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Finding the Universe

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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!

Table of Contents:

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 .

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.

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 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.

Further Reading for your Trip to Europe

Well, that’s pretty much the end of this post to help you plan your own perfect Europe itinerary and trip.

As you can see from the links shared throughout the post, we have a lot of content to help you plan your own trip to Europe. To make it easier for you, I wanted to put some of the most useful content here, for easy reference. I’ve also included some third party resources you might find useful in planning.

• For London , we have a guide for a day in London , 2 days in London , 3 days in London and 6 days in London
• We have a guide to the London Eye , Tower of London , Harry Potter filming locations in London , Winston Churchill locations in London , London’s War Museums , London’s UNESCO sites and tips on taking a walking tour in London
• We also have a guide to public transport in London , a guide to getting from the airport to London , a guide to what to pack for London , a guide to the cost of travel in the UK and a review of the London Pass
• For Paris , we have a guide to a day in Paris , 2 days in Paris and 3 days in Paris
• We have a guide to the best photography locations in Paris , afternoon tea in Paris , thoughts on the best Seine River cruises , a guide to making perfume in Paris , and advice for visiting the Moulin Rouge
• We also have a review of the Paris Pass , a review of the Paris Museum Pass , a guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower
• For Barcelona , we have a guide for 1 day in Barcelona , 2 days in Barcelona and 3 days in Barcelona .
• We have a guide to the best photography locations in Barcelona , the Anton Gaudi sites in Barcelona , and the Sagrada Familia
• We have a review of the Go Barcelona Pass and a comparison of the major Barcelona city passes
• For Rome, we have a guide to things to do in Rome , a day in Rome , 2 days in Rome and 3 days in Rome
• We also have a guide to the best gelato in Rome , the best cafes in Rome , visiting the Borghese Gallery in Rome, visiting the Colosseum in Rome and our thoughts on taking a walking tour in Rome
• For Venice , we have a guide to spending a day in Venice
• We also have a guide to visiting the Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica , as well as our thoughts on a tour of Casanova’s Venice
• Investing in a guidebook can help save you time and money on your trip and help you be prepared. For this trip, we recommend the Rick Steves Best of Europe guide , Lonely Planet’s Western Europe guidebook and/or the Insight Guide to Western Europe

And that’s it for our guide to spending 2 weeks in Europe! As always, we’re open to questions, comments and feedback – just pop them in the comments section below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

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There are 30 comments on this post

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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 🙂

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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.

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.

NOTE : Originally, we had a section for things to know before visiting or planning your Europe trip. Since this post grew to 8,000 words, we decided to move that section to a separate post to make it easier for you to read and scan the post. Go to our How to Plan a Trip to Europe for 2 weeks to see tips on when to go, what to budget, transportation, and more.

TRAVEL SITES AND SERVICES TO BOOK YOUR NEEDS

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 you 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

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
• Pompei 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.

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 .

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 it 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.

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.

You can also just visit Denmark, Norway, and Sweden using our 2 weeks in Scandinavia itinerary .

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.

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.

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From Paris to Rome: The Ultimate Europe Itinerary

Posted on Last updated: May 15, 2024

Looking for the best itinerary for Europe trip? Well, look no further than my epic guide to help you plan an unforgettable Europe itinerary!

I’ve mapped out a 4 week European itinerary that will lead you through some breathtaking  city breaks in Europe , stunning islands, and of course plenty of iconic historical landmarks.

In all honesty, you need more than 4 weeks in Europe to really see it. But in 4 weeks you can cover a lot of ground! So I’d say if you are planning on backpacking across Europe then you are going to need at least a month to cover some decent ground.

Every day on your itinerary for Europe trip, backpacking in Europe will hold a new adventure, and a new opportunity to create some unforgettable travel memories.

So, let’s pack our bags and get ready to have some travel adventures!

  Quick View 4 week Europe Itinerary

Itinerary for europe trip week 1: spain and portugal.

What’s a better place for your 1 week Europe trip than Spain and later take it to Portugal ? I love the food, music, views, and vibes in both places.

So in my 4 week Europe itinerary, Spain and Portugal come first. You won’t have to travel much to reach beautiful places. They are everywhere in these countries, so why not enjoy that?

• Spend 3 Days Exploring Madrid , Its Museums and Nightlife

In your Europe itinerary 1 week is all you need to immerse yourself in Madrid’s vibrancy and passion. From the moment you step off the plane, you will feel the city’s incredible art, delightful cuisine, and pulsating nightlife. Madrid is a city that doesn’t sleep, and it teems with energy and culture.

Begin backpacking in your European trip itinerary by exploring Madrid’s “Golden Triangle of Art,” the THREE world-class art museums.

If you’re an art lover planning your 1 week Europe trip, The Prado is a paradise for art lovers, where you can spend hours admiring masterpieces from the likes of Goya and Velázquez. At the Reina Sofia, prepare to have your mind blown by modern art, including Picasso’s Guernica – a real showstopper.

The real charm of Madrid is its buzzing nightlife that will surely fill up your Europe itinerary 1 week trip. If you love booze and wish to live in the moment, Plaza Santa Ana is a great starting point, with lively tapas bars and flamenco clubs begging to be explored.

• Take A Day Trip to Toledo, A Historic City Near Madrid

On Day 4 of your backpacking trip to Europe , visit Toledo , an incredible city that’s like stepping into a time machine. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament to Spain’s historical and cultural diversity. The weather is generally nice, so you’ll be comfortable roaming around here.

Don’t miss out on the breathtaking Toledo Cathedral in your 1 week Europe trip, the serene Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, and the commanding Alcazar fortress tell the tale of a city shaped by many cultures. And guys, don’t miss the city view from the Mirador del Valle. It’s a vista that’ll stay with you forever.

• Take An Overnight Train To Lisbon, Portugal

Say goodbye to Spain and hello to Portugal because there’s a lot to cover in your 4 week Europe itinerary. Take a train from Madrid to Lisbon , where you can see the European country vibe while traveling comfortably. European trains are a class apart, so enjoy it while the journey lasts.

Quick Tip:  Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.  Best Europe Tours :  Click here to check out the top Europe tours Best Europe Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Europe Best Europe Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Europe

• Spend 3 Days Exploring Lisbon’s Historic Neighborhoods And Landmarks

As you continue your journey on 1 week Europe trip, I recommend starting your Lisbon adventure in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district. It’s a delightful maze of narrow streets leading to the impressive São Jorge Castle.

Do you hear that soulful music wafting through the air? That’s Fado, a traditional Portuguese music genre best enjoyed with a hearty meal in the Bairro Alto district.

While in Lisbon, don’t miss the architectural grandeur of the Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower. Catching the sunset along the Belém waterfront is a must – it’s the perfect end to your Lisbon sojourn.

• Take A Day Trip To Sintra, A Beautiful Town With A Palace And Castle

If you’ve ever dreamt of wandering through a fairy tale, Sintra is that dream come to life. The first stop has to be the Pena Palace . Perched high on a hill, the palace’s vibrant colors stand out against the lush greenery that surrounds it and make backpacking for Europe a must-do.

Every corner you turn, every room you enter, you’ll find a mix of styles that somehow works together perfectly, just like the Moorish tiles contrasting with the Manueline motifs.

• End The Week In Porto, Portugal, And Explore The City’s Famous Port Wine Cellars And Charming Streets

As you leave the fairy-tale behind, head towards Porto , a city where the houses are colorful, the streets narrow, and the vibe quintessentially Portuguese.

Don’t forget to head to one of the many cellars in the Vila Nova de Gaia district for a tasting tour, this would be a highlight of your 1 week Europe trip. A glass of Tawny or Ruby Port overlooking the city at sunset to conclude your 1st week of 4 week Europe itinerary ? Yes, please!

Looking for somewhere to stay? Check out these options!

Ten To Go Hostel

La Cocotera Boutique Hostel & Coworking

Betica Hotel Rural

5ª Vigia

Europe Itinerary Week 2: France and Italy

A 2 week Europe trip should ideally put these places in the center, as each corner in France and Italy is brimming with stories of the past and whispers of the present.

In your 2 week Europe trip itinerary, you should explore the rich history and vibrant culture of France and Italy as you visit iconic landmarks and savor exquisite cuisine along the way.

• Take A Train From Porto To Paris, France

Your 2 week Europe itinerary begins with a train ride from Porto straight to Paris. As the train chugs along, you’ll see the landscapes change, transitioning from the cozy countryside of Portugal to the lively, energetic urban expanse of France .

• Spend 3 Days Exploring Paris’s Iconic Landmarks And Museums

Continue your 2 weeks in Europe in Paris with the Eiffel Tower . This giant iron structure is really cool to see up close. And the view from the top? Amazing. But only when there’s no rush. So wake up early to catch a good view of the Eiffel.

After that, you should go to the Louvre Museum . It’s one of the largest art museums in the world and has all sorts of art, from paintings to sculptures. You can even see the famous Mona Lisa, which will be memorable for your 2 week Europe trip!

During your 2 weeks in Europe, don’t miss the Notre Dame Cathedral , either. This grand church is a must-see.

• T ake A Day Trip To Versailles Or The Palace Of Fontainebleau

If you’re doing your 2 week Europe itinerary by train, take a break from the city and go on a day trip to either Versailles or Fontainebleau . The Palace of Versailles has beautiful gardens, and the inside is just as stunning. If you choose Fontainebleau, you’ll get to see a castle that was home to French kings for centuries.

• Take An Overnight Train To Venice, Italy

For the best 2 week Europe itinerary, in the evening, get ready to take an overnight train to Venice for some calm time and to make your backpacking in Europe more diverse. The cheapest way to complete this almost 12-hour distance is via train, and if you want things to be more comfortable, get on a plane to Venice.

• Spend 2 Days Exploring Venice’s Canals And Architecture

Arrive in Venice and spend the day exploring. This city is famous for its canals, so a gondola ride is a must-do. Check out St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace , too.

On your second day in your two week Europe trip, see more of what Venice has to offer. Visit the Rialto Bridge and the markets around it. You might also want to see some of the smaller islands like Murano , known for glassmaking.

• Take A Train To Florence, Italy

After enjoying Venice in your 2 week Europe trip, it’s time to board a train to Florence, the next captivating destination on your itinerary . The journey is about 2 hours and quite convenient, so you won’t spend much time out of your 4 week European itinerary while going to and fro from cities.

• Spend 2 Days Exploring Florence’s Art Museums And Churches

Continue your 2 week Europe Itinerary in Florence with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery . One of the most important Italian museums and among the most visited in the world, it holds a collection of priceless works, particularly from the period of the Italian Renaissance.

As you move from one room to another, you’ll witness the works of art legends such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael.

As you enjoy your 2 weeks in Europe, you can end your day with a visit to the Basilica of Santa Croce, also known as the Temple of the Italian Glories, as it is the burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.

Enzo Hotels Reims Tinqueux by Kyriad Direct

Hotel Elysees Opera

Glamour Suite Cagliari

Hotel Mondschein

💡Quick Tip View my full Europe packing guide here including a downloadable checklist . And check out my Europe Essentials shopping list here .

Europe Trip Itinerary Week 3: Italy And Greece

I suggest dedicating a part of your 3 week Europe itinerary to Italy . Backpacking trips to Europe feel incomplete if you don’t do justice to Italy because, honestly, you can dedicate a whole 10-day Europe itinerary to it. My stay in Italy was incredible, and I am biased toward it.

• Take A Train To Rome, Italy

Start your 3 week Europe itinerary by taking a train from Florence and heading to Rome , the capital city of Italy. It’s a pretty cool ride, and in a couple of hours, you’ll be in the city’s heart. Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world, and it’s like stepping back in time.

• Spend 3 Days Exploring Rome’s Ancient Landmarks And Food Scene

Have fun in this ancient place on your Europe itinerary 3 weeks in duration by beginning your Rome visit with the Colosseum, the largest ancient amphitheater ever built. It’s amazing to think of all the history that took place there. You’ll also find the Roman Forum nearby, the ancient city’s main square. Walking around, you’ll see ruins of old government buildings.

On day two of your 3 Week Europe trip, check out the Pantheon , a former Roman temple that’s now a church. It’s got the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome, which is pretty impressive. After that, head to the Trevi Fountain, a huge and beautiful fountain that’s famous all over the world. Remember to throw in a coin for good luck (we never know if it works out, right?).

Also, during your 3 weeks in Europe you can’t leave without having some authentic Italian pizza, pasta, and gelato – it’s almost blasphemous, IMO.

Spend the last day visiting Vatican City , where you can see St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. Don’t miss the Sistine Chapel in your 3 weeks in Europe itinerary, it is known for its ceiling painted by Michelangelo.

• Take A Train Or Flight To Athens, Greece

After three days in Rome on your 3 week Europe trip, hop on a train or flight to Athens, Greece . It’s the capital of Greece and one of the world’s oldest cities. Athens is known for its ancient buildings and monuments, so you’re in for a treat.

If you travel via local public transport during your 3 weeks in Europe, you must have the best travel bag for Europe that’s waterproof and strong enough to bear the brunt of being relocated.

• Spend 3 Days Exploring Athens’s Acropolis And Other Ancient Sites

In your itinerary for Europe trip, I think your first stop in Athens has to be the Acropolis because of its vibe. This ancient hill holds several buildings, including the Parthenon, an old temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. The view of the city from up there is also stunning, and the weather will make it even better.

In your 3 weeks in Europe itinerary, other places to explore in Athens are Ancient Agora, a former marketplace, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, once the largest temple in Greece.

Before you leave Athens, make sure to visit the National Archaeological Museum . I assure you it’s the best Europe itinerary for you to include!

• Take A Ferry To Santorini, Greece

Continue your 3 week Europe Itinerary by taking a ferry to Santorini. It’s to get those Insta-worthy pictures clicked because no place is better than Santorini on your backpacking for Europe . From Athens, take a ferry to Santorini . This island is known for its beautiful beaches and blue-domed churches.

• Spend 2 Days Exploring Santorini’s Beautiful Beaches And Blue-Domed Churches

On your first day in Santorini during your 3 week Europe trip, visit Red Beach, named for its distinctive red volcanic sand. Remember to bring your camera, as the contrast between the red cliffs, blue sky, and turquoise sea is a sight.

Spend your second day in Oia, one of Santorini’s most picturesque towns. The narrow winding streets are lined with small local shops offering everything from handmade jewelry to local wines and olive oil.

The town is famous for its blue-domed churches, which are scattered across its skyline. These iconic structures against the backdrop of the deep blue sea make for postcard-perfect photos of your Europe trip itinerary.

But the real magic happens at sunset, which will make your 3 weeks in Europe itinerary perfect! Find a good spot to watch the sun go down – it’s a sight that will stay with you forever as the sky explodes in hues of orange, pink, and red over the calm Aegean Sea.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Greece? Check out these options!

Delina Mountain Resort

Eagles Nest

Calistus Mykonos

Best Europe Itinerary Week 4: Greece and Germany

If you started traveling with a Europe trip itinerary 4 weeks, Santorini is a good place to conclude it. But I say the best backpacking trips to Europe give you enough leg space to travel to all places nicely. So plan a 4 week Europe itinerary and end it in Germany .

• Take A Ferry Or Flight To Mykonos, Greece

After soaking in the beauty of Santorini, you can continue the 10 day europe itinerary by heading over to the energetic island of Mykonos . Take a ferry or catch a flight, and in no time, you’ll be in the heart of Greece’s party paradise, where summer parties are the most fun.

• Spend 2 Days Exploring Mykonos’s Party Scene And Beaches

Spend your precious 4 weeks in Europe in Mykonos with a visit to its famous beaches. Visit Super Paradise Beach , known for its clear waters and golden sand. It’s a great spot to relax, soak up some sun, and maybe even make a few new friends. If you’re up for it, you can also try water sports.

In your 4 week European itinerary, when the sun goes down, the island comes alive with music and dancing. Head to one of the many beach clubs or bars and join in the fun. It’s a great way to experience the lively spirit of the island.

• Take A Flight To Berlin, Germany

Let’s move to the mainland on our Europe itinerary 4 weeks in duration, by doing backpacking across Europe excursions . Catch a flight to Berlin , the capital of Germany.

In your backpacking Europe itinerary 4 weeks will allow you to explore a diverse range of cultures, landscapes, and experiences, from the historic streets of Athens to the vibrant energy of Berlin.

• Spend 3 Days Exploring Berlin’s Museums And History

Brandenburg Gate, one of the city’s most famous landmarks, is a good starting point for your Berlin stay. After that, walk along the East Side Gallery, a stretch of the Berlin Wall that’s now covered in art.

Check out Museum Island, home to five of Berlin’s most important museums. Also, don’t miss the Pergamon Museum, which holds a huge collection of ancient art.

For your final day in Berlin during your 4 weeks in Europe, consider visiting Checkpoint Charlie , one of the most famous crossing points between East and West Berlin during the Cold War.

• Take A Day Trip To Potsdam Or Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

Before you finish your 4 weeks in Europe, consider taking a day trip from Berlin to either Potsdam or the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp . Potsdam is home to beautiful palaces and gardens, while Sachsenhausen is a former Nazi concentration camp and a sobering reminder of Germany’s past.

End The Trip In Munich, Germany, And Spend 2 Days Exploring The City’s Beer Halls And Landmarks

As an addition to this itinerary for Europe trip, after your day trip, head back to Berlin and catch a train or flight to Munich . This city is famous for its beer halls, so you’re in for a treat. But the weather here is quite cold, so plan your packing list for backpacking in Europe well. Keep jackets and warmers along, so you don’t catch a cold.

In your itinerary for Europe trip, Plan a trip to Marienplatz to start your Munich visit with the city’s main square. You should remember the New Town Hall and its famous Glockenspiel. After that, head to the Munich Residenz, a former royal palace that’s now a museum.

As I said, Munich is famous for its beer halls, so visit at least one to have your own version of best Europe itinerary. The most famous is the Hofbräuhaus, which has been serving beer since 1589. Enjoy a traditional Bavarian meal with a pint of local beer to wrap up your amazing 4-week European itinerary.

Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet? The Insurance companies I recommend are  Hey Mondo and Safety Wing Hey Mondo  is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing  is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy. Read my full  travel insurance post  here, where I go into detail about all companies. 

Looking for somewhere to stay in Germany? Check out these options!

Roomingtons Laichingen Alb

Das Hotel Ostseeblick

BrombachSeeZeit

Map of Accommodation in Europe

Europe travel guide planning.

🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Europe?

Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Europe which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for Europe on Amazon here .

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance. I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise, Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.

🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Europe?

I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide . They have a lot of options available!

🚗 Where can I book rental cars or private transportation?

I strongly recommend using RentalCars . They are available in more than 60.000 locations and customer service support in more than 40 languages.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here . I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub or Alosim . Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com , Hotels.com , and Expedia . They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here . I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack .

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Final Thoughts On This One Month Europe Itinerary

My biggest advice to anyone planning Europe trip itinerary is to embrace the diversity and let the journey guide you. Don’t stress too much about seeing everything.

Instead, focus on experiencing the places you visit, whether that means sitting at a café and watching the world go by or joining the locals for a beer in Munich . And of course, keep my 4 weeks backpacking through Europe itinerary blog post handy and you will be stress-free!

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Essential Europe Graduation Trip

May 22, 2022 - june 8, 2022.

From the pomp and pageantry of London to the snow-capped Austrian Alps, from the glorious art of Florence to the sun-kissed beaches of Greece, Europe’s infinite variety of people, places and traditions is the perfect setting for a journey that celebrates and educates. Next to a good education, the best investment in your future is a trip to Europe. Before settling into that new job or graduate school, celebrate your college successes with an unforgettable voyage through 9 wondrous countries. Capture the flavor of the cities and the beauty of the countryside, climb the Eiffel Tower, bask under the Grecian sun, and sample the delicacies and specialties of Germany, England, France, Italy, and Greece. Europe, in all its splendor, awaits.

Click  here  for more details or to book online.

Click  here  to view AESU's Health and Safety Protocols for this trip.

Our travelers’ wellbeing is always a top priority, and to deliver a seamless travel experience, all travelers booked with AESU are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with us. This policy is effective immediately for travel through December 31, 2022.

We want everyone who travels with AESU to have the best experience possible and feel that requiring all travelers to be vaccinated to be the most responsible choice. In addition, this policy will also protect the communities we visit.

The final vaccine dose must have been administered a minimum of 15 days prior to the start of the trip. We will continue to monitor the local requirements and update the policy accordingly.

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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!

• 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

2 | paris + london, 3 | ireland + iceland, 4 | heidelberg, germany + strasbourg, france, 5 | colmar, france + basel, switzerland, 6 | interlaken + lucerne, switzerland, 7 | lake como, italy + zermatt, switzerland, 8 | paris + normandy, 9 | iceland and the scottish highlands, 10 | venice and lake como, 11 | the ionian islands, greece, 12 | ireland + northern ireland, 13 | edinburgh + scottish highlands, 14 | colmar + strasbourg, 15 | loire valley + paris, 16 | london + cotswolds, 17 | cinque terre + florence, 18 | prague + vienna, 19 | budapest + bratislava, 20 | lucca + sardinia, 21 | lisbon + algarve, 22 | vienna + hallstatt + salzburg , 23 | croatia + montenegro, 24 | budapest + bratislava + vienna, practical tips for booking your trip.

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!!

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Very good these tips I was even thinking about taking a vacation for a few days, thank you

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10 Days in Europe: 21 Amazing Itineraries

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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

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 —If you do, check out this detailed itinerary .

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

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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

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

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

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.

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1 thought on “10 Days in Europe: 21 Amazing Itineraries”

I am going to bookmark your blog this will really help us when we plan to this wonderful place. Thanks for sharing

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A Couple’s Post-Grad Travel Around Europe

In a way, Corinne and Segun’s travel around Europe after graduation last year was a poetic way to end the undergraduate chapters of their lives. After all, they met and became close friends in the beginning of their freshman year since both lived in the international house on campus. Segun was there because he was from England, and Corinne was there by pure chance. While they had only been officially dating for less than a year before their trip, they had been good friends for almost four.

Their itinerary was pretty straightforward. After graduation, Segun flew home, and Corinne stayed in Pennsylvania, working for a few weeks to save up the last bit of cash she needed for the trip. In the beginning of June, she then flew to meet him in England. They spent roughly five nights each in England, Paris, Barcelona, and Rome, and then spent two nights in Berlin before flying back to England for a few nights. Over all, the whole trip would be about a month.

On why they chose the cities they did, Corinne explained, “I had been to Europe only once before and had always wanted to see more of it (especially England!). This was our ‘last hurrah’ before grad school and the real world, so we decided to see as many places as possible. We figured we wanted to see the most stereotypical touristy places, and I was definitely the reason why we ended up going to Berlin.”

As for how they were post-travel: “We both felt good. Yes, we both got grumpy at times with all the traveling and spending literally 700+ consecutive hours together, but we worked really well. It was good knowing we could survive the insanity of a month-long Eurotrip before moving together in the fall.”

Of some of these grumpy moments, Corinne considers dealing with transportation as one of the most challenging aspects. “I’m definitely more on the stubborn side, so I was always convinced that I was right with the map skills (I wasn’t).”

As for the best part about traveling together? “It was fun planning the days together and trying to figure out how to get everything in. Plus it was fun being just the two of us. For example, on the train ride we would have challenges to see who could name more foreign countries or fast food restaurants or other stupid things, and soon we were yelling and cackling and probably scaring the rest of the passengers.”

  Favorite Parts:

“Segun’s overall favorite place was Barcelona. It was a great city, the beach was amazing, we had a great hotel, and it was clean and friendly. Also the day we sat under the Eiffel Tower, drank champagne, and I lost a bet and had to eat a whole wedge of Laughing Cow cheese in one bite. I also loved the picnic day (minus the cheese), stumbling across Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin, seeing London as a whole, and going to the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour.”

Least Favorite Parts:

“Both of our least favorite part was Paris. When we arrived, the taxis were on strike, leaving us stranded. It took us ages to find our tiny hotel (and I mean  tiny ). Then all the metro stations were under construction, so it was a transportation guess-and-check anywhere we had to go. Also, I saw way too many people urinate in the streets in a 5 day span.”

Advice to Other Traveling Couples:

“Definitely save more money than you anticipate on needing, and try to make a solid itinerary before you go (literally, anything and everything you want to do, put it on the list so you don’t have to figure out the night before). Also, be ready to go with the flow! Sometimes places are closed, or you accidentally book a flight for June 16 instead of July 16 (yes, that actually happened), and you have to change up your plans without panicking. So while you may think your whole trip will be sunshine and butterflies (and hey, maybe it will be), be ready to get stressed out and cranky – and work with a stressed out and cranky boyfriend or girlfriend.”

Have you traveled abroad with your significant other? Let us know where you went! If you want to participate in an interview, please send me an e-mail at [email protected].

Words by Samantha/Corinne, Photographs by Corinne

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Hi Marina! That’s awesome, and I totally agree with that mentality. Thank you so much for the compliment :)

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Traveling Without a Passport

30 Days in Europe: Travel Tips & Itinerary Ideas

Discover Europe in 30 days with our tips and itinerary ideas for a diverse and enriching adventure

A budget-friendly journey blending adventure and culture awaits

Welcome, willkommen, bienvenue to Europe, one of the most diverse continents on the planet. Steeped in history, culture and tradition, Europe is famously abundant with art, antiquity, and ornate architecture –there’s good reason why the Grand Tour was a rite of passage for the 18th-century aristocracy– and a 30-day tour offers a chance to experience more than a brief snapshot of its character and beauty.

With 44 countries spanning nearly four million square miles (10m sq. km), Europe is a vast yet surprisingly connected continent. In a month, you can beach hop around the Mediterranean, trek through the Tatra Mountains, and see Amsterdam through Rembrandt’s lens with ease.

Spending 30 days in Europe costs less than you think. While it’s relatively cheap and straightforward to fly between major cities, exploring by road or rail is the most popular – and best – way to see Europe. Whether you want to scale the lofty Eiffel Tower in Paris, explore Rome’s ancient Colosseum, or see the gargantuan dome of the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul, a well-thought-out itinerary can be accessible to all budgets. 

One of the most logical, convenient, and time-savvy ways to see Europe is on an organized adventure, where all the planning, logistics, and hard work is done for you. Whether you’re on a backpackers’ budget or want a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, here’s how to get the best out of Europe in just 30 days .

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 planning is always the key to a successful trip. 

Feeling free and easy? Why not leave the itinerary to the professionals and book an organized adventure? With many trips starting in London, the adventures begin as soon as they hit the rails or road, traveling through key cities across Europe, including Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, and Budapest.

2. Schedule in plenty of downtime

So many cities, so little time can be the death knell of fun when you’re traveling. While it’s tempting to pack your 30 days in Europe to the brim, it’s important to remember it’s a holiday, not a challenge. Let go of the FOMO and factor in some downtime on the beach or in the mountains to rest and recharge.

3. Pick your top destinations

Whether you want to island hop around Greece, bathe in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon or embark on a Game of Thrones pilgrimage to Dubrovnik, take time to choose what you really want to get out of your 30 days in Europe. Have a wish list as a baseline and work your itinerary and budget around it.

There are dozens of 30-day organized adventures available across Europe, many of which combine the big-hitting city stops like Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin, along with lesser-known destinations like Kotor, Tirana and Delphi.

How to get around Europe

Although vast, Europe is an accessible continent and you can cover plenty of distance in 30 days. Depending on your budget and what you want to achieve, flying is usually the quickest way to hop between major cities; however, you do lose much of the charm you get from seeing Europe from ground level.

Traveling by train is one of the best ways to explore the continent. Europe has an extensive cross-border rail network which is reliable, efficient, and reasonably priced. Eurail offers interrailing passes that fit a 30-day budget and allow more freedom to explore on your own timetable.

If keeping costs down is a major factor, low-cost coach and bus services such as FlixBus and Infobus can be good options, having routes to more than 1200 destinations in 24 countries.

Alternatively, booking an organized adventure will really make the most of your 30 days on the continent. There are dozens of brilliant itineraries covering all interests and budgets –almost always including travel, accommodation, and the services of a tour leader– it’s a great way to travel around Europe with like-minded people. 

See Also: The Seven Most Scenic Train Rides in Europe

30 days in Europe: Where to go and what to do

With 30 days to play with, Europe really can be your oyster. Amsterdam to Antwerp, London to Ljubljana, Zurich to Zagreb, you can easily check out 10 countries or more on a 30-day budget. Classic Europe itineraries include Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, while the more unique itineraries include destinations like Pamplona, Liechtenstein, and the Rhineland. Focus on one or two regions and get stuck into seeing the best of it on a 30-day European holiday. 

See Also: 50 Fabulous and Free Things to Do in Europe

Western Europe

From Anne Frank Huis in Amsterdam to the Zurich opera, most classic pan-European tours focus on the big hitters – Paris, Berlin, Rome, Venice, Barcelona – where there’s enough culture and history to fill 300 days, let alone 30. 

Some organized adventures will take a deeper dive into western Europe, starting in London and winding through 18 or 19 destinations, including Biarritz and Madrid, the French Riviera and Monaco, Florence, Venice, and Rome, while others will include a river cruise through the Rhineland, a tour of Cologne and the last few days enjoying Amsterdam.

Southern Europe

Sweeping across from Spain to Serbia, the southern Europe region incorporates Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Albania, Slovenia and more. From the temples of ancient Greece, the ruins of Rome to the beaches of Spain, Cyprus, and Albania, southern Europe is great for combining culture and kick-back time. 

For something a little different from the classic European Grand Tour, book an organized adventure that takes in the most fascinating destinations along the Mediterranean and Dardania route. Several 30-day itineraries have options that start in Tirana, Albania, and wind across the length of southern Europe, including overnights in Naples and Pompeii, Durmitor National Park in Montenegro, Sarajevo, Belgrade and Budapest.

Central and Eastern Europe

From the emerald-hued Plitviče Lakes in Croatia and the bohemian nightlife of Sofia, to the Gothic architecture and beer taverns of Prague, there are a million and one reasons to include central and eastern regions on your 30-day European trip, not least because these affordable cities will make a tight budget stretch even further.

Whether you start in Vienna or Vilnius, there are a number of organized adventures that explore central and Eastern Europe’s most captivating cities, including Bucharest, Sofia, and Plovdiv. Alternatively, choose an itinerary that ventures into the rugged landscape of the High Tatra Mountains between Poland and Slovakia.

Northern Europe

With its design-centric cities, glacial fjords and stark arctic wilderness, Northern Europe can feel like an entirely different planet, compared to the rest of the continent. From the geothermal waters of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, and the pop culture museums of Stockholm to the fjords of Norway, there are plenty of reasons to head north on your adventure. 

From Copenhagen and Oslo to Stockholm, you can have some incredible Nordic adventures on these 30-day itineraries across northern Europe. Several include overnight cruises from Stockholm to Helsinki or crossing over the Arctic Circle to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. 

For more inspiration — or to book a hassle-free holiday and travel with a group of like-minded people — check out our full range of 30-day Europe tours.

See Also: The Best Places to Travel Alone in Europe

Tracey Davies

Tracey Davies is a Brighton-based travel writer, journalist and editor of 101 Singles Holidays, as well as a former co-host of “The Carry On” travel podcast.

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2 Weeks in Europe – How to Plan a Perfect Itinerary

Last Modified: May 5, 2024 //  by  Anda //   107 Comments

If you are planning a 2 weeks trip to Europe and need some itinerary ideas for your vacation you have come to the right place. As someone born and raised in Europe, I can give you some good advice when it comes to my home continent.

14 days may sound like a long trip, but not on this incredibly diverse continent. With so many attractions, sights to see and cultures to experience, your 2 weeks vacation in Europe will go by in the blink of an eye! 

Table of Contents

How to Plan a Perfect Europe Trip Itinerary

• london, paris, and amsterdam, • lisbon, madrid, barcelona , • rome, florence, and venice ,  • prague, vienna, and budapest.

•  • Berlin, Dresden and Wroclaw     
• • Zurich, Lucerne, Lugano and Milan      
• • Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen      
•  • Riga, Tallin, and Vilnius      
• • Athens, Istanbul, Bucharest        
•  • Ljubljana, Split, Dubrivnik, Kotor     

How to Plan a 2 Weeks Trip to Europe

• Tips for Spending 2 Weeks in Europe 

A Final Note

If this is your first time in Europe, you probably have quite a few places on your Europe bucket list . Without knowing anything about you or your interests, I can only give you basic, generic advice.

Below is a list of 10 suggested itineraries for for a 2-week trip to Europe. The itineraries are grouped according to the different European regions. However, you can choose any combination from the cities listed here, according to your tastes and interests.

Best Western Europe Trip 2-Week Itinerary

These three cities have more than enough to keep you engaged for 2 weeks. You can easily spend the entire two weeks in Paris , if you were to visit all its amazing churches and museums.

London, Amsterdam and Paris are among the Europe’s greatest cities and enjoy a perennial popularity, despite the many problems they have been facing lately. I think they are worth seeing at least once, even though they are always crowded.  

You have excellent direct flights, trains, or bus connections between all three. There are overnight trains between Lisbon and Madrid that run daily, departing at 11:34 p.m. and arriving in Madrid at 8:40 a.m. Also, there are direct flights, trains, or busses from Madrid to Barcelona.   

All these Iberian cities are packed with culture, culinary delights and incredible landscapes. They are easy to reach from most major airports from around the world.

Although you could easily spend two weeks in Spain alone, visiting other historical places like Toledo , or Cordoba for instance, I suggest including Portugal in your European itinerary as well. Lisbon , its capital city, is not only very romantic and cultured, but also quite inexpensive. 

Book  this private walking tour of the highlights of Lisbon and enjoy the history of this city.

These are three of Italy’s most captivating and rewarding cities. If you like archeology, you’ll love Rome ! Florence and Venice are also very charming cities, although quite different from Rome. If you prefer to spend your time in one single country, this combination is one the best itineraries for a 2 weeks trip to Europe.  

Italy has a wealth of archeological sites, most of which are concentrated in relatively compact areas. These three cities also have excellent train, bus, and plain connections (buy your ticket on omio.com ).

Sicily is another great place in Europe where you can easily spend 2 weeks. There are so many archeological sites and  beautiful towns in Sicily to add to your list! I promise that you won’t get bored if you choose to spend your entire European vacation on this island. 

Palermo alone can easily justify a 10-day Italy itinerary . You have good bus connections between cities, but Sicily is best explored by car . You can choose visit the nearby Malta if you go to Sicily.

Central Europe 2 Weeks Trip Itinerary

Central Europe is becoming increasingly popular. 30 years ago, cities like Prague , Budapest , Dresden, or Wroclaw were largely unknown to the world traveler. But after the fall of communism, Central Europe experienced a strong cultural and tourist revival.

These three capitals have it all: beautiful architecture, fascinating history, packed concert calendars, and delicious food. For those who want to tour Central Europe, this trip itinerary is perfect.

Traveling by rail is the best way to go between these three, as distances are relatively short. You can buy tickets at the station right before the train is scheduled to depart.      

READ NEXT : Budapest Travel Tips and Practical Information for First Time Visitors

 • Berlin, Dresden and Wroclaw      

Combining the cosmopolitan  Berlin with the  phoenix-city  of Dresden and the picturesque Wroclaw, will give you a great understanding of what makes this part of Europe so fascinating. You have direct trains between all these cities.

• Zurich, Lucerne, Lugano and Milan        

You can never go wrong with Switzerland and the northern part of Italy! Cities like Lucerne, Zurich, Lugano and Milan have stunning scenery, art museums, old cathedrals, historic palaces, and more charm than you can imagine.  However they are not very big, so 2-3 days in each one would most likely be enough.  

The best way to move between these cities is by rail. Switzerland is famous for its top of the line panoramic trains , so you can choose to travel from Lucerne to Lugano aboard the  Gotthard Panorama Express.  You can also take the same route on a non-panoramic train  if you want to avoid paying the mandatory reservation fee.

READ NEXT : 10 Days in Switzerland Itinerary by Scenic Trains

Northern Europe 2 Weeks Itinerary

• oslo, stockholm, copenhagen        .

These three cities are definitely in a league of their own. Although they can’t compete with Rome’s historic sites or with the charm of Paris, Copenhagen , Oslo and Stockholm have stunning architecture, world-class museums, and some of the best shopping and dining in Europe.

If you plan to spend your 2 weeks vacation in Northern Europe during the summer months, this trip itinerary is your best bet. While the rest of Europe is be boiling hot, Northern Europe enjoys much cooler temperatures and longer days in summer.

READ NEXT : 10 Fantastic Things to Do in Stockholm in a Week

  • Riga , Tallin, and Vilnius       

I can’t mention Northern Europe without including a tour of the Baltic capitals. The Baltic States of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania weren’t even on the map when I was growing up. But like many other European countries that lived in the shadow of the Soviet Union till the 90s, they have enjoyed a true renaissance in the past years.

If you want to travel somewhere your friends haven’t even heard of, you should visit the Baltic capitals. Plus these are among the cheapest countries to visit in Europe .

South-Eastern Europe – 2 Weeks Trip Itineraries

The Balkan Peninsula is the most culturally diverse in Europe. This region has also an extremely varied topography. Bordered by the Adriatic and Ionian Sea to the west, Aegean Sea to the south, the Sea of Marmara to the southeast and the Black Sea to the east, the Balkan countries are stunningly beautiful.

There are so many great destinations in South-Eastern Europe, that it’s difficult to decide which ones to include into your trip itinerary. Here are two suggestions:

• Athens, Istanbul, Bucharest          

If you plan to build your itinerary around these three cities, you could spend 3 days in Athens , 7 days in Istanbul and 2-3 days in Bucharest . Or you can choose spend your entire 2 weeks trip to Europe by visiting just one country. We did that last year and took a road trip in the Peloponnese. It was an unexpected success, it was pleasant and we had a great time there. Peloponnese is one of the less explored parts of Greece, but is so beautiful that you won’t believe. It has plenty of beach town, some of which are nicer and more sophisticated that the Ritzi Greek island, like the beach tow of Nafplio .

Countries like Greece , Turkey, or Romania have plenty of amazing sites to keep you entertained and engaged for 14 days. 

The best way to travel between these 3 countries is by plane. Between Istanbul and Athens you an use Pegasus Airlines (a budget airline) and between Istanbul and Bucharest you can use Turkish Airlines.

 • Ljubljana , Split , Dubrivnik, Kotor      

These four cities will take you through 3 of the most beautiful countries in the Balkans: Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro . The best way to travel between these cities would be by car or by bus, as there are no train connections between Split and Dubrovnik.

For those who want to rent a car to drive through the Balkans, I recommend this 14 days Balkans road trip itinerary . If you have a car, you can extend your itinerary to some other points of interest in this region.

Planning a trip to Europe? Read next: 12 Tips for Traveling to Europe Like a Pro

Being born and raised in Europe I always get asked these two questions:  when is the best time go to Europe and what is the best itinerary for a first time visit to Europe. My answer it’s always the same: it depends what you want to do in Europe and how much time you can spend there.

If this is your first time in Europe and all you have is 14 days, there are a few things to consider before deciding what to add to your list:      

 • Keep your travel plans simple      

Most first time visitors to Europe are determined to see as much as possible on that first trip. Keep in mind that Europe is a big and diverse continent. There is a lot to see everywhere you go. Fitting all your bucket-listed locations in a 2 weeks trip to Europe is nearly impossible.      

 • Start with the most popular cities   

Your first trip to Europe is not the best time to go off the beaten path. I recommend sticking to the big cities, even though they are more crowded. Major European cities have it all: top notch museums, beautiful architecture, great restaurants and a vibrant nightlife.

Besides, they are big transportations hubs and are cheaper for flying in and out of Europe.

• Choose to visit places that are close to each other   

The closest major European cities are at least two hours apart, whether you travel by car, by train, or by plane. Transit between cities takes at least half a day, if you consider the time you need to check out of one hotel and check into your next one. Therefore, you won’t be able to do much sightseeing on the day you travel.        

 • Plan to spend at least 3-4 days in each city you visit   

While it’s possible to cover more than half a dozen countries in your 14 days in Europe, just running between destinations doesn’t mean you actually visited them! If you want to see at least the major sights, you should plan to spend a minimum of 3-4 days in each city you visit.

• Book an open-jaw ticket     

If you plan on touring a specific region or doing a multi-destination trip, you can often save a lot of time and money with booking one.

Once you’re further along in your planning process, you can use our  Travel Resources page for the best deals in airfare, accommodations and local guided tours.

• Rent a car only if you are planning to travel outside the big cities, where parking is expensive and difficult to find. Nonetheless, sometimes renting a car will save you a lot of time and is obviously more comfortable. We usually use Discovercars when we travel in Europe.

Tips for Spending 2 Weeks in Europe  

• book accommodations in the city center      .

Hotel rates are higher in the city center, but it’s worth paying the extra dollars if you can afford it. You’ll save time and money on transportation.     

• Use Hotel Alternatives

AirBnB or VRBO   for lodging instead of booking hotel rooms, especially if you travel in a bigger group. They are a much better deal and have beautiful apartments all around the world. For the same price you would pay for an average hotel, you could rent an entire apartment.    

• Don’t exchange money in the airport   

Airports, train stations, or tourist areas have the worst exchange rates. But if you look for an exchange office outside these areas, your hard earned money can go a way longer way. If no exchange booths are around, use the ATM machines throughout the city.    

   • Consider using public transportation

Driving a car Europe is an expensive and inconvenient complication. None of these European cities were built with cars in mind, so the roads are crowded and full of restrictions. Rather than worrying  about parking fees, one way streets, and pedestrian zones, consider using public transportation during your 2 weeks in Europe.     

 • Travel by train, or use budget airlines  

Train travel through Europe is one of the best ways to see the continent. The rail network is extremely developed and train service is very reliable. For longer distances, flying one of the many European airlines is also a great option.

There are over a dozen budget airlines in Europe that fly anywhere on the continent for unbelievably low prices. They charge extra for seats and luggage, but even so you can fly for as low as €30-40/one way.    

   • Dress comfortably

Dressing comfortably when you travel to Europe is very important, but avoid looking like a tourist. Not sure how to blend in with the locals? Read my guide about how to dress like a European .  

Buy the best shoes you can afford. I can stress enough the importance of wearing comfortable shoes while traveling in Europe. Many of the old European cities are still paved with cobble stones which are very rough on your soles.

   • Travel off season  

Everyone wants to travel when the weather is stable, but summers can be brutal in Europe: big crowds, expensive accommodations and airfare, busy trains and public transportation and very hot.

The best time to visit Europe is in fall or in spring, when temperatures are milder and there are less crowds. December is also a very popular time of year to visit Europe, when most European cities dress up for the holidays .

• Get acquainted with the European lifestyle

Most travelers to Europe expect to encounter cultural differences, yet when confronted with them they are always caught off guard. I wrote a very detailed post about what will surprise you as a first time visitor to Europe. These are very useful tips that you will need before traveling to Europe.

READ NEXT : 15 Cheapest Countries to Visit in Europe

This guide is a good resource if you intend to visit Europe independently. However, if you prefer an organized tour there are plenty of great tours of Europe to choose from.

Hope the itineraries above gave you some idea on how to travel Europe in 2 weeks. And if you like a place you saw, make a plan to return and explore it more in depth. Two weeks in Europe will not be enough to see this magical continent.

Did you enjoy this post? Please pin it to help other travelers to Europe:

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Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

July 26, 2024 at 9:52 am

Waaaaahhh what a great adventure, I have always wanted to visit Europe. These are really good itineraries.

Vipin Singh

January 13, 2024 at 6:56 am

Greetings from Singapore Anda. I am an avid traveler but have only done Asia so far. I am planning my first Europe trip in this upcoming June, mid month. I have circled down to 4 cities that iam keen on going to. But now, after reading much online, i figured that it will be more ideal to include just 3 cities in my itinerary. I had London, Paris, Rome, Spain (Madrid/Barcelo) in mind initially. I am looking for advice to reduce one city if needed for this trip. I have 13 days to spend (including arrival date to London in the morning before 7am. And excluding departure date) Appreciate your reply.

January 16, 2024 at 2:24 pm

Since this is your first trip to Europe, I’d go to London, Paris and Rome. I’m sure you won’t regret it.

Chetan Sahu

October 7, 2023 at 5:59 am

Planning my dream 2-week European adventure, and this guide is a goldmine of itinerary ideas! From the iconic cities to hidden gems, it’s packed with invaluable tips for an unforgettable trip. So, which European journey will I embark on? The possibilities are endless!

Chandra Bdr Gurung

July 6, 2023 at 11:43 pm

Excellent advice for those who are first-time visitors. This blog really impressed me. Europe has some really interesting sites to visit.

Ana Delos Santos

April 28, 2023 at 10:55 am

Hi, this is really helpful for 1st time Travelers in Europe. Just want to also ask you, for a 2 week Europe Trip, what do you advise to those traveling with Kids that wanted to visit countries in Europe with an Entry and Exit point from the Philippines? Thanks for the possible response. God bless you.

April 28, 2023 at 11:58 am

I am not aware that coming from the Philippines (with or without kids) may pose any problem for entering any country in Europe. However, if you want further more detailed information you should check the respective country’s entry requirements. Sorry I can’t be of more help.

basil swamy

March 22, 2023 at 11:36 am

Looking for Europe tour starting from India, for honeymoon would like to explore Europe. Places need to cover Norway Amsterdam Brussels Paris Switzerland Pissa Florence Rome Venice

Travel dates will be 9Jun to 29Jun It should be not very expensive , reasonable place to stay either good apartment or good Hotel You can suggest if some needs to be cut short or some other place. Do not want any museum or historical place to cover. It should be main and popular area only.

March 22, 2023 at 7:16 pm

I’m sorry, but I am not a travel agent, Basil. You can use my post for reference in order build your own itinerary.

July 13, 2022 at 2:52 pm

Great guide – but overwhelming!! My wife and I are taking our first trip to Europe next year – a long kid- and COVID- delayed 20th/25th/30th anniversary! – and want to make the most of our 3 weeks. But you just listed 31 must-see cities, and suggested 3-4 days per city!! 🙂

My wife wants to “see the highlights” – if we never can come back, what should we make sure we see? I think we’d probably be best served by a managed tour, but maybe I can cobble together something with even hand-holding? 🙂 Advice would be *so* appreciated!

July 13, 2022 at 6:16 pm

Hi Rick, Thanks for reading my guide. I have indeed 31 must-see cities in Europe, but those are 10 independent itineraries and each one of them is for two weeks. If you want to spend 3 weeks in Europe you definitely won’t be able to include all those places in your itinerary. I can give you a few suggestions for a 3-week itinerary, but planning the trip in detail will require a lot of effort from your part.

You’ll need to research each destination and decide what you’d like to see once you get there, book hotels, check timetables for trains and busses, or maybe rent a car in some places, etc. Since I don’t know anything about your travel style, I can’t tell you whether to attempt this trip on your own, or book a guided tour. Many people prefer to be care-free when they travel and just sit back and enjoy. We like to travel independently and do our own planning, but I can assure you it’s not easy. One other option would be to book local guided tours in each country, but travel independently between countries.This way you’ll have more control over what countries you may want to visit.

In regards to the “highlights” of Europe, there are so many! But regardless of what you choose, you shouldn’t include more than 4 countries in 3 weeks because you’ll have to account for the days you loose when moving from one place to another. Here are my suggestions. My first choice for Europe would be Italy, France and Spain. They are rich in culture and architecture and have gorgeous scenery. My second choice is Portugal, Switzerland and Croatia. Not as culturally rich as Italy, or France, but surely breathtakingly beautiful. If you are looking for less expensive destinations, Central and Eastern European countries are more budget friendly (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania).

I hope this helps. I have lots of European destination on my blog in case you want to do some further reading. And remember: no matter what country you choose, you’ll love Europe!

July 6, 2021 at 11:40 am

Hi there Anda!

Me and my are planning eloping and then honeymooning to Europe. Neither of us have been and I have family in the Sicily area. I originally wanted to go to Hawaii as I am an avid beach lover and have been to many in search of the most beautiful beach. My finance enjoys the beach, but is definitely more of a historian. So, I would like to encompass a little of both. We plan on late September or sometime in October….14 days. What are your thoughts? Do you think we should use a travel agent? Thanks so much!

July 6, 2021 at 1:24 pm

Hi Carrie, September-October is a great time of year for visiting Italy and I think Sicily is a wonderful choice if you like beaches. It has plenty of historic sites, so it’s the best of both worlds: history and beaches. I have a lot of information about Sicily on this blog, so for further reading you can go under Destinations > Europe > Italy > Sicily and read more. I also have a very informative post about driving in Sicily, should you decide to rent a car for your trip.

I don’t believe you need a travel agent to design your itinerary or make reservations for you. At the bottom of my home page there are some links that you can use to check out prices. I also have a Resource Page if you need more information on car rental and lodging. And if you need more itinerary ideas, read this post: https://travelnotesandbeyond.com/10-days-in-italy-itinerary/ . It includes 4 itinerary ideas for Italy to choose from. Please let me know if you need any further assistance.

March 1, 2021 at 10:40 am

This is very informative. My husband and I have been to several countries in Europe, but not our son. He wants to go to Germany, and I think with more than 2 weeks travel time that we will have, a visit to several cities in Central Europe will make sense to us. My friend in Zurich will be happy to take us around.

March 1, 2021 at 7:38 pm

Hope you’ll get to visit Germany, Umiko. I have relatives in Münich and go to Germany quite often.

January 27, 2021 at 3:03 am

Hi Anda, I have to say, this is a great itinerary for first time travelers. I’ve been living in Europe for almost 2 years now but I still have not seen most of the places in this list and I would consider myself a “first time traveler” to most of these destinations. It gave me tons of ideas though once we finally get to travel again and I love your pctures.

January 28, 2021 at 2:05 pm

Thanks, Marielle.

I love Croatia

January 9, 2021 at 6:09 am

Absolutely stunning! Thank you on a detailed impressive guide!

January 9, 2021 at 10:51 am

Thanks, Karlo.

October 22, 2020 at 8:00 am

Hi Anda! Thank you for all of your articles and tips! I’m trying to soak everything in while planning for a 2-week trip next August 2021. I know you said August is the worst time to go to Europe but I am to be a part of a bridal entourage early that month and have no leeway in that regard – hoping to make the best of it! What are your suggestions for 3 first time Europe travelers to make the MOST of our time but with about three days locked in at London for the ceremony? I was thinking of coming a week before the festivities and staying a week after, putting the wedding in the middle of the two weeks – if that makes sense. Please help! Thank you so much, Christine

October 22, 2020 at 4:59 pm

Hi Christine, A wedding in London sounds like a great reason to visit Europe. The good news is that London is not so hot in August as other cities in Europe. Here are my recommendations for you:

1. I would get the wedding out of the way and then go on with my travel plans. Or leave it for the end of the trip, but not place it in the middle.

2. I would avoid big, crowded cities (like Paris or Rome) where the asphalt radiates even more heat in summer. Keep in mind that many of the buildings in Europe don’t have air conditioning, so there is very little relief from the heat.

3. Rather than big cities, I would visit places that have a breeze, or have access to the Mediterranean, or the Adriatic Sea. My personal favorites for summer are the French Riviera (Nice, Monaco, Cannes), Italy (the Amalfi Coast, or Sicily), Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast (Dubrovnik, Split, Pula, etc.) Italy, France and Croatia seem like good options for you since they are also close to England.

4. Other great countries to visit in August are: Austria, Switzerland and Germany. For instance, you could spend 1-2 days in Vienna, then go to Salzburg and use it as a base for wonderful day trips in the Alps. Or stay 2 days in Zurich and do a Switzerland itinerary. You can also do a combination of countries, but I wouldn’t visit more than two considering that you already have London on your list.

Hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any further questions. I’m sure your trip is going to be great!

October 18, 2020 at 11:25 am

Hi: A friend and I would like to visit somewhere in Europe for 2 or so weeks, and stay in a smaller village and “live” like a local. Yet, also be close enough to other places or countries to take day trips via public transportation. Any suggestions?

October 19, 2020 at 4:47 pm

Your friend could stay for instance in one of the many villages on the French Riviera (like Ezé Village) which are close to Nice,and visit the the entire coast in two weeks. Or perhaps stay in one of the villages in Tuscany, which are close to Florence, and many other fascinating places in Italy.

RAJEEV JAIN

October 6, 2020 at 10:14 pm

Me & my wife wants to cover Europe in 20-30 days. Just for your information I had travelled to Italy & covered Rome, Florence, Venice & Milan. I want to cover other countries & beautiful cities of Europe. Can you suggest best time & an itinerary to visit except July/August when the weather is pleasant & one can travel in budget.

October 7, 2020 at 4:23 pm

Hi Rajeev, late September to early October is a great time to travel to Europe. So is spring, late April to early June. As for an itinerary, you can cover a lot of territory in a month in Europe. I would suggest visiting some of the countries in the Balkans (Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia).I have a complete itinerary for the Balkans on my blog, if you are interested. Also, you could visit the Baltic countries (Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia) and Sweden. Eastern European countries like Hungary and Romania are also good choice for a fall visit. Hope this helps.

Mitos Soria

February 13, 2020 at 6:19 am

Hello, me my friend will be traveling to Europe in August 2020 ( I know not a good time to go there) for the first time. We have 2 weeks to go to cities we prefer. And that is Italy and Paris. We are in for outlet shopping, visit museum and architectures. Can you recommend us a place to go to met our preferences? And if we would add one more country what would that be? By the way we are flying from Manila. Thank you very much.

February 13, 2020 at 11:09 am

Hi Mitos, even though August it’s kind of hot in Europe, I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun. Especially if you plan to go shopping, hahaha! Paris and Rome are great places to shop and so is Milan and London. I also like shopping in Vienna, where they have a big pedestrian area (the Graben) lined up with stores. All these cities have magnificent architecture, old churches and palaces that you can visit. Prices are a little higher in Europe than they are in Asia or the US, but I love shopping there just the same. They have so much trendier clothing stores than we do. My favorite one is Massimo Dutti, you should check it out.

SHYAMSUNDER GAIKWAD

February 2, 2020 at 3:29 pm

Hi Anda, Me and my wife plan to travel to Europe for about 10 to 14 days(depends) from the first week of August’2020 (After my sons final semester Exams). Flight ticket are yet to be booked. This would be our first trip to Europe. We plan to cover Europe in six visits, this would be our first. Both of have past our half century mark and have taken a sabbatical. Could you please suggest us an Itinerary? Is August a good time to travel

February 2, 2020 at 3:30 pm

Hi Shyamsunder, August is one of the worst times to go to Europe: it’s hot, it’s expensive and it’s crowded. I know you may be bound to your son’s vacation time, so if August is the only time you have available, I would suggest going to Northern Europe. You can visit Sweden, Norway, and the Baltic countries (Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia). Either that, or choose to spend your entire vacation in southern Italy, in places close to the sea (Capri, Positano, Cinque Terre, or Sicily).

January 27, 2020 at 1:23 pm

Thanks for your insight and prompt response. Travel planning can be overwhelming and your site has been extremely helpful. The more I dig into options and different itiniraries my gut keeps saying to stick with Italy and you helped confirm this even more! Another thought was to combine a 7n cruise but again my gut (and hubby) prefers a land based trip. So sticking with Italy it seems just 3 cities maybe better (based on your suggestion) with day trips mixed in…Venice, Rome & Florence. Initial plan was for Cique Terre which maybe too much. The idea of Lake Cumo is a really good one! Now need to explore those logistics!

Anda Galffy

January 27, 2020 at 1:28 pm

Glad I could be of help, Sandra. Just one last note: keep in mind that Rome is a big city, rich in history and archeological sites. You will need at least 4-5 days to explore it properly. Have a wonderful trip.

January 27, 2020 at 1:22 pm

Hi Anda, Just found your site and love the information. We are late in planning our 20th anniversary trip to Italy in May. We have 16 days so 14 nights exculuding travel. This is our first time to Europe (other than Greece) in a very long time. Initial thoughts are fly into Venice 2n, Florence, 4n, Cinque Terre 4n, Rome 4n – Now second guessing about all Italy (which I know is all good) but maybe adding Amsterdam or another city and subtracting days from Italy. Any thoughts input appreciated!

Hi Sandra, first of all congratulations on your 20th anniversary! Italy is a great choice to mark this important event in your life and I’m sure this will be a trip to remember. My personal opinion is that Italy has so much to offer that it’s not a good idea to add Amsterdam to the mix. The two-week European itineraries I recommend in my post are for people who want to get a feel of Europe and explore some of the big cities. I think you’ll be better off spending all your time in Italy and exploring as much as you can there. Instead of Amsterdam, you could go to Lake Como, for instance. It’s a very romantic destination for an anniversary.

January 18, 2020 at 10:37 pm

Anda So glad I found your site. I’m in the beginning stages of planning a trip for late 2020 (Christmas time) for my husband and myself. I think you’ve helped me decide on Italy. Christmas is the only time he has vacation so we’re locked in to that time of year. We’d both like to see Pompeii, so I was thinking Naples to Rome and ending up in Venice. We have 2 weeks, so I think we could take our time and stop if we’d like to see something along the way. What do you think about going to Italy this time of year? Are trains reliable in winter? Thanks for any help you can give me. Karen

January 19, 2020 at 12:01 am

Hi karen, Italy is actually a great choice for winter, particularly in December when you’ll have the Christmas markets everywhere. Prices may be still pretty high because of the Holidays, but there will definitely be less crowds. You may expect colder weather in Northern Italy (Rome and Venice), but the Amalfi Coast (Pompeii and Naples) will be beautiful. I don’t think you’ll have any issues with the trains. It doesn’t snow often in northern Italy and even if does, the weather doesn’t impact public transportation. I think you’ll enjoy Italy tremendously! It’s a great place to visit. You may want to check this post as well if you are traveling to Rome: https://travelnotesandbeyond.com/best-areas-to-stay-in-rome/

cybele ryan

January 23, 2020 at 3:35 pm

Anda what wonderful information. My husband and I planning a trip to Europe in mid May for two weeks. Thinking about flying into Switzerland or Austria, dipping down into Italy then on to Slovenia and Croatia. We are told Slovenia is very similar to Italy. We could stay in Slovenia and train over to Venice for the day, avoiding crowds ect. Any ideas? take the train, rent a car?Thank you! Cybele

January 23, 2020 at 5:52 pm

Train is probably better for the day trip. Besides, in Venice you won’t have any need for the car.

December 31, 2019 at 4:44 am

Hullo Anda, your article literally saved my life. I have read it twice and sucked in as much of your advice so thank you. I am black and I was wondering if you have any specific advice for a black travelers in Europe. What is the general reception for black africans in Europe? I may be overthinking it, but I am worried that it may be negative. Your honest thoughts will be appreciated. thanks.

December 31, 2019 at 3:39 pm

I’m truly happy that my article was of help to you. I don’t think you have any reason to worry about traveling to Europe as a black person. As far as I know, Europeans are quite open and welcoming to any race and nationality. I think you’ll have a wonderful time there.

December 28, 2019 at 6:04 am

Thankyou for the suggestions. We are planning to visit Europe from US for two weeks from April 24 to May 9 . Our itenrary idea is to arrive in Paris > Milan > Venice > Cinque terra> Florence > Rome . While at florence we planned to visit Pisa for half day Will this be aggressive or Do-able? Can you please suggest on how many days each city require to explore? Thanks in Advance

December 28, 2019 at 9:15 am

Hi Satya, What you are listing here looks like a very busy itinerary. All these cities are loaded with attractions. Besides, you need time for transportation between the different destinations and time to check in and out from the hotels. Rome and Paris require at least 3 days each. Milan you can probably do in a day, but for Florence, Venice and Cinque Terre you’ll also need a minimum of two days. My suggestion would be to leave Paris for another time and concentrate on Italy.

December 28, 2019 at 7:44 pm

Thank you Anda

December 26, 2019 at 10:30 am

Hi Anda, Thankyou for the detailed itenenaries. We are planning for Europe trip during last week of April for two weeks. Our plan is to arrive in Paris and depart back from Rome. So planning for Paris> Fly to Milan> Venice> Cinque terra > Florence> Rome . Is this agressive or Doable? Do you recommend driving from Milan to Rome for this trip? Can you help me with how many days we will needing to explore these places? Appriciete your help on this.

December 18, 2019 at 12:59 pm

Hi Anda, I am planning a trip with my wife and 2 kids (3 & 9) to visit Europe in Mid-June. we are planning to spend 14 days and planning to land in Paris then train to Zurich > Interlaken (might add Zermatt if time permits) > Venice > Florence > Rome. Does this sound doable in 14 days? Any tips and recommendations? Should we get the Euro Rail Pass or buying individual trip will be better and cheaper option? Thanks.

December 18, 2019 at 7:27 pm

Hi Ali, your plan sounds great for two young adults who can move fast. However, with two kids in tow and using public transportation (not having your own car) this sounds like a very busy itinerary. You need a minimum of 3 days in the big cities like Rome and Paris. As for Zurich, Venice and Florence, you could probably spend only 2 days in each city. But even if you do that, you’ll be left with only two days, which is not enough time if you want to squeeze in Zermatt and Interlaken. I understand you are planning to use Rome as your departure city, but exploring it with a 3-year old will be very difficult. Rome is huge and truly overwhelming, even for adults. I would suggest spending more time in Switzerland instead, which is a friendlier place for small children. You can buy a pass for the scenic trains and go from Zurich to Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, St.Moritz, Engadin and maybe cross over to Lake Como in Italy. The Glacier Express is a fantastic train and goes from Zermatt to St. Moritz. Your kids are going to love the train rides. I wrote a few posts about our train trip through Switzerland, in case you need more information.

November 14, 2019 at 4:16 pm

Hi, my husband and I have plan 13 days trip 11 nights for travel to Barcelona, Switzerland, Munich and Amsterdam. The 1st arrival destination has decided is Barcelona as we want to catch the football match. 2nd destination we not sure want to start from Amsterdam, Munich and end in Switzerland or vice versa. Is it possible to squeeze Milan or Paris in between by the way?

November 14, 2019 at 5:09 pm

You can easily squeeze one day in Milan on your itinerary, Agnes. I wrote a post about how to spend a day in Milan, in case you are interested you can check it here: https://travelnotesandbeyond.com/one-day-on-the-streets-of-milan/ . From Barcelona you can go to Milan, then to Switzerland, Munich and Amsterdam. Not sure exactly what means of transportation you intend to use in Europe, but it makes sense to do it this way rather than jump from Spain all the way to the Netherlands. In regards to Paris, I would leave it for another trip. There is too much to see there to be able to squeeze it into this itinerary. You’ll need at least 3 days for it, while Milan can be done in one day.

November 5, 2019 at 6:20 pm

Hi Anda.. Greetings from Malaysia.!! Great advice for first time traveller to europe. Me and my friends planning to come over to europe in may next year. We are having some difficulties choosing places to visit as europe is super big and all the places look so beautiful. We will be landing in amsterdam. I would love to go paris,london n also swiss. And we have only two weeks to cover and we have no idea where to start. Super confussed. First time in europe.! Thank you.

November 5, 2019 at 9:30 pm

Hi Reva. Since you land in Amsterdam you could probably do Amsterdam, Paris and London. You need to spend at least 3 days in each of these cities in order to see at least the main points of interest. You probably have time to see one city in Switzerland as well. I would recommend Lucerne, since it’s a smaller one and can be done in about two days. Hope this helps.

September 14, 2019 at 4:10 am

Great suggestions! Planning a trip next June ( I know, I know), your suggestions are great.

September 14, 2019 at 2:10 pm

I’m glad if you found my suggestions useful. Thanks, Jackie.

April 21, 2019 at 6:25 am

Anda, thank you for the very informative article. Loved going through it and your detailed responses to the questions below. I and my wife are planning to travel in August(2nd and 3rd week). We have zeroed in on France(only Paris) and Italy. I know the temperature will be on the higher side, but I guess should be a breeze considering we are from India 🙂 (or are we way off the mark?) What according to you are good destinations to include in the itinerary in Italy, beyond Rome, Venice, and Florence)?

April 21, 2019 at 9:31 am

Hi VB, since your trip to Europe in in full summer, I would suggest a couple of destinations closer to the water. In Italy you can add Cinque Terre and maybe Lake Como. Both of them absolutely spectacular. In France, just about an hour away by plane you can go to he French Riviera. The coast is much cooler and absolutely spectacular. You have places like Nice, Monaco, Cann, Antibes, plus the many perched villages along the coast that are absolutely a dream to visit. Hope this helps.

April 9, 2019 at 8:56 am

I was trying to plan a 20th anniversary trip for myself and my wife in July, 2020. I was planning on just doing a Western trip visiting London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Berlin but now I’m worried it’s going to be too hot. We already live in Charleston, South Carolina (US) which is miserably hot in the summer so we always try to find cooler places to go.

I was thinking of this route because there are now direct flights from CHS to London and I get employee discounts at Hilton properties (about $50 USD/night). There are hotels all within 1.5 miles of the train station in each of those cities so this would be most economical.

I would rather visit Northern Europe because of the cooler weather and because my family immigrated from Sweden. However,, there are no Hilton properties in any of the Scandavian cities except Stockholm.

I’m just wondering if you think it is worth it to spend a lot more to visit Northern Europe or just battle the heat and crowds to visit Western Europe.

April 9, 2019 at 10:15 am

Hi Michael, Europe is very hot and humid in summer, as you already know. I would rather spend a little more and go to countries like Norway, Sweden or the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania). I believe there is a Hilton in Riga as well, if I am not wrong). However, you may want to look into Airbnb as an alternative if you can’t find a Hilton. Most of the time they are way cheaper than a hotel and you get much more for your money.

April 7, 2019 at 11:25 am

This is a great guide! I’ve been searching everywhere for ideas on how to go about a European trip. I’ve never been so I wasn’t sure where to start. Is it possible to do a trip with London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Florence, and Venice? What would be the beat way to do that?

April 7, 2019 at 8:54 pm

Squeezing 7 cities of this size into a 2 weeks trip seems too much to me. I would recommend keeping it at 4, at the most. You will spend too much time on the road and too little time visiting the sites. Florence and Amsterdam could be done in about 4 days, if you just want to rush by, but the other cities requires way more time for proper visiting. I would not advise you to add more than at the most 5 cities to your itinerary, unless you have more than just 2 weeks.

April 6, 2019 at 3:28 pm

Hello Anda,

This article is very informative and useful as I am planning a graduation gift for my girlfriend this summer. She’s a mechanical engineer and loves architecture, but has never been to Europe. I do plan on 2 weeks, give or take a few days. Do to the traveling being in June (not the best time), where would you recommend going? Regarding weather, locations, travel season, etc. I’ve only been to France but was there for wine industry. I’m fine with traveling by train or by car as I have done both. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your time!

April 7, 2019 at 9:01 pm

Hi Nick, I’m glad you found my post useful and informative. Summers in Europe may be very hot, so I would recommend you go to Northern Europe, where the weather is much cooler. And if your girlfriend loves architecture, she will have a blast visiting cities like Stockholm and Riga. I would recommend the Baltic countries and Sweden. You don’t need to drive there. You can fly between the cities for very little money.

March 31, 2019 at 7:45 am

Hi, Anda. I’m taking my daughter to Europe in May. Got a great R/T flight into (and out of) Barcelona. We will be there 2 weeks, and I’d like to add 3 other cities. She really wants to go to Florence (but not Rome??‍♀️). We plan to book a rail pass and Air BnBs. Any recs for our 3 must-see cities. She’s 20 and has never been to Europe.

April 1, 2019 at 1:00 pm

Hi Stacy, Barcelona is a very exciting destination for young people. I’m sure your daughter will love it. You’ll have to decide how many countries you want to include in your two weeks trip. You have quite a few choices in Spain, if you decide to stay only there. You can spend 3 days in Barcelona, then go towards the west and Visit Madrid (3 days), Toledo (a day trip from Madrid), Granada and Sevilla. From there you can fly back to Barcelona. Or you can spend a few days in Barcelona, then go to Paris, Milan and Florence. The second option includes 3 countries, but it will give your daughter a taste of some of the most impressive cities in Europe. Hope this helps.

February 26, 2019 at 9:36 am

I will be visiting Europe for two weeks in may and would like to know what do you suggest we could see as we will arrive in Rome and depart from Paris.

February 26, 2019 at 4:56 pm

Hi Rhea, May is one of the best times to visit Europe. The weather is just perfect and the tourist season is not in full swing yet. Since I don’t know you and your interests, I would make some suggestions based on my own taste and experience. Both Rome and Paris are very big cities and you might want to allow yourself at least 3 days in each one of them. They are packed with attractions, ranging from historic sites and landmarks, to museums, art galleries, parks and restaurants. In Rome you might want to concentrate on the historic center (including the Vatican) and allow yourself a little time to simply wander the streets and admire the beautiful architecture. I wrote a post about the best areas to stay in Rome that will give you an idea about what attractions are in the different parts of the city ( https://travelnotesandbeyond.com/best-areas-to-stay-in-rome/ ). While you are in Italy, you might also want to include Florence and Milan in your itinerary. Florence is not very big and it quite easy to explore (great for art galleries and museums). You could spend 2 days in Florence and one day in Milan ( https://travelnotesandbeyond.com/?s=one+day+in+milan ). From Milan you could go to Switzerland and maybe take a scenic train trip through Zermatt, Interlaken, Lucerne).Or you may go directly to France and visit Marseille, Lyon and then Paris. If this is your first time in Europe I would suggest keeping it simple. Probably just Italy and France would be enough. For Paris, you might want to refer to this post that will give you an idea about what you can see in 3 days: https://travelnotesandbeyond.com/?s=3+days+in+paris . I hope this helps and I hope you’ll come back with some great memories from your trip to Europe.

January 31, 2019 at 9:46 pm

Hi Anda Me and my husband are planning a trip to Europe for 2 weeks in early May 2019. As of now we are planning to visit Prague, Vienna, Budapest & Greece. Could you please suggest if its doable also if its the good time to visit these places.

P.S : We will be visiting Europe for the first time and we are more inclined towards scenic and natural beauty , could you please suggest more affordable options.

Many Thanks ! Parul

January 31, 2019 at 10:20 pm

Hi Parul, Europe is beautiful at any time of year, but particularly in spring. Vienna, Budapest and Prague are very close to each other so can move easily from one to the next (either by train or by car). Trains are very affordable in Europe, especially if you buy a pass. I suggest spending 3 days in each one of these cities to at least get a taste of what they have to offer. You could leave Greece for last, as you will need to take a plane to get there. In regards to affordability, Europe in generally expensive. However, you will find Budapest (and Greece) more affordable overall. For lodging I use Airbnb or VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner), as I get more for my money. Hope this helps.

Vaibhav Jain

February 2, 2019 at 10:21 am

Hey, thanks for this informative and detailed info about getting around in Europe.. every word made sense to me.. I just want a small suggestion from you.. I am solo traveller and will be starting my itinerary as “Prague (2n)-Copenhagen (4N)-Budapest (2N)- Barcelona (3N)- Amsterdam (2N)” in total of about 13 N starting from 13 th March 2019.. My question is : I want to add another city between my trip from Copenhagen to Budapest as I think 4 Nights will be too boring in there.. so can you please suggest which place to add in for 1 N ??? I am getting some real good deals for Brussels, Berlin, Milan… for Ryan Sir & Easy jet from Copenhagen.. please enlighten me for this as I am super confused ??? Thanks in anticipation ….

February 2, 2019 at 3:18 pm

Your itinerary seems pretty busy for 13 days. All these cities you selected make wonderful destinations in themselves. You could easily spend 13 days in each one of them and still have plenty to see and do. My suggestion would be to spend 3 nights in Prague or in Budapest, rather than trying to squeeze in another city into the itinerary. Europe is packed with attractions and if you were to spend any less than 3 days in a big city you’ll be rushing too much. However, if you want by all means to include another city, you can try Milan. You can just concentrate on visiting the Duomo and the area around it and that would be enough for one day. Hope this helps.

October 1, 2018 at 10:41 am

My family has a two week planned trip to Europe and I am having difficulty picking a third location to visit in addition to London & Paris. I am glad I came across your website which is full of good ideas. I could use some help picking a third city and places to stay. One of my challenges for the trip is traveling around Christmas which I understand the trains close.

Some of the other questions I have are: How long is it recommended to be at an airport before a flight between cities like London & Amsterdam? Is taking a train recommended even though it takes twice as long.

Where are the best areas to stay in London, Paris, Amsterdam and Ghent? We would like to rent an apartment in each city.

We arrive at 6:15am on 12/21 in Gatwick and leave on 1/3 in the evening out of Heathrow. What might be the best itinirary taking into account Christmas and New Years?

Thanks, Michael

October 3, 2018 at 10:24 am

Hi Michael, I’m afraid I can’t make any specific recommendation in any of these cities. We usually stay in Airbnb apartments when we don’t stay with friends or relatives in Europe.

Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net)

July 27, 2018 at 4:36 pm

You are so right, Anda – Two weeks in Europe will fly by! We love your itinerary ideas though. Two weeks is such a short time for so many great places to see and enjoy, but these really help make the most of the time. Can’t wait to get back and explore more!

Jennifer Melroy

July 27, 2018 at 2:38 pm

I love exploring northern Europe. The cities have a charm that the rest of the continent lacks. I can’t explain it, but they do. I always feel like they are more welcoming as a city. Plus Stolkhom has the best museums to visit.

Suruchi Mittal

July 24, 2018 at 10:36 am

That is a complete exhaustive guide on Europe. I liked the way how you have divided the itinerary and it is going to be super helpful while we plan up our trip. The 2 weeks really seems like a less time now, for Europe.

Cynthia | Adventuring Woman

July 23, 2018 at 5:12 am

You’ve covered all the important things! I agree that Paris, Amsterdam and London should be #1. I really want to do Vienna, Prague and Budapest. Also the Balkan itineraries. So true that it’s best to spend time really experiencing a place, rather than running around between them.

July 22, 2018 at 12:27 am

These are good itineraries for those who want a quick glimpse of certain areas of Europe. Im not sure on the Nordic ones, I think I need a bank loan for that one. 😀 I found after exploring much of Europe, to see better history, buildings, parks, scenery etc, is to get away from the cities and find the true heart of each country. However, first timers, these are good plans BUT make sure you come back for some more European fun 🙂

July 22, 2018 at 10:58 am

One visit to Europe is never enough, Dabik.

July 21, 2018 at 11:55 pm

Although I agree with you to start with the more popular cities in your first ever trip to Europe and to make sure that all the cities you’re visiting are geographically close to each other (and you’ve grouped them out perfectly), I also think that visiting only the bigger cities in countries like Switzerland, Austria, Greece don’t give you a real flavour of what the country is about. For example- going to Athens and not Santorini would be something I’d not recommend at all! Or going to Zurich and Lucerne but not Interlaken. Having said that, if one wants to focus only on the bigger cities and not venture to the smaller towns and villages, then these itineraries make perfect sense!

July 22, 2018 at 11:00 am

Of course, Medha. Visiting only the bigger cities will barely touch the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. These itineraries are intended for first time visitors to Europe and it is implied the subsequent visits would be necessary to really get the feel of many of these countries.

Christina Pfeiffer

July 21, 2018 at 11:09 pm

Your itineraries certainly highlight the diversity of Europe. There are so many different countries to visit it’s hard to choose! One of the things I love about Europe is that no matter where you go, there’s history, culture and cobblestone streets to discover. Hmm, I think I’m due for another trip to Europe soon!

July 21, 2018 at 11:35 pm

That is so true, Christina. I love everything about Europe!

July 21, 2018 at 9:35 pm

I am a big fan of itineraries! I have created several I want to follow. Sometimes, an itinerary does not work for one particular year but then it is feasible later. From your list, I want to do Northern Europe and the Berlin-Dresden-Wroclaw. I am with you on staying 3-4 days on a city. I do not like to rush places.

July 21, 2018 at 10:19 pm

Planning is part of the fun when you travel, isn’t it?

July 21, 2018 at 9:13 pm

I love your recommendations! I’d love to go and visit Europe one day and this guide will come in very handy. Indeed 2 weeks is such a short time to see the entire continent, but good to know that you can still see as much as long you plan well (especially considering the geographical location and transportation availability).

July 21, 2018 at 10:18 pm

I didn’t realize you haven’t been in Europe, Marvi. Hope you’ll get there soon. You’ll love Europe, I promise!

Jill Chapman

July 21, 2018 at 7:40 pm

I haven’t been to Europe for five years so I am very excited to be heading there this fall. Great tips – we’ve already used a few – booked hotels in the city center or air bnb’s and are traveling off-season a bit but I hope to utilize more when I’m there.

July 21, 2018 at 8:05 pm

I hope you are going to have a great trip, Jill.

July 21, 2018 at 5:31 am

Great idea’s, even for a European. We need to discover more things close to home.

July 21, 2018 at 8:06 pm

Well, if you live in Europe you probably have visited all these places, Wendy.

Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields

July 21, 2018 at 4:09 am

What a useful post. I think those of us who travel frequently forget that there is a lot of basic stuff we just take for granted.

July 21, 2018 at 10:00 pm

So true, Lyn.

July 21, 2018 at 12:45 am

I have spent quite a bit of time in Europe but I still have so much to see. I would love to do your Balkans roadtrip, I haven’t been to that area yet.

July 21, 2018 at 10:01 pm

The Balkans make one of the best European itineraries, Anisa. You should definitely do that road trip.

July 20, 2018 at 6:27 pm

These are all great ideas. Isn’t it such a gift to be able to spend two weeks exploring?? We love to spend 3 days in cities so we know where we want to return… I also love to pair big cities with smaller towns, too. It’s a great to experience both sides of the coin in the same country. I would love to do your Balkan itinerary! Those places all just look beautiful!

July 21, 2018 at 10:05 pm

I love exploring smaller cities too, Sara. However, for first time visitors it’s always better to start with the more popular sites.

July 20, 2018 at 5:02 pm

Great tips for first-time visitors, especially if you have only two weeks. I wish I’ve been to all the destinations you covered … if we could only travel when I was still living in the middle of it ;).

July 21, 2018 at 10:06 pm

Yep, I hear you! I have the same frustration, Emese.

July 20, 2018 at 4:17 pm

Great advice for first time travelers! We did a similar trip, to your first itinerary, when we went to Europe the first time. Ours was London, Paris, Munich, and Amsterdam. I have to agree that giving yourself 3-4 days in each place is ideal. I ended up feeling like I didn’t see much in London, because we were only there for two days of our trip. Thankfully, we were able to return to London for a longer period later.

Tomas Novak

July 20, 2018 at 1:31 pm

As I live in Prague – kind of a center of Europe. It’s pretty easy for me to do this short trips and I think I visited more than half of this cities. I like how you group them in smaller trips by three. I just have to visit the Baltic states and Balkan… hopefully next year. Thanks for your tips

July 21, 2018 at 10:12 pm

It’s much easier to do these trips when you live in Europe, Thomas. The challenge is for people who travel there from far away.

California Globetrotter

July 20, 2018 at 1:11 pm

What a great itinerary you’ve put together, Anda! You’ve hit up all the best cities and I also recommend 3-4 days in each city!

July 21, 2018 at 10:13 pm

I’m glad you agree with me, Lolo. Now that you live in Europe it’s much easier for you to see all these other smaller cities on week-end trips.

Rhonda Albom

July 20, 2018 at 12:51 pm

I think two weeks is a great intro and taster for Europe. Europe is addictive and by the end of those two weeks you’ll already be planning on which areas you want to concentrate on for your next visit. I agree that you should spend three to four days in each city in order to get comfortable and enjoy the feel of the city.

July 21, 2018 at 10:17 pm

Hahaha, you are so right that traveling to Europe becomes addictive. Everybody I know wants to return there to see more.

Priscilla Willis

July 20, 2018 at 6:23 am

Great tips, Anda. Your suggested Itineraries are perfect – it’s difficult to fully experience a destination when you try to do and see too much!

July 20, 2018 at 9:52 am

Good to hear from you, Priscilla. I know you just came back from a trip to Europe. Hope it was fun.

July 20, 2018 at 9:53 am

Good to hear from you, Priscilla. I know you just came back from Europe. Hope you enjoyed your trip.

March 28, 2020 at 11:11 pm

Anda looking for a 14 day itinerary first time in Europe. This is for my 25 Anniversary. Looking to bring my 3 daughters ages 25/22/20. Also looking to invite my in laws 65/72. My wife is first generation born in the states from Hungary. My 72 year old father in-law has a bad ankle is there scooters to rent or would it be a pain in the butt to travel everywhere with it. Also ball Parker cost per person along with either plane or rail tickets to hop around

March 28, 2020 at 11:41 pm

This looks like a multi-generational reunion and a great celebration. Since your wife is of Hungarian descent, you might want to take a trip to Central Europe that would include Hungary as well. I think all of you are going to love Budapest! You could probably do Prague, Vienna, and Budapest and spend at least 3 days in each of these big cities. There are also a few side trips that you can take around them. I wrote extensively about these three destinations, in case you need some ideas on things to do, places to stay and eat in each one of these cities.

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