, but do check in advance of your travel so you don’t pay fees unexpectedly. Some ATM’s also charge a fee.

If there is a fee from your bank for withdrawing cash, you might find it is more cost effective to order some money at home before you leave – or to find a bank account that lets you withdraw cash fee free.

All the cities that we have listed are relatively safe, but of course you should take the same safety precautions when travelling that you would at home. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and don’t leave valuables lying around where they could be easily snatched.

It’s also a good idea to read up on some of the common scams that you might encounter in each city – for example, we wrote a guide to common scams in Paris to give you an idea of what to look out for.

We’d also suggest keeping your valuables locked in your hotel safe when possible, and to avoid carrying large amounts of money on you. We’d also suggest having a good travel insurance policy. Basically, just apply the same safety principles that you would at home to your personal belongings and safety, and you should have a safe trip!

Drinking Water

Unless otherwise indicated with a sign, the water in the taps in all of the cities on our list is safe to drink. In some cities, you’ll also found water fountains where you can refill your water bottle.

The water in Barcelona does have a slightly strange taste due to the high mineral content, and many local people prefer to drink bottled water. However, the tap water is safe to drink unless otherwise noted.

We very much recommend that you travel with a high quality reusable water bottle like this and fill it up as you go. This will be friendlier to the environment, and save you having to spend money on a resource that is available for free.

Walking Tours in Europe

One of our favourite ways to explore a new city is to take a walking tour. It’s a great way to get oriented, learn about the city, its sights and its culture, plus get local tips on places to eat, drink and see from the guide.

We’ve taken walking tours in cities around the world, and we nearly always use one of two companies – Take Walks , and Context . Both of these companies offer small group walking tours in all the cities we’ve covered.

Take Walks offers tours with groups of up to around 14, whilst Context offers more private and semi-private tours. Here are some example tours to consider for the various cities in this itinerary.

This London In a Day tour visit the highlights of London in one day, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey & Changing of the Guard.
This introduction to London Tour which includes many of the highlights of the city
This tour of the Chruchill War Rooms in London
This full day tour of Paris which includes a Skip the Line Louvre Tour, the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre & a Seine River Cruise
An introduction to Paris Tour , which includes the Louvre, Opera Garnier and the Champs-Elysees
A full day tour of Barcelona which includes a visit to La Sagrada Família, Casa Milà & the Gothic Quarter
This Rome In A Day Tour which includes a guided visit and skip the line entry to the Vatican, the Colosseum & a tour of the Historic Center of the city
A full day tour of Venice which includes St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, & a Gondola Ride

Of course, this is just a sample of some of the many tours available, which vary in length from a couple of hours to a full day. We suggest taking a look at all the walks on Take Walks here and Context here . Note that all bookings through our Context links save you 10% on the tour price automatically.

Finally, there are of course a multitude of other options for walking tours. If you would like more options, we suggest looking at the listings on either GetYourGuide or Viator. These two sites have tour options from a wide range of companies, and you can read reviews from other travellers prior to booking to decide if it’s a good option for you.

Saving Money in Europe

Europe, and western Europe in particular, is not exactly known for being a budget destination. The cities in particular are fairly expensive. Your main costs on this trip are likely to be the flights (biggest cost for most), accommodation, attraction entry, transport between the cities, and eating out.

To help you control these costs, we wanted to share some of our tips from years of experience travelling in European cities, so you don’t spend money unnecessarily. Even if you’re not on a tight budget, there’s no need to waste money when you don’t have to!

Use City Passes

All the cities in our itinerary have one or more city passes to choose from. City passes generally include either free or discounted admission to the major attractions in the city, and may also include other benefits.

These other benefits will vary, but will generally include things like fast track entry to some attractions, inclusive public transport, hop on hop off bus tickets, and discounts on meals and other activities like walking tours, wine tastings, and so on.

We have used a number of city passes during our travels in the cities in this itinerary, and our recommended passes for you to consider are as follows:

For London: The London Pass. Available in durations from one to ten days, covers all the major attractions in London. See our full review of the London Pass here , and buy yours here .
For Paris: The Paris Pass or the Paris Museum Pass. The Paris Pass includes entry to most of Paris’s major museums, plus includes attractions like a HOHO bus and Seine River Cruise. The Paris Museum Pass just covers attraction entry fees. See our full review of the Paris Pass here , and buy your Paris Pass here . We also have a full review of the Paris Museum Pass here, and you can buy it here .
For Barcelona: The Go Barcelona Pass , Barcelona City Pass and Barcelona Card . These vary in what they cover, and whilst we suggest you pick up at least one of them, the best one for you will depend on your interests. See our full comparison of the Barcelona City Passes for more information.
For Rome: The Omnia Rome and Vatican Card or the Roma Pass . Both these passes include free public transport in Rome, as well as free and discounted admission to attractions across the city. The Omnia Rome and Vatican Card also includes skip the line access to the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, as well as other Vatican attractions. It also has a hop on hop off bus.
For Venice : We have never used a discount card in Venice. However, there is a Venice Pass which includes many of the museums and churches that is well worth checking out.

If you are planning on seeing a number of sights in each city you visit, a city pass can definitely save you money. Some of them will also save you time, as they offer skip the line benefits. However, we do recommend doing a little bit of reading on each pass to make sure it makes sense for your specific trip.

Note that city passes are often not as good of a value for children (especially young children) and those who are eligible for discounts at many attractions (seniors, disabled, EU university students), so do check if you qualify for any discounts before buying a pass.

Book accommodation and transportation in advance

The two major costs on your trip are likely to be accommodation and transportation. Our major tip for both of these is to book them in advance.

For transport in Europe, the best deals are nearly always to be had if you book as far in advance as possible. The cheapest tickets on flights and trains always sell out first, and then the prices will increase.

We recommend you check your flights and book in advance here , and your trains here .

Accommodation is not quite so straight forward, as prices can dip and rise depending on demand. However, in our personal experience, prices tend to be lower if we book further in advance. Plus, you can often take advantage of free cancellation policies, and re-book if the prices drop.

Also, don’t forget to look at accommodation options beyond hotels. Short term apartment rentals can be very cost effective, plus they will allow you to prepare some of your own meals if you want, which will also save you money.

We generally use booking.com for booking our hotels, and they also include apartments. We also use Plum Guide regularly. There are plenty more options though – see our guide to some AirBnB alternatives to give you some ideas.

Invest in a Guidebook

We recommend investing in a guidebook, especially if this is your first trip to western Europe.

Investing $15 to $25 in a guidebook can save you much more in time and money. A guidebook can cover much more in-depth information than we can in this blog post, and means you’ll have all the information you need at your fingertips.

For this trip, we recommend the Rick Steves Best of Europe guide . If you had to pick one guide book, that would be our favourite – it covers all the destinations in this itinerary (plus many more!) and has lots of practical information, tips and advice to help you plan. We use and love it.

If you have room in your bag, we can also recommend the Europe through the Back Door book , which has a lot of general travel advice for Europe.

Other options to consider include Lonely Planet’s Western Europe guidebook and/or the Insight Guide to Western Europe .

Be sure to purchase a recently edited/updated version of the guidebook. So make sure it was updated in the last year or so. Most guidebooks are updated every year or two to make sure the information is as up to date as possible.

If you are not sure which guidebook may be best for you, you might want to browse in your local bookshop or library before picking one.

Use Public Transport Effectively

The cheapest and most effective way to get around the cities listed in this post is to take public transport (well, after walking of course!).

Each city has its own public transport network, with various fares and ticket options. Learning how to use these properly will save you money.

For example, in London, it’s possible to buy individual tickets using cash. However, this can be twice as expensive as using an Oyster Card or Contactless bank card for your travel. In Paris, you can buy tickets individually, or you can save money by buying booklets of ten tickets.

In addition, many of the city passes we recommend come with some sort of travel card, which can also save you money.

Basically, each transport system has its own quirks, and having a handle on these will likely save you money. We also recommend always checking to see how far your destination is on foot before taking public transport.

The public transit maps are unlikely to match up to the reality of geography, and you might find it will take the same amount of time to walk somewhere as it would have to take a bus or metro, plus walking is free!

Find restaurant deals

Our final tip covers the last major expense, which will be eating out. Of course, eating out is a major part of travelling, but the costs can quickly add up.

The good news is that you can also save money on eating out. The secret is to figure out when the restaurant deals are likely to be happening.

For example, in France and Spain, it’s very common for lunch time menus to be offered. These are usually two or three course meals, which sometimes include wine, bread and coffee, and which are usually priced under €20 per person.

For Paris, see our guide to some of the best Michelin starred restaurants for lunch deals .

In London, these aren’t as common, however, many restaurants offer theater deals. These are special priced menus offered either late in the afternoon (5pm – 7pm generally) or late in the evening (10pm and onwards), designed for theatre goers who want to get a meal before or after the show.

Of course, you don’t have to be going to the theatre to take advantage of these deals!

Other options for saving money on dining out include taking advantage of street food, picking up “meal deals” at supermarkets like M&S in London, putting together picnics from markets in Paris – the list goes on. It is certainly possible to eat on the cheap quite easily if you make a little bit of effort to do so.

There are 30 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Kirsten says

1st April 2023 at 1:43 am

We just came back from this exact trip on 3/26/23. We followed your itinerary and most of your suggestions on what to do in each city. Thank you so much for putting this together. My husband and I aren’t the best planners and this step by step guide was so helpful and perfect for us! We really couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you!

Laurence Norah says

2nd April 2023 at 10:33 pm

Hi Kirsten!

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and share your experience! I’m delighted to hear you guys had a great time in Europe and that we were able to help with your trip planning, it really means a lot to know that our content is helpful 🙂

Safe travels!

Laurence & Jessica

12th February 2023 at 3:08 pm

This is an awesome itinerary. Thank you so much for sharing! We hope to make our first trip to Europe in the future.

12th February 2023 at 4:18 pm

My pleasure Sara, I hope you get to visit Europe soon and do let me know if you have any questions when you start to plan your trip!

6th February 2023 at 12:20 am

Hello, Thank you for great posts on Europe trip. Really help a lot when I’m trying to plan for mine. Do you mind sharing apartment name you stayed in Paris, the one with Eiffel tower view? Im looking for nice apartment to stay with Eiffel tower view for my honeymoon this year. Really appreciate it if you could share. Thank you 🙂

9th February 2023 at 8:15 am

Thanks very much. So the apartment was this one which we booked via Plum Guide. I’m not sure it’s still bookable, although there is an option to message the host. I’d also recommend the Eiffel Tower guide we have here , as that as a selection of accommodation options with good views. We’ve also stayed at the Pullman Paris hotel which has excellent Eiffel Tower views for example.

Have a great trip to Europe!

19th January 2023 at 4:05 pm

I’ve subscribed, but still cannot gain printing access…please help – thank you!

23rd January 2023 at 2:17 pm

Sorry for the slow response, we’re travelling in Uganda and Internet access has been sporadic! I can see you are an active subscriber, does it still not work when you put your email address in on the print page? If not, if you could let me know what device and browser you are using and I’ll see if I can figure out what is going on!

2nd July 2022 at 3:39 am

This was a great blog. I am trying to put together a surprise trip for my wife’s 40th next year. I am gonna try to do it myself based off all the deals y’all have given. Bless

2nd July 2022 at 10:58 am

My pleasure Wayne, have a great trip and do let me know if you have any questions 🙂

alex47_in_downtown says

8th February 2022 at 2:16 pm

This was the most detailed, informative & hence the most helpful travel blogpost I’ve ever read… 🙂 Perfect itinerary for first-timers (like me)…! Lots of love from India <3

10th February 2022 at 12:11 pm

Thanks very much Alex, I was delighted to be of help! I hope you have a great time in Europe, and do let me know if you have any questions!

Ashley Salgado says

8th October 2022 at 7:19 pm

Why not have a pdf versión to be able to print. Tried to print this but it’s a whopping 100 pages with all the ads and comments. Great info I’d love to print and read with time not on a screen.

8th October 2022 at 11:23 pm

Thanks for your message! Every post is available in printable format, if you look at the bottom of the post on mobile, or the side on desktop, there is a little print icon. If you press that you can go through the steps to access a printable version without ads, comments or images. You can then print it to PDF, most devices these days let you save a webpage as a PDF from the print option.

Have a great time in Europe!

Michelle says

2nd November 2021 at 1:49 am

I’m so glad I found this blog. This is so helpful and fantastic. It really gives us a clearer picture on how to plan our first trip to Europe (16 days) and it hits the cities we want to start off with and we plan on doing. Thank you!!!

2nd November 2021 at 11:06 am

My pleasure Michelle! Have a wonderful trip across Europe, and do let me know if you have any questions!

Penny Hampton says

2nd January 2021 at 2:42 pm

Loved your blog on traveling to Europe. We have never been to Europe so this would be our first time. What you write is exactly what we are looking for. Great advise on everything from where to go-where to stay and where to visit. If Covid ever dies down, we will try to make the trip.

2nd January 2021 at 2:46 pm

Thank you so much Penny! I certainly hope you get to take a trip sooner rather than later 🙂 If you have any questions when it comes to the planning, just let me know. Happy 2021!

20th February 2020 at 4:03 am

Hi Lawrence and Jessica,

Thank you so much for this article, it has been very helpful as I try and plan out our first trip to Europe. I will be taking my sons ages 24 and 18 this summer and are hoping to say about 18 days. We are planning to go to every location except Barcelona, and would like to add a city in either the Netherlands, Belgium or Switzerland. Which would you recommend? Also we are planning to travel at the end of July/early August, so I’m sure our costs will be quite high. Any thoughts on how much I should expect a 2 week trip to cost? I know that may be a difficult question to answer, but even if it’s a broad ballpark it would be very helpful.

20th February 2020 at 12:43 pm

Our pleasure, sounds like you have a great trip coming up! So yes, this is a really hard question to answer 😉 I would suggest taking a look at our suggested costs for a UK trip here , which should help with your planning. Prices in continental Europe are fairly comparable to the UK. Everyone has a different travel style and budget, and idea of what is expensive or acceptable, so it’s hard to know. There would be a huge difference depending on if it was hostel accommodation of 5* 😉 Just be aware that capital cities tend to be more expensive as a general rule of thumb.

In terms of saving, definitely check out apartment rentals which might work out cheaper as you are in a group. Also, booking transport well in advance (planes and trains) will make a huge difference to the cost. Flexibility in timing is also useful.

In terms of adding another city, Amsterdam is obviously nice but busy. Ghent and Bruges are lovely in Belgium. We’ve actually just come back from Switzerland. There’s a lot to choose from and a great transport network, but Geneva is a good starting point.

Let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to try and help!

12th February 2020 at 4:36 pm

I’ve sent this to my wife, this looks amazing! I think ill try to see if we can get an overnight Rail between the far trips however, this looks fantastic! and Exciting!

It will be our 1st trip to the EU, so hitting up all these locations at once will give us a great taste of so many locations!

12th February 2020 at 5:38 pm

Thanks Ryan! I hope you guys have a great trip, and do let me know if you have any questions!

10th December 2019 at 4:46 pm

Amazing article! You have inspired me to explore Europe soon! Thanks!

10th December 2019 at 4:58 pm

Thanks very much – I hope you get to visit soon and have a great trip when you do!

19th November 2019 at 4:03 pm

Loved this article and found it very useful. I’m in the process of trying to plan a trip for next year with my 18 and 19 year olds. I can’t quite committ to exactly where I want to take them. This will be our first trip overseas and I’ve been driving myself crazy googling different locations and ideas. This article has been one of the best as I feel like I really need a step by step guide to create and book whatever vacation I decide to go with. Any tips on what you think would be a great trip for that age bracket would be very appreciated.

20th November 2019 at 3:06 pm

Awesome, delighted to have been able to help. So I think this itinerary will work for your family, the only thing might be to tweak the attractions you visit based on your interests and the interests of your family. So if they aren’t into lots of museums, or art, then maybe cut those back a bit. Perhaps they’d be more interested in food tours or more interactive things like that. The best option would definitely be to just have a chat with them and find out what they might like to do, and then you can try to make everyone happy 😉 Communication is definitely key, and if they feel they have input and control then I think everyone will have a better time.

I hope this helps a bit!

Have an amazing trip and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions!

Natasha says

4th October 2019 at 1:19 pm

I might suggest taking skipping at least Barcelona. It’s not that it’s not beautiful, it definetly is. The city can’t handle all the tourist coming its way…Please do some research beforehand. I might opt for a longer stay in one city than trying to do too much. Or focus on one region. You probably wouldn’t do New York, California, Chicago and Grand Canyon in 2 weeks… It may not look like it on the map, but these aren’t such small distances.

4th October 2019 at 7:40 pm

Hi Natasha,

Thanks for your feedback. I’d disagree about Barcelona as I think it’s a beautiful city (we have visited many times – this article is based on our experiences not research). We would agree that folks should try and spend longer in each place rather than moving too fast for sure, and slower travel is something we prefer ourselves. That said, not everyone has the luxury of longer vacations, and wants to see quite a few places, hence we’ve put this itinerary together. Compared to some itineraries, we think it’s actually pretty relaxed and achievable 🙂

Thanks again for taking the time to comment!

14th September 2019 at 4:57 pm

Thanks for this detailed itinerary and plans. I really liked reading this. We are planning for a Europe trip on coming December. Do you think the itinerary you mentioned can be a difficult one to choose because of weather in December?

14th September 2019 at 5:47 pm

I think the itinerary is do-able at any time of year. December is a good month for visiting Europe as you have the pretty Christmas lights and Christmas markets. Obviously it will be colder and there’s more chance of rain, but appropriate clothing will solve that issue!

Have a great trip and let me know if I can be of any more help 🙂

How to Plan an Epic 2 Week Europe Trip (+ Europe Itinerary Ideas!)

Ready to plan a 2 week Europe trip but not quite sure where to start?

We want to help!

Whether it’s your first trip to Europe or your tenth, there’s something simultaneously overwhelming and exhilarating about planning a trip through multiple countries that–for us and most of the readers of this blog post–lie across an ocean from home.

I’ll never forget planning our first 2 week Europe itinerary: I pored over flight schedules, bucket lists, budgets, and maps for months, desperate to pull together the ultimate Europe trip.

Kate Storm looking toward San Marco Campanile from Scala Contarini del Bovolo, which is an excellent place to visit during 2 days in Venice

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

There were many, many lists involved in planning that first trip, and after months of planning, I emerged with an eclectic but incredible itinerary that kicked our love of travel into high gear.

In the summer of 2015, Jeremy and I spent a little over 2 weeks in Europe exploring Krakow , Budapest , Plitvice Lakes National Park , Zadar , Dublin , and the Cliffs of Moher (I told you it was eclectic!).

We’ve now cumulatively spent years of our lives traveling in Europe, falling in love with world-famous cities and less iconic locations alike, and there’s absolutely nothing we like better than helping people plan their own unforgettable adventures.

Over the years, we’ve explored the continent in almost every way possible, from backpacking Europe on a budget for 2 weeks to checking into luxury hotels to playing tour guide for family and friends to finally spending more than a year living in Lisbon, Portugal !

Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm at Wawel Castle, Krakow on their first 2 week Europe trip.

We’ve put together this 2 week Europe itinerary guide to help you plan your trip–here’s what you need to know before you go.

(Also, yes–this is an incredibly long blog post! We recommend using the table of contents right below this paragraph to help you navigate to different sections depending on what you’re hoping to read first.)

Table of Contents

How to Use This 2 Week Europe Trip Guide

Exciting 2 week europe itinerary ideas, how to get around during 2 weeks in europe, important tips for planning a 2 week europe trip, faq for spending 2 weeks in europe, what to pack for 2 weeks in europe, read more about visiting europe.

praia do camilo from above, one of the best things to do in lagos portugal

This 2 week Europe trip guide is designed for someone hoping to see the highlights of a few different European destinations, spread across multiple countries, in only a couple of weeks.

We’ve primarily written it for someone planning their first trip to Europe, but if this is your second trip, third trip, or beyond, hopefully, we have some interesting ideas and tips for you, too!

And, of course, given that Europe is home to more than 50 countries and is roughly the same size as the USA, no 2 weeks in Europe could hope to cover the entire continent or all of its numerous and distinct cultures, languages, and histories.

For ease of communication, we’ll talk in general terms about traveling in Europe here, but once you pick your itinerary, of course, you’ll want to follow up with further research on the specific locations you’ll be visiting.

kate storm jeremy storm and ranger storm overlooking brisighella italy

And, once you’re further along in your planning process, we’d love to help you with some of that planning here on Our Escape Clause, too!

We’ll link to relevant blog posts throughout this travel guide, but given the hundreds of posts we have on the site, we won’t be able to link them all.

You can use our destinations page or the search bar on the top right of the page (on desktop) or at the top of the pop-out menu (on mobile) to find our content about various specific destinations across Europe or general travel tips.

For example, a few of our most popular guides that might come in handy next include our guide to traveling Europe by train , our 75 best Europe travel tips , and our (biased) guide to the best cities in Europe .

Italy Bucket List: View of Orvieto Cathedral

The number of possible 2 week Europe itinerary ideas is truly infinite–just look at the odd itinerary that I cobbled together for us in 2015 as an example !

However, the sample itineraries for Europe outlined below should give you a good idea of what you can accomplish with around 14 days in Europe .

I truly struggled to narrow down these ideas–I could name 10 more excellent 2 week Europe trips in an instant, and still feel like I was leaving so much on the table.

I aimed to keep these mostly focused on destinations that are popular for first-time visitors to Europe, with just a couple of slight curve balls thrown in.

Bike leaning against bridge over a canal in Annecy, France

The Classic: London, Paris, Rome

As three of the world’s most beloved and celebrated cities, you can’t go wrong with splitting your 2 weeks in Europe between London, Paris, and Rome.

As the capital of an English-speaking country and home to an enormous airport hub, London makes logistical sense for a first trip to Europe hailing from North America–and, of course, it’s a truly fascinating city.

Visit Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, stroll through Notting Hill, snap photos of Big Ben, check out the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London , visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, stop by Piccadilly Circus, ride the London Eye , and tour the British Museum.

… And that’s just to get you started !

Big Ben and Parliament as seen from across the river. London is absolutely one of the best cities to visit in Europe.

The City of Lights is one of our favorite cities in the world and was also the first place we visited on our very first trip to Europe (we spent a week there and then planned our 2 week Europe trip outlined in the introduction of this blog post the following year).

Since then, we haven’t been able to stop going back, and believe that it’s an excellent addition to any 2 week Europe itinerary!

While you’re in Paris , visit the Eiffel Tower, marvel at the beauty of Sainte-Chapelle, tour the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay, stroll the picturesque streets of Montmartre and the Latin Quarter, visit the Palais Garnier, discover hidden passages and tiny cafes, and soak up every minute of that Parisian charm.

Our full guide to planning your first trip to Paris can help you get started!

Kate Storm in a gray dress standing in Rue de l'Universite in Paris with the Eiffel Tower behind her

Ah, Rome –if Paris is the first European city we fell in love with, Rome is probably our deepest love on the continent.

From wonders of Ancient Rome like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon to more recent additions like the Vatican Museums , Trevi Fountain, and winding cobblestone streets of Trastevere , exploring Rome is a captivating, engaging experience that we can’t recommend highly enough.

And, of course, you couldn’t ask for a better cuisine to savor during your 2 weeks in Europe: Rome is home to some of the best pasta in all of Italy!

Couple in front of Colosseum: Visiting Rome in Winter

Southern Europe Charm: Madrid, Rome, Amalfi Coast

Want your 2 weeks in Europe to focus on a delightful combination of history, food, and sunshine?

Head directly to Spain and Italy!

While Barcelona gets all the love (and a lot of the crowds), we’re personally smitten with the Spanish capital of Madrid… and excellent flight deals from North America make it almost irresistible on a 2 week Europe itinerary.

With a few days in Madrid , you can admire world-class art in the Prado, soak in Spanish culture with a stroll through Retiro Park, eat all the tapas and churros con chocolate you can get your hands on, tour the Royal Palace , check out an Egyptian temple, and take day trips to fairytale towns like Toledo and Segovia.

Madrid Royal Palace with garden in foreground, a must see during your 3 days in Madrid Itinerary!

I described Rome in the first Europe itinerary on this list, so I won’t repeat myself here, but as I sit typing this Europe travel blog post out in a Rome apartment while dreaming of the carbonara I’ll eat for dinner tonight, all I can say is: you won’t regret coming to Rome (and scroll up for more details).

And, while I detailed some of Rome’s highlights above, let me also say… don’t forget to get off the beaten path in the Eternal City , either!

kate storm in front of a church when traveling in rome italy

Amalfi Coast

The famed Amalfi Coast , with its dramatic cliffs, chic villages like Positano, delicious lemons, and jaw-droppingly beautiful hikes like the Path of the Gods, is a fabulous conclusion to any 2 week Europe trip–where better to relax than one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world?

While you’re there, be sure to make room for plenty of day trips!

Iconic locations like Capri and Pompeii , as well as less-popular but equally amazing spots like Ischia, Herculaneum , and Procida, are all at your fingertips when staying on the Amalfi Coast.

(Also, if you like page-turning novels about friendship and Italy, I highly recommend reading Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend series before coming or while visiting Europe).

Cliffs of Capri with bright blue water and boats visible to the left. Definitely consider a visit here when planning a trip to Italy!

Regal Central Europe: Prague, Vienna, Budapest

Sweeping boulevards, dramatic architecture, beautiful coffeehouses, and tasty comfort food: a trip to Central Europe is an absolute delight.

In my opinion, this region truly shines during the winter months when Christmas markets are in full swing and the hearty cuisine keeps you warm from the inside out.

I’ll try to keep this section quite brief, as I’ve already written a detailed Central Europe itinerary here , but suffice it to say, we love it.

View of Cesky Krumlov from above--one of our top Europe travel tips is to leave the big cities to explore incredible small towns like this during your trip

Known as the City of a Hundred Spires (and also for the fact that beer is cheaper than water here–true story, at least when it comes to pricey bottled water at restaurants), Prague is easily in the running for the most beautiful city in Europe.

The beauty of Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, the famed Charles Bridge, and Prague’s well-known astronomical clock will all draw you in.

If you have enough time, consider adding a day trip to a smaller Czech town like gorgeous Český Krumlov as well!

Best Views in Prague: View from Old Tower Bridge

Regal and beautiful, full of spacious, wide avenues and ornate buildings, Austria’s capital city is the perfect place to come to tour grand palaces ( Schonbrunn is one of the most popular), see a show in one of the world’s premier opera houses, and to enjoy European cafe culture at its finest.

We absolutely adore Vienna’s coffee houses–be sure to try a slice (or several) of Esterhazy Cake while there, as well as Viennese hot chocolate.

The city’s famed Spanish riding school and striking St. Stephen’s Cathedral are also worth adding to your list!

Austria Christmas Market Trip: Christmas Lights in Vienna

As our favorite city in central Europe and one of our top 10 cities in Europe overall, I really can’t say enough about how beautiful Budapest is!

The city is somehow, simultaneously, both grand and down-to-earth , absolutely gorgeous while also remaining accessible, affordable, and fairly simple to visit and explore.

While in Budapest, go for a soak in the famous thermal baths, tour one of the most beautiful houses of Parliament in Europe, check out a castle, visit grand basilicas, take a boat ride down the Danube, and, if you’re up for a bit of adventure, even go on a cave tour!

Be sure not to miss the great food , either–Budapest’s hearty cuisine is a delight, and one of our all-time favorite wine tastings took place there!

Prague or Budapest: Budapest view of Danube

Europe for Art Lovers: Paris, Florence, Venice

If you’re an art buff at heart, you can’t ask for a better sampling of some of the continent’s most beloved artistic cities than the trifecta of Paris, Florence, and Venice (and it certainly helps that each city is practically an art museum in and of itself).

From the Louvre to the Musee d’Orsay to the Orangerie to the Musee Rodin to the Centre Pompidou to the Cluny Museum, it would probably take a lifetime to enjoy all the art museums in Paris alone.

And of course, the city has so much more to offer once you need a break!

tapestry hanging in the cluny museum in paris

Nicknamed the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence boasts the finest collection of Renaissance art on the planet–and claims many of its most famous artists as locals.

Michelangelo, DaVinci, Botticelli, and more all originally hailed from Florence, and their works are scattered about the city.

Perhaps most famously, Michelangelo’s David is in the Galleria dell’Accademia and Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus is in the Uffizi Gallery .

And of course, no art-focused trip to the Cradle of the Renaissance can overlook Florence’s iconic Duomo , a masterpiece of the era!

View of Florence from above with Duomo in the center--you can't go wrong adding Florence to your 2 week Europe itinerary

Located an easy train ride away from Florence, Venice may be slightly less well-known for its art than the first two cities on this 2 week Europe itinerary, but there’s no doubt that there’s plenty to find!

From the utter masterpiece of St. Mark’s Basilica (don’t miss a chance to go in!) to the incredible Doge’s Palace to the famous Galleria dell’Accademia (not to be confused with the one in Florence!) that focuses mostly on Venetian artists, Venice is an art lover’s dream.

Mix it up by adding a visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which holds modern art, and a gondola ride .

A fter all, Venice itself is no doubt one of the best artistic masterpieces in the city, and it deserves to be seen from all its best angles.

Grand Canal of Venice with a gondola in the center

The Incredible Iberian Peninsula: Lisbon, The Algarve, Andalucia

The Iberian Peninsula is dominated by Spain and Portugal , and while I might be biased after spending more than a year living in Lisbon, it makes for an unforgettable Eurotrip!

(The fact that there are often flight deals from the US to Lisbon and Madrid doesn’t hurt, either).

There are infinite ways to craft southern Europe itineraries out of these two countries, but here’s one great option…

kate storm and jeremy storm sitting on a wall overlooking lisbon portugal

Start your trip with a few days in Lisbon , Portugal’s trendy capital city, soaking up beautiful views from its many miradouros , sampling Portuguese food (starting with pastéis de nata ), touring the incredible Jerónimos Monastery, and taking day trips from Lisbon to nearby gems like the palaces of Sintra and/or the beach resort town of Cascais .

Be prepared to head up and down a lot of hills while you’re there–but Lisbon is worth the climb.

If you’re looking for neighborhoods to wander through, Alfama, Castelo, Chiado, and Bairro Alto are particularly picturesque–keep an eye out for trams, azulejos, and peacocks as you explore!

And, while Lisbon’s top attractions are definitely worth a visit, seeking out some of the many hidden gems in Lisbon will add extra beauty to your trip.

kate storm in a black dress sitting on a ledge at miradouro de santa luzia, one of the best places to visit in lisbon in 3 days

The Algarve

After saying goodbye to Lisbon, head south of Portugal’s Algarve for a dizzying array of whitewashed villages (you’ll find many of the best beach towns in Portugal here) and a picturesque coastline.

Lagos is one of the most popular places to stay, and we can highly recommend it–don’t miss the famous Ponta da Piedade, which photos can’t do justice to.

Nearby attractions (ideally, you’ll want to rent a car in the Algarve) include the famous Benagil Cave and the unmissable Seven Hanging Valleys Trail!

view of algarve coastline from seven hanging valleys trail, a wonderful place to visit as part of a 14 day europe itinerary

For the second week of your trip in Europe, cross the border into southern Spain (note: there’s no direct train access for this journey, but there are buses).

Split your time between any two of Andalucia’s incredible cities, taking nearby day trips from there.

Seville (with its Alcazar and famous Plaza de Espana), Granada (home of the Alhambra ), and Cordoba (home of the Mosque-Cathedral , one of the most unique houses of worship in the world) are all wonderful inland options.

On the coast, options include Cadiz, Malaga, Marbella, Tarifa, and many more.

With a bit more than 2 weeks in Europe or an ambitious schedule, you may be able to squeeze in a day trip to Gibraltar and/or Tangier, Morocco while here!

kate storm jeremy storm and ranger storm in plaza de espana seville spain

Food + History: Athens, Santorini, Istanbul

Feel like heading further east–as far east as you can get during a Europe vacation?

Greece and Turkey pair very well for a 14 day European itinerary–here’s what that might look like.

kate storm in a red dress walking through istanbul grand bazaar, one of the best places to visit in istanbul turkey

Start your trip in Athens, marveling at some of the world’s most remarkable ruins, including the famous Acropolis complex and museum.

Be sure to make time to explore non-ancient aspects of Athens as well, including the trendy Plaka neighborhood, Monastiraki Square (and nearby flea market!), and Syntagma Square.

And of course, one of the absolute best things to do after you touch down in Athens is to dive into plate after plate of phenomenal Greek food –that alone is worth traveling to Greece for ( our Athens food tour remains one of my favorites that we’ve taken in Europe).

Athens Parthenon--this structure tops all kinds of bucket lists, and is a worthy addition to any 2 week Europe trip!

Truly, any one of Greece’s amazing islands would fit nicely into this 2 week Europe itinerary, but where better to choose than Santorini , with its iconic blue-and-white color scheme, fantastic caldera views, and excellent flight connections?

While Santorini isn’t best known for its beaches–you’re better off heading to Crete for those–you sure can’t beat the charming villages or stunning nature.

Kate Storm in a white shirt and blue jeans overlooking the blue domes of Oia in Santorini--this island is incredible and worth visiting as part of your 2 weeks in Europe!

The city of two continents, where thousands of years of history blend seamlessly with modern life, and where you can eat one of the best breakfasts you’ll ever experience in your life: Istanbul tops bucket lists around the world, and there is simply nowhere on the planet quite like it.

Marvel at the Blue Mosque, step inside the Hagia Sophia, eat your weight in Turkish breakfast (seriously, I can’t emphasize enough how tasty it is), admire the views of the Bosphorus, climb the Galata Tower, and shop your way through the Grand Bazaar.

Since this Europe travel blog post focuses on, well, Europe, I won’t sketch out any other possibilities further east in Turkey in detail…

But, if you have time, you could easily add a visit to Cappadocia , complete with a sunrise hot air balloon ride, to your trip, or even a visit to the ruins of Ephesus.

kate storm standing in front of the blue mosque, one of the best things to do in istanbul turkey

Architecture + Culture: Cologne, Amsterdam, Belgium

With this small triangle of destinations, you can easily visit separate countries via train, with very little travel time between them!

And, if you were particularly motivated to add another, you could even squeeze in a day trip to Luxembourg.

If you’re looking for a winter itinerary for Europe that focuses on cities, this is a fantastic option.

jeremy storm at christmas market in cologne germany

Home to a stunning cathedral and what may just be the best Christmas markets on the planet, Cologne is a gorgeous German city that is a delight to explore on foot.

Don’t miss its soaring Gothic Cathedral while you’re there!

… Though honestly, that would be hard to do, considering you can see it right as you step outside the train station.

Cologne German Christmas Market at night as seen from above with red roofs of stalls prominent. Cologne hosts one of the best european christmas markets

As one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe, Amsterdam requires no introduction.

The city of canals, biking, and revelry is somehow even more beautiful in person than in the billions of photos of it.

While you’re there, be sure to take a canal cruise, stroll the 9 Streets, and visit at least a couple of the city’s museums (the Anne Frank House is incredibly moving).

If you visit Amsterdam in winter , you’ll no doubt need to bundle up–but the lack of crowds in this often-packed city is also a treat to experience.

Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm wearing winter coats on the edge of a canal in Amsterdam in December, facing each other

Perhaps it may be slightly unfair to list Belgium entirely while the other destinations are split into cities… but considering Belgium’s two most popular cities, Bruges and Ghent , are located less than an hour apart by train, you can cover quite a bit of the country in a few days !

With stunning architecture, canals, and carbs (bring on the waffles and frites), it’s easy to have a blast in Belgium.

Winter in Belgium brings a lack of crowds and plenty of festivities during the Christmas season!

Bruges Main Square with green awnings in front of the buildings--this storybook village is a fun place to add to your 2 weeks in Europe itinerary!

Alpine Escape: Bavaria, Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region, Milan, and Lake Como

If your dream Europe trip involves plenty of Alpine views with a side of cities, this is the itinerary for Europe in 2 weeks for you.

Start your trip in Bavaria, the land of castles, beer, and outdoor delights.

City lovers will enjoy being based in Munich (don’t miss the opulent Munich Residenz or view from St. Peter’s Church and/or the Town Hall Tower while there).

From Munich, you can easily day trip to more mountainous areas, starting with Fussen, home to Germany’s famous Neuschwanstein Castle .

If you get good weather and want to see as many mountains as possible, a day trip to the Zugspite–the highest point in Germany–is also an option.

Really, though, if there’s one thing to prioritize in Munich, it’s to eat and drink all the sausage, pretzels, beer, and beyond you can get your hands on!

view of munich from town hall tower in winter during christmas markets bavaria germany

Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region

I am convinced that Switzerland’s Jungfrau region–located around (literally, above) Interlaken–is paradise on earth in the summer.

If you’re dreaming of the Alps, check into a hotel in Wengen, Murren, or Grindelwald (for the best views) or Interlaken (for a bit more selection) or Lauterbrunnen (to be in the literal center of the action) and have the trip of your dreams.

Switzerland’s legendarily efficient trains and gondolas mean that wherever you stay, the region is at your fingertips.

Hiking from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidigg, riding the highest train in Europe to Jungfraujoch (aka the “Top of Europe”), eating daily fondue, walking from Murren to Gimmelwald , and riding a historic cogwheel train to Schynige Platte are just a few of the unforgettable experiences you’ll find here.

kate storm and jeremy storm overlooking a balcony in wengen switerland jungfrau region

Milan + Lake Como

End your trip to Milan and Lake Como , two of the most popular destinations in northern Italy!

In Milan , be sure to visit its legendary Duomo, stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, visit Sforzesco Castle, and, if you can get tickets (plan ahead!) see Da Vinci’s The Last Supper .

At Lake Como (just an hour north of Milan by train), take a boat tour around the lake and visit delightfully charming towns like Varenna and Bellagio while admiring magnificent Alpine views.

kate storm and ranger storm sitting on a bench overlooking lake como surrounded by flowering trees

Getting around in each city on your 2 week Europe itinerary is a question better suited to blog posts on that particular city, so this section is designed to address getting in between each destination during your 14 days in Europe.

We recommend checking several solutions for each destination, as you never know what will crop up!

Personally, our first 2 week Europe trip involved an overnight train, a budget plane ride, and a couple of rental cars.

Selfie of couple on Lover's Bridge in Annecy, one of the best places to visit in Annecy

Train travel is our absolute favorite way to travel in Europe!

I t’s much less stressful than traveling by plane, especially once you get the hang of it, far more comfortable, and for those of us hailing from North America, it’s a travel experience in its own right!

We recommend using services like Omio to compare train prices across multiple countries.

It works more or less exactly like a car rental aggregate does, searching multiple companies and generating the best routes and prices for your dates.

Keep in mind that train travel is most useful in western and central Europe–once you head into eastern Europe and especially the Balkans, train travel becomes more limited and bus travel more common (for example, popular Dubrovnik, Croatia doesn’t have a train station).

Shop train routes and tickets prices in Europe today!

Frecciarosa Train in Italy: Florence to Bologna Train

For those traveling on a budget or between two smaller destinations where rail travel isn’t an option, buses can be a very affordable choice.

In addition to standard local buses, companies like Flixbus provide an easy-to-use service, and you can check their prices and availability directly or through Omio as well (that way you can compare train tickets at the same time).

Browse bus routes in Europe today!

Bus in front of Altar to the Fatherland at night: What to Do in Rome at Night

With plenty of budget airlines and plenty of airports to choose from, if you plan wisely, it’s possible to take flights in Europe that are so inexpensive you wonder how the company pays for the fuel.

S eriously: 10 Euro flights are possible, though we’ve never actually managed to pay that since we prefer to check our bags !

When looking for flights within Europe, we recommend using Google Flights in order to search the whole continent at once (you can simply put “Europe” in as the destination, and it’ll pull up a map of prices).

With a little flexibility on destination (for example, maybe flying into nearby Bologna is cheaper than flying into Florence ?) and even on dates if possible, you just might end up with an excellent flight deal or two during your trip to Europe.

kate storm at ponta da piedade , one of the best lagos attractions

Personally, we recommend avoiding a car rental when possible during your 2 weeks in Europe, especially if you’re following anything resembling a Europe itinerary like the ones I outlined above.

In large cities, rental cars are a hindrance and a liability, not an asset, and they add quite a bit to your bottom line.

That being said, if you’re planning on visiting any rural areas or small towns, road trips in Europe can be a delight!

Y ou could consider renting a car for a couple of days in Tuscany , for example, or to visit the villages of Provence.

If you do choose to rent a car, we recommend searching for the best prices through Discover Cars , which will allow you to search multiple companies at once and come up with a great option.

jeremy storm's hand on a steering wheel when driving in portugal and renting a car in europe

While major international carriers like Hertz and Enterprise are available in Europe, they’re not always the best deal, and searching for a combination of local and international companies is best.

Personally, we have no loyalty to any one rental car company, and book with whoever is most affordable (and we always buy the extra insurance).

As a result, we’ve rented cars through easily more than 15 or 20 agencies over the years (I’d be hard-pressed even to estimate it), and we’ve never had any issues with surprise charges.

Price out rental cars with Discover Cars now!

Photo of Lake Sainte-Croix as seen while driving in France. You can see Kate holding a camera to her face reflected in the rearview mirror of our rental car on the left side of the photo

Don’t forget boats when it comes to planning a 2 week Europe itinerary, especially over the summer!

While ferries between or to/from islands are obviously the most popular ( Dubrovnik to Hvar , for example, or Barcelona to Mallorca), there are longer ferry options as well!

Last summer, we took a ferry from Barcelona to Rome and loved the experience of drifting along the Mediterranean Sea for 24 hours!

Many ferry routes are seasonal, but not all.

Kate Storm in a yellow raincoat on the ferry from Inisheer to Doolin. You can see the Cliffs of Moher far off in the distance.

Don’t plan to visit too many destinations.

With only around 14 days in Europe, I know it can be incredibly tempting to squeeze in as many destinations as possible (and I have many fevered outlines of ridiculously ambitious trips I planned in my college days to prove it), but your trip will go so much more smoothly if you can resist that temptation.

In most cases, we recommend an absolute minimum of two full days per major city.

By full days, I mean with limited exceptions (like a red-eye flight that lands at 8:00 AM), the day you arrive and the day you depart don’t count as a “day” in a given city–just as a travel day.

Three or four days per city is even better and will allow you to potentially squeeze in a day trip from that city to a smaller city or village if you want to mix things up.

Peach and blue dome with trail on Santorini, 3 days in Santorini itinerary

Start and end in a major airport hub.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be the same hub–more on that below–but there are definitely airports that are cheaper to fly into and out of for intercontinental flights than others.

Budapest may be affordable once you’re there, for example, but flying from the US directly to Budapest can hurt the wallet!

For those of you coming from the USA, London, Dublin , Madrid , Paris , Lisbon , Frankfurt, Amsterdam , and Milan are a few places to check ticket prices for.

That’s not an exhaustive list by any means, but there are often flight deals to and from these cities.

Kate Storm in a red dress in front of La Consulat cafe in Montmartre, one of the most instagrammable places in Paris

If you can, use an open-jaw ticket rather than a return ticket.

This will allow you to begin and end your 2 weeks in Europe in entirely different destinations, and let you avoid doubling back!

While one-way tickets can be pricier than round-trip ones, if you’re flexible on your dates and destinations (so deciding which cities to start and end in partially based on price), you can usually find excellent deals

This is exactly how we ended up flying into Krakow and out of Dublin for our first 2 week Europe trip!

Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm standing in front of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland shortly before sunset

You will be exhausted at some point. Plan for it.

Two weeks in Europe may not seem like a ton, but if you’re anything like us or virtually all of the travelers we have talked to, exhaustion will set in during your trip.

Sightseeing in Europe is fabulous, but it’s also tiring.

Add in navigating cultural differences, language barriers, and moving countries every few days, and you’re bound to need a break at some point.

We recommend planning a couple of laid-back days without museum visits, tours, or day trips so that you can catch your breath and avoid burnout.

Fun Things to Do in Dubrovnik Croatia: View of Fort Lovrijenac viewed from city walls

Try to be flexible with where you go.

As you start pricing train, plane, and bus tickets for your trip to Europe, you’ll likely notice dramatic shifts–for example, is it 4x the money to get to London instead of Amsterdam?

Does traveling to Prague require a long flight and 2 layovers but Rome is a quick hop away?

If you can, be flexible when you come upon these challenges: we recommend having 1-2 “must visit” destinations and filling in the rest of your trip based on a combination of logistics and desire.

After all, there’s no way you can see it all on a 2 week Europe trip anyway!

Český Krumlov in Winter: Couple in Cesky Krumlov

Don’t underestimate the time and energy it takes to change destinations.

“Oh, it’s only a 3-hour train ride away! That’s nothing!”

I think we’ve all said that at some point when planning a multi-country trip, but be cautious.

Three hours on the train doesn’t account for packing and unpacking, getting to and from the train station, checking out of and into a hotel… you get the picture.

If you’re looking at a high-level schedule without picking a specific date or time, you may also come to find that sure, there’s one direct 3-hour train between two cities… but it leaves at 10:00 PM or 6:00 AM, and the rest of the trains require layovers.

jeremy and ranger at abrantes portugal train station when traveling europe by train

Or perhaps the direct train only runs 3 days a week.

Or maybe you’re looking at a plane, in which case, be sure to add at least 4 hours to your transit time: getting to and from the airport and security/check-in beforehand.

Long story short, travel days between countries are virtually always more tiring and time-consuming than they look at first glance, so don’t overcommit on those days when planning your ultimate Europe trip!

Photo of Via Krupp and the sea seen from above on a Day Trip to Capri

Big cities are more accessible than small towns and nature areas.

For the first trip to Europe especially, big cities are absolutely the easiest to plan your itinerary for Europe around.

They’re generally easier and cheaper to get into and out of, and there’s far more information available about them online to help plan your trips.

That’s no reason not to visit other places too, of course–but keep in mind that the more rural the area, the more logistically challenging your trip will be.

kate storm visiting parma italy with baptistery in the background and red vespa in the foreground

Skip-the-line tickets are incredibly useful.

I’m sure it comes as absolutely no surprise that the world’s most iconic monuments and museums tend to get a bit crowded… and that makes skip-the-line tickets invaluable, especially with only 2 weeks in Europe to squeeze in as much sightseeing as possible.

In some places (like the Arc de Triomphe ) they’re available without any additional fee, and in other places (like the Colosseum) they cost a bit extra.

Either way, though, it’s 1000% worth the price and effort to get tickets online beforehand for popular spots, especially if you’re traveling during the high season.

kate storm in a striped dress in front of colosseum rome italy

And, in 2024, it’s worth pointing out that given ever-changing capacity limits, it’s a better idea than ever to book in advance–and for some attractions, it’s even required!

When 2020 shook the travel industry to its core, many of the most popular museums and monuments in Europe found that life was easier with reservations and online bookings, and have continued prioritizing that system over traditional lines and ticket booths even as crowds returned to “normal”.

We use skip-the-line tickets all over the continent and book them through Get Your Guide .

selfie of kate storm and jeremy storm after climb the arc de triomphe paris with eiffel tower in the background

Book your hotels and major transportation in advance.

Before kicking off your 2 week Europe itinerary, we recommend having all of your hotels and major transportation (so travel between destinations) booked and ready to go.

This dramatically cuts down on stress levels, makes it easier to budget and plan out your days, and generally helps your trip run more smoothly.

These days, we book virtually all of our lodging (including apartments, farm stays, houses, and more) through Booking.com .

Smaller things, like metro passes or tickets for getting around cities, can be handled once you arrive.

Kate Storm in a brown coat in the Alsace village of Riquewihr with a clock tower in the background

If you can, we recommend taking at least one food tour during your 2 weeks in Europe.

Food tours are one of our favorite ways to get our bearings in a new city while learning about the culture, history, and neighborhood through something we can all appreciate: a tasty meal.

We’ve taken food tours in several countries around the world, including many in Europe, and have never walked away unsatisfied!

Plate of Grilled Meat at Tanjga Family Restaurant in Kotor, shot from above. Fun Things to Do in Kotor Montenegro

You do need to pay to use the restroom… sometimes.

Throughout Europe, public restrooms are generally available for a fee (typically either half a Euro or a Euro).

If you’d like to avoid those costs, be sure to take advantage of available restrooms in restaurants and museums as you sightsee !

Also, toilet paper is far from guaranteed in public toilets on the street.

We recommend carrying a small pack of tissues with you just in case.

View of Vernazza harbor from above, Cinque Terre

Will I need an adapter?

Most likely, yes!

Luckily, adapters are cheap to buy and easy to carry–we recommend picking these up before you go.

Keep in mind that the UK and a few other countries ( Ireland , Malta ) use a separate plug from the bulk of the continent.

If you’re heading to a place that uses UK plugs, you’ll want these adapters as well.

Jeremy in a blue shirt and black jacket, holding a beer while eating lunch in a square of Aix-en-Provence

Is a money belt a good idea?

It depends, honestly.

We used a money belt for our first trip to Europe and for a couple after that.

Back then, we weren’t used to life in bustling big cities, and though we knew that thieves knew about them (because they definitely do), Jeremy found them comfortable enough to wear and it was an easy way to keep our belongings a bit more secure.

If you’re not used to traveling in a big city or watching for pickpockets, I don’t think it’s a terrible idea to use one– this is the one we used and we had no complaints–but I also don’t think it’s necessary, especially if you’re comfortable in large cities.

vertical photo of the spanish steps rome with fountain in the foreground, part of a one day rome itinerary

Is the water safe to drink?

Usually, yes.

We drink out of the tap just about anywhere in Europe.

In rare cases where the water is not safe to drink (usually in remote areas of southern and eastern Europe, or in very old buildings with iffy pipes), there will generally be large and obvious signs stating so.

If you’re worried about it, though, you can always ask your hotel concierge or host about it!

2 Weeks in Italy Itinerary: View of Siena

Is it worth going to Europe for 2 weeks?

This is a pretty common question, and honestly, I get it: with long and expensive flights, it’s easy to wonder if flying to Europe for “only” 2 weeks is worth it.

But yes, it absolutely is!

Two weeks in Europe is long enough that you’ll have plenty of time to get past jetlag, visit several destinations, and have a wonderful trip packed with memories.

Now whether or not it’s worth flying to Europe for just one week is a bit more controversial… but we love to travel Europe so much that we still say yes (for some people).

jeremy storm and ranger storm eating breakfast in venice italy--it's fun to be able to order in italian during your first trip to europe

How extreme is the language barrier?

It varies significantly, of course, but generally, it’s not nearly as difficult as first-time visitors to Europe worry before they arrive (ourselves included).

We recommend learning basic phrases in the language of the countries you are visiting during your 2 week Europe itinerary, but this is usually more for good manners than out of necessity.

While you can absolutely find monolingual Europeans in virtually any country, especially in smaller cities and towns, the people employed in customer service roles and in the tourism industry in major cities–in other words, where most or all of your 2 weeks in Europe will likely take place–generally speak some English.

kate storm in a yellow jacket in front of seljalandsfoss fun stop plan a trip to iceland

How many European countries should you visit in 2 weeks?

For most travelers, we recommend roughly 3 “base” destinations for a 2 week Europe trip, plus a couple of day trips from there to mix things up.

These can all be in one country (for example, here’s how we recommend spending 2 weeks in Italy ), or they can be in 3 separate countries!

There are plenty of exceptions to this standard layout, of course, but it’s a doable but exciting number of destinations to work with for most 14 day Europe itineraries.

kate storm standing in the doorway to the unfinished chapels at batalha monastery portugal

When should I tip?

While this is very country and industry-dependent, generally speaking, tipping is not nearly as prominent in Europe as it is in the USA, and you’ll virtually never need to tip over 10%.

In some countries, you may also tip 5-10% at restaurants, while in others, you might round up the bill or leave nothing at all.

Frequently, a “service charge” will be automatically supplied to the bill which serves the purpose of a tip.

For tour guides, a 10% tip is common.

Fun Things to Do in Dubrovnik Croatia: view of Old Town from Minceta Fortress

What’s the best month to visit Europe?

All of them, except August.

I kid–somewhat–but honestly, every single month in Europe has its perks!

For a concise answer, the late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) are considered ideal by most travelers.

August is specifically difficult because it’s not only very hot in many of Europe’s most popular destinations, but most Europeans take vacations then, so many places (especially in the mountains and on the coast) are at their priciest.

If we absolutely had to visit Europe only during one month for the rest of our lives, we’d pick September, though October is a very close second.

kate storm in a black dress at the top of the bell tower, one of the top activities saint emilion france

What’s the cheapest month to visit Europe?

It depends–trying to spot the northern lights in Tromso would be one exception to this, for example–but for standard first time Europe itineraries like the ones I outlined in this blog post, January and February are often the cheapest months to visit.

When the Christmas markets are over and the gray weather settles in, you can score great deals on vacations in Europe (and have plenty of room to stretch out at iconic monuments).

kate storm jeremy storm and ranger storm on vila nova de gaia riverfront in porto portugal

How far in advance should I book my trip?

For plane tickets, as soon as you can commit to dates!

Not only will this allow you to have more time to plan and budget with a bit of structure, but it will also spread out your costs a bit more.

During peak seasons, like coastal locations in the summer or popular destinations during the Christmas season in Europe , you’ll want to book your hotels as far in advance as you can commit to them as well.

Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm in the Greek Theatre of Taormina Sicily

Can you do Europe for $100/day?

This depends a lot on the traveler, group size, etc, but my initial, instinctive answer is:

If you don’t include plane tickets to and from Europe, yes, absolutely, without a doubt–we’ve done it many, many, many times (as a couple).

The key is to shop for deals, visit during the off-season, not shy away from less common destinations (especially in Eastern Europe and the Balkans), and travel slowly.

The fewer destinations you visit, the cheaper a trip generally is!

If you want to stick to Western Europe, southern Spain , southern Portugal, and southern Italy can all be bargains (as compared to places like Paris and London) as well.

Here’s how we manage our travel budget.

kate storm and jeremy storm standing at an overlooking slovakia hiking high tatras

We’ve put together detailed packing lists for various seasons in Europe, so be sure to check out our complete suggestions for spring , summer , fall , and winter before you head off on your 2 weeks in Europe.

We go into far more detail on what to wear in Europe there !

To get you started, though, here are a few essentials that should definitely be at the top of your list .

Travel Insurance — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and it’s better to be safe than sorry during your 2 weeks in Europe.

Check travel insurance policy inclusions and prices for your trip here.

Trip to Italy Cost: View of Mount Vesuvius from Naples

Pacsafe — We can’t recommend our Pacsafe enough!

This travel safe is affordable, sturdy, easy to pack, and will help keep your valuables safe in your hotel room (not that you should need to worry much about theft from your hotel room during your trip to Europe, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!).

Comfortable Day Bag — We currently use Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable.

Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a Northface Jester backpack for years and loved it as well.

Kate Storm in a red dress at Hore Abbey. She's sitting on a stone wall looking out at a field of cows. Her boots are recommended for your packing list for Ireland!

Travel Adapters for Europe — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adapters for your electronics.

Be sure to check the requirements for any particular countries you visit–the United Kingdom, for example, is well-known for using different plugs than most of the continent.

Portable USB Charger — Don’t stress about your phone dying while you’re sightseeing!

Add a portable charger to your 2 weeks in Europe packing list.

Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm standing in front of a waterfall when visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia

Hand Sanitizer — We carry this everywhere, and never been sorry to have it floating around in our day bag.

Travel Journal — If you want to keep a travel journal during your 2 week Europe trip but can’t commit to a huge amount of writing each night, I can’t recommend the One Line a Day Journal enough.

I’ve been using it for more than 5 years now (I’m on my second volume!) and I absolutely love it.

kate storm kneeling amongst tulips in the netherlands in april

In the process of booking your Europe trip and eager to keep planning?

We’d love to help!

You can browse all of our general Europe blog posts here , find articles about specific places through our destinations page , or check out these guides:

Your 13-Step Guide to Traveling to Europe for the First Time
The Perfect 2 Week Spain and Portugal Itinerary (+ Essential Tips!)
How to Travel Europe By Train: The Ultimate Guide (+ Tips!)
11 Quick Tips for Finding + Using Toilets in Europe
Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Beyond: Epic Central Europe Itinerary

4 images from top left: Eiffel Tower, Venice Grand Canal, blue domes in Santorini, Cliffs of Moher. Black text on a white background reads "How to plan an epic 2 weeks in Europe itinerary ideas + travel guide"

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

58 thoughts on “How to Plan an Epic 2 Week Europe Trip (+ Europe Itinerary Ideas!)”

Great post! I’m actually working on my own 2 week itineraries through Europe post, but I might wait to publish until next year, when I’ve visited a few more spots. I totally agree that the key is to slow down and not switch cities every day or two. Three nights is perfect and sometimes more for the big cities. And yes, multi-city flights are so helpful so you don’t have to backtrack!

Thanks, Riana! We definitely love to slow down whenever we can. 🙂

Hi Kate! This is the BEST post related to Europe Itinerary out of the 1000 other posts that I have checked.

I am from India and I am planning for a trip in February end.

I definitely want to visit FINLAND (so that’s definitely in my list). From there, I am planning for Bupadest,Croatia OR Budapest, Prague OR Budapest/ Vienna.

Do you think this will be good for 2 weeks?

Waiting for your reply. And thanks a ton for such a beautiful detailed post.

Thank you so much, Akshay, that’s wonderful to hear!

That sounds like a wonderful itinerary. Croatia is a bit further out of the way than the other places, but it’s peaceful and beautiful during the winter and fairly simple to get to via a budget flight.

Hope you have an incredible trip to Europe!

Oh my goodness Kate, thank you so much for this post! This is exactly what I needed for my boyfriend and I to plan our trip to Europe in 2020. We want to visit Italy, Spain, France, and England but Greece and Croatia look amazing too! It’s so hard to decide.

Thank you, Jessica! So glad you found our blog helpful.

It is SO hard to decide, and honestly, it never gets any easier in my experience! All of those places are absolutely amazing, so no matter what you decide I’m sure you guys will have an incredible trip.

Italy, France, and Spain are really easy to pair together if you want to keep logistics simple, but really any combination of those would work.

What about panning around the seasons? Isn’t the Amalfi coast and Italy in general super hot during August?

It’s always nice to plan around the seasons when you can, but it depends on your availability!

Italy can be hot in August but it depends very much on where you go. It averages around 85 F / 30 C on the Amalfi Coast in August, which I have to admit isn’t enough to bother us, but it depends on where you’re coming from. It is high season there, though–very, very generally speaking, August is an expensive and crowded time to visit beaches in Europe because it’s when many Europeans tend to take their vacations and head to the coast!

Planning a trip in 2023-24 for my daughter’s graduation present. I was thinking maybe 2-3 weeks. On this trip, how much did you spend in total? I might end up being more because I usually pay for more luxurious than most, but will help with a little expectation of costs plus COLA increases obviously over the years. I figured I should start planning and saving now. lol

Hi Steven! We put this together based on years of traveling in Europe, so unfortunately I don’t have a specific figure to offer. So much varies, and can be impacted by where you go, how fast you travel (ie, how many times you change destinations), of course luxury as you mentioned, etc, etc. Generally speaking, for two people, I would say that $100/person/day is a good lower-midrange figure to calculate (excluding airfare), $200/person/day starts edging toward luxury territory, and of course, the sky is the limit.

That’s INCREDIBLY general, though. You’d be better off narrowing down which countries you plan to visit and calculating based on how long you plan to spend in each of them.

A few things to look at to give you an idea: price of hotels, price of day tours, projected cost of moving between destinations, and average cost of a meal. Those figures should give you a backbone to estimate a budget from.

What brand are the boots you are wearing in the photo “Comfortable Day Bag.” My wife loves them. Gift idea for when we go to Europe 🙂

Those are Ugg Kesey Motorcycle boots, and I love them too! Just got them out again for fall last week. 🙂

Hi kate I am planning to visit europe sometime in 2023(may/june) with my wife and son. Could you please guide me with an itinerary for 15 days Or so?? Swiss, italy, France, spain. After that we will go to a friend in England. If possible, the expenses involved as well. Thanks

Hi Abhijit! I’m not a travel agent, so that’s a bit beyond my scope. 🙂 Generally speaking, though, I’d recommend parring your itinerary down to 2 countries, or 3 at the absolute maximum. 4 countries in 15 days is a lot of travel! Luckily, all of those destinations pair well together, so you can mix and match fairly easily. Also very generally speaking, Italy and Spain will be the most affordable, and Switzerland by far the most expensive–but that depends a lot on where you go and what you do!

Hey Kate, All your pictures are amazing! What kind of cameras do you bring with you? And do you edit your photos? If so what do you use for that, they are all really bright, great pictures.

Hi Stefanie! Thank you so much! We’ve used different cameras over the years, but our main camera these days is a Sony A7 rIII. We love it, and yes, all the photos taken with it are edited in Lightroom. 🙂

Hi Kate, THANK YOU for the great article! I have booked my flights for a 2 week trip next spring, into London and out of Paris. I’ve been to both cities before, but do hope to get a few days in paris again. It’s stolen my heart.

What do you recommend in terms of getting from London to Rome, fairly quickly, and cheaply? I arrive into London mid-day and had hoped to just figure it out at the airport (Gatwick). Do you think that’s possible?

Thank you so much, Sarah! Your trip sounds fantastic.

I’d definitely plan on flying between London and Rome–it’ll be fastest and most likely cheapest, too. Check budget carriers like Ryanair, etc.

If you’re planning on flying out to Rome the same day you arrive in Gatwick, I’d absolutely recommend booking before you arrive. Be sure to double-check and make sure you’re flying out of Gatwick, too, or have time to change airports.

Hope you have an amazing time!

Oh wow I’m doing the same trip with my 3 sons. And unfortunately is the month that she said it’s the worst to go ..in August…oh well🤷🏽‍♀️ can’t do anything about it how but I am worried about the expense tho..

Love your information. I’m planning a trip to Italy and then we want to go to Salzburg as well in the summer of 2023. Our first time to Europe. We will be 60 in 2023 and we think we can plan this without going through a company. After reading your information, I feel comfortable. Two questions about hotels and transportation. What would you recommend for safe places for hotels in those two countries? We don’t need luxury but just comfort and clean. Would you recommend using rail between cities in Italy and it looks like you can travel from Venice to Salzburg by rail? Thoughts?

That’s great to hear, glad we could help!

Venice to Salzburg by rail is very doable in a day and a scenic journey. You’ll probably have to make a change, but that’s workable. Personally, we’d opt for it over flying in a heartbeat.

For hotels, I have several recommendations in our specific Venice and Salzburg posts (you can use the search bar to pull up everything we have on both cities). The centers of both places are quite safe, I wouldn’t worry much about that in a well-reviewed hotel.

Hope you guys have an unforgettable trip!

AWESOME Post!!!!

Please let me know if you have posted anything similar in 2020 or 2021. My wife and I are bringing our three teenagers and we will likely choose the Food & History trip. We both would like to speak with you if possible as we are planning our trip for December.

Hi guys! We don’t run tours ourselves, just provide information for independent travelers, but we’re always happy to answer a few questions about possible itineraries!

Hi Kate, THANK YOU for the amazing Pic ,for now i’m in South Africa Cape Town I’m planning a trip to Italy , France & Austria next year 2022 for 2weeks , Would you recommend using rail or Via Road way .

Thank you in advance & best Regards En vous remerciant d’avance et cordialement

Sounds like a fabulous trip!

Rail vs car depends entirely on where you’re going. If you’re sticking to cities, I’d recommend going by train. If you want to enjoy the countryside, a car could be helpful.

You can also mix-and-match, and rent a car for only part of your trip if you’re going to be in the countryside only part of the time.

Thank you for this awesome post, Kate! My husband and I are wanting to take our first international trip to Central Europe early spring 2022 and have reviewed your Central Europe post. What type of difficulties have you faced with international travel during COVID-19? Any issues with a country on your itinerary going into lock-down or no longer allowing tourists from the US?

We haven’t personally run into any issues with lockdowns interrupting our plans but of course, it’s always possible and things are changing constantly.

Most, if not all, countries in Europe are accepting vaccinated and/or tested US visitors now and haven’t shut their borders to US citizens again since the initial reopening. All of the countries included on our Central Europe itinerary are currently among them.

In addition to entry, some countries are requiring proof of vaccination in order to do certain things like eat in restaurants or check into hotels. Portugal, where we are now, is among them. It’s a very simple process as long as you have the paperwork in order!

Generally, if you plan to visit Europe from the US in 2022, we recommend arriving with proof of vaccination, a negative COVID test (check regularly for specifications as your flight gets closer), flexibility, and the expectation that you’ll wear a mask indoors and potentially in crowded outdoor areas.

I am not a public health expert, of course, and European countries all set their own restrictions, but in the early stages of planning, that’s what I’d keep in mind!

The reaction that we’ve seen from readers who visited in the second half of 2022 has generally been that it’s easier than they expected, but as we’ve all learned way too much in the last 2 years, none of us can predict the future!

Thanks so much, Kate! It definitely seems like flexibility is key as well as continuously monitoring each country’s individual rules for a multi-country trip. I think right now Hungary isn’t accepting tourists but fingers crossed that will change soon so we can replicate your trip. 🙂 Cheers to more adventures for you in 2022!

Hi Kate, my family is in the beginning phase of planning our first international trip and have decided on Europe! I really liked your recommendation of arriving and departing from different airports and I think departing from London would make sense (we’ll probably want to spend the most time there). All we’ve decided is to vacation for somewhere between 2-3 weeks, and we want to see London and Ireland (oh and I want to stay at least one night in a castle hotel!). Would you have any recommendations on destinations or experiences to share? Thanks!

How exciting–nothing like your first trip abroad. 🙂

We actually still haven’t been to London, which is a huge shame! Fingers crossed that 2022 is the year.

Ireland, on the other hand, is one of our absolute favorites! If you search “Ireland” on the top right corner of the blog (or on the pop out menu on mobile), all of our blog posts will come up, but this is a great one to start with: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/10-day-ireland-itinerary-ireland-road-trip/

We spent a night in this castle (slash manor house) and had a fantastic time: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/belleek-castle-county-mayo-ireland/

Ireland is one of our favorite places for road trips on the planet. You’ll love it!

Great post, thanks!

Need your advice here 🙂 We will be landing in London, staying there 3 days, then train to Paris (staying in Paris for 3 days). We fly back home from Lisbon and have 3 options: night train to Nice (spend some time there and then a few days in Lisbon), fly to Napoli (spend some time there and then fly to Lisbon) or fly to Lisbon and discover a bit more of Portugal… What would you recommend?

Oh and we are travelling with two teens who have never been to Europe… I’m trying to pack as much stuff, but wonder what would be too much :/

That’s a lot of hard choices! Each and every one of those destinations is a delight (and we’re living in Lisbon right now).

I’d opt for Nice if you’re looking for coastal views, picturesque villages, and something logistically simple. Nice is a delightful city and the day trips to nearby villages like Eze as well as Monaco are phenomenal. It is the most formal and pricey of the 3 cities and will have a resort feel near the coast in the summer.

Naples is a much less manicured city, it’s a love-it-or-hate-it place (we love it). I’d argue that it has the best food of the 3 options, but those are fighting words and many would disagree. The day trips are equally stunning but very different. If you or your family has an interest in ancient ruins, Pompeii and Herculaneum are unmatched. Visiting the Amalfi Coast or nearby islands is also doable, but it’s a trek if you’re staying in the city center. Keep in mind that there’s no train service to the Amalfi Coast proper, you will need a bus, car, or ferry to get beyond Sorrento.

Lisbon is delightful but honestly, our favorite parts of Portugal lie outside the city. Porto, in the north, has a much more regal feel while Lisbon is fairly spread out. The Duoro Valley (also in the north) is magnificent for port tastings and views, Sintra’s palaces located just outside of Lisbon are must-sees, and if you want to head to the south, the Algarve is incredibly striking.

Logistically speaking, I’d make sure you have at least 2-3 days in Portugal at the end of your trip before flying out, regardless. With 3 full days, you can spend 2 in Lisbon and take one day trip (probably to Sintra but the coastal town of Cascais is also easy and lovely).

If you have time to do that and add another stop for 3 full days, I would check detailed flight and train schedules and let that guide you–the logistics alone may make the choice for you.

That got a bit long, but I hope it helps! 🙂

Thanks a lot for the precious information!

Hi Kate! I know you said you are not a travel agent but are open to a few itinerary questions! We have recently done a European Cruise which hit almost all of Italy! We are wanting to go back independently. I am highly interested in Ireland, but would also like to see Paris. My husband is interested in Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland. With a 14 day trip wanted, what areas do you think we should do (based on best places to see, with allotted time?)

& Austria! 🙂

That is a lot of very different places, but you’ll definitely be able to pull together a great trip! I’d recommend narrowing it down to around 3 destinations, 4 if you’re comfortable moving quite fast and two of them are close together.

Ireland is definitely the odd one out geographically, but if you use two one-way tickets instead of flying in and out of the same airport, it can work (it’s what we did on our first multi-country Europe trip many years ago).

Since you’ll likely have 1-2 flights in this itinerary regardless, which destinations you pick can come down to a combination of your absolute favorites and what makes logistical sense. Paris is a very popular place to fly in and out of, so it’ll likely be easy to work in.

I’m not sure which parts of Germany your husband is interested in, but parts of western Germany have simple train access to The Netherlands and/or France.

As far as what places I’d personally visit, Ireland and Paris are two of my favorite places on the planet, so I’m biased! Switzerland’s mountain landscapes are truly beyond belief, so if you’re looking for nature (and aren’t concerned about the budget), it’s a winner.

Germany is also gorgeous, both its nature and many of its cities, though it’s quite big and varied–with a big trip like this, you’ll want to choose one small corner of it (Bavaria is a popular first stop, but you can also look at places along the Rhine, which makes more sense if you’re hoping to visit Paris or The Netherlands by train before or after).

The only part of The Netherlands we’ve had a chance to visit so far is Amsterdam, which is visually stunning but will be extremely crowded–probably more so than anywhere else you’ve listed, as there’s less room to spread out there than in, say, Paris.

When it comes to your itinerary, I’d recommend that each of you pick one place that is your absolute first choice, plan on a trip to those, and then fill in the 3rd and possible 4th destination based on what makes logistical sense as far as what planes/trains/buses are available to the spots on your shortlist.

Also, if you do need to book high-speed train tickets, book them ASAP, as prices increase as your trip gets closer.

What a wonderful blog, just when I feel like I’ve read them all I find another really helpful article. Heading to Europe for 1 month in May. Keen on Spain, definitely Italy, and probably 2 days in London and Paris respectively (arrival and departure). Feel like we have space for one more place and can’t figure out which is the better option (Portugal, Croatia or Greece) for potentially 5 days? Any recommendations?

Thank you for sharing all your wonderful insights.

That’s tough, because all 3 are fantastic but very different!

I’d probably recommend (if I had to choose), Greece for beaches/swimming and small towns, Portugal for cities, and Croatia for a combination of all. But we adore each and every one of them, so hard to go wrong!

Portugal fits nicely into your Spain section geographically, so there is that to consider.

Hi, Kate! Super love your blog. I just booked a trip to Europe for August, was thinking of going to France, Spain, and Italy in 2 weeks. Or should I cut it down to 2 countries? Hope to hear from you!

Less relevant than the countries are the destinations within them–I wouldn’t go more than 4 places in 2 weeks, max.

So if you’re hitting up Paris, Barcelona, and Rome, for example, your plan is fine. If you want to go to 2-3 places within each country, it’s time to cut it down. 🙂

HI! Thanks for the fantastic blog! My husband and I are planning our first trip to Europe from Canada and are feeling quite overwhelmed by all the choices! His family is from Holland, so we are spending one week touring with them for the first week of May, and then will stay an additional 2 weeks after that. What would you recommend? We are not keen on France but everything else looks so great, and it was good to read that you don’t recommend trying to fit everything else in, which is what we might otherwise be trying to do. Any suggestions for the 2 weeks after Holland?

Hi Michele,

That’s so exciting! You guys are going to have an amazing time.

Without knowing your tastes or the season you’re traveling, the sky is truly the limit when planning your itinerary! Anywhere that sounds exciting to you is going to be worth it. With 2 weeks, I’d opt for 1-2 countries and no more than 4 base destinations (3 would be even better).

I started trying to make a list of some of our favorite countries in Europe for you, but just backspaced the sentence because I was ending up just listing every country, LOL. But Italy is one of our special favorites that we would recommend to just about anyone!

We will be in Holland for the first week of May so we could do the other two weeks either before or after that (or split one before and one after). The suggestion to cut down to less rather than more is helpful – it’s our first time to Europe and everything looks like something we should see! We are 50 and really like most things – some scenery, some castles, etc. Do you think it would be do-able to do Germany and Italy on top of Holland? Any specifics on what you love in Italy? I am really NOT a crowd person, so we’re really going to try and avoid huge crowds or I’ll lose my mind 😉

A week in Germany followed by a week in Italy is definitely doable!

Personally I’d opt for either southwest Germany (Black Forest, Heidelberg, Burg Eltz) or Bavaria.

We love virtually all of Italy, but if you want something somewhat more offbeat that’s in the top half of the country (for geography reasons), I’d recommend looking into Emilia-Romagna.

It’s the region east of Tuscany, and has similar appeal with far fewer tourists. It’s also gorgeous and a culinary dream–Emilia-Romagna is the origin of many iconic foods like parmigiano-reggiano and traditional balsamic vinegar.

A few destinations in the region to poke into as you research: Bologna, Parma, Ravenna, Ferrara, Modena. The micronationa of San Marino is also accessible from there!

Kate-what a remarkably comprehensive, detailed and resourceful blog! I love the considerations offered from different perspectives. My family of 4 (including 2 kids ages 10 and 6) will be traveling to Paris for the second half of August for 2 weeks to visit family. We have already been to Paris a few times so this time around, I would like us to explore more of Europe for some of the time, ideally via trains. I am thinking of staying in Air B&B’s as we have been enjoying that accommodation when we travel locally within the US but would love your perspective on this (vs hotels) considering the cultural and language differences in certain destinations as well as any recommendations for either you may have. Based on some research, some destinations I came cross purely based on travel distance via train from Paris are Switzerland (3 hrs), Barcelona (6.5 hours! would probably have to be an overnight train for the kids), London (2 hrs, have family we can see), and Greece (2 hours), Belgium (1.5 hrs, also some family we can see). My goal is to show my kids/family different cultures, ways of living and experience foods, interesting architecture, beautiful cafe’s etc. Also curios if any of these can be “day trips”. I do not have specific destinations yet to see at these locations and would love your input. From your article, it sounds like limiting to 2 destinations maybe best (outside of Paris) and your thoughts may help me narrow down where to focus. Thanks so much and look forward to reading your insights on this.

So glad you found it helpful, Tez! Sounds like you guys have an amazing trip planned.

I’m sure you already know this, but August is the height of peak season for European travelers visiting the coast and mountains, so some destinations will be quite crowded and expensive (book your hotels and train tickets ASAP, especially in a group of four).

I’m assuming Greece is a typo, so I’ll pass over that one–pretty sure it’s much further than 2 hours even by plane. 🙂

Luckily Paris is a huge train hub for getting across Europe, so you have plenty of options! Most of them will take longer than it looks on the map once you navigate connections, train times, etc. We highly recommend using Omio to search exact routes and dates, and keep in mind tickets will increase in price as you get closer. With kids, you’ll probably want to search by the fastest available routes.

London, Belgium, and Switzerland all jump out at me from your list–simple to access and incredible. The Jungfrau region in Switzerland is pure paradise, though a bit further away.

You may also want to look into Amsterdam, it’s only 3.5 hours from Paris by train.

With the right schedule, you can get as far as Venice in a day from Paris (we’ve done this), so Italy is an option for you as well, as is Germany.

Essentially, the more you stick to major cities, the easier it will be to navigate solely by train. Smaller towns and cities are often connected, but you’ll virtually always need to pass back through the main city of a region to make your way back to Paris.

You may want to take a look at this post as well, we talk a lot more about train travel here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/travel-europe-by-train/

Hi Kate Love your blog, lots of useful information. My husband and I are planning a 10 day trip to Europe end of April to early May. At the moment we are looking at flying from the US RT to Paris. We’re thinking of possibly going to Amsterdam and Belgium as well. this will be our second trip to Paris. We are open to other suggestions. Do you have any other recommendations?

Happy to be able to help, Daisy!

Paris + Amsterdam + Belgium is an excellent itinerary and doable in 10 days. It’s actually a route we recommend ourselves. We have posts on all those places, but here are our suggestions on spending 3 days in Belgium to give you an idea of what you can cover in a short time frame: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-belgium-itinerary/

Paris is extremely well-connected by rail (you can be in Venice in 9 hours or Munich in under 6, for example), so as far as ideas for other destinations go, the sky is the limit!

If you choose to extend your original itinerary, a few additional places that you might consider along that route are Strasbourg/Alsace, Heidelberg, and Cologne.

Thank you for your blog.. We are travelling to Europe for 14 days the end of May. Flying Calgary to Dublin, doing a couple days at the Isle of Man races then hopefully, London, Paris, Rome. Your blog shares what to pack for clothing in Summer, Fall and Winter, what would you recommend for spring? We are trying to decide if we take the trains or flights from London, Paris and Rome. We aren’t planning any beach time. Also, what do you recommend for luggage? I’m leaning towards a rolly carryon but have every size hard shell case and multiple back country camping packs.

So happy you find it helpful!

Funny you mention spring packing ideas–I’m actually working on a post for that right now. It will hopefully be up next week. But off the top of my head, you’ll definitely want a travel umbrella and to pack in layers. The end of May is a beautiful time to be in much of Europe but the weather could be unpredictable–you may want sundresses on some days and light jackets on some evenings!

As far as luggage, either is completely fine. There are advantages to both backpacks and suitcases, but as long as you’re comfortable carrying your bag up and down staircases, carrying (or rolling) it down the street for 10+ minutes, and loading it into and out of trains and/or cars, you’re good.

As far as trains vs planes–London to Paris can definitely be a train, but do a time and cost-benefit analysis between that and a plane (depending on the dates, your travel style, etc, you may choose either). Paris to Rome is better done as a flight!

Thank you very much for sharing your wisdom. We are really excited.

Hi Kate, Thank you so very much. You have provided an AMAZING amount of helpful information. Can you pretty please help me with the best location to travel to 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th and the best way to get to the locations? (We will NOT be doing any driving).I’m a 55 years old woman. I live in USA. I’m planning the 1st International trip for me and my husband for either the 1st or 2nd week of September 2023. My biggest challenge is knowing where to start and end the trip, based on logistically traveling to the different destinations, as well as, the best way to get to each destination.Here are the the things I have planned. I know you mentioned you’ve never been to London but i’m hoping you can assist based on me providing the area I want to be in. *LONDON-7 NIGHTS I’m a theatre/adrenaline junkie person so Theatreland West End of London near (North of the River Thames. 3-Plays (evening events) 2-Hour Sherlock Holmes museum (near West End) 1-Hour Ghost Bus tour (nearest tube stations are Embankment and Charing Cross) 4-Hours-day walking tasting tour (near London Bridge Station) 1-day Harry Potter Studio Tour (Leavesden London) 2 -Nights Theme park “Alton Towers” located Alton, Staffordshire near Manchester and Birmingham. (stay onsite at the parks resort)*PARIS-3 NIGHTS Moulin Rouge (BD de Clichy area) L’ATELIER DES LUMINERES -DIGITAL ART MUSEUM I would like to visit just one of the haunted castles in Paris (depending on recommendation) Château de Puymartin Château de Brissac Château Lagorce Château de Chambord Château de Versailles* GERMANY 3 NIGHTS-Phantasialand Theme park (located Bruhl Germany) Stay onsite at the parks resortThank you for any advice or suggestions you can provide.

Hi Melvina,

I definitely can’t speak to getting around London in detail, though a combination of the tube and buses will likely be doable! You can add cabs as needed as well.

In Paris, the metro is so dense you should have no issue getting around. Assuming you are planning to do the usual Paris sights (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, etc), our Paris itinerary might be able to help you out (and has hotel recommendations): https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-paris-itinerary/

For the chateaus, Versailles is by far the closest to Paris and you can get there by RER train. Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley is doable via an organized day trip like this: https://www.getyourguide.com/paris-l16/loire-valley-castles-wines-day-trip-from-paris-t70389/?partner_id=1OI4D21&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middle

The others are way too far from Paris for day trips, so I’d focus on Versailles and/or Chambord this time.

Hope you have a wonderful time! 🙂

Thank you so very much.

Hi, thank you for this comprehensive post! We are planning a trip this summer and will be going to Paris, Rome, Florence and Amsterdam. My question is about changing money. We were in Iceland last year and used Apple Pay or credit card everywhere, never needed cash and didn’t get any. Is that possible in either France, Italy or Netherlands? Should I plan on getting cash for taxis, tips, etc?

Happy to help!

I’d definitely recommend having some cash with you as you travel, especially for small purchases like coffee, gelato, etc. Most hotels in Italy will require the city’s tourist tax in cash, too. Some taxis and tips will be best done in cash as well, and occasionally very small, offbeat tourist attractions.

While cash-only restaurants definitely aren’t the norm in any of those cities, they’re not unheard of, either.

Overall, I’d say you’re most likely to avoid cash entirely in Amsterdam and most likely to use some of it in Rome and Florence, but that’s not a hard and fast rule by any means (I used some cash on my trip to the Netherlands last spring, for example).

We find that the easiest way to get cash, by far, is to withdraw Euros from any bank’s ATM once you’re already in Europe (avoid Euronet–use an ATM branded by an actual bank). Luckily, since all the places you’re visiting use the Euro, you won’t need to worry about changing currency beyond that. 🙂

Hi Kate, thank you for this great, and helpful post! We’re are planning a trip to Europe for the first time in September for next year in 2024. My plan is to visit Spain, Italy and I’m still undecided on the third country to visit. What country would you suggest or advised that we can visit that has beautiful scenery, mountains, lakes, etc. We like the city, but we also want something where we can hike out in nature like Iceland maybe, Switzerland. Any tips on that? Also, is it cheaper to stay in hotels, Airbnb’s? Thank you!

Spain and Italy–two of our favorites! You guys are going to have a great time. 🙂

The hardest part about picking a third country with your criteria will be narrowing it down between many excellent choices–you really can’t go wrong.

Switzerland is absolutely spectacular, if the Alps are what you’re looking for, it’s iconic and hard to beat in every category except the price tag.

Germany and Austria also offer beautiful mountains and lakes and are a more budget-friendly than Switzerland.

The French Alps are also wonderful–towns like Chamonix and Annecy offer plenty of mountains, lakes, etc.

And, for a a wild card, you don’t necessarily need a third country at all: the Dolomites in Italy have everything you’re looking for.

Any of those that appeal to you and fit your budget will be a great addition to your trip. They’re well-connected to Italy and each other by train, the travel times aren’t too far, and they’re all phenomenal places to visit.

One small thing to keep in mind if you’re planning to travel by train a bunch is that Spain isn’t very well connected to the rest of the places you’re considering by rail–you may want to consider flying in and out of there.

Iceland is definitely far out of the way, but assuming you’re traveling to and from North America, look into the Icelandair stopover program if you want to add it on! I will say that while it does offer mountains, lakes, and beautiful scenery, it’s a very different vibe than Switzerland or any of the surrounding Alpine countries, so take a close look at the specific destinations and see if it’s what you’re looking for. It’s a stunning place, just very different than the others. Here’s one of our Iceland posts if you want to get a feel for it: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/10-day-iceland-ring-road-itinerary/

Eastern Europe , Europe , Western Europe

10 epic europe itineraries for every season & budget.

First up, can I just say how exciting it is that you’re planning a European adventure!

At least I hope you’re planning to travel Europe, because otherwise you’ve probably landed on the wrong post!

And that’s because this article contains the top 10 Europe itineraries you need to take, alongside the best time and reason (or excuse!) to indulge in them.

From winter wanderlusting to summertime sojourns, first-time forays to Balkan bonanzas, I’ve got the ideal European itinerary for each and every scenario.

All you need to do is read through this list of 10, select the one that appeals most and then start planning!

And when it comes to planning, I’ve decided to help you out there too, so right at the end of this guide you’ll find a handy list of planning tools and tips that will be ideal for assisting you with the next stage of your adventure.

This means no matter whether you’re seeking Europe itinerary inspiration, or some preliminary advice about how to plan your adventure, this is the article for you.

Let’s get stuck in…

Top 50 Things to Do in Western Europe
3 Best Eastern Europe Itineraries
15 Easy Steps to Planning the Perfect Trip

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

#1 Perfect for Spring (March through May)

Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Seville, Granada

Time: 10-14 Days

Heading to Spain in the spring is probably the best idea you can ever have!

We all know this glorious Mediterranean country gets scorching in the summer, but visit between March and May and you’ll enjoy delightful temperatures that are perfect for sightseeing and hitting the beach.

If this is your first visit to Spain, then this itinerary is ideal for seeing the best of this country.

Classic coastal cities such as Barcelona and Valencia provide plenty of great museums and history (along with food and beach opps), and you can’t visit Spain and not spend at least a day or 2 in its capital Madrid.

Check out this 2 day Madrid itinerary for more info.

Then it’s time to head down to the southernmost region of the mainland to savour the delights of Seville and Granada – 2 of Andalucia’s most fabulous destinations.

Don’t miss the mighty Alhambra in Granada (learn about how to get your tickets here ), or the delightfully refined centre of Seville (discover my top things to do in this city here), both are shining jewels in Spain’s crown you can’t miss.

And with any extra time, why not consider some time at the nearby coast too?

Hitting one of these top 12 beaches in southern Spain , would make the perfect relaxing end to this Europe itinerary.

#2 Perfect for Summer (June through August)

Munich, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest

Time: 10 Days

This central European itinerary is ideal for the summer months – yes you may have to battle a few crowds, but the glorious weather you’ll get at this time of year will definitely help you see the best of this region.

Travelling from west to east, I recommend starting in Munich , where a couple of days will allow you to wander this beautiful Bavarian city, as well as enjoy at least 1 day trip to some of the fabulous castles around.

Afterwards, train or fly across Germany to the country’s vibrant capital, Berlin, where you can soak in the great atmosphere this city boasts during the summer months.

Ideal for budget travellers, Berlin is amazingly cheap for a European capital – learn more about how to see this city for less here .

From Berlin, it’s then just a short hop, skip and jump across to Prague in the Czech Republic.

Check out my list of the top 21 things to do in this Medieval capital for more ideas about how to spend an amazing couple of days here.

Spoiler alert, don’t miss the UNESCO-listed centre, the famous castle, National Museum or the beer!

Next, it’s on to Vienna – the grand and glorious Austrian capital.

Chock-full of cultural delights, including the famous Opera House, and some pretty iconic museums and galleries, sampling at least a few of the quintessential Viennese cafes here is also a must.

And finally it’s on to Budapest, the magnificent capital of Hungary, where ruin bars and public baths can (and should!) be enjoyed to the max!

Check out my ideal 3 day Budapest itinerary for more inspiration.

#3 Perfect for Autumn (September through November)

Porto, Lisbon, Algarve

Time: 7 Days

If you’re looking for the ideal warm weather escape, then Portugal is a great option for a Europe itinerary at this time of year.

I suggest starting your time in the north of the country, in the city of Porto, which has a convenient international airport for easy access.

The city centre can be explored in a day, but I highly recommend allowing 2 days for trips out of the city as well, including to the famous wine region of the Douro Valley – learn how to get there from Porto in this post .

It’s then time to catch a train, bus or drive to Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, where the sights of Belem, Sintra and this coastal capital itself await you.

Here’s my pick of the top 21 things to do in Lisbon.

And finally, catch the last of the season’s rays down in the Algarve – this dramatic, cliff-backed coastline in southern Portugal should not be missed!

#4 Perfect for Winter (December through February)

Helsinki, Lapland, Bergen, Oslo

Time: 7-10 Days

And with winter now lapping at your heels, heading to Scandinavia to really take in the cold weather, is the perfect Europe itinerary option.

Don’t miss the Finnish capital of Helsinki , or Lapland further north in this country, where snowmobiling, husky sledding, santa visiting, glass igloo sleeping and reindeer spotting all await you.

Learn how to plan your perfect festive Lapland trip here .

From there, it’s then time to head to Norway, to check out more winter wonderland action in the cute historic town of Bergen and the wonderful capital of Oslo.

#5 Perfect All Year Round

Amsterdam, Paris, Strasbourg, Venice, Rome

Time: 14 Days

But what if you’re looking for a top Europe itinerary that’s brilliant all year round?

Well, look no further than this fantastic 14 day route that will take you through some of the continent’s best cities.

Start in the canal-laden capital of Amsterdam and explore the fantastic array of museums and districts in this lively city – get your ideal 3 day itinerary here .

The Noord area just north of Centraal Station is ideal if you want to escape the crowds, otherwise, the Anne Frank house and the Van Gogh Museum are must-dos too.

Moving on, the French capital of Paris is just a short train ride and this iconic city is one that you can easily visit time and time again and not get bored of!

Check out my list of the top 10 free things to do in Paris here.

From the city of love, it’s then time to head east towards the Alsace region and the city of Strasbourg.

Famous for its vineyards and picture-postcard towns, getting out around Strasbourg to nearby towns and villages, such as Colmar, is a must.

Learn more in this article I wrote about my time in the Alsace wine region.

And then it’s time to motor southwards to Italy.

First up is the chance to visit dreamy Venice (restrict your stay here to 1-2 nights if on a budget!), before heading south to the living museum that is Rome , where treats such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon, not to mention the gelato, pizza and pasta, will make a decent dent in your bucket list!

#6 Perfect for First Timers

London, Paris, Ghent, Amsterdam

First time in Europe?

Then this itinerary is for you!

Hitting many of the top cities in the northwest of the region, it’s also easy to connect between all these destinations using the Eurostar and trains – perfect if you want to keep your carbon footprint low.

Start off in London, my home and a freaking marvellous city if I do say so myself!

There’s simply too much to do in this city to list out all the highlights here, but no matter whether you’re into history, shopping, street art, food, galleries, theatre, comedy, music, iconic views, parks or The Royals – London has something for you!

My list of the top 25 most famous buildings in London you should see is a good place to start.

Next, it’s on to Paris, another monolith metropolis.

The area around Pigalle is my fav, although the highlights of the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Musee d’Orsay can’t be missed either if it’s your first time here.

Next, hop on the train and head to Belgium.

Personally, I’d give Brussels a miss, but the lovely city of Ghent, just half an hour away, is a beautiful historic spot that’s wonderful to visit at any time of year.

And last but not least, it’s time to head to the final city of Amsterdam.

The Dutch capital is great fun and deserves a stay of at least 2 nights in my opinion.

If you’re visiting in the summer and can extend to 3 nights, then a day or overnight trip to the nearby Amsterdam coast is also worthwhile.

Learn why I loved this area so much here .

#7 Perfect for Budget Travellers

Sibiu, Brasov, Bucharest, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, Sofia

Time: 12 Days

A great tip for budget travellers in Europe… the key to keeping things cheap when travelling in this region is generally to head east!

And that’s just what this itinerary does.

Taking in Romania and Bulgaria, these 2 beautiful countries will give you the chance to soak up dramatic mountains and historic cities aplenty.

I’d start by flying into Sibiu in the north of Romania, which boasts an international airport, and then taking at least 3 days to explore the wonderful villages, castles and hiking opps of the Transylvanian region – it’s definitely one of the top places to visit in Romania .

Then continue the fun in the city of Brasov , where nearby Bran and Peles Castles are must-sees.

From here, head to the Romanian capital of Bucharest for a day, before crossing into Bulgaria and hitting up the historic and pretty town of Veliko Tarnovo, which is just a few hours from the border.

Next, it’s on to one of the oldest cities in Europe, Plovdiv , before finishing up in the charming capital of Bulgaria, Sofia .

Don’t miss some of the day trips around this city, including to the Seven Lakes and Rila Monastery.

If you have extra time, then a trip to Bulgaria’s sandy coastline shouldn’t be missed either, especially during the summer months.

Learn more in this post I wrote about the best Bulgaria itinerary .

#8 Perfect for Mountain Lovers

Annecy, Interlaken, Trento, Innsbruck, Salzburg

Another European travel itinerary perfect for the mountains is this route, which will take you across the Alps in France, Switzerland, Italy and into Austria – ticking off some of the best destinations along the way.

Hit Annecy in France to begin your journey, before heading across to Interlaken in Switzerland (preferably by train) for some mind-blowing scenery.

Switzerland really is a jewel, but it’s also very pricey, so don’t stay too long if budgets are tight.

Next, it’s time to move to the Italian Dolomites, where Trento is the main hub of the region and the perfect place to start some incredible hiking adventures.

And finally, move up to Austria where the destinations of Innsbruck and Salzburg are filled with epic views, Alpine charm and a good dollop of Sound of Music enthusiasm, if that’s your thing!

#9 Perfect for Coast Lovers

Nice, Naples, Amalfi, Palermo

So after the mountains have had their turn, I thought it only fair to write a European itinerary centred around the coast too!

Of course, I love the lofty peaks as much as the next traveller but, if you read this blog a lot, you’ll know that my heart really always lies at the beach (it’s that growing up on a small island thing!)

For coastal lovers, I thought it best to begin this Europe itinerary in the southern French city of Nice – a pricey but charming destination that’s worth at least a couple of days.

From here, it’s then time to make your way to Italy, stopping at the northern city of Genoa for a night if you have the time, before motoring down to Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

The beaches here, like many in Italy, are stony and sit below steep cliffs, but the magnificence of the Italian towns in this area, coupled with some glorious coastal views and a few Aperols, really is hard to beat!

And after this, it’s time to hop on a train down to the southern island of Sicily for your sandy beach fix.

I suggest heading to Palermo, the buzzing island capital, which is a foodie’s paradise. These are my top 13 things to do in and around this city.

From here, you can then day trip or overnight to the glorious sandy stretch at San Vito de Lo Capo. Learn how to make the journey here from Palermo in this article .

Alternatively, head to the east of Sicily instead and make a beeline for the southern city of Siracusa.

Its coastal location is unparalleled in my opinion and, if you want an easy day trip from here, you can simply hop on a 15 minute train to the lovely free beach of Fontaine Bianche.

Check my list of the top Sicily beaches for more info.

#10 Perfect for Balkan Beginners

Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Dubrovnik, Kotor

And last but not least, we come to the 10 th Europe itinerary on this list and for it, we’re heading to the southeast of the region because it’s time to explore the amazing Balkans.

Start your time in the Serbian capital of Belgrade, where I recommend a stay of 1-2 nights and these 12 great things to do .

From here, hop on a bus to the wonderful Bosnian capital of Sarajevo, where taking a tour (and a couple of days) to learn more about the fascinating history of this city is a must. Check out this guide to Sarajevo I wrote.

Then it’s time to move another couple of hours south where Mostar deserves another 1-2 days of your itinerary.

Don’t miss the famous bridge of course (it’s an Instagram must!) and a great day trip to the beautiful nature and waterfalls around the city – learn why I loved it so much here .

Continue on to Croatia and the famous walled city of Dubrovnik , which is so high on Adriatic amazingness it’s hard not to fall in love with it like everyone else! Game of Thrones fans will be particularly enchanted!

And finally, finish up in the Montenegro coastal spot of Kotor.

Boasting a super cute harbour area, backed by a cobbled old town and a castle that looms over it, spending a couple of days exploring Kotor and the cute towns around it, such as Perast, is best done on foot and by bike.

Check out this guide I write to the city to learn all you need to know.

Just enter your details below and I'll email it you - simple!

Information will be sent to the email provided above

Europe Trip Planning Mini Guide

How to Travel to and Around Europe

If you’re flying into or around Europe, then check out budget airlines such as RyanAir, EasyJet and WizzAir for the best prices.

Using a comparison tool like Skyscanner will also help you find the best prices.

If you’re planning to use trains instead, then I highly recommend using Trainline who make booking and comparing rail journeys across Europe super easy.

And finally, when it comes to bus journeys, look no further than the fantastic Flixbus, whose rates are hard to beat!

Travel Money in Europe

When it comes to paying for things in Europe, you want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates when using your card abroad, which is why I always take my Wise card with me.

The easy way to spend when travelling, with real exchange rates, no markups, no sneaky transaction fees and a free Euros account, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card in Europe… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Grab yours here .

Travel Insurance for Europe

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

SAVE IT TO PINTEREST!

And there you have it, my guide to the top 10 Europe itineraries.

With something for every one, every season and every budget, you’re bound to find the perfect travel route through this region.

Have you tried any of these itineraries out already?

Which is your fav?

Do let me know in the comments box below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

11 EPIC 2-Week Europe Itinerary Options [2024 UPDATE]

Trying to plan a 2-week Europe itinerary but don’t know where to start? This complete Europe travel guide will help you figure out which region in Europe is best for you and which itinerary would best suit your travel preferences!

Europe tops the list of leading destinations for travelers across the globe with its pristine, Mediterranean beaches, medieval history, sumptuous cuisine, and picturesque landscapes. But, with so many countries and options to choose from, finding a 2-week itinerary to suit your needs can be daunting!

With over a dozen European countries under my belt and years of personal traveling experience, I have created the best itineraries to suit every traveler. From the beachbums to the hikers, and the history buffs to the nature enthusiasts, there is a European itinerary for everyone!

Here is my list of the best itineraries across the continent, each containing the top activities of the region. I’ve also included tons of useful information on how to plan your trip, how to select the countries you should visit, and more!

Happy Travels!

11 Incredible 2-Week Europe Itinerary Options

Whether you want to visit Central, Western, or Northern Europe, we have a special itinerary for every travel style and budget!

✈️ Now, before you set out your door en route to the airport, be sure to check out these Essential Tips for Traveling to Europe for the First Time ! Even if it’s not your first trip to the continent, you’re likely to find some helpful tips for your next go-around.

✈️1. London & Paris: 2-Week Europe Itinerary

London and Paris are the perfect combination for a beginner's 2 weeks europe itinerary

This combination makes for a fantastic Eastern Europe itinerary! With so much to see and do in both, you’ll want at least a few days in each to explore the nooks and crannies of these gorgeous cities.

This trip can be shortened to fit within one week, but keep in mind these are two of the largest cities in Europe.

They have a lot of incredible sites and activities to offer that you won’t want to miss out on, not to mention you’ll need some time to sit back and enjoy a cup of tea (or a glass of wine) and a freshly baked croissant!

Day 1 : Arrive in London Day 2 : Big Ben, the Tower of London, the London Eye Day 3 : Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard Day 4 : Walking Tour of the City Day 5 : Harry Potter tour Day 6 : Train to Paris: Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe Day 7 : Les Champs-Élysées and the Notre Dame Day 8 : Museums: Orsay and Louvre Day 9 : Explore some neighborhoods: Montmartre and Le Marais Day 10 : Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles Day 11 : Picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens Day 12 : Get lost in the Latin Quarter Day 13 : Paris Catacombs and catch a show at Le Moulin Rouge Day 14 : Return home

With 20 arrondissements in Paris and over 600 square miles in London, it’s safe to say the possibilities are endless when designing a trip to these cities. But, you really can’t go wrong!

Each day can be customized to fit your goals. Looking to relax by the Seine and have a picnic? Do it. Not really into shopping? Skip the Champs-Élysées and spend time listening to the singing bells of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

In London, opt to check out the local art scene and make your way through its numerous museums.

Looking for a day trip from London? Windsor Castle, Bath, and Stonehenge are most popular for visitors looking to escape the chaos of the city for a day, and with their incredible cultural heritage and stunning architecture, there’s no wondering why.

London and Paris offer fantastic opportunities to immerse yourself in Europe while avoiding complex itineraries and long-haul journies between destinations. Pair them together for a classic 2 week Europe trip full of beauty, romance, and charm.

✈️2. Amsterdam, Bruges & Luxembourg City: 2-Week Europe Itinerary

Amsterdam is a very popular destination and should be included on any 2 weeks europe itinerary

Medieval architecture, sweeping canals, and charming squares await in these three cities seemingly based on a storybook. Evidently frozen in time, the magic of these cities can be felt by even the most jaded of travelers, and surely won’t disappoint your inner child!

Stroll the windy, cobblestoned alleyways and take a boat ride through the web of canals in Amsterdam and Bruges, but find yourself watching the changing of the guard and getting lost in the Casemates du Bock of Luxembourg City.

These cities offer everything from traditional design to modern cafés and boutiques and represent the epitome of European travel.

Day 1 : Arrive in Amsterdam Day 2 : Bloemenmarkt & Canal Boat Ride Day 3 : Red Light District (if it’s your style) & Jordaan neighborhoods Day 4 : Van Gogh Museum & Anne Frank House Day 5 : Day Trip to Zaanse Schans Day 6 : Optional Day in Brussels & train to Bruges Day 7 : Train to Bruges Day 8 : Canal Boat Ride & Belfry of Bruges Day 9 : Rozenhoedkaai (Quay of the Rosary) & Market Square Day 10 : Train to Luxembourg City Day 11 : Casemates du Bock & the Grund Day 12 : Walking tour of the Old Town Day 13 : Day Trip to the Mullerthal Trail Day 14 : Return home

Now, you’re probably wondering why I’ve chosen Bruges over Brussels… and the answer is simple. I’m all about getting out of the basic tourist spots (Bruges is still very touristy, but has far more medieval character and beauty to it), and going beyond the first train stop in a new country.

Yes, while traveling from Amsterdam to Bruges, you will most likely be stopping in Brussels. I’m not going to tell you not to get off the train, but I will say that when debating between Bruges vs Brussels , I can honestly say that most people choose Bruges over Brussels.

My best suggestion is to add a day to your trip so you have time to explore both.

Luxembourg City may be small, but it certainly packs a punch. Often overlooked by travelers, it is a true gem that has so much to explore.

Have some extra time? Head up north to the Mullerthal Region of Luxembourg where you’ll find dreamy, moss-covered forests scattered with graceful waterfalls and filled with tall trees (it reminds me of the forests depicted in The Hobbit films!)

These cities have so much to offer and this is one of my personal favorite European itineraries on this list… just remember to bring a camera and good walking shoes.

✔️ One Day in Bruges: The Ultimate Bruges Itinerary ✔️ One Day in Ghent: The Ultimate Ghent Day Trip ✔️ One Day in Brussels: A Brussels Itinerary for First Time Visitors ✔️ The Perfect 3 Days in Belgium Itinerary ✔️ 17 Authentic Souvenirs from Belgium to Bring Home ✔️ Paris or Amsterdam: A Complete Comparison ✔️ Barcelona vs Lisbon: The Ultimate City Comparison ✔️ The Perfect Day Trip to Luxembourg from Brussels ✔️ Amsterdam in Spring: Why Spring is the Best Time to Visit Amsterdam ✔️ 2 Days in Amsterdam: The Ultimate Amsterdam Itinerary ✔️ 25 Authentic Souvenirs from Amsterdam To Bring Home ✔️ One Day in Amsterdam: Full Guide & Best Things To Do and See

✈️3. Chamonix, Courmayeur & The Matterhorn (Zermatt): 2-Week Europe Itinerary

Zermatt is the ultimate winter destination for anyone looking to do some skiing on their 2 weeks Europe itinerary

Fellow hikers and adventure seekers, this is the trip for you! Surrounded by the breathtaking Mont Blanc Range and the various snow-capped peaks of the Alps, there is no end in sight to hiking trails of all difficulty levels and spectacular landscapes worthy of a thousand photos.

Even if you aren’t someone who enjoys a good hike, there are plenty of options to take cable cars up these majestic mountain ranges to enjoy the stunning scenery. Trust me, your pictures won’t do your experience justice.

Coming from someone who jumped off the Mont Blanc Range (with a paraglide strapped to me!), the sights are truly unparalleled, and you won’t believe you ever even debated the option of skipping it.

So, here is my best 2-week Europe itinerary for exploring this region to the fullest, just be sure to bring a jacket (yes, even in summer) if you plan on making your way up to the top of these mountains!

Day 1 : Arrive in Chamonix, France Day 2 : The Montenvers Train to Restaurant le Panoramique Day 3 : Aiguille du Midi Cable Car Day 4 : Adventure Activities (Hiking, Paragliding, or Snow Sports) Day 5 : Explore th e c harming Alps town Day 6 : Train to Courmayeur Day 7 : Skyway Monte Bianco Cable Car Day 8 : Explore the quaint villages of the Aosta Valley (Dolonne, La Saxe, Entrèves and Villair) Day 9 : White Water Rafting Day 10 : Train to Zermatt Day 11 : The Gornergrat Railway (Europe’s highest mountain railroad) Day 12 : The Matterhorn (learn about it here ) Day 13 : Ski Day Day 14 : Return home

Chamonix , Courmayeur, and Zermatt not only provide stunning scenery at altitude but also at the ground level in the center of lovely villages and neighborhoods. Nestled between sections of the magnificent Alps, these towns provide a cozy, small-town feel you don’t get in other places in Europe.

Being encircled by the striking mountains is both awe-inspiring and rejuvenating and should be experienced by travelers of all types! Do yourself a favor, and head to the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps on your next European getaway.

✈️ When it comes to bucket list experiences, Chamonix often tops the list for Europe. If it’s already caught your eye, be sure to check out this Ultimate Europe Bucket List: 101 Experiences to Have in Europe as well!

✈️4. Barcelona & The French Riviera: 2-Week Europe Itinerary

Barcelona should be included on any 2 weeks Europe itinerary with its pristine beaches and gothic neighborhoods

As one of my personal favorite destinations in all of Europe, Barcelona is a true gem. Boasting sweeping coastlines and a vibrant art scene, it can easily be combined with the nearby French Riviera for the ultimate beach vacation.

If this magical city is high on your European bucket list, be sure to check out my list of the Best Things To Do in Barcelona at Night !

Combined with the magic of the French Riviera, beachbums will have their fill of endless crystal clear waters, and soft, white-sand beaches to get between their toes!

This is the ultimate vacation for those looking to relax and unwind in the Mediterranean with a little European flair.

Day 1 : Arrive in Barcelona Day 2 : Antoni Gaudi’s Park Güell and Walking Tour Day 3 : Beach day Day 4 : Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter, El Born, Gràcia, and El Raval Day 5 : Train to Dramont Day 6 : Beach day in Dramont & stroll the Old Town Day 7 : Day trip to one of the Cote d’Azur islands Day 8 : Beach day in Nice & explore the Promenade des Anglais Day 9 : Day Trip to Cannes and walk the Boulevard de la Croisette Day 10 : Optional beach day or hiking day Day 11 : Day Trip to Antibes Day 12 : Day Trip to Monaco Municipality Day 13 : Optional beach day or hiking day Day 14 : Return home

With some of the best beaches in not only Europe but the world, the French Riviera should not be overlooked by anyone, regardless if you are someone who could spend 10 hours or barely last 10 minutes on a beach.

The panoramic scenery is simply breathtaking and the region boasts exciting activities, too.

Windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling are just a few activities visitors can enjoy during their stay. Not to mention the coveted secret gems tucked between rock formations all around the region that are filled with clear waters, tropical fish, and few tourists.

While Barcelona and the French Riviera are situated an approximately 9-hour train ride from each other with line switches, your efforts will be well rewarded.

Aim to set aside a minimum of 10 days for this trip, but preferably 2 weeks to ensure you have ample time to rejuvenate on the warm, Mediterranean beaches without feeling rushed.

✈️5. The Best of Italy: 2 Week Europe Itinerary by Train

Italy is one of the most popular destinations on any 2 week Europe trip and for good reason! With everything from its fresh cuisine, Mediterranean beaches, cliffside villages, snowy mountains, and historical cities there’s something for everyone.

While it’s easy to spend a month in Italy and not go down the same street twice, not everyone has that kind of time (but if you do… go for it!)

This itinerary is designed for slightly longer than 2 weeks because less time won’t allow you to see all the major sites as well as relax and enjoy your time on the beaches and really explore the towns.

Of course, you can always cut some sites and activities out, but be sure to choose wisely. This is my best Italian itinerary for those looking to get lost in the birthplace of their family’s heritage, or simply live like a local and eat delicious food. Mangia!

Day 1 : Arrive in Milan Day 2 : Duomo di Milano Cathedral & strolling the streets Day 3 : Train to Venice & boat ride along the Grand Canal Day 4 : St. Mark’s Square & The Bridge of Sighs & Rialto Bridge Day 5 : Train to Cinque Terre Day 6 : Roam the fishing village & Cinque Terre hike Day 7 : Beach day Day 8 : Train to Florence & Climb the Steps to Duomo overlooking the city Day 9 : Giotto’s Campanile & Palazzo Vecchio & Museums Day 10 : Train to Rome & the Colosseum (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) Day 11 : Train to Naples for the best pizza in Italy Day 12 : Rent a boat or take a day tour to Capri Day 13 : Train to Positano (Amalfi Coast) & explore the city Day 14 : Positano Beach Day 15 : Train to Bari & explore the old town Day 16 : Train back to Rome & return home

Italy often receives high recognition for one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and it definitely deserves it. There truly is something for everyone and with their convenient train system, there’s no end to the itinerary possibilities.

✔️ Pro Tip: Keep in mind that the trains can change sporadically so be sure to arrive early to ensure you’re at the right departure gate!

✈️6. Iceland’s Ring Road : 2-Week Europe Itinerary

You can easily turn Iceland's Ring Road into a 2 weeks Europe itinerary

Iceland’s infamous Ring Road is well known for its awe-inspiring sites and magical landscapes. To really discover the best this loop has to offer, opt to rent a car and drive at your own pace. This way, you’ll be able to allow yourself ample time at each stop and not be on a tour bus’ schedule.

Renting a car and planning a road trip can have its fair share of frustrations, so if you would enjoy some assistance with your bookings, transfers, and ensuring you’re going to see the best the area has to offer, check out Nordic Visitor’s Self Drive Tours !

They have local travel experts handpick your accommodations, offer free transportation from the airport, set up your Enterprise car rental, and create a comprehensive itinerary designed specifically for you.

While you can technically complete Iceland’s Ring Road in about 7-10 days, we suggest spending 2 full weeks. This will not only allow you to take your time in each place, but it will also increase your chances of spotting wildlife and the northern lights!

Day 1 : Arrive in Iceland & Blue Lagoon Day 2 : Snaefellsnes Peninsula and National Park Day 3 : Snaefellsnes Peninsula and National Park Day 4 : Goðafoss Waterfall in Northern Iceland Day 5 : Whale Watching in Húsavík Day 6 : Ásbyrgi Canyon Hike Day 7 : Dettifoss and Selfoss Waterfalls & Lake Myvatn Day 8 : Eastern Iceland Fjords and Fishing Villages Day 9 : Explore the local Fishing Villages Day 10 : Skógafoss, Fjaðrárgljúfur, and the Black Waterfall Day 11 : First Half of the G olden Circle Day 12 : Second Half of the G olden Circle Day 13 : Day Trip to Vik Day 14 : Reykjavík & Return Home

For optimal time in each major site on this itinerary, I highly recommend setting aside at least 12 days to complete this trip. It can be done in 7 days, but you’ll have less time at each location, and may end up feeling rushed or missing out on some exciting opportunities Iceland has to offer!

This trip can also be done in either direction: clockwise or counterclockwise. But, if you’re someone who likes to leave the best parts of a trip until the end, I suggest starting in Reykjavík and heading clockwise around the loop (how it is laid out above).

This saves some of the most beautiful parts of the country for last which can be a great way to end your Icelandic vacation.

Both a popular tourist destination and secluded island, Iceland makes for a magical 2 week Europe itinerary with its countless, giant waterfalls, black sand beaches, striking mountains, and windswept coastlines.

Be sure to pack warm layers no matter what season you plan on traveling and always, always, always pack a bathing suit… there are dozens of gorgeous hot springs all over the island!

✔️ Pro Tip: If you plan on visiting in winter, be sure to rent a vehicle with high-quality snow tires and chains. Service can be limited and food and gas stops can be few and far between. Ensure your vehicle comes with 24/7 roadside assistance and always carry extra blankets, food, and water in the vehicle. To figure out how to budget for a trip to Iceland, check out this guide: Is Iceland Expensive? The Ultimate 2024 Breakdown

✈️7. Oslo, Stockholm & Copenhagen: 2-Week Europe Itinerary

A trip to Scandinavia makes for the ultimate 2 weeks Europe itinerary

These cities are some of the most vibrant (both culturally and literally) in all of Europe! Walk the colorful streets along Nyhavn harbor in Copenhagen , swim in the Baltic Sea surrounding Stockholm, or take in the picturesque scenery from the Bygdøy Peninsula in Oslo.

Sweden, Norway, and Denmark are a part of the Schengen Area of Europe which signifies a zone of countries involved in the protection of freedom of movement of people and have similar laws regarding external borders and fair judicial systems.

These countries boast a high quality of life and low criminal ratings, making them fantastic destinations for everyone! You can expect to meet friendly, hospitable people, and experience a relaxed, positive vibe while exploring the region.

For families traveling with kids to older couples and everyone in between, Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen make for the perfect 2 weeks Europe itinerary!

Day 1 : Arrive in Oslo Day 2 : Explore the City Day 3 : Bygdøy Peninsula & Museums Day 4 : Akershus Fortress & the Royal Palace & Mathallen Food Hall Day 5 : Oslo Fjords Tours Day 6 : Fly (or take a train) to Stockholm & Gamla Stan Old Town Day 7 : Explore the City Day 8 : Swim in the Baltic Sea & Canal Boat Tour on the Royal Canals Day 9 : Day trip to Ørland Day 10 : Fly (or take a train) to Copenhagen Day 11 : Strøget & The Old City Day 12 : Nyhavn Harbor Day 13 : Rosenborg Castle & Christiansborg Palace Day 14 : Return Home

Oslo sits in a network of fjords, all offering incredible views of the surrounding landscapes and dramatic vistas, so it would be silly not to take advantage of a boat ride through these fjords for a spectacular vantage point.

Bookings can be made through the highly rated company, Fjord Tours , several months in advance here !

As for Stockholm, be prepared to witness extremely fine, white sand beaches and picturesque harbors throughout your stay. Some of my family’s heritage goes back to the municipality of Ørland , an island connected by a striking bridge with beautiful gardens, stunning beaches, and unique history.

Easily reached in under 2 hours by car, this island makes for a great day trip away from the more touristy city of Stockholm.

If you love to travel or often seek out those quintessential European towns, there’s a good chance you have seen at least a picture of the famous Nyhavn Harbor in Copenhagen.

Lined with colorful, cookie-cutter buildings and elegant schooners, this town is one of the most sought after in all of Europe. Be sure to stroll the harbor at night for the ultimate romantic experience!

✈️ Planning this trip for your honeymoon? Be sure to check out these 9 Incredible European Honeymoon Itinerary Options for 1 Week, 2 Weeks, + 1 Month !

✈️8. Munich, Prague, & Vienna: 15 Days Europe Tour Itinerary

Prague will be a highlight on any 2 weeks Europe itinerary

These popular tourist destinations are well known across Central Europe for their lovely squares, medieval architecture, and pedestrian-only cobblestoned streets. But, that’s not all!

Full of traditional European charm and romantic ambiance, there’s no wonder why this is one of the most popular European itineraries among tourists.

For the ultimate experience, I highly recommend traveling during the off-season in September, during Germany’s world-renowned Oktoberfest festival. Traditional German activities combine with endless food and brews, authentic lederhosens, and dancing!

You will also get to experience lower accommodation and flight costs ( bonus! ) during this time of year.

Head to Germany, Czech Republic, and Austria to immerse yourself in the classic charm of old-world Europe while diving deep into the contemporary lifestyles of modern Europeans.

Day 1 : Arrive in Munich Day 2 : Marienplatz Square Day 3 : Oktoberfest (if visiting in September, highly recommended!) Day 4 : Day Trip to Nymphenburg Palace Day 5 : Train to Prague Day 6 : Wenceslas Square & Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock Day 7 : Charles Bridge & The Lesser Town & Prague Castle Day 8 : Lennon Wall and St. Vitus Cathedral Day 9 : Train to Vienna Day 10 : The Hofburg & Belvedere Palace Day 11 : Catch a Showing at the Vienna State Opera House Day 12 : Day Trip to Schönbrunn Palace Day 13 : Hundertwasser House, Austrian Gallery Belvedere, and Austrian National Library Day 14 : Travel west to Salzburg Day 15 : Return home

For the most convenient method of travel among these countries, I highly suggest using the Eurail . With frequent trains between dozens of European cities daily, there’s no stressing about how to get from one destination to the next, but just be sure to book your train tickets as soon as they become available. This typically occurs between 60-120 days prior to your travel dates.

Munich , Prague , and Vienna are also extremely walkable, leaving no reason to rent a car.

Have more time for travel? Consider tacking on other popular destinations including České Budějovice in the Czech Republic and Salzburg in Austria (home to famous composer Wolfgang Mozart).

If you’re a fan of sophisticated music and shows, be sure to get tickets to a play at the Vienna State Opera House… one of the most paramount opera houses in the entire world!

✈️9. Athens & The Greek Islands: Europe Itinerary 3 Weeks

A trip to Santorini Greece is a dream for most couples headed out on a 2 weeks Europe itinerary

There is so much more to Greece than just delicious feta cheese (yes, it is incredible) and beautiful sunsets. Think whitewashed villages painted with deep blue rooftops, rugged coastlines, white and black sand beaches, and marvelous ancient ruins.

Also, the entirety of the islands are covered in vibrant, blooming wildflowers adding supreme brightness to the country. So, if you have time for a 21 days in Europe itinerary, you won’t regret spending it in Greece!

Even if you aren’t a beachbum, this itinerary has something for everyone. Are half-day hiking treks more your style? Check out Mount Ida on the island of Crete or Mount Zeus on Naxos (supposedly Zeus’ birthplace) for sensational views of the rugged coastlines and crystal clear, blue waters of the Meditteranean.

In Greece, you can also expect to find incredible cuisine boasting fresh, local ingredients grown on the islands. Fish, grilled meats, olives, taramasalata, and other dips are highly popular among both locals and visitors.

If you aren’t really interested in most of these foods, don’t fret, they also have some options more geared for tourists.

Ferries frequent between islands all over Greece, so be sure to check out some of the other islands available on your route, and if you have time, spend a day there!

Each island is unique in both design, scenery, and activities, so be sure to do a little bit of research if the islands I have mentioned below don’t seem to excite you. But, to be honest, I truly believe anyone could enjoy themselves on this Greece itinerary!

This Europe itinerary has been created for 3 weeks since we believe that is how long you’ll need to get a really good feel for each island’s unique characteristics. If you only have 2 weeks, simply remove a couple of the islands that are on the itinerary below.

Day 1 : Arrive in Athens Day 2 : The Parthenon & The Acropolis Day 3 : Ferry to Mykonos Day 4 : Delos Ancient Greek Ruins & Little Venice Day 5 : Beach Day (highly recommend Ftelia Beach & Elia Beach) Day 6 : Ferry to Naxos Day 7 : Apollo Temple & The Old Town Day 8 : Beach Day (highly recommend Plaka Beach & Mikri Vigla Beach & Kato Koufonis i) Day 9 : Ferry to Santorini (also known as Thera) Day 10 : Akrotiri Archaeological Site & Watch the Sunset on Oia Day 11 : Akrotiri Lighthouse & Explore Fira (the capital) Day 12 : Visit the Village of Pyrgos Day 13 : Beach Day Day 14 : Day Trip to Anafi Island Day 15 : Beach Day (highly recommend Kamari and the black sand beach of Perissa) Day 16 : Ferry to Crete Day 17 : Elafonisi Isle Day 18 : Rocca a Mare Fortress & Heraklion Day 19 : Beach Day (highly recommend Vai Beach) Day 20 : Beach Day (highly recommend Preveli Beach) Day 21 : Ferry back to Athens & Return Home

Whether you want to spend your Greek Island vacation basking in the sun on one of the hundreds of beaches and secret coves or you want to discover the truth behind the lost city of Atlantis at the Akrotiri Archaeological Site , this culturally extravagant country should have its very own 21 days in Europe itinerary.

Although it is often combined with a trip to Italy, I believe there is so much to do and see on the 6,000 islands of Greece (yes, you read that right) to give it the spotlight it deserves.

This trip can be shortened if you’re willing to pack more into your days, but be sure to factor in some time to relax and unwind, because Greece is one of the best places in the world to just sit back and enjoy the view.

✈️10. An Irish Road Trip: 2-Week Europe Itinerary

Looking for sweeping landscapes and traditional folk music? Be sure to include Ireland on your next 2 weeks Europe itinerary!

Rolling hills, scenic vistas squared off by stone wall boundaries, and sheep… so many sheep! Don’t let me forget to mention the gorgeous, rugged coastlines, vibrant shades of green, and endless pubs bustling with traditional Irish music that will make you dance the night away, I know I did!

Ireland is one of my favorite places in Europe and I highly suggest adding it to your 2 week Europe itinerary or creating an entire trip centered around this one country (like I did!)

Road trips are a great way to go at your own pace and really take the time to appreciate your surroundings and truly relax. Ireland is just the place for that.

Ireland is a destination filled with wonderful, hospitable people, beautiful scenery, and inspiring heritage that will entice you to keep coming back. On my next trip to Ireland, I’ll be road-tripping once again since I truly believe it is the best way to see the beauty of this country.

Day 1 : Arrive in Dublin Day 2 : Guinness Factory & The Temple Bar Day 3 : Drive to Kilkenny & Kilkenny Castle Day 4 : Drive to Cork & stroll Wild Atlantic Way Day 5 : Sightseeing in Cork & Blarney Stone Day 6 : Drive to Killarney – Sightseeing & Ross Castle Day 7 : Killarney National Park Day 8 : Drive to Dingle on the Dingle Peninsula Day 9 : Slea Head Drive up to Adare – short pitstop on route to Limerick Day 10 : King John’s Castle & The Hunt Museum Day 11 : Drive to Cliffs of Moher & stay in Doolin Day 12 : Pub crawling through Doolin Day 13 : Drive to Galway & Trad On The Prom (Traditional Irish music and dance show) Day 14 : Drive to Shannon airport and return home

Ireland always leaves a lasting impression on my heart. There truly is nowhere like it in the world that makes you feel so “at home” while overseas!

From the people to the music and the breathtaking scenery, not to mention the endless charming pubs overflowing with refreshing brews, Ireland is one of my favorite places in the world and should have its very own 2 week Europe itinerary.

Have I convinced you to travel to Ireland? Be sure to check out these other helpful resources!

✔️ Ultimate Ireland Packing List: 22 Important Items You’ll Need ✔️ The Perfect Two Days in Dublin Itinerary ✔️ 7 Best Rated Cliffs of Moher Tours from Dublin ✔️ 19 Perfect Day Trips from Dublin ✔️ The Greatest Ireland Itinerary and Guide: Routes + Tips for 1-3 Weeks in Ireland ✔️ Where to Stay in Cork Ireland – A County Cork Guide ✔️ Dingle Accommodation: Where to Stay in Dingle Ireland ✔️ Is Dublin Safe? An In-Depth Look at Safety in Dublin, Ireland ✔️ 27 Authentic Souvenirs from Ireland to Bring Home

✈️11. The Best of Portugal : 2 Week Europe Itinerary for Families

Portugal has so much to offer and makes for an incredible destination on any 2 weeks Europe itinerary

Ever had a pastel de nata (traditional Portuguese egg custard tart) while strolling the windy streets of Lisbon? If not, it will change your life! In Lisbon , you’ll find a sea of red clay roofs perched on a hilltop above the ocean.

In Porto , vibrant buildings rest side by side on a harbor, surrounded by iconic bridges and large street markets.

Then, there’s the Algarves … an entirely different world set on the far south of the country.

The southern coast of Portugal boasts stunning beaches enclosed by intricate cliffs and vibrant wildflowers. If you’re up for a little swimming (or kayaking!), you can find secluded beaches hidden away by the sea that reveal themselves with the outgoing tide.

The Algarves offer some of the most spectacular coastlines across the Mediterranean and Europe, so if you’re a true beachbum, you had better add them to your 2 weeks Europe itinerary!

The best part about Portugal is that it’s extremely family-friendly. From the beaches to the cities, it’s easy to get around, everything is relatively affordable, and there are tons of family-friendly hotel options everywhere you go.

Day 1 : Arrive in Porto Day 2 : Douro River Sightseeing Cruise & Miradouro da Vitória Day 3 : Extra Day in the Douro Valley Day 4 : Explore the Baixa, Bolhao, & Ribeira Districts Day 5 : Train to Lisbo n and sightseeing Day 6 : Torre de Belém & Ride Tram 28 & Alfama District Day 7 : Train to Sintra & Pena Palace Day 8 : Quinta da Regaleira , Castelo dos Mouros, and Cabo da Roca Day 9 : Train to Lagos Day 10 : Kayak or Boat Rental around the caves Day 11 : Beach Day Day 12 : Walk the streets of Faro and souvenir shopping Day 13 : Beach Day Day 14 : Train to Lisbon and return home

Portugal offers everything from bustling city life to remote beaches, all with vibrant scenery and quirky design! There’s something special about Portuguese culture; it combines traditional European style with fresh, modern urbanity.

Looking for fresh seafood? Just wait until you get the chance to pick your very own fish or crustacean out of a tank and have it cooked right there for you… now, that’s fresh!

Portugal not only offers a wide range of delectable foods but also boasts stunning artistry in the form of hand-painted and hand-crafted pottery. There is no end to the exciting opportunities waiting to be had in this beautiful region.

Portugal is one country that should be included on any 2-week Western Europe itinerary!

2-Week Europe Itinerary Country & City Suggestions

On your next 2 weeks europe itinerary, be sure to follow these tips

✔️ For First-Time Europe Travelers :

If this is your first time visiting Europe, I suggest selecting an itinerary that allows you ample time to explore each destination (or choose just a single destination!)

My London & Paris and Munich, Prague & Vienna itineraries are perfect for beginners with their simple method of travel and common weather and style similarities, allowing you to pack with ease.

✔️ For the Beach Bums :

Looking to relax on some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the Mediterranean and across Europe? My Barcelona & The French Riviera , The Best of Italy , Porto, Lisbon & The Algarves , and The Greek Islands itineraries are your best options for that. Gorgeous coastlines and turquoise blue waters await!

✔️ For the Hikers :

If you’re seeking some sweet hikes offering panoramic vistas and rugged landscapes, check out The Alps: Chamonix & Courmayeur & The Matterhorn , The Greek Islands , and Iceland’s Ring Road itineraries.

✔️ For the Foodies :

Want to eat your way through a country (or several?) I’m the same way! Be sure to take a look at my itineraries for Italy , France , Munich , Prague , and Vienna . In my experience, these have been some of the best places to find incredible food.

Although, when traveling throughout Europe, I have rarely had a bad meal so be open to trying new things.

Squid ink pasta, flambéed octopus, and Ireland’s black pudding all left a lasting impression on me, so don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and experience the cuisine that makes a country unique!

How to Plan a 15 Days Europe Tour Itinerary

So, you know you want to embark on a trip to Europe. Fantastic! That’s the first step. Next, I am going to show you exactly how to decide which countries to include on your 2 week Europe itinerary, how to get around, and how to choose your accommodations.

➡️ Step 1: Which Countries Should Be On My 2-Week Europe Itinerary?

Before deciding on your 2 weeks europe itinerary, be sure to research all of the most popular countries in Europe

This one can be daunting, to say the least! There are dozens of countries you can choose from, and finding one that’s right for you can be tricky. After all, you don’t want your first experience to be a dud, so let’s put a little research into finding out what you are looking for out of your trip.

You can also check out my travel suggestions above to get a good idea of some itineraries you might enjoy based on your travel style!

Ask yourself: what am I looking for? Beautiful beaches, windy, cobble-stoned streets, medieval history and architecture, luxurious cuisine, famous museums, mountains, traditional folk music?

What is it that makes you say “Yes! That’s what I want to do on my vacation” . Once you find your “wow” factor, you can start to narrow down which country or countries you want to visit.

I suggest making a list to help you keep track of the ones you especially want to visit, then crossing items off your list based on the following factors:

➡️ Step 2: How Much Time Do I Have to Travel in Europe?

Be sure to give your job plenty of notice if you're planning a 2 weeks europe itinerary

Do you plan on traveling to Europe for a few days, a week, 2 weeks, a month, or more?

Knowing your timeline will really help you decide on how much of a region you can cover. Depending on your travel style (i.e. backpacker vs luxury), a few days to a week can usually only give you enough time to really discover a single country or a small region between countries.

If you have more than a week available, consider combining a couple of countries to get the most out of your trip! My itineraries above range from 10-18 days, but can be easily shortened by removing an activity or region.

The bottom line is you can squeeze as much or as little into your time as you want, but think about how you want to feel when you get home. Do you want to have seen a ton of amazing sites , but be tired ?

Or would you rather take your time and possibly see less, but feel rejuvenated on your return from vacation? Your answer to this should guide how much you try to fit into your time.

➡️ Step 3: Getting Around on Your 2-Week Europe Itinerary

On your 2 weeks europe itinerary, decide if you'll be renting a car or using public transportation

Is it possible to do a 2 week Europe itinerary by train? Yes! Train travel is extremely popular across Europe and offers thousands of different route possibilities. So, don’t be so certain that flying will automatically be faster and easier (or cheaper!)

Dealing with airports can cause a lot of unwanted stress during a trip, so do a little research and see how far you are from your destination. If you’re already in Europe, train travel might be the better option. Not to mention it is far more scenic.

➡️ Step 4: Choosing Accommodations for Your 2-Week Europe Itinerary

Do you prefer luxury hotel rooms or dorm rooms in hostels for your 2 weeks europe itinerary?

Are you traveling to a big city like Paris or London, or to a remote island off the coast of Greece?

Depending on your destination, you’ll want to choose an accommodation that fits both your style and your needs. For me, I like to stay in unique places that offer something more special than a chain hotel can. I enjoy local bed & breakfasts, Airbnb’s , and cabins that bring me closer to the local beauty of a particular place.

When in Paris, I enjoyed staying in tall lofts that overlooked the city, but in Ireland, I opted for charming b&bs and cottages with fields of cows.

It’s all about getting immersed in the culture of a specific place and enjoying where you stay because if you don’t like where you’re staying, it can really put a damper on your trip (trust me!)

➡️ Step 5: Departure

So you have decided where you are going, how you are getting there, and your accommodations. Now, all you have to do is get ready for departure! Plan your ride to the airport or train station ahead of time and pack up all your travel documents and necessities.

I always suggest leaving a printed copy of your passport in your home country and one in your luggage in case it were to be lost or stolen. This way, you or a family member can help prove your citizenship and return home.

Also, print copies of your flight tickets, accommodations, and any train or bus tickets in case your phone gets wet or lost.

Departure is the most exciting part of a trip for me… just before you leave when the anticipation of experiencing a whole new world really sets in. Enjoy this time, because when you return, you’ll be itching to get back on another plane.

This is what we in the travel world call “the travel bug” , and once you’re hooked, you’ll never want to stop traveling.

Map for Planning Your 2-Week Europe Itinerary

You can use this map to start planning your route and to get an idea of where the countries that you may want to visit are located.

For example, while combining a trip to France with Spain would be both simple to plan and efficient, adding a trip to Romania with France may be a bit difficult.

Europe Itinerary 2 Weeks Budget

The cost of your 2 weeks europe itinerary is going to vary based on destination and travel style

Depending on your travel style (budget vs luxury) , the season of travel, how many people you are traveling with and if any of them are dependents (i.e. children, in-laws, etc.), and your destinations, this will vary greatly.

Below I have provided a list of guidelines for average costs on budget, mid-range, and luxury travel during the peak season and shoulder season. Budgets will vary from country to country, so be sure to do individual research on each country that you plan on visiting.

➡️ Accommodations per night:

Budget : €10-€70 (single occupancy) Mid-Range : €80-€160 (double occupancy) Luxury : €180-€400+ (double occupancy)

➡️ Flights per person:

Shoulder Season (from the U.S.) : between €200-€500 Peak Season (from the U.S.) : between €500-€1,100

➡️ Food per person per day:

Breakfast: €2-8 Lunch: €5-15 Dinner: €10-35

FAQ: 2-Week Europe Itinerary

The best time to go on a 2 weeks europe itinerary depends on where you're going and what you want to do

Is Europe Safe?

Yes and no. Just like every country in the world, each country within Europe is going to have its safe and not-so-safe areas. It’s impossible to generalize Europe as a whole as “safe” when anything can happen there just like anywhere else in the world.

If you are worried about feeling safe on your trip to Europe, do some research (but not too much!)

If you are heading to Berlin, Germany , then research some best practices for traveling around the area. Is it safe to walk around at night? Are there any streets or neighborhoods you should avoid?

All of that information can be easily found with a quick Google search. Do your best to not overdo it though since you’ll likely just end up making yourself more nervous.

Once you have a good idea about the more seedy areas of a destination, you’re all set. Do your best to avoid them on your trip then follow other basic precautions such as walking in groups, not trusting strangers, and only ordering rides through reputable companies (like Uber).

✔️ Pro Tip : If you research where you live, you’ll probably find equally unsettling results… but that doesn’t stop you from living there, does it? No. So, don’t let safety precautions about a new destination scare you!

When is the Best Time to Visit Europe?

Most people you ask this question to are going to say that the summer months between late May and August are the best time to visit Europe.

And while they would be correct in terms of weather and longer summer hours, they are forgetting to mention that this is also when you’re going to be surrounded by swarms of tourists.

What does this mean for you? Well, for starters, you can practically guarantee long wait times at restaurants, landmarks, and attractions each day of your vacation. I’m sure that the idea of standing in line for every part of your day doesn’t really appeal to your idea of “vacation”, right?

Additionally, this is also when prices skyrocket in terms of flights, accommodations, tours, and food. If you’re looking to visit Europe on a budget, then avoiding the summer months is key.

If you prefer fewer tourists in your pictures, shorter wait times, and want to spend less money, then I highly suggest visiting during the off-season months of April through May and September through October .

During these months, you’ll find incredible deals on flights, accommodations, and even tour groups, so you can live the luxury life in Europe without emptying your wallet!

✈️ If you feel like taking the budget route or simply like to take the less traveled path, check out these amazing Backpacking Europe Routes for 2 Weeks !

How Many Days is Enough to Visit Europe?

We recommend setting aside at least 2 weeks for your europe itinerary

1-2 weeks is usually enough time to visit Europe depending on what you want to do and see. But, if you’re honestly attempting to see all of the different regions of Europe, well… you’re going to need a lot more time than that!

For us, we found a 10-day European itinerary to be optimal. This amount of time typically allows travelers to explore at least a few different cities in several countries or travel to numerous locations in one specific country.

It allows provides enough time for both sightseeing and rest days, so you can return from your vacation feeling excited and refreshed.

Among the itineraries listed below, you’ll find schedules ranging from 10 days to 3 weeks. But, if you only have 7 days for your European itinerary you can easily transform one of my shorter itineraries into something that has been customized to fit your time needs.

Also, if you can finagle a 1 month Europe trip itinerary, then you can easily add on destinations or time to one of my other itineraries!

Is 2 Weeks Long Enough for Europe?

A 2 weeks europe itinerary is a great start to just brushing the surface of the continent

No, 2 weeks is not long enough to see all of Europe. But, it is long enough to see and do a lot in just a few countries in Europe!

Even though it doesn’t look like it on a map, Europe is huge. It would take somebody years to really see all of the best sites and do all of the best activities in each country in Europe.

In just 2 weeks, you’re going to be seriously limited on time. But, that’s okay! Instead of trying to squeeze too much into your itinerary, opt to choose just a few countries (or even just one country!) and do everything you want in those countries.

If you try to see and do too much, you may end up feeling rushed, overwhelmed, and disheartened when you realize how much stuff you’re going to miss out on.

For example, if you’re thinking of including France on your 2 week Europe itinerary, you wouldn’t go to just Paris and call it a trip. I mean, you could … but you’d be missing out on Normandy, the wine regions, the French Alps, the French Riviera… you get it.

Trust me when I say: “It’s far more valuable to see everything in one country than to see the bare minimum in five countries.”

So, while a 2-week Europe itinerary is not long enough to see and do everything on the continent, it is long enough to get a really good taste of what Europe has to offer!

How Many Countries Should I Visit in Europe in 2 Weeks?

On a 2 weeks europe itinerary, you can generally visit between one and four countries

Owing to the continent’s great public transportation system and small size in comparison to other continents, you can get around quite easily and efficiently in Europe.

But, every country has SO much to do and see, so it’s going to depend on where your interests lie.

If you are only interested in seeing the capital city in every country (definitely not recommended), then you could probably see between 8-10 countries during your 2 week Europe itinerary.

But, if you want time to relax, explore, and wander around a few different places, then between one and four countries is the sweet spot in our opinion .

This way, you have plenty of time to see all of the major sites in each place, and you don’t have to spend your entire vacation rushing from place to place.

Coming up with multi-week Europe itinerary ideas can be stressful, but if you stick to this general rule of thumb you can practically guarantee you’ll have a pleasant trip!

What is the Best Way to See Europe in 2 Weeks?

To get around on your 2 weeks europe itinerary, choose between renting a car or using public transportation

Unfortunately, even though Europe is far more compact than the U.S., Africa, Asia, or South America, it’s still very big and can’t be seen in just two weeks.

But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get a really good taste for what Europe has to offer in that time! You simply need to be diligent in picking efficient routes and travel methods so you can get the most out of your 2 week Europe trip.

Over the years, we have found that the best way to get around Europe is to take advantage of their amazing public transportation system… the Eurail!

With thousands of routes to thousands of destinations, there really is no limit to where you can go with a Eurail pass. You can choose your pass based on your needs, so if you want one pass for just France for 10 days, you can book it!

If you want a monthly pass that allows you to go from country to country whenever you decide, you can do that too!

Europe’s train system is affordable, dependable, convenient, and very easy to use which is why most travelers take advantage of it.

I don’t recommend renting a car in Europe unless you plan on taking road trips to very specific towns and villages that aren’t accessible by train.

The roads in Europe, generally speaking, tend to be uneven, bumpy, covered in potholes, full of pedestrians, and made of broken cobblestones. Many European roads are also one-way and street signs aren’t always in English.

It’s far easier to take the train from place to place, then take day trips to smaller towns and villages and use a bike or the metro to get around the big cities.

How Should I Get Around Europe?

In our opinion, the best way to get around Europe is via train travel on the Eurail. Car rentals are also a great way to get around in Europe since they allow you to be completely on your own schedule and see the smaller, off-the-beaten-path villages and towns.

However, it really depends on the country (Ireland is a great country to do a road trip with a rental car!), but most of the time I would recommend just taking the train or flying between countries if you aren’t comfortable with a rental in a foreign country.

The European trains can be exceptionally scenic, but they aren’t always the most efficient. If you are traveling between countries with a big distance between them, it’s usually a more efficient option to fly.

If driving a car across Europe doesn’t scare you, then you also have the option of renting an RV or camper van and living in it while you travel! This can saves you tons of money on accommodations and eating out, so it’s a win-win if you have the time to drive everywhere.

✔️ Pro Tip : If you do plan on driving everywhere, keep in mind that you may need an international driver’s license depending on the countries you go to. Also, not all car rental companies allow you to bring rental cars over international borders, so you may need to rent multiple cars from multiple different agencies. If you plan on putting your car on a ferry to Europe so you can avoid this hassle, it’s going to cost you a very pretty penny…

Do I need a Visa to Go to Europe?

Depending on your citizenship, you may or may not need a Schengen Visa to enter the EU (European Union).

U.S. citizens do not need a visa to go to Europe. As a tourist, you are allowed to spend up to 90 days in 26 European countries visa-free. However, if you are a foreign national living in the U.S., you may or may not need a visa depending on your nationality.

Here is the list of countries that Americans can visit without a visa for up to 90 days.

There is a list of over 100 countries that will be required to obtain a Schengen Visa to enter the EU. You can take a look at the list here .

Is Europe Expensive?

In general, Europe is expensive. But, depending on where you decide to visit, it can actually be quite affordable!

Portugal, for example, offers some of the lowest rates on tourist accommodations, tours, attractions, and food across the continent. Switzerland, on the other hand, is continually listed in the top 3 list for most expensive countries in the world. Norway and Iceland aren’t far behind, either.

If you want to stay on a budget during your 2 week Europe itinerary, choose your destinations wisely.

Of course, not eating out at every meal and not doing every attraction you see will help immensely, but in the end, the destination is going to play a big role in how much money you spend overall.

Is $10,000 Enough for 2 Weeks in Europe?

$10,000 is absolutely enough for 2 weeks in Europe (depending on your travel style) . While Europe is known for some pricy destinations, $10,000 can indeed get you a comfortable and memorable two-week trip. It’s all about how you budget and plan.

That budget can cover your flights, accommodation, meals, transportation within Europe, and even some fun activities and souvenirs. You can save by staying in lesser-known hotels or bed & breakfasts instead of luxury resorts.

Eating at local markets and cafes rather than high-end restaurants can also give you a taste of authentic cuisine without breaking the bank. Don’t forget that some of the best experiences in Europe are free: exploring the cities, admiring architecture, and basking in the rich history.

I would even go as far as to say that $10,000 can be disproportionate to what you’ll need for a 2-week trip if you’re traveling solo or with one other person, since I’ve returned to Europe many times, each never exceeding $2,000 for 7+ days with my husband.

Of course, we’re light packers and usually stay in mid-range hotels with a focus on our budget, but we definitely do a lot of exciting activities when we’re in town too! If you aren’t flying first or business class, aren’t staying in luxury 5-star suites, and you book your accommodations in advance with some attention to seasonal rates, you’ll be able to visit Europe for far less than $10,000.

What is the Average Cost of a Two Week Trip to Europe?

The average cost of a two-week trip to Europe can vary greatly based on several factors, such as the time of year, the countries you’re visiting, your accommodation choices, and how much you plan to sightsee or dine out. But as a general range, you might expect to spend anywhere from $2,500 to $3,500 per person, including flights.

This estimate includes modest accommodations (think 3-star hotels, bed & breakfasts, or vacation rentals), meals at a mix of inexpensive local spots and nicer restaurants, public transportation, and admission fees for major attractions.

Remember, this is just a ballpark figure. If you travel off-season, eat more meals from food trucks and the supermarket, or stay in budget accommodations, you could spend much less.

Conversely, if you opt for luxury hotels, dine at high-end restaurants, and take part in exclusive tours, your costs could be significantly higher. The key is to budget accordingly and plan your trip based on your personal preferences and financial comfort zone.

By setting your budget ahead of time, you’ll be able to create a 2-week European itinerary that fits your budget needs without sacrificing too much on the things you want to enjoy!

What Currency is Used in Europe?

Since 1999, the European Union has used the Euro . If you’re coming from the U.S., it will look similar to Monopoly money… but don’t be fooled.

It actually has a higher value than the U.S. dollar and many other currencies, so when you exchange your money you’ll get fewer euros in return.

For example:

✔️ $1 USD = 0.91 euros ✔️ $1 CAD = 0.73 euros ✔️ $1 AUD = 0.68 euros

So, while it doesn’t almost look like play money, don’t forget that it’s actually a very expensive currency to hold so you don’t want to be careless with it.

Do Most People Speak English in Europe?

During your 2-week Europe itinerary, you’ll find that many people do speak English, especially in the capitals and main cities. English is taught in most European schools from a young age, so much of the working class can understand and speak English.

However, you will find smaller towns and villages where the locals don’t know much English at all, if any. This is especially true in the smaller towns of France, Belgium, Spain, and even Italy. This is why it’s important to brush up on your language skills before your trip!

If you’re heading to France , Spain , Luxembourg , Germany , or similar, you can use my French and Spanish articles to help you start learning! They are all linked at the bottom of this post for your convenience .

The Top-Rated Tours in Europe

Even if you prefer to roam on your own, there are some amazing tours offering unique experiences that you won’t get unless you book a tour in Europe.

I, personally, am not a fan of group tours, so I wouldn’t recommend these unless I didn’t truly believe they would improve your travel experience. Take a peek at some of the tours below and decide if one may be right for your trip.

If you’re traveling with a group, check out the private tours … psst! They’re really great for introverts 😉

✔️ Normandy D-Day Small-Group Day Trip with Omaha Beach, Cemetery & Cider Tasting ✔️ Montmartre Hill Sweet & Savory French Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour ✔️ Champagne Day Trip with Moet&Chandon, Reims Cathedral & Family Winery from Paris

✔️ Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour ✔️ Montserrat with Cogwheel train, Tasting in a Boutique Winery with Tapas or Lunch ✔️ Full-Day Tour Ávila and Segovia from Madrid with Tickets to Monuments Included

✔️ Sintra Full-Day Private Tour – A Journey through Wonderland ✔️ Lisbon Traditional Boats – Sunset Cruise

Netherlands

✔️ Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam ✔️ Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Classic River Boat With Drinks & Dutch Cheese

✔️ Brussels Chocolate Beer Waffle and Belgian Whiskey All-in-One (Small Group) Tour ✔️ Private Tour: Treasures of Flanders Ghent and Bruges from Brussels Full day

✔️ Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg ✔️ Hallstatt Small-Group Day Trip from Vienna

Czech Republic

✔️ The Best of 2 Countries in 1 Day: Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland ✔️ Cesky Krumlov: Full-day tour from Prague and back ✔️ Prague Foodie Tour

✔️ Semi-Private Standard | Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Meal and Drinks ✔️ Full-Day Private Tour: Essential Athens Highlights plus Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon ✔️ Private Biblical Tour of Ancient Corinth & Isthmus Canal from Athens & Corinth ✔️ Athens Highlights: A Mythological Tour

✔️ Small-Group Tour of Colosseum Underground, Arena, and Forum ✔️ Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside ✔️ Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking

Switzerland

✔️ Tandem Paragliding Experience from Interlaken ✔️ Lucerne Walking and Boat Tour: The Best Swiss Experience ✔️ Chocolate Flavours Tours Geneva: 3-hour Chocolate Tasting and Old Town Visit

✔️ Grand Day Trip around Copenhagen ✔️ The Art of Baking Danish Pastry

How to Visit Europe on a Budget

Europe is expensive, there is no denying that. But, there are tons of ways to travel Europe on a budget! Don’t believe me? I visited a dozen European countries on a college student’s budget and got to see everything I would still want to see today had I not gone then.

Take my advice and follow these steps:

✔️ Visit Multiple Countries

What? Yes. The more countries you visit on one trip, the cheaper it tends to be. Of course, this depends on which countries you visit, but you can save a ton of money by traveling to multiple countries via train travel and cheap flights.

If you want to visit France and Spain from the U.S., you wouldn’t fly to France then fly back to Spain the following summer, would you? Well, some people would and I can guarantee they wish they didn’t spend the money on 2 roundtrip flights instead of just one multi-city flight.

✔️ Eat with the Locals

If there is a street food cart or cafe overflowing with locals, eat there. I can practically guarantee the food quality is going to be insanely good and the prices will be a lot more reasonable than if you were to sit down at a restaurant.

Anywhere you go or walk by where a waiter immediately runs up to you with a menu, just keep walking (also politely say “ no, thank you ” of course). These are usually tourist restaurants and the prices will be sky-high compared to most other eating establishments.

You can also save money by getting food at grocery stores (the food quality is almost always very good) and eating small meals on the go.

Want my other best tips for visiting Europe on a budget? Get them at the bottom of this post!

✈️ Now that you have everything you need to know for planning a trip to Europe, be sure to take a peak at these 5 Things You Must Include on Your Travel Essentials List !

Scams to Look Out For in Europe

✔️ The Pickpocket

The picture pretty much explains what pickpocketing is. When you’re distracted and someone comes along and snatches something off of you, whether it be your phone, wallet, jewelry, or something valuable, it’s sneaky stealing and you need to watch out for it.

Typically, most places around Europe are very safe and all you need to do is follow basic safety precautions (i.e. stay with people you trust, don’t walk alone at night, etc. etc…).

But, pickpockets are extremely common across Europe and unsuspecting tourists are at the heart of the problem.

Don’t be silly and leave your phone on a cafe table when you go to the bathroom. Don’t leave your purse hanging on the back of your chair and don’t leave anything valuable where people can easily see and take it.

✔️ The Active Petitioner

See people yelling at or coming up to tourists looking for them to sign a petition? Keep walking.

Most of the time, whatever they are petitioning is fake. Why? Because they are either trying to get your personal information (i.e. name, phone number, or email) so they can send you spam, or they are just trying to distract you while you get pickpocketed.

If you see a petitioner, just keep on going.

✔️ Street Games

Whether it be dice, playing cards, cups, or the like, don’t play and don’t stand around to watch. The players get scammed owing to the fixed dice or playing cards and the onlookers get pickpocketed.

Again, only watch street artists from afar to prevent falling victim to scams and petty theft.

✔️ Streetside ATMs

Very popular in Prague, scam artists will actually put an invisible scanner over the card reader so they can steal your information when you go to withdraw money.

Additionally, streetside ATMs are designed to make you withdraw insanely high amounts of money with no option for small bills.

If you need currency, only use ATMs found inside a secured building with cameras. Never use an ATM you see on the street.

Other Helpful Resources for Europe

Packing List for Europe in Winter: A Full Country by Country Guide Minimalist Packing List for Females Traveling to Europe 30+ Best Places to Visit in Europe in December 25 Best Places in Europe for New Years Celebrations 73 Best Places to Visit in Europe in January 2024 30+ BEST Places to Visit in Europe in March 2024 30+ BEST Places to Visit in Europe in April 2024 28 Best Places to Visit in Europe in July (from a Backpacker!) 20 Best Places to Visit in Europe in May 2024 (Weather & Tips!) Is Azerbaijan in Europe? The Facts for 2024 Is Norway in Europe? Norway & the EEA EFTA States

If you’re heading to Europe and want to brush up on your French or Spanish, check out our language resources below!

✔️ Good Morning in French: 17 Helpful French Greetings ✔️ Good Night in French 17+ Ways (& Audio Pronunciation) ✔️ What Time Is It in French 11+ Ways: How to Ask and Tell Time in French ✔️ Saying No in French 31+ Ways (& Audio Pronunciation) ✔️ 33+ Ways to Say Thank You in French (with Audio) ✔️ How to Say Nice to Meet You in French 15+ Ways ✔️ 1-10 in French: Learn to Count from 1-10+ in French (with Pronunciations)

~ Spanish ~

✔️ How to Say Goodnight in Spanish 33+ Ways ✔️ Learn Numbers 1-100 in Spanish (with PDF Guide)

How To Travel Around Europe On A Budget

With just pennies to my name, I figured out how to travel to some of the most expensive countries in Europe…

Hint: you won’t be staying in hostels!

Overall, no matter when you decide to visit, where you decide to go, and who you decide to travel with, a trip to Europe is always a good idea! You can find everything from enchanted castles, ancient ruins, stunning beaches, snow-capped mountain ranges, bustling cities, and everything in between on this enticing continent.

I hope you found some useful ideas in this article and are inspired to start planning your very own 2-week Europe itinerary .

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

Switzerland
The Netherlands
National Parks
Affording Travel
Photography
Responsible Travel
Worldschool
Wanderlust Guides
Travel Planning
Work with Us

England , Europe , France , Greece , Iceland , Ireland , Italy , Scotland , Travel

20 one-week europe trip itinerary ideas.

Wondering where to spend one week in Europe? These 20 ideas for your Europe trip will help you decide how to maximize your time.

This post contains affiliate links

How to Choose the Best One Week Itinerary for a Europe Trip: 20 Europe Itinerary Ideas

If you’re like most people and getting time off work or kids out of school is challenging, you may only be able to manage one week of vacation. Europe is a great destination to go for one week, simply because of the cultural diversity in such a small geographic area.

The small size, proximity, and ease of transportation between many of the countries in Europe make it a good choice for a culturally rich one week holiday. If you’ve only got one week in Europe, and really want to maximize your time, but you’re wondering where to go in Europe, here are 20 perfect one-week Europe travel itineraries.

No time to read this now? Pin it for later!

If you're heading to Europe and only have one week to enjoy it, try one of these 20 one week European itineraries that will help you make the most of your time. #Europe #Itinerary #Vacation

Before You go to Europe

Europe is an amazing destination, especially if you pick any of these awesome itineraries, but before leaving there are a few things you should consider when planning your Europe trip:

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Before you go to Europe, be sure you follow my 50 travel tips for Europe. You can find those here.

And the winter months are generally cold in most European countries, especially in the north.That doesn’t mean you should avoid those times, it just depends on your tolerance for crowds and your preference in weather.

WHAT TO PACK FOR EUROPE: What you pack for Europe will highly depend on what time of year you go and where you decide to go. This packing guide for Europe will ensure you have the essentials.
GETTING AROUND: Getting around Europe can be a little daunting, but if you do some research before you go, you’ll be just fine. Transportation in every country in Europe is a little different. I’ve linked many of my articles with helpful advice below like How to Survive Train Travel in Italy and Driving in Scotland . Some itineraries will require you to go by train, car, plane or boat. Travel around Europe doesn’t have to be scary if you learn what to do ahead of time.

If you’re renting a car, there are two companies we prefer to use: Rental Cars and Expedia Cars. We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available.

What to do in Europe for One Week: 20 European Vacation Ideas for Your Europe Trip

These are my best one week vacations in Europe. Taking a multi city European vacation can be a great way to experience several different cultures on one continent. I know that one week in Europe isn’t a lot of time, so I’ve picked cities that are either close in proximity or a quick and cheap flight between each other.

I’ve also tried to choose each Europe travel itinerary with a mix of classic sites and unique destinations. There are so many cool places to visit in Europe that are still undiscovered. Hopefully, some of these locations will be new to you and you’ll be able to discover a new European favorite!

Here's a Short Cut

1 | Amalfi Coast + Rome

This is one of my very favorite European vacation destinations. There are hundreds of choices for stunning history and scenery when you visit Italy, but this Amalfi Coast and Rome itinerary gives you the best of both worlds. Rome is one of the top places to visit in Europe and offers history around every corner…literally, while on the Amalfi Coast you will be overwhelmed by breathtaking ocean views.

Spend several days in Rome, then head south to the Amalfi Coast via Naples and spend a few more relaxing on the beach and driving the coast. It’s one of the best European beach vacations you can take! Amalfi is also one of the most popular Europe vacation spots during the month of August, so you may want to take that into consideration when planning your trip.

Check out these other 5 amazing itineraries for Italy. Italy is one of the best countries to visit in Europe due to its size and variety of landscapes, cultures, and attractions.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Rome

GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Getting from Rome to Amalfi is easy. Take the train from Rome to Naples, from there take the bus to Sorrento. There are many tour buses that travel along the coast, or you can rent a car and do the driving yourself.

WHERE TO STAY Rome | Amalfi RESOURCES How to Spend One Day in Rome Family Guide to Rome How to Spend 2 Days in Naples How to Survive Train Travel in Italy The Best Places to Visit in Italy How to Spend 10 Days in Italy Tips for Renting a Car in Europe i Heart Italy

If you’re looking for a European vacation with a lot of history and class, this is it! I can’t even count the number of times that I have done the Paris/London combo. I’ve done it with kids, as a couple, as a girls’ trip, and as a field trip. No joke! And every time I go, it’s like completely different cities. You can follow completely different options for London and Paris itineraries and have an amazing time no matter what you choose. In my opinion, these are two of the best cities to visit in Europe as they offer a huge amount of culture, food, and entertainment bang for your buck!

When I plan our family trip to Europe each year, I make sure to always include both Paris and London. These are two of my favorite places in all of Europe. They are popular for good reason. Both Paris and London are so vast and diverse that you can have a new experience each time you visit. The best part about visiting these two cities is that they are very easy to travel between with the help of the Eurostar. It’s a quick journey from the heart of one city to the next that requires no airports, no flying, and no hassle. Note: You will need a passport or visa to travel between England and France and you will need to go through customs before boarding the Eurostar.

I’ve created an easy-to-use day-by-day itinerary for Paris and London so that you can show up and enjoy your trip.

GETTING THERE: Fly into London or Paris GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Take the Eurostar

WHERE TO STAY Paris | London

RESOURCES Paris Walking Guide Paris with Kids Foods You Must Try in Paris Paris Neighborhood Guide How to Use the Paris Bike System London Travel Guide Perfect London Itinerary London with Kids Christmas in London Paddington’s Guide to London How to Use the Paris Bike System

If you’re looking for a European vacation with wild nature and rural beauty, this option is a winner. While both of these spectacular islands really deserve their own week (or weeks really), a trip combining the two is possible, thanks to affordable flights between Iceland and Ireland. A good route would be Reykjavik and the Golden Circle, combined with the west of Ireland including Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, and the Cliffs of Moher. These countries are some of the best places to go in Europe if you love majestic natural beauty.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Iceland as its one of the cheapest ways to get to Europe. GETTING BETWEN COUNTRIES: From Iceland , take a quick flight to Ireland. Dublin , Belfast , Cork, or Shannon Airports are usually where you’ll find the best deals.

WHERE TO STAY Ireland | Iceland

RESOURCES Iceland on a Budget Bucket List Things to do in Iceland Iconic Things to do in Dublin Day Trips from Dublin What to do in Killarney Perfect Ireland Itinerary Ireland with Kids Ireland Packing List

This one-week European itinerary includes two of my favorite cities in Europe! Heidelberg, Germany, known for its ancient castle and walkable downtown is a perfect companion to Strasbourg, France only an hour and a half away, in the Alsace region of France, known for its impressive cathedral and half-timber houses. These towns are particularly spectacular during the Christmas season and some of the best places to spend Christmas in Europe. This will be the best Europe itinerary for those looking to spend time in provincial looking towns!

GETTING THERE: Fly into Frankfurt, Germany GETTING BETWEEN COUNTRIES: Drive for 1.5 hours or take the train for 1.5 hours.

WHERE TO STAY Heidelberg | Strasbourg

RESOURCES Best European Christmas Markets European Christmas Market Treats What to do in Strasbourg What to do in Heidelberg, Germany What to do in Strasbourg, France

If you want to spend your Europen vacation wandering charming streets and feeling like you’re in a fairytale, this is it. Basel, Switzerland holds a special place in my heart and is often an overlooked town. Only a quick 45-minute train ride from the popular and iconic Colmar, France, Basel offers a unique culture that only a town on the border of three countries can. Basel is especially fun during Herbstmesse, the local Autumn Fair when the city literally turns into a fair! Combine these two beautiful cities for a one-of-a-kind holiday.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Basel or Zurich GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Drive 45 minutes or Train 30 minutes

WHERE TO STAY Colmar | Basel

RESOURCES What to do in Basel Guide to Colmar, France

No European vacation list would be complete without including the unimaginable beauty of the Swiss Alps. Switzerland is a wonderland of natural beauty for the outdoor enthusiast or even anyone who has a remote interest in pretty scenery! It’s one of the best countries in Europe for those who love outdoor activity and natural beauty. It’s just jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

For such a small country, there is so much to see and with two of Switzerland most breathtaking areas just a few hours from each other, it’s worth visiting both of them. These areas offer pristine lakes, ancient gorges, colossal mountains, and a vast array of cultural activities.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Zurich, Switzerland GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Train to Lucerne, Train to Interlaken

WHERE TO STAY Interlaken | Lucerne

RESOURCES Switzerland Itinerary Swiss Food Guide Switzerland Packing List 24 Hours in Zurich What to do in Interlaken What to do in Lucerne

If you’d like your Europe trip to have a good mix of beach and mountain time, this is the perfect combination. Lake Como is probably one of my top favorite places on the planet. It is totally magical and peaceful, and I’ve written about it multiple times and helped friends and family plan trips there. Don’t skip Lake Como on your next trip to Italy. One of my favorite parts of Lake Como is its proximity to the Swiss border. You can actually hike over the borer and into Switzerland! But if you’d rather not hike, hop in the car and take a trip to Zermatt, Switzerland, home of the famous towering mountain, Matterhorn.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Milan, Italy GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Drive 3 hours to Zermatt or take a 4 hour Train ride from Milan

WHERE TO STAY Lake Como | Zermatt

RESOURCES Guide to Lake Como Boating Lake Como Guide to Zermatt Best Places to Visit in Italy How to Spend 10 Days in Italy i Heart Italy

This is a European vacation full of charm, but also a healthy dose of history and reality. A Paris-Normandy itinerary of Europe combines all the glamor and romance of the city of light with the charm, history, and beauty of Northern France. Spend several days in Paris, taking several day trips, including the impressive floating Mont Saint Michel. This area is one of the best places to visit in Europe for history lovers.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Paris GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Drive 3 hours

WHERE TO STAY Paris | Normandy

RESOURCES Paris Itinerary Paris Walking Guide Paris with Kids Foods You Must Try in Paris Paris Neighbgorhood Guide Guide to Normandy Guide to Visiting Mont Saint Michel France with Kids

Two naturally and culturally beautiful countries are just a short and cheap flight apart and a great combination for a one-week European itinerary, although both countries could take weeks to explore on their own. Spend a few days in Iceland, then take a cheap hopper flight and explore the mystical highlands of Scotland.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Reykjavik GETTING BETWEEN COUNTRIES: Fly into Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, or Aberdeen

WHERE TO STAY Iceland | Scotland

RESOURCES Iceland on a Budget Scotland Itinerary What to do in Inverness What to do on the Isle of Skye Scotland Packing List

Some of my favorite Italian destinations, Venice and Lake Como, both built on water, are ideal locations for aquatic enthusiasts. Taking a ride on a gondola in Venice is one of the best things to do in Europe! Take the Vaporetto (water bus) in Venice, then take a short drive or train ride to Lake Como and enjoy boating and relaxing on the beach in one of the adorable villages lining the lake.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Venice or Milan GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: 3.5 hours by car or 10 hours by train

WHERE TO STAY Venice | Lake Como

RESOURCES Guide to Lake Como Boating Lake Como Surviving Train Travel in Italy Guide to Venice Best Places to Visit in Italy How to Spend 10 Days in Italy i Heart Italy

If you’re interested in cheap Europe trips, the gorgeous Ionian islands of Greece are one of the best-kept secrets in Europe. Naturally and culturally diverse, affordable, and downright beautiful, Kefalonia and Corfu make great choices for one week in Europe.

Explore ancient ruins, relax on pristine beaches with locals, and dine, affordably, like a Greek god. If you’re travelling Europe on a budget, this is a great option and Greece is one of the best places to visit in Europe in summer if you’re looking for gorgeous beaches at affordable prices.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Kefalonia from London on Ryanair GETTING BETWEEN ISLANDS: Take a ferry between the Ionian Islands from Greek Ferries

WHERE TO STAY Kefalonia | Corfu

RESOURCES Guide to Kefalonia Greece The Ionian Islands The Best Beaches on Corfu What to Wear in Greece Guide to Athens

Two countries on one island? Yep! Take a visit to Ireland AND Northern Ireland. Two countries that are very similar, but also very different. Explore the entire island with this perfect itinerary.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Dublin or any airport in Ireland GETTING BETWEEN COUNTRIES: Rent a Car. Driving in Ireland can be tricky and slow, but worth the views and the adventure.

WHERE TO STAY Ireland | Northern Ireland

RESOURCES The Best Places to Visit in Ireland Perfect Ireland Itinerary Ireland with Kids What to do in Killarney Scotland and Ireland Itinerary Ireland Packing List

Scotland is one country that should really be given an entire week. You could definitely say that about any destination, but for a relatively small country, but it has so much to offer that you could spend years here and not see it all.

For one week in Scotland, I recommend visiting Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands, including the Isle of Skye. Read here for an entire Scotland Itinerary, here for Edinburgh , here for Inverness and the Highlands , and here for the Isle of Skye.

GETTING THERE: Flying into Edinburgh is usually the cheapest option. GETTING BETWEN AREAS: It’s best to rent a car or hire a driver or tour company. Be sure to read my guide to driving in Scotland.

WHERE TO STAY Ediburgh | Inverness | Isle of Skye

RESOURCES Perfect Scotland Itinerary What to do in Edinburgh What to do in Inverness What to do on the Isle of Skye Scotland Packing List

What could be more charming than a week spent in these “poor provincial towns.” Ok, so they’re definitely not poor or provincial, but you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Belle’s hometown from Beauty and the Beast .

The ancient half-timber homes built along scenic rivers provide a feast for the eyes, while the patisseries, boulangeries, shops, and restaurants provide a feast for the tongue. Split your time between these two idyllic towns and enjoy a peaceful trip back in time.

If you visit Colmar or Strasbourg during Christmas, these towns will be even more magical! Strasbourg is known as “The Capital of Christmas” and both towns have incredible Christmas markets and decorations!

GETTING THERE: Fly into Zurich GETTING BETWEEN COUNTRIES: 30 minutes by train or 1 hour by car

WHERE TO STAY Colmar | Strasbourg

RESOURCES 24 Hours in Zurich Guide to Colmar Guide to Strasbourg The Most Magical European Christmas Markets Must-Have European Christmas Market Treats

Divide your time between the ancient and modern city of light and the historic Loire Valley , home to magnificent palaces, stunning gardens, and green pastures. This one-week itinerary is the perfect balance between city and country life and will provide you with a mix of excitement, peace, and romance. It can be hard to squeeze everything you want into one week European itineraries, but this is a must!

Be sure to map out the castles and palaces you want to see along the way. Our favorite is Chenonceau ! Don’t miss it!

GETTING THERE: Fly into Paris GETTING AROUND: Rent a car and drive two hours to the Loire Valley

WHERE TO STAY Loire Valley | Paris

RESOURCES Walking Guide to Paris Paris with Kids Day Trips from Paris Foods You Must Try in Paris Guide to the Loire Valley 15 Affordable Castles You Can Stay In

This London and Cotswolds Itinerary provides the best of both British worlds, encompassing both the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s oldest and largest cities and the peace and tranquility of the quaint cottage speckled Cotswolds.

As much as I love London (it’s my favorite city), I do get tired of the crowds and the constant noise. It is so refreshing to get into the countryside and have a change of scenery during your time in London. The Cotswolds are a fairytale-like dream trip. Be sure to grab cream tea every chance you get!

GETTING THERE: Fly into one of three London Airports GETTING AROUND: Rent a car and explore the whole Cotswolds area

WHERE TO STAY London | Cotswolds

RESOURCES London Travel Guide Complete Guide to London Perfect London Itinerary London with Kids Paddington’s Guide to London Christmas in London Guide to the Cotswolds

I call this itinerary the best of Northern Italy. Italy is huge and has so much to offer geographically and culturally, but one of my favorite parts of Italy is the train system. The trains in Italy allow for easy access to most major sites, but it can be slightly confusing, so be sure to read this guide to train travel in Italy before you go. Getting between Florence and Cinque Terre is simple with the right knowledge.

The great thing about this itinerary is that you will get to see a big city full of culture, history, and art, and also spend time swimming at the beach and on a boat soaking up rays in in the Liguerian Sea. Read here for Florence, here for Cinque Terre, here for Trains in Italy.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Florence GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Two hours by train

WHERE TO STAY Cinque Terre | Florence

RESOURCES Guide to Cinque Terre Guide to Florence How to Survive Train Travel in Italy Best Places to Visit in Italy How to Spend 10 Days in Italy

I think Prague and Vienna might be some of the most underrated cities in Europe, and they are worth dedicating an entire week to. Stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and cultural activities abound in these cities that are just a few hours apart.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Vienna or Prague GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: 3-hour drive or 4-hour train ride

WHERE TO STAY Prague | Vienna

RESOURCES One Day in Prague What to do in Vienna

If you’re looking for cheap European vacations, the farther east you go, the cheaper it generally gets. These are two cities that had never really been on my bucket list, and to be honest, I had never even heard of Bratislava, which is in Slovakia by the way! Both cities are charming and culturally rich. They are especially festive and beautiful around Christmas time.

Bratislava is on the way between Budapest and Vienna (you can even cycle between Budapest and Vienna ) and Budapest and Prague, so if you’re thinking of doing a combination of any of those cities, it’s a great stop.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Budapest GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: 2 hours by car, 2.5 hours by train

WHERE TO STAY Budapest | Bratislava

RESOURCES What to do in Budapest European Christmas Markets What to do in Bratislava

These incredible destinations in Italy are not well known, but that is part of the appeal. I would say they are a good option for a cheaper and less crowded alternative to the Florence and Cinque Terre itinerary.

Lucca is a walled city in Tuscany offering stunning architecture and culture with great family fun activities such as riding bikes along the top of the medieval wall around the city. Sardinia is a heavenly island, just a ferry ride away full of breathtaking beaches, delicious food, and friendly locals. Known as one of the five blue zones in the world- places in the world where people live longer and healthier than anywhere else on earth-Sardinia will make you feel younger and more alive just by visiting.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Rome or Florence GETTING BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Take a Ferry from Civitavecchia to Olbia

WHERE TO STAY Lucca | Sardinia

RESOURCES One Day in Rome What to do in Lucca Sardinia Best Places to Visit in Italy How to Spend 10 Days in Italy What to Wear in Italy

Portugal is a beautiful country full of diverse landscapes, amazing beaches, and cultural city centers. Lisbon is a stunning city and the Algarve region in the south of Portugal offers sunny beaches with world-famous surfing. There are some really cheap flights to Lisbon from the US right now and you can either drive, train, bus, or fly to the Algarve easily. As a southern European country, Portugal is a great choice for a winter destination. We were there last January and could still get in the water. There are many towns to choose from in the Algarve and they are all equally unique and beautiful.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Lisbon GETTING BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Take a plane, car, or bus to the Algarve.

The Perfect Portugal Itinerary

This one week in Europe spent in Austria is a dream. Combining the culture of Vienna and Salzburg with the picturesque feel of Hallstatt, it’s sure to satisfy any traveler. In my opinion, this is a great winter destination if you don’t mind the cold. Vienna and Salzburg have several amazing Christmas markets and Hallstatt is simply a dream to see in the snow!

GETTING THERE: Fly into Vienna GETTING BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Take a train to Salzburg (2.5 hours). A great way to see Hallstatt is to take a day trip from Salzburg.

Hallstatt Day Trip

European Christmas Markets

Christmas Market Treats

If you’re into coastal towns, walled cities, and breathtaking scenery, this combination is for you. The Dalmation Coast is absolutely stunning. The bordering country of Montenegro is really the hidden gem of Europe, offering the same draw as Croatia, but with far fewer tourists. I recommend going during shoulder season (April-May or September-October) to be able to enjoy warmer weather with fewer crowds.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Dubrovnik, Croatia GETTING BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Take a Day Trip to Montenegro

Two of the most underrated cities in Europe if you ask me, Budapest and Bratislava are both cities that offer an amazing array of culture and also incredible food. If you’re up for the cold weather, these cities all have incredible Christmas markets and stunning decorations around the holidays. These cities are also all connected by rail so you can easily navigate between them.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Vienna or Budapest GETTING BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Take the train between each city. Bratislava would be a good day trip from Vienna.

25 | Berlin + Prague

If you love history and architecture, then these two cities will captivate you! Split your time between the two, rent a car and take a road trip between them to enjoy some beautiful scenery.

GETTING THERE: Fly into either Berlin or Prague, whichever airport is cheaper. GETTING BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Rent a car and take a road trip between Berlin and Prague.

Whichever Europe Itinerary you choose, you’re guaranteed to love it. You can definitely see so much of Europe in a week and you really can’t go wrong with any of these choices. Just remember to relax and enjoy and also remember that this probably won’t be the last Europe trip of your lifetime.

Not the Trip You Need?

Not exactly the trip you’re looking for? Don’t worry, I also offer custom trip planning by request for many destinations! Learn more here.

Book Your Flight s and Car Find a budget airlines by using Skyscanner . This is my favorite way to search for flights because they crawl websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know you’re getting the best deal. Learn more tips for finding the best flight deals here. For cars, I like to use Rental Cars because they have good filters and its easy to search for multiple companies.

Book Your Accommodation My preferred way to stay around the world is VRBO . I find it usually gives you a unique local experience in any destination. If you want to stay in a hotel, use Booking , as it consistently gives the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. I use them both all the time.

Always Get Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you and your family against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s peace of mind in case anything goes wrong. I never travel without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for the last few years and love how easy it is to use. I have also used Allianz . Compare rates to see which is best for the coverage you need.

Looking for ways to save money on travel? Check out my resource page for the companies I use for traveling! I share everything I use to save me time and money.

Wanderlust Crew

9 thoughts on “ 20 one-week europe trip itinerary ideas ”.

Hi there, My husband and I will be celebrating our 20th anniversary next March and would love to go somewhere in Europe for a week. I have only been to Italy (over 20 years ago) and he’s never been. I’m a bit overwhelmed by even trying to figure out where to go. Can you help? Thanks! Hannah

Hi Hannah. I can definitely help! I’ve got several Italy Itinerary ideas for Italy here: https://wanderlustcrew.com/10-days-in-italy/ I also do custom trip planning, specifically for Italy, if you’re interested in that, you can find more info here: https://wanderlustcrew.com/custom-travel-planning/ Italy will be so much fun! One of my favorite places on earth! xo Vanessa

Very helpful! Thank you. We are planning a one year stay & this helped with our itinerary tremendously.

Oh that sounds amazing! You’ll see so much!

Great ideas! We hope we’ll be able to travel to Europe again soon!

Thanks so much! Me too! Going as soon as it’s safe!!

Pingback: Backpacking around Italy with kids - Travel Mad Mum tips

Pingback: How to Find the Best Gelato in Italy! | I Heart Italy

Very good these tips I was even thinking about taking a vacation for a few days, thank you

10 Days in Europe: 21 Amazing Itineraries

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links to the products we earnestly love and recommend, meaning at no extra cost to you, we might make a teeny-weeny commission if you click on the link and decide to buy something. The money will be used to sustain this little cozy blog we call our virtual home.

Are you planning a 10 day Europe trip and are confused about where to go and how to craft a perfect Europe itinerary? Here are 20 best Europe itinerary ideas for spending 10 days in Europe based on the recommendations of travel experts.

Whether you are looking for a multi-country itinerary or you want to explore just one European country at a time, you are sure to find an itinerary for Europe that suits your travel style, budget, and season.

Learn More: How to Plan a Trip to Europe

Europe in 10 Days: Best Europe Itineraries

1. london + paris + rome: the classic first timer’s route.

Itinerary Route: London – Paris – Rome Days spent in each city: 4 days in London, 3 days in Paris, and 3 days in Rome

This itinerary combines the charm and beauty of the most loved cities in the world – London, Paris, and Rome. Packed with iconic sights and bucket-list experiences , this is probably the best 10 day Europe itinerary for most first-time visitors to Europe as it makes for a great introduction to Europe.

Itinerary Overview:

Day 1: London ⦿ Arrive in London ⦿ Buy London Oyster Card ⦿ Stroll the charming streets of Notting Hill Day 2: London ⦿ Join a guided London sightseeing walking tour that includes all of London’s famous landmarks ⦿ Boat cruise on the River Thames ⦿ Afternoon tea at Harrods Tea Rooms Day 3: London ⦿ Harry Potter Studio Tour Day 4: London ⦿ Day Trip to Cotswolds Day 5: Paris ⦿ Take a Eurostar to Paris ⦿ Buy Mobilis Pass ⦿ Visit the iconic Eiffel Tower ⦿ Enjoy the Seine River cruise Day 6: Paris ⦿ Join a Walking + Metro tour that includes all the Paris’s famous landmarks ⦿ Take a baking & patisserie class at the Parisian Boulangerie Day 7: Paris ⦿ Day trip to historic Mont Saint Michel Day 8: Rome ⦿ Catch a flight to Rome ⦿ Stroll through the cobbled piazzas of Rome ⦿ People watch at Piazza Navona ⦿ Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain ⦿ Enjoy the sunset view from Terrazza del Pincio ⦿ Taste the Italian gelato from one of the many gelaterias Day 9: Rome ⦿ Guided Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill walking tour ⦿ Guided Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica tour Day 10: Rome ⦿ Fly Back Home

Best time of the year to follow this itinerary: London, Paris, and Rome are incredibly popular destinations and thus, remain crowded all through the year. The best months to follow this itinerary are April, May, September, and October because the crowds are bearable and the weather is mild.

What’s special about this itinerary: What are the essential ingredients to prepare a perfect recipe for an unforgettable Europe trip? Paris, London, and Rome! This itinerary lets you explore the most beautiful cities, the most iconic sights, and the best food cities in the world.

Where to stay: The Resident Covent Garden in London, Le Bristol Paris in Paris, and Hassler Roma in Rome

2. Prague + Vienna + Bratislava + Budapest: The Charm of Central Europe

Itinerary Route: Prague – Vienna – Bratislava – Budapest Days spent in each city: 2 days in Prague, 3 days in Vienna , 1 day in Bratislava, and 4 days in Budapest

fisherman's bastion budapest europe itinerary

This Central Europe itinerary includes Europe’s 3 epic cities – Prague, Vienna , and Budapest along with 1 lesser-known yet awesome city – Bratislava . All the cities are brimming with cultural, historical, and architectural attractions.

Day 1: Prague ⦿ Arrive in Prague ⦿ Day at Leisure Day 2: Prague ⦿ Join a Guided Walking Tour of Prague that includes all the best attractions, a 1-hour boat cruise on the Vltava River, and a traditional Czech lunch. Day 3: Vienna ⦿ Drive to Vienna ⦿ Explore Brno on the way Day 4: Vienna ⦿ Join a Guided Walking tour of Vienna City Center ⦿ Explore Schönbrunn Palace ⦿ Enjoy the panoramic views of Vienna from Prater Giant Ferris Wheel Day 5: Vienna ⦿ Take one of the best day trips from Vienna to Wachau Valley Day 6: Bratislava ⦿ Drive to Bratislava ⦿ Take a walking tour of Bratislava that includes a visit to Bratislava Castle ⦿ Marvel at the gorgeous Blue Church Day 7: Budapest ⦿ Drive to Budapest ⦿ Explore the attractions of Buda ⦿ Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath Day 8: Budapest ⦿ Explore the attractions of Pest Day 9: Budapest ⦿ Day trip to Lake Balaton Day 10: Fly back home

Best time of the year to follow this itinerary: The spring (March, April, and May) and fall (September, October, and November) are the best seasons to follow this itinerary. It’s when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowd is low.

What’s special about this itinerary: This itinerary is a perfect medley of some of the most elegant cities of Europe that are rich in history, culture, and beauty.

Where to stay: The Julius Prague in Prague, Rosewood Vienna in Vienna, and The Ritz-Carlton in Budapest

Suggested Read Where to Stay in Vienna Best Places to Visit in Hungary 7 Days in Hungary Itinerary

3. Copenhagen + Oslo + Stockholm: Scandinavian Capitals

Itinerary Route: Copenhagen – Olso – Stockholm Days spent in each city: 4 days in Copenhagen, 3 days in Oslo, and 3 days in Stockholm

Scandinavia is different from the rest of Europe. It has a distinct charisma. This itinerary lets you

Day 1: Copenhagen ⦿ Arrive in Copenhagen ⦿ Day at Leisure Day 2: Copenhagen ⦿ Stroll Nyhavn ⦿ Enjoy a Canal Tour ⦿ Admire the Gorgeous Marble Church ⦿ Attend a Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony at Amalienborg Palace ⦿ Lunch at Torvehallerne ⦿ Shop at Stroget Day 3: Copenhagen ⦿ Explore Frederiksberg Palace and Gardens ⦿ Check out Assistens Cemetery ⦿ Relax at Superkilen Park ⦿ Visit Experimentarium Day 4: Copenhagen ⦿ Take a day trip from Copenhagen to Dragor ⦿ Tivoli Gardens Day 5: Oslo ⦿ Fly to Oslo ⦿ Visit Munch Museum Day 6: Olso ⦿ Explore Royal Palace ⦿ Spend some time appreciating the Oslo Opera House ⦿ Visit Akershus Fortress ⦿ Check out Nobel Peace Center Day 7: Oslo ⦿ Admire the unique sculptures at Vigeland Sculpture Park ⦿ Check out one of many amazing museums like Viking Ship Museum, Fram Museum, Kon-Tiki Museum, or Norwegian Museum of Cultural History Day 8: Stockholm ⦿ Fly to Stockholm ⦿ Stroll the Old Town (Gamla Stan) ⦿ Stop by Stortorget, Stockholm Cathedral, Noble Prize Museum, and Royal Palace Day 9: Stockholm ⦿ Enjoy a canal cruise ⦿ Explore one of the museums on Museum Island (Djurgården) ⦿ Visit Drottningholm Palace Day 10: Stockholm ⦿ Experience Swedish Fika at Café Pascal ⦿ Fly back home

Best time of year to follow this itinerary: Scandinavia is magical all through the year. Summer brings the magic of neverending days while winter promises the coziness of hygge , mysa , and koselig .

What’s special about this itinerary: The vibrant capitals of Scandinavian are brimming with breathtaking urban spaces, magnificent royal palaces, state-of-the-art museums, quaint waterways, and rich ancient history, and culture. Not to mention, a trip to Scandinavian capitals offers a perfect introduction to Viking History.

Where to stay: Scandic Palace Hotel in Copenhagen, Karl Johan Hotel in Oslo, and Hotel Skeppsholmen in Stockholm.

Suggested Read Where to Stay in Copenhagen Where to Stay in Oslo

4. Prague + Munich + Vienna: A Christmas Market Route

Crafted by: Jenn from ThoseJohnsonBoys.com Itinerary Route: Prague – Munich – Vienna Days spent in each city: 3 days in Prague, 3 days in Munich, 3 days in Vienna (plus 1 travel day)

What better way to bring the magic of Christmas to life than a stroll through the European Christmas markets? On this route, you’ll find some of Europe’s best Christmas markets , while still being able to enjoy the famous sights in each of these cities. Want to extend your trip? You can easily add in a stop in Salzburg .

Itinerary overview:

Day 1: Prague ⦿ Arrive in Prague ⦿ Check out the Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market Day 2: Prague ⦿ Take a photo by the Prague Astronomical Clock ⦿ Walk across Charles Bridge (tip: explore the city early in the morning, and you’ll be able to walk across the bridge with almost no other tourists!) ⦿ Visit Prague Castle ⦿ Go to the top of Old Town Tower at night for an amazing view of the Old Town Square Christmas Market Day 3: Prague ⦿ Take the funicular up to Petřín Lookout Tower ⦿ Eat a trdelník at Wenceslas Square Christmas Market Day 4: Munich ⦿ Take the train to Munich ⦿ Eat dinner at Münchner Stubnnear the hotel Day 5: Munich ⦿ Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour (don’t miss the Christmas market at the Residenz) Day 6: Munich ⦿ Explore the English Gardens ⦿ Go to the Christmas market at Marienplatz ⦿ Eat dinner at Hofbräuhaus Day 7: Vienna ⦿ Take the train to Vienna (go to the Wien Mitte Station if staying at the hotel listed below) ⦿ Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral Day 8: Vienna ⦿ Walk through the Hofburg ⦿ Check out the Christmas market at Rathausplatz (tip: avoid the crowds by visiting during the day) Day 9: Vienna ⦿ Visit Schönbrunn Palace ⦿ Go to the Belvedere Palace at night to enjoy the Christmas market Day 10: Vienna ⦿ Fly home (you can take a train or fly back to Prague or fly out of Vienna)

Best time of year to follow this itinerary: The perfect time to follow this itinerary is early December through Christmas. For a special celebration, make sure to plan your trip around St. Nicholas Day on December 6 th .

What’s special about this itinerary: The Christmas spirit, of course! Follow this Europe trip itinerary 10 days for an unforgettable Christmas vacation.

Where to stay: Prague Marriott Hotel in Prague, Courtyard by Marriott Munich City Center in Munich, and Vienna Marriott Hotel in Vienna. Each of the hotels listed is within walking distance of the train stations in each city, so you can do this entire trip by train.

Read More: Best Winter Destinations in Europe

5. Amsterdam – Brussels – Paris: Canals, Museums, and Palaces

Crafted by: Kenny from Knycx Journeying Itinerary Route: Amsterdam – Brussels – Paris Days spent in each city: 3 days in Amsterdam, 1 day in Brussels, and 6 Days in Paris

This is a classic Western Europe itinerary that covers three capital city of three distinct culture that has a deep impact on the world’s history, the three cities are conveniently connected by direct trains over a short distance, with no lack of world-class museums, landmarks, attractions, and amazing culinary experiences.

Itinerary Overview:

Day 1: Amsterdam ⦿ Arrive in Amsterdam ⦿ Explore Amsterdam’s city center ⦿ Hop on a classic canal cruise and sail past the city highlights and narrow housing along ⦿ Go cheese tasting at Reyepnaer or the Cheese Market ⦿ Explore Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, or the Royal Palace ⦿ Head to Red light street for dinner and visit a Brown Café. Day 2: Amsterdam ⦿ Visit the Keukenhof garden ⦿ Take pictures with the Zaanse Schans Windmills ⦿ Rent a bike and ride along the beautiful flower fields Day 3: Amsterdam ⦿ Visit Rijksmuseum and check out “The Night Watch by Rembrandt” before taking a train to Brussels Day 4: Brussels ⦿ Take a city walking tour and explore the city highlights, from the Grand Palace, Mannekin Pis, and Grand Place, while hunting for all the iconic frescoes of cartoons on Brussel’s comic book route Day 5: Paris ⦿ Take a walk in Montmartre and visit the Basilica of Sacré Coeur ⦿ Have dinner on a Seine River Cruise Day 6: Paris ⦿ Day trip to Versailles Day 7: Paris ⦿ Chill on a lawn at Le Jardin du Luxembourg ⦿ Visit Musée d’Orsay ⦿ Enjoy coffee and crepe at Breizh ⦿ Have a walk on the Cite Island and check out the Notre-dame and Sainte Chapelle Day 8: Paris ⦿ Spend a day in Le Louvre and seek the three “must-see” exhibits in the museum: Mona Lisa Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace ⦿ Admire Monet’s Nymphéas in Musée de l’Orangerie Visit Centre Pompidou in the late afternoon and have a drink at its rooftop bar at Le Georges Day 9: Paris ⦿ Climb to the summit of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy the panoramic view of Paris ⦿ Have a French Toast at Laduree ⦿ Visit the Arc de Triomphe ⦿ Stroll and Shop along Champs-Élysées Day 10: Paris ⦿ Fly Back Home

Best time of the year to follow this itinerary: The best time to follow this is during springtime from March to May because of its pleasant weather, especially for Keukenhof because it’s the tulip season.

What’s special about this itinerary: The three capital cities are distinctly different with a rich culture and history, the cities are filled with museums and landmarks and it ticks a lot of boxes for first-time travelers. There are great options in each city for you to fill in the gaps and replan your itinerary, making it as customized as possible for different needs. Furthermore, the transport connection is perfect and a lot of wonderful travel destinations are in between for extending the trip with outskirt visits and day trips, from Rotterdam, Bruges, Antwerp, Lille, Fontainebleau, to more. Not to mention the vibrant food scene from cheese, beer, chocolate, and waffles, to French fine dining.

Where to stay: Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam in Amsterdam, Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre in Brussels, and Hôtel Crayon Rouge by Elegancia in Paris

6. Austria + Lichtenstein + Switzerland: Alpine Splendor

Crafted by: Paul D’Souza from Paulmarina Itinerary Route: Innsbruck – Lichenstein – Switzerland Days spent in each city: 2 days in Innsbruck, 1 day in Lichtenstein, 1 day in Grindelwald, 1 day in Wengen, 2 days in Lauterbrunnen, 1 day in Mürren, 1 day in Bern, and 1 day in Zurich

A road trip across the Austrian Alps, to Lichtenstein and Switzerland, should be on your bucket list if you love mountains, authentic alpine towns, and crispy fresh air. Explore some of the most beautiful corners in this region and get to know the local traditions on this cultural trip.

Day 1: Innsbruck ⦿ Arrive in Innsbruck ⦿ Visit the Tyrolean state museum and court church ⦿ Go for Lunch at the ski jump Bergisel Restaurant ⦿ Visit Ambras castle and gardens ⦿ Stroll around the medieval old town and discover the golden roof Day 2: Innsbruck ⦿ Visit Swarovski World in Wattens ⦿ Visit Rattenberg, the smallest medieval city in Austria ⦿ Visit the medieval town of Hall in Tirol ⦿ Dine at the Knight’s medieval experience restaurant, Ritterkuchl, in Hall Day 3: Lichtenstein ⦿ Travel to Lichtenstein ⦿ Visit the Lichtenstein art museum in Vaduz ⦿ Get a Lichtenstein stamp into your passport ⦿ Stroll around Vaduz and admire the street art Day 4: Grindelwald ⦿ Travel to Grindelwald in Switzerland ⦿ Take a stroll through the town ⦿ Have a cheese fondue with a view Day 5: Wengen ⦿ Take the cogwheel train and cable car to Jungfraujoch top of the world ⦿ Travel to Wengen over the Kleine Scheideg by cogwheel train ⦿ Enjoy the view and stay in Wengen Day 6: Lauterbrunnen ⦿ Do some shopping in Wengen ⦿ Take the cogwheel train down to Lauterbrunnen ⦿ Go up to the Lauterbrunnen waterfall Day 7: Mürren ⦿ Travel up to the Schilthorn Piz Gloria ⦿ Have breakfast in the turning restaurant at the peak ⦿ Do the thrill walk in Birg ⦿ Discover Mürren village and stay overnight Day 8: Lauterbrunnen ⦿ Take the cogwheel train the next morning to Lauterbrunnen ⦿ Visit the Trümmelbachfälle ⦿ Enjoy your last day in the mountains with a Swiss cheese platter Day 9: Bern ⦿ Travel to Bern ⦿ See the bear pit ⦿ Visit the art museum ⦿ Stroll around the old town and do some gift shopping Day 10: Zürich ⦿ Travel to Zürich ⦿ Fly Back home

Best time of the year to follow this itinerary: All through the year

What’s special about this itinerary: Discover the Austrian and Swiss alps and one of the smallest countries, Lichtenstein, in the world. Get a good mix of culture, nature, and travel experiences out of this road trip!

Where to stay: Altstadthotel Weißes Kreuz – In der Fußgängerzone in Innsbruck, Residence Hotel in Vaduz, Eiger Selfness Hotel in Grindelwald, Beausite Park Hotel in Wengen, Hotel Silberhorn in Lauterbrunnen, Hotel Eiger in Mürren, Hotel Savoy in Bern, and AMERON Zürich Bellerive au Lac in Zürich

Related Read: The Very Best Things to do in Austria

7. Slovenia + Croatia + Montenegro + Bosnia: Best of the Balkans

Crafted by: Cosette from KarsTravels Itinerary Route: Ljubljana – Zadar – Dubrovnik – Kotor – Mostar Days spent in each city: 2 days in Ljubljana, 2 days in Zadar, 2 days in Dubrovnik, 2 days in Kotor, and 2 days in Mostar

Get a good feeling for each country with these cities. Ljubljana with its baroque style, Zadar for its fabulous sunset celebration, and Dubrovnik for its walls. Kotor has the most beautiful bay and Mostar has the famous bridge.

Day 1: Ljubljana ⦿ Arrive in Ljubljana ⦿ Visit Tromostovje + Prešeren Square ⦿ Stroll over the Central Market Day 2: Ljubljana ⦿ Take the funicular ⦿ Visit Ljubljanski Grad ⦿ Hike down ⦿ Wander around Tivoli Park Day 3: Zadar ⦿ Drive to Zadar ⦿ Explore the Museum of Ancient Glass ⦿ Eat a Jumbo pizza at Crazy Pizza ⦿ Enjoy the sunset celebration Day 4: Zadar ⦿ Wander around the Old Town ⦿ Listen to the Sea Organ ⦿ Dance on the Greeting to the Sun Day 5: Dubrovnik ⦿ Drive to Dubrovnik ⦿ Have lunch on the Stradun ⦿ Sea kayak around Dubrovnik Day 6: Dubrovnik ⦿ Tour the walls ⦿ Take a Game of Thrones tour ⦿ Take the cable car and watch the sunset Day 7: Kotor ⦿ Drive to Kotor ⦿ Wander around the old town ⦿ Have dinner with a view at Restoran Vidikovac Day 8: Kotor ⦿ Hike the walls to the Castle of San Giovanni ⦿ Pay a visit to the cat museum Day 9: Mostar ⦿ Drive to Mostar ⦿ Walk over to Stari Most ⦿ Have tea in the old town Day 10: ⦿ Fly Back Home

Best time of year to follow this itinerary: Summer time, the weather is warm and everything is open to exploring.

What’s special about this itinerary: You’ll be exploring 5 incredible cities with lots of history. Each city has its own vibe and either a fort, walls, or bridge that stands out.

Where to stay: Tromostovje apartments in Ljubljana, Krišto Apartment in Zadar, Apartments Olaf in Dubrovnik, Apartments Wine House Old Town in Kotor, and Hotel Eden in Mostar

Suggested Read 7 Days in Slovenia Itinerary Best Places to Visit in Slovenia Best Places to Visit in Montenegro Best Things to do in Montenegro

8. Vilnius + Riga + Tallinn: The Charming Baltics

Crafted by: Leta from The Nerdy Me Itinerary Route: Vilnius – Riga – Tallinn Days spent in each city: 3 days in Vilnius, 3 days in Riga, and 3 days in Tallinn

The Baltic region is a real hidden gem of Europe yet to be discovered by the world. Here you can discover one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, learn about the dark Soviet history, and spend some time outdoors exploring impressive national parks and sandy beaches.

Day 1: Vilnius ⦿ Arrive in Vilnius ⦿ Walk around the old town (don’t miss Literature or Stiklių streets) ⦿ Visit the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania ⦿ Hike to Gediminas’ Castle Day 2: Vilnius ⦿ Wander around the Užupis district ⦿ Have an afternoon cake break at Liu Patty ⦿ Walk up the Hill of Three Crosses ⦿ Check out the MO museum Day 3: Vilnius ⦿ Take a train to Trakai Castle as a day trip ⦿ Rent a water bicycle to sail around the castle ⦿ Visit the museum inside the castle ⦿ Taste kibinai at Senoji Kibininė Day 4: Riga ⦿ Take a bus to Riga ⦿ Explore the old town ⦿ Climb up the tower of St. Peter’s Church for a panoramic view Day 5: Riga ⦿ Day trip to Sigulda ⦿ Visit Sigulda Medieval Castle ⦿ Hike to Krimulda Castle using a cable car to cross the valley ⦿ Admire the Turaida Castle Day 6: Riga ⦿ Take a quick train to Jurmala and enjoy some beach time Day 7: Tallinn ⦿ Take a bus to Tallinn ⦿ Explore the Old Town ⦿ Visit city walls ⦿ Take beautiful photos from the Patkuli viewing platform Day 8: Tallinn ⦿ Explore the creative Kalamaja neighborhood ⦿ Visit the Telliskivi Creative City ⦿ Walk along the city’s harbor ⦿ Discover the Patarei Prison ⦿ Visit the Seaplane Harbour Museum ⦿ Explore the Linnahall ⦿ Grab a meal at Balti Jaama Turg Day 9: Tallinn ⦿ Tour to Lahemaa National Park Day 10: ⦿ Fly Back Home

The best time of the year to follow this itinerary : May, June, and September because the weather is amazing and the crowds are smaller than in the peak season.

What’s special about this itinerary: You’ll get to explore the lesser-visited part of Europe that is rich in history, culture, and delicious local cuisine. Also, if you are looking for a budget-friendly European trip option, the Baltics is considered one of the cheapest regions to visit.

Where to stay: Holiday Inn in Vilnius, Hotel Garden Palace in Rīga, and Kalev Spa Hotel & Waterpark in Tallinn

9. Central and Southern Italy: Italian Renaissance, Italian Appennino, and Italian Seaside Towns

Crafted by: Tori from Tori Pines Travels Route: Florence – Tuscany – Rome – Amalfi Coast Days spent in each city: 2 days in Florence, 2 days in Tuscany, 3 days in Rome, and 3 Days on the Amalfi Coast

Italy is a traveler’s dream. The country is filled to the brim with history, beautiful architecture, nature, delicious food, and unlimited wine. Central Italy is the best option for first-time visitors as it hits most of the most popular tourist destinations while also exploring the back alleyways of the quaint villages. Itinerary Overview :

Day 1: Florence ⦿ Arrive in Rome ⦿ Take the Train to Florence ⦿ Have Lunch at Mercato Centrale ⦿ Stroll the cobblestone streets and visit the free sights including the Porcellino, The David replica, and Piazza Della Repubblica ⦿ Take an Evening Food Tour Day 2: Florence ⦿ Take a Market Tour and Cooking Class ⦿ Climb the Duomo ⦿ Explore the Uffizi Gallery ⦿ Watch the Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo ⦿ Dinner at Parione Day 3: Pisa + San Gimignano (Tuscany) ⦿ Rent a Car and Drive to Pisa ⦿ Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa ⦿ Drive to San Gimignano ⦿ Lunch and Wine Tasting at Tenuta Torciano ⦿ Wander the Streets of San Gimignano ⦿ Eat World Famous Gelato at Dondoli Day 4: Siena and Saturnia (Tuscany) ⦿ Drive to Siena ⦿ Take a Walking Tour of Siena ⦿ Eat Lunch in Siena ⦿ Drive to Saturnia ⦿ Swim in the Hot Springs ⦿ Drive to Rome ⦿ Drop off Rental Car ⦿ Eat Dinner at Roscioli’s Salumeria con Cucina Day 5: Rome ⦿ Tour the Roman Colosseum and Roman Forum ⦿ Lunch at Pane e Salame ⦿ Take a Free Audio Tour of Ancient Rome to See Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and More ⦿ Aperitivo at The Court Bar ⦿ Dinner at Mimì e Cocò Day 6: Day Trip to Vatican City from Rome ⦿ Breakfast at the Vatican Tickets ⦿ Explore the Vatican Museum ⦿ Street Food Lunch in Trastevere, Casa Manco Pizza, and Trapizzino ⦿ Walk the Streets, Shop, and Eat Gelato ⦿ Dinner at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 Day 7: Pompeii + Positano (Amalfi Coast) ⦿ Take the Train to Naples ⦿ Hire a Private Driver to Positano with a Stop at Pompeii ⦿ Take a Guided Tour of Pompeii ⦿ Arrive in Positano and Grab a Quick Lunch ⦿ Explore the Town, Sit on the Beach, and Shop ⦿ Aperitivo at Blu Bar ⦿ Dinner at La Tagliata Day 8: Bomerano (Amalfi Coast) ⦿Take the Bus to Bomerano ⦿ Hike the Path of the Gods ⦿ Eat a Picnic Lunch Along the Hike ⦿ Rest and Freshen-up Before Dinner ⦿ Dinner at Chez Black Day 9: Capri ⦿ Take a day trip to Capri ⦿ Wander the Island ⦿ Have Lunch at Da Paolino ⦿ Arrive Back at Positano ⦿ Aperitivo at Bar Franco ⦿ Dinner at Il Tridente Day 10: ⦿ Hire a Private Driver from Positano to Naples ⦿ Take the Train to Rome ⦿ Fly back home Best time of the year to follow this itinerary: Shoulder season is the best time in Italy. Visit April, May, September, or October for the best weather and smaller crowds. September is especially perfect for the Amalfi coast as the water has warmed up all summer and is perfect for a swim.

What’s special about this itinerary: It’s the perfect blend between popular tourist destinations and small-town experiences in Italy. You’ll get to enjoy all of the things you dream of in an Italian getaway just by visiting the central part of the country. It’s easy to get around, you’ll appreciate the landscape, taste all of the delicious food and wine, and meet all of the incredible locals.

Where to stay: The Westin Excelsior in Florence, book a VRBO for a unique city apartment or rural agriturismo experience in San Gimignano, The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel in Rome, and rent a VRBO for the most reasonable prices, views of the water, and local experience in Positano

🚘 Looking for reliable & affordable car hire in Europe?

We trust and recommend Discover Cars , a leader in online car rental bookings! It promises transparency, security, convenience, and incredible savings.

10. Northern Italy: Canals, Lakes, and Art

Crafted by: Maddalena from Venice Travel Tips Itinerary Route : Venice – Verona – Milan – Lake Como – Turin Days spent in each city: 3 days in Venice, 2 days in Verona, 2 days in Milan, 1 day in Lake Como, and 2 days in Turin

The itinerary starts from Venice, also known as the romantic city of canals and bridges, home of St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. Verona is a lovely city, known for one of the best-kept Roman amphitheaters and Juliet’s balcony, whilst Milan for its museums, the stunning Duomo, and the best Aperitivos. Finally, spend a day in Lake Como, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, before moving towards the vibrant city of Turin.

Day 1: Venice ⦿ Arrive in Venice ⦿ Gondola Ride near the Rialto Bridge ⦿ Visit St. Mark’s Square, Basilica, and Doge’s Palace ⦿ Climb the St. Mark’s Campanile ⦿ Have a glass of wine at Bacareto da Lele Day 2: Venice ⦿ Visit the Accademia Galleries ⦿ Stroll around Campo Santa Margherita and San Polo ⦿ Enjoy a fabulous view over the city from the Fondaco Dei Tedeschi rooftop ⦿ Try the traditional Cicchetti Day 3: Venice ⦿ Join a guided tour of the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello ⦿ Get lost in the Castello neighborhood ⦿ Visit the original bookshop Acqua Alta ⦿ Visit the Jewish Ghetto Day 4: Verona ⦿ Take a train to Verona ⦿ Visit the Arena of Verona ⦿ Take pictures of Juliet’s balcony ⦿ Have a romantic dinner on the top of Verona’s hills at the San Mattia Osteria Day 5: Verona ⦿ Walk around the market in Piazza delle Erbe ⦿ Cross the beautiful Ponte di Pietra ⦿ Visit Castelvecchio Day 6: Milan ⦿ Take a train to Milan ⦿ Marvel at the beauty of the Duomo ⦿ Visit the Sforzesco Castle Day 7: Milan ⦿ Discover the Museo del Novecento ⦿ Explore the Pinacoteca di Brera ⦿ Explore the modern Gae Aulenti Square ⦿ Stroll around the Navigli Day 8: Lake Como ⦿ Take a train to Lake Como ⦿ Admire the most breathtaking views of the Como Lake ⦿ Visit the Gothic Duomo of Como ⦿ Take a boat trip from Como to the villages of Bellagio and Lugano ⦿Relax in Piazza San Fedele Day 9: Turin ⦿ Take a train to Turin ⦿ Marvel at the Mole Antonelliana ⦿ Stroll around Piazza Castello Day 10: Turin ⦿ Explore the Egyptian Museum ⦿ Take a walk around Piazza San Carlo ⦿ Visit the Superga Basilica ⦿ Travel back home

Best time of the year to follow this itinerary : Spring or autumn because the weather is pleasant with a higher chance of getting sunny days, and there are not many tourists moving around as during the summer.

What’s special about this itinerary : This itinerary includes world-famous Italian cities like Venice and Milan and lesser-known places like Turin and Lake Como. Many people travel directly from Venice to Lake Como but where would the fun be in that? Thanks to this tour, you’ll be able to visit the most important places based in Northern Italy and visit iconic attractions like St. Mark’s Square, the Arena of Verona, the Duomo of Milan, and the Mole Antonelliana in Turin. Every city offers a wide range of things to do and gives you a chance to try unique traditional dishes and go deeper into the local atmosphere by learning more about their culture.

Where to stay : Il Palazzo Experimental in Venice, Bue Nero Suites Verona in Verona, Sonder Missori in Milan, and Rapanus Suites in Turin

11. Spain: Sun Kissed Holiday in Andalusia

Crafted by: Cristina Reina of My Little World of Travelling Itinerary Route : Malaga – Nerja and Frigiliana – Granada – Seville – Cordoba Days spent in each city: 2 days in Malaga, 1 day in Nerja and Frigiliana, 2 days in Granada, 2 days in Seville, and 2 days in Cordoba

spanish square palaza de espana seville spain 10 days in europe

The region of Andalusia, located in the south of Spain, has plenty of things to offer – from important historical buildings and different types of landscapes to delicious gastronomy and lively festivals. In this itinerary , you will discover some of the most popular cities in 10 days.

Itinerary Overview :

Day 1: Malaga ⦿ Arrive in Malaga ⦿ Visit Malaga’s Cathedral ⦿ Explore the Alcazaba de Malaga and the Roman Theatre ⦿ Eat at El Pimpi ⦿ Go to Picasso Museum ⦿ Stroll through Malaga Park and enjoy the sunset at Muelle Uno or Gibralfaro viewpoint Day 2: Malaga ⦿ Have breakfast at La Bella Julieta ⦿ Visit Museo Carmen Thyssen ⦿ Eat tapas at Atarazanas Market ⦿ Go to Gibralfaro Castle Day 3: Nerja and Frigiliana ⦿ Travel to Nerja ⦿ Go to Nerja Caves ⦿ Take photos at the Balcon de Europa viewpoint ⦿ Travel to Frigiliana ⦿ Enjoy a meal at La Tahona ⦿ Explore Frigiliana Old Town Day 4: Granada ⦿ Arrive in Granada ⦿ Visit the Alhambra ⦿ Go to Carrera del Darro ⦿ Enjoy the city views from the San Nicolás viewpoint Day 5: Granada ⦿ Have breakfast at Casa Ysla ⦿ Go to the Cathedral of Granada ⦿ Have some tapas ⦿ Relax at the Arab Baths or visit Sacromonte (a neighborhood famous for flamenco) Day 6: Seville ⦿ Arrive in Seville ⦿ Visit Seville Cathedral ⦿ Discover Real Alcazar ⦿ Have dinner at Bar Antojo Day 7: Seville ⦿ Have breakfast at Bar Alfalfa ⦿ Go to Plaza de España ⦿ Explore the Triana neighborhood ⦿ Visit Casa Pilatos ⦿ Watch the sunset at Setas de Sevilla Day 8: Cordoba ⦿ Arrive in Cordoba ⦿ Visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba ⦿ Wander the Jewish Quarter ⦿ Check out Puente Romano in the evening Day 9: Cordoba ⦿ Explore Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs ⦿ Go to Palacio de Viana to see traditional Andalusian courtyards Day 10: Cordoba ⦿ Fly back home

The best time of the year to follow this itinerary : Late spring and autumn because the weather is pleasant, flight tickets and accommodation are cheaper and you will experience fewer crowds. Avoid summer because it is too warm and prices significantly increase.

What’s special about this itinerary: You will be able to visit some of the most beautiful cities and white villages in Andalusia and have a taste of what life is like in the south of Spain. By visiting these cities, you will fall in love with the south of Spain and its culture.

Where to stay: Room Mate Valeria in Malaga, Hotel Balcón de Europa in Nerja, Hotel Casa 1800 in Granada, Hotel las Casas de la Judería in Seville, and Hotel Soho Boutique Capuchinos & Spa in Córdoba

12. Central Portugal: Fairytale Palaces, Castles, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Crafted By: Or from My Path in the World Itinerary Route: Lisbon – Sintra – Obidos – Tomar – Coimbra – Porto Days spent in each city: 3 days in Lisbon, 2 days in Sintra, one day in Obidos, one day in Tomar, one day in Coimbra, and 2 days in Porto

Central Portugal is a fantastic area for travelers to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the country while also enjoying scenic natural landscapes.

Day 1: Lisbon ⦿ Arrive in Lisbon ⦿ Visit the Carmo Convent ⦿ Stroll through the districts of Baixa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto ⦿ Watch a Fado show Day 2: Lisbon ⦿ Visit the Sao Jorge Castle ⦿ Wander the streets of Alfama ⦿ Enjoy the views from Miradouro das Portas do Sol ⦿ Photograph the Lisbon Cathedral ⦿ Watch the sunset at Praça do Comércio Day 3: Lisbon ⦿ Check out the Tower of Belem ⦿ Admire the Monument to the Discoveries ⦿ Visit the Jeronimos Monastery ⦿ Try some Pastéis de Belém ⦿ Visit the Coach Museum Day 4: Sintra ⦿ Drive to Sintra ⦿ Wander through Sintra’s city center ⦿ Visit the Pena Palace and National Palace of Sintra Day 5: Sintra ⦿ Visit Quinta da Regaleira and the Monserrate Palace ⦿ Stop at Cabo da Roca (Europe’s westernmost point) before driving to Obidos Day 6: Obidos ⦿ Admire the Castle of Obidos ⦿ Climb the town’s walls ⦿ Roam Obidos’ enchanting medieval alleys ⦿ Try the local cherry liqueur Ginja de Óbidos ⦿ Drive to Tomar Day 7: Tomar ⦿ Visit the Convent of Christ ⦿ Stroll through the city center ⦿ Visit the Matchbox Museum ⦿ Drive to Coimbra Day 8: Coimbra ⦿ Visit the University of Coimbra ⦿ Visit the Old Cathedral of Coimbra ⦿ Stroll through the botanical gardens ⦿ Watch a Fado de Coimbra show Day 9: Porto ⦿ Drive to Porto ⦿ Take a port wine tour in Vila Nova de Gaia ⦿ Admire the Luís I Bridge ⦿ Wander around the district of Ribeira ⦿ Visit the Bolsa Palace ⦿ Admire the Porto Cathedral Day 10: Porto ⦿ Climb the Clérigos Tower ⦿ Visit Livraria Lello ⦿ Stroll through the Crystal Palace Gardens ⦿ Fly back home

Best time of the year to follow this itinerary: May, June, September, and October are the best months to follow this itinerary because the weather is ideal and the number of tourists is manageable.

What’s special about this itinerary: You’ll be able to visit some of the most beautiful and historic places in Portugal. From famous Portuguese landmarks and enchanting medieval streets to port wine and Fado music to Atlantic Ocean views and lush green scenery, this route has it all.

Where to stay: Hotel Miraparque in Lisbon, Hotel Nova Sintra in Sintra, Pousada Castelo de Obidos in Óbidos, Thomar Boutique Hotel in Tomar, República Guest House in Coimbra, and Gardenia Aparthôtel in Porto

13. Southern Portugal: Coastal Dream

Crafted by: Alya from the Algarve Faily Itinerary route: Faro – Albufeira – Carvoeiro – Lagos – Sagres – Faro Days spent in each place: 2 days in Faro, 2 days in Carvoeiro, 2 days in Albufeira, 3 days in Lagos, and 1 day in Sagres

benagil cave algarve portugal europe in 10 days

A 10-day trip around the beautiful coast of the Algarve region in Southern Portugal is a perfect beach holiday itinerary filled with adventure activities. The region is known for its stunning sandy beaches, rugged limestone cliffs, and turquoise color water. It’s a great place for a family holiday or a romantic getaway.

Day 1: Faro ⦿ Arrive in Faro ⦿ Explore Praia de Faro ⦿ Hike the Ludo Trail Day 2: Albufeira ⦿ Drive to Albufeira ⦿ Relax on the beach ⦿ Wonder around the Old Town ⦿ Go for a sundowner drink at the Marina Day 3: Albufeira ⦿ Go on a dolphin-watching tour ⦿ Visit Paderne Castle Day 4: Carvoeiro ⦿ Drive to Carvoeiro ⦿ Visit Zoomarine or Aqualand Algarve on the way ⦿ Visit Algar Seco ⦿ Walk on the Carvoeiro Boardwalk ⦿ Relax on the beach Day 5: Carvoeiro ⦿ Do a boat/kayak tour to the Benagil Cave ⦿ Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail Day 6: Lagos ⦿ Drive to Lagos ⦿ Relax on one of the beautiful beaches in Lagos (Dona Ana Beach, Meia Praia, Porto de Mos) ⦿ Go for dinner at Lagos Marina Day 7: Lagos ⦿ Do a boat/kayak tour to Ponta da Piedade ⦿ Walk around the Old Town ⦿ Go surfing/paddle boarding at Porto de Mos Beach Day 8: Lagos ⦿ Hike at Ponta da Piedade ⦿ Visit Praia da Luz ⦿ Relax on the beach Day 9: Sagres ⦿ Drive to Sagres ⦿ Visit St. Vincent Cape, the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe ⦿ Visit Sagres Castle ⦿ Go surfing Day 10: Faro ⦿ Drive to Faro ⦿ Fly back home

Best time of the year to follow this itinerary: May, June, and September are the best months to visit the Algarve. The weather is great and there are not too many tourists. July and August are the busiest months. If you decide to come at that time it’s advised to book accommodation and activities in advance.

What is special about this itinerary: During the trip, you get to see some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, do many adventure activities, and visit several historical towns.

Where to stay: Roots Hotel in Faro, Vila Algarvia Boutique & Suites in Albufeira, Villa Welwitshia in Carvoeiro, Hotel Marina Rio in Lagos, and Casa Azul in Sagres.

14. Belgium: Chocolates, Waffles, and Beer

Crafted by: Kate from Kate Abroad Itinerary Route: Brussels – Ghent – Bruges Days spent in each city: 4 days in Brussels, 3 days in Ghent, and 3 days in Bruges

Belgium is one of the most underrated countries in Europe, but it has so much to offer in a small space. In 10 days, you can feel like you’ve really seen all the best parts of the country without spending too much time on trains or other transport. You can also see the highlights with 5 or 7 days in Belgium . And of course, there’s the world-famous Belgian chocolate, waffles, and beer!

Day 1: Brussels ⦿ Arrive in Brussels ⦿ Join a Free Walking Tour ⦿ Stroll the historic center checking out the street art (TinTin murals) and infamous Mannekin Pis Day 2: Brussels ⦿ Visit the European Union Headquarters ⦿ Taste the iconic Belgian Frites at Frit Flagey Day 3: Brussels ⦿ Tour the Grand Palace Day 4: Brussels ⦿ Chocolate Tour with tastings at Brussels chocolateries Day 5: Bruges ⦿ Take a train to Bruges ⦿ Jump in a boat for a canal tour ⦿ Relax over a beer or hot chocolate in Bruges Markt Day 6: Bruges ⦿ Climb the UNESCO World Heritage Belfy Tower ⦿ Visit the Frietmuseum or Diamantmuseum Day 7: Ghent ⦿ Train to Ghent ⦿ Belgian Beer Tour Day 8: Ghent ⦿ Visit Gravensteen Castle ⦿ Wander the riverside promenade and stop at some pubs or cafes ⦿ See the artworks in St Nicholas Church Day 9: Ghent ⦿ Take a day trip out to Gerald the Devil Castle and St Bavo’s Abbey Day 10: ⦿ Fly Back Home

Best time of the year to follow this itinerary: The winter months of November to February have the least crowds and lots of Christmas spirit, sometimes it even snows.

What’s special about this itinerary: This itinerary combines the splendor of incredible architecture, the glory of the capital of Europe, the charm of picturesque towns, and the taste of real Belgian waffles, frites, chocolates, and wine.

Where to stay: Radisson Collection Grand Palace in Brussels, Dukes’ Palace in Bruges, and Novotel Gent Centrum in Ghent

15. France: Parisian Charm, Historic Beaches, and Medieval Villages

Crafted by: Stephanie of The Unknown Enthusiast Itinerary Route: Paris – Giverny – Normandy Beaches – Mont St Michel – Saint-Malo Days spent in each city: 4 days in Paris, 1 day in Versailles, 1 day in Giverny, 2 days at the Normandy beaches, 1 day at Mont St Michel, and 1 day at Saint-Malo

This itinerary for Paris to Normandy takes you through some of France’s most iconic sites – the grandeur of its capital city and the most famous chateau in Europe, to the medieval villages of Normandy and the historic beaches from the 2nd World War.

Itinerary Overview:

Day 1: Paris ⦿ Arrive in Paris ⦿ Visit the Eiffel Tower ⦿ Go on a river cruise on the Seine ⦿ Visit the Musée Rodin Day 2: Paris ⦿ Marvel at artifacts in the Louvre ⦿ Wander the Jardin de Tuileries ⦿ Have lunch or an afternoon snack at Angelina ⦿ Stroll up the Champs Elysees ⦿ Go up the Arc de Triomphe at sunset Day 3: Paris ⦿ Visit Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle churches ⦿ Admire the Opera Garnier ⦿ Have lunch at Creperie Broceliande ⦿ Explore Montmartre Day 4: Paris ⦿ Stroll through the Jardin de Luxembourg ⦿ Explore the trendy Latin Quarter ⦿ Discover impressionist artwork at the Musée d’Orsay ⦿ Walk along the Seine Day 5: Versailles ⦿ Head outside of Paris to Chateau de Versaille ⦿ Tour the chateau in the morning ⦿ Have lunch at a cafe on the grounds ⦿ Explore the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and gardens in the afternoon Day 6: Giverny ⦿ Head north to Giverny ⦿ Visit the home and gardens of the famous painter, Claude Monet Day 7: Normandy ⦿ Travel to Normandy ⦿ Visit Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial ⦿ Stop at the shocking Pointe du Hoc ⦿ Visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches-Les-Bains Day 8: Normandy ⦿ Visit Utah Beach and Juno Beach ⦿ Discover the Utah Beach Landing Museum and the D-Day Experience/Dead Man’s Corner Museum Day 9: Mont St Michel ⦿ Visit Mont St Michel, a picturesque island monastery. Day 10: Saint-Malo ⦿ Visit the walled city of Saint-Malo ⦿ Walk the city walls ⦿ Spend time on the beach ⦿ Explore the medieval old town ⦿ Head Home

Best time of the year to follow this itinerary: Spring, summer, or fall bring pleasant weather, and thus, the best time to follow this itinerary. Paris is always a popular destination, but other locations may be less busy in spring and fall.

What’s special about this itinerary: Several bucket list-worthy spots are on this itinerary, and you will experience a wide range of landscapes and cities in France (major cities to small towns to countryside and beaches).

Where to stay : Hotel Saint Paul Rive Gauche in Paris, Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace in Versailees, La Dime de Giverny – Chambres d’hôtes in Giverny, Le Château d’Asnières en Bessin in Normandy, and Mercure Mont Saint Michel in Le Mont St Michel

Tour suggestion: 8-Day Paris, Normandy, and Brittany Small-Group Sightseeing Tour

16. France: Discover the Beauty of the French Riviera

Crafted by: Sarah Vanheel from CosmopoliClan Itinerary Route: Nice – Monaco – Villefranche-sur-Mer & Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat – Menton & Èze – Antibes & Saint-Paul-de-Vence – Cannes – St-Tropez – Cassis – Marseille Days spent in each city: 2 days in Nice, 1 day in Monaco, 1 day in Villefranche-sur-Mer & Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, 1 day in Menton & Èze, 1 day in Antibes & Saint-Paul-de-Vence, 1 day in Cannes, 1 day in St-Tropez, 1 day in Cassis and 1 day in Marseille

This 10-day French Riviera itinerary captures the essence of this scenic coastline and allows you to experience the palm-fringed boulevards, captivating art museums, gorgeous beaches, dreamy panoramas, and provencal hamlets that it’s known for.

Itinerary Overview: Day 1: Nice ⦿ Arrive in Nice ⦿ Explore the Promenade des Anglais ⦿ Climb the stairs to Castle Hill ⦿ Spend the evening in Vieux Nice Day 2: Nice ⦿ Discover the Cimiez district ⦿ Visit the Chagall and Matisse art museums ⦿ Stop by the flower market at Cours Saleya Day 3: Monaco ⦿ Take the ferry from Nice to Monaco ⦿ Explore Le Rocher ⦿ Lunch at La Condamine ⦿ Visit the Exotic Garden ⦿ Take a tour of the Monte Carlo Casino Day 4: Villefranche-sur-Mer & Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat ⦿ Take a train to Villefranche-sur-Mer ⦿ Admire the colorful houses in the old town ⦿ Have a picnic at Marinières beach ⦿ Rent a bike and explore Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat ⦿ Visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild ⦿ Enjoy a seafood lunch at the port of Villefranche-sur-Mer Day 5: Menton & Èze ⦿ Pick up your rental car and head to Menton ⦿ Stroll the picturesque streets ⦿ Relax at Sablettes beach ⦿ Visit the Jean Cocteau Museum ⦿ Head to Èze ⦿ Explore the Jardin Exotique ⦿ Visit the Fragonard perfume factory Day 6: Antibes & Saint-Paul-de-Vence ⦿ Drive to Antibes ⦿ Explore the old town ⦿ Shop at the Cours Masséna provencal market ⦿ Visit the Picasso Museum ⦿ Hike around the Cap d’Antibes ⦿ Drive to St-Paul-de-Vence for dinner ⦿ Watch the sunset from the ramparts Day 7: Cannes ⦿ Drive to Cannes ⦿ Visit the Forville Market ⦿ Check out the street art in Le Suquet ⦿ Explore the Vieux Port or Old Port ⦿ Pretend to be a movie star at Palais des Festivals where the Cannes Film Festival takes place ⦿ Saunter on the iconic Croisette Day 8: Saint-Tropez ⦿ Head to Saint-Tropez ⦿ Wander around La Ponche ⦿ Try a sumptuous Tarte Tropézienne ⦿ Visit the Places des Lices ⦿ Admire the moored yachts at the marina ⦿ Hit one of the beach clubs at Pampelonne beach Day 9: Cassis ⦿ Drive to Cassis ⦿ Spend the morning hiking in the Calanques National Park ⦿ Lunch at the port ⦿ Take a boat trip to explore the coastline ⦿ Go wine-tasting Day 10: Marseille ⦿ Head to Marseille ⦿ Visit the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica ⦿ Explore the Old Port ⦿ Discover the winding streets of Le Panier ⦿ Visit the Museum of the Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean or the Vieille Charité ⦿ Fly back home

Best time of the year to follow this itinerary: For perfect weather and fewer crowds, plan to visit the French Riviera in April, May, September, or October.

What’s special about this itinerary: It combines cultural highlights and nature trails, captivating cities, and perched provencal villages, beaches, and panoramas. This itinerary captures the essence of the French Riviera, a stretch of coast so scenic that it inspired some of the world’s most renowned artists.

Where to stay : Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée in Nice, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo in Monaco, La Nonete in Villefranche-sur-Mer, Ibis Styles Menton Centre in Menton, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic in Cannes, Villa Fabulite in Antibes, La Bastide des Salins in St-Tropez, and Hôtel 96 in Cassis

Related Read: Best Hidden Gems in Europe

17. Germany: All Things German

Crafted by: Ali from Berlin Travel Tips Itinerary route: Berlin – Hamburg – Munich Days spent in each city: 3 days in Berlin, 2 days in Hamburg, 3 days in Munich, plus day trips from Berlin and Munich

brandenburg gate berlin germany 10 days in europe

This itinerary shows travelers an overview of some of the most popular cities in Germany. You’ll get to see many of Germany’s famous landmarks , learn about the history, and experience how different each part of the country is.

Day 1: Berlin ⦿ Arrive in Berlin ⦿ TV Tower ⦿ Berlin Cathedral ⦿ Museum Island ⦿ Brandenburg Gate ⦿ Holocaust Memorial Day 2: Berlin ⦿ Free tour of Reichstag Building (book in advance) ⦿ East Side Gallery ⦿ Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial ⦿ Relax at Prater Beer Garden Day 3: Berlin ⦿ Half-day trip to Potsdam ⦿ Berlin Charlottenburg Palace Day 4: Hamburg ⦿ Checkpoint Charlie ⦿ Topography of Terror ⦿ Take an early afternoon train to Hamburg (2 hours) ⦿ Beatles Platz and Reeperbahn Day 5: Hamburg ⦿ Speicherstadt ⦿ Miniatur Wunderland ⦿ Views from Elbphilharmonie ⦿ Harbor boat tour Day 6: Munich ⦿ Rathaus (City Hall building) ⦿ St Michael’s Church for views ⦿ Take an afternoon train to Munich (6-7 hours) Day 7: Munich ⦿ Munich Old Town ⦿ Marienplatz ⦿ Neues Rathaus (New City Hall) ⦿ St Peter’s Church for views ⦿ Viktualienmarkt beer garden Day 8: Munich ⦿ Half-day tour to Dachau Concentration Camp ⦿ Munich Residenz Palace Day 9: Munich ⦿ Half-day tour to Neuschwanstein Castle ⦿ Munich Nymphenburg Castle Day 10: Munich ⦿ Fly home

Best time of the year to follow this itinerary : This itinerary is best in late spring or early fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

What’s special about this itinerary: Each city on this itinerary has its own personality and unique history. If it’s your first time visiting Germany, this gives you a good taste of what the country has to offer.

Where to stay: 25Hours Hotel Bikini in Berlin, Barcelo in Hamburg, and Mercure Hotel Munich Altstadt in Munich

18. Romania: Mysterious Transylvania

Crafted by: Erin from Wanderlust with Kids Itinerary Route: Bucharest – Sinaia – Braşov – Sighişoara – Sibiu – Transfagarasan Road – Bucharest Days spent in each city: 3 days in Bucharest, 1 day in Sinaia, 3 days in Braşov, 1 day in Sighişoara, 1 Day in Sibiu, and 1 Day on Transfagarasan Road

Transylvania is one of the most beautiful areas of Romania, with medieval castles, stunning mountain scenery, and plenty of history and culture to explore. This 10-day itinerary takes in some of the best that Transylvania has to offer, from the city of Brasov to the picturesque countryside and even a visit to Dracula’s Castle!

Day 1: Bucharest ⦿ Arrive in Bucharest ⦿ Join a Free Walking Tour ⦿ Marvel at the Palace of the Parliament ⦿ Stroll along Calea Victoriei ⦿ Relax in Cişmigu Gardens Day 2: Bucharest ⦿ Visit the open-air National Village Museum ⦿ See the Former Ceauşescu Residence ⦿ Stroll through Herăstrău Park Day 3: Sinaia ⦿ Drive to Sinaia ⦿ Visit Peleş Castle Day 4: Braşov ⦿ Drive to Braşov ⦿ Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town ⦿ Sip a coffee at a cafe lining Piaţa Sfatului Day 5: Braşov ⦿ Admire the view from the top of Mount Tâmpa ⦿ Visit the Black Church ⦿ Watch the sunset from the Black or White Tower Day 6: Braşov ⦿ Day trip to Bran Castle Day 7: Sighişoara ⦿ Drive to Sighişoara ⦿ Visit the birthplace of Vlad Dracul ⦿ Wander the streets of the Citadel ⦿ Climb the Clock Tower for a fantastic view Day 8: Sibiu ⦿ Drive to Sibiu ⦿ Relax at a Cafe surrounding the Main Square ⦿ Climb to the top of the Council Tower ⦿ Cross the Bridge of Lies Day 9: Transfăgărăşan Road ⦿ Drive the Transfăgărăşan Road ⦿ Stop at Poienari Citadel Day 10: Bucharest ⦿ Return to Bucharest ⦿ Fly back home

Best time of the year to follow this itinerary : Late spring in the months of May and June or early fall, in September and October because the weather is still warm and the tourist crowds are manageable.

What’s special about this itinerary: You’ll get to experience one of the most beautiful areas of Romania, with medieval castles, stunning mountain scenery, and interesting history. Visit the land of Dracula and explore the best of Transylvania and Bucharest.

Where to Stay: Hotel Parliament in Bucharest, Hotel Sinaia in Sinaia, Safrano Palace in Braşov, Hotel Casa Wagner in Sighişoara, ART Hotel in Sibiu, and Piscul Negru Hotel Transfagarasan in Cumpăna.

19. Ireland: A Storybook Road Trip

Crafted by: Amber from Amber Everywhere Itinerary Route: Dublin – Wicklow – Cork – Kerry – Dingle – Cliffs of Moher – Galway – Dublin Days spent in each city: 2 days in Dublin, 1 day in Wicklow, 2 days in Cork, 2 days in Kerry, 1 day in Dingle, 1 day at the Cliffs of Moher, and 1 day in Galway

The best way to see Ireland is by car , as the country is largely rural and covered in stunning rolling green hills. This itinerary takes you through Ireland while staying close to the coast, offering a mix of stunning cliffsides and charming towns. You’ll have a chance to experience Ireland from several perspectives, including the metropolitan and historical city of Dublin and the ancient mountains of County Kerry.

Day 1: Dublin ⦿ Arrive in Dublin ⦿ See Trinity College and the book of Kells ⦿ Wander through Temple Bar ⦿ Sip a pint in a classic pub Day 2: Dublin ⦿ Visit Dublin Castle ⦿ Stroll through St Stephens Green ⦿ Shop on Grafton Street ⦿ Visit the Guinness Storehouse Day 3: Wicklow ⦿ Visit Avoca in Kilmacanogue ⦿ Hike Glendalough and see monastic ruins ⦿ Dinner at the Wicklow Heather Day 4: Cork ⦿ Explore Cork City ⦿ Brunch at the Good Day Deli Day 5: Kinsale and Cork ⦿ Day trip to Kinsale ⦿ Brunch at OHK Cafe ⦿ Walk to Charles Fort along the Scilly Walk Day 6: Kerry ⦿ Visit Killarney National Park ⦿ Wander through Killarney Town Day 7: Kerry ⦿ Drive through the Ring of Kerry ⦿ Visit Inch Beach Day 8: Dingle ⦿ See Dingle Peninsula and Town ⦿ Fish and Chips at the Fish Box ⦿ Take a Sea Safari Boat Ride Day 9: Cliffs of Moher ⦿ Hike at the Cliffs of Moher Day 10: Galway ⦿ Explore Galway ⦿ Listen to live music ⦿ Have a pint at the King’s Head historic pub ⦿ Return to Dublin for your flight back home

Best time of the year to follow this itinerary: Spring and summer months of May, June, July, and August because the weather is warm and pleasant.

What’s special about this itinerary: This itinerary includes many of Ireland’s greatest hits and a few hidden gems, mixing together classic tourist destinations and local attractions. You’ll see charming Irish towns, wildlife, beautiful nature, and some essential historical landmarks.

Where to stay: Choose B&Bs or hotels near the city center in Dublin and Cork . When visiting rural areas, there’s no need to stay in town – choose comfortable and charming accommodation in your price range.

20. United Kingdom: Iconic landmarks of Southern England

Crafted by: Paulina from UK Everyday Itinerary Route: London – Surrey – Southampton – Isle of Wight – Dorset – Bournemouth – London Days spent in each city: 4 days in London, 2 days in Surrey, 1 day in the Isle of Wight, 2 days in Dorset, and 1 day in Bournemouth

From cosmopolitan vibes, breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and villages, beautiful coastal routes, and cultural and historical attractions – this 10-day south England road trip itinerary lets you see the varied colors of Britain.

Day 1: London ⦿ Arrive in London ⦿ Buy a 3-Day Adult/Child Pass that allows you to save money on attractions and avail yourself unlimited access to London buses and underground ⦿ Admire panoramic views from the Shard ⦿ Explore lush greenery in the Sky Garden Day 2: London ⦿ Visit quirky Camden Town ⦿ Take incredible pictures of Big Ben, the Palace of Westminister, and the London Eye from Westminister Bridge Day 3: London ⦿ Admire art at Tate Modern ⦿ Stand on Millennium Bridge and follow Peter’s Hill to St Paul’s Cathedral ⦿ Enjoy a delicious meal at Coppa Club Tower Bridge Day 4: Surrey ⦿ Rent a car and drive to Virginia Water to explore various plants ⦿ For more exotic flowers head to RHS Wisley Garden Centre Day 5: Surrey ⦿ Visit London Necropolis – Brookwood Cemetery ⦿ Climb Leith Hill and admire panoramic views Day 6: Isle of Wight ⦿ Drive to Southampton and take a ferry to the Isle of Wight, one of the best islands in Europe ⦿ Admire chalk cliffs and stay in one of the coastal hotels Day 7: Dorset ⦿ Get back to the mainland and explore Dorset ⦿ Relax at Durdle Door beach Day 8: Dorset ⦿ Visit Tyneham village ⦿ Hike the Jurassic coast and spend the rest of the day at Worbarrow Beach Day 9: Bournemouth ⦿ Head to Bournemouth Beach ⦿ Explore Tropical Gardens by the seafront ⦿ Take pictures of Upside Down House – Bournemouth ⦿ Relax in the restaurant at Bournemouth Pier Day 10: London ⦿ Drive to London ⦿ Drop off a car at London Airport ⦿ Fly back home

Best time of the year to follow this itinerary: Visit southern England in the late spring/beginning of the summer to admire colorful plants and enjoy great weather by the coast.

What’s special about this itinerary: You will see breathtaking views from the tallest building in Western Europe and explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Also, a visit to some of the best hidden gems in Surrey and famous filming locations will make this trip unforgettable.

Where to stay: Shangri-La The Shard in London, The Plough Inn in Surrey, The Clifton Hotel in Shanklin in the Isle of Wight, Lulworth Lodge in Dorset, and The Westby in Bournemouth

Suggested Read: Best Places to Visit in the UK Best Day Trips from London Best National Parks in the UK

21. Iceland: Natural Wonders of South Coast

Crafted by: Roxanne from Faraway Worlds Itinerary Route: Reykjavik – Reykholt – Vík í Mýrdal – Hof – Garður – Reykjavik Days spent in each city: 4 days in Reykjavik, 3 days in Reykholt, 1 day in Vik, and 2 days in Hof

This itinerary takes you through some of Iceland’s most spectacular scenery while keeping the distances relatively short and giving you enough time to see the major attractions. It also makes a good route for an Iceland road trip .

Day 1: Reykjavik ⦿ Arrive in Reykjavik ⦿ Explore the city center ⦿ Visit the National Museum of Iceland Day 2: Reykjavik ⦿ Visit Hallgrimskirkja Church ⦿ See the Harpa Concert Hall ⦿ Discover Viking settlements Day 3: Reykjavik ⦿ Go on a whale-watching tour Day 4: Reykholt ⦿ Hire a car and drive to Langjökull Glacier ⦿ Stop at Hraunfossar Waterfall ⦿ Stop at Cave Víðgelmir (Vidgelmir) Day 5: Reykholt ⦿ “Into the Glacier Tour” ⦿ Relax at Laugarvatn Fontana thermal pools Day 6: Reykholt ⦿ Visit Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park ⦿ See Geysir and Strokkur erupt ⦿ Visit Gullfoss waterfall Day 7: Vis ⦿ Drive to Vis ⦿ Stop at Kerid Crater ⦿ See Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfalls ⦿ Visit the Black Sand Beach Day 8: Hof ⦿ Drive to Hof ⦿ Visit Skaftafell National Park ⦿ See Svartifoss Waterfall Day 9: Hof ⦿ See Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon ⦿ Stop at Diamond Beach ⦿ Go on a glacier walk Day 10: Reykjavik ⦿ Drive to Reykjanes Peninsula ⦿ Relax in the Blue Lagoon ⦿ Return to Reykjavik for your flight back home

Best time of the year to follow this itinerary: Between May and August when the daylight hours are long and all the attractions (and roads) are open. If you wish to witness the Northern Lights , September through March is the best time to follow this itinerary.

What’s special about this itinerary: This route gives you a snapshot of some of Iceland’s incredible natural features. You can swim with whales, explore glaciers, soak in thermal pools, and see thundering waterfalls, all in 10 days.

Where to stay: Konsulat Hotel in Reykjavik, The White House in Reykholt, Kósý Vík in Vik, and Klettasel in Hof.

We hope you’ve found the best Europe itinerary from one of our recommended 10 day Europe trip ideas.

Save 10 Days in Europe Trip Itinerary Ideas to Pinterest

Sharing is nice 🙂 If you have liked our post please share it with your friends and family and feel free to subscribe to our mailing list or you can also follow our stories on Facebook , Instagram , Pinterest , and Twitter .

Anjali Chawla

City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

Best of europe mega trip itinerary (travel time: 8-10+ weeks).

How to see the most popular cities in Europe in about two months.

Trip Planning

This is it… the Best of Europe Mega Trip itinerary that is designed to give you a taste of the best Europe has to offer. This itinerary covers 18+ cities throughout Europe and will take a minimum of 60 days but could be extended to 75+ days if you travel a little slower. I’d err on the side of traveling slower; this is a two-month trip, so there is a good chance you’ll burn out if you’re not careful.

Of course, no itinerary is perfect, and there is never enough time to see everything, but this itinerary will give you a great foundation to pretty much see all the highlights. We tried to keep the travel distances fairly short in most cases, so you won’t be spending all your time on a plane or a train.

Note: I used Omio to map my course and to get an idea of the travel times. Omio also shows multiple travel options (trains, planes, buses, driving, etc.) and prices. Check out my Guide To Using Rail Passes in Europe to learn more.

Ok, let’s get on with it…

Best of Europe Travel Itinerary

London – Approx. 4+ days

London is a great introduction to Europe because it’s a perfect mix of foreign and familiar — plus, London is a huge airline hub, so it’s one of the cheaper places to fly into.

London also has loads of things to see and do, so you’re guaranteed to keep busy.

Paris – Approx. 4+ days

From London, I suggest taking the Eurostar train to Paris, but book your train early because tickets get really expensive if you wait until the last minute. The train journey takes a little over 2 hours.

There are also plenty of budget flights, but then you have to deal with all the annoyance of flying. The flight takes a little over an hour, but you still have to get to/from the airports, which will add at least an extra hour.

Note: Add a few days to your time in Paris if you want to venture out of the city to experience a few of the many day trip options Paris has to offer.

Lisbon – Approx. 2-3 days

As much as we love trains, we suggest booking a cheap flight from Paris to Lisbon as it will save you a lot of time (don’t worry, you’ll use trains for most of the journey). The flight is about 2.5 hours, but you should budget about 4 hours of total travel time.

Madrid – Approx. 3 days

From Lisbon, you’ll want to take an overnight train to Madrid. The train leaves around 9:30 pm and arrives in Madrid around 8 am. Flying will take about 4 hours when you factor in all travel time.

Barcelona – Approx. 3-5 days

Take one of the nearly hourly trains from Madrid to Barcelona — the journey will take about 2.5 hours.

If you plan on partying hard in Barcelona, you may want to budget for an extra day to recover on the beach.

Nice – Approx. 2-3 days

You can either fly or take the train from Barcelona to Nice. Flights will take just under 4 hours and the train will take almost 9 hours. If you have the time, you can break up the long train ride by stopping in Montpellier, France for a day.

Cinque Terre, Italy – Approx. 2-4 days (+1 full travel day)

Take the 6-hour train ride from Nice, France to Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre is a string of five centuries-old seaside villages situated on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. If you just want to see the views and do minimal hiking, you can get by staying around two nights — there’s a train that runs between all five towns.

If you want to hike from town to town at a relaxed pace, you might consider staying around three-four nights.

Florence + Tuscany – Approx. 2+2 days

Hop the train (3 hours) to Florence, which is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region. Spend about two nights exploring the city, but be sure to spend a few days relaxing in Tuscany’s gorgeous countryside.

Rome – Approx. 3+ days

From Florence to Rome, it’s a quick 1.5-hour train ride or about a 3.5 to 4-hour bus ride. Rome is another one of those “must-see” cities that many people love. I’d spend at least three full days in Rome, but seeing it in five days might be more enjoyable.

Venice – Approx. 2 days

The train from Rome to Venice is about 4 hours. Most people see Venice as a day trip, but it’s probably better to actually stay overnight in this beautiful city. This is because the city is absolutely jam-packed during the day — it teeters on unbearable. However, at night and in the early morning, the city is nearly empty so you’re free to explore all the little side streets in peace.

Switzerland – Approx. 2-4 days (+1 full travel day)

From Venice, head up to Switzerland to get some fresh air and stunning mountain views. If you’re into outdoor adventure, then check out Interlaken. Lucerne is a great quintessential Swiss city. Zermatt is a good option if you want to be in the mountains. There are multiple great cities and towns in Switzerland. However, Zurich and Geneva both have a reputation for being a little boring and extra expensive.

Depending on where you go, the train will take around 7-8 hours.

Munich – Approx. 3-4 days (+1 full travel day)

Depending on where you are in Switzerland, Munich is about a 6-hour train ride—both Swiss and German trains are excellent so the ride is quite nice.

There are multiple nice day trips from Munich — like the fairytale-esque Neuschwanstein Castle and the Austrian city of Salzburg (which also makes a nice place to stay for a night or two if you’d like).

Vienna – Approx. 2-3 days

Hop aboard the train for a 4-hour ride from Munich to Vienna.

Budapest – Approx. 3-4 days

The train from Vienna to Budapest (aka, “The Paris of the East”) is around 2.5 hours. We’d recommend staying at least three nights, especially if you like to party.

Kraków – Approx. 2-3 days

Take an overnight train from Budapest to Kraków and you’ll arrive around 8:35 am.

Prague – Approx. 3-4 days

Take another overnight train from Kraków to Prague (which arrives around 6:30 am).

Berlin – Approx. 4+ days

From Prague, Berlin is about a 5-hour train ride. You may want to add an extra day or two if you’re big into all-night dance clubs because Berlin is home to the best nightlife in the world.

Amsterdam – Approx. 2-3 days

Amsterdam is about a 4-hour flight from Berlin (or a 7-hour train ride).

If you’d like, Amsterdam is a good place to end the trip because the airport is a major international hub. If you want to see a little more of Europe, another option is to continue your trip to Dublin to spend a few days traveling around Ireland. The flight to Dublin is about 4.5 hours. Another option is to fly up to Scandinavia to visit Stockholm, Oslo, and Copenhagen.

Total Trip Length 57 days – 75+ days

Doing this itinerary in 57 days is doable, but it will feel a little rushed — you definitely shouldn’t try this particular trip in fewer than that many days. Pushing it closer to 75 days or longer will give you a little more breathing room, and it will let you spend a little extra time in major cities before moving on.

You’re also well under the 90-day limit that you can stay in the Schengen area, so you won’t have to worry about visas.

And, of course, you can always tweak this itinerary to add/subtract destinations from your trip.

Recent Posts

Best Prepaid UK eSIM | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 21, 2024
How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe — Tips for Outsmarting the Thieves - April 19, 2024
Best Prepaid eSIM For Italy | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 18, 2024

No Funny Business

The Savvy Backpacker is reader-supported. That means when you buy products/services through links on the site, I may earn an affiliate commission—it doesn’t cost you anything extra and it helps support the site.

Thanks For Reading! — James

Questions? Learn more about our Strict Advertising Policy and How To Support Us .

The Most Visited Cities In Europe | A Guide To The Most Popular European Cities

A list of the European cities that attract the greatest number of international visitors each year.

Money & Budgeting , Trip Planning

Is Travel Insurance Worth It? Helping You Understand Travel Insurance

Everything you need to know about buying travel insurance

Europe Visa for American Citizens | ETIAS Travel Waiver Guide

Everything you need to know about the new ETIAS travel waiver for entry into the European Union.

City Guides

Choosing travel insurance, travel packing lists, budget travel newsletter.

The best budget travel tips sent straight to your inbox.

Join My Journey

Europe travel tips, advertising & privacy policies.

TheSavvyBackpacker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Website Design by FHOKE

Australasia
Central America
North America
South America
Buenos Aires
Mexico City
New York City
Rio de Janeiro
Overwater bungalows
Cruise tips
Sightseeing Passes
Attractions
Theme parks
When to visit where
Backpacker Indexes

11 Best first-time Europe itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks

Europe is going to be very busy in the summer of 2024 as the world is back to normal and travel demand is higher than ever. One other key factor is that most European currencies are still hovering at lower levels historically compared to the US dollar, which means that Europe will feel somewhat cheap again this year. In fact, according to our World Backpacker Index , European cities like Lisbon, Madrid, and Munich are about 30% cheaper to visit than Boston, Chicago, and New York City. In other words, flying to Europe might seem expensive, but most things will be cheaper once you get there compared to the costs of visiting a large US city.

Below you’ll find 11 of the most popular and best itineraries for a first visit to Europe. Your first visit is not really the time to be different or creative, and the famous destinations tend to be popular for a reason. In other words, it’s kind of silly to visit, say, Bulgaria, if you’ve not yet been to France or Italy. I lay out the best options along with how long to stay in each place as a general guide. I also discuss Mediterranean cruises, which can actually be an amazing way to see a lot of Europe on your first visit, especially if you don’t like going back and forth to train stations and airports every 2 or 3 days.

For a bit of fun you might be interested in the cheapest 5-star hotels in Europe , which start at US$80 per night for really nice hotels. It helps show that if you choose some of the cheaper cities, you can treat yourself to some luxury that you can’t afford in most other places.

This article was last updated in March, 2024.

There are 11 starter itineraries described in detail below

Classic London and Paris
England and Scotland
Paris and Italy
Mediterranean cruise
France, Belgium, and Netherlands
Paris and elsewhere in France
Switzerland
Best of cheap eastern Europe

For each itinerary there are suggestions of other destinations that are easy to add on to the main cities.

Note: This article was most recently updated in March, 2024

Building the best itinerary for your first trip to Europe

Below there are 11 popular itineraries for one week in Europe. If you’ve only got a week then choose one of them and assume you’ll return again to conquer more of this amazing part of the world. If you’ve got more time then you can choose from some of the top add-on suggestions for each one.

Start in the most famous cities

Your first visit to Europe is no time to try to be different or edgy. I recommend that you focus on these 5 great cities before you start branching out into cheaper or more obscure places.

Keep your travel days to a minimum

Spend 3 (or 4) nights in almost every major city

So many first-time visitors are initially planning on spending only 1 or 2 nights in major cities that I wrote a detailed explanation of why 3 nights is ideal for almost all European cities , even if you want to see as much as possible.

3 (or 4) nights will be enough for any city on your first trip

Most first-time visitors are tempted to move too quickly, but it can also be a mistake to move too slowly. It’s really amazing how much you can see in two full sightseeing days. If you spend too long in one city you’ll end up seeing things that are way down your list, while you could be in another city seeing things at the top of your list there.

Choose cities that are easy to reach from each other

For your first trip it’s best to visit cities that are no more than a 5-hour train ride apart.

Choose cities that are connected by reasonable train rides rather than flights

To build on the point above, finding cheap flights within Europe is easy, but train travel is about a million times more enjoyable and less stressful. You’ll enjoy the train rides almost as much as the cities, so focus on places that are within 5 hours of each other by train.

Start with one of the classic itineraries below, and then add to it if you have more time

If you only have 7 days then you’ll find a list below of classic itineraries that are well-suited to a first visit to Europe. Hopefully you have more than 7 days though, and if you do you can add in one or more of the suggested add-on cities to build an itinerary that appeals most to you.

Best 1-week itineraries for the first time in Europe

Itinerary 1: classic london and paris.

London (3 or 4 nights)
Paris (3 or 4 nights)

Fly into either city and take the 2-hour Eurostar train between them

London highlights

Big Ben and Parliament
Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral
Tower of London and Tower Bridge
West End shows (Broadway equivalent) and classic pubs
Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle

Paris is actually far more beautiful than London and the food is famously much better as well. Since Paris gets so many tourists from non-French speaking countries, it’s easy to get by on just English, and the Metro system makes it fast and easy to get around. The architecture of both cities is amazing from the Tower of London, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. These cities each pack a huge punch and they are very different from each other as well. Actually, England is arguably the best choice for your first trip to Europe .

Paris highlights

Eiffel Tower
Louvre Museum and Museum de Orsay
Arc de Triomphe and other monuments
Montmartre neighborhood and Sacré Coeur Cathedral
Probably the world’s best affordable restaurants and wine

Best add-ons to London and Paris

Edinburgh (2 or 3 nights, from London)
Amsterdam (2 or 3 nights, from Paris)
Bruges and Brussels (2 nights, from Paris)

>>> Best one-week London and Paris itinerary in detail >>> Check London hotel deals >>> Check Paris hotel deals

Itinerary 2: England and Scotland

York (1 night)
Edinburgh, Scotland (2 or 3 nights)
Inverness, Scotland (2 or 3 nights)

York is a small Roman city with intact city walls and one of the most famous cathedrals in Europe. Edinburgh is not only the capital of Scotland, but it’s easily the second most interesting city in all of Britain. If your time is short, skip York and spend more time in Edinburgh.

If you prefer to focus on the south of England on your first trip then the best option is to go to Bath or nearby Bristol after London. Bath is another of England’s top destinations and it’s a gorgeous city that has been a spa resort for many centuries. It’s also reasonably close to Stonehenge. You can also easily get to Cornwall in England’s southwest corner from Bath, and that’s a whole different and fascinating experience (with nicer weather than up north).

If you’ve got more than a week and want to spend more time in Scotland, especially in the summer months, the place to head to is Inverness. It’s a small town that is considered the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, but it’s an interesting and charming place on its own. You can take day-trips by bus to the highlights of the Highlands including the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. Between you and me, it’s better to minimize time in Loch Ness or skip it altogether because it’s not one of the more photogenic parts of Scotland and the monster has always been a hoax.

Travel times between the recommended places

London to York by train: 2 hours
York to Edinburgh by train: 2.5 hours
London to Edinburgh by train: 4 hours
Edinburgh to Inverness by train: 3.5 hours
London to Bath by train: 85 minutes

Best add-ons to England and Scotland

Paris (3 or 4 nights from London)
Amsterdam (3 nights from Paris)

If you think you want to spend your whole trip in Britain you should have a look at our article on the best itineraries in England, Scotland, and Wales .

>>> Check London hotel deals >>> Check Edinburgh hotel deals

Itinerary 3: Paris and Italy

Paris (3 or 4 nights)
Venice (1 night)
Florence (2 or 3 nights)
Rome (3 nights)

From Paris you can easily fly to Venice (or nearby Treviso) where you should try to spend about 24 hours. Venice is small enough to see in a full day, and so crowded that most people are satisfied to leave after that day. The key is to stay in the main part of the main island so you can enjoy Venice before the cruise passengers and day-trippers arrive, and also after they leave for the day. Two nights in Venice would not be wasted time, and it’s possibly the most gorgeous city in the entire world, but you can see the best of it in a bit over 24 hours.

Rome also lives up to the hype and spending a day in the Vatican City will be a highlight even for non-Catholics, but it’s also a crowded and busy city so three days is usually enough for most people. Similar to Paris, Rome is an unusually beautiful city from almost any angle when you are in the historical center. You’ll walk through a stunning piazza (town square) and then turn a corner and you’ll see gorgeous buildings or public statues that are as nice as anything in the museums. Seriously, it’s worth a visit.

Paris to Venice flight: 1 hour 35 minutes Venice to Florence by train: 1 hour 53 minutes Florence to Rome by train: 1 hour 16 minutes

You can of course instead fly from Paris to Rome and then go north to Florence and then to Venice and fly home (or back to Paris) from there, and it would be just as enjoyable.

Best add-ons to Paris and Italy

Nice/Cannes/Monaco (2 or 3 nights)
Avignon (2 nights)
Bourges (2 nights)
Bordeaux (2 nights)
Aix-en-Provence (2 nights)
Reims (2 nights)
Dijon/Burgundy (2 nights)
Milan (1 or 2 nights)
Lake Como (2 nights)
Siena (2 nights)
Cinque Terre (1 night)
Naples / Sorrento /Amalfi Coast/Pompeii/Capri (3 to 5 nights)
Sicily (3 to 4 nights)

>>>Much more information in this article about the best France and Italy itineraries >>> Check Paris hotel deals >>> Check Venice hotel deals >>> Check Florence hotel deals >>> Check Rome hotel deals

Itinerary 4: Mediterranean cruise

In spite of the reputation of cruises to be floating buffets, they can actually be an excellent way to visit a great number of amazing European cities in a short time. The ship typically is in port from the early morning until mid evening, often giving you the opportunity to have dinner in the city (unlike Caribbean cruises). Better still, the cruise ports are often near the center of town, so you can just walk off the ship and do sightseeing on foot or by public transportation.

Mediterranean cruises usually start at 7 nights but can go up to 3 weeks, which can provide an amazing tour of the entire region without having to pack and repack your bags more than once. They also can provide excellent value, especially compared to the price of taking trains or flights and finding new hotels in every destination.

Most popular Mediterranean departure ports

Barcelona, Spain – It’s an easy port to reach. Ships generally go from Barcelona with stops in France and then Italy.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy – The port isn’t very close to Rome, but it’s easy to get back and forth. Ships go west to France and Spain as well as south around the tip of Italy and then on to Croatia, Venice, and to Greece.

Venice, Italy – The cruise ships no longer dock close to the best tourist areas, but it’s easy enough to visit Venice for a day or two before boarding a ship. Ships starting in Venice go south and then head west and to Rome and then to France, or they go south to Croatia and then head east to Greece.

Athens, Greece – The cruise port of Piraeus is just south of Athens and easy to reach. Ships from Athens usually head west towards Croatia, Italy, France, and Spain, but there are also ships that visit Greek islands and Turkey.

>>> Check for deals on Mediterranean cruises

Alternative to consider: a river cruise

Amsterdam , Budapest , and Prague are some of the most popular river cruise ports, but there are dozens of others including many smaller towns in France where few other tourists will be when you stroll off the ship. There is little or no entertainment on the river cruise ships, but passengers don’t miss it because the entire day and into the evening is spent just steps from local cultural offerings and restaurants.

>>> Check for Europe and river cruise deals

Itinerary 5: France, Belgium, and Netherlands

Paris (3 nights)
Brussels and Bruges (1 or 2 nights)
Amsterdam (2 or 3 nights)

Paris to Brussels: 1 hour 22 minutes Brussels to Bruge: 58 minutes Bruges to Amsterdam: 2 hours 45 minutes Amsterdam to Paris: 3 hours 17 minutes

Spending 4 nights in Paris and 3 nights in Amsterdam would be a great trip, but if you want to see something else you’ve got a couple options in between. My advice is to spend an afternoon looking around the Grand Place (main square) in Brussels and then hop a 58-minute train ride to Bruges for a night or two. Brussels isn’t a great tourist city, but Bruges really is so it’s a better option for most people. Whatever you choose out of this group, you can be back in Paris on another high-speed train for your flight home.

Best add-ons to France, Belgium, and Netherlands

Luxembourg City (1 or 2 nights)
Cologne, Germany (1 or 2 nights)
Interlaken, Switzerland (2 or 3 nights)

>>> Check Paris hotel deals >>> Check Bruges hotel deals >>> Check Amsterdam hotel deals

Itinerary 6: Paris and elsewhere in France

And a choice of:

Normandy (2 nights)

While Nice is a wonderful tourist city for a look at the French Riviera, the other larger cities of Lyon and Marseilles are probably better saved for a future trip because they are light on key sights compared to many smaller towns. Wine lovers can rent a car or take trains into Bordeaux or Burgundy. Since you can get between most of these towns by train in 2 hours or less, spending only 2 nights in each one is a reasonable option if you want to see a lot in a short time.

Normandy is an interesting choice and easy to reach in only about two hours by train from Paris. Some visitors like to see the famous WWII beaches and memorials, while others (especially in summer) like to check out one or more of the beach-resort towns. Deauville is one of the more famous of those, and it’s also famous for its horse race track and as one of the epicenters of the industry in Europe.

Best add-ons to Paris and elsewhere

More France, of course

>>> Check Paris hotel deals >>> Check Nice hotel deals

Itinerary 7: Italy

Rome (3 nights)
Florence (2 or 3 nights)
Venice (1 or 2 nights)

Rome to Florence: 1 hour 16 minutes Florence to Venice: 1 hour 53 minutes

Venice is small enough that you can see the main sights in about 24 hours, and it’s so insanely crowded that many people tire of it after about a day as well. It’s better to pay more for a hotel to be on the main island and visit quickly than to save money with a hotel on the mainland where you’ll be in crowds going back and forth as well. Florence is the most relaxing of the 3, and also a great base for side trips to Pisa, Siena, and Cinque Terre, just to name a few.

Going to Italy? Here are the best first-time Italy itineraries for 3 days to 2 weeks (in much greater detail)

Best add-ons to Italy

>>> Check Rome hotel deals >>> Check Florence hotel deals >>> Check Venice hotel deals

Itinerary 8: Spain

Madrid (4 nights) (including day trip to Toledo)
Barcelona (3 nights)

Madrid to Barcelona: 2 hours 30 minutes

A huge part of Spain’s tourism industry is built around its southern beaches and islands such as Ibiza, Mallorca, and Tenerife (in the Canary Islands). For most people it’s best to ignore those places on your first trip because none of the beaches are special enough to spend days on them compared to the culture of the cities.

Best add-ons to Spain

Valencia (2 nights)
Seville (2 or 3 nights)
Granada (2 or 3 nights)
Lisbon (3 nights)

By popular demand, I’ve added a full article on where to go in Spain with itineraries from 7 to 10 days up to two weeks .

>>> Check Madrid hotel deals >>> Check Barcelona hotel deals >>> Check Lisbon hotel deals

Itinerary 9: Germany

Berlin (3 nights)
Munich (2 or 3 nights)
Rothenburg ob der Tauber (1 night)
Füssen (1 night)

Berlin to Munich: 6 hours 2 minutes Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber: 2 hours 56 minutes Munich to Füssen: 2 hours 4 minutes

Those two cities are the keys to a Germany visit, and after that you’ve got a wide variety of choices. I cover most of the popular choices in my article on where to go in Germany , which covers several smaller towns that are major highlights.

Best add-ons to Germany

Cologne (1 or 2 nights)
Hamburg (2 or 3 nights)
Amsterdam (3 nights)
Prague (3 nights)
Salzburg (2 or 3 nights)
Vienna (3 nights)
Interlaken, Switzerland (3 nights)
Lucerne, Switzerland (2 or 3 nights)

>>> Check Berlin hotel deals >>> Check Munich hotel deals

Itinerary 10: Switzerland

Interlaken (3 nights)
Bern (1 night)
Lucerne (3 nights)

Zurich Airport to Interlaken: 2 hours 10 minutes Interlaken to Bern: 53 minutes Bern to Lucerne: 1 hour 50 minutes Lucerne to Zurich Airport: 1 hour 3 minutes

Interlaken is the best hub for the most dramatic Alps views and experiences. The one-hour cable car ride up to the Schilthorn observation deck is something you’ll never forget, and the only thing that might be more dramatic is the train ride up to the Jungfraujoch station, which is the highest in Europe. Lucerne is almost as beautiful with a scenic lake at its heart and also great mountaintop views nearby. If you do want to see a Swiss city then the capital of Bern is the most interesting and photogenic on a short visit. Read more about where to go in Switzerland for even more ideas.

Best add-ons to Switzerland

Munich (3 nights)
Italy (as long as you’ve got)

>>> Check Interlaken hotel deals >>> Check Lucerne hotel deals

Itinerary 11: Eastern Europe’s best cheap cities

Budapest (3 nights) and/or
Krakow (3 nights)

Each of these cities is beautiful and historic, but English is less widely spoken so they can also be quite a bit more challenging for a first-time visitor. Another difficulty is that the trains between them are still quite slow compared to the high-speed rail in the West, so it takes most of a day from one to another, and a bus is often a better choice. I cover this best cheap Europe itinerary more fully in the linked article.

Prague to Budapest: 6 hours 41 minutes Budapest to Krakow: 9 hours 54 minutes (flying might be better)

Best add-ons to cheap Eastern Europe

Cesky Krumlov, Czechia (2 nights)
Ljubljana, Slovenia (2 or 3 nights)
Split, Croatia (3 nights)
Belgrade, Serbia (2 or 3 nights)
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (2 or 3 nights)
Sofia, Bulgaria (2 or 3 nights)

>>> Check Prague hotel deals >>> Check Budapest hotel deals >>> Check Krakow hotel deals

11 Best first-time Europe itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks " --> All Comments

Hi Roger, was reading your article and reply to various questions and its actually too good and kind from you. if you pls,help me out a route plan for 15days. but my catch is, i have to start from Stockholm.i like to end in rome to head back home. in between what should be my plan?thanks

I’m happy to help. Stockholm to Rome could be done in 15 days, but it would require skipping quite a few great places along the way. My recommendation would be to choose 5 or maybe 6 cities total and spend 3 days in each. If Stockholm is one of your cities you’d only have 12 days left but even if Stockholm didn’t count on the 15 days I think it’s probably best to fly from Stockholm to a city closer to Italy and then do the rest of it on shorter train rides. You could do Stockholm to Copenhagen by train, but those are pretty long train rides and honestly those two cities are pretty similar to each other.

So maybe Stockholm and then a flight to Paris and then trains to Venice, Florence and Rome? That sort of thing. Stockholm is just so remote that it would require at least 3 or 4 longer train journeys but if you flew from Stockholm to Paris (or Berlin or Prague or Budapest or wherever) the remaining train rides would be relatively short. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Firstly, I would like to thank you for the article and itineraries; they are very helpful.

My wife and I are planning a 3 to 4-month trip around the EU (Western Europe). Before I delve into the specifics of our itinerary, I am wondering if the same 3 to 5-day in each-city principle applies for cases where travellers will spend more time travelling around?

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks Raf

Wow. That sounds amazing! Even when traveling for longer periods like that I’d recommend a minimum of 3 nights in almost any place you go. The main reason is your travel days tend to be kind of long when you factor in everything from checking out of one hotel to getting to the train station and waiting and then the journey time and then getting to your next hotel and getting situated. All of that usually takes 4 to 6 hours even when the train journey is only an hour or two, so you just don’t get much sightseeing done on those days. So if you only stay 2 nights in each city it means every other day is a travel day and that just takes up too much time.

That said, I think 3 or 4 days is enough time in most places as well. If you really want to get to know Paris, for example, you might stay a week there. But for most cities there are diminishing marginal returns starting on day 3 or 4. In other words, you’ll be able to see the 10 things that most interest you in 3 days or so, and at that point you might be ready to see the Top 10 things in the next city instead of the #11 through #20 things in the first city.

Another thing that is important with longer trips like that is to plan some down time at least every few weeks. If you try to do sightseeing 7 days per week for weeks at a time it starts to feel like a job. What I like to do is every two or three weeks find a smaller town or cheaper place where I can rent a little apartment or some place larger and more comfortable than a typical small European hotel room. And I like to stop in places without many sights otherwise it’s too tempting to keep sightseeing every day.

I’ve actually done quite a few long trips like this and I’m happy to help with any other advice if you like. -Roger

Comment*We are planning on Athens to Amsterdam from June 4, 2024 to Amsterdam June 24th.

We are thinking trains to major cities inbetween Athens and Amsterdam. We are open to anything and everything.

Priorities: Parthenon in Athens, Art Museums in Amsterdam (3-5 days in Amsterdam) Can you help us?

That is a tricky one. Both Athens and Amsterdam are great and very worthwhile, but once you go north of Athens to Thessaloniki in northern Greece, the train service is spotty and very slow all the way until you reach Budapest. Strangely enough, buses tend to be faster and much more frequent in those “eastern” countries like Bulgaria and Romania. Also, being perfectly honest, most of those in-between cities such as Sofia and Belgrade are kind of dull by European standards, although they are quite cheap.

If you really want to visit Athens I’d definitely start there and then after a few days fly to Budapest or some other city in that area that interests you and then carry on from there by train. In fact, Athens to Budapest and then trains to Prague then Berlin and then Amsterdam could be perfect. You could even add in a couple of days in Cesky Krumlov near Prague if you want to include a gorgeous smaller town among the big cities.

Those are all first-class cities and several of them are quite affordable as well. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hi, my wife and I would like to visit Rome, Florence, Italy, Venice, Prague, Berlin and maybe Switzerland. This will be the first time travelling to Europe and I would appreciate your help in planning where to start, where to stay, how to get there and where to go. We will be coming from Trinidad and Tobago for 2 weeks. If possible, i would like a day-to-day plan.

Unfortunately I don’t have time to do a day-by-day plan for you, but I can help get you started. If you’ve got 14 nights I would keep the list to 5 total cities. If you tried to include Switzerland on this trip it would mean spending only 1 or 2 days in some cities and that means spending every other day on trains.

I think the best thing to do would be to fly into Berlin or Prague and then spend 3 days there and then take a train to the other one and spend 3 days there and then fly to Venice. Spend 1 or 2 days in Venice and then take a short train ride to Florence for 2 days or so and then a train ride down to Rome for your final 3 days and then a flight home or back to your starting city if that is cheaper. I’m happy to help if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hi, Roger. My wife and I (56 and 63) want to do our first trip to Europe from Canada and would like to start by visiting Portugal (Lisbon and Porto) and Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Granada y Sevilla with day trips to close small cities in between). What it would be your suggestion for: 1. Stay in each city for a 15/17 days trip? 2. any additions/modifications? 3. Train over flights internally? 4. If we travel with one suitcase of 50 Lbs would it work to take public transit when required? 5. Instead of this plan, would it be better to visit 1/2 famous city in different countries? Would appreciate your inputs. Than you Roger

If you’ve only got about 16 days I’d recommend choosing 5 or maybe 6 cities in total. I strongly believe that 3 nights is the best amount of time to stay in each city so you have two full sightseeing days in each one, although some smaller cities can be done a bit quicker. I go over the reasons in detail on this other article about how long to stay in each European city , but the main point is that if you stay only two nights it means literally spending every other day on trains or in airports and such and you just don’t get much sightseeing done on those travel days with all of the packing and unpacking and checking in and out of hotels.

I’d definitely include Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona. You could add a 2-day visit to Porto and 2 or 3 days each in Sevilla and Granada. I’d save Valencia for a future trip. It’s nice, but aside from the new buildings clustered in one area, it’s more generic than any of the others on your list.

The only train between Portugal and Madrid goes over night and I’m not a fan of those so I’d fly on that leg. But from there I’d definitely take the high-speed trains, which are fast and comfortable. Buy your tickets at least a couple months in advance for the best fares.

There will be room for a 50 lb suitcase on the flights (of course) and on the trains as well. On older trains they have you put them on racks above the seats, but on most of the more modern ones (like the high-speed trains) they also have room for larger bags at each end of the carriage. If you can lift them, there will definitely be room for them.

I think your plan sounds really good and those are all great cities. That said, for most first-time visitors to Europe I’d recommend Paris and Italy as those are really more dramatic and interesting, although also more crowded and somewhat more expensive as well. I think once you do the Iberia trip you’ll be hooked and you’ll start planning a trip to France and Italy for the coming years. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hi, Roger. Thank you for your comments and recommendations and also for your prompt response. I have modified my plan as I have now 22 days. My Itinerary is Porto(3), Lisbon(3), Seville(2), Malaga(2), Madrid(3),Barcelona(3), Zaragoza(2) and Bilbao(3). What do you think? is this a good plan? Any suggestions? I am still debating between Malaga and Granada though. I included Bilbao to visit friends. The question on the luggage was more related to the comfort to pull a large back in public transit than the allowance in the planes or trains. I will appreciate your inputs. Thank you again, Roger

Those six more days will help a lot. I think your new plan looks really good. You can probably enjoy Porto in 2 days and add an extra day somewhere else, but you might also be dealing with jet-lag so 3 days might be better. Your itinerary looks efficient and logical.

I really like Granada and Malaga, but I think if I were to choose between the two I would go with Granada. Malaga is (in my opinion) an underrated city that is close to some extremely popular beach towns and it’s got a lot going for it, but if you aren’t also going to be staying by the beach I think I’d save it for another trip. Granada has got the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens and those are unlike anything else in Spain or the world for that matter. Granada is small enough to enjoy in two days and I think seeing the Alhambra will be more memorable than anything in Malaga.

Buy your train tickets as early as possible for the best times and fares, and the flight for Lisbon to Seville (or you could take a bus).

And again, your 50 lb suitcase will fit on city to city trains (although not as well on buses or trams within a city), but still (as the saying goes) no one ever went on a trip around Europe like this and swore they would pack more stuff the next time. In other words, 40 lbs is much easier than 50 lbs and getting laundry done cheaply in a country like Spain is quite easy. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Comment*Hi travelling first time to europe next year we are 55 years age group any suggestions for 10-12 days itenary with guided tour would be nice if any suggestion are there also april or may better time to visit there anil

Actually, all of my best suggestions for first-time visits to Europe are in the article above. If you specifically want a guided tour you’ll obviously just be choosing from the ones that are available from the companies you look it, although many of those should resemble the itineraries in my article. Planning your own trip to Europe is actually quite easy, and especially if you are going to the classic and most popular cities. I’ve got lots of articles that could help you.

I’m not sure how many guided tours you’ve done, but one thing to consider is that they always move at the speed of the slowest person in the group. If YOU are the slowest person in the group then it’s fine, but if you are 55 then you should be much faster than most other people on a guided tour. For example, if you have a coach/bus tour for a day with 5 or 6 stops, you always have to wait for the slowest people to get on an off the bus. I’ve done countless day tours this way and it can be frustrating waiting 10 extra minutes many times each day as slow people are trying their best.

I think my top two best suggestions are London and maybe another stop or two in England and then Paris and other stop or two in France, OR, Paris then another stop in France and then Venice, Florence, and Rome. It obviously depends whether England or Italy sounds more interesting. Let me know if I can be of any other help. -Roger

Planning a family trip with a adult and nearly adult children. Hoping to be able to do 18 to 20 days. Must sees are Paris, Venice, England, and Prague but would adore seeing more! What route would you suggest and should we rent a car, fly, train, river cruise? There are so many options and I’m completely overwhelmed! A suggested itinerary would be amazing!! Thank you!

That sounds like a great start to a plan. As far as “England” is concerned it’s probably best to just think of it as 3 or probably 4 nights in London. With 4 nights you’d have enough time for a good day trip to Bath/Stonehenge and Windsor or to Oxford or even York, but London is big enough to keep you busy and it’s probably best to just stay there and then take the Eurostar train to Paris for 3 or 4 nights.

Prague is a bit out of the way, but you can fly there cheaply enough if you want and then after 3 nights fly to Venice. After 2 nights in Venice I’d take a train down to Florence for 2 nights and then another train to Rome for 3 nights. That would be just about a perfect 18 to 20 day trip including Prague. I definitely wouldn’t rent a car as they tend to be counter productive when visiting a string of large cities that have bad traffic and expensive parking. Your itinerary doesn’t really work with a river cruise at all, but hopefully you can plan one in the future.

It would probably be cheapest to fly from Rome back to London for your flight home (being careful of which of London’s 5 airports you fly into because your flight home will almost certainly go out of Heathrow), but if you can get a flight home straight from Rome for a good price, that would be even better. Getting around by train in Europe is by far the best way wherever it’s close and fast enough, so I’d focus on trains in the places I mentioned. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Yes, I meant London. Thank you for picking up on that. After reading though your site and many, many of these informative comments, I think I have figured out a basic itinerary and would love your feedback and suggestions!

-Fly into London London(3 days) -Eurostar Train to Paris Paris (3 days) -Train to Switzerland – unsure which train company Switzerland (3 days) -Train to Venice?? Venice (2 days) -Train to Florence – which train company? Is there a pass? Florence (2 days) -Train to Rome Rome (2 days) -Fly to Prague Prague (3 days) -Fly home out of Prague

Very interested to hear your feedback. I know you suggest 3 nights but I am ok with missing out on some things in Rome/Florence if needed. Would love train suggestions and if passes are best. NO idea on how the trains operate in Europe.

Thank you so much for your time!

This itinerary looks amazing. My only real suggestion would be to spend only one day in Venice and three days in Rome, or at least a day and a half in Venice rather than two, but you’ll enjoy it no matter what. The thing is that Venice is about the size of a theme park like Disneyland and from 9 AM until 5 PM it feels even more crowded than Disneyland. It’s absolutely amazing, but also easy to get tired of the crowds and you’ll do your best sightseeing in the mornings before the day-trippers come and in the evenings after they’ve left. And Rome is huge with a long list of really cool sights so with only one full sightseeing day you’ll miss quite a few of them. But again, you’ll enjoy it no matter how you divide your time.

In most of Europe including between France and Switzerland and Italy, there is just one rail company per country so just book whatever comes up. From Paris to Basel, Switzerland you’ll take the France national service and then change trains to a Swiss train for your ride to Interlaken or Lucern. Then from Switzerland you’ll take (probably) a Swiss train to Spiez or Brig and then change there for an Italian train to Venice. You’ll buy it just as one ticket and it’ll include all the legs required to get from one city to your final city, and usually come with seat reservations as well (except in Switzerland).

My favorite site for checking schedules all over Europe is the Trainline . But you can also check the official rail sites of each country involved and I’d definitely check those prices before booking anything. My article on buying European train tickets in advance is still pretty much up to date and it has links to the various national train companies.

It will be cheapest if you lock in your dates and buy all of your train tickets as early as possible, which will be around 3 months out in most cases. The tickets start off really cheap and go up in price as more seats are sold on each train, so earlier is always better. There are no rail passes that would be helpful on a trip like this, but that’s mostly because the tickets will be pretty cheap already, especially the ones within Italy.

Trains in Europe are really fun and shockingly easy once you get started. All the important signs will be in English as well as a local language. For most of them you can literally walk aboard just before it leaves and you are fine as long as you have a reserved seat, but the Eurostar works more like a flight with security and such so you have to be checked in at least 30 minutes in advance. Let me know if you have any other questions.

I won’t have time to update that other older article about trains vs planes vs buses, partly because these days there is a clear choice depending on which two cities you are going between. There are places in eastern Europe where there are advantages to each mode, but for the cities you’ll be doing the train is going to be the fastest, by far the most enjoyable, and probably the cheapest as well, at least once you factor in airport transportation costs. It’s going to be a great trip! -Roger

Thank you SO much for all of your help. Your in-depth website is an amazing resource! I get so lost in it and spend hours scouring your resources and links – it has everything anyone could need! And, the fact that you are also personally answering comments and offering personalized advice is mind blowing! Thank you for all that you do to inform us!

If you could suggest on a 14-15 day iterinary covering Athens, rome Milan paris London and Finland from New Delhi / Mumbai.

If you have 14 to 15 days I’d suggest choosing about 5 cities in total to visit. So your list should work out fairly well, although it depends on how much of Finland you’d hope to see. I’m guessing you must have a specific reason for wanting to go there? Finland normally isn’t very popular and honestly there isn’t much to see. Helsinki is, in my opinion, the least interesting of the Nordic capitals, although it’s pleasant enough and the country has some nice forests. If you are visiting relatives or something, that requires different planning of course.

It might be easiest to fly from Mumbai to London and then use that as a base. You could spend a few nights there and then fly to Helsinki and back after that or Helsinki to Paris for a few days. After Paris you could fly to Milan or Rome and then take a train to the other and then fly to Athens to finish your trip.

Milan actually isn’t a popular tourist city. It’s the home of most of Italy’s big banks and fashion brands, but neither of those are accessible to most tourists. Italy has amazing fashion shopping in Rome as well as Florence. Venice is also more popular. I hope this helps and I’m happy to help more if you have questions. -Roger

Comment* Planning first trip to Europe Want to do tour of England, Scotland, Wales and then to Paris for sites and Monet Gardens. Might take train to Brussels and Bruge. Then to Switzerland and home. Any suggestions what tour group to contact. Want slower pace trip…at least 3 weeks. Thank you.

I enjoy helping people plan independent trips, and I honestly don’t know much about booking all-inclusive tours like you are after. I’d imagine you’d have to do at least a few different tours to cover all the places you have in mind. The one outfit that I am familiar with is Rick Steves, who I am a huge fan of for his Europe travel guides and I know he has a big tour organization. I’d start with them and see if they have anything that fits what you are looking for. Best of luck. -Roger

How to Travel Through Europe by Train Like a Pro

Last Updated on June 8, 2023

Traveling through Europe by train is a wonderful experience that offers a unique and authentic way to explore the continent. It is a cost-effective and sustainable way to travel that gives you a chance to see the breathtaking scenery of Europe.

However, train travel can also be overwhelming for first-timers. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on traveling through Europe by train like a pro.

Make an Itinerary

The first step to traveling through Europe by train like a pro is to plan ahead. Research your destinations and create a rough itinerary of the places you want to visit, as well as the duration of your stay. You can use websites such as Rail Europe or Eurail to plan your train journeys and book tickets in advance. This can save you money, time, and heartache on your adventure!

Buy a Rail Pass

If you plan to take multiple train journeys during your trip, buying a rail pass is worth considering. A rail pass allows you to travel on most trains in Europe without purchasing individual tickets for each journey. Different types of rail passes are available, depending on the length of your trip and the countries you want to visit.

Utilize Nearby Luggage Storage

When traveling through Europe by train, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to store your luggage temporarily. This can happen if you arrive at your destination before your hotel check-in time or want to explore a city without carrying heavy bags.

Fortunately, many train stations in Europe offer luggage storage facilities. For example, if you’re spending the day in St. Pancras, simply look for luggage storage in St. Pancras . Now, you can explore the city with peace of mind — and no heavy bags weighing you down.

Choose Your Train

When traveling through Europe by train , you can take high-speed trains, regional trains, or overnight trains. High-speed trains, such as the Eurostar or TGV, are faster and more expensive than regional trains. However, they are a smart option for longer journeys or days you want to travel between two distant cities in a short amount of time.

Regional trains, on the other hand, are slower but cheaper. They are an option if you want to explore smaller towns and villages along your route. Overnight trains, such as the Nightjet, allow you to save time and money by combining transportation and accommodation.

One of the advantages of traveling through Europe by train is the ability to easily move from one place to another. However, this can be difficult if you are carrying a heavy suitcase. Therefore, it is important to pack light and only bring the essentials. A backpack or a small suitcase is ideal for train travel.

Arrive Early

You should arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before your train departure time. This allows you to find your platform, check the train timetable, and board the train stress-free. After all, when a train says it leaves at 10:00, you best believe it’ll be on the move promptly at 10:00.

Additionally, arriving early can give you time to grab a coffee or a snack from one of the many cafes at the train station.

Validate Your Ticket

If you have purchased individual train tickets, don’t forget to validate them before boarding the train. You can do this at the yellow validation machines located at the train station. Failure to validate your ticket can result in a fine if you are caught by a ticket inspector on the train.

Keep Your Ticket Handy

Once you have boarded the train, it is important to keep your ticket handy. Ticket inspectors may ask to see your ticket any time during the journey, so it is best to have it easily accessible. Additionally, some trains have a designated area for luggage storage, so be sure to keep your bags in the appropriate area.

Bring Your Own Food

While some trains have dining cars or food carts, it is always a good idea to bring your own food and snacks for the journey. This can save you money and ensure that you have something to eat if the train has no food options or limited options.

Enjoy the Scenery

Last but not least, one of the most important things to remember when traveling through Europe by train is to take the time to enjoy the scenery. Europe is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and architecture, and traveling by train allows you to see it all from a unique perspective.

Happy Travels!

Traveling through Europe by train is a fantastic experience that offers a unique and authentic way to explore the continent. With these tips, you can travel like a pro and make the most of your journey. Remember to plan ahead, pack light, and most importantly, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

Why you should travel by train in Europe (and how to book tickets)
Exploring France by train: Our top five train rides in France
How to Travel around Europe on the Cheap
Things to Know Before You Board a Train from Vienna to Prague

Traveling through Europe by train is a wonderful experience that offers a unique and authentic way to explore the continent. It is a cost-effective and sustainable way to travel that …

What Summer Travel to Europe Will Look Like This Year

By Arati Menon

Image may contain Nature Outdoors Sea Water Beach Coast Shoreline Person Aerial View Crowd and Boat

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

With additional reporting by Sarah Allard

When travel journalist Jenn Rice decided to spend July and August in Italy and Croatia last year, she wasn’t expecting to be spending most of her time indoors. “It was very very hot, so I booked museum tickets during peak days or just lounged around in my room with a spritz and a book until the sun set.” In Dubrovnik she tried escaping to the sea for a cool dip, but everyone else had the same idea—resulting in sweaty, overcrowded beaches. “In Rome , gelato melted faster than the speed of light,” she says.

Image may contain City Urban Person and Downtown

Come summer, major attractions like the Spanish Steps in Rome are thronged by international tourists and vacationing Europeans.

Rome and Dubrovnik weren’t the only European destinations overcome with heat. To travel in Europe in the summer of 2023 was to experience first-hand a single season of contrasting extremes. Temperatures swung from hot and dry to cold and wet, and heatwaves broke out across several of the most heavily touristed destinations, with temperatures reaching upwards of 100°F. In Northern Greece, wildfires broke out —the worst experienced there in 20 years —destroying homes, forests, and vineyards.

Yet in the midst of it all, the continent also saw record-breaking tourist numbers —the highest since pre-pandemic levels—even as hotel prices swelled and airfares hit peaks. From scenic escapes like Bellagio in Como and Taormina in Sicily (where the White Lotus effect was on full display) to bucket-list cities like Paris and Madrid , much of touristed Europe was completely overwhelmed.

“We had people calling us from Athens and Rome asking us to get them out [to somewhere cooler in Europe], because it was too hot and too crowded,” recalls Jan Sortland , founder of Scandinavia specialists Norwegian Adventures.

International tourists weren’t the only ones thronging these spots. According to the European Travel Commission , most Europeans took their vacations before the peak month of August, with Italy and France being their top destinations. This resulted in packed crowds at all the major attractions. For John Canning, an LA-based executive who traveled to Paris in July, the crowds were eye-opening. “We didn’t anticipate that everything we would want to see was sold out. We only got Musée d’Orsay tickets through our concierge at a substantial premium and could not get into the Louvre full stop,” he says.

Rice says the summer taught her to plan her travel differently this year—and beyond: “I’m going to try and do coastal Italy early in May, and if I decide to travel in Europe this summer it will be either Asturias in Northern Spain or the Julian Alps in Slovenia to keep cool."

She’s not alone—according to the travel specialists we spoke with, there’s an increased interest in lesser-known destinations offering a more laid back (and cooler) holiday. “Our guests are asking after places where they can be outdoors, yet have access to wine & foodie experiences and culture. Slovenia is a great example of where you can have all that without being overwhelmed with the heat; the Dolomites in Italy is another,” says Rachael Mendizabal, Europe travel specialist at Scott Dunn . Richard Hyde, COO at Small Luxury Hotels of the World , is seeing similar trends across their European portfolio: “Guests seem to be gravitating towards alternative destinations—Milos instead of Mykonos and Slovenia instead of Spain.”

Image may contain Outdoors Nature Scenery Water Person Landscape Lake and Sea

Norway is a popular destination this summer, offering cooler weather and a myriad ways to be active outside, exploring the islands and fjords.

A big part of that shift will play into Sortland’s area of expertise: Northern Europe. With the Med getting too hot to handle, experts predict that tourism will shift northwards. “We’re seeing a lot of interest in Copenhagen and Stockholm for the cultural experience, and then onward to Norway for the nature. Currently, the fjords are still a favorite but Norway is a large country and there’s so much more to see—the Helgeland coast for example with its beautiful coastline and mountainous islands,” he says. The draw is a more moderate temperature and unique outdoor experiences. “ Iceland is a big favorite right now with the Northern lights being the most active this year from September through March,” says Mendizabal.

Shannon McMahon

CNT Editors

This Is the Best Airport in the World, According to a New Ranking

Hannah Towey

In turn, for many, the more standard city breaks will fall later in the year. “Athens and Rome will always be desirable destinations, but we’ve seen an uptick in many people preferring to go there in May and October to swerve crowds,” says Carolyn Addison, head of product at Black Tomato , noting the weather in fall has been stable lately and enticing to travelers not tied to school holidays.

With this increased flexibility, shoulder season will become tricker to define, according to Mendizabal. Thanks to hotels extending their season as demand shifts to almost year-round and the high-season pricing window getting longer, the days of “scooping a deal in September are likely over.” At Jumeirah Palace in Capri , the season now runs from March to the end of December. “Thanks to the good weather, guests are staying longer than in the past,” says Ermanno Zanini, regional vice president at Jumeirah Group, Southern Europe and United Kingdom.

Castello di Vicarello in Tuscany 's Maremma countryside has traditionally stayed open in March and November. “We're pushing the low season as much as possible because we truly believe it is a wonderful time to discover Tuscany. There is so much for guests to enjoy from hiking to mountain biking, truffle hunting, and wine tastings,” says owner Neri Baccheschi Berti.

Firework content

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

Crucially, traveling in the shoulder and off seasons isn't just about avoiding the crowds; it’s knowing that seasonal destinations are multi-dimensional, with year-round appeal. “One of my favorite things to do in cooler weather is to hike to the peak of Mount Solaro, with its beautiful views of the town of Capri and the bay of Marina Piccola with the Faraglioni, as well as Anacapri. You also see plenty of wintering birds on the island,” says Zanini.

Image may contain: Henri Matisse, Art, Collage, Boat, Transportation, Vehicle, Baby, Person, City, Bread, Food, and Plate.

Zanini adds that they are in talks with the island's municipality to consider what it would take to stay open in February and March, traditionally strictly closed off. “It's not as straightforward as you think. There’s a lot of infrastructure that needs to be geared towards the low season: restaurants need to stay open, as do shops, and guides need to be available; it can’t just be the hotel,” he adds.

However, with staying open longer, there’s a real opportunity to engage local communities year-round, not to mention stabilize the hiring pool—and improve work culture. “We’ve already seen the positive impact of a longer season for our partners on the ground and locals in the hospitality and tourism sector,” says Addison, who adds that shifts in travel seasons are far from a fleeting trend. “This pattern for more year-round travel will continue to pick up pace in 2025—and beyond," she says.

Travel specialists are quick to point out that even with some of this rebalancing, summer this year and next will continue to see high demand for travel to—and within—Europe. According to Hayley Berg, chief economist at Hopper, while airfare remains higher than at this time in 2019, 40% of all searches for international trips this summer are to Europe, in line with last year and slightly higher than in 2019.

“Sure, we think that traveler numbers on the Côte d'Azur will smooth out through the year, but summer will certainly remain the festive season—only it will be longer,” says Lucie Weill, owner of wellness retreat Lily of the Valley near St. Tropez , which sees its faire share of packed streets and crowded beaches come summer. Weill adds that the hotel has seen success in extending its season.

For travel specialist Cari Gray of Gray & Co . late requests and a lack of flexibility could mean getting turned away because of a lack of availability. “Whether it’s a visit to the Vatican or dogsledding in Alaska , access is going to be very difficult. And there are only that many high-end lodges in Lapland ,” she says. Addison offers the example of Lake Como , where the best properties can often get booked up a year or two in advance during the busiest summer months. “Knowing that the top hotels and guides are getting booked up and that weather disruptions are increasingly unpredictable, clients who want to commit to the most popular summer hotspots in Europe, like the Greek islands and Sardinia are securing their bookings a year out.”

Image may contain Nature Outdoors Sea Water Shoreline Coast Bay Animal Fish and Sea Life

The Balearic island of Menorca is a charming escape with its rocky coves, white-sand beaches, and green rolling hills.

Ultimately, it’s not about giving up on all the places you love: just about pivoting, even if within the same country. “Why not Menorca instead of Mallorca, with its explosion of fantastic hotels and its great beach front, or Epirus in Northern Greece on the Albanian border with its Stone villages, old-growth forests, and truffle hunts instead of the islands," says Gray.

"In Italy we’re always pushing to discover new areas, even in regions that we’ve been exploring for decades like Tuscany and Umbria because new hotels are opening up regularly,” says Courtney Mundy , a travel specialist at experiential travel experts Butterfield & Robinson.

And, a word of caution for the rising favorites: “Smaller destinations in Iceland & Norway will really need to consider how to manage the higher number of visitors than ever before,” says Addison. “Parts of Iceland are overtouristed,” agrees Sortland, “so, it’s not unreasonable to think that smaller communities in Norway could eventually be at risk, too.” Whether it's through new tourist tax regimens or limits on cruise ship day-trippers to reduce crowding, a shifting tide will need more alert local governments—and as we’re swapping beaches for the mountains or Rome for Stockholm, more responsible travel habits that leave fewer traces behind.

Recommended

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

One&Only Aesthesis

Europe Travel Guide

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

View Results
1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

Norwegian Cruise Line Launches 2024 Europe Season: New Homeports, Endless Adventure and Unmatched Value

This Year, NCL Offers More than 100 Immersive Europe Itineraries from 13 Homeports Across Nine Ships, Including Its Newest Prima Class Vessels

Company to Launch First-Ever Summer Season of Sailings Between New York City to Reykjavik, Iceland Beginning July 2024

NCL Delivers an Incredible Value-for-Money Travel Experience with Inclusive Vacation Enhancing Benefits with its Free at Sea Offer

Norwegian Viva - Aerial - Lisbon Norwegian Viva in Lisbon during her first call on Aug. 19, 2023
Norwegian Escape - Santorini - Composite
Norwegian Prima in Reykjavik, Iceland
Norwegian Star - Aerial Norwegian Star at sea Pacific Coast

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 57-year history of breaking boundaries, launched its 2024 Europe travel season on April 19, 2024 with the arrival of Norwegian Epic to its seasonal homeport of Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, before embarking on a 10-day Greek Isles and Italy voyage.

During this summer travel season, guests embarking on NCL cruises in Europe will have the opportunity to choose from 101 distinctive itineraries with 38 roundtrips and 63 open-jaw sailings, calling to 140 captivating ports across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, and the Atlantic Coast. Additionally, guests can fully explore highlight destinations such as Istanbul, Turkey; Florence (Livorno), Italy and Reykjavik, Iceland with select itineraries offering overnight calls. Cruises will be departing from 13 homeports with New York City; Le Havre (Paris), France; and Oslo, Norway being three brand new options for NCL voyages to Europe. The Company will have a total of nine ships 1 in region, including its newest innovative vessels, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva , as well as Norwegian Escape , which returns to Europe following its first successful season in 2022.

With an average of 10 hours in port, guests can explore at their leisure or choose from a wide range of shore excursions designed to provide guests with an in-depth experience of each destination. For more immersive experiences, NCL offers a unique collection of shore excursions including, Beyond Blueprints, where guests uncover the design secrets and stories of Europe's most iconic architectural landmarks; Gourmet Tours, designed for the foodie-driven traveler allowing them to go behind the scenes of local cuisines; and Go Local, a selection of excursions inviting guests to unveil the everyday rhythms and customs of life in destinations. Guests aiming to spend even more time in Europe and dive deeper into the rich history of the region can take advantage of NCL's expanding Cruisetours program, a pre- or post-cruise-option that includes roundtrip flights, hotel stays, transportation and excursions. Cruisetours are currently available in 10 European destinations, such as Istanbul, Turkey; Paris, France; Barcelona, Spain; Reykjavik, Iceland; Rome and Venice, Italy, amongst others.

“As we return to Europe for this season, our goal remains consistent—curating unmatched and captivating experiences for guests to immerse in Europe’s most iconic and sought-after destinations, while delivering value for them to maximize their journey with us,” says David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “In fact, we have found that cruising to Europe with NCL offers up to 40% 2 more value than a similar land-based vacation, making it not just a memorable experience, but a cost-effective one. There is still time for guests to book that last-minute trip to Europe with NCL and enjoy the beauty of waking up in a new destination nearly every day.”

Not only does a NCL cruise in Europe offer a great value when compared to a similar land-based vacation with comparable services and inclusions 2 , but it also provides a significantly enhanced experience with a variety of offerings to enjoy on board, including high-production value entertainment; up to 20 world-class dining options; and a wide array of shipboard activities suitable for the whole family, from thrilling races on the only three-level racetracks at sea to serene moments in the award-winning Mandara Spa ® . Moreover, with NCL's Freestyle Cruising philosophy, guests have the freedom to tailor their vacation experience to their preferences, with no fixed schedules or dinner times. NCL’s freedom of choice and value proposition invites guests to explore the world while enjoying the convenience of unpacking just once and waking up in a new and exciting destination almost every day. Plus, with NCL’s Free at Sea offer, guests can customize their vacation even more to their desires by receiving value-enhancing vacation perks such as specialty dining, unlimited beverage package, shore excursion credits, free airfare for the second guest, and others.

David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line

As we return to Europe for this season, our goal remains consistent-curating unmatched and captivating experiences for guests to immerse in Europe's most iconic and sought-after destinations, while delivering value for them to maximize their journey with us. In fact, we have found that cruising to Europe with NCL offers up to 40% 2 more value than a similar land-based vacation, making it not just a memorable experience, but a cost-effective one. There is still time for guests to book that last-minute trip to Europe with NCL and enjoy the beauty of waking up in a new destination nearly every day.

Itinerary highlights for NCL cruises in Europe include:

Norwegian Star Sails a Series of Open-Jaw Sailings to Iceland, Greenland and Canada

Norwegian Star, the only ship in NCL's award-winning fleet equipped for polar navigation, which makes it possible for it to reach ports above the Arctic Circle. As such, the ship will be the first in the NCL fleet to offer a new summer series of breath-taking and port-rich 12- to 14-day open-jaw sailings between New York City and Reykjavik, Iceland with calls to Akureyri and Grundarfjordur, Iceland; Qaqortoq, Greenland; and St. John's (Newfoundland) and Halifax, Canada. These itineraries will embark in July and August 2024.

Explore the Blue and White Greek Isles with Norwegian Getaway

Norwegian Getaway will homeport in Athens (Piraeus), Greece on June 25 embarking on seven- to 10-day Greek Isles roundtrip itineraries . Each day, the ship will moor at a new port allowing guests to explore bucket-list destinations like Istanbul, Turkey; Iraklion, Santorini and Mykonos, Greece as well as hidden gem Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey. Select departures include overnight stays in Istanbul giving guests more than 24 hours to visit Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar.

Norwegian Viva’s Cruises to the Mediterranean

Between May and November 2024, NCL's newest ship, Norwegian Viva, offers guests a selection of nine, 10- and 11-day open-jaw voyages cruising the Mediterranean. These unique itineraries feature a different embarkation and disembarkation port in sought-after destinations such as Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Lisbon, Portugal; Venice (Trieste) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, allowing travelers the opportunity to plan an extended vacation either pre- or post-cruise.

Almost No Days at Sea Onboard Norwegian Escape’s Mediterranean Sailings

Norwegian Escape will be the Company's largest vessel in Europe this season at nearly 165,000 gross tons. The ship will homeport in Barcelona, Spain; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; and Trieste (Venice), Italy sailing eight- to 10-day roundtrip sailings in the Western Mediterranean calling to a sun-kissed port each day as well as seven- to 11-day open-jaw sailings with stints in Italy, Greece and France with only one day at sea.

Additionally, NCL cruises in Europe are already on sale through December 2025 giving guests the chance to plan and book their next summer getaway early.

For more information about the Company's award-winning 19-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional or visit www.ncl.com .

1 Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Star, and Norwegian Viva.

2 For the comparison, Norwegian Cruise Line compared the total prices for Fly-Cruise-Packages on peak season sailings onboard Norwegian Escape (Italy, France and Spain) to 4-star hotels in Spain and Italy. The comparison accounted for total prices including roundtrip flights from the U.S. to Spain or Italy, transfers at the destination, staterooms (incl. balcony with sea view), all-inclusive board or Free at Sea upgrade as well as service charges/tips.

IMAGES

How To Plan a Trip to Europe: Sample Travel Itineraries
3 Weeks in Europe, East and West
The ULTIMATE 3 Week INTERRAIL ITINERARY for Europe by Train
First Timers One Month Europe Itinerary for 2024
Complete Europe Itinerary. Guide to Plan a Perfect Trip to Europe
7 Day Europe Tour

VIDEO

Europe Tour || Travel & Tour in Europe
Bronze Doors of Baptistery, Florence (Italy)
Monterosso Al Mare, Cinque Terre (Italy)
Piazza Di Priori, Volterra (Italy)
Piazza Della Republica, Florence (Italy)
Pitti Palace, Florence (Italy)

COMMENTS

Europe Trip Planner & Multi-City Itinerary Builder
a perfect trip. Welcome to Triptile, your ultimate online tour planner for global adventures. While Europe remains a focal point, we offer over 3,990 locations worldwide to explore. With 7,625 hand-picked activities and 436 customizable templates, craft your dream journey with ease. Start planning your next unforgettable escape with Triptile today.
Your Europe itinerary: 10 routes to explore the continent
2. France and Switzerland. Start in Paris(1), Europe's most elegant capital, then venture off to the châteaux and prime vineyards of the Loire Valley(2). Move south to beautiful Bordeaux(3), which boasts bustling city life and some of Europe's finest surfing beaches to boot.
Ultimate 2 Weeks in Europe: 6 itineraries (with map)
Join a free walking tour where you will be expected to give a tip based on the tour guide and the tour itself. Itinerary #2 Central Europe: Germany and Poland For this next itinerary, we'll be covering 2 weeks in Central Europe, which consists of the countries Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary.
2 Weeks in Europe
Days 12 - 14: Rome. Your next stop in Italy, and the last stop on your Europe itinerary, is the Italian capital of Rome. Founded almost 3,000 years ago, Rome is absolutely stuffed full of historical wonders and attractions. We think that to do Rome justice, you should spend three days here.
10 Days in Europe: 25 Magical Itineraries for Your 10-Day Europe Trip!
Europe is a dream destination that includes several dozen countries, which means there are countless 10-day Europe itineraries you can craft, depending on where you want to go and how slow or fast-paced you want your trip to be. On a 10-day Europe trip, you can tour one country, or combine two or three neighboring countries.
10 Days in Europe: 25+ Epic Itineraries + Budget Trips
On this 10 day tour of Europe, enjoy an intimate Mediterranean getaway with thousands of years of history at your fingertips. Cyprus, Malta, and Gozo are seaside destinations home to gorgeous beaches, ancient archeological sites, and endless island fun. Day 1-2: Protaras, Cyprus. Day 3-5: Paphos, Cyprus.
30 Days in Europe: Travel Tips & Itinerary Ideas
Top tips for planning your itinerary. 1. Don't try to see everything. Rome wasn't built in a day. And Europe can't be seen in a month, but you can scratch more than the surface on a 30-day traveling budget. Whether you want to tick off the top sights or spend your time more leisurely and get to know the vibe of a city, research, and ...
3 Weeks in Europe: 15 Perfect Europe Itinerary Ideas [2024]
Most fairytale stories are plucked straight from the lovely and quaint villages scattered throughout France, Germany, and Austria. This 3 weeks Europe itinerary is just the ticket for a dreamy fairytale trip to see magical castles and enchanting storybook towns. Day 1-4: Paris, France. Day 5-7: Colmar + Riquewihr, France.
Best 4 week Europe Itineraries [Train, Cruises & More]
Best 4 week Europe Itineraries [Train, Cruises & More] - TourRadar. Looking to travel to Europe? Whether you're going for one week, or ten days or want a longer getaway, there's a tour itinerary for you!
How to Plan an Epic 2 Week Europe Trip (+ Europe Itinerary Ideas!)
Alpine Escape: Bavaria, Switzerland's Jungfrau Region, Milan, and Lake Como. If your dream Europe trip involves plenty of Alpine views with a side of cities, this is the itinerary for Europe in 2 weeks for you. Bavaria. Start your trip in Bavaria, the land of castles, beer, and outdoor delights.
10 Epic Europe Itineraries for Every Season & Budget!
Sibiu, Brasov, Bucharest, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, Sofia. Time: 12 Days. A great tip for budget travellers in Europe… the key to keeping things cheap when travelling in this region is generally to head east! And that's just what this itinerary does.
11 EPIC 2-Week Europe Itinerary Options [2024 UPDATE]
For families traveling with kids to older couples and everyone in between, Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen make for the perfect 2 weeks Europe itinerary! Day 1: Arrive in Oslo. Day 2: Explore the City. Day 3: Bygdøy Peninsula & Museums. Day 4: Akershus Fortress & the Royal Palace & Mathallen Food Hall.
20 One-Week Europe Trip Itinerary Ideas
The small size, proximity, and ease of transportation between many of the countries in Europe make it a good choice for a culturally rich one week holiday. If you've only got one week in Europe, and really want to maximize your time, but you're wondering where to go in Europe, here are 20 perfect one-week Europe travel itineraries.
30 Best Europe Itineraries for First-Timers
25. French Riviera: Nice, Cannes, Eze (this part of France has super easy regional train to get to all of these little towns) 26. Amalfi Coast, Italy: Sorrento, Positano, Capri Island. 27. Barcelona, Nice, Cinque Terre and Florence. [Check out my packing guide for traveling Europe in the Spring and Summer!]
10 Days in Europe: 21 Amazing Itineraries
Europe in 10 Days: Best Europe Itineraries. 1. London + Paris + Rome: The Classic First Timer's Route. Itinerary Route: London - Paris - Rome. Days spent in each city: 4 days in London, 3 days in Paris, and 3 days in Rome. Louvre Museum in Paris. This itinerary combines the charm and beauty of the most loved cities in the world - London ...
Best Of Europe Mega Trip Itinerary (Travel Time: 8-10+ weeks)
Cinque Terre, Italy - Approx. 2-4 days (+1 full travel day) Take the 6-hour train ride from Nice, France to Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre is a string of five centuries-old seaside villages situated on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. If you just want to see the views and do minimal hiking, you can get by staying around two nights — there ...
3 Week Europe Itinerary: 17 Route Ideas
21 Days in Europe: The Ultimate Travel Itinerary . Considering its vast and veritable pursuits, different regions appeal to different types of travellers. To some, the perfect 21 day Europe itinerary intertwines ancient cities and rural ruins; for others, it may look like pure sun, sand and salt water.
1 Month in Europe: The Perfect Europe Itinerary
This itinerary will take you to 11 countries: England, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. However, before we get to our Europe travel itinerary and the best things to do in Europe, we just wanted to remind you to purchase travel insurance.
11 Best first-time Europe itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks
Itinerary 1: Classic London and Paris. London (3 or 4 nights) Paris (3 or 4 nights) Fly into either city and take the 2-hour Eurostar train between them. Honestly, unless you have a specific reason why not, this is probably the best one-week itinerary for most first-time visitors to Europe.
Travelling to Europe for two weeks. Itinerary help!?
Itinerary for first time travellers doing THREE months in Europe. Advice Needed!! ... Welcome to Europe Travel! Feel free to ask questions, share experiences, stories or pictures of your travels in the world's most visited continent. Members Online.
How to Travel Through Europe by Train Like a Pro
Last Updated on June 8, 2023. Traveling through Europe by train is a wonderful experience that offers a unique and authentic way to explore the continent.
How To See The Best Of Northern Europe On A Scandinavian Cruise
Helsinki is often included on such itineraries. If you want to explore modern Scandinavia while gaining access to some of the region's best museums, such an itinerary is a perfect choice.
What Summer Travel to Europe Will Look Like This Year
To travel in Europe in the summer of 2023 was to experience first-hand a single season of contrasting extremes. Temperatures swung from hot and dry to cold and wet, and heatwaves broke out across ...
Norwegian Cruise Line Launches 2024 Europe Season: New Homeports
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 57-year history of breaking boundaries, launched its 2024 Europe travel season on April 19, 2024 with the arrival of Norwegian Epic to its seasonal homeport of Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, before embarking on a 10-day Greek Isles and Italy voyage.. During this summer travel season, guests embarking on NCL cruises in ...

Top destinations

Amalfi Coast

Start Planning with Triptile

Easy Trip Builder

Book All in One Place

Flexible Modifications

Your Europe itinerary: 10 routes to explore the continent

1. Britain and Ireland

Related articles from the blog

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Find even more inspiration here

2 Weeks in Europe: 6 Itineraries

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING EUROPE

When is the best time to go to Europe

Getting around Europe

Language and currency

Visa and COVID-19 policy

What is the average cost for 2 weeks in Europe

Other basic travel tips

TOP PLACES IN EUROPE (pinned map)

2 WEEKS IN EUROPE ITINERARIES

Itinerary #1 South Europe: Spain and France or France and Italy

Spain for 7 days

France for 7 days

Italy for 7 days

Travel cost

Itinerary #2 Central Europe: Germany and Poland

Germany for 8 days

Poland for 8 days

Travel cost:

Itinerary #3 Baltics: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia

Lithuania for 5 days

Latvia for 4 days

Estonia for 4 days

Itinerary #4 East Europe: Hungary and Croatia or Romania and Bulgaria

Hungary for 7 days

Croatia for 7 days

Romania for 7 days

Bulgaria for 7 days

Itinerary #5 Nordic: Iceland, Norway, and Denmark

Iceland for 4 days

Norway for 6 days

Denmark for 4 days

Itinerary #6 West Europe: The UK, Netherlands, and Belgium

The UK for 6 days

The Netherlands for 4 days

Belgium for 4 days

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN EUROPE

TO SAVE THIS ITINERARY, PIN THIS IMAGE BELOW:

2 Weeks in Europe – The Perfect Europe Itinerary

2 Week Europe Itinerary

Days 1 – 3: London

Where to stay in London

How to get to Paris from London

Days 4 – 6: Paris

Where to stay in Paris

How to get from Paris to Barcelona

Days 7- 9: Barcelona

Where to Stay in Barcelona

How to Get from Barcelona to Venice

Days 10 – 11: Venice

Where to Stay in Venice

How to Get from Venice to Rome

Days 12 – 14: Rome

Where to Stay in Rome

2 Week Europe Itinerary Map

2 Week Europe Itinerary Summary:

How to Get Around Europe

When to Visit Europe

Practical Advice for Travelling in Europe

Drinking Water

Walking Tours in Europe

Saving Money in Europe

Use City Passes

Book accommodation and transportation in advance

Invest in a Guidebook

Use Public Transport Effectively

Find restaurant deals

Further Reading for your Trip to Europe

There are 30 comments on this post