how to plan europe trip for 1 week

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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.

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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.

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• 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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40+ One Week Itineraries for Europe You’ll Want to Steal ASAP

Last Updated: April 19, 2023

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

One week in Europe might not seem like a lot, but with the right planning, it’s more than enough time for a bucket list adventure that you’ll fondly latergram for years to come.

To show you how, I’ve spent months in a nostalgic cave compiling over forty (yes, 40!) one week itineraries for Europe below based on personal experience that will show you just how much fun you can fit into a 1 week Europe trip.

Yes, these are all itineraries I have personally done at one point or another, so I can vouch for their epic-ness. Plus, in true Christina fashion, I’ve given them all fun names.

Of course, adjust and tweak them as much as you want to suit your needs, especially if you prefer slower-paced travel. I warn you, the itineraries below are ambitious , but with only seven days in Europe, a bit of ambitious-ness is a must!

Save this list of one week Europe itineraries for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

For organizational purposes, I’ve broken down my one week Europe itineraries into the following categories:

• 1 Country, 1 Week Europe Itineraries
• 2 Country, 1 Week Europe Itineraries

3 Country, 1 Week Europe Itineraries

This is a loooong post, but I hope you find it helpful! And of course, feel free to suggest more ideas for spending a week in Europe in the comments. There’s still a lot of this continent I have yet to cover, and this list is far from complete!

1 Country, 1 Week Europe Itineraries 

If you only have a week in Europe, my honest recommendation is to just pick a country and explore it well over the course of the week. So, here are some ideas for amazing one week, one country itineraries in Europe that I can personally vouch for.

NOTE: I’ve arranged all of the following 1 week European itineraries assuming you’ll need the final day to return to your point of departure. Of course, feel free to use that last day as a flex day as well, or to add more breathing room in your itinerary (which I’d definitely recommend if it’s possible!)

The ‘Belgian Bliss’ 1 Week Belgium Itinerary

Places covered: Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp (Optional)

Belgium is hands down one of the most underrated countries in Europe. Thanks to its compact size, one week is enough time to explore multiple cities and taste-test your way through this scenic wonderland of beer, waffles, and chocolate.

Here’s how to spend a week in Belgium:

• Day 1: Land in Brussels, Overnight in Brussels (Brussels hotel recommendations)
• Day 2: Explore Brussels, Overnight in Brussels (Brussels hotel recommendations)
• Day 3: Take train to Bruges (1h), Explore Bruges, Overnight in Bruges (Bruges hotel recommendations)
• Day 4: Explore Bruges, Overnight in Bruges OR Optional Day Trip to Antwerp
• Day 5: Take train to Ghent (25 min), Explore Ghent, Overnight in Ghent
• Day 6: Explore Ghent, Overnight in Ghent OR Optional Day Trip to Antwerp
• Day 7: Departure

Getting around: Train travel in Belgium is super affordable and easy! Use Omio to find the cheapest deals/times, or if you’re under 26, make sure you use the GoPass1 which gets you a 2nd class ticket ANYWHERE in the country for only €6.60.

Want to read more about Belgium? Check out these posts:

• My top Brussels travel tips
• Fun things to do in Ghent
• Fun things to do in Bruges
• My 48h in Bruges Itinerary
• My DIY Antwerp Walking Tour

The ‘Going Dutch’ 1 Week Netherlands Itinerary

Places Covered: Amsterdam & Rotterdam with Optional Day Trips to Haarlem, Utrecht or Giethoorn

The Netherlands is an amazing little country with lots to offer beyond its world-famous capital of Amsterdam. From fairytale day trips like Giethoorn and Utrecht to the ultra-cool offerings of Rotterdam, exploring this country is a great choice if you only have a week in Europe.

Here’s how to spend a week in the Netherlands:

• Day 1: Land in Amsterdam, Overnight in Amsterdam
• Day 2: Explore Amsterdam ( iAmsterdam card recommended!), Overnight in Amsterdam
• Day 3: Explore Amsterdam, Overnight in Amsterdam
• Day 4: [Overnight or Day] Trip to Haarlem, Utrecht or Giethoorn 
• Day 5: Take train to Rotterdam (40 min with Thalys), Overnight in Rotterdam
• Day 6: Rotterdam, Overnight in Rotterdam

Getting around: Public transport in the Netherlands is super quick and convenient! You can use Omio to find the cheapest deals/times, but you will have no trouble doing this itinerary using trains/buses alone. I also recommend 9292 for finding routes.

Want to read more about the Netherlands? Check out these posts:

• The Best Amsterdam Canal Cruises
• I Amsterdam Card Review: Is it Worth It?
• Fun Things to do in Giethoorn
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Keukenhof Gardens

The ‘Swiss Rollin’ Round’ 1 Week Switzerland Itinerary

Places Covered:  Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Thun or Brienz, Lauterbrunnen

I am utterly obsessed with Switzerland, and if money is no object, I think it’s the perfect country to spend a week when you’re in Europe. From elegant cities and jawdropping nature to some of the most scenic train rides in the world, you definitely won’t regret spending a week here.

Here’s how to spend a week in Switzerland:

• Day 1: Land in Zurich, Overnight in Zurich
• Day 2: Explore Zurich, Overnight in Zurich
• Day 3: Take the train to Lucerne (45 min), Overnight in Lucerne
• Day 4: Explore Lucerne, Overnight in Lucerne
• Day 5: Take the train to Interlaken (2h), Explore the Area, Overnight in either Thun or Brienz
• Day 6: Day Trip to Lauterbrunnen Valley (1h by Train), Overnight in either Thun or Brienz

NOTE: Interlaken is often recommended as a base for those visiting the Bernese Oberland, but to be honest, I find both Thun and Brienz to be far prettier. That’s why I’d advise making one of those towns your base instead of Interlaken, or if you’d prefer more time in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, staying overnight in Lauterbrunnen is also a great choice.

Getting around: Public transportation in Switzerland is incredible, and you can easily travel across the country by train. You can use Omio to find the cheapest deals/times, and be sure to download the SBB app to get timetables on your phone.

Want to read more about Switzerland? Check out these posts:

• The Most Scenic Train Rides in Switzerland
• The Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland
• Fun & Unique Things to do in Lucerne
• Fun & Unique Things to do in Chur
• How to Ride the Legendary Gelmerbahn (Switzerland’s Viral “Rollercoaster”)
• The Ultimate Guide to the Glacier Express
• The Ultimate Guide to the Bernina Express

The ‘Great Austrian Classic’ – 1 Week in Austria Itinerary

Places Covered: Salzburg, Hallstatt, Vienna

Austria is an absolutely stunning country with tons of options if you’re looking to combine nature with culture! The following one week itinerary combines some of Austria’s most iconic destinations, including Vienna (Austria’s grand capital), Hallstatt (a true fairytale come to life), and Salzburg (famous for Mozart and the Sound of Music).

NOTE: Hallstatt is more commonly done as a day trip from Salzburg, but I recommend staying overnight if you can simply because the town is not all that enjoyable with all the day trip crowds. Staying overnight means you can wake up early to explore before all the crowds get there, and also allows you to enjoy the peace of it at night.

Here’s how to spend a week in Austria:

• Day 1: Land in Vienna, Overnight in Vienna
• Day 2: Explore Vienna, Overnight in Vienna
• Day 3: Explore Vienna, Overnight in Vienna
• Day 4: Take train to Salzburg (2.5h), Explore Salzburg, Overnight in Salzburg
• Day 5: Explore Salzburg, Overnight in Salzburg
• Day 6: Head to Hallstatt, Overnight in Hallstatt
• Day 7: DIY Hallstatt Walking Tour , Departure

Getting around: Use Omio to find the cheapest deals/times.

The ‘Alternative Austria’ 1 Week South Styria (Austria) Itinerary

Places Covered: Graz and South Styria

While most first-time visitors to Austria will visit the most famous destinations like Vienna and Salzburg, I can highly recommend a visit to Graz and the region of South Styria. This area is known for incredible wine and a laid-back Mediterranean sort of vibe – so much that Graz is informally known as the northernmost Mediterranean city!

Here’s how to spend a week in South Styria:

• Day 1: Arrive in Graz, Explore Graz & Overnight in Graz
• Day 2: Explore Graz, Overnight in Graz
• Day 3: Day trip to Thal (Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum) & Eggenberg Palace, Overnight in Graz
• Day 4: The South Styrian Wine Route, Recommended overnight base: Gamlitz
• Day 5: The South Styrian Wine Route, Recommended overnight base: Gamlitz
• Day 6: Day trip to Maribor (stopping at the famous heart shaped road at Dreisiebner Stammhaus  along the way)

Getting around: A car would be handy for the South Styrian Wine Route portion of this trip, but many hotels offer shuttle services/taxis so you can visit portions of the wine route without driving. Besides that, you can easily do this itinerary with public transport.

The ‘Beautiful Bavaria’ 1 Week Bavaria (Germany) Itinerary

Places Covered: Munich, Berchtesgaden , Optional Day Trips to Neuschwanstein, Salzburg or Nuremberg

I’ve been lucky to call Bavaria home for a few years, and let me tell you: this state is truly magical. The following one week itinerary combines culture with nature in the prettiest possible way, with plenty of flexibility in optional day trips that allow you to choose your own adventure.

WHEN TO VISIT: Munich is home to the world-famous Oktoberfest , but time your visit correctly and you might also catch one of the city’s lesser known beer festivals like the Starkbierfest in the winter or Frühlingsfest in the Spring.

Here’s how to spend a week in Bavaria:

• Day 1: Land in Munich, Overnight in Munich
• Day 2: Explore Munich (here are my favourite things to do in Munich) , Overnight in Munich
• Day 3: Explore Munich OR Optional Day trip to Neuschwanstein or Salzburg
• Day 4: Explore Munich OR Optional Day/Overnight Trip to Nuremberg
• Day 5: Go to Berchtesgaden, Overnight in Berchtesgaden
• Day 6: Explore Berchtesgaden (maybe do a half day trip to the Eagle’s Nest ), Overnight in Berchtesgaden

Getting around: Public transportation in Bavaria is amazing, and you can easily do this itinerary using just trains/buses. I’d highly recommend buying a Bayern Ticket for all your journeys using regional transport – it’s a day ticket that can save you an incredible amount of money, especially if you are travelling in a group. A car might be nice for the Berchtesgaden leg of the journey, but isn’t a must.

Want to read more about Bavaria? Check out these posts:

• The Ultimate Germany Travel Guide
• The Ultimate Munich City Guide
• 99 Awesome Things to do in Munich
• Fun Facts About Munich (Most Locals Don’t Even Know!)
• The Best Things to do in Nuremberg
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Nuremberg Castle
• The Best Things to do in Bamberg
• The Best Things to do in Bayreuth
• How to Spend a Day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Eagle’s Nest

The ‘Doing Deutsch’ 1 Week Germany Itinerary 

Places Covered: Munich and Berlin with Optional Day Trips to Potsdam, Nesuchwanstein, Nuremberg or Berchtesgaden

Germany is a huge country with loads to offer, so a week is barely enough to scrape the surface… but if you like city breaks, then I can recommend this one week Germany itinerary which combines the oh so contrasting cities of Munich & Berlin , along with lovely day trips that showcase some of the country’s top attractions.

Here’s how to spend a week exploring Germany:

• Day 1: Land in Munich, Overnight in Munich
• Day 2: Explore Munich, Overnight in Munich
• Day 3: Explore Munich OR Optional Day Trip to Neuschwanstein, Berchtesgaden or Nuremberg
• Day 4: ICE train from Munich to Berlin (4h), spend more time in whichever city you prefer, Overnight in Berlin
• Day 5: Explore Berlin,  Overnight in Berlin
• Day 6: Explore Berlin OR Optional Day Trip to Potsdam,  Overnight in Berlin

Getting around: The most efficient way to get between Berlin & Munich is the ICE Train which only takes 4 hours. You can use Omio to find the cheapest deals/times, or book directly with DB (their app is very handy to download). For day trips, look into regional day tickets like the Bayern Ticket to save big. Having a car isn’t a must unless you want more flexibility with your day trips.

The ‘Castle Crawl’ 1 Week Germany Itinerary 

Places Covered: Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle, Heidelberg, Koblenz, Burg Eltz

If you’re as obsessed with castles as I am, then head to Germany , where you can spend your week in Europe visiting some of the prettiest and most famous castles in the world. The following itinerary is designed with castle stalkers in mind, with plenty of fairytale magic to carry you through the (admittedly) fast-paced schedule.

• Day 1: Fly into Munich, Overnight in Munich
• Day 2: Day trip to Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau Castles (or take this day trip which also covers Linderhof), Overnight in Munich
• Day 3: Train to Heidelberg, Overnight in Heidelberg
• Day 4: Train to Koblenz, Overnight in Koblenz
• Day 5: Day trip to Burg Eltz , Overnight in Koblenz
• Day 6: Castle hopping along the middle Rhine, Overnight in Koblenz

Getting around: This itinerary was designed to be doable by public transport, but if you’re really a huge castle fanatic and want to visit many more castles along the way, then having a car will help a lot. For public transport, I’d recommend using Omio to find the cheapest deals/times, or booking directly with the DB App . Also look into regional tickets like the Bayern Ticket to save big.

The ‘Cozy Cotswolds’ 1 Week England Itinerary 

Places Covered: Bath, Cirencester, Castle Combe, Tetbury, Bibury, Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, the Slaughters, Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway, Chipping Camden

If you’re looking for the storybook version England with buttery stone cottages, quaint villages and elegant country manors, then you need to visit the Cotswolds. I love this area because there are so many different ways you can explore it!

If you’re more of a slow-paced traveler, then you could easily enjoy a quiet week based in just one town while doing day trips. If however you are a “see it all” type of traveler, then it makes more sense to move around a bit, like in this (ambitious but amazing) Cotswolds itinerary.

Here’s how to spend a (fast-paced) week in the Cotswolds:

• Day 1: Arrive in Bath, Overnight in Bath
• Day 2: Drive to Cirencester, stopping in Castle Combe and Tetbury along the way, Overnight in Cirencester
• Day 3: Explore Cirencester, Day trip to Bibury (and/or Burford), Overnight in Cirencester
• Day 4: Drive to Bourton-on-the-Water, Overnight in Bourton on the Water
• Day 5: Drive to Broadway, stopping at the Slaughters and Stow-on-the-Wold, Overnight in Broadway
• Day 6: Explore Broadway, Day Trip to Chipping Camden, Overnight in Broadway

Getting Around: The Cotswolds are really an area best explored by car, with tons of gorgeous scenery and adorable villages to see that aren’t well serviced by public transport. If you’re relying on public transportation, I’d recommend booking yourself an accessible base like London, Oxford or Stratford-Upon-Avon and then booking day tours like these:

• This full day Cotswolds tour from London
• This full day Cotswolds tour from Oxford
• This full day Cotswolds tour from Stratford-Upon-Avon

Want to read more about England? Check out these posts:

• My Favorite Towns and Villages in the Cotswolds
• The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in England (Besides London!)
• Experiencing the Best of Bath in 2 Days

The ‘Barcelona & Friends’ 1 Week Catalonia (Spain) Itinerary

Places Covered: Barcelona, Girona, Montserrat, Tarragona

Catalonia is one of the few Spanish regions I’ve had the privilege of exploring in depth, and wow – what a place. While many travellers tend to visit Barcelona as a standalone city break, those with a week in Europe should definitely explore beyond the Catalonian capital, like in this itinerary which includes stops in Girona, Montserrat and Tarragona.

Here’s how to spend a week in Catalonia:

• Day 1: Land in Barcelona, Overnight in Barcelona
• Day 2: Explore Barcelona, Overnight in Barcelona
• Day 3: Explore Barcelona, Overnight in Barcelona
• Day 4: [Overnight or Day] Trip to Girona
• Day 5: [Overnight or Day] Trip to Montserrat
• Day 6: [Overnight or Day] Trip to Tarragona

Getting around: I did this trip by train and found it all very convenient. You can use Omio to find the cheapest deals/times for public transport, or alternatively consider renting a car for more flexibility in your sightseeing.

The ‘Bulgari-YEAH!’ 1 Week Bulgaria Itinerary

Places Covered: Sofia, Plovdiv, Seven Rila Lakes, Veliko Tarnovo

I will forever consider Bulgaria one of the most underrated gems in Europe. If you’re looking to spend a week in Europe a bit more off the beaten path, then Bulgaria is an excellent choice. The following 1 week itinerary blends city bustle in Sofia with historic sights and beautiful nature in Rila, along with Veliko Tarnovo, one of my favourite little towns in all of Europe.

Here’s how to spend a week in Bulgaria:

• Day 1: Arrive in Sofia, Overnight in Sofia
• Day 2: Explore Sofia, Overnight in Sofia
• Day 3: Day trip to Plovdiv and the Rila Monastery, Overnight in Sofia
• Day 4: Day trip to the Seven Rila Lakes, Overnight in Sofia
• Day 5: Go to Veliko Tarnovo, Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo
• Day 6: Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo

Getting around: This trip is easily doable with a combination of buses and guided tours. Of course, if you want more freedom with the day trips, having a car is ideal, but not mandatory. I did everything without driving and was fine!

Want to read more about Bulgaria? Check out these posts:

• Unique and Fun Things to do in Bulgaria (That You Can’t Do Anywhere Else!)
• An Insider Guide to Sofia

The ‘Croatian Classic’ 1 Week Southern Croatia Itinerary

Places Covered: Dubrovnik, Korcula, Hvar, Split, Optional Day Trip to Krka Waterfalls

Croatia is an epic country with a lot of ground to cover, but for many tourists, the idyllic islands and cities of Southern Croatia are the ones that call their name. If that’s the case, here is an adapted version of the itinerary I did while sailing with MedSailors . It combines historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split with beautiful islands like Korcula and of course, a pinch of party perfection in Hvar.

Here’s how to spend a week in Southern Croatia:

• Day 1:  Arrive in Dubrovnik, Overnight in Dubrovnik
• Day 2:  Explore Dubrovnik, Overnight in Dubrovnik
• Day 3: Korcula, Overnight in Korcula
• Day 4:  Hvar, Overnight in Hvar
• Day 5:  Split, Overnight in Split
• Day 6:  Explore Split OR Day Trip to Krka Waterfalls, Overnight in Split
• Day 7:  Explore Split + Departure

NOTE: Mljet is a gorgeous stop between Dubrovnik and Korcula that I highly recommend, but it might not be doable if you’re trying to squeeze all these sights into a week. If you’re not big into partying and prefer nature, then I might remove Hvar from this itinerary and go to Mljet instead.

Want to read more about Croatia? Check out these posts:

• Unique and Fun Things to do in Zagreb
• What to Pack for a Croatia Sailing Trip
• MedSailors Review: My Experience Sailing Through Croatia

The ‘Irish You Were Here’ 1 Week Ireland City Break Itinerary 

Places Covered: Dublin, Athlone, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Belfast, Giant’s Causeway

Spending only one week in Ireland is tough, because this country (while small) is packed end to end with incredible sights that you’ll want to add to your itinerary! That’s why I’ve presented two Irish options – this first one which is more city break oriented and doable by train, and a second one below that’s more fast-paced and suited for a road trip where you want to see it all!

Here’s how to spend a week in Ireland (with a focus on city breaks):

• Day 1: Arrive in Dublin, Overnight in Dublin
• Day 2: Overnight in Dublin
• Day 3: Drive to Galway, stopping in Athlone to visit the world’s oldest pub, Overnight in Galway
• Day 4: Day trip to Cliffs of Moher, overnight in Galway
• Day 5: Drive to Belfast, Overnight in Belfast
• Day 6: Giant’s Causeway Day Trip, Overnight in Belfast

Getting around: While a car is ideal for exploring Ireland (especially if you want to see many of the country’s top natural sights), this Irish city break itinerary can be done with a combination of trains and paid day tours.

The “Emerald Isle Be Back” 1 Week Ireland Itinerary

Places Covered: Dublin, Cork, Cobh, Kinsale, Blarney Castle, Dingle Peninsula (or Ring of Kerry), Cliffs of Moher, Galway

So you want to road trip Ireland and take in more natural landscapes than cities? Here’s a one week itinerary that’s a lot more fast-paced than the one above, but will ensure you get your fill of Ireland’s most iconic sights.

NOTE: This is an itinerary I haven’t completed in full, but rather one I drafted up when I was first deciding how to spend my time in Ireland! Since we wanted to cover more of Northern Ireland with our limited time, we ended up scrapping this itinerary and going for one closer to the one above. Nonetheless, if it’s your goal to experience Ireland’s most famous highlights, then here is a (very fast-paced) way to do it!

Here’s how to spend a week in Ireland road tripping:

• Day 2: Explore Dublin, drive to Cork, overnight in Cork
• Day 3: Explore Cork & nearby sights like Cobh, Kinsale & Blarney Castle, Overnight in Cork
• Day 4: Drive to Dingle, Explore the area, Overnight in Dingle
• Day 5: Drive around either the Dingle Peninsula or the Ring of Kerry, Overnight in Dingle
• Day 6: Drive to Galway, stopping at the Cliffs of Moher for the day, Overnight in Galway
• Day 7: Explore Galway + Departure

Getting around: A car is a must for this 1 week Ireland itinerary. If this will be an issue for you and you’d prefer to use public transport, then the other ‘Irish You Were Here’ itinerary above will likely be a better choice.

The ‘Icelandic Dream’ 1 Week Iceland Itinerary 

Places Covered: Reykjavik, Golden Circle, Vatnajökull National Park, Eastfjords, Vatnsnes Peninsula, Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Of all the trips I’ve ever done, road tripping around Iceland’s Ring Road is among the most memorable. If you’re looking for a nature-packed week in Europe, then Iceland is a wonderful option that will absolutely take your breath away. This itinerary crams many of Iceland’s most famous sights into a week… and yes, it’s fast-paced but very, very worth it.

Here’s how to spend a week in Iceland:

• Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Overnight in Reykjavik
• Day 2: Golden Circle (Gullfoss, Geysir Geothermal Area & Thingvellir National Park), Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss & Vik, Overnight in Vik
• Day 3: Vatnajökull National Park Highlights (e.g. Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach), Svartifoss, Overnight in Höfn
• Day 4: Eastfjords Highlights (e.g. Seyðisfjarðarkirkja, Hengifoss) & Diamond Circle Highlights (Mývatn & Dettifoss), Goðafoss, Overnight in Akureyri
• Day 5: Vatnsnes Peninsula Highlights (Hvítserkur, Kolugljúfur Canyon) 
• Day 6: Snaefellsnes Peninsula Highlights (Kirkjusfellfoss, Búðakirkja, Djúpalónssandur Black Beach, Svörtuloft Lighthouse), Overnight in Borgarnes
• Day 7: Return to Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon if time permits, Departure

Getting around: Having a car is a must for this 1 week itinerary, preferably a camper van for optimal flexibility! This is how I did my trip in Iceland and wouldn’t have done it any other way.

Want to read more about Iceland? Check out these posts:

• The Best Places to Visit in Iceland

The ‘Awesome Alsace’ 1 Week Alsace (France) Itinerary

Places Covered: Strasbourg, Obernai, Ribeauvillé, Riquevir, Colmar, Kaysersberg-Vignoble, Eguisheim, Mulhouse, Basel (Optional)

Alsace is a French region that is (in my opinion) one of the prettiest, most fairytale-esque places in the world. Oozing with charm no matter the season, Alsace is an ideal place to visit in Europe for a week whether for Christmas markets or winery-hopping.

The itinerary below is PACKED with locations, but keep in mind the smaller towns included are quite tiny and don’t offer many activities besides strolling around, enjoying the atmosphere and sampling wine until you’re dizzy.

NOTE: I’ve squeezed in an optional day trip to Basel because it’s a cool and awesome city so close to Mulhouse, they share an airport. You might want to skip this though in favour of more time in Mulhouse, depending on how many things you want to do there.

Here’s how to spend a week in Alsace:

• Day 1: Arrive in Strasbourg, Overnight in Strasbourg
• Day 2: Day trip to Obernai, Overnight in Strasbourg
• Day 3: Drive to Colmar, stopping at Ribeauvillé & Riquevir along the way, Overnight in Colmar
• Day 4: Explore Colmar and do a half-day trip to Kaysersberg-Vignoble, Overnight in Colmar
• Day 5: Drive to Mulhouse, stopping at Eguisheim along the way, Overnight in Mulhouse
• Day 6: Optional Day trip to Basel, Overnight in Mulhouse

Getting around: A car really is a must if you want to visit a lot of the region’s charming small towns easily. That said, I’ve purposefully made all the overnight stays on this itinerary accessible by train, so you could potentially still base yourself in these spots and book some day tours to see the smaller towns.

Want to read more about France? Check out these posts:

• 10+ Amazing Places To Visit In France (Besides Paris)
• The Best Places to Visit in Alsace
• The Most Amazing Christmas Markets in Alsace
• A Guide to Christmas In Strasbourg
• A Delightful Guide To Colmar’s Christmas Market
• 100+ Helpful Paris Travel Tips & Tricks
• 50+ Fun & Free Things To Do In Paris
• 20+ Disneyland Paris Tips For First-Timers

The ’Slovenian S’Lovin’ 1 Week Slovenia Itinerary

Places Covered: Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Piran, Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle (Optional)

While not as popular with overseas visitors as some of its neighbours, Slovenia has a ton to offer, from epic castles and pristine lakes to cool, historic cities. The following one week itinerary will give you a little taste of all those highlights, with just enough awesomeness to leave you plotting your return.

NOTE: Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle are both very popular Slovenian attractions located about midway between Piran and Ljubljana. If you’re driving, you could probably do them en route between these destinations, or otherwise squeeze them in as day trips if you wish.

• Day 1: Land in Ljubljana, Overnight in Ljubljana
• Day 2: Explore Ljubljana, Overnight in Ljubljana
• Day 3: Take bus or train to Lake Bled (1.5h), Overnight at Lake Bled
• Day 4: Explore Lake Bled, Day or Overnight Trip to Lake Bohinj
• Day 5: Head to Piran, Optional Stop at Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle en Route, Explore Piran, Overnight in Piran
• Day 6: Explore Piran, Overnight in Piran

Getting around: A car would be ideal for this trip, but it would also be possible to use a combination of trains/buses to get around. I’d recommend using Omio to find the cheapest deals/times.

Want to read more about Slovenia? Check out these posts:

• Hyperlocal Glamping In Slovenia: Soaking In The Big Berry Experience
• The Beauty Of Lake Bohinj, Slovenia: Where To Get The Best View
• Chasing Sunrise At Lake Bled: Getting The Best Views With The Ojstrica Hike

The ‘Mullin’ Round Malta’ 1 Week Malta Itinerary

Places Covered: Valletta, Three Cities, Mdina, Popeye Village, Gozo, Comino

Malta is one of those rare destinations that combines sunny beach resorts with jawdropping historical sights and quirky attractions, all in one affordable package. I’ve been there twice now and dream constantly of going back! The following Malta itinerary is definitely more of a culture break than a “laze in the sun” vacation, but it brings together some Maltese highlights that I’m sure you’ll love.

Here’s how to spend a week in Malta: 

• Day 1: Arrive in Valletta, Overnight in Valletta
• Day 2: Explore Valletta, take a boat to the Three Cities, Overnight in Valletta
• Day 3: Day trip to Mdina, Overnight in Valletta
• Day 4: Head to Gozo, stop at Popeye Village along the way, Overnight in Gozo
• Day 5: Explore Gozo, Overnight in Gozo
• Day 6:  Day trip to Comino, Overnight in Gozo
• Day 7: Return to Valletta

Getting around: While a car would be ideal if you want to explore more places around Malta, it would be possible to do this itinerary relying only on Malta’s extensive bus network.

Want to read more about Malta? Check out these posts:

• Inside Popeye Village: Malta’s Most Surprising Attraction
• The Ultimate Game Of Thrones Guide To Malta: A Bucket List!
• 12 Gorgeous Places To Visit In Malta For Film & TV Lovers

The ‘Portu-please’ 1 Week Portugal Itinerary

Places Covered: Lisbon, Porto, Sintra

Portugal has a little something for everyone, whether you’re itching to laze on a beach, cram in some culture, or eat until you food coma. Well, if you’re visiting Portugal and want to squeeze in as much culture as possible, here is a city-centric Portugal itinerary that will give you a taste of the country’s most famous sights!

Here’s how to spend a week in Portugal with a focus on culture and history:

• Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon, Overnight in Lisbon
• Day 2: Arrive in Lisbon, Overnight in Lisbon
• Day 3: [Day or Overnight] Trip to Sintra (I highly recommend staying the night to avoid other day tripping crowds)
• Day 4: Take the train to Porto, Overnight in Porto
• Day 5: Explore Porto, Overnight in Porto
• Day 6: Explore Porto or Day Trip to the Douro Valley, Overnight in Porto
• Day 7: Return to Lisbon

NOTE: There are a LOT of wonderful palaces and castles in Sintra to visit, so if you are interested in seeing more of those, I might even recommend two nights in Sintra and then cutting one night from Porto (which is a relatively small city and easy to cover in 2 days).

Getting around: This itinerary is doable either by car or by train (which is what I did). Check out the Portuguese National Railway site for more info.

Want to read more about Portugal? Check out these posts:

• 12 Enchanting Sintra Castles & Palaces You Must Visit
• Visit Lisbon Like A Smartie: 9 Silly Mistakes You MUST Avoid

The ‘Beach, Portu-Please” Culture and Sun 1 Week Portugal Itinerary

Places Covered: Lisbon, the Algarve, and Sintra (Optional)

Looking to enjoy some of Portugal’s famous coastline during your week in Europe? If you want equal doses of culture and beachy downtime while visiting Portugal, then this Portuguese itinerary might be more your speed, combining days in the country’s capital along with some lazy days in the famous Algarve region. 

Here’s how to spend a week in Portugal with a mix of culture and beaches:

• Day 2: Explore Lisbon, Overnight in Lisbon
• Day 3: Explore Lisbon or Day trip to Sintra, Overnight in Lisbon
• Day 4: Bus or train to Lagos, Overnight in Lagos
• Day 5: Explore Lagos + Boat Cruise to Ponta da Piedade, Overnight in Lagos
• Day 6: Explore Lagos OR a Day Trip to either Silves or the Benagil Caves, Overnight in Lagos

Getting around: This itinerary is doable either by car or by public transport (which is what I did).

The ‘Dolo-Mighty’ 1 Week Northern Italy Itinerary

Places Covered: Trento, Rovereto, Lago di Tenno, Bressanone / Brixen, Lago di Carezzo, Seceda, Lago di Braies / Pragser Wildsee, Misurina, Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Italy is one of my favourite countries in the world because of its diversity of attractions, and I think Northern Italy’s rugged mountains may be one of the best travel surprises I’ve ever had. For a long time, I only thought of Italy as historic cities and Mediterranean coastline, but (as you’ll see in this itinerary), Italy is home to some jawdropping natural landscapes too.

Here’s how to spend a week in Northern Italy exploring the Dolomites:

• Day 1: Arrive in Trento, Explore Trento, Overnight in Trento
• Day 2: Day trip to Rovereto and Lago di Tenno, Overnight in Trento
• Day 3: Drive to Bressanone / Brixen, stopping at Lago di Carezzo along the way, Overnight in Bressanone / Brixen
• Day 4: Seceda, Overnight in Bressanone / Brixen
• Day 5: Drive to Lago di Braies & explore the area, Overnight in Misurina
• Day 6: Lake Misurina & Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike, Overnight in Misurina

Getting around: This 1 week Europe itinerary for Northern Italy very much requires a car, as heading to all these different spots is nearly impossible if relying solely on public transport.

Want to read more about Italy? Check out these posts:

• Buying Last Supper Tickets In Milan: An Easy Step By Step Guide!
• 40 Things To Do In Milan, Italy (For All Travel Types!)
• 20+ Unique & Fun Things To Do In Sorrento, Italy
• 17 Delightful Things To Do In Burano, Italy (In One Day)
• How To Get From Venice To Burano, The World’s Most Colourful Village
• Things To Do In Genoa: Two Days Among Movies And Culture
• 11 Bologna Food Experiences You Need To Try: A Bologna Foodie Bucket List
• Visit Bologna Like A Smartie: 19 Mistakes To Avoid On Your 1st Bologna Trip
• A Guide To Delightful Rovereto, Italy
• Why Visit Trentino: The Best Part Of Italy You’ve Never Heard Of

The ‘Great Ligurian Love’ 1 Week Italy Itinerary

Places Covered: Genoa, Portofino or Camogli, the Cinque Terre (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza & Monterosso al Mare)

In my university dorm days, I used to sleep with a postcard of Cinque Terre taped above my bed, so it shouldn’t surprise you that this is one of my favourite parts of Italy!

The following one week itinerary focuses on Liguria, with a combination of city & culture in Genoa and of course plenty of gorgeous coastline and relaxation in Portofino and the famous Cinque Terre.

NOTE: I chose Manarola as the base for the Cinque Terre portion of this trip, but this Liguria itinerary can easily be adapted to suit whichever town you prefer to stay in. I’ve stayed in Manarola twice though and can highly recommend it!

Here is how to spend one week in Liguria:

• Day 1: Arrive in Genoa, Overnight in Genoa
• Day 2: Explore Genoa, Overnight in Genoa
• Day 3: Day Trip to Portofonio or Camogli, Overnight in Genoa
• Day 4: Take the train to Manarola, Overnight in Manarola
• Day 5: Day Trip to Riomaggiore & Corniglia, Overnight in Manarola
• Day 6: Day Trip to Vernazza & Monterosso al Mare, Overnight in Manarola

Getting around: The best way to do this trip is hands down by train. You can use Omio to find the cheapest deals/times, or book directly with Trenitalia . Once in the Cinque Terre, I highly recommend getting a Cinque Terre card which will give you unlimited train travel + access to hiking trails.

Want to read more about Liguria? Check out these posts:

• Things To Do In Cinque Terre: The Ultimate Bucket List
• Where To Eat In Manarola, Cinque Terre
• A Corniglia Accommodation Guide For Every Budget
• A Riomaggiore Accommodation Guide For Every Budget
• A Vernazza Accommodation Guide For Every Budget
• A Monterosso Accommodation Guide For Every Budget
• A Manarola Accommodation Guide For Every Budget

The ‘Itali-in Love’ 1 Week Italy Itinerary

Places Covered: Venice, Florence, Rome, Optional stops in Murano, Burano and Pisa

If it’s Italy’s “Greatest Hits” you’re after, this one week Italy itinerary is for you. With Venice, Florence and Rome all in the mix, this fast-paced and ambitious schedule combines Italy’s most visited destinations. If at all possible, I’d recommend stretching this itinerary over 10 days instead so you can explore each city more thoroughly, but with only a week in Europe, this itinerary is doable too, even if it’s exhausting.

Here’s how to spend (a very busy) week in Italy:

• Day 1: Arrive in Venice, Overnight in Venice
• Day 2: Explore Venice and/or half-day trip to Burano/Murano, Overnight in Venice
• Day 3: Take the train to Florence (2h w/ high speed train), Overnight in Florence
• Day 4: Explore Florence and/or half-day trip to Pisa, Overnight in Florence
• Day 5: Take the train to Rome (Under 2h w/ high speed train), Overnight in Rome
• Day 6: Explore Rome
• Day 7 : Departure

Getting around: Train is a great option for getting around Italy, and when taking the high speed trains, it can even be faster than driving. I recommend using Omio to find the cheapest deals/times, or booking directly with Trenitalia .

The ‘Coast and Culture’ 1 Week Italy Itinerary

Places Covered: Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

For a combination of coastlines and culture, here is a one week Italy itinerary that I can recommend. I did a variation of this during my 1st backpacking trip in Europe (read my full 1.5 month Europe backpacking itinerary for more) and really enjoyed it. With Rome, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast all included, this itinerary combines many of the things that make Italy such a fascinating destination.

NOTE : You might notice I didn’t include Naples in this itinerary and that’s because I haven’t properly explored it for myself! You do need to connect in Naples between Rome and Sorrento though, so if you want to schedule some time there (for pizza and whatnot), then that’s easily doable.

• Day 1:  Arrive in Rome, Overnight in Rome
• Day 2:  Explore Rome, Overnight in Rome
• Day 3:  Explore Rome, Overnight in Rome
• Day 4: Take the train to Sorrento, Explore Sorrento
• Day 5:  Day trip to Positano (and/or other Amalfi Coast towns)
• Day 6:  Day trip to Pompeii (and/or other Amalfi Coast towns)
• Day 7:  Departure

The ‘Anda-Lose Yourself’ 1 Week Southern Spain Itinerary

Places Covered: Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Ronda

Southern Spain is magic on Earth – truly.

And while the cities of Andalucia are certainly no secret, there are still many hidden gems to explore in the region, like the Sierra de Aracena for example.

If you’re looking for an “Andalucia” highlights tour though, here is a fast-paced itinerary that will allow you to see all the main sights in the area (although you’ll definitely be exhausted by the end of it!)

NOTE: If you are looking for a more low-key vacation, then I’d recommend trading some of the destinations below in favour of some time in Huelva and the Sierra de Aracena.

Here’s how to spend a week in Southern Spain:

• Day 1: Arrive in Seville, Overnight in Seville
• Day 2: Explore Seville, Overnight in Seville
• Day 3: Go to Córdoba, Explore the city, Overnight in Córdoba
• Day 4: Go to Granada, Explore Granada, Overnight in Granada
• Day 5: Go to Ronda, Overnight in Ronda
• Day 6: Explore Ronda, Overnight in Ronda

Getting around: I would definitely recommend a car for this trip, but you can get between cities quite easily by train/bus. I recommend using Omio to find the cheapest deals/times,

Want to read more about Spain? Check out these posts:

• The Absolute Best Things to do in Barcelona
• My 50+ Best Barcelona Travel Tips
• Unique and Fun Things to do in Lanzarote
• Unique and Fun Things to do in Tarragona

The ‘Perfectly Parisian’ 1 Week Paris Region Itinerary

Places Covered: Paris, Versailles, Optional Day Trips to Giverny and Disneyland Paris

Most visitors who come to Paris attempt to tackle all its sights in just a few days, which is a sure recipe for burnout. Trust me, if you have a week to spend in Paris – take it! From the dreamy romance of Montmartre to all the wonderful free things to do in Paris at your disposal, one week is a great amount of time to spend in the Paris region. 

Of course, if you get bored, you can easily take advantage of one of the many excellent day trips from Paris. Here is a suggested itinerary for you below:

• Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Explore Paris, Overnight in Paris
• Day 2: Explore Paris, Overnight in Paris
• Day 3: Explore Paris, Overnight in Paris
• Day 4: Day trip to Versailles
• Day 5: Explore Paris OR Day Trip to Giverny, Overnight in Paris
• Day 6: Explore Paris OR Overnight / Day Trip to Disneyland Paris 

Getting around: When in Paris, using the Metro is the best way to get around (besides walking of course). I recommend getting a “Carnet” of 10 Metro Tickets to save big. For day trips, they’re all doable by train and you can use Omio to find the cheapest deals/times.

Want to read more about Paris? Check out these posts:

• 100+ Helpful Paris Travel Tips
• 50+ Free Things to do in Paris
• Things to do in Montmartre
• Paris to Disneyland Day Trip Guide
• 20+ Disneyland Paris Tips for First Timers
• Hidden Gems & Secrets at Disneyland Paris

The ‘Czeching Off the Bucket List’ 1 Week Czechia Itinerary

Places Covered: Prague, Cesky Krumlov

Prague is a common stop on most European trips, but if you only have a week to spend in Europe, I highly recommend focusing on Czechia alone and visiting other amazing sights nearby.

This Czechia itinerary combines time in Prague with other lovely sights around South Bohemia, a region I absolutely adore.

Here’s how to spend a week in Czechia:

• Day 1: Arrive in Prague, Overnight in Prague
• Day 2: Explore Prague, Overnight in Prague
• Day 3: Explore Prague or day trip to Kutná Hora, Overnight in Prague
• Day 4: Take the train or bus to Cesky Krumlov, Overnight in Cesky Krumlov
• Day 5: Explore Cesky Krumlov, Overnight in Cesky Krumlov
• Day 6: Day Trip to České Budějovice & Hluboká Castle

Want to read more about Czechia? Check out these posts:

• The Most Magical Places in South Bohemia 
• A Guide to Cesky Krumlov
• Fun Things To Do In Prague For Young Adults
• A Visit To Prague’s Christmas Markets – Worth The Hype?

Getting around: Having a car would be handy for the South Bohemia portion of this itinerary, but you could definitely get around with local buses as well.

The ‘Perfect Potterhead’ 1 Week UK Itinerary

Places Covered: London, Oxford, Edinburgh

If you’re obsessed with Harry Potter and only have a week to spend in Europe, this is the itinerary you need in your life.

It combines all the nerdiest Harry Potter must-dos in the UK, from visiting the real studio where all the HP movies were filmed to riding the Hogwarts Express in real life!

• Day 1: Arrive in London, Overnight in London
• Day 2: Day trip to Warner Bros Studio Tour & Oxford (you can book this day tour from London), Overnight in London
• Day 3: Explore London (check out my Harry Potter in London bucket list ), or Day Trip to Lacock
• Day 4: Take the train to Edinburgh (4h for the quickest ones), Overnight in Edinburgh
• Day 5: Explore Edinburgh or Day Trip to Alnwick Castle , Overnight in Edinburgh
• Day 6: Day trip to ride the “Hogwarts Express” & explore the Scottish Highlands, Overnight in Edinburgh

Getting around: Getting around by train is fairly doable for most parts of this one week European itinerary, apart from some of the day trips which would be easier with a car or with a guided tour. I recommend using Omio to find the cheapest deals/times.

Want to read more about Harry Potter travel? Check out these posts:

• The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Hogwarts In Real Life
• How to Visit the Warner Bros Studio Tour (Harry Potter Tour) in England
• 60+ Magical Places In Harry Potter You Can Visit IRL
• 20+ Harry Potter Filming Locations In London to Visit
• A Very Potter Guide to Durham Cathedral
• A Very Potter Guide to London: Experiences You Can’t Miss
• A Very Potter Guide to Lacock: Filming Locations & More

The ‘GoT Fanatic’ 1 Week Northern Ireland Itinerary

Places Covered: Belfast & all sorts of nerdy Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan with only a week to spend in Europe, then this might be the itinerary you’re looking for. This one week itinerary packs together all the most important GoT sights and attractions in Northern Ireland, and is a trip that I guarantee will make you cry happy nerd tears.

To make this Northern Ireland itinerary public transport friendly, or to simply minimize moving around, you can stay in Belfast as a base the entire time and simply do day tours to various Game of Thrones locations.

NOTE: The following itinerary is very much made for Game of Thrones fanatics, so omits Derry/Londonderry because GoT never filmed there. If you have some extra time though, I do recommend trying to make it there because it’s a lovely place to visit!

• Day 1: Arrive in Belfast, Overnight in Strangford (at the Cuan , where cast members stayed in Season 1 and where you can book a GoT banquet!)
• Day 2: Visit GoT locations south of Strangford, e.g. Tollymore Forest Park, Inch Abbey & Castle Ward, Overnight in Strangford
• Day 3: Explore Belfast, Overnight in Belfast 
• Day 4: Visit GoT locations north of Belfast, e.g. The Dark Hedges, Cushenden Caves, Overnight in Belfast
• Day 5: Drive to Ballintoy, stopping in GoT locations like Murlough Bay, Larrybane Quarry, and non GoT landmarks like Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Overnight at Ballintoy (the Fullerton Arms has lots of fun GoT stuff)
• Day 6: Visit GoT locations west of Ballintoy e.g. Downhill Beach, Dunluce Castle and Portstewart Strand, Overnight in Ballintoy
• Day 7: Return to Belfast

Getting around: We did this trip by car, and I would say that having a car is a must if you want to visit as many Game of Thrones locations as possible.

Want to read more about Game of Thrones travel? Check out these posts:

• The Game Of Thrones to Northern Ireland
• The Game of Thrones Guide To Belfast
• The Game Of Thrones Guide to Morocco
• The Game Of Thrones Guide To Malta
• Game Of Thrones Touring Exhibition: Insider Photos And Honest Review!

The ‘Before Midnight Special’ 1 Week Southern Peloponnese (Greece) Itinerary

Places Covered: Kalamata, Messini, Pilos, Kardamyli, Mystras (Optional)

Superfans of the famous “Before” trilogy will love this special Greece itinerary which brings together ALL the filming locations seen in Before Midnight . Besides film nerd points though, this itinerary is also a great way to explore the Peloponnese – combining historical ruins with adorable little towns and of course, the famous sun-drenched coastline.

Here’s how to spend a week in the Southern Peloponnese:

• Day 1: Arrive in Kalamata, Overnight at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino (the hotel from the movie!)
• Day 2: Visit the ruins of Messini, Overnight at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino
• Day 3: Visit Pilos & Methoni Castle, Overnight at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino
• Day 4: Drive to Kardamyli, Overnight in Kardamyli
• Day 5: Visit the Patrick and Joan Leigh Fermor House, Overnight in Kardamyli
• Day 6: Optional Day trip to Mystras, Overnight in Kardamyli
• Day 7: Return to Kalamata

Getting around: This would be a trip best done with a car. I can’t imagine how it would be possible to do all these locations in a week if relying on public transport.

The ‘Lithu-yay-nia’ 1 Week Lithuania Itinerary 

Places Covered: Vilnius, Trakai, Kaunas, Siauliai

As far as European travel destinations go, I find Lithuania SO underrated! I travelled to Vilnius for the first time a few years ago and absolutely fell in love with the hearty food, lovely architecture and super fun vibe thanks to the city’s vibrant cafe & craft brewing culture. If you’re looking to spend your week in Europe in a less touristy gem, I can highly recommend Lithuania.

Here’s how to spend a week in Lithuania:

• Day 1: Arrive in Vilnius, Overnight in Vilnius
• Day 2: Overnight in Vilnius
• Day 3: Day trip to Trakai, Overnight in Vilnius
• Day 4: Overnight in Kaunas
• Day 5: Overnight in Kaunas
• Day 6: Day or Overnight trip to Siauliai
• Day 7: Return to Vilnius

Getting around: Travelling around Lithuania is very convenient and affordable by bus.

The ‘North Macedoni-Yeah!’ 1 Week North Macedonia Itinerary

Places Covered: Skopje, Matka Canyon, Lake Ohrid, Bitola

For another European destination a bit more off the beaten path, I can highly recommend a visit to North Macedonia – by far one of the most surprising places I’ve encountered in my travels.

This North Macedonia itinerary combines a bit of everything – from the unique city atmosphere of Skopje and Bitola to glorious natural gems like Matka Canyon and Lake Ohrid.

Here’s how to spend a week in North Macedonia:

• Day 1:  Arrive in Skopje, Overnight in Skopje
• Day 2:  Explore Skopje, Overnight in Skopje
• Day 3:  Drive to Lake Ohrid, but stop at Matka Canyon for a Day Trip Along the Way, Overnight in Ohrid
• Day 4:  Lake Ohrid, Overnight in Ohrid
• Day 5:  Lake Ohrid, Overnight in Ohrid
• Day 6:  Drive to Bitola, Explore Bitola, Overnight in Bitola
• Day 7:  Explore Bitola + Departure

Getting around: We did this trip with a car (and I think having one would make your life infinitely easier), but buses are a good option for getting between the main cities, and many tours can be booked for the recommended day trips.

2 Country, 1 Week Europe Itineraries 

If you want to expand your horizons beyond just a single country, here are some ideas for 1 week Europe itineraries that take you to two countries… meaning of course double the culture, food & fun opportunities.

‘Yes We Cannes’ – 1 Week Monaco and Southern France Itinerary

Places Visited: Nice, Cannes, Menton, Monaco

The French Riviera is one of my all-time favourite travel destinations, with gorgeous towns, stunning coastlines and unbeatable weather. The following itinerary will allow you to check both Southern France & Monaco off your bucket list… but trust me, you’ll definitely want to come back for more.

So, here’s how to spend a week in Southern France & Monaco:

• Day 1: Arrive in Nice, Overnight in Nice
• Day 2: Explore Nice, Overnight in Nice
• Day 3: Day Trip to Cannes, Overnight in Nice
• Day 4: Go to Menton (40 min by train), Overnight in Menton
• Day 5: Explore Menton, Overnight in Menton
• Day 6: Day Trip to Monaco (here are my top budget-friendly things to do in Monaco ), Overnight in Menton

Getting around: All the destinations in this 1 week Europe itinerary are very close together, so you’ll have no trouble getting around by bus or train. I’d recommend using Omio to find the best options. 

The ‘Europa Classic’ – 1 Week Paris and London Itinerary 

Places Visited: Paris, London, Optional Day Trips to Versailles or Disneyland Paris

If it’s your first time in Europe and iconic cities are what you’re after, there’s no better combo than Paris and London, who are conveniently linked by the EuroStar.

This itinerary brings you to both world-famous capitals, with just enough time to see why they rank among the most popular capitals in the world to visit.

NOTE: This itinerary can easily be done the other way around.

So, here’s how to spend a week in London & Paris:

• Day 2: Overnight in London
• Day 3: Overnight in London
• Day 4: Go to Paris (2.5h with EuroStar), Overnight in Paris
• Day 5: Overnight in Paris
• Day 6: Optional Day Trip to Disneyland Paris or Versailles, Overnight in Paris

Getting around: The EuroStar is the quickest option to get between Paris and London, although it’s definitely not the cheapest! I’d recommend using Omio to find the cheapest deals/times and to explore all the possible options.

The ‘Scandinavian Dream’ – 1 Week Copenhagen and Stockholm Itinerary

Places Visited: Copenhagen, Stockholm, Optional Day Trips to Uppsala and Malmö

Great food, awesome architecture, and a relaxed, laidback lifestyle are just a few reasons to put Scandinavia on your bucket list.

If you’re hankering for a fun city break, this itinerary combines two of Northern Europe’s most dynamic cities for a week long vacation you definitely won’t forget.

NOTE: You can easily do this either way round, and if you want something more fast-paced, consider adding Malmö or Gothenburg in between so you can see more!

So, here’s how to spend a week in Stockholm & Copenhagen:

• Day 1: Arrive in Stockholm, Overnight in Stockholm
• Day 2: Explore Stockholm, Overnight in Stockholm
• Day 3: Optional day trip to Uppsala, Overnight in Stockholm
• Day 4: Take the train to Copenhagen, Overnight in Copenhagen
• Day 5: Explore Copenhagen, Overnight in Copenhagen
• Day 6: Explore Copenhagen or Optional day trip to Malmö, Overnight in Copenhagen

Getting around: A direct high speed train between these cities will only take about 5.5 hours, whereas flying is only 1.5h. With commute/wait times added in, taking the train makes more sense than flying, although taking the bus will always be the cheapest option (about 10h without delays). You can use Omio to compare the different options to see what makes the most sense for your needs.

The ‘Classical Beauty’ – 1 Week Dresden and Prague Itinerary

Places Visited: Dresden and Prague, Optional day trips to Český Krumlov & Saxon Switzerland National Park

If elegant architecture and historic cities are more your vibe, this city break combination ft. Dresden and Prague is one I can highly recommend.

These two cities are among the most beautiful in Europe, and are both filled with fascinating historical sights and museums. Pick this one week European itinerary and I promise you won’t regret it!

So, here’s how to spend a week in Prague & Dresden

• Day 2: Overnight in Prague
• Day 3: Explore Prague or optional day/overnight trip to Český Krumlov
• Day 4: Take the bus to Dresden, Overnight in Dresden
• Day 5: Explore Dresden, Overnight in Dresden
• Day 6: Explore Dresden or Day Trip to Saxon Switzerland National Park, Overnight in Dresden

Getting around: Taking the bus between Dresden and Prague is convenient, affordable and relatively quick, with a journey time of just under 2h. I’d recommend checking your options on Omio , but I’ve done this route a few times with RegioJet and always had a good experience.

‘Regal City Breaks’ – 1 Week Munich and Vienna Itinerary

Places Visited: Munich, Vienna, Optional: Neuschwanstein Castle and Salzburg

Munich + Vienna is another excellent city break combination if you’re looking for your fill of culture and gorgeous scenery.

The itinerary below also includes optional day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle (famous for inspiring Walt Disney) and Salzburg (where most of the Sound of Music was filmed).

So, here’s how to spend a week in Munich & Vienna:

• Day 1: Arrive in Munich, Overnight in Munich
• Day 2: Explore Munich, Overnight in Munich
• Day 3: Optional Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle , Overnight in Munich
• Day 4: Take train to Vienna (4h) OR go to Salzburg, spend the day, then take the train to Vienna, Overnight in Vienna
• Day 5: Explore Vienna, Overnight in Vienna
• Day 6: Explore Vienna, Overnight in Vienna

Getting around: Train travel is super convenient in this region, and I’d definitely recommend it over buses which can be more unpredictable (and subject to issues like traffic). I recommend using Omio to find the cheapest deals/times.

“Styria-sly Awesome” – 1 Week South Styria (Austria) and Slovenia Itinerary

Places Visited: Graz, Ljubljana, Lake Bled Optional stops in South Styria’s wine region and Maribor

Wine, nature, and culture come together in this awesome one week itinerary in Austria and Slovenia.

This trip combines the idyllic South Styrian region of Austria with Slovenia’s capital of Ljubljana, along with (arguably) its most famous attraction: Lake Bled. If it’s a more relaxing one week in Europe you’re looking for, this itinerary has a bit of everything, and definitely won’t disappoint.

NOTE: If you want to add one more stop into this 1 week itinerary, consider making a stop in Maribor which is along the way between Graz and Ljubljana.

So, here’s how to spend a week in South Styria & Slovenia:

• Day 1: Arrive in Graz, Overnight in Graz
• Day 3: Explore Graz or Day/Overnight Trip around the South Styrian wine region
• Day 4: Take the bus to Ljubljana, Overnight in Ljubljana
• Day 5: Explore Ljubljana, Overnight in Ljubljana
• Day 6: Day or Overnight Trip to Lake Bled

Getting around: Having a car for this journey will give you the most flexibility, but the main stops (Graz and Ljubljana) are well connected by bus as well. The advantage of having a car though is you can easily visit the South Styrian wine region and Lake Bled at your own pace. Those wanting to still do those trips though can find day tours from the main cities.

The ‘1 Week Skopje & Pristina Itinerary

Places Visited: Skopje, Matka Canyon, Pristina, Prizren

This may not be the most conventional European city break, but hear me out! Skopje and Pristina are two absolutely fascinating places to visit.

Skopje for instance offers one of the most eclectic mixes of architecture you’ll find in any capital ( it’s a long story ), with 300+ statues in the city center and a fascinating Ottoman Old Town, while Pristina has a thriving café & restaurant culture, along with unique landmarks like a library that ranks among the world’s ugliest buildings.

As a bonus, both top the rankings for cheapest capitals to visit in Europe , meaning this itinerary is possibly the most affordable one on the list.

So, here’s how to spend a week in Skopje & Pristina:

• Day 3:  Day trip to Matka Canyon, Overnight in Skopje
• Day 4:  Drive to Pristina, Overnight in Pristina
• Day 5:  Explore Pristina, Overnight in Pristina
• Day 6:  Day trip to Prizren, Overnight in Pristina

Getting around: We did this trip by car and would definitely recommend driving, although you’ll also find connections by bus.

The ‘Baltic Bliss’ – 1 Week Riga & Vilnius Itinerary

Places visited: Riga, Rundale Palace, Vilnius, Trakai

The Baltics are another region of Europe I find woefully underrated, and this itinerary will allow you to see exactly why I feel that way! Riga and Vilnius are two awesome capitals with plenty to explore, from Riga’s glorious art nouveau scene to Vilnius’ many beautiful churches and awesome café culture.

So, here’s how to spend a week in Riga & Vilnius:

• Day 1:  Arrive in Riga, Overnight in Riga
• Day 2:  Explore Riga (here are my favourite things to do in Riga ), Overnight in Riga
• Day 3:  Day trip to Rundale Palace, overnight in Riga
• Day 4:  Take the bus to Vilnius, Overnight in Vilnius
• Day 5:  Explore Vilnius, Overnight in Vilnius
• Day 6:  Day trip to Trakai, Overnight in Vilnius

Getting around: You can easily get between these two cities by bus. A few different companies service this route but they all take about 4-5 hours. I’d recommend checking your options on Omio to see what works best for you.

Unless you have the stamina of an Olympian, I wouldn’t advise trying to cram 3 countries into a single week in Europe… but hey, sometimes a week is all you have to work with, and you want to see it all!

If that sounds like you, here are some ambitious but doable itineraries that will ensure you get to see plenty in a short time!

“The Awesome Adriatic” -Dubrovnik, Mostar and Kotor 1 Week Itinerary

Places Visited: Dubrovnik, Mostar, Kotor

This trifecta of destinations is a popular route among backpackers and cruisers alike for its convenience and astounding beauty. If you’re looking for a combination of historic old towns and scenic nature, this is an amazing way to spend a week in Europe!

Here’s how to spend a week in Dubrovnik, Mostar & Kotor:

• Day 1: Arrive in Dubrovnik, Overnight in Dubrovnik
• Day 2: Explore Dubvrovnik, Overnight in Dubrovnik
• Day 3: Take bus to Mostar, Overnight in Mostar
• Day 4: Bosnia & Herzegovina Highlights Day Trip, Overnight in Mostar
• Day 5: Take bus to Kotor, Overnight in Kotor
• Day 6: Explore Kotor OR Day Trip to Perast, Overnight in Kotor 

Getting around: Bus is by far the easiest way to travel between these cities. There’s a lot of different local bus companies that will service these routes, and to be honest I just went to bus stations once I arrived to get my tickets since there didn’t seem to be many reliable options online. There will also be a lot of local transfer companies eager to drive you too if you’re looking for a private transfer.

“Drifting Down the Danube” – Vienna, Bratislava & Budapest 1 Week Itinerary

Places Covered: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest

The Danube is the second longest river in Europe, flowing from the Black Forest to the Black Sea. Halfway (ish) through is where you’ll find a stretch connecting three of Europe’s prettiest capital cities: Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. The close distance between these three cities makes it perfect for a week long trip in Europe.

Here’s how to spend a week exploring Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest:

• Day 1: Arrive in Vienna, Overnight in VIenna
• Day 2: Explore Vienna, Overnight in VIenna
• Day 4: Take a bus or boat to Bratislava (About 1.5h), Overnight in Bratislava
• Day 5 : Take a bus or train to Budapest (About 2.5h), Overnight in Budapest
• Day 6: Explore Budapest, Overnight in Budapest

Getting around: Transportation between these three cities is super quick, easy, and cheap. You can use Omio to compare the different options, but overall a combination of buses, trains or even boat rides would be best.

“The Benelux Express” – Amsterdam, Brussels & Luxembourg 1 Week Itinerary

Places Visited: Amsterdam, Brussels & Amsterdam

Benelux (despite sounding like an off-brand hand cream) in fact refers to Belgium, the Netherlands & Luxembourg – three small European countries with quick and convenient train connections that make spending a week there super easy and fun. That’s right – you can take a canal cruise in Amsterdam, gorge on waffles in Brussels, and visit fortresses in Luxembourg… all in a week!

Here’s how to plan for a week in Amsterdam, Brussels and Luxembourg:

• Day 1: Arrive in Amsterdam, Overnight in Amsterdam
• Day 2: Overnight in Amsterdam
• Day 3: Overnight in Amsterdam
• Day 4: Take the train to Brussels, Explore Brussels Overnight in Brussels
• Day 5: Explore Brussels, take the train to Luxembourg City & Stay Overnight
• Day 6:  Explore Luxembourg City (here are my top things to do in Luxembourg City ), Overnight in Luxembourg City

Getting around: The best way to get between these major cities is by train. I’d recommend using Omio to find the quickest and cheapest options.

“The Alpine Dream” – Switzerland, Germany and Liechtenstein 1 Week Itinerary

Places Covered: Zurich, Vaduz, Munich

Hoping to check off Swiss chocolate, Bavarian beer, and the world’s 6th smallest country in a single trip? Well, this three country itinerary combines elegant Zurich with quirky Vaduz and gorgeous Munich for the ultimate city break trip through central Europe!

Here’s how to spend a week in Zurich, Vaduz & Munich:

• Day 1: Arrive in Zurich, Overnight in Zurich
• Day 2: Overnight in Zurich
• Day 3: Take the train to Vaduz, Explore Vaduz, Overnight in Vaduz
• Day 4: Explore Vaduz, take the train to Munich, Overnight in Munich
• Day 5: Overnight in Munich
• Day 6: Overnight in Munich

Getting around: This trip is easily doable with a combination of trains and/or buses. I’d recommend using Omio to find the cheapest deals/times.

The ‘Before Trilogy Special’ – 1 Week in Vienna, Paris & the Peloponnese

Places Covered: Vienna, Paris, around the Southern Peloponnese

If you’re a “Before” trilogy superfan, then this itinerary is for you! Trace the footsteps of the most iconic travel couple in cinematic history, Jesse and Céline, in this three country tour that includes stops in Vienna, Paris & the Peloponnese. This ambitious itinerary is only recommended for the most rabid of “Before” fans, but if that’s you, I promise you’ll love this trip.

Here’s how to spend the perfect “Before” week in Europe:

• Day 1: Arrive in Vienna, Overnight in Vienna
• Day 3: Fly to Paris, Overnight in Paris
• Day 4: Explore Paris, Overnight in Paris
• Day 5: Fly to Kalamata, Overnight at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino (the hotel from Before Midnight!)
• Day 6: Drive to key Before Midnight locations like Messini, Pilos, Platsa & Kardamyli, Overnight at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino (the hotel from Before Midnight!)

Getting around: Since these three destinations are quite far apart, the only feasible option for getting between them quick enough for a 1 week itinerary is flying.

I hope these 1 week itineraries for Europe were helpful!

Let me know in the comments if you have any more questions or itineraries to suggest. There’s a lot of Europe I have yet to cover, so feel free to throw your recommendations below.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

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✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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40+ One Week In Europe Itineraries

Planning a trip to Europe and only have one week? No problem!

One week in Europe might not seem like much time. But with some advance planning and ambition, you can definitely have an amazing experience.

To help you get started prioritizing and give you some destination inspiration, I’ve picked my top 43 itineraries for spending one week in Europe. 

I’ve been traveling to Europe for decades, since a semester abroad in London in college ignited my wanderlust. I’m a real Europhile and it’s by far my favorite travel destination.

Some of these itineraries include Europe’s most popular towns and cities. Others give you more off the beaten path destinations or natural wonders.

You can pick a sample itinerary to match your own interests — whether you want a glamorous city, historical and cultural options, outdoor scenery, or beaches.

There are essentially two ways to structure a one week in Europe trip. You can move around 2-3 times for a fast-paced trip that checks off bucket list items. Or, you choose a single base or region for a week and take day trips from there.

These itineraries assume you have arrived and are ready to go on day 1. But you can also use day one as an arrival day and you’ll likely still have some time to explore.

One Week In Europe Itineraries

Here they are! I’ve grouped these one week Europe itineraries by country or geographical region. It’s a long post (sorry), but there’s a lot to see in Europe!

1. Paris + Day Trips Itinerary

If you have the chance to spend one week in Paris , I say grab it! I’ve spent one week in Europe this way on a several occasions and highly recommend it. In fact, as I write this, I’m in Paris for a week to enjoy the holiday festivities and visit some new museums.

Paris is legendary as a city of romance. It’s filled with amazing things to do, many of which are perfectly free.

You can visit legendary museums, walk down cobbled streets in the Latin Quarter and Montmartre , or climb the Eiffel Tower which becomes a giant sparkler at night.

It’s super easy to day trip from Paris by train or via guided day tours. Some of the most popular ones, which I’ve included on my itinerary below are a day trip to Versailles , a day trip to Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte , and a guided day trip to Claude Monet’s house and garden in Giverny .

Here’s how to spend one week in Paris:

• Day 1 : Paris
• Day 2 : Paris
• Day 3 : Paris
• Day 4 : Day trip to Versailles
• Day 5 : Day trip to Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte
• Day 6 : Day trip to Provins or Giverny
• Day 7 : Paris

For more details, you can check out the many guides and itineraries on my Paris page .

2. Paris + Alsace Itinerary

This one week in Europe itinerary combines Paris with the wine region of Alsace. Practically bulging into Germany, the Alsace is another world from Paris.

You can admire some of the world’s most eye-catching half-timbered houses and streets that look like architectural stage sets. Traveling foodies can sample white whites on the Route du Vin and dine on the Franco-Germanic cuisine.

You can even sneak in a day trip to the cool Swiss city of Basel, which is just over the border in Switzerland. If you visit in the winter, you’ll find some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

Here’s how to spend one week in Paris and the Alsace:

• Day 1:  Paris
• Day 2:  Paris
• Day 3:  Paris
• Day 4:  Drive to Colmar, stop in Ribeauville & Riquewhir
• Day 5:  Colmar
• Day 6:  Drive to Mulhouse, stopping at Eguisheim
• Day 7:  Day trip to Basel Switzerland

3. Loire Valley Itinerary

Studded with beautiful chateaux, the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley is famous for its centuries old fairytale chateaux, natural beauty, and great wines.

The chateaux come complete with extravagant facades, opulent interiors, and splendid gardens. The best way to see these beauties is on a Loire Valley road trip by car.

Here’s how to spend one week in the Loire Valley:

• Day 1 : Depart from Paris, stop in Chartres en route to Blois
• Day 2 : Visit Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Cheverny from Blois
• Day 3 : Drive to Amboise and visit Chateau d’Amboise and Chateau du Clos Luce
• Day 4 : Visit Chateau de Chenonceau and Chateau de Chaumont
• Day 5 : Drive to Chinon, stop at Chateau de Villandry and Chateau d’Usse
• Day 6 : Visit Chateau de Langeais and Chateau Azay-le-Rideau
• Day 7 : Visit Royal Abbey Fontevraud and Chateau d’Angers

4. Provence Itinerary

Provence  is a dreamy, bucolic history book of a land, perfect for a geographical cure.

Provence has everything the mind conjures when you think of Europe — medieval lanes, clifftop panoramas, lyrical seascapes, pastel houses with French blue shutters, and a “step back in time” vibe. Ahh …

The nearest airport is in Marseille, so you should fly in there or take a high speed TVG train from Paris.

You could pick just one base in Provence and rent a villa. Alternatively, you could pick one base in western Provence ( Arles ) and one in eastern Provence in the Luberon Valley (Loumarin).

Here’s how to spend one week in Provence:

• Day 1 : Arrive Arles
• Day 2 : Arles
• Day 3 : Day trip To Les Baux and Avignon, dinner in St. Remy
• Day 4 : Drive to Lourmarin, stop in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and/or Menerbes on the way
• Day 5 : Explore Lourmarin and Bonnieux or Lacoste
• Day 6 : Day Trip to Gordes and Roussillon
• Day 7 : Day trip to Aix-en-Provence, Vaison-la-Romaine

To help plan your trip, check out my 10 day itinerary for southern France , hidden gems in Provence , and beautiful towns of the Luberon .

I also have a one day in Vaison-la-Romaine itinerary and a one day in Avignon itinerary .

5. Dordogne Itinerary

Want to get away from the big city and have a bucolic week in Europe? Head to the Dordogne. It’s a gorgeous region in southwestern France, extending from Bordeaux to Auverge.

What makes it special? There are endless vineyards, ridiculously pretty UNESCO-listed villages that are crumbly from age, and Michelin star restaurants galore.

You can go wine tasting, cheese tasting, take a cooking class, or go truffle hunting. The options are endless!

To visit the Dordogne, you fly into Bergerac or Brive Airport. You’ll definitely need a car to get around in this region. Here’s how to spend one week in the Dordogne:

• Day 1 : Arrive in Brive
• Day 2 : Collanges-la-Rouge
• Day 3 : Rocamadour
• Day 4 : Rocamadour & Martel
• Day 5 : Sarlat
• Day 6 : Sarlat
• Day 7 : Issigeac & Bergerac

6. Normandy Itinerary

Normandy is a region steeped in history. From its picturesque pastures to ancient fishing harbors, Normandy is a bucolic melange of medieval towns, sun-drenched seaside resorts, and towering Gothic cathedrals.

Normandy’s landscapes inspired the Impressionist painters. D-Day beaches commemorate the horrors of WWII. In Bayeux, a 1,000 year old tapestry tells the story of medieval warfare and sieges.

You can base yourself in Rouen, Honfleur, and/or Bayeux. The distances in Normandy aren’t far apart to drive.

Here’s how to spend one week in Normandy:

• Day 1 : Drive to Rouen, stop in Giverny
• Day 2 : Rouen
• Day 3 : Honfleur
• Day 4 : Day Trip To Etretat and/or Fecamp
• Day 5 : Day trip to Le Havre or Deauville
• Day 6 : Drive To Bayeux
• Day 7 : Day Trip to D-Day Beaches

To get all the details for your trip, here’s my one week in Normandy itinerary and my guide to Giverny .

7. Champagne Region Itinerary

Why spend one week in Europe in France’s Champagne region? This gorgeous countryside region is just 80 minutes by train from Paris.

You can see one of the world’s great cathedrals and stock up on bubbly. Personally, I think Champagne is divine and underrated in the world of drinkables (although wine snobs don’t like to pair it with food).

The cathedral city of Reims is the capital of the Champagne region. Nearby Epernay considers itself the capital of sparkling wine itself. Epernay is prettier than Reims too — a jewel of graceful streets and centuries old mansions.

With or without a glass of champagne, a visit to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims is unforgettable. Some experts think it’s France’s most beautiful cathedral, surpassing even Notre Dame in Paris.

Most Champagne houses have public tours on weekdays. Here’s how to spend one week getting tipsy in the Champagne region:

• Day 1 : Troyes
• Day 2 : Epernay
• Day 3 : Epernay
• Day 4 : Riley-la-Montage at Chateau de Rilly
• Day 5 : Reims
• Day 6 : Reims
• Day 7 : Reims, back to Paris

Check out my guide to the romantic hidden gem of Troyes , a gorgeous half-timbered town, and my one day in Reims itinerary .

8. French Riviera Itinerary

The French Riviera is a glamorous seaside strip in southeast France. You can visit the aristocratic Monaco, sexy St. Tropez, medieval Eze, and red carpet Cannes. There are a million Michelin restaurants.

Nice doesn’t have the glitz of some of the better known Riviera superstars. But I think it’s a chic and underrated city.

Nice has an atmospheric and pedestrianized old quarter, centuries old wine cellars, and some cool eateries and bars.

Here’s how to spend one week in the French Riviera:

• Day 1:  Nice
• Day 2:  Nice
• Day 3 : Day trip to Villefranch-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
• Day 4:  Day trip to Monaco & Eze
• Day 5:  Antibes and Cannes
• Day 6 : St. Paul de Vence
• Day 7 : Nice

9. Paris + London

This is a dynamite one week in Europe itinerary with two of my favorite big cities, Paris and London.

I mentioned Paris above. But London is definitely on par with Paris, both in terms of history and culture.

In London, you can visit famous landmarks, art galore, and iconic neighborhoods. If you’re an art lover, you can visit London’s best museums . History buffs can tour Roman London or Medieval London . If you’re a repeat visitor, you can check out London’s hidden gems .

Here’s how to spend one week in London and Paris:

• Day 1:  Arrive in London
• Day 2:  London
• Day 3:  London
• Day 4:  Train through the Chunnel to Paris
• Day 5:  Paris
• Day 6:  Paris
• Day 7:  Paris

You may find these Paris and London itineraries helpful in planning:

• 3 days in Paris itinerary
• 5 days in Paris itinerary
• 3 days in London itinerary
• 5 days in London itinerary

10. Northern Spain

Now I’m moving on to tackle Spain.

Are you a person who loves natural beauty? If so, spend one week in Europe in northern Spain. Called “Green Spain,” it’s a less touristy region of dramatic landscapes and idyllic towns.

This itinerary starts and ends in the exciting city of Bilbao. It’s a small foodie city beautifully situated amid rolling green hills and mountain ranges. It’s chock full of historic landmarks, modern starchitecture, Michelin restaurants, and world class museums.

Then you’ll journey on, hugging the coast, to some of the prettiest hidden gems in Spain that will charm your socks off.

Here’s how to spend one week in northern Spain:

• Day 1 : Bilbao
• Day 2 : Day trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
• Day 3 : Santillana Del Mar & Comillas
• Day 4 : Oviedo
• Day 5 : Day trip to Cudillero
• Day 6 : Day trip to Gijon
• Day 7 : Oviedo to Bilbao

For more details, you can check out my 1 week in northern Spain itinerary , my 2 days in Bilbao itinerary , and my guides to Gaztelugatxe and Santillana del Mar .

11. Basque Region Itinerary

Spain’s Basque Spain is divine place to spend one week in Europe. It’s unexpectedly and energetically diverse.

Every time I’ve traveled there, I’ve been seduced by its breathtaking landscapes, art-filled museums, and UNESCO landmarks, north to south.

In the Basque country, you can visit secret Spanish fishing villages, with flower-laden balconies. Or, you can glitz it up in ritzy resort towns like San Sebastian or cultural havens like Bilbao. 

If you love seafood, sun, and breathtaking coastal vistas, Basque Spain is your place. Here’s how to spend one week in the Basque region:

• Day 2 : Bilbao or day trip to Onto & Arantazau
• Day 3 : San Sebastián
• Day 4 : San Sebastián
• Day 5 : Day trip to Hondaribbia
• Day 6 : Day trip to Biarritz France
• Day 7 : Day trip to Gernika or Lekeitio

For more information on what to see, check out my 10 days in Basque Spain itinerary .

12. Barcelona + Day Trips

Barcelona is the perfect base for spending one week in Europe. Rich in historic sites, this cosmopolitan city boasts some of the world’s most unique and surrealistic architecture. It’s bordered on one side by mountains and the other by miles of golden sand beaches.

In Barcelona, you can study the works of Picasso, Miro, and Dali. Or pose with Antoni Gaudi’s fantastical Seussian architecture and fairytale houses.

Barcelona has an impressive diversity of neighborhoods. Architecturally and culturally, the city lends itself to endless discovery. And the tapas is to die for!

From Barcelona, it’s easy to day trip to Montserrat , day trip to Girona , and explore the beautiful towns on the Costa Brava like Cadaques, Besalu, Pals, and Tossa del Mar.

Here’s how to spend one week in Barcelona:

• Day 1 : Barcelona
• Day 2 : Barcelona
• Day 3 : Barcelona & Montserrat
• Day 4 : Day trip to Girona
• Day 5 : Costa Brava
• Day 6 : Costa Brava
• Day 7 : Costa Brava

You can check out my 3 days in Barcelona itinerary and my Barcelona page for more information.

13. Central Spain

This one week in Europe itinerary takes you to central Spain. You can base yourself in Madrid and take day trips from there.

Madrid is a genteel capital, a hub of culture and old world elegance. It’s a beautiful thriving city studded with fantastic public squares and tree-lined boulevards, art-filled museums, and a lavish palace.

The city is surrounded by a swathe of must see towns that are easy to visit on a day trip from Madrid . Here’s how to spend one week in Central Spain:

• Day 1 : Madrid
• Day 2 : Madrid
• Day 3 : Day trip to Segovia
• Day 4 : Day trip to Toledo
• Day 5 : Day trip to Salamanca
• Day 6 : Day trip to Avila
• Day 7 : El Escorial, Cuenca, or Valladolid

You can check out my 2 days in Madrid itinerary to get you started.

14. Southern Spain

Andalusia is a dreamy region in southern Spain. It’s an especially great off season winter destination.

Andalusia is perpetually sunny and boasts a well-balanced mix of exciting cities, UNESCO sites, hidden gems, tiny whitewashed villages, and natural wonders.

For this one week in Europe, you should base yourself in Seville and Granada and rent a car to drive to the smaller towns. (You can take the high speed train to Cordoba or visit on a guided day tour from Seville.) Driving is a breeze in Andalusia, just don’t drive into the historic center of town.

Here’s how to spend one week in southern Spain:

• Day 1 : Seville
• Day 2 : Seville
• Day 3 : Day trip to Cordoba
• Day 4 : Ronda
• Day 5 : Antequera & Frigiliana
• Day 6 : Granada
• Day 7 : Granada

For more information, here’s my 10 days in Andalusia itinerary and guides to Seville , Granada , Cordoba , the Royal Alcazar , and the Alhambra .

15. Greatest Hits Spain Itinerary

Are you a city person? You may want to explore Spain’s “greatest hits.” This fun one week Europe itinerary takes you to Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville.

I’ve discussed them all above. You can easily do this trip by train and it’s probably better not to have a rental car. You won’t want one in the cities themselves.

Here’s how to spend a week in Spain’s classic cities:

• Day 3 : Barcelona
• Day 4 : Madrid
• Day 5 : Madrid
• Day 6 : Seville
• Day 7 : Seville

16. Rome + Day Trips Itinerary

As with Paris, if you have time for one week in Rome, don’t hesitate! Rome is the perfect spot to park yourself and spend one week in Europe. Rome is an eminently walkable city and it’s easy to take day trips from Rome .

In Rome, you can tour the imperial ruins, gorge on Italian Renaissance art, ogle Bernini ‘s extravagant Baroque creations, admire some of the most beautiful churches in Italy, and explore treasures of the Vatican .

For day trips, it’s easy to take the train from Rome Termini Station. You can also book guided day tours to Tivoli , Pompeii , and Orvieto .

• Day 1 : Explore Rome
• Day 2 : Explore Rome
• Day 3 : Explore Rome and Vatican City
• Day 4 : Day Trip To Tivoli
• Day 5 : Day Trip to Pompeii
• Day 6 : Day Trip to Orvieto
• Day 7 : Explore more of Rome and/or half day trip to Ostia Antica

I’ve written over a 100 articles on Rome and Vatican City, so you should check out my Rome page for more information on what to see and do.

17. Rome + Amalfi Coast Itinerary

This one week in Europe itinerary finds you in Rome again. But this time, instead of day tripping after visiting Rome, you’ll move on to the famed Amalfi Coast.

With its stunning scenery, hill towns, and historic ruins, the Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s most scenic rides. 

From Sorrento to Salerno, the vistas will leave your mouth gaping and your camera’s memory card full. Villas cling to cliffs and sandy coves beckon below.

Here’s how to spend one week in Rome and the Amalfi Coast:

• Day 1 : Arrive and explore Rome
• Day 3 : Explore Rome
• Day 4 : Day Trip to Tivoli (Hadian’s Villa & Villa d’Este)
• Day 5 : Train or drive to Sorrento, explore Sorento
• Day 6 : Day Trip to Positano
• Day 7 : Day Trip to Pompeii or Capri

You’ll definitely want to book a P ompeii entrance ticket , boat tour of Capri , Path of t he Gods guided walking tour , and the usual tickets for Rome

For more information you can check out my one week in the Amalfi Coast itinerary , 5 days in the Amalfi Coast itineraries , Capri itinerary , and my ultimate guide to Pompeii .

18. Venice + Day Trips Itinerary

Another 7 day Europe itinerary where you don’t have to move bases is to spend one week in Venice. You can enjoy the city at your leisure and take day trips from there by car, train, or ferry.

Venice is one of the world’s most beautiful and captivating cities, a natural movie set. No other place looks quite like it.

Venice is a medieval city built on water that shouldn’t exist in real life. It’s a mind-boggling maze of architectural and artistic treasures.

There are so many thing to do and see in Venice. You can  take a gondola ride ,  ogle the opulent palaces , take in some world class museums, or  stroll the stunning floating city .

You can take guided day trips to Padua , Verona , Ravenna, and even Bologna. Here’s how to spend one week in Venice:

• Day 1 : Explore Venice
• Day 2 : Explore Venice
• Day 3 : Day trip to Venetian lagoon islands
• Day 4 : Day trip to Padua
• Day 5 : Day trip to Verona
• Day 6 : Day Trip to Ravenna
• Day 7 : Day Trip to Bologna or another day in Venice

For more information on Venice, check out my 1 day in Venice itinerary and 2 days in Venice itinerary . I also have guides to Verona , Ravenna , and the UNESCO-listed Scrovegni Chapel in Padua .

19. Tuscany

With a wonderful combination of culture, food, and wine, Tuscany is synonymous with  la dolce vita . 

The region conjures images of vine-covered rolling hills, olive groves, and honey-toned hilltop towns. You may feel like you’re driving through a fresco.

Florence is one of my favorite small cities in Europe . It has the world’s greatest repository of Renaissance art and is beautiful to boot. San Gimignano and Siena are beautiful medieval cities. Indeed, every place in Tuscany is beautiful.

Here’s how to spend one week in Tuscany:

• Day 1 : Florence
• Day 2 : Florence
• Day 3 : Day trip to Arrezo or Cortona
• Day 4 : Drive to and explore Siena
• Day 5 : Day trip to San Gimignano
• Day 6 : Drive to Lucca and explore
• Day 7 : Day trip To Pisa from Lucca

For more details, you can check out my 7 days in Tuscany itinerary and my 10 days in Tuscany itinerary . I also have itineraries/guides to Siena , San Gimignano , Arezzo , Cortona , and Pisa .

20. Italy’s Greatest Hits Itinerary

Are you a city person? If you want to explore Italy’s greatest hits, this fun one week itinerary takes you to the “big three” — Rome, Florence, and Venice.

I’ve discussed them all above. You can easily do this trip by train and it’s probably better not to have a rental car. You won’t want or need one in the cities themselves. You can take day trips via guided tour or train.

Here’s how to spend one week in Italy’s class cities:

• Day 3 : Drive or high speed train to Florence
• Day 4 : Explore Florence
• Day 5 : Day trip to Siena or to Pisa & Lucca
• Day 6 : Drive or high speed train To Venice
• Day 7 : Explore Venice

For more details, check out my 10 days in Italy itinerary .

21. Umbria Itinerary

There’s still more of Italy to explore! This one week in Europe itinerary takes you to the Umbria region of central Italy.

It’s an idyllic, less touristy, version of Tuscany. Umbria’s stunning landscapes feature lush green farmlands, fields of sunflowers, and forested mountains. It’s dotted with some of the quaintest medieval towns in Italy.

Umbria is not a large area. It’s just over 3,000 square miles, smaller than Connecticut. But seeing all the highlights requires some careful planning.

Here’s how to spend one week in Umbria:

• Day 1 : Perugia
• Day 2 : Gubbio
• Day 3 : Assisi + Spello
• Day 4 : Bevagna + Montefalco, and/or Deruta
• Day 5 : Todi + Spoleto
• Day 6 : Orvieto
• Day 7 : Orvieto, Civita di Bagnoregio, and/or Narni

Check out my one week in Umbria itinerary to get the full scoop. I also have guides to Gubbio , Spello , Spoleto , Assisi , Orvieto , and Civita di Bagnoregio .

22. Venice To Milan Itinerary

Northern Italy is also a great region for spending one week in Europe going from from Venice to Milan. This route is dense with some of  Italy’s top landmarks . 

You’ll find medieval UNESCO towns, ornate palazzos, Roman ruins, and secret hidden gems of the Renaissance. There’s plenty of amazing attractions to explore along the way.

You’ll visit the some of the most amazing towns in Italy stuffed full of UNESCO sites, stunning architecture, and top tier art.

Here’s how to spend on week in northern Italy:

• Day 1 : Venice
• Day 2 : Venice Day trip to Padua or Vicenza
• Day 3 : Verona
• Day 4 : Verona, Day Trip to Mantua
• Day 5 : Bergamo
• Day 6 : Drive to Milan
• Day 7 : Explore Milan

I’ve mentioned Venice and Verona above. But I also have guides to Milan and to Mantua .

23. Eastern Sicily Itinerary

This one week in Europe itinerary features sunny eastern Sicily. This is the most popular and most visited area of the island, lorded over by Europe’s most active volcano Mt. Etna.

For this Sicily itinerary, you’ll fly into Catania, Sicily’s second largest city. I would recommend basing yourself in Taormina and Syracuse. You could also just stay in Syracuse for 7 days and day trip everywhere from there.

Here’s how to spend one week in eastern Sicily:

• Day 1 : Syracuse
• Day 2 : Syracuse
• Day 3 : Syracuse, Day Trip to Ragusa and Noto
• Day 4 : Taormina
• Day 5 : Taormina & Castlemola
• Day 6 : Taormina, Day Trip to Mt. Etna
• Day 7 : Catania

You can check out my itineraries for Syracuse , Taormina , and Catania .

24. Western Sicily Itinerary

Western Sicily is another great one week in Europe destination. It’s less touristy than eastern Sicily, but no less delightful.

You can fly in Palermo, Sicily’s exciting capital, which boasts 8 UNESCO sites. You can visit the beyond charming towns of Cefalu and Erice. And then spend some days traipsing around ancient Elymian, Greek, and Carthaginian ruins.

Here’s how to spend one week in western Sicily:

• Day 1 : Palermo
• Day 2 : Palermo & Monreale
• Day 3 : Cefalu
• Day 4 : Segesta & Erice
• Day 5 : Trapani & the Island of Mozia
• Day 6 : Selinunte & Agrigento
• Day 7 : Palermo

To help you along, here are my guides and itineraries for Palermo , Monreale , Segesta , Trapani , and the Valley of the Temples .

25. Ireland Itinerary

Looking for the proverbial pot of gold? Head to Ireland, the Emerald Isle, a place of beauty and history. Ireland is home to a friendly people, wild natural beauty, and Guinness and whiskey tasting.

Colorful Dublin is a sightseer’s delight. You can stroll down the glitzy Grafton Street but also visit historic prisons and cemeteries.

The Dingle Penninsula and Cliffs of Moher offer unspoiled nature at its best and most alluring.

Here’s how to spend one week in Ireland:

Day 1:  Arrive in Dublin Day 2:  Drive to Killarney, visit the Rock of Cashel Day 3:  Ring of Kerry Day 4:  Dingle Peninsula Day 5:  Drive to Doolin Day 6:  Cliffs of Moher Day 7:  Galway, return to Dublin

26. London + Day Trips Itinerary

London is one of my favorite cities in the world! It’s an excellent place to park yourself to spend one week in Europe.

London is an incredibly exciting and cosmopolitan city. There’s something for everyone — art lovers, history buffs, and foodies.

You can spend days exploring St. Paul’s Cathedral , Westminster Abbey , the Tower of London , and some utterly amazing London museums . It’s super easy to take the train from London for day trips and you can always book guided day tours to make the transportation easy.

Here’s how to spend one week in London:

Day 1:  London Day 2:  London Day 3:  London Day 4:  Day trip to Oxford Day 5:  Day trip to Stonehenge and Bath Day 6:  Half day trip to Hampton Court Palace Day 7:  Day trip to Canterbury or Cotswolds

Check out my 3 days in London itinerary for more details. I also have guides and/or itineraries for Oxford , Stonehenge , Bath , Hampton Court Palace , and Canterbury .

27. London + the Cotswolds Itinerary

This one week itinerary combines London and the dreamy region of the Cotswolds. The word “Cotswolds” means “sheep enclosure in a rolling hillside.”

The area is full of villages with adorable thatched-roof cottages and cobbled lanes — Lacock, Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, Castle Combe, and Chipping Camden. Picture “ye old England” and this is it.

Here’s how to spend one week in London and the Cotswolds:

• Day 1:  London
• Day 4:  Stonehenge and Bath
• Day 5:  Cotswolds
• Day 6:  Cotswolds
• Day 7:  Return to London

28. One Week In Kent England

The county of Kent is just east of London. It’s easy to get to and is a fantastic place to spend a week. 

Kent is so beautiful that it’s been dubbed the “Garden of England.” The county is graced with a wide array of medieval castles, well-preserved historic towns, grand manor homes, a rugged coastline, and a stunning cathedral.

This is the perfect one week in Europe if you want to explore cute English towns, see some castles, and avoid crowds.

• Day 1 : Arrive and explore Faversham
• Day 2 : Explore Canterbury
• Day 3 : Visit Whitstable or Broadstairs
• Day 4 : Visit Dover & Deal, move to second base
• Day 5 : Castle Hopping
• Day 6 : Visit Rye and Bodiam Castle
• Day 7 : Visit Leeds Castle & Hever Castle

For more information, you can check out my one week in Kent itinerary and my guides to Faversham , Rye , Leeds Castle , and Hever Castle .

29. Croatia Itinerary

Croatia is a stunningly beautiful country. It’s home to waterfall-laced landscapes, gorgeous beaches, historic landmarks, Roman ruins, and charming hamlets. In the sunny Dalmatian Coast, dramatic cliffs rise above islands set in azure water.

In this one week Europe itinerary, you’ll spend 3 nights in Dubrovnik and 4 nights in Split. You could base in Zadar instead of Split, if you’d prefer a smaller and less busy town. But it’s easier to ferry to the islands from Split.

Dubrovnik is a magnetic fairytale walled city in Croatia. Split’s an ancient town that dates back to Roman times. It has an incredible natural setting and isn’t just a beach/party town. Zadar, Sibenik, and Trogir are beautiful medieval towns just made for wandering.

Here’s how to spend one week in Croatia:

• Day 1 : Explore Dubrovnik
• Day 2 : Explore Dubrovnik
• Day 3 : Day Trip to Kotor Montenegro
• Day 4 : Drive from Dubrovnik to Split and explore Split
• Day 5 : Day Trip to Zadar and Sibenik
• Day 6 : Day Trip to Trogir

You can check out my 10 days in Croatia itinerary for ideas and my guides to Split and the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace .

30. Adriatic Itinerary: Dubrovnik, Mostar & Kotor

This one week itinerary takes you to three countries in one week! You’ll start off in Dubrovnik Croatia and then spend 2 days in both Mostar Bosnia and Kotor Montenegro.

I mentioned Dubrovnik and Kotor above. But Mostar is no less beguiling.

Mostar has a Mostar has a charming and pristine old town with colorful buildings and mosques. The 16th century (reconstructed) Stari Most bridge is one of the most photogenic Islamic sites in Europe.

• Day 3 : Kotor Montenegro
• Day 4 : Kotor, Perast or Budva
• Day 5 : Mostar
• Day 6 : Mostar and back to Dubrovnik

You should check out my 2 days in Dubrovnik itinerary and my guide to Kotor .

31. Slovenia Itinerary

Tiny overlooked Slovenia is one of Europe’s most delightful off the radar destinations. It’s a gravely beautiful land of imposing green mountains, shimmering glacial blue lakes, and medieval towns.

Slovenia is every bit as beautiful as other European countries, but lacks the crowds and high prices. Ljubljana is a charming small capital with a cobbled Old Town often likened to Salzburg.

The countryside is dotted with caves, castles, deep blue lakes, and some cute villages. In the west is the beautiful city of Piran, a medieval seaside gem.

Here’s how to spend one week in Slovenia:

• Day 1 : Arrive in and explore Ljublana
• Day 2 : Explore Ljubljana
• Day 3 : Day Trip to Predjama Cave Castle and Postojna Caves
• Day 4 : Drive to Lake Bled, stay 2 nights
• Day 5 : Visit Vintgar Gorge and Lake Bohinj
• Day 6 : Travel to Piran and explore
• Day 7 : Day trip to Portorož or Izola

For more information check out my one day in Ljubljana itinerary and my guides to the most beautiful places in Slovenia , Lake Bled , and Piran .

32. Austria Itinerary

Austria is a country that seamlessly mixes cultured urbanity and the great outdoors. One minute you’re visiting a museum or Hapsburg palace in Vienna. The next you’re biking the Wachau Valley or admiring the alpine scenery.

In Vienna, you can visit a trio of palaces — the Belvedere Palace, the Hofburg Palace, and Schonbrunn Palace. I like the Belvedere Palace best because it’s home to the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings.

Hallstatt and Salzburg are absolute fairytale towns. Hallstatt is set on a swan filled lake. Salzburg is a musical mecca with Baroque churches, a cobbled old town, and a medieval fortress.

Here’s how to spend one week in Austria:

• Day 1 : Explore Vienna
• Day 2 : Explore Vienna
• Day 3 : Explore Vienna, half day trip to Schonnbrunn Palace
• Day 4 : Day Trip to Bratislava or the Wachau Valley
• Day 5 : Drive to Hallstatt, overnight in Hallstatt
• Day 6 : Drive to Salzburg, explore and overnight there
• Day 7 : Another day in Salzburg or day trip to Mondsee and Passau

You can check out my 3 days in Vienna itinerary and other guides on Vienna page . I also have a guide to the Wachau Valley , which is a great day trip from Vienna.

33. Bavaria Germany Itinerary

For me, Bavaria conjures bliss-y visions. I dream of half-timbered houses clad in flowers, onion domed Baroque churches, and majestic castles piercing blue skies.

Munich is a sophisticated city with a great foodie and beer scene. You can also traipse through some excellent museums, admire candy cane colored buildings, and climb the tower of the Rathaus, or City Hall.

You can take a day trip to the famed Neuschwanstein Castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty . Then, head to Nuremberg, another storied fairytale city with a WWII past.

From Nuremberg you can day trip to Rothenberg ob der Tauber and to Bamberg. Both of these exquisite little towns are UNESCO sites.

Here’s how to spend one week in Bavaria:

• Day 1 : Arrive and explore Munich
• Day 2 : Explore Munich
• Day 3 : Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle and/or Linderhof Palace
• Day 4 : Drive to Nuremberg, stopping in Augsburg or Dinklesbuhl (or both) en route
• Day 5 : Explore Nuremberg
• Day 6 : Day Trip to Rothenberg ob der Tauber
• Day 7 : Day Trip to Bamberg or Regensburg

For more details, you can check out my 10 days in Bavaria itinerary and my guides to Munich , Rothenberg ob der Tauber , Bamberg , Nuremberg , and Neuschwanstein Castle .

34. Germany Itinerary

Germany is a really large country and one week in Europe trip there barely scrapes the surface.

But if you like city breaks, you can base yourself in Munich and Berlin. You can enjoy these two amazing cities and take some great day trips.

As I mentioned above, Munich makes a great city break. Berlin is a place where the past and present merge. It’s a captivating city of leafy boulevards, grand Neo-Classical buildings, a bundle of historic sites, world class museums, and glitzy shopping arcades.

Here’s how to spend one week in Germany:

• Day 1:  Explore Munich
• Day 2:  Explore Munich
• Day 3:  Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
• Day 4:  Train to Berlin or drive and stop in Nuremberg
• Day 5:  Explore Berlin
• Day 6:  Explore Berlin
• Day 7:  Day trip to Potsdam

35. Prague, Vienna, and Budapest Itinerary

This one week Central Europe itinerary takes you to some of the region’s greatest hits. The cities of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest all boast rich histories, stunning architecture, showstopper medieval town squares, and culinary delights.

Dubbed the “City of 100 Spires,” Prague is synonymous with over-the-top romance and evocative Old World charm.

Vienna is awash in imperial palaces, grand Baroque architecture, and seriously swoonful museums. Budapest is a key stop on the vaunted  Danube River ,  a hot European city break, and dubbed the “Paris of the East” and the “Pearl of the Danube.”

Here’s how to spend one week in Central Europe:

• Day 1 : Explore Prague
• Day 2 : Explore Prague
• Day 3 : Drive (or train) to Vienna, stop at Cesky Krumlov en route
• Day 4 : Explore Vienna
• Day 5 : Explore Vienna
• Day 6 : Drive (or train) to and explore Budapest
• Day 7 : Explore Budapest

For more ideas, you can check out my 10 days in Central Europe itinerary and my itineraries for Vienna and Budapest .

36. Munich, Salzburg & Vienna Itinerary

This is another popular one week Europe itinerary in Germany and Austria. You can visit Munich and Vienna, which I mentioned above. In between, you can travel to the enchanting city of Salzburg with its elegant domes and spires.

Wachau Valley is the verdant heartland of the Austrian  Danube . It’s a 24 mile stretch of pure loveliness between Krems and Melk, studded with eye catching villages, craggy castles, and terraced vineyards.

Here’s how to spend on week in Germany and Austria:

• Day 1:  Munich
• Day 2:  Munich or Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
• Day 3:  Travel to Salzburg with stop at Herrenschiemsee Palace
• Day 4:  Salzburg
• Day 5:  Vienna
• Day 6:  Vienna
• Day 7:  Day Trip to Wachau Valley

37. Belgium Itinerary

Belgium is a delightfully underrated country with fabulous architecture. It has an international art scene, world class breweries, and picturesque towns. It’s a petite country that’s a perfect place to spend one week in Europe.

Brussels is decked out in chocolate box imagery, especially on the Grand Place. It’s the perfect place to kick off a visit to Belgium.

Bruges is one of Europe’s most romantic and enchanting cities. It’s a feast for the eyes, full of half timbered homes, dreamy canals, and medieval buildings.

Ghent is an overlooked Flemish city with cobbles, canals, and some of Belgium’s best food. Antwerp has old world charm and was the home of Rubens (whose house you can visit).

Wherever you go in Belgium, you’ll love the sweet smells from waffle and chocolate shops. Here’s how to spend on week in Belgium:

• Day 1:  Brussels
• Day 2: Brussels
• Day 3:  Bruges
• Day 4:  Bruges
• Day 5:  Ghent
• Day 6:  Ghent or day trip to Antwerp
• Day 7:  Brussels

If you want to have just one base in Belgium, Ghent might be the most convenient.

38. Copenhagen + Stockholm Itinerary

Copenhagen and Stockholm are two of the best cities to visit in Northern Europe. They’re both incredibly beautiful.

The Danish city of Copenhagen is covered in colorful houses in its Nyhaven and Christianshavn neighborhoods. It’s a small walkable city, yet filled with big ticket attractions and some fine museums.

Stockholm is a striking city of islands with gorgeous waterfront promenades. You can admire grand architecture and a fairytale-like old town as you cruise down canals.

• Day 1:  Copenhagen
• Day 2:  Copenhagen
• Day 3:  Copenhagen
• Day 4:  Fly to Stockholm
• Day 5:  Stockholm
• Day 6:  Stockholm
• Day 7:  Day trip to Sandhamn, Sweden

I also have a one day in Copenhagen itinerary to give you ideas for that city.

39. Switzerland Itinerary

Planning one week in Europe in Switzerland is always a good idea! Switzerland is a small country that you can easily traverse by train or car.

It’s a stunning country with gorgeous mountain views, clear lakes, and delicious fondue.

Zurich is a sophisticated city just loaded with museums and cultural attractions. Lucerne is one of the world’s prettiest and most photogenic small cities.

You can’t beat the scenery in Interlaken and Zermatt. And, Basel, well that might be my favorite. It’s cool, colorful, and compact. It’s brimming with old world charm, has a beautiful Cathedral, and a buzzing food scene!

Here’s how to spend one week in Switzerland:

• Day 1 : Zurich
• Day 2 : Bern
• Day 3 : Lucerne
• Day 4 : Interlaken and Jungfraujoch 
• Day 5:  Basel
• Day 6 : Zermatt
• Day 7 : Return to Zurich

40. Iceland Itinerary

Iceland is a supercharged landscape of icy lava fields, black sand beaches, soaring waterfalls, and bursting geysers. It’s a theater for natural beauty, a Nordic nirvana.

Reykjavik is a very cool city. For being set in a country known for its scenery, Reykjavik is a cosmopolitan and a health and wellness destination.

The Golden Circle makes a great day trip from Reykjavik . The southern coast offers up hot springs, crater lakes, glaciers, and waterfalls.

• Day 1:  Arrive in Iceland, visit the Blue Lagoon
• Day 2:  Reykjavik
• Day 3:  Golden Circle
• Day 4:  Landmannalaugar Day Trip, Icelandic Highlands
• Day 5:  South Coast of Iceland
• Day 6:  South Coast of Iceland
• Day 7:  South Coast of Iceland

41. Greek Island Itinerary

With their picture-perfect whitewashed villages and beaches set in the blue Aegean Sea, Greece’s islands deserve every bit of their fame.

Santorini and Mykonos are known for their embrace of excess and party lifestyle. But they are also an incredibly pretty place to put up your feet and relax. Both islands are well connected to Athens.

Near Mykonos is the important archaeological site of Delos you might make time for. Rhodes is a UNESCO site and filled with medieval fortresses, cobbled lanes, and archaeological sites.

Here’s a good one week itinerary in Greece for first timers:

• Day 1:  Arrive in Santorini
• Day 2:  Santorini
• Day 3:  Santorini
• Day 4:  Naxos or Rhodes
• Day 5:  Paros
• Day 6:  Mykonos
• Day 7:  Mykonos & Delos

42. Portugal Itinerary

There’s nothing as romantic as an idyllic road trip through Portugal. The country is a land finely aged like wine. It stuns with its vintage-y cities, whitewashed medieval villages, a beautiful seacoast, and delicious food and wine.

This one week Europe itinerary has you based in Lisbon, Coimbra, and Porto. You can also visit Coimbra as a stopover between Lisbon and Porto.

Lisbon is the sun-kissed capital and known as the “Queen of the Sea.” It’s a charming and unique blend of sophistication and faded old world charm.

Coimbra is cute as can be and boasts one of the oldest universities in the world. Porto is a mosaic of Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, and Neo-Classical architecture with a pinch of picturesque crumbling buildings.

Here’s how to spend one week in Portugal:

• Day 1 : Lisbon
• Day 2 : Lisbon
• Day 3 : Day trip to Sintra
• Day 4 : Coimbra
• Day 5 : Porto
• Day 6 : Porto
• Day 7 : Day trip to Guimaraes or Braga

Check out my itineraries and guides for Lisbon , Porto , Sintra , Coimbra , and Guimaraes .

43. Portugal + Spain Itinerary

This one week Spain-Portugal itinerary takes you from Lisbon Portugal to Seville Spain, which are the two perfect bases.

This popular road trip route is dense with exciting cities, must visit medieval villages, Moorish architecture, UNESCO-listed landmarks, and loads of old world charm.

Here’s how to spend one week in southern Portugal and southern Spain:

• Day 2 : Lisbon & Belem
• Day 3 : Lisbon, Sintra Day Trip
• Day 4 : Drive to Seville
• Day 5 : Seville
• Day 6 : Day trip to Cordoba
• Day 7 : Day Trip to Ronda or Granada

I’ve mentioned Lisbon and Seville above, but you can also check out my guides to Cordoba and Granada .

My Recommendations

I know 40+ itineraries are a lot to choose from. Here are my own recommendations on how to spend one week in Europe, depending on your traveling style and individual interests.

First Timers

If it’s your first time spending one week in Europe, you may want to focus on these itineraries:

• Paris + London
• Italy’s Greatest Hits
• Spain’s Greatest Hits
• Prague + Budapest + Vienna

City Lovers

If you have a love affair with big cities and all they have to offer (culture, entertainment, food), these itineraries are best for you:

• London + Day Trips
• Rome + Day Trips
• London + Paris
• Barcelona + Day Trips

Nature Lovers

If you’re looking for some restorative greenery or dramatic scenery on your vacation, these one week in Europe itineraries will do the trick:

• Switzerland
• Kent England
• Northern Spain

Looking for a romantic escape? Couples should look at these one week Europe itineraries:

• Greek Islands
• French Riviera

Are you just there for the food on vacation? I don’t blame you. If that’s your traveling priority, you should consider these one week in Europe itineraries:

• Paris + the Alsace
• France’s Dordogne Region
• Spain’s Basque Region
• Paris + Day Trips
• Eastern or Western Sicily

Lovers of Off the Beaten Path Medieval Villages

Can’t resist a crumbling medieval village? I know I can’t.

These are the places I most love in Europe. If you want to ogle dreamy little towns, check out these one week in Europe itineraries:

• London & the Cotswolds

More Than One Week In Europe?

If you can get more time off, you could easily combine two of these one week in Europe itineraries to make a 2 week itinerary.

Some excellent combinations would be:

• Croatia and Slovenia
• Paris and Provence
• Bavaria and Austria
• Germany and Austria
• Central Spain and Southern Spain
• Portugal and Southern Spain
• London and Ireland
• Switzerland and Austria
• Paris + Alsace and Switzerland

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one week in Europe itineraries and are ready to start planning your trip. If you liked it, pin it for later.

2 thoughts on “40+ One Week In Europe Itineraries”

Thanks. I’m Australian living in southern Italy. Getting itchy feet and being a solo traveller your blogs have been a gem. Especially the Roman history. Rome an all time favourite. Never time to see all so great to return Jen

Completely agree! There’s always more to do in Rome. I’m heading to Puglia on a bike tour next May. Looking forward to seeing some of Southern Italy.

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Last Updated on June 17, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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One Week In Europe: 15 Europe Trip Itinerary Ideas

January 2, 2024 //  by  Follow Me Away //   Leave a Comment

Are you looking for a list of the best one-week in Europe itineraries? I have you covered!

No matter what kind of traveler you are, this list has a trip you’ll love. These best one-week Europe trips will take you to Italy, France, England, Spain, and beyond!

Europe is a vast continent with so many different and unique countries. That is part of what makes it such an awesome place to spend a week. You can land anywhere and find a way to fill your time.

These best Europe itineraries for 7 days are all amazing options for your next vacation.

There are trips for those who like to have a home base and then make day trips.

If you want a week-long road trip through beautiful landscapes, there’s a 7 days in Europe itinerary for you too. There are even packed itineraries for those who don’t like to sit still.

You will have so much fun spending 1 week backpacking Europe no matter how you do it!

I have spent so much time in Europe in a variety of countries so I know all the best tips for planning an exciting 7-day European vacation!

It’s easy to do Europe in one week with any of these amazing itinerary ideas.

Get ready to plan the best European trip itinerary!

Northern Italy

• Shopping in Milan
• Exploring Lake Como
• Explore the Western and Eastern Dolomites
• Reenact Romeo and Juliet in Verona
• Wander the Alleys of Venice

Northern Italy is truly perfect for a week in Europe. If you are looking for a trip that is packed with amazing opportunities, then you’ll love the ultimate Northern Italy itinerary .

Fly into Milan and spend a few hours exploring the home of some of the most famous couture brands. You can easily do Milan in one day .

From Milan, you’ll head north to Lake Como. Lake Como is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy with many picturesque towns on its shores.

Continue by heading to the Western and Eastern Dolomites where you’ll discover breathtaking views. You will love hiking in the Dolomites ! I am obsessed with this region!

From there, head to Verona and reenact scenes from Shakespeare’s most famous play, Romeo and Juliet .

End your Italy trip in Venice, one of the most iconic and romantic cities in Italy! There are so many things to do in Venice but since it is small, you only need 1 to 2 days here.

This is one of the best 1 week Europe trips if you want to see a mix of iconic and underrated Italy.

Where to Stay: Milan | Verona | Venice

Extra Resources :

Beautiful Places to Visit in Northern Italy 2 Days in Venice Itinerary Italy Packing List

Intro To Ireland

• Explore Dublin
• Kiss the Blarney Stone
• Drive the Ring of Kerry
• Visit Killarney
• Check Out the Cliffs of Moher

This intro to Ireland itinerary focuses on exploring the South of Ireland. It truly is one of the best one week trips in Europe!

Begin by flying into Dublin. You’ll want to check out the Temple Bar neighborhood for all things Guinness. While in Dublin, you’ll also want to stop by the breathtaking Trinity College.

Next, make your way to Cork, and along the way stop at Rock of Cashel and Hore Abbey.

You may also want to check out the best things to do in Cobh . It is full of colorful houses and just 30 minutes outside of Cork.

You can’t see Southern Ireland and not kiss the Blarney Stone! Outside of Cork, the Blarney Castle is the home of the Blarney Stone. Spend the day exploring the estate, and of course, kiss the Blarney Stone.

Next, drive the Ring of Kerry which is a path of very narrow roads that allow you to see some beautiful sights. Continue the amazing driving vistas as you head out to Killarney.

Killarney itself is also full of attractions like the Killarney National Park, the Ross Castle, and the Torc Waterfall.

Finish your Ireland road trip by heading out to the Cliffs of Moher where you’ll experience the famous, breathtaking views.

When you are planning a week in Europe itinerary, you should 100% consider Ireland. I love Ireland and keep being drawn in by its beauty!

Where to Stay: Dublin | Cork | Killarney

Tips for Driving in Ireland Budgeting a Trip to Ireland Best Time to Visit Ireland

London and Paris

• Explore London’s Free Activities
• Take in Hyde Park
• Breakfast at The Ritz and a Tour of Buckingham Palace
• Visit the Eiffel Tower and Shop at the Champs Élysées
• Take a Day Trip to Versailles

This London itinerary is combined with a stop in Paris for the ultimate 7 days in Europe.

On your first day, take advantage of the many free activities London has to offer. Explore the Museum of Natural History, visit the Victoria and Albert Museum, and take your picture at Picadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square.

When you explore London make sure to head out to the beautiful Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.

You’ll also want to see some of the classic London highlights, like breakfast at the Ritz and a tour of Buckingham Palace.

When you’re done exploring London take the Eurostar to Paris. It is a stress-free, 2-hour train ride that takes you under the English Channel.

Some of the coolest things to do in Paris are shopping at the Champs Élysées, seeing a show at Moulin Rouge, and exploring the Louvre. Of course, you will want to see the Eiffel Tower!

There are also plenty of great day trips from Paris you can take to see more of France. Hop on the train to visit the grand Palace of Versailles.

Your one week in Europe itinerary will be full of classic sights if you spend it exploring London and Paris. These are some of my favorite cities, and I know you will fall in love with them too!

Where to Stay: London | Paris

4-Day London Itinerary Where to Stay in London 4 Days in Paris Itinerary Best Time to Visit Paris

Rome, Florence, and Venice

• Explore Ancient Rome
• Visit the Vatican
• Make a Wish at the Trevi Fountain
• Visit the Florence Cathedral
• Ride in a Gondola in the Canals of Venice

If you want to hit the ultimate highlights of Itay, then this trip through Rome, Florence, and Venice is perfect for you. This itinerary is great for one week in Europe by train.

Because there are so many attractions in Rome, you’ll be spending most of your trip there.

Spend a day exploring the sights of ancient Rome. Make stops at the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum.

Don’t forget to make a wish at the Trevi Fountain, climb the Spanish Steps, and explore Castle Sant’Angelo.

Even travelers who aren’t religious will want to take a day to explore the Vatican City. There you’ll want to take a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and the dome.

Next, travel farther into Italy and spend a day or two exploring the beautiful city of Florence.

There are so many things to do in Florence ! Visit the Florence Cathedral, walk to the Baptistry of St. John, and admire the art at the Uffizi Palace and Gallery.

Make sure to stop by the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David !

Your last stop is Venice, and of course, you’ll want to take a gondola ride in the canals. Also check out St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, shop for glass trinkets in Murano, and stop by Burano for some colorful sights.

You will love this 1 week in Europe itinerary!

Where to Stay: Rome | Florence | Venice

4 Days in Rome Itinerary How to Get From Florence to Venice One Day in Venice

Southern Germany

• Explore Rothenburg ob de Tauber
• Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
• Grab a Beer in Munich
• Explore the Black Forest

The most popular way to explore Southern Germany during one week in Europe is by taking a road trip.

The first option is driving Germany’s Romantic Road , or Romantische Straße. This is one of my top central Europe trip recommendations!

Start this road trip by visiting Germany’s wine country. From there, drive through beautiful Medieval towns, like Rothenburg ob de Tauber.

You’ll end your Romantic Road Germany trip with a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau. This 18th-century landmark is known as the Fairytale Castle and even inspired the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.

The second road trip option starts in Munich where you can grab a beer and enjoy the amazing Gothic architecture of the city.

As you continue to drive, you’ll find yourself near the Alps, in Schwangau, and eventually in Germany’s famous Black Forest.

There you can take a few days to enjoy one of the many spas, go hiking, and explore one of the many lakes in the area.

You will agree this is the best 1 week vacation in Europe!

Where to Stay: Rothenburg ob de Tauber | Munich

Extra Resources:

Germany Road Trip Itinerary Towns in Germany Out of a Fairytale Beautiful Castles in Germany

Highlights of Iceland

• Drive the Golden Circle
• Explore Reykjavik
• Stop Along the Ring Road
• Admire Glaciers
• Relax in the Blue Lagoon

This Iceland road trip can be done in 5 days, but with two extra days, you can spend a bit more time exploring. Iceland is one of my all-time favorite places in Europe!

Start your trip by driving Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. As you drive, you’ll see beautiful geysers, the Gullfoss Waterfall, horses, and more. From there, head to Reykjavik.

In Reykjavik, there are so many awesome things to do. Explore the Phallological Museum, visit the famous Hallgrimskirkja Church, or find awesome deals at the Kolaportid Flea Market.

After you explore Reykjavik, you’ll want to start making the drive out to Vik on the Ring Road.

On the way to Vik, stop at the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and the Sólheimasandur Airplane Wreck.

Stay the night in Vik, and then continue to Hofn. While you drive, stop and admire a black sand beach, epic glaciers, basalt columns, and Skaftafell National Park.

In Hofn, explore more glaciers and even a glacier lagoon. Stay a day or two in Hofn and explore the area before you head back to Reykjavik to end your journey.

Once back in Reykjavik, make sure you stop at the Blue Lagoon to relax before your flight home.

If you love nature, you cannot miss out on this European vacation itinerary!

Where to Stay: Reykjavik | Vik

5 Days in Iceland Road Trip Itinerary Iceland on a Budget

Southern England

• Explore Iconic Sights in London
• Wander the Streets of Oxford
• Enjoy the Beauty of the Cotswolds
• Find History in Bath

Start this 1-week road trip in Europe by flying into London. There are so many things to do in this major tourist city!

Check out the world-class museums (many of which are free), wander the beautiful parks, and photograph famous sights light Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye.

From London, either rent a car or take the train to Oxford. This college city is drenched in history and amazing architecture. If you are a Harry Potter fan, make sure to tour the filming locations here.

After Oxford, I highly suggest renting a car because it will be so much easier to explore all the picturesque small towns of the Cotswolds.

There are so many beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds . Having a car allows you to have the freedom to see it all since this area is not as well connected by train.

Bath sits at the southern point of the Cotswolds. It has been a tourist destination for hundreds of years, drawing people in because of the Roman baths.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is a beautiful place to explore and enjoy a spa day.

Where to Stay: London | Oxford | Burford

Where to Stay in London Best Time to Visit London Pretty Places in Southern England

South of France

• Explore Romantic Bordeaux
• Enjoy historic Lyon
• Discover Chambéry

This magical South of France trip will take you to some of the best parts of the country.

Start in Bordeaux, the hub of France’s wine-growing region and a port city. There are so many things to do in Bordeaux including beautiful public gardens, wineries, and historical sites.

When you leave Bordeaux, make your way to the historic city of Lyon.

While you drive, make time to stop in Rocamadour. It is a stunning city that makes you feel like you just stepped into the set of a fantasy movie. It’s worth the detour as you drive to Lyon.

In Lyon, you’ll want to check out one of the many historical sites. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a history dating back to the Romans.

Lyon has a piece of architecture or art for every major historical period, so you may want to spend a few days exploring. When you’ve discovered all you can in Lyon, make your way to the last city on this itinerary.

Chambéry is a small Alpine town in Southeastern France that is full of charm. Enjoy more history and the beauty of the Alps.

If you are looking to spend one week in Europe, you can’t go wrong exploring the South of France!

Where to Stay: Bordeaux | Lyon | Chambéry

France Road Trip Itinerary Fairytale Castles in France

Croatia and Montenegro

• Soak in the Views of Split
• Explore Historic Dubrovnik
• Fall in Love With Kotor

The coast of the Adriatic Sea is a beautiful and underrated region of Europe. You will want to rent a car for this gorgeous road trip from Split, Croatia, to Kotor, Montenegro.

Start in Split, the second-largest city in Croatia. Wander among beautiful architecture, take a boat tour, and eat fresh seafood.

Next, drive down the coast towards Dubrovnik, making stops along the way to take in views of the water.

In Dubrovnik, you will love walking through the Old Town and along the city walls. Discover fun beaches, sin local wine, and find Game of Thrones filming locations at King’s Landing.

Then cross the border into Montenegro and make your way to Kotor.

Nestled on the Bay of Kotor, this historic town is a great destination if you love hiking to great views, admiring architecture, petting stray cats, or relaxing at the beach.

You can fly home from the Podgorica Airport in Montenegro or drive the five hours back to Split. Since the destinations are so close, this itinerary is perfect for a short Europe trip.

Where to Stay: Split | Dubrovnik | Kotor

Best Road Trips in Europe Best Summer Destinations in Europe

Incredible Switzerland

• Admire Art in Zurich
• Explore Lucerne
• Take the Chocolate Train in Montreux
• Go to the Headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva

If you want to spend one week in Europe exploring Switzerland you’ll want to start in Zurich. Take time to walk the Lake Zurich Promenade, visit the Museum of Art, or one of the 100 art galleries.

From Zurich, travel to Lucerne. Some things you should do include taking the Golden Round Trip, visiting the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, and even just walking around the city is sure to be a treat.

When you make your way from Lucerne to Montreux there are tons of cities and small towns you can stop in.

If you have the time to do a Switzerland road trip , then definitely stop and enjoy them. If you don’t have the time, then head straight to Montreux.

Montreux is a small town outside of Geneva. It’s the perfect place to recharge on the last leg of your trip before ending in Geneva.

In Montreux, make sure you ride the Chocolate Train. It’s a quintessential Swiss experience where you’ll get to sample cheese and chocolate!

After you’ve recharged, head into Geneva to end your trip.

In Geneva, soak up Swiss culture at one of the many museums or seasonal festivals. I also recommend touring the headquarters of the United Nations.

Exploring Switzerland is perfect for a Europe trip in 7 days, and you’re bound to have a good time.

Where to Stay: Zurich | Lucerne | Geneva

Switzerland Road Trip Itinerary Pretty Towns in Switzerland

Barcelona, Montserrat, and Costa Brava

• Meander Through Park Güell
• Visit La Sagrada Familia
• Take the Train to Montserrat
• Explore the Parks of Costa Brava

For one of the best Euro trips, travel to one of Spain’s most popular destinations is Barcelona. It is a beautiful coastal city with some amazing things to do.

Plan to spend a few days just in Barcelona and explore. Then I suggest planning a day trip to Montserrat and Costa Brava.

In Barcelona, there are a few things you will absolutely want to see. Walk through Park Güell, a public park full of beautiful gardens and mosaics built into the architecture.

A visit to Barcelona also has to include a visit to the La Sagrada Familia basilica, the Gothic Quarter, and the Picasso Museum. Enjoy a tapas and wine tour too.

After Barcelona, take the train to Montserrat. One of the coolest things here is the Abadia de Montserrat, a Benedictine Monastery. It is built against the side of a large mountain and they offer several different tours to attract travelers of all kinds.

The last stop on your one-week Europe tour of Southern Spain needs to be Costa Brava.

Costa Brava is a coastal region full of interesting things to do. Stroll through the Jardines de Santa Clotilde or explore Surrealism at the Salvador Dali House.

No matter what you decide to do in Costa Brava, it is a perfect way to end your week in Europe vacation.

Where to Stay: Barcelona | Montserrat | Cadaqués

Most Romantic Cities in Europe

Lisbon and the Algarve

• Explore the Alfama District
• Admire the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
• Go swimming at Praia da Falésia
• Walk on the Boardwalk at Algar Seco

Portugal is a beautiful country that is amazing if you are looking to spend 7 days in Europe.

While there are so many great places to explore in Portugal, on this trip I suggest you focus on Lisbon and the Algarve. Lisbon is one of the most romantic cities in Europe, and the Algarve is full of beautiful beaches.

Lisbon offers so many great things to do!

If you love architecture, make sure to explore the Alfama district, a neighborhood in Lisbon. It is full of Arabic and Gothic influences, perfect for a unique walking tour. For another Gothic architectural marvel, tour the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos as well.

After exploring Lisbon, I suggest spending the rest of your trip in the Algarve. This is the Southernmost region of Portugal and is known for its beautiful, sandy beaches.

Make sure to go swimming at one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve: Praia da Falésia. It has stunning views of sandy cliff sides and the Atlantic Ocean.

For more epic views, I also suggest taking a walk on the boardwalk at Algar Seco. This section of coastline has natural rocky caves as well as a boardwalk that allows you to get better views of the landscape.

This is the best itinerary for Europe in a week during winter because the weather is warm and prices are lower.

Where to Stay: Lisbon | Lagos

Best Time to Visit Europe Best Places to Visit in Europe in February

The French Riviera

• Spend Time at the Casino at Monte-Carlo
• Explore the Cours Saleya Market in Nice
• Admire the Yachts in Saint-Tropez
• Marvel at the Buildings in Menton

The French Riviera is one of the most beautiful parts of France. It never gets too cold, its summers are hot and gorgeous, and it is full of fun things to do.

In the 1920s, the area got a reputation for being the go-to vacation spot for the fabulous, and ever since then, it’s kept that reputation.

If you want to get a little bit of that high roller experience, then you’ll want to spend a night enjoying the Casino at Monte Carlo.

You can gamble if you want, but if that isn’t your thing that’s okay too. The building itself is gorgeous and you can spend hours just walking around, soaking up the atmosphere, and admiring the casino.

After a night at the casino, take a stroll through the Cours Saleya market in Nice. You’ll be able to buy fresh produce, sample local dishes, and experience Parisian culture while you stroll through the stalls.

In the afternoon, drive down to Saint-Tropez. While there, admire the beautiful coastal city and the luxury yachts in the many marinas. Walk through the city, grab a bite to eat, and just relax in the sun.

Your last stop on your French Riviera itinerary should be the painted, coastal town of Menton, which is on the border with Italy.

It is a beautiful little town right on the edge of the ocean. All of the buildings are painted in bright colors that resemble the sunset and you’ll love strolling along the beach and admiring the view.

This Europe travel itinerary for one week is perfect for anyone wanting to spend time by the sea!

Where to Stay: Monte-Carlo | Nice | Menton

Europe Packing List

Scotland NC500 Road Trip

• Look for Nessie
• Walk Through Time at Dunrobin Castle
• Stroll on Coldbackie Beach
• Explore Ullapool

The Scotland NC500 road trip takes you through the epic and famous Scottish Highlands. Start your trip in Inverness where you can spend the afternoon at Loch Ness on the search for Nessie.

From Inverness, you’ll continue heading north along the coast to Dornoch. Just outside of Dornoch, in Sutherland, is the stunning Dunrobin Castle.

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped through time as you explore this castle that has portions dating back to 1275.

As you continue to drive north, there are tons of amazing places to stop and admire the landscape, ancient buildings, and cozy little towns.

About halfway through your trip, you’ll find yourself near Coldbackie Beach. One of the northernmost Scottish beaches, it is a beautiful white sand beach that remains largely untouched. It is the perfect spot to take a break, stretch your legs, and enjoy the scenery.

Next, begin your way back to Inverness on the loop that is the NC500. Just before you get to Inverness, there is a small village named Ullapool.

It is a charming Highlands village and is worth the stop. You’ll be greeted by friendly locals and have the opportunity to try one of the amazing restaurants with local fare.

By the time you get back to Inverness, you will have gotten to enjoy and sample everything that makes the Scottish Highlands such a special place to spend one week in Europe.

Where to Stay: Inverness | Coldbackie

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary Prettiest Towns in Scotland

Tips For Your 1 Week Europe Trip

Whether this is your first trip to Europe or hundreth, here are some of my top tips for a great vacation!

• Choose a Focus Area: With only a week, consider focusing on one region or a couple of nearby cities. This will help you avoid spending too much time in transit or being overwhelmed.
• Prioitize Cultural Highlights: Include a mix of popular landmarks and local hidden gems. Visit museums, historical sites, and experience local cuisine.
• Take Day Trips: Consider short day trips to nearby towns or countryside to get a more rounded experience of the region. This is one of the best ways to explore nearby Europe vacation spots.
• Utilize the Trains: Europe’s train network is extensive, affordable, and easy. This is the best way to see Europe in a week! Consider getting a rail pass if planning multiple train journeys.
• Fly With Budget Airlines: For longer distances, look into budget airlines, but be mindful of baggage restrictions and additional fees.
• Book Accommodations in Advance: Especially in popular destinations, to book ahead of time to secure the best rates and locations. Apart from hotels, consider hostels, B&Bs, or vacation rentals for a more local experience.
• Know the Currency: While many countries in Europe use the euro, not all do. Check the currency for each country when you go to Europe.
• Cash vs. Card: Have some cash for smaller establishments or markets, but credit cards are widely accepted. Check if your credit card has a foreign transaction fee.
• Learn Basic Phrases: Knowing simple greetings and phrases in the local language can be helpful. Hello and thank you alone can go a long way.
• Use Language Apps: Use translation apps to help with communication barriers. You can download languages offline on the Google Translate app to use for signs, menus, and conversation.
• Know Cultural Etiquette: Do a little research about the cultural etiquette of the places you will visit. This will help you understand and connect with the locals while showing respect.
• Bring a Travel Adapter: You’ll need a universal travel adapter for your electronic devices.
• Prepare Mobile Data: Consider using a local SIM card or a roaming plan for internet access.

These one week itineraries for Europe are all packed with amazing adventures and beautiful sites.

If you are on a budget for a week vacation in Europe, consider traveling in the off-season!

Have you ever spent 7 days in Europe? If so, where did you go and what did you do? Please let me know in the comments!

Next, check out the best hidden gems in Europe ! Have fun during your trip to Europe!

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One Week in Europe Trip Itinerary (30 epic samples)

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Europe has been our favorite continent of travel. The cobblestone lanes and the unparalleled history just pull us to visit this continent time and again. In this post – One week in Europe Trip Itinerary – we have curated 30 itineraries that you can explore in a week.

We understand vacation days are limited, so why not make the most of your time and combine a city or two (or a country to two)? Use our handpicked destinations and tours in Europe Itinerary 7 days to live that life of wanderlust one week at a time.

So far we had made it to 30+ European countries – some big and some small – all the way from North America (Canada). We also have a few more countries on our Europe bucket list that we are hoping to check off in the coming year or two. This post has all the research, resources, and trip combinations we had taken. 

30 One Week in Europe Trip Itinerary Ideas

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

We have included recommended and popular tours and hotel options in this post. In this one week European itinerary, you will find additional tips for preparing for your trip to Europe, including Schengen Visa information, packing lists, and more.

Travel Tips – Preparing for the Perfect One Week in Europe Itinerary

Here are quick tips and resources for planning your trip to Europe

Europe Planning 101 Travel Guide – New to Europe travel? Read this extensive post on planning your first trip to the European Continent . 

Schengen Visa – Traveling to Europe for visa-required countries/passport holders is only possible with Schengen Visa. It is not a visa on arrival. But the good thing is we have this detailed guide to applying for Schengen Visa – we did and were successful each time. Visa processing although a hassle, but it’s worth it when you can visit multiple countries. 

Accommodation Planning –  You can stay in a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb. In this post, we have provided hotel prices through Booking.com.

Tours –  We like to take day tours to nearby cities and guided tours with a local. For a short trip of one week, avoid renting a car and the hassles of parking or directions. Use tours or hop on hop off style transport in the city. GetYourGuide is a leader in Europe tours, we just LOVE them. 

Reserve Car Rental: Prepare Ahead

If you need a car rental, we recommend comparing and checking prices on Discovercars.com to book yours.

Rail and City Pass – Depending on how many days we stay and what sightseeing ideas we have in mind, we use a combination of city pass (which gives free museum entrances and transit tickets) and use trains for country travel.

Train travel is great in Europe. If you book tickets early, look for high-speed trains if possible and they can be booked online. We use Rail Europe to book train tickets. 

Travel Insurance – Always insure your trip. We do. For one week, typically it shouldn’t cost you more than $30 USD with trip cancellation and medical emergencies. We understand everyone’s situation is different – you can get an insurance quote customized to your needs from Safety Wing here.

Europe Packing List – No matter what time of the year, we have an ultimate PACKING list for Europe . 

Three countries exploration – One Week Europe Itinerary 

Benelux itinerary – brussels (belgium), amsterdam (netherlands), luxembourg city (luxembourg).

• DAY 1: Brussels
• DAY 2: Brussels
• DAY 3: Day trip to Bruges
• DAY 4: Amsterdam
• DAY 5: Amsterdam
• DAY 6: Day trip to Zaanse Schans
• DAY 7: Luxembourg City
• 2 days in Brussels Weekend Itinerary
• One day in Bruges Itinerary
• Where to stay in Brussels
• Belgium Itinerary (3 to 5 days)
• Interesting facts about Belgium
• Interesting facts about Luxembourg
• Most beautiful cities in the Netherlands
• No of countries: 3 
• Cities Covered: Brussels (Belgium), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Luxembourg City (Luxembourg)
• Stay in: Brussels or Amsterdam or both 

Benelux – Benelux comprises the countries of Belgium , Netherlands , and Luxembourg. Trains, buses, and tour connectivity to these countries are so amazing that you can choose any mode of transport to explore these areas.

Day 1 – Arrive and stay in Brussels city center. Depending on when you arrive you can explore the Grokt Markt, the medieval town square with Grand Place, visit the City of Brussels Museum, and Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries, and explore the old town/city center area. 

READ:  One day in Brussels Itinerary

Day 2 – Explore more of Brussels. On this sightseeing day, head to the Atomium in the morning, visit the Royal Palace of Brussels (exterior), comic strip museum, downtown area – EU Park, flea market, and the lift. An easy way to visit all these locations is by taking a hop-on and hop-off sightseeing bus. BOOK YOUR HOP ON HOP OFF BUS HERE.

When in Brussels, don’t forget to eat fries with sauce, Belgian beer, and waffles!

Day 3 – On day 3 of your trip, take a day trip from Brussels to explore Bruges or Ghent and back to Brussels. You can either drive to these cities (1-2 hours one way) or take a local SNCB train (50 minutes to 1 hour one way) – both are convenient.

You can explore a lot in a day in Bruges or Ghent – hit the market square and admire the heritage buildings surrounding it. Take a walking tour to learn about the history. 

You can also do a FULL DAY tour from Brussels and back, with a guided walking tour all in one, without the hassle. BOOK A DAY TOUR TO BRUGES AND GHENT

Want to explore something different on a day trip from Brussels? Read our 18+ day trips from Brussels post here

Day 4 – Head to Amsterdam in the Netherlands today. You can do this as a day tour as well (check out the tour here). But we recommend taking the high-speed train to Amsterdam and here’s why.

If you plan to return to Brussels, taking the train is a good idea. If you plan on staying in Amsterdam, the trains are great too. Don’t drive to Amsterdam, you will be stuck in traffic for hours, and not worth a week’s stay in the region! 

So day 4, start bright and early and arrive in Amsterdam by 10:00 am – at the Amsterdam Centraal, which is a central station. From here all the sightseeing attractions are pretty close by. Explore the Dam Square, Royal Palace, and Madame Tussauds museum, and shop a little at the Damrak shops. 

Take a stroll by the canal side and then have lunch by the Amstel River.

In the afternoon, enjoy some time at the Heineken Experience. This was an active brewery once upon a time and today it is a museum. Explore the flea market – this is a MUST if you are not visiting Amsterdam for the tulip season.

In the evening, take a dinner cruise on the canal – a perfect day to end the day. Take a canal cruise tour

Day 5 – Day 5 of your One week in Europe Itinerary is dedicated to exploring Amsterdam in-depth. Head back to the city center to visit Anne Frank’s museum. It is required that you book tickets in advance and online. Here is a walking tour of Anne Frank’s life and history

Check off another museum or two in the afternoon – choose from the Van Gogh museum (for arts) and Rijksmuseum. Take a stroll at the Red Light district, which is now a heritage site. 

In the evening, relax in the park – Vondelpark. 

Day 6 – On day 6 of your trip, take a 4-hour tour to Zaanse Schans to explore the windmills of the Netherlands . 4 hours is a good time to explore the windmills village, make a pit stop at a cheese farm, and head back to Amsterdam. Zaanse Schans to Amsterdam is a 45-minute drive away (one way).

Book a half-day tour to Zaanse Schans

For the second half of the day, we recommend traveling back to Brussels (this is a good idea if you have a return flight booked to/from Brussels to your home country).

Day 7 – Explore Luxembourg City. You can take a day tour from Brussels to Luxembourg City or the train to explore the city’s main highlights.

Visit the Golden lady, Presidential palace, and Arms Square, and return to Brussels in the evening to catch a flight the next day.  READ: One day in Luxembourg Itinerary

Budget and Trip planning resources

This budget is based on the suggested itinerary above.

• Hotel –Brussels ($) 2- 4 nights – $100 USD average per night
• Hotel – Amsterdam ($$) 2 nights – $ 250+ USD average per night
• Sightseeing & transport (not flights) – $300+ USD average per night
• Food – $500 USD approx

Note: You can also stay in Brussels for the entire week and take a day tour to Luxembourg City. To reach Amsterdam, there are day tours from Brussels. Or take a high-speed train to Amsterdam and back.

The Key is to book high-speed trains ahead of time to score a good deal. We booked tickets for 20 euros per person (one way) and that was 4 months in advance. 

• View > Day tour to Luxembourg from Brussels 
• View > Day Tour to Holland with Amsterdam

Bucharest (Romania), Sofia (Bulgaria), Belgrade (Serbia)

• DAY 1: Bucharest
• DAY 2: Bucharest
• DAY 3: Sofia
• DAY 4: Sofia
• DAY 5: Belgrade
• DAY 6: Belgrade
• DAY 7: Belgrade/return to Bucharest
• Balkan road trip itineraries
• Balkan tour packages
• No of countries: 3
• Cities Covered: Bucharest (Romania), Sofia (Bulgaria), Belgrade (Serbia)
• Stay in:  Bucharest, Sofia, Belgrade

Visit the 3 stunning capital cities of Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia in one week in Europe Itinerary. Walk the lanes of communist-era boulevards, squares, and churches. 

Day 1 – 2 Fly to Bucharest in Romania to experience beer and Dracula fear! Make Bucharest your home for the next 2 nights.

Visit the iconic landmark the communist-era Palatul Parlamentului government building, neo-classical Romanian Athenaeum concert hall, National Museum of Art of Romania, and the Royal Palace in Revolution Square. Here is a 3-hour walking tour of Communist Bucharest 

You can also take a full-day tour to see Dracula’s Castle. BOOK HERE

Day 3 – 4 Drive to Sofia in Bulgaria and capture the highlights of the Romanian city. Drive from Bucharest to Sofia is 5.65 hours. Definitely start early and that way you will have half a day of sightseeing. And full the next day.

Here are some of the attractions to check off in Sofia – the stunning Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and another smaller orthodox church Boyana Church, National Historical Museum (Bulgaria’s largest museum), Ivan Vazov National Theatre.

And don’t forget to shop at Vitosha Boulevard. Check off everything in historical Sofia with this full day tour 

Note: If you feel that you need to slow down and explore more of the 2 countries, just add an extra day for the 2 cities each.

If you are feeling adventurous, then on day 5 drive to Belgrade in Serbia. Drive from Sofia to Belgrade is 4.50 hours.

Day 5 -6 (or extend to 7) – Arrive in Belgrade and spend the next 2 days here.

Explore the Belgrade Fortress a beautiful monument with an old citadel and Kalemegdan Park, visit the Serbian Orthodox Church of Saint Sava and enjoy some time at the historic square – Republic Square and dine at the prime shopping district – Knez Mihailova Street (Kneza Mihaila).

Here is a 3-hour sightseeing tour of Belgrade

Note for return flight: Driving time from Belgrade to Bucharest is close to 9 hours. So consider taking a return flight from Belgrade to your home country. If that is not an option, flying to Bucharest might be more convenient, and then catch your return flight. Guide to spending 2 weeks in the Balkans

Barcelona (Spain), Andorra de la Vella (Andorra) and Ax Les Thermes (France) 

• DAY 1: Barcelona
• DAY 2: Barcelona
• DAY 3: Barcelona
• DAY 4: Costa Brava
• DAY 5: Costa Brava
• DAY 6: Montserrat
• DAY 7: Andorra
• One day in Barcelona Itinerary
• 3 days in Barcelona Itinerary
• Best city views in Barcelona
• Visiting Barcelona in September
• Barcelona tips and tricks
• How many days in Barcelona is enough
• Barcelona to Montserrat day trip
• European microstates
• Best places in the south of France
• Cities Covered: Barcelona, Andorra de la Vella, Ax Les Thermes
• Stay in:  Barcelona and Andorra de la Vella or Barcelona itself

This is ONE of the easiest and most convenient ways to explore Barcelona in-depth and add 2 more countries to your passport stamps – the tiny country of Andorra and explore French villages on the way. 

Day 1 – 3 Explore Barcelona in depth . Visit the Sagrada Familia, Guell Park, Gothic quarters, and Barcelona Cathedral – all of the prime city highlights.

On day 2 explore some of the offbeat Barcelona attractions starting with the del la bunker, and museum – and ending the night with a fountain of colors (free) show. Here is a hop on and hop off sightseeing tour of Barcelona

Day 3 takes some cultural and food tours to experience more of this city – food tour , flamenco tour

Day 4 – 5 Venture outside of Barcelona and take a full day trip to Costa Brava. Explore the sandy beaches, relax, and eat delicious tapas and medieval lanes. You can also book a full-day tour of Costa Brava from Barcelona. Book here

Another day trip option to make the most of your Barcelona trip is to head to Montserrat. The views of the monastery on a cliff, with the stunning coast, are a delight to many. Montserrat is only 1.50 hours away from Barcelona.

Making it a perfect day trip idea – for a half-day or full-day. Here is a half-day tour to Montserrat. 

Day 6 – 7 Explore the countryside of Barcelona and then cross the border to Andorra – a tiny principality tucked between Spain and France. You can stay in Andorra de Vella, it’s the capital city for a day or two (or 1.50 days and then returns on day 7 to catch a flight back).

An alternate option is to take a day trip to Andorra from Barcelona for a full day and explore France – Ax Les Thermes and Andorra de Vella. Here is the full day tour to explore Andorra and France

Lisbon (Portugal), Seville (Spain), and Gibraltar

• DAY 1: Lisbon
• DAY 2: Lisbon
• DAY 3: Sintra
• DAY 4: Seville
• DAY 5: Seville
• DAY 6: Gibraltar
• DAY 7: Granada or Tangier
• One day in Lisbon Itinerary
• 4 days in Lisbon Itinerary
• How many days in Lisbon is enough
• Best Lisbon hotels with pools
• 8 days in Portugal Itinerary
• 10 days in Portugal Itinerary
• Day trips from Seville Spain
• Seville to Gibraltar Itinerary
• One day in Gibraltar Itinerary
• Cities Covered: Lisbon, Seville, Gibraltar
• Stay in: Lisbon and Seville 

Day 1- 2 – Arrive in Lisbon , the stunning Portuguese capital.

Explore the city’s highlights – gorgeous lanes of Alfama, ride tram 28, and hear all about the Portuguese history of earthquakes and survival. Lisbon nightlife is a killer – so definitely venture out and have fun. Book a walking tour of Lisbon

Day 3 –   Take a day trip to Sintra to visit the Moorish Castle and the beautiful Pena Palace. Cycling tour is very popular here or you can take a train or bus to arrive in Sintra for a day. Day tours are also available to Sintra from Lisbon .

Once you return to Lisbon in the evening, take an overnight bus or train to Seville, Spain .

Day 4 – 5 – Arrive in Seville Spain . Explore the city centre and other city highlights like the Alcazar palace, and Seville Cathedral. Join a Tapas food tour in the evening. 

Day 6 – 7 – Day trips from Seville. Explore Gibraltar in a day and check out the rock of Gibraltar and the gardens. If you are feeling adventurous, on day 7 head to Tangier, Morocco Africa for a day!

• Seville to Gibraltar day tour
• Seville to Tangier Morocco day tour

Prague (Czech Republic), Budapest (Hungary), and Bratislava (Slovakia) – 7 days Eastern Europe Itinerary

• DAY 1: Prague
• DAY 2: Prague
• DAY 3: Kutna Hora or Cesky Krumluv
• DAY 4: Bratislava
• DAY 5: Bratislava
• DAY 6: Budapest
• DAY 7: Budapest
• One day in Prague Itinerary
• Prague Vienna Budapest Itinerary
• Where to stay in Prague
• Things to do in Prague in March- April
• Budapest food guide
• Cities Covered: Prague, Budapest, Bratislava
• Stay in: Prague, Budapest, Bratislava

Visit the capital cities of Central Europe in this one-week itinerary, and learn about their history and struggles from the Communist era. We have included suggested tours below, but this route is also perfect for a good road trip itinerary.

Day 1 – 2 Arrive in the classic city of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic . Settle yourself in a hotel in the city center. More about where to stay in Prague for all budgets here.

Take a walking tour of the old town square and check off the world-famous astronomical clock, Kinsky Palace, Charles Bridge, and Lennon Wall and in the evening take a boat ride over the Vltava River. Don’t forget to try some Czech cuisines like goulash and chimney cake or tradnlk.

For day 2 in Prague , visit the beautiful Prague Castle grounds and admire the city and its rivers from afar. Walkthrough Golden Lane and stop by local vineyards. In the afternoon head to take a peek at the Dancing House – an architectural frenzy and the Head of Kafka.

In the evening (before heading to your central location hotel) take a ghost tour or an evening food tour .

Day 3 – Take a day trip to Kutna Hora or Český Krumlov.

Kutna Hora can be easily done as a half-day tour from Prague. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. You can explore the church of bones (one of the popular tourist attractions) and just relax and wander through the city centre area. If you prefer a day tour – here is a recommended one .

Český Krumlov is another popular day tour option from Prague. You will need the full day for this one, as Český Krumlov is located 2.50 hours from Prague one way. Cesky Krumlov is like a fairy tale town with beautiful cobblestone lanes and vintage houses.

Don’t forget to visit the second largest castle here. Book this tour to Cesky Krumlov with lunch. 

Day 4 – Travel to Bratislava from Prague. Travel time is 3.50 hours. The main highlights of Bratislava can be explored in a day. This city is the capital of Slovakia and has a quirky side to it.

So start from Prague, when it is comfortable, and arrive in Bratislava.

Head to Bratislava Castle for the day and be mesmerized by the city views from the castle’s top. This sightseeing venture will give you a bird’s eye view of the city. In the evening, choose to dine at a restaurant close to the Space Tower and bridge.

Day 5 – Spend the morning (or the first half of the day) in Bratislava. Here is what you can visit – iconic Michael’s Gate, Old Town Hall, Blue Church, and classist palace – Primate’s Palace.  In the late afternoon or evening, travel to country number 3 – Budapest, Hungary.

You can leave early morning too if you prefer to maximize the time in Budapest and make travel arrangements to Prague on Day 7 for your return flight. (Budapest to Prague is 7 hours by train or around 6+ hours drive)

Day 6 – 7 – Spend the next 2 days in Budapest – the capital city of Hungary. Budapest is also known for its bridges and river cruises over the Danube River.

Visit the Hungarian Parliament, Jewish synagogue, Shoes on the Danube memorial, and the Heroes Square on day 1 of Budapest trip .

Finish the day with a thermal spa/dip at the Széchenyi Medicinal Bath. Thermal Spas in Budapest are quite popular for the medicinal properties it contains. Entry at the spa is not very expensive either. Check out prices for the Széchenyi Medicinal Bath .

For your last day in Budapest, explore the Buda Castle complex. Admire the castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, St Matthias Church, and Hungarian History Museum, and shop at their souvenir stores. The views from Buda Castle are so gorgeous.

Get a Buda Castle walking tour with a historian

If you are planning to stay in Budapest and fly out from there on day 8, then take a Danube dinner cruise in the evening. If not, then start for Prague in the afternoon to arrive in Budapest at night. 

Barcelona (Spain), French Riviera (France), and Monaco – 7 days in Europe Itinerary

• DAY 3: Costa Brava day trip
• DAY 4: French Riviera/Cannes 
• DAY 5: Cannes
• DAY 6: Monaco
• DAY 7: French Riviera/Barcelona return
• One day in Monaco Itinerary
• What to pack for Barcelona
• How to visit Bunkers del Carmel
• Cities Covered: Barcelona, French Riviera, Monaco
• Stay in: Barcelona, French Riviera, Monaco 

God, I love Barcelona. You probably know this by now. So this one week itinerary captures Barcelona in Spain, French Riviera, France , and Monaco – a tiny principality nation.

Day 1 -2 – Arrive in Barcelona and explore the Spanish city’s historical and architectural delights for the next 2 days. If you are arriving in the afternoon, head to the city centre area, stroll La Ramblas, grab a bite to eat, and watch the sun go down at the El Bunkers.

For your day 2 itinerary, visit Barcelona’s iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Gothic Quarter, Casa Ballto, Barcelona City Museum, and more. In the evening enjoy some time at the Magic of Fountains show (free). 

Day 3 – Take a day trip/day tour to Costa Brava to enjoy some sunshine and beach. Book a day tour here to Costa Brava with snorkeling activity

Day 4 – Day 4 is a travel day as you will head to the French Riviera and stay in Cannes for the next 2 nights. Barcelona to Cannes, French Riviera is 6.50 hours drive.

Day 5 –   Today is sightseeing time for Cannes. Explore the French Riviera in a day

Day 6 – Travel to Monaco – a small principality nation. French Riviera to Monaco is less than 2 hours drive – one way. You can either spend the night here, take a day trip and return to French Riviera. A full day is enough to explore Monaco. 

Day 7 –   This is a travel day to return back to Barcelona from either the French Riviera/Monaco.

Copenhagen (Denmark), Stockholm (Sweden), and Helsinki (Finland) Europe Itinerary 7 days

• DAY 1: Copenhagen
• DAY 2: Copenhagen
• DAY 3: Stockholm
• DAY 4: Stockholm
• DAY 5: Helsinki
• DAY 6: Helsinki
• DAY 7: Helsinki
• Cities Covered: Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki
• Stay in: Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki

Day 1 – Arrive in Copenhagen – the capital of Denmark. Visit some of the city highlights in a half-day (or full-day itinerary or tour). Key attractions for the day are the Royal Amalienborg Palace and the Christiansborg Palace. In the evening, visit the Tivoli Gardens . 

BOOK: 2 hour walking tour of Copenhagen with city highlights

Day 2 – On day 2, explore more of Copenhagen. Today hit the canals and harbor of Copenhagen – Nyhavn.  During this trip also admire the Little Mermaid – one of the iconic landmarks of Copenhagen. 

In the afternoon, explore Rosenborg Castle, before making your way to Stockholm Sweden. The train journey from Copenhagen to Stockholm is 6 hours long. You can start in the evening or late at night to arrive in Stockholm for day 3. Here are itinerary ideas for Stockholm

Day 3 – Stockholm sightseeing starts with royalty. Explore the Royal Palace and the City hall in the morning. Take time to relax afterward for lunch at Gamla stan and just wander through the city and admire the bridges. Kungstradgarden – the royal gardens.

BOOK: Old town Stockholm Walking tour

Day 4 – Today explore a museum or two in Stockholm. Nordiska Museet – this museum is learning about Swedish cultural history, Vasa Museum – a maritime museum, and Fotografiska – a photography museum. OR You can also take a cruise to explore the Stockholm Archipelago.

Late evening, you will be taking a cruise to reach Helsinki.

Pro tip : If you would like to avoid the ferry ride, then extend your stay in the 2 countries, they are many things that you can do in both Copenhagen and Stockholm. But if you are taking the ferry, you will arrive in Helsinki in 17+ hours. So that will be arriving on day 5. 

Day 5 – Arriving in Helsinki and take it easy today.

Day 6 – Start the day with the historic market square of Helsinki. Visit the Finlandia Hall, the Senate hall, and the domed-shaped Russian church – Helsinki Cathedral.

BOOK: Book Helsinki city tour here

In the evening, spend some time at the Esplanade – eat, drink, and relax for the night.

Day 7 – On day 7 visit the National Museum of Finland and learn about Finnish history and culture. Add the Sibelius Monument, if you have extra time. 

Pro Tip 2: You can either fly out from Helsinki or fly to Copenhagen from Helsinki to catch your return flight. Flights from Helsinki to Copenhagen are less than 2 hours long and average $200 USD.

Two countries exploration – One Week Europe Itinerary 

Paris and versailles (france), brussels and bruges (belgium) – 7 days in europe itinerary .

• DAY 1: Paris
• DAY 2: Paris
• DAY 3: Versailles day trip
• DAY 4: Brussels
• DAY 5: Brussels 
• DAY 6: Bruges day trip
• DAY 7: Return to Paris
• One day in Paris Itinerary
• 3 days in Paris Itinerary
• Best hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower views
• Where to stay in Paris: Hotels Guide 
• Private tours in Paris
• Paris Brussels and Amsterdam Itinerary
• No of countries: 2 
• Cities Covered: Paris and Versailles (France) and Brussels and Bruges (Belgium)
• Stay in: Brussels or Paris or both 

Day 1 and Day 2 – Arrive in Paris and explore the city’s main highlights. If you arrive in Paris by noon, then utilize your first day by exploring the Montmartre neighborhood. Book a walking tour in Montmartre

In the evening, take an evening cruise on the Seine River or a dinner cruise.

The next day, explore all the Parisian highlights. Start with the Trocadero Gardens, Eiffel Tower, Latin Quarters, Petit and Grand Palais, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. Take a hop on and hop off bus tour to explore the city.  

Day 3 – Take a full day trip (or a day tour) to Versailles . Explore the Palace of Versailles, and take a guided tour of the palace and the gardens. Here is a day tour of Versailles.

Day 4 – Visit Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Hop on a high-speed train and arrive in Brussels. Take the day to explore the old market square – Grokt Markt, Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries, and the Royal Palace of Brussels.

Day 5 – Explore more of Brussels. Head to the Atomium in the morning, visit the Royal Palace of Brussels (exterior), comic strip museum, downtown area – Mini Europe – EU Park, flea market, and the lift. An easy way to visit all these locations is by taking a hop-on and hop-off sightseeing bus.

Book a hop on and hop off sightseeing tour here

Day 6 – On day 6 of one week Europe Itinerary, take a day trip from Brussels to explore Bruges and back to Brussels. You can either drive to Bruges (1-2 hours one way) or take a local SNCB train (50 minutes to 1 hour one way) – both are convenient.

You can explore a lot in a day in Bruges – hit the market square and admire the heritage buildings surrounding it. Take a walking tour to learn about the history. You can also do a FULL DAY tour from Brussels and back, with a guided walking tour all in one, without the hassle. Book yours here.

Day 7 – Take a train back to Paris (to fly back, return trip). If you arrive early, you can explore a bit more of Paris city or shop at the Champs Elysees.

• Hotel – Paris ($+) 3 – 4 nights – $150 USD average per night
• Hotel – Brussels  ($) 3 nights – $95 USD average per night
• Sightseeing & transport (not flights) – $600+ USD 
• Food – $700 + USD approx

London (United Kingdom) and Paris (France) in One Week in Europe Itinerary

• DAY 1: London
• DAY 2: London
• DAY 3: Bath
• DAY 4: Paris
• DAY 5: Paris
• DAY 6: Versailles – Paris day trip
• DAY 7: Paris & London
• Ultimate London Bucket list
• 4 days in London Itinerary
• Best hotels in London with river views
• One day in Bath Itinerary
• Paris Bucket list
• Cities Covered: Paris, Versailles (France) and London, Bath (UK)
• Stay in: London and Paris 

One of the easiest and classy European country combinations is London – Paris – London Itinerary. With the great options for flights (including flights to London Gatwick from Canada WestJet), you can easily score a good return trip for less than $500.

Day 1  Arrive in London and explore the city highlights in the next 3 days. Start your day with the Tower of London.

Head there in the morning to beat the rush. Tower Bridge is located close by. Spend some time visiting the tower bridge exhibition. Up next, explore the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and The Shard.

You can leave Shard for the late evening so that you can see the city of London covered in night lights. Shard is the tallest skyscraper in London. An alternative option is to take a cruise on river Thames .  Book your Shard entry ticket

BOOK: A vintage open-top bus tour of London – expressway to see London

Day 2 For Day 2, head to everything royal! First off is the Kensington Palace. Visit the staterooms at the Kensington Palace and take a stroll in their gardens. Here is an entry ticket and guide to Kensington Palace

Royal Albert Hall is up next. Although it was built as an auditorium/events hall, you can explore the complex to see the architecture, before making your way to Buckingham Palace.

Arrive at Buckingham Palace in the later afternoon to spend time at the gardens relaxing and signing off your London 2 nd day visit. During summers, Buckingham Palace has guided tours that are offered to visitors. BOOK – Buckingham Palace Tours

Day 3  Take a day trip to Bath to explore the Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Roman Baths. Book this awesome day tour here

Day 4   Head to Paris in the high-speed train from London and arrive in Gare du Nord. Exchange trains and then if you like you can start exploring right away.

Walk the Montmarte neighborhood and visit the Sacré-Cœur or the Sacred Heart basilica, go café hopping, and capture painters at work. In the evening, watch a show and dinner at Moulin Rouge . 

Day 5 Bright and early today, head to the Trocadero Gardens to get some amazing views of the city and the Iron Lady herself. Walk over to reach the Eiffel Tower grounds and take quick access to the second floor for some scintillating views of Paris. Book your Eiffel Tower access ticket here

In the afternoon, explore Champs Elysee and the Arc de Triomphe. 

Spend some time at the Latin Quarter and in the evening take a Seine River cruise to see the city covered in lights. You will also see more Parisian landmarks this way.  READ:    15+ Paris photo Spots 

Day 6 Take a full-day tour to Versailles. Book this day tour to Versailles.

Day 7 You only have half a day in Paris today. If the Louvre museum is a MUST for you on this trip, then head there in the morning, capture some great shots, and explore the museum. Get this Louvre – Skip the Line guided tour.  

(Keep in mind, you can carry your BIG luggage inside the museum, so will have to find a place to keep your bags/suitcase. Or leave them at the hotel reception. Pro tip: Look for a hotel near a train station so that travel back to London without wasting any time.) 

After Lourve, time to head back to London ! 

Reykjavík and the southern coast of Iceland, Kulusuk in Greenland

• DAY 1: Reykjavik
• DAY 2: Reykjavik
• DAY 3: Golden Circle
• DAY 4: South Coast Tour
• DAY 5: Greenland
• DAY 6: Greenland
• DAY 7: Return to Iceland – Sky Lagoon
• How to get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport
• 5 days in Iceland Itinerary
• 10 days in Iceland Itinerary
• Tips on visiting Blue Lagoon
• Tips on visiting Sky Lagoon
• One day in Reykjavik itinerary
• Best South Coast Iceland Tours
• No of countries: 2
• Cities Covered: Reykjavík and the southern coast of Iceland, Kulusuk in Greenland
• Stay in: Reykjavik and Kulusuk

Day 1 – Arrive in Reykjavík – the capital of Iceland. Day 1 starts with a dip at the beautiful thermal waters of Blue Lagoon, located only 15 minutes from the airport.

(Keflavik International airport is located 45 minutes from Reykjavík and shuttle buses are available to take you to the city center or the Blue Lagoon, no trains in Iceland. Book your airport transfer to Reykjavik ). 

Book your tickets to the Blue Lagoon ahead of time – to secure your preferred time slot entry.

After spending some time at the Blue Lagoon, take a bus transfer to Reykjavik city. You can choose your hotel as a drop off location. Rest or get out for a stroll at the City Hall area and the Pond. Book your stay at our favorite hotel – Room with a View in Reykjavik 

If you are visiting Iceland from late September to February, book a Northern Lights tour , or if you are driving head to a secluded place outside of Reykjavík to chase the northern lights.

Day 2 – Learn about the history of Reykjavik and dynamic Iceland. Visit the tallest church – Hallgrímskirkja church, capture beautiful street art, explore the Perlan – Wonders of Iceland, Sun Voyager, and the hip Laugavegur lanes. And enjoy a food tour in the evening.

READ: Free things to do in Reykjavik Iceland

Day 3 – Venture outside of Reykjavik and explore the popular Golden Circle route on a tour. In this full-day tour or trip, visit the Pingeviller National Park (where the first parliament althingi  of Iceland was set up by the Vikings), geysers and the stunning Gulfoss falls. 

BOOK: Golden Circle tour with Secret Lagoon entry

Day 4 – More of the southern coast of Iceland with even more waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss,  Skógafoss falls, and all the way to the southern tip of Vik. This route can be done as a day tour as well.

Day tours in Iceland are very convenient as the tours are not very intrusive. You can add a glacier walk or a horse riding tour as well. Book this South Iceland Coast Tour 

Day 5 – 6 –  Head to Greenland. There are daily flights available from Reykjavík domestic airport to Kulusuk (Reykjavík domestic airport is different from Keflavik airport). At Kulusuk, you can explore glaciers and the tiny fishing village and red houses. Check this day tour to Greenland from Iceland 

Day 7 – Depart from Greenland and back to Iceland.  READ: Our 3 days in Iceland Itinerary 

Munich and Nuremberg (Germany) and Salzburg and Vienna (Austria) in One Week in Europe Itinerary

• DAY 1: Munich
• DAY 2: Munich
• DAY 3: Nuremberg
• DAY 4: Salzburg
• DAY 5: Salzburg 
• DAY 6: Vienna
• DAY 7: Vienna
• 3 days in Munich Itinerary
• 10 days in Bavaria Itinerary
• 4 days in Vienna Itinerary
• Where to stay in Vienna for first-time visitors
• 7 days in Austria Itinerary
• Cities Covered: Munich and Nuremberg (Germany) and Salzburg and Vienna (Austria)
• Stay in: Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna 

Day 1 and Day 2- Explore the historic Bavarian city of Munich. Visit the city centre, take in views from the Old Pete church, explore the Munich Residenz and the Royal brewery – pretty much all of Marienplatz or Mary’s Square. 

READ: Free things to do in and around Marienplatz Munich

The next day, explore the English Gardens or take a day tour of Dachau (half-day itinerary). A food or a beer tour is a great way to experience Bavarian schnitzels and other delicacies.

Day 3 – Take a day trip to Nuremberg. Spend the day at the canals and the old market square. Admire the church of our lady and Nuremberg Castle.  Visit the doll museum, relax, and buy goodies at the market square. Here is our post on – one day trip to Nuremberg from Munich

BOOK: Day tour to Nuremberg from Munich

Day 4 – Drive or take a train to Salzburg Austria . Salzburg is only a 2-hour drive away from Munich. If you plan to take the train in the morning, you will be in town, just in time for lunch. Get down the train and head to the old town for some lunch.

Walk the lanes of the old town, eat 3 euro chilly pretzels or have a full course meal. For a half-day in Salzburg today, explore the Hohensalzburg fortress. Hike to the top and explore the fortress grounds (museum and church inside) and capture some amazing views of the town below. In the evening enjoy a quiet romantic dinner.

Day 5 – Explore Salzburg intimately. Start the day at Mozart Square – this square has a statue of Mozart, the music genius. Take a tour of the sound of music movie locations , visit the Mirabell gardens and Nazi rally grounds.  Book this city tour of Salzburg and Mozart Square

Day 6 – 7 – Depart for Vienna . Salzburg to Vienna is a 2-hour drive away (or train). Once you arrive in Vienna – head to the inner city, where the Hofburg Palace is located.

In Vienna, you will be checking off beautiful palaces like the Hofburg and the Schonbrunn in 2 days, as well as exploring some finest monuments like the St Stephens Cathedral, Vienna Opera House, Giant Ferris Wheel and more.  READ:  Vienna 2 day itinerary

Copenhagen (Denmark) and Malmo (Sweden) in One Week Europe Trip Itinerary

• DAY 3: Copenhagen
• DAY 4: Hamlet’s Kronborg & Frederiksborg castles
• DAY 5: Malmo
• DAY 6: Malmo
• DAY 7: Malmo & Copenhagen
• Cities Covered: Copenhagen Denmark and Malmo Sweden
• Stay in: Copenhagen and/or Malmo 

Day 1 Arrive in Copenhagen and spend the 3 days exploring the capital city of Denmark. Because you are staying in Copenhagen for the most part of your trip, consider booking this city pass . 

In Copenhagen, visit the Royal Palace, Opera house, Frederiksberg Castle, the Liberty Monument, and in the evening head to the Tivoli Gardens on day 1. 

On days 2 -3, explore the famous Little Mermaid and the stunning Black Diamond building, home to the Royal Library, Denmark’s national library, and wander through the streets of Freetown Christiania. Other than attractions, you can opt for bike and culinary tours as well. 

Here is an AWESOME 48-hour tour of Copenhagen city highlights with a boat ride

Day 4 Take a day trip to Hamlet’s Kronborg & Frederiksborg castles

BOOK: Book this tour to hamlet castles here

Day 5-6 Take a quick trip across the Oresund Bridge and arrive in Sweden. Yes to Malmo, the southern city in Sweden and the third-largest too. Stay here for 2 days and explore more of the city.  

Note : The trip from Copenhagen to Malmo is only 45 minutes drive. So this can be taken as a day tour as well. Here is one that combines the exploration of Lund and Malmo in a full day tour . 

In Malmo, you can explore the 16th-century Malmo Castle and relax/stroll through their market square. The square is delightful with half-timbered houses, cafes, and restaurants. Perfect for a rejuvenating weekend getaway.

Helsinki Finland and Tallinn Estonia

• DAY 1: Helsinki
• DAY 2: Helsinki
• DAY 3: Nuuksio National Park
• DAY 4: Tallinn 
• DAY 5: Tallinn
• DAY 6: Islands of Prangli
• DAY 7: Naissaar Island
• Most beautiful cities in Europe
• 2 week Europe itineraries
• Cities Covered: Helsinki Finland and Tallinn Estonia
• Stay in: Helsinki, Tallinn 

Day 1-2  Arrive in Helsinki and spend the next 3 days exploring the capital city. 

Helsinki is the capital of Finland. It is characterized by a vibrant seaside with stunning islands and green parks. 

On days 1-2, explore the Helsinki market square, and take a canal cruise to see the city highlights like Helsinki Cathedral, Sibelius Monument, and the neoclassical Finnish Parliament House. 

You can also book a private tour with a local on one of the days. Find more about local Copenhagen tours here

On your second day (of the half-day on your 1st day), visit the beautiful islands of Suomenlinna – it has green parks and trails and it is located only a 15-minute ferry ride away from Helsinki Market Square.

Day 3 Take a full day trip to Nuuksio National Park. At Nuuksio Park, you can experience the Finnish wilderness with rare fauna, tall trees, and the rarest corners of Nuuksio Lake. You can also do it as a day tour with a guided hike

Day 4-5 Take the ferry ride to Tallinn in Estonia and you will arrive in Tallinn in 2 hours from Helsinki (fast ferry). You can also do a return day tour to Tallinn from Helsinki. 

BOOK Return Ferry ride to Tallinn from Helsinki

Tallinn is the capital of Estonia. The capital city is one of the off-beat places to visit in Europe. Tallinn is characterized by walled, cobblestone lanes, Gothic Town Hall, and pretty cafes and shops in their market square.

For your sightseeing in Tallinn for the next 2 days- explore the market square and the old town, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Nicholas Church – a 13th-century church, Kadriorg Palace – an art museum, Tallinn TV Tower – with glass-floored viewing options. 

Opt for a guided tour of Tallinn with a guide and learn all the stories and history of the city. In the evening take a craft beer tour  

Day 6 On day 6, take a day trip to Prangli Island. Islands of Prangli is a fishing village dating back over 600 years. On this day trip, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the Baltic Sea . You can also book a day tour to Prangli Island here

Day 7 Another day trip. This time it is a sea voyage to Naissaar Island. Naisaar Island speaks volumes of Estonia’s past with stunning Lighthouse views, overgrown fortress ruins and, secret underground tunnels. Take a day tour to Naissar Islands

• Hotel – Helsinki City Centre ($$) 3 nights – $190 USD average per night. Search for hotels in Helsinki City Centre
• Hotel – Tallinn ($+) 3 nights – $100 USD average per night. Search for hotels in Tallinn here
• Sightseeing & transport (not flights) – $500+ USD 
• Food – $550 + USD approx (Tallinn is cheaper than Helsinki for food and transport) 

Berlin Germany and Warsaw, Krakow in Poland

• DAY 1: Berlin
• DAY 2: Berlin
• DAY 3: Warsaw
• DAY 4: Warsaw
• DAY 5: Day tour to Auschwitz
• DAY 6: Krakow
• DAY 7: Krakow
• Cities Covered: Berlin Germany and Warsaw & Krakow Poland
• Stay in: Berlin, Warsaw, Krakow 

In this one week in Europe Trip Itinerary, you will explore two of the historic cities of Europe that had shaped (or was shaped) by the World Wars. 

Day 1-2 Arrive in Berlin and spend the next 2 days exploring the capital city of Germany . If you are arriving late in the afternoon, consider spending day 3 in Berlin and take an overnight train to Krakow (9.25 hours) or Warsaw (6.25 hours).

For 2 days (or 3) in Berlin itinerary , visit the glass dome of Berlin’s Reichstag and see the stunning city views, Berlin Cathedral, learn about its dark history and facts in a Berlin walking tour, and visit tons of museums. Here is a MUST buy 3-day access to over 30 museums in Berlin, if you are a history geek. Buy this 3 day Museum Pass Berlin.

Also, take this walking tour of the Third Reich and the Cold War

Day 3 On day 3 travel to Poland. Both Warsaw and Krakow are great options to travel via train or car from Berlin. Day 3 should be assigned to travel/transit time. You can save time by taking overnight trains.

Day 4 Start your exploration at the capital city of Poland – Warsaw. Visit the Royal Castle, St. John’s Cathedral, Market Square, and the defensive city walls in the Old Town of Warsaw – they are perfect photo spots to capture the city’s beauty.

Explore the Presidential Palace and city center – which was rebuilt by the Communists after World War II. You can do all this in a day tour as well.

This recommended tour below will take you to the 18th-century history of Poland and bring to contemporary times such as WWII and Communism to the present day.

BOOK – Full day guided tour of Warsaw with a history walking tour.

Day 5 – This day take a day tour to Auschwitz – Auschwitz concentration camp was a site of 40 concentration and extermination camps built and operated by the Nazis in occupied Poland during World War II and the Holocaust. BOOK: Day tour to Auschwitz here

Day 6 – 7 Head to Krakow, located only 3.25 hours away from Warsaw. You can visit Krakow as a day trip (or day tour) and return to Warsaw for the night. Or spend 2 days in Krakow and then return to Berlin overnight train or fly to catch your return flight back home.

Krakow is a beautiful little town in Poland known for its colorful market square – Rynek Glówny.  The old town square is filled with and remnants of the city’s medieval walls, and is the site of the Cloth Hall (a Renaissance-era trading outpost), and St. Mary’s Basilica.

Here is a 3-hour city tour of Krakow . A day tour to Auschwitz and a guided salt mine tour of Wieliczka is also popular. 

• Hotel – Berlin ($+) 2 nights – $110 USD average per night
• Hotel – Warsaw ($+) 2 nights – $110 USD average per night
• Hotel – Krakow ($+) 1-2 nights – $150 USD average per night
• Sightseeing & transport (not flights) – $400+ USD 
• Food – $550 + USD approx. Get the food guide to Berlin

Zurich, Bern, Zermatt (Switzerland) and Liechtenstein

• DAY 1: Zurich
• DAY 2: Zurich, Rhine Falls
• DAY 3: Bern
• DAY 4: Zermatt
• DAY 5: Zermatt
• DAY 6: Return to Zurich
• DAY 7: Liechtenstein day trip
• An ultimate 7 days in Switzerland guide
• Where to stay in Switzerland
• Switzerland bucket list
• One day in Zurich Itinerary
• Hotels Guide to Zurich
• One day in Bern Itinerary
• Cities Covered: Zurich, Bern, Zermatt 
• Stay in: Zurich or Zurich and Zermatt 

Explore the stunning cities of Switzerland and head to Liechtenstein on a day trip. 

Day 1-2 Arrive in Zurich and spend the two days of your trip exploring the cute Swiss city – old town, Zurich Lake, Rhine falls, take a walking tour of the downtown area, learn about the country’s history and wander the streets of the medieval town of Stein am Rhein.

Here is a full-day tour of Zurich city with the Rhine fall exploration . 

Day 3 – Take a day trip to explore the capital of Switzerland , Bern. Explore the city’s downtown – a UNESCO protected area and museums. You can also book a day tour of Bern .

Day 4 – 5 – Spend 2 days in Zermatt, located 3.50 hours away from Zurich.

Zermatt is a mountain resort known for skiing, climbing, and hiking. The town is famous for the pyramid-shaped Matterhorn peak and its street, Bahnhofstrasse is lined with boutique shops, hotels, and restaurants, and also has a lively après-ski scene.

Day 6 – Spend half a day in Zermatt and then drive back to Zurich. If you do not like winter activities like skiing and prefer to stay in Zurich, then take these day tours instead.

• Day tour to Interlaken
• Day tour to Mount Pilatus (with lunch)

Day 7 – Take a day trip from Zurich to Liechtenstein and back . Liechtenstein is a small country and the entire nation can be pretty much explored in a day. Did you know you can rent the country for 70,000 USD a night? Yea, you can!

This budget is based on the suggested itinerary above. Staying in Switzerland is expensive. So book early. Even hostels average $145 USD a night in Zurich in peak seasons.

• Hotel – Zurich ($$) 4 nights – $300+ USD average per night.
• Hotel – Zermatt ($$) 2 nights – $360 – 460 USD average per night

London (England) and Glasgow, Scottish Highlands, Edinburgh (Scotland) : Europe 1 Week Itineraries

• DAY 3: Glasglow
• DAY 4: Glasglow
• DAY 5: Scottish Highlands
• DAY 6: Scottish Highlands
• DAY 7: Edinburgh
• One day in Edinburgh Itinerary
• 4 days in Scotland Itinerary
• Cities Covered: London and Glasgow, Scottish Highlands, and Edinburgh
• Stay in: London and Edinburgh 

Day 1 -2 Explore the highlights of the city of London in the first 2 days of your trip. Visit the Tower Bridge of London, Kensington Palace on one day. Take a cruise on the river Thames – book this Westminster to Greenwich River Thames cruise . 

Here is an entry ticket and guide to Kensington Palace

Day 2 Check off Buckingham Palace and see the change of guards’ ceremony in the afternoon. 

Day 3 – 4 Take a high-speed train to Glasgow. London to Glasgow is 4 hours by train. Spend the next 2 nights in Glasgow and explore the riverside city museum and soak in the vibes. 

BOOK: A walking tour of the city centre of Glasgow 

Day 5 – 7 You can either take a tour to the Scottish highlands or visit Edinburgh. We will highlight the available options for both.  Click to view this tour from Glasgow to the Scottish Highlands.

Scottish Highlands – Take a one day tour to the Scottish Highlands or drive and return back to Glasgow. You can still visit Edinburgh on day 6 and fly out from there on day 7. Click here to view a day tour to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

Edinburgh – Edinburgh is only an hour away from Glasgow. Makes it perfect for a day trip to the city and back or you can stay in Edinburgh and fly out from there on day 7.

Search for hotel deals and compare room rates on Booking.com

Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina Europe Itinerary One week

• DAY 1: Zagreb
• DAY 2: Zagreb
• DAY 3: Sarajevo 
• DAY 4: Sarajevo
• DAY 5: Mostar
• DAY 6: Dubrovnik
• DAY 7: Dubrovnik
• Guide to one week in Croatia itinerary
• Is Zagreb worth visiting
• Where to stay in Zagreb
• One day in Dubrovnik itinerary
• Day trips from Dubrovnik
• Most beautiful places in Bosnia Herzegovina
• One day in Mostar Itinerary
• Cities Covered: Zagreb, Sarajevo and Dubrovnik
• Stay in: Zagreb, Sarajevo and Dubrovnik

Day 1 – 2 Arrive in Zagreb , the capital of Croatia, and experience the high quality of life, the Austro-Hungarian architecture, and the colorful cobblestone lanes. 

Check off the Upper Town once you are in town, start with breakfast or lunch, and explore the historical city on the hillside. Take the funicular to see stunning views of the capital city of Zagreb.

BOOK: Walking tour in Zagreb with a funicular ride

On your second day in Zagreb, visit the Cathedral of Zagreb – the tallest building in Croatia, Ban Jelačić Square – the central square, Mimara Museum (art museum), and the Grič Tunnel, which was used once as a bomb shelter.

There are many museums that you can explore in Zagreb including the Technical Museum, Museum of Arts and Crafts, Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters, and Klovićevi Dvori Gallery. 

BOOK: 3 hour history tour and learn about socialism in Croatia

In the evening, don’t forget to hit the British Square or the Hrelic (flea) markets. 

Day 3 Start for Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina in the morning. The drive from Zagreb to Sarajevo is 5 hours. You can also fly there for under an hour’s flight time.

Use the evening to relax and unwind at Ferhadija – Sarajevo’s prime shopping district, with tons of restaurants and bars to choose from.

Day 4 is to explore Sarajevo’s history. Start with the Baščaršija i- Sarajevo’s old bazaar and historical and cultural city center. You can also start with breakfast here.

BOOK: Walking tour of Sarajevo and a cable car ride to explore the city

After some time at the old square, explore Sarajevo City Hall (known as Vijećnica), Sarajevo Tunnel (Tunel spasa and Tunnel of Hope), Latin Bridge (site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria), and (must visit) Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Day 5 Take a day trip to Mostar from Sarajevo and admire Stari Most, also known as Mostar Bridge over the river Neretva.

BOOK: Day tour to Mostar from Sarajevo

Day 6 Leave Sarajevo and arrive in Dubrovnik – back to Croatia. The drive from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik is a little over 4.50 hours.

If you start in the morning, you will be in town by afternoon, leaving you some time to admire the Adriatic Sea from the Fort Lovrijenac or St. Lawrence Fortress (a theatre fortress also called “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar). They are open till 7:30 pm. This fortress is great for admiring the city and the sea views.

BOOK: Dubrovnik city tour and war learning

Or just hit the beach and relax in the evening (Lokrum is a popular beach and a historic site, about 600 metres from the city of Dubrovnik). 

Day 7 You only have some daytime here in Dubrovnik and then in the evening drive to Zagreb (Dubrovnik to Zagreb is 5.50 hours long). 

Visit Rector’s Palace, walk the fortified walls of Dubrovnik, King’s Landing Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik Cathedral, and the Old town. In the evening stroll the Stradun – the main street of the city.

Munich (Germany) and Zurich (Switzerland) in 7 day Europe Itinerary

• DAY 3: Neuchwanstein Castle 
• DAY 4: Nuremberg 
• DAY 5: Zurich
• DAY 6: Zurich
• DAY 7: Zurich, return to Munich
• Best places to visit in Germany in winter
• Best places to visit in Switzerland in winter
• 10 days in Switzerland Itinerary
• Cities Covered: Munich, Zurich
• Stay in: Munich and Zurich 

Day 1 – 2 Arrive in Munich , the capital city of Bavaria – home of Oktoberfest and BMW. Explore the Marienplatz and little gems in and around the old Munich Square for the day. In the evening enjoy beer and schnitzels. Book a hotel in Munich City Centre

On day 2 visit the Englisher Gardens in the morning and relax. In the afternoon take a day tour of the Dachau Memorial Grounds.

Day 3 Take a day tour to the Neuschwanstein Castle and the Romantic Road of Germany. If you take a tour, you will visit a cheese factory, get a guided tour of the castle (which is required if you are visiting the castle interiors), and also stop by beautiful Bavarian churches which are also UNESCO World Heritage sites.

BOOK: Day tour to Neuschwanstein Castle

READ: Our day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich

Day 4 Travel to Nuremberg for a day. Explore the old town including the Church of Our Lady, market square (this is amazing and known for its Christmas Markets in December), the Nurnberg Townhall, and the Castle.

There are a few Nazi-era-related museums and documentation centers including the Nazi Rally grounds that are worth visiting. 

Day 5 – 6 Head to Zurich in Switzerland today. If you are driving you can arrive in Zurich in less than 4 hours. A train ride will be close to 6.50 hours one way.

Try to leave early or take the earliest train, that way you can have some time in the afternoon or evening for relaxing in the Zurich downtown area or market square.

The next day explore Lake Zurich and take a walking tour to learn about the country’s and Zurich’s history.

BOOK: Full day tour of Zurich, Rhine Falls, and Stein am Rhein – make the most of your trip to explore the old town, and more. 

Day 7 – Utilize some sightseeing time in Zurich in the morning before making a move to Munich Germany.

One country in-depth exploration – 7 days Europe Itinerary 

Best of spain in one week in europe itinerary.

• DAY 3: Montserrat
• DAY 5: Madrid
• DAY 6: Madrid
• DAY 7: Madrid
• 7 days in Spain Itinerary
• Spain and Portugal Itinerary
• No of countries: 1
• Cities Covered: Barcelona, Madrid
• Stay in: Barcelona, Madrid 

Spain is a great destination to enjoy good weather, TONS of history, and a great time.

Day 1 – 2 Arrive in Barcelona and if you are in town by afternoon – walk the popular but busy city centre La Rambla street. Eat and head to the Bunkers del Carmel, El Turó de la Rovira or the Bunker to view the city underneath in stunning lights.

Day 2 is your major sightseeing day – check out the Sagrada Familia and spend 1-1.50 hours there. Here is a guided tour of Sagrada Familia . Visit Park Guell, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, Cathedral of Barcelona. 

In the evening, enjoy the Magic Fountains (light show) for free.  BOOK: 1-2 day hop on and hop off tour in Barcelona

Note : These areas are super crowded, but ensure you carry your most required essentials in an anti-theft backpack.

Day 3 Spend the first half of your day at the Gothic quarter and then in the afternoon take a tour of Montserrat.  BOOK: Montserrat half-day tour from Barcelona

Day 4 Explore Costa Brava coastline, in a full-day tour. Activities include snorkeling and kayaking.  BOOK: Full day tour of Costa Brava

Day 5 -7 Head to the capital city of Spain – Madrid. Barcelona to Madrid is 3+ hours drive away. Arrive in the city and explore the Royal Palace, experience a flamenco performance, take a tapas tour for the next 3 days. 

• Flamenco LIVE performance ticket
• Tapas – Food experience tour

7 days in Portugal Itinerary | Road Trip or Travel by Train

• DAY 3: Sintra 
• DAY 4: Porto
• DAY 5: Porto
• DAY 6: Douro Valley
• DAY 7: Coimbra
• 2 weeks in Portugal Itinerary
• One day in Porto Itinerary
• 3 days in Porto Itinerary
• Best Porto Viewpoints
• Best day trips from Porto
• Cities Covered: Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra
• Stay in: Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra

We LOVE Portugal – all the cute cities and towns of this southern Europe itinerary will always have our heart. Here is how to make the most of your 7 days in Portugal,

Day 1 and 2: Spend 2 days in the capital city of Lisbon. Stay at a centrally located place like Sofitel Lisbon or easyHotel to venture on day trips. Visit the Lisbon Cathedral, and various viewpoints, ride the tram 28, go on an evening cruise, and more. 

Set aside day 2 to explore Belem’s attractions – Tower of Belem, Jerominos monastery, LX Factory, etc. 

Day 3: Go on Sintra day trip

Day 4 and 5: Travel to Porto, and stay in Porto for 3 days at the Mercure Porto Centro . Visit Bolsa Palace , Porto Cathedral, Clerigos Tower, and Livraria Lello , and go on a walking tour of the Ribeira.

Head over to Gaia for a Douro river cruise , and step into a wine cave

Day 6 : Embark on a full day tour of the Douro Valley for wine tasting. Best Porto wine tours here

Day 7 : Travel from Porto to Lisbon with a stop in Coimbra. Coimbra is a historic city located in central Portugal. It is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, The University of Coimbra, and has long been a center for learning and culture. 

The city is known for its cobbled streets, narrow alleys, and stunning architecture. Its picturesque squares and parks are a delight to explore. 

Austria Itinerary 7 days | One week in Europe Itinerary

• DAY 1: Vienna
• DAY 2: Vienna
• DAY 3: Wachau Valley
• DAY 5: Salzburg
• DAY 6: Hallstatt
• DAY 7: Innsbruck
• Most beautiful places in Austria
• Vienna to Wachau Valley day trip
• Visiting Vienna in March
• Cities Covered: Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt, Innsbruck
• Stay in: Vienna, Salzburg

Austria is one of our favorite countries in Europe! It is compact, beautiful, and full of both cultural and natural highlights. 

Day 1 and 2: Kickstart your Europe one week itinerary by exploring the capital city of Vienna. Visit Inner stadt attractions such as Hofburg Palace, St Stephens Cathedral, and charming palaces such as Belvedere and Schrunbrunn Palace. Plan to stay in Vienna for 3 days

Day 3: Go on a day trip to the Wachau and Lower Danube Valley. Enjoy a river cruise, and visit wineries, abbeys, ruined castles, and beyond.

Day 4 and 5: Next travel to Salzburg and stay there for the remainder of your Austria itinerary. Explore Salzburg’s old town – Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mozart Square, go shopping, and embark on a Sound of Music tour! 

Day 6: Enjoy a day trip to the picturesque town of Hallstatt 

Day 7: Check off the city of Innsbruck on the last day in Austria. Visit the Old Town landmarks – Golden Roof, Imperial Palace, Court Church, and more. Don’t miss the Ambras Castle and the Bergisel Ski Jump.

Tip: You can depart from Salzburg, or travel to Munich to explore Germany.

Spain’s Top Highlights in One Week in Europe Itinerary

• DAY 3: Madrid 
• DAY 4: Madrid 
• DAY 6: Seville
• DAY 7: Seville, return to Barcelona
• Southern Spain Itinerary
• Best Airbnbs in Spain
• Where to stay in Seville for first time visitors
• Best day trips from Seville
• Get the guide to the best tapas in Seville
• Cities Covered: Barcelona, Madrid, Seville 
• Stay in: Barcelona, Madrid, Seville

Day 1 – 2 Arrive in Barcelona and explore the city for the next 2 weeks. Visit the Sagrada Familia , Park Guell, La Rambla, and Gothic Quarter, (so pretty much the same as above for Barcelona days 1-2).

BOOK: 1-2 day hop on and hop off tour in Barcelona

Day 3 – 4 Take a train to Madrid from Barcelona in the morning. Explore the capital city of Spain today and tomorrow

Day 5 -6   Let’s explore the beautiful city of Seville. Depending on when you arrive, today you can take it easy and maybe take a food tour to start enjoying the flavors of Seville

On day 6, start your exploration with the Royal Alcazar Palace, Seville Cathedral, and Giralda Tower. Here is a 3 hour guided tour of Seville’s highlights

Day 7 You can stay in Seville and fly out from here. Or travel to Barcelona on day 6 via overnight train to catch your flight on day 7.

Tip : If your flight is booked for day 8, and you are in Barcelona on the morning of day 7, you can opt for an afternoon Montserrat tour and be back in the city (on day 7), in time for your return flight.

• Hotel – Barcelona ($+) 3 nights – $160+ USD average per night
• Hotel – Madrid ($+) 2 nights – $100+ USD average per night
• Hotel – Seville ($+) 2 nights – $120+ USD average per night
• Sightseeing & transport (not flights) – $350+ USD 
• Food – $550 + USD approx.

Italy’s Coastal Towns

• DAY 1: Rome
• DAY 2: Rome
• DAY 3: Travel to Minori
• DAY 4: Amalfi Coast 
• DAY 5: Amalfi Coast
• DAY 6: Sorrento
• DAY 7: Positano day trip
• Rome and Amalfi Coast Itinerary 7 days (includes Rome day trip to Pompeii)
• Italy Itinerary 7 days
• Amalfi Coast Itinerary 4 days
• Rome Itinerary 4 days
• Cities Covered: Rome, Minori, Amalfi Coast , Sorrento and Positano 
• Stay in: Rome, Minori, and Sorrento 

Italy is one of those countries where a week may not even be enough. Tons of things to do and distances to be covered. This 7-day itinerary can also be used as a road trip guide.

Day 1-2 Arrive in Rome on your first day and explore the city’s highlights for the next 2 days.

Visit the Colosseum , Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museum, and Sistine Chapel. 

Here are priority tickets for Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, valid for 2 days

Day 3 – 4 Travel to Minori and explore Minori and Amalfi Coast. Travel time from Rome to Minori is 3+ hours. Allot one full day to Amalfi Coast. Both Minori and Amalfi Coast are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

You can extend your stay in Minori to day 5 and drive to Sorrento late in the evening. 

Day 6 -7 Explore Sorrento and Positano in the final leg of your vacation.

Tip: You can stay in Sorrento for the whole time instead of Minori and then take day tour to Amalfi Coast. Hotels in Sorrento are cheaper as compared to Minori/Amalfi Coast. Here is a recommended tour – Amalfi Coast Tour with lunch.

Note : If you are planning to fly back from Rome, then consider skipping day 5 and visit Sorrento/Positano and then keep day 7 to get back to Rome.

For a more relaxed trip, you can also fly to Naples, and then head to Minori, Amalfi Coast, Sorrento and Positano and back. On your return to Naples, you can explore the city for a day (or two – time permitting)

Best of Iceland in One Week in Europe Itinerary

• DAY 2: Golden Circle
• DAY 3: South Coast
• DAY 4: Akureyri
• DAY 5: Lake Myvatn Area
• DAY 6: Lake Myvatn Area
• DAY 7: Return to Reykjavik
• Iceland Itinerary 8 days
• How to get from Reykjavik to Akureyri
• Akureyri Whale Watching Tours
• One day in Akureyri Itinerary
• Self-guided walking tour of Akureyri
• Iceland travel tips to prepare your trip
• Cities Covered: Reykjavik
• Stay in: Reykjavik 

Iceland is also one of those countries where a week is apt to cover the length and breadth of destination.

Day 1 Your starting point is Reykjavik as flights are awesome there. Hit the Blue Lagoon in the early hours and then use half a day to explore Reykjavik highlights like the tallest church, Perlan, Harpa concert hall, the Pond. Try some delicious lamp soup!

Day 2 Take a day tour or a day trip to explore the Golden circle route – Thingvellir National Park, geyser, and the stunning Gulfoss Waterfalls. You can also take a half-day tour and use the second half of your day to relax in Reykjavík or the Secret Lagoon. 

BOOK: Day tour to Golden Circle with Secret Lagoon entry

Day 3 Enjoy the South Coast of Iceland and visit Skogafoss and Selandjafoss waterfalls , take a glacier hike, visit Vik – the southernmost tip of Iceland and go horse riding or go outlet shopping. 

BOOK: Day tour to South Coast of Iceland from Reykjavik 

Day 4 On day 4, drive to Akureyri , which is less than 5 hours away. If you have some time on hand, go whale watching for the day . Stay here for the next 2-3 days. 

Day 5-6 Visit the northern side of Iceland and explore Lake Mývatn fields and soak in their mineral baths. Here is a tour of the Myvatn shore excursion from Akureyri.

Day 7 Return to Reykjavik. You can also take a tour if that is more convenient for you. In this tour, accommodation and guided tours are included.  BOOK: 6 Day tour of Iceland (South, North, and East)

READ: Guide to Iceland Tours. If you are visiting Iceland in winter, book these Iceland Winter Tours instead. 

Slovenia Itinerary 7 days | Europe one week itineraries

• DAY 1: Ljubljana
• DAY 2: Ljubljana
• DAY 3: Lake Bled
• DAY 4:  Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle
• DAY 5: Triglav National Park
• DAY 6: Piran
• DAY 7: Maribor, Ptuj & Heart of the Vineyards
• Slovenia Itinerary 7 days
• Most beautiful places in Slovenia
• Lake Bled in winter
• How to get from Ljubljana to lake Bled
• One day in Ljubljana Itinerary

Discover the best of Slovenia in one week. Slovenia boasts charming cities and gorgeous landscapes. 

Day 1 and 2 : Set aside 2 days for exploring Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia. Known as the green city, Ljubljana is home to a towering castle, cool cafes, bridges, and the beautiful Ljubljanica river giving it its charismatic character! Stay in Grand Union Hotel

Day 3 : Head out to Lake Bled from Ljubljana. You can either stay overnight in Lake Bled or embark on a day trip from the capital city. 

Lake Bled is a stunning glacial lake set in the Julian Alps in Slovenia. It is surrounded by lush green forests and majestic mountains. The small island in the center of Lake Bled with a centuries-old church that can only be reached by boat. Highly recommend spending some time in this beautiful destination. 

Day 4 : Visit the Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle on day 4.

Day 5: Venture out to the Triglav National Park, the only national park in Slovenia. Check off places like Lake Bohinj, Vintar Gorge, Alpine Radovna valley, Pericnik waterfall, Jasna Lake, and the village of Mojstrana. 

Day 6 : Next relax in the coastal town of Piran

Day 7: Spend a lovely day in the vineyards. Explore Maribor, Ptuj and drive through neighboringillages

Best of Greece in One Week

• DAY 1: Athens
• DAY 2: Athens
• DAY 3: Mykonos
• DAY 4: Mykonos
• DAY 5: Santorini 
• DAY 6: Santorini and Oia
• DAY 7: Santorini
• Cities Covered: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini
• Stay in: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini 

Day 1 Arrive in Athens and make yourself comfortable for the next 2 nights here. If you are arriving in the afternoon, explore the Athens central market square, and make yourself at home in this new country. 

In the evening, enjoy some fine dining (Greek food is to die for) and cocktails. 

Day 2 Capture the mightiness of Athens and visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Don’t forget to spend time at the Acropolis museum. This day is filled with more sightseeing attractions like the temple of Zeus, Panathinaiko Stadium, Roman Agoda, the Theatre of Dionysus, and the Hadrian Arch.

BOOK: Acropolis and Acropolis Museum guided tour  

Late afternoon, pick a neighborhood to enjoy some music and great food. Monastiraki is a popular landmark filled neighborhood. Sit and relax here in the evening after a busy day of exploration.

Day 3 Head to Mykonos on day 3. Mykonos is located 5 hours away from Athens. Once you arrive in Mykonos relax in the evening. Choose a beach hotel resort for your stay and be mesmerized by the beautiful islands.

If you are staying in the town, take a stroll in the Old town and enjoy your dinner. 

Day 4 On day 4 you will be exploring the city of Mykonos. Visit the ancient Greek ruins of Delos and their museum. Include some exploration time at the Aegean Maritime Museum, and the archaeological museum of Mykonos. Book a guided tour of Delos.  

BOOK: Mykonos Walking tour

In the evening, head to Little Venice and enjoy a nice dinner (and ambiance). 

Day 5 Arrive in Santorini – one of the most romantic islands in Greece. Mykonos to Santorini is 6.50 hours distance away. Most likely you will arrive in the evening unless you are flying to Santorini. Flights are less than an hour in duration.

Day 6 you will be exploring Santorini. Start by taking an early morning walk at Oia. Visit the ancient mountaintop city of Thera. Enjoy the cliffside Fira trail by taking a hike and stopping and admiring the city along the way. Fira is also great for nightlife and bar hopping. 

Oia is wonderful for its sunsets. So take your pick for the evening!

BOOK: Sightseeing in Santorini and Oia sunset

Day 7 Enjoy the first half of your day at Pyrgos Castle. Climb the steps to reach the hilltop of the village of Pyrgos before bidding adieu to Santorini.

In the evening take a flight back to Athens from Santorini (flight duration is less than 1 hour) and then make connections to your home destination. 

Best of France in One Week

• DAY 3: Paris
• DAY 4: Versailles
• DAY 5: Normandy
• DAY 6: Loire Valley
• DAY 7: Disneyland Paris
• Weekend trips from Paris
• Day tours from Paris
• Paris Quotes
• Cities Covered: Paris and nearby areas in day trips
• Stay in: Paris 

Paris is heavenly and any first time visitor to the French capital will be mesmerized and happy to check this beauty off their bucket list. You can easily capture the Parisian beauty, relax, shop, eat, and also admire the country in 7 days in Europe Itinerary for Paris.

Day 1 – 2 In the first 3 days, explore the heart of Paris. Visit the Trocadero Gardens, Eiffel Tower grounds, Champs Elysees, and Arc de Triomphe on day 1. Take a Seine River cruise in the evening.

On day 2, reserve some time for the outstanding museums’ Louvre and the Grand/Petit Palais. Explore the Montmartre district in the evening, dine, or head to the Moulin Rouge.

Day 3 Pick another neighborhood like the Latin Quarter and see a different side of Paris. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and don’t forget to take a stroll along the beautiful bridges over the Seine.

BOOK: 1,2,3 Days Paris Sightseeing hop on and off tour

Day 4 Take a full-day tour of Versailles and visit the palace grounds and the gardens. Spend some time in this luxurious town, shop, and stroll around.  BOOK: Versailles day tour via train

Day 5 For day 5, explore the historical side of France by taking a day trip to Normandy. You can also take a day tour to Normandy from Paris.  BOOK: Day tour to Normandy from Paris 

Day 6 Head to the Loire Valley to experience some of the finest wines in the region. You can drive or take a day tour – a day tour to the Loire Valley includes pick up and drop up, with multiple wine tastings and lunch. Book this day tour to Loire Valley

Day 7 Visit Disneyland Paris. Or if Disneyland is not your jam, then spend some time shopping (or window shopping) in the city. Other attractions to check out on your final day include the Catacombs of Paris, and fine dining at a Michelin restaurant. 

Best of Netherlands – One week in Netherlands Itinerary

• DAY 1: Amsterdam
• DAY 2: Amsterdam
• DAY 3: Windmills Tour
• DAY 4: Hague
• DAY 5: Utrecht
• DAY 6: Rotterdam
• DAY 7: Maastricht
• Cities Covered: Amsterdam, Hague, Rotterdam, Maastricht, Utrecht
• Stay in: Amsterdam 

Day 1 – 2 Explore the best of Amsterdam in 2 days. Take a stroll along the canals, dine, and soak in all the ambiance. Visit Dam Square, Madame Tussauds Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Red Light District.

In the evening, take a dinner cruise on the Amstel River.

For day 2 in Amsterdam, visit Anne Frank’s house (allot 2 hours for that) and then visit the 2 popular museums – Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum – located very close to each other. Late afternoon, take a break at the Heineken Experience and explore the beer museum and finish the day by relaxing at the City Park.

Day 3 Explore all the windmills of the Netherlands. You can either take this hop on and hop off along the windmill route that includes – Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Edem 

Day 4 Time to move away from the capital city and explore Hague in a day. Hague is the seat of many UN buildings and offices. 

Day 5 Visit Utrecht for a day. Known as the town for students, this lively yet laidback town is perfect for a relaxing day out from the hustle-bustle of Amsterdam. Take a bike ride across town, and visit the Dom Tower, and the De Haar Castle on your visit.  

Day 6 Visit Rotterdam and explore the cube houses, skyscrapers, and stunning coastline. You can explore Rotterdam as a day tour as well.  BOOK: Day tour to Rotterdam and Deft with free cruise 

Day 7 Last day in the Netherlands is reserved for Maastricht. It is a university city, characterized by medieval-era architecture, and cobbled old town, and the stunning Maas River. 

Pisa, Florence and Cinque Terre Itinerary

• DAY 1: Florence
• DAY 2: Florence
• DAY 3: Pisa
• DAY 4: Pisa
• DAY 5: Cinque Terre
• DAY 6: Cinque Terre
• DAY 7: Cinque Terre
• One week in Tuscany Itinerary
• 2 days in Florence
• 3 days in Florence Itinerary
• One day in Pisa Itinerary
• One day in Siena Itinerary
• Best Cinque Terre – Italian Riviera Towns
• Cities Covered: Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre
• Stay in: Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre 

Spend one week in Italy and explore these stunning resort towns. 

Day 1-2 Arrive in Florence Italy. Florence is the site of Italy’s most iconic sights including the Dumo – a cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome, Pitti Palace, Palazzo Vecchio – Florence town hall, Piazza Della Signoria Square, and many Renaissance arts and museums for the next 2 days. 

BOOK: Hop on and hop off tour in Florence

Day 3-4 Head to Pisa to check off some of the other Italian gems. Florence to Pisa is only 1.50 hours away. 

When you arrive in Pisa on day 3, head to Campo Santo – a historical edifice at the northern edge of the Cathedral Square and then relax at the Square for the evening. Sleep early today as on day 4, and visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the morning. 

Along with the Leaning Tower, explore Piazza Dei Miracoli – which supports the historic tower, then check off Pisa Cathedral and the Cathedral Museum. Day tour to Pisa and nearby areas from Florence

Day 5-6 On the 5th day of your one week in Europe Itinerary, head to the dreamy seaside town of Cinque Terre. This picturesque Italian Riviera town is filled with colorful houses, fishing boats, cafes, vineyards, and steep terraces that ooze gorgeousness and beauty! 

Pisa to Cinque Terre is less than a 2-hour train ride away. Visit the Castello di Riomaggiore (castle) and relax at any (free) beach in Riomaggiore. Eat, drink, and relax for the evening. Or go hiking in Cinque Terre

On day 6 explore the stunning 14th-century San Giovanni Battista church, Doria castle, and of course the coastal Parco Nazionale Delle Cinque Terre. 

Day 7 Spend half a day in Cinque Terre. Head to La via dell’Amore or The Way of Love – a pedestrian street overlooking the sea, before bidding adieu to Cinque Terre. Drive or train from Cinque Terre to Florence is 3+ hours, to catch your return flight! 

Turkey Highlights in One Week in Europe Itinerary

• DAY 1: Istanbul
• DAY 2: Istanbul
• DAY 3: Ankara
• DAY 4: Ankara
• DAY 5: Cappadocia
• DAY 6: Cappadocia
• DAY 7: Return to Istanbul
• Cities Covered: Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia
• Stay in: Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia 

Day 1- 2 Arrive in Istanbul, the capital of Turkey. Explore the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. Eat and shop in the city, before making your way to Ankara for the next 2 days.

Full-day Istanbul tour with palaces, monasteries, and cruise

Day 3 – 4 Take the speed train from Istanbul to Ankara and arrive in 4 hours (buses take up to 7 hours). Depending on when you arrive in the city, you can take it easy for the day and relax to begin sightseeing on day 4.

Ankara city highlights include the remnants of the Anatolian civilization and the Ataturk’s Mausoleum.

Day 5 -6 Spend the next 2 days in Cappadocia . To arrive in Cappadocia, trains, buses, and cars are the few options. No direct flights are available. Full day tour in Cappadocia

Once you arrive in Cappadocia, visit the Red Valley, stay at an amazing resort to capture the sunrise over the stunning landscape. And not to forget the Instagrammable hot air balloon ride. Book your hot air balloon ride

Day 7 Arrive back in Istanbul to catch your flight back.

We hope you enjoyed our one week itineraries in Europe! This post is very dear to our hearts. When we started our professional lives, we started with 2 weeks of vacation and then 3 weeks. We wanted to make the most of our vacation days and that’s where we came out with these interesting city combinations.

Additional Reading 

• Best Winter Destinations in Europe
• Best Summer Destinations in Europe
• Best Autumn Destinations in Europe

Pin – One Week in Europe Trip Itinerary Ideas

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 40+ countries.

Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world particularly Europe, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. 

She has lived in Portugal, Canada and India.

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WOW! So many awesome itineraries. I’ve got some major wanderlust! We’re in Prague for the year and will definitely need to get to Budapest and Bratislava. Bookmarking this one!

Thanks so much girl!

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Travelling Without a Passport

One Week in Europe: How to Get the Most out of Your Trip

Ancient clock towers looming over rusty red rooftops, winding rivers and canals dividing the sprawl of time-worn buildings, well-travelled cobblestone paths steeped in history and culture – travelling to Europe is guaranteed to be a rich and eye-opening experience. There is so much to see in Europe that one week might not seem like enough, but good news – the continent is so well-connected that, with the right planning, you’ll still be able to check a lot of experiences off your bucket list. Planning a Europe trip can be overwhelming, but we’ve got you covered with this list of things to consider. Whether you’re a first-timer to Europe or a seasoned traveller, we’ll help you make the most of what will definitely be the trip of a lifetime!

Travel to: Europe for one week

How to plan for a trip to Europe

Make an itinerary.

The first step, and trickiest part of any European trip, is to plan where you want to go. If you’re travelling with friends, narrow down a list of places you want to hit together, then map out a logical itinerary that makes sense for your time frame and budget. Though it can be tempting to try and fit as many destinations in as possible, it’s best to spend at least a full day wherever you plan to stop – only then will you be able to get the best feel for the place, and see more of what it has to offer without feeling rushed. If you’re having a hard time narrowing it down, keep in mind that you can always hit the places you missed on your next Europe trip – that way, you can be guaranteed to return even without having to throw a coin into the Trevi fountain over your left shoulder.

See Also: The Best Places to Visit in Europe in Spring

If you’re having trouble narrowing down exactly what you want to see and where you want to see it, one of the best options for spending a week in Europe is joining a group tour. Not only will you enjoy included accommodation and meals, your guide will know all the best hidden gem spots that you never would have known about if you were travelling solo.

Time your trip

When making your itinerary, time your trip around the things you want to see the most. There’s a lot going on in Europe year-round, but there might be specific experiences that might be dealbreakers for your trip. Summer is high season for most destinations, for good reason – the weather tends to be best in the summer months. However, this might mean visiting spots that are off the beaten track to avoid tourist crowds. Go to the Netherlands in the spring if you want to see the Keukenhof tulips in full bloom, or go in the fall for Oktoberfest in Germany, and other harvest festivals around Europe. Winter might seem like a more unconventional time for vacation, but it’s a great time to travel if you want to see all the Christmas markets around Germany and Austria, find true hygge in Denmark, or live our your Love Actually dreams in London. It’s also the optimal time to hit the best ski slopes in Europe.

Bring necessary documentation

Once you’ve decided on the perfect itinerary, it’s time to get all your paperwork in order. Check that your passport is valid for the duration of your trip, and consider buying travel insurance . Make sure you’re able to get any visas you might need to cross the border – depending on your citizenship, you might need a Schengen visa. Thanks to the open borders of the Schengen area, travelling between countries in the area is unrestricted, but be sure to carry identification as well as confirmations of accommodation and transportation to avoid any trouble at the borders.

Take out local currency

It’s super helpful to have cash on hand in Europe – it can be useful when paying small local vendors, public transit fares, and cab fare. Though most of Europe is generally good with withdrawing cash from cash machines and accepting foreign credit and debit cards, having a decent amount of the local currency on hand can back you up against credit and debit card malfunctions, and help to avoid incurring foreign exchange fees from your bank.

See Also: The Best Places to Go Stargazing in Europe

Learn some language basics

Any trip to Europe is going to be a cultural experience of a lifetime, so why not make the most of it and learn some of the local tongue? Locals will appreciate your efforts, and it might help you out of some binds and add to the fun of the experience. Download some language apps to teach yourself some basic phrases that will help you interact with the people you’ll come across on your travels.

When travelling to Europe, you’ll want to pack light. This can be hard, but one week is the perfect amount of time to pack for – you’ll have enough space to bring the essentials and still have a bit of room to bring home some awesome souvenirs. Don’t worry if you find yourself needing something you didn’t bring – things are accessible in Europe, and it’ll be a great excuse to check out the shopping scene if you need to pick something up. Bring travel adapters and keep the weather in mind, but above all else, bring a pair of comfy shoes. Opting to walk places will help you save on cab fare or transit costs, and walking the streets of Europe is the best way to see the sights.

See Also: The Best Mini-Moon Destinations in Europe

All your stuff should fit within one carry-on bag. Everyone will tell you that one of the biggest perks of Europe is amazing train travel, and carrying only hand luggage will allow you take advantage of it. Not only is train travel in Europe easy and accessible, it can also be wonderfully scenic – one of the most beautiful train rides I’ve ever taken was from Salzburg to Venice, and it was incredible to watch as my view of the Alps changed into the Adriatic. If you are going to be flying between destinations, having only a carry-on means you won’t be stuck at baggage claim waiting for a checked bag – you only have a week, so there’s no time to waste!

While you’re there

In order to ensure an amazing experience on your Europe trip, make sure to keep an eye on your belongings, and watch for any tourist scams that might ruin your time. Take a lot of pictures, and don’t be afraid to break out the touristy poses! Be sensitive to the local culture, and take care not to offend. When you’re out and about, it’s always a good idea to have a physical copy of a local map on hand, and take advantage of Wi-Fi hotspots to stay connected without having to pay exorbitant fees for roaming services. Account for transit and waiting times when planning your days, and keep in mind some countries in southern Europe close mid-afternoon for a siesta – from experience, it can be agonizing to arrive in Italy after a long train ride only to have to wait for restaurants to open so that you can finally have your first amazing plate of pasta (but was definitely worth the wait!).

If you did all the research and prepared everything for your trip to Europe, everything will be a breeze while you’re there. Get ready to walk until you drop, be awestruck at everything you see, and be completely out of your element in the best way possible!

Melanie Cheng

Melanie is a Toronto-based writer and editor who loves experiencing new things in new places. In between adventures, you can find her with her nose in a book, re-watching episodes of Friends, or on the lookout for her next favourite brunch spot.

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One week in Europe is perfect for a quick trip through Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria. This itinerary is perfect for those who want to tap into a lesser-seen part of Europe. 1 week in Europe may seem short, but this trip covers many beautiful natural sights within this stunning region.

Itinerary highlights 

Cities visited on this trip:.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Click here or on the map to view this route in our Trip Planner

Split, Croatia

Split is the largest city on the Adriatic coast.

Explore Diocletian's Palace , an ancient Roman complex in the city center (used to film Game of Thrones !).

Bacvice beach , known for its soft sand and clear water, is a favorite with the locals. Try a game of Picigin , a traditional ball game from Split played in shallow water.

Karlovac, Croatia

Karlovac is ideal for nature lovers who want to see more of Croatia. Train is the best way to get here.

Go hiking in the beautiful Kozjaca woods , and try rafting or canoeing on the Mreznica River .

Traveling in summer? June 23 is the night of the Midsummer Bonfires and other festivities.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled ( Lesce Bled ) is surrounded by beautiful nature: mountains, forests, caves, and waterfalls.

Bled Island lies in the middle of the lake. Walk up the 99 stone steps of the Gothic Church of Assumption .

On the north shore, explore the medieval Bled Castle and get the best views of the lake.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a beautiful place to end 1 week in Europe.

See "The Kiss" painting in the Belvedere Garden Palace .

Walk through the Old Town and Museums Quartier for grand architecture, both classical and modern.

The Vienna State Opera sells limited standing room tickets for as low as 4 euros, an hour before the show.

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The ideal rail pass for this trip is the Eurail Global Pass, 5 days within 1 month . Benefits with this Eurail pass include free travel on the Vienna S-Bahn.

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Start planning your trip with the Eurail timetable. You can use it to find the departure and arrival times of European trains. You can also check if your trains require an advance reservation.

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Planning a Trip to Europe: Your 10-Step Guide

Caroline Costello

Caroline Costello's travel accomplishments include surviving a 2 a.m. whitewater rafting excursion in the Canadian wilderness, successfully biking from Dusseldorf to Cologne without a map, and gaining access to a covert pizza speakeasy in New Orleans.

Caroline is an active member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). Her work has appeared on USA Today , the Boston Globe , AOL.com, MSNBC.com, ABC News, TODAY Travel, and CruiseCritic.com, among other publications.

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Before you can experience authentic Spanish tapas, piazzas in Rome, or rooftop terraces in Prague, an important to-do list stands between you and your European vacation. The logistics involved in planning a trip to Europe may seem tedious or overwhelming, but the more prepared you are, the greater your chances of a successful trip that lives up to your expectations. That’s why it’s important to do a bang-up job creating an itinerary, arranging transportation, and tackling the brass tacks before you’re off to the Continent.

The following guide explains how to plan a trip to Europe in 10 simple steps—so you can spend less time worrying about your travel arrangements and more time staring at pictures of castles and men in kilts.

1. Get your documents in order.

If you don’t have a passport, it will take at least four to six weeks from the time of application for you to receive one. Expedited services—either through the State Department or an expeditor such as Travel Visa Pro —can trim the process down to a week or so, but it will cost you an additional fee, so it’s best to take care of this well before your trip.

Already have a passport? Check its expiration date. The last thing you need is to find out your passport has expired while you’re in line at airport check-in. Keep in mind that some countries require your passport to be valid for six months beyond your trip dates.

All car rental companies require drivers to have valid licenses in their home country, so you’ll also want to check the expiration date of your license. Some car rental companies also require an international driving permit for European rentals in addition to a valid driver’s license. For U.S. citizens, these can be obtained through the American Auto Association (AAA); in Canada, try the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).

Depending on length of stay, some destinations require valid visas in addition to passports; obtaining one is a complicated process that can take weeks even after you have been approved—so start early.

2. Establish a budget.

When planning a trip to Europe, establish a budget as early as possible—even before you know your destination, travel dates, or itinerary. Some destinations are generally cheaper than others, but there are ways to save everywhere: travel in the off-season, pick budget accommodations, plan a shorter trip. For example, London is an expensive city, but many travel providers and airlines offer affordable vacation packages to the city, and it’s not hard to find cheap air deals to London, especially during the winter.

Set your budget early on, and you’ll avoid any disappointment that could come from forging a fabulous itinerary, like two weeks in Switzerland during summer, and then discovering you can’t afford it. Travel budget apps such as TrabeePocket ( iOS | Android ) can help you keep track of your expenses once you start making bookings.

The Most Expensive Cities in the World

3. Pick a destination.

Now that you know how much you can spend, where do you want to go? If you’re like many travelers and you have a humongous list of places in Europe you want to visit, this could be tricky.

One strategy is to pick a particular site that’s on your must-see travel list, and plan your vacation around that. Last year I planned a trip to Ireland centered on an excursion to remote Skellig Michael Island , a UNESCO World Heritage site I’d dreamed of visiting. The excursion turned into an unforgettable two-week Emerald Isle road trip.

Another option is to pick someplace timely. Visit countries’ tourism websites and search for seasonal events like festivals or local holidays (which you may want to either avoid or join, depending on how you feel about crowds). Don’t forget to check the weather before you decide on your destination.

4. Create a rough itinerary.

So you want to go to France, eh? Don’t go ahead and buy a roundtrip flight to Paris and a hotel room—at least, not yet. Planning a European vacation takes a lot of prep work. You’ll want to sketch out a day-by-day itinerary of your perfect trip to France before you book a thing. Research sites and cities you really want to explore, and then figure out which ones you have the time and budget to get to.

Check out alternative ways to travel in Europe. If you want to see multiple countries or cities but are on a tight budget, you may want to consider a cruise (exchange rates are naught for U.S. citizens onboard American ships). If you’d rather not do the work of creating your own itinerary, continue booking a group tour with a company such as Intrepid Travel , G Adventures , Trafalgar , or Rick Steves’ Europe .

5. Book your airfare.

Because airfare will probably be the most expensive part of your trip, you’ll want to book it before anything else (car rental, hotel, etc.). This will allow you to be more flexible with your dates, which is a great way to save money on your flight. You can often spend less by flying on international discount airlines like Aer Lingus or Norwegian . Check multiple booking sites , including meta-search sites such as Skyscanner and traditional booking sites such as Expedia , to make sure you’re seeing a wide range of options. You can also set up fare alerts using Airfarewatchdog , SmarterTravel’s sister site, so you’ll be notified when the price of your flight drops.

Consider spicing up your trip with a layover in a different country. Icelandair has a long-running program that allows passengers flying elsewhere in Europe to take a free stopover in Reykjavik for up to seven nights.

Where to Find Premium Airfare Deals on First Class and Business Class

6. Book your accommodations.

It’s time to go back to that rough itinerary you jotted down and fill in some places to sleep. As is the case with pretty much everything you book for your trip, the earlier you make arrangements, the better—especially during summer high season.

Sure, you can just book a room at the local Hilton and be done with it. But do a bit of research and you could discover some funky lodging that’s almost as exciting as the attractions you plan to visit. Keep your eyes open for historic castles, tiny bed and breakfasts, houseboats, eco-friendly hotels, or organic farms. Budget travelers take note: Vacation rentals , homestays, farm stays, and house-swapping are accommodation options that can be shockingly affordable … or even free.

As with airfare, you should shop around on multiple hotel sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal, and read reviews from past guests to see what the experience is like. TripAdvisor , Booking.com , and Hotels.com are a few good places to start.

7. Consider travel insurance.

There are several kinds of travel insurance: trip cancellation insurance, flight cancellation insurance, medical insurance, etc. The best time to buy insurance is right after you put down the major deposits on your trip, whether that entails airfare, a package, or prepaid hotels. Once you know how much money you’ve paid upfront, you can ensure your trip if you so choose. Many airlines and travel providers sell insurance that you can purchase along with your flight or tour package. Always, always read the fine print in your policy and compare it with other travel insurance policies before you make a purchase.

Check your medical insurance coverage to see if you’re covered overseas. If not, you may want to purchase supplemental medical insurance to cover situations like the cost of transportation back home for emergency care.

Reputable travel insurance companies to consider include Allianz Travel and Seven Corners .

Travel Insurance Coverage: 18 Things Your Policy Won’t Cover

8. Book local transportation and day tours.

When in Rome, ride the Metropolitana. Find out how the locals get around the destination to which you’re traveling and act accordingly. You won’t need a car rental in places like bike-friendly Amsterdam or London with its convenient underground Tube, unless you plan to go outside the city.

A car rental is your best bet if you’re traveling to locales that can’t be easily reached by rail or plane (such as the Irish countryside). Be mentally prepared to drive in a foreign country, which can be a frightening experience when faced with incomprehensible traffic signs, narrow streets, or sheep roadblocks.

To get from city to city or country to country, examine your rail options in comparison to routes and prices offered by European discount airlines like easyJet  or Ryanair . Travelers embarking on extensive travel within Europe may save money by purchasing a rail pass from Rail Europe that permits unlimited train travel within a specified region.

Check out Viator to book day tours, especially if you want to take advantage of skip-the-line options.

9. Tackle last-minute logistics.

A few weeks before your departure date is the right time to start taking care of a number of key logistics: money, phone, house-sitter, pet-sitter.

Call your credit card companies to let them know you’ll be traveling abroad. While you’re at it, find out if you’re going to be charged a fee for using your card overseas. Research the locations of ATMs in your destination, especially if you’ll be relying on cash.

Does your cell phone plan allow you to make calls overseas, and if so, how much will it cost you? Many cell phone companies offer temporary international plans that you can purchase for the month you’re traveling. You might also want to consider a mobile hotspot device to keep you connected.

5 Ways to Use Your Phone GPS Without Data

Packing for Europe requires both different items and a different mindset in comparison to some other types of trips. After all, there’s no arguing that Parisians are more stylish than your typical North American tourist. Most of central and western Europe have milder climates throughout the year, but that doesn’t mean you won’t encounter rain or a heatwave. You should pack clothing that’s easy to layer , and always include a packable raincoat or travel umbrella in your suitcase when traveling to Europe. Think about how you’ll be carrying your money —pickpocketing schemes are more common abroad, so it’s important to carry your money and personal belongings securely. When researching your European destination of choice, consider the overall climate and time of year you’ll be traveling. Then, about a week before your trip check out the forecast, mobilize a packing list , and ensure your suitcase is in working condition and meets your airline’s size restrictions.

Pro packing tip: If you’re tight on packing space, invest in a packing cube set . They do wonders, especially if you’re stopping in multiple destinations as they make repacking a breeze.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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5 of the Best 7 Day Europe Itinerary Ideas to Visit 3 Amazing European Countries in One Week

• May 14, 2021

Table of Contents

European destinations have so much to offer that they keep their visitors on their toes! While it is true that all countries in the region share some characteristics, it is also true that each has its unique defining elements. Although a week in Europe may not seem enough to do justice to its offerings, it is enough to gauge an understanding of its countries’ potentials. Embarking on multi-country itineraries is one fantastic way to do that. If you are looking for some inspiration, we have compiled the top five most diverse 7 Day Europe itinerary ideas for you. Have fun!

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1. London – Brussels – Paris

Your exciting multi-country European vacation begins in London, the heart of the UK, and one of the best destinations in Europe. The city can cater to a variety of traveler needs, from architecture to romance to art to history. Whichever category you may pick, you will find the city to offer you immense entertainment. While you are here, you would want to spend time exploring its vast collection of museums like The British Museum . Sites like St Paul’s Cathedral and Big Ben also appeal to visitors.

Get a train from London to Brussels, the second destination on your 7-day Europe itinerary. You will be amazed at its lavish and exquisite collection of architectural landmarks, many of which are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sites like the Grand Place , Old England Building , and Notre Dame Du Sablon will strike chords in your heart and make you fall in love with the city. Since Brussels is also known for its gastronomic pleasures, be sure to indulge in them while you have the chance! A favorite among many is Brussels Meatballs . Be sure to try them out.

The last step in your multi-country European vacation is the city of love, Paris. Again, depending on your preferences, you can tweak your stay here to suit your requirements. For example, if you wish to visit famous monuments, then destinations like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral will quench your desires. If you are after art history, then there is no better place than the Louvre . In short, there are countless opportunities for you to make beautiful memories, and you should grab onto them!

Travel Guide & Resources for This 7-day Europe Itinerary:

Enjoy this one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to Europe. Also, here you can also browse our list of the  best hotels in London , Brussels , and Paris to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in London , Brussels , and Paris in addition to what is already mentioned here.

2. Paris – Zurich – Munich

It is no easy job to explore all the offerings of Europe in 7 days. However, following this 7-day Europe itinerary can give you a fair sense of the European experience. Starting from Paris , the star child of France, you should spend time ticking experiences off your bucket list. Join a food walking tour and learn about the city’s culinary culture or hop from museum to museum, exploring the city’s history. And when the sun sets, it is time for you to put your most extravagant dresses on and check into bars and pubs.

The next stop in your multi-country European vacation is Zurich , the largest Swiss city and a destination that glimmers and glammers, enticing people to visit it. It has countless experiences awaiting you, including visits to its breathtaking Lake Zurich , a tour of the phenomenal Museum of Art , and a walk through the Zurich Zoo . You will find yourself immensely drawn to the city and feel compelled to stay here forever!

Regardless of your desire to make Zurich your permanent abode, you must press onto your journey and make way to Munich , the quintessential German city. Home to some of the world’s best Baroque churches, museums of the highest standards, and otherworldly culinary experiences, the city introduce you to everything Europe is famous for. Although you would need several weeks to explore the city fully, you can still manage to crunch a lot in the little time you have. Plan visits to Neues Rathaus, Marienplatz , and Deutsches Museum to witness the side Munich is loved for.

Travel Guide & Resources for This 7 day Europe Itinerary:

Enjoy this one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to Europe. Also, here you can browse our list of the  best hotels in Paris , Zurich , and Munich  to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Paris , Zurich , and Munich   in addition to what already mentioned here.

3. Wroclaw – Prague – Vienna

Wroclaw is the perfect destination for you if you wish to escape the crowds but not the classic European traits. This Polish city is one of the most peaceful and highly traditional destinations in Europe, given that external influences have not infiltrated it. Therefore, it is an ideal place for authentic experiences. But that is not all. Wroclaw is chock-full of exciting activities that will keep you on your toes throughout. Some of the top-rated things you can do here are visiting the Cathedral of St John the Baptist , exploring the Market Square , and witnessing art in the Museum of Bourgeois Art .

From Wroclaw, you will continue your journey to the most iconic town in the Czech Republic – Prague . Characterized by narrow, cobblestone labyrinths of streets, a lively café culture, and lovely locals, it is a destination that will wow you. Put on your most comfortable pair of shoes, ditch your map, and lose yourself in the streets, exploring everything on foot. Trust us – you will love the experience! You are likely to stumble upon famous sites like the Infant Jesus of Prague , the Old Town Square , and the Astronomical Clock . Be sure to pause and marvel at the before pressing forward!

The last stop in your 7-day Europe itinerary is Vienna , a lovely city that deserves appreciation and admiration. It is marked by a unique mixture of imperial traditions, remarkable modern and historic architecture, and finger-licking-good cuisine. While you must visit its top attractions like the Imperial Palace , you should also spare time to indulge in gastronomical pleasures. Devour delicacies like Sachertorte and the Wiener Schnitzel , and let your mouth have a little party too!

Enjoy this one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to Europe. Also, here you can also browse our list of the  best hotels in Wroclaw , Prague , and Vienna  to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Wroclaw , Prague , and Vienna in addition to what is already mentioned here.

4. Lisbon – Madrid – Bordeaux

If one sits down to list all the things Lisbon is famous for, one will need an outstanding amount of time – there is so much to love! Thanks to its colonialist history, stunning architecture, a commendable tradition of Fado music, lovely weather conditions throughout the year, super-friendly locals, and spectacular hilltop vistas, the experiences possible here are endless. Some of the best things to see in the city include Lisbon Cathedral , the National Pantheon of Lisbon , and Belem Tower . Make sure that you catch them!

Hop onto a train and travel from Lisbon to Madrid , the star child of Spain. Madrid is perfect for people who want to experience an authentic exposure to the Spanish ways of life, especially things that relate to history, art , food , nightlife, and fashion. Thanks to many art galleries and shopping centers littered around the city, you will have the extraordinary opportunity to indulge in quintessentially Spanish activities.

Your Europe in 7 days journey ends in Bordeaux , the city of wine, vineyards, food, and castles. Touring the town provides you the perfect chance to complete your vacation in style and a way that you would remember till your dying days. If you are a wine enthusiast, you should know that visiting La Cite du Vin is a must for you. This premier wine museum provides you with a remarkable interactive wine experience that involves all your senses to give you a sense of fulfillment. Other than this, visiting museums, ancient crypts from the Gallo-Roman period, and Saint-Seurin Basilica are other exciting things you should consider doing while you are here.

Enjoy this one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to Europe. Also, here you can also browse our list of the  best hotels in Lisbon , Madrid , and Bordeaux  to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Lisbon , Madrid , and Bordeaux in addition to what already mentioned here.

5. Milan – Bern – Lyon

If you are into art, architecture, and fashion and are wondering which destination to pick that could satiate both of your desires, the obvious answer is Milan . The heart of Italy’s art and fashion culture, Milan offers you fantastic opportunities to indulge in exquisite experiences pertaining to both. You can go on a wild shopping spree, pampering yourself, buying some of the most fashion-forward clothing items. When you feel like art and architectural desires are calling you, you should go see marvels like The Last Supper , Duomo , and Navigli District.

After spending some high-quality days in Florence, you should head to Bern . Bern is typically perceived as a city of fountains, both historic and modern. And this perception is totally warranted – countless breathtaking fountains symbolize the ingenious of their architects, especially the ones in the city’s historic center. However, Bern is so much more than just fountains. Make visits to the Cathedral of Bern, Zytglogge, and Zentrum Paul Klee to explore a side of the city not generally shown and fall in love with it!

Lyon forms the last stop in your Europe in 7 days itinerary, and it is one classic way to put a cap to your days of exhilarating traveling. Lyon is a gorgeous, gorgeous city with unmatchable gastronomical opportunities, jaw-dropping architecture, and exquisite history. While every activity in the town is worth trying, you should not miss its Vieux Lyon district – a mysterious and tucked away area marked by hidden passages and shrouded with secrets. You will be fascinated by its tours!

Enjoy this one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to Europe. Also, here you can also browse our list of the  best hotels in Milan , Bern , and Lyon to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Milan , Bern , and Lyon in addition to what is already mentioned here.

Video Guide: 3 European Countries in One Week

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Travel resources for planning a multi-country trip to Europe

To make planning a one-week trip to Europe easier, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do in each destination during your trip to Europe.

Agoda : Search thousands of destinations around the world & quickly compare prices to find amazing deals on the best flights.

CheapOAir : You can find airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages all on one site!

Kiwi.com : What we like about Kiwi is the fact that they are able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Also, Kiwi has what they called “ Nomad ” which helps you find the best way of visiting multiple destinations, saving you time and money.

JetRadar : You can search and compare airfares from 726 airlines and dozens of travel agencies and systems.

Agoda : Agoda is one of the world’s largest online travel accommodation platforms with a network of over 2,000,000 vacation rentals and hotels worldwide.

Hotellook : They have more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.

Transportations:  

Airport Transfers :  KiwiTaxi ,  Viator

Train :  EuRail ,  Trainline  or  RailEurope  

Bus :  Flixbus : Very affordable (as low as $6) and convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.

Car Rentals :  AutoEurope ,  EconomyBookings ,  or   GetTransfer  (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)

Bike Rental :  BikesBooking  (Bikes & scooter rentals) 

Transportation Comparison :  Omio  (search, compare, and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights all in one site)

Tours & Activities :

TakeWalks  (WalkofItaly): This is our favorite site for walking tours & day trips.

Tiqets : Great site for entrance tickets. It offers directly bookable, instantly available, and completely mobile tickets for museums, shows, and attractions all over the world.

Musement : They have good activities and tours in Italy and Spain, also many great day trips you can choose from.

GetYourGuide : A large number of tours, excursions, and other travel activities

Viator : The largest one. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. It also has many transportations and transfers options and some unique experiences we didn’t find anywhere else.

Need help planning a 7-day trip to Europe ?

Want to plan a week trip to Europe but don’t know where to begin? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!

At  MultiCityTrips , multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries such as a multi-city trip to Europe when you only have one week are our specialties.  Contact us  today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can  personalize your multi-city vacations   at the best price.

Don’t want to start from scratch and need some trip inspiration? Check out our  marketplace  for customizable pre-designed packages available right now for many amazing destinations.

To learn more about how our process of trip planning works in detail, please see our “ How It Works ” page or check out our video on  “How to Plan a Multi-City Trip to Europe in  5 Easy Steps”   here.

Have questions for us?  Schedule a FREE Call  with us here or contact one of the travel experts/destination specialists at  [email protected] , call/text us at  (888)223-2316  today.

Private Travel Coaching & Consulting Call

Want to plan and book your upcoming trip yourself? If this is your first time traveling to any of the European destinations or you are new to multi-city, multi-country travel but prefer to manage every part of your trip on your own, this option is for you! 

For just  $150 per hour , our destination expert can answer any questions you might have as you plan and book your dream trip. From assisting with route planning, and destination selection, recommending the best areas or places to stay, the best transportation options, things to do and see, saving tips and so much more! 

Ready to plan your trip with our help? Book your private coaching session with our destination expert now and we’ll confirm your appointment within 24 hours!

More Travel Inspiration & Guides

7 of the Most Amazing Day Trips from Brussels

10 of the Best Places to Visit in Slovenia

7 of the Best Spanish Islands You Will Love

2 Days in Barcelona Itinerary & The Best Way to Explore The City You Love

9 Incredible Hidden Gems in Iceland You’ll Love

7 of the Most Amazing Day Trips from Amsterdam

10 of The Best Things to Do in Normandy You Will Love

7 of the Best Day Trips from Milan by Train You’ll Love

Travel resources for planning your own trip.

To make planning your European trip on your own easier, in addition to what already mentioned in our travel guide, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do in any destination using these travel resources:

European River Cruises:

Uniworld River Cruises : The world’s best and most awarded luxury river cruise line—offers itineraries in spectacular destinations throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, Asia, and Peru. The company’s European fleet features luxurious ships with an average capacity of 120 guests, the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry, enticing shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, impeccable hospitality, and numerous other all-inclusive benefits.

Pre- and Post-cruise/Tour Extensions:  Uniworld curated pre-and post-cruise/tour extensions make it easy to add a few days to the front or back end of your trip while leaving the planning to them

The packages include a variety of hotel options, transfers, and a dedicated destination expert to escort you along the way.

Airport Transfers & Transportations:  

Airport Transfers: GetTransfer offers both airport transfers & car rentals with a personal driver. Other airport transfer options are KiwiTaxi and Viator.

Train :  EuroRail ,  Trainline ,  or  RailEurope are all great sites for train tickets as well as Rail Passes if you would like to add more flexibility to your trip. They are good for most trains throughout Europe. For trains in Italy, we like and recommend ItaliaRail . As for Portugal, you will need to go to the official website for Comboios de Portugal (the Portuguese train company) to book your train tickets when traveling in Portugal.

CarRentals :  AutoEurope ,  EconomyBookings ,  or   GetTransfer  (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)

Bike Rental :  BikesBooking is a great site for bikes & scooter rentals

Travel Insurance:

Travel Guard :  Their comprehensive travel insurance programs, starting at $30, include per-trip & annual plans, coverage for trip cancellation , trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, baggage loss & more! Travel Guard provides 24/7-customer service with a personal touch through its World Service Center.

DISCLAIMER : Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links, MultiCityTrips may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Trip by Travel Experts

Need help planning a trip and find the best vacation package for your multi-city trip to Europe? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!

At  MultiCityTrips , multi-city, multi-country European vacations, and complicated itineraries are our specialties. Contact us today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can personalize an amazing multi-city trip to your dream destinations in Europe.

Ready for a trip? Check out our planning options and get in touch with us today!

Featured Pre-Designed Packages

These air-inclusive, pre-designed multi-city European vacation packages can be personalized to suit your needs!

6 Nights/ 7 Days Signature Escape to Lisbon and Barcelona

8 Nights/9 Days Signature Escape to Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais and Porto

9 Nights/ 10 Days Signature Escape to Rome, Florence and Venice

Schedule a FREE Consultation

Not sure or can’t decide which planning option is right for you? Schedule a free 30-minute call with one of our travel experts to discuss your travel needs today!

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11 Best first-time Europe itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks

Europe is going to be very busy in the summer of 2024 as the world is back to normal and travel demand is higher than ever. One other key factor is that most European currencies are still hovering at lower levels historically compared to the US dollar, which means that Europe will feel somewhat cheap again this year. In fact, according to our World Backpacker Index , European cities like Lisbon, Madrid, and Munich are about 30% cheaper to visit than Boston, Chicago, and New York City. In other words, flying to Europe might seem expensive, but most things will be cheaper once you get there compared to the costs of visiting a large US city.

Below you’ll find 11 of the most popular and best itineraries for a first visit to Europe. Your first visit is not really the time to be different or creative, and the famous destinations tend to be popular for a reason. In other words, it’s kind of silly to visit, say, Bulgaria, if you’ve not yet been to France or Italy. I lay out the best options along with how long to stay in each place as a general guide. I also discuss Mediterranean cruises, which can actually be an amazing way to see a lot of Europe on your first visit, especially if you don’t like going back and forth to train stations and airports every 2 or 3 days.

For a bit of fun you might be interested in the cheapest 5-star hotels in Europe , which start at US$80 per night for really nice hotels. It helps show that if you choose some of the cheaper cities, you can treat yourself to some luxury that you can’t afford in most other places.

This article was last updated in March, 2024.

There are 11 starter itineraries described in detail below

• Classic London and Paris
• England and Scotland
• Paris and Italy
• Mediterranean cruise
• France, Belgium, and Netherlands
• Paris and elsewhere in France
• Switzerland
• Best of cheap eastern Europe

For each itinerary there are suggestions of other destinations that are easy to add on to the main cities.

Note: This article was most recently updated in March, 2024

Building the best itinerary for your first trip to Europe

Below there are 11 popular itineraries for one week in Europe. If you’ve only got a week then choose one of them and assume you’ll return again to conquer more of this amazing part of the world. If you’ve got more time then you can choose from some of the top add-on suggestions for each one.

Start in the most famous cities

Your first visit to Europe is no time to try to be different or edgy. I recommend that you  focus on these 5 great cities  before you start branching out into cheaper or more obscure places.

Keep your travel days to a minimum

Spend 3 (or 4) nights in almost every major city

So many first-time visitors are initially planning on spending only 1 or 2 nights in major cities that I wrote a detailed explanation of why  3 nights is ideal for almost all European cities , even if you want to see as much as possible.

3 (or 4) nights will be enough for any city on your first trip

Most first-time visitors are tempted to move too quickly, but it can also be a mistake to move too slowly. It’s really amazing how much you can see in two full sightseeing days. If you spend too long in one city you’ll end up seeing things that are way down your list, while you could be in another city seeing things at the top of your list there.

Choose cities that are easy to reach from each other

For your first trip it’s best to visit cities that are no more than a 5-hour train ride apart.

Choose cities that are connected by reasonable train rides rather than flights

To build on the point above, finding cheap flights within Europe is easy, but train travel is about a million times more enjoyable and less stressful. You’ll enjoy the train rides almost as much as the cities, so focus on places that are within 5 hours of each other by train.

Start with one of the classic itineraries below, and then add to it if you have more time

If you only have 7 days then you’ll find a list below of classic itineraries that are well-suited to a first visit to Europe. Hopefully you have more than 7 days though, and if you do you can add in one or more of the suggested add-on cities to build an itinerary that appeals most to you.

Best 1-week itineraries for the first time in Europe

Itinerary 1: classic london and paris.

• London  (3 or 4 nights)
• Paris  (3 or 4 nights)

Fly into either city and take the 2-hour Eurostar train between them

London highlights

• Big Ben and Parliament
• Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Tower of London and Tower Bridge
• West End shows (Broadway equivalent) and classic pubs
• Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle

Paris is actually far more beautiful than London and the food is famously much better as well. Since Paris gets so many tourists from non-French speaking countries, it’s easy to get by on just English, and the Metro system makes it fast and easy to get around. The architecture of both cities is amazing from the Tower of London, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. These cities each pack a huge punch and they are very different from each other as well. Actually, England is arguably the best choice for your first trip to Europe .

Paris highlights

• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre Museum and Museum de Orsay
• Arc de Triomphe and other monuments
• Montmartre neighborhood and Sacré Coeur Cathedral
• Probably the world’s best affordable restaurants and wine

Best add-ons to London and Paris

• Edinburgh  (2 or 3 nights, from London)
• Amsterdam  (2 or 3 nights, from Paris)
• Bruges  and  Brussels  (2 nights, from Paris)

>>> Best one-week London and Paris itinerary in detail >>> Check London hotel deals >>> Check Paris hotel deals

Itinerary 2: England and Scotland

• York (1 night)
• Edinburgh, Scotland  (2 or 3 nights)
• Inverness, Scotland (2 or 3 nights)

York is a small Roman city with intact city walls and one of the most famous cathedrals in Europe. Edinburgh is not only the capital of Scotland, but it’s easily the second most interesting city in all of Britain. If your time is short, skip York and spend more time in Edinburgh.

If you prefer to focus on the south of England on your first trip then the best option is to go to Bath or nearby Bristol after London. Bath is another of England’s top destinations and it’s a gorgeous city that has been a spa resort for many centuries. It’s also reasonably close to Stonehenge. You can also easily get to Cornwall in England’s southwest corner from Bath, and that’s a whole different and fascinating experience (with nicer weather than up north).

If you’ve got more than a week and want to spend more time in Scotland, especially in the summer months, the place to head to is Inverness. It’s a small town that is considered the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, but it’s an interesting and charming place on its own. You can take day-trips by bus to the highlights of the Highlands including the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. Between you and me, it’s better to minimize time in Loch Ness or skip it altogether because it’s not one of the more photogenic parts of Scotland and the monster has always been a hoax.

Travel times between the recommended places

• London to York by train: 2 hours
• York to Edinburgh by train: 2.5 hours
• London to Edinburgh by train: 4 hours
• Edinburgh to Inverness by train: 3.5 hours
• London to Bath by train: 85 minutes

Best add-ons to England and Scotland

• Paris  (3 or 4 nights from London)
• Amsterdam  (3 nights from Paris)

If you think you want to spend your whole trip in Britain you should have a look at our article on the  best itineraries in England, Scotland, and Wales .

>>> Check London hotel deals >>> Check Edinburgh hotel deals

Itinerary 3: Paris and Italy

• Paris (3 or 4 nights)
• Venice (1 night)
• Florence (2 or 3 nights)
• Rome (3 nights)

From Paris you can easily fly to Venice (or nearby Treviso) where you should try to spend about 24 hours. Venice is small enough to see in a full day, and so crowded that most people are satisfied to leave after that day. The key is to stay in the main part of the main island so you can enjoy Venice before the cruise passengers and day-trippers arrive, and also after they leave for the day. Two nights in Venice would not be wasted time, and it’s possibly the most gorgeous city in the entire world, but you can see the best of it in a bit over 24 hours.

Rome also lives up to the hype and spending a day in the Vatican City will be a highlight even for non-Catholics, but it’s also a crowded and busy city so three days is usually enough for most people. Similar to Paris, Rome is an unusually beautiful city from almost any angle when you are in the historical center. You’ll walk through a stunning piazza (town square) and then turn a corner and you’ll see gorgeous buildings or public statues that are as nice as anything in the museums. Seriously, it’s worth a visit.

Paris to Venice flight: 1 hour 35 minutes Venice to Florence by train: 1 hour 53 minutes Florence to Rome by train: 1 hour 16 minutes

You can of course instead fly from Paris to Rome and then go north to Florence and then to Venice and fly home (or back to Paris) from there, and it would be just as enjoyable.

Best add-ons to Paris and Italy

• Nice/Cannes/Monaco  (2 or 3 nights)
• Avignon (2 nights)
• Bourges (2 nights)
• Bordeaux (2 nights)
• Aix-en-Provence (2 nights)
• Reims (2 nights)
• Dijon/Burgundy (2 nights)
• Milan  (1 or 2 nights)
• Lake Como (2 nights)
• Siena (2 nights)
• Cinque Terre (1 night)
• Naples / Sorrento /Amalfi Coast/Pompeii/Capri (3 to 5 nights)
• Sicily (3 to 4 nights)

>>>Much more information in this article about the best France and Italy itineraries >>> Check Paris hotel deals >>> Check Venice hotel deals >>> Check Florence hotel deals >>> Check Rome hotel deals

Itinerary 4: Mediterranean cruise

In spite of the reputation of cruises to be floating buffets, they can actually be an excellent way to visit a great number of amazing European cities in a short time. The ship typically is in port from the early morning until mid evening, often giving you the opportunity to have dinner in the city (unlike Caribbean cruises). Better still, the cruise ports are often near the center of town, so you can just walk off the ship and do sightseeing on foot or by public transportation.

Mediterranean cruises usually start at 7 nights but can go up to 3 weeks, which can provide an amazing tour of the entire region without having to pack and repack your bags more than once. They also can provide excellent value, especially compared to the price of taking trains or flights and finding new hotels in every destination.

Most popular Mediterranean departure ports

Barcelona, Spain – It’s an easy port to reach. Ships generally go from Barcelona with stops in France and then Italy.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy – The port isn’t very close to Rome, but it’s easy to get back and forth. Ships go west to France and Spain as well as south around the tip of Italy and then on to Croatia, Venice, and to Greece.

Venice, Italy – The cruise ships no longer dock close to the best tourist areas, but it’s easy enough to visit Venice for a day or two before boarding a ship. Ships starting in Venice go south and then head west and to Rome and then to France, or they go south to Croatia and then head east to Greece.

Athens, Greece – The cruise port of Piraeus is just south of Athens and easy to reach. Ships from Athens usually head west towards Croatia, Italy, France, and Spain, but there are also ships that visit Greek islands and Turkey.

>>> Check for deals on Mediterranean cruises

Alternative to consider: a river cruise

Amsterdam ,  Budapest , and  Prague  are some of the most popular river cruise ports, but there are dozens of others including many smaller towns in France where few other tourists will be when you stroll off the ship. There is little or no entertainment on the river cruise ships, but passengers don’t miss it because the entire day and into the evening is spent just steps from local cultural offerings and restaurants.

>>> Check for Europe and river cruise deals

Itinerary 5: France, Belgium, and Netherlands

• Paris  (3 nights)
• Brussels  and  Bruges  (1 or 2 nights)
• Amsterdam  (2 or 3 nights)

Paris to Brussels: 1 hour 22 minutes Brussels to Bruge: 58 minutes Bruges to Amsterdam: 2 hours 45 minutes Amsterdam to Paris: 3 hours 17 minutes

Spending 4 nights in Paris and 3 nights in Amsterdam would be a great trip, but if you want to see something else you’ve got a couple options in between. My advice is to spend an afternoon looking around the Grand Place (main square) in Brussels and then hop a 58-minute train ride to Bruges for a night or two. Brussels isn’t a great tourist city, but Bruges really is so it’s a better option for most people. Whatever you choose out of this group, you can be back in Paris on another high-speed train for your flight home.

Best add-ons to France, Belgium, and Netherlands

• Luxembourg City  (1 or 2 nights)
• Cologne, Germany (1 or 2 nights)
• Interlaken, Switzerland  (2 or 3 nights)

>>> Check Paris hotel deals >>> Check Bruges hotel deals >>> Check Amsterdam hotel deals

Itinerary 6: Paris and elsewhere in France

And a choice of:

• Normandy (2 nights)

While Nice is a wonderful tourist city for a look at the French Riviera, the other larger cities of Lyon and Marseilles are probably better saved for a future trip because they are light on key sights compared to many smaller towns. Wine lovers can rent a car or take trains into Bordeaux or Burgundy. Since you can get between most of these towns by train in 2 hours or less, spending only 2 nights in each one is a reasonable option if you want to see a lot in a short time.

Normandy is an interesting choice and easy to reach in only about two hours by train from Paris. Some visitors like to see the famous WWII beaches and memorials, while others (especially in summer) like to check out one or more of the beach-resort towns. Deauville is one of the more famous of those, and it’s also famous for its horse race track and as one of the epicenters of the industry in Europe.

Best add-ons to Paris and elsewhere

• More France, of course

>>> Check Paris hotel deals >>> Check Nice hotel deals

Itinerary 7: Italy

• Rome  (3 nights)
• Florence  (2 or 3 nights)
• Venice  (1 or 2 nights)

Rome to Florence: 1 hour 16 minutes Florence to Venice: 1 hour 53 minutes

Venice is small enough that you can see the main sights in about 24 hours, and it’s so insanely crowded that many people tire of it after about a day as well. It’s better to pay more for a hotel to be on the main island and visit quickly than to save money with a hotel on the mainland where you’ll be in crowds going back and forth as well. Florence is the most relaxing of the 3, and also a great base for side trips to Pisa, Siena, and Cinque Terre, just to name a few.

Going to Italy? Here are the  best first-time Italy itineraries for 3 days to 2 weeks  (in much greater detail)

Best add-ons to Italy

>>> Check Rome hotel deals >>> Check Florence hotel deals >>> Check Venice hotel deals

Itinerary 8: Spain

• Madrid  (4 nights) (including day trip to Toledo)
• Barcelona  (3 nights)

Madrid to Barcelona: 2 hours 30 minutes

A huge part of Spain’s tourism industry is built around its southern beaches and islands such as Ibiza, Mallorca, and Tenerife (in the Canary Islands). For most people it’s best to ignore those places on your first trip because none of the beaches are special enough to spend days on them compared to the culture of the cities.

Best add-ons to Spain

• Valencia  (2 nights)
• Seville  (2 or 3 nights)
• Granada  (2 or 3 nights)
• Lisbon  (3 nights)

By popular demand, I’ve added a full article on where to go in Spain with itineraries from 7 to 10 days up to two weeks .

>>> Check Madrid hotel deals >>> Check Barcelona hotel deals >>> Check Lisbon hotel deals

Itinerary 9: Germany

• Berlin  (3 nights)
• Munich  (2 or 3 nights)
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber (1 night)
• Füssen (1 night)

Berlin to Munich: 6 hours 2 minutes Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber: 2 hours 56 minutes Munich to Füssen: 2 hours 4 minutes

Those two cities are the keys to a Germany visit, and after that you’ve got a wide variety of choices. I cover most of the popular choices in my article on  where to go in Germany , which covers several smaller towns that are major highlights.

Best add-ons to Germany

• Cologne (1 or 2 nights)
• Hamburg  (2 or 3 nights)
• Amsterdam  (3 nights)
• Prague  (3 nights)
• Salzburg  (2 or 3 nights)
• Vienna  (3 nights)
• Interlaken, Switzerland  (3 nights)
• Lucerne, Switzerland  (2 or 3 nights)

>>> Check Berlin hotel deals >>> Check Munich hotel deals

Itinerary 10: Switzerland

• Interlaken  (3 nights)
• Bern (1 night)
• Lucerne  (3 nights)

Zurich Airport to Interlaken: 2 hours 10 minutes Interlaken to Bern: 53 minutes Bern to Lucerne: 1 hour 50 minutes Lucerne to Zurich Airport: 1 hour 3 minutes

Interlaken is the best hub for the most dramatic Alps views and experiences. The one-hour cable car ride up to the Schilthorn observation deck is something you’ll never forget, and the only thing that might be more dramatic is the train ride up to the Jungfraujoch station, which is the highest in Europe. Lucerne is almost as beautiful with a scenic lake at its heart and also great mountaintop views nearby. If you do want to see a Swiss city then the capital of Bern is the most interesting and photogenic on a short visit. Read more about  where to go in Switzerland  for even more ideas.

Best add-ons to Switzerland

• Munich  (3 nights)
• Italy (as long as you’ve got)

>>> Check Interlaken hotel deals >>> Check Lucerne hotel deals

Itinerary 11: Eastern Europe’s best cheap cities

• Budapest  (3 nights) and/or
• Krakow  (3 nights)

Each of these cities is beautiful and historic, but English is less widely spoken so they can also be quite a bit more challenging for a first-time visitor. Another difficulty is that the trains between them are still quite slow compared to the high-speed rail in the West, so it takes most of a day from one to another, and a bus is often a better choice. I cover this best cheap Europe itinerary more fully in the linked article.

Prague to Budapest: 6 hours 41 minutes Budapest to Krakow: 9 hours 54 minutes (flying might be better)

Best add-ons to cheap Eastern Europe

• Cesky Krumlov, Czechia  (2 nights)
• Ljubljana, Slovenia  (2 or 3 nights)
• Split, Croatia  (3 nights)
• Belgrade, Serbia  (2 or 3 nights)
• Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina  (2 or 3 nights)
• Sofia, Bulgaria  (2 or 3 nights)

>>> Check Prague hotel deals >>> Check Budapest hotel deals >>> Check Krakow hotel deals

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11 Best first-time Europe itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks " --> All Comments

Hi Roger, was reading your article and reply to various questions and its actually too good and kind from you. if you pls,help me out a route plan for 15days. but my catch is, i have to start from Stockholm.i like to end in rome to head back home. in between what should be my plan?thanks

I’m happy to help. Stockholm to Rome could be done in 15 days, but it would require skipping quite a few great places along the way. My recommendation would be to choose 5 or maybe 6 cities total and spend 3 days in each. If Stockholm is one of your cities you’d only have 12 days left but even if Stockholm didn’t count on the 15 days I think it’s probably best to fly from Stockholm to a city closer to Italy and then do the rest of it on shorter train rides. You could do Stockholm to Copenhagen by train, but those are pretty long train rides and honestly those two cities are pretty similar to each other.

So maybe Stockholm and then a flight to Paris and then trains to Venice, Florence and Rome? That sort of thing. Stockholm is just so remote that it would require at least 3 or 4 longer train journeys but if you flew from Stockholm to Paris (or Berlin or Prague or Budapest or wherever) the remaining train rides would be relatively short. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Firstly, I would like to thank you for the article and itineraries; they are very helpful.

My wife and I are planning a 3 to 4-month trip around the EU (Western Europe). Before I delve into the specifics of our itinerary, I am wondering if the same 3 to 5-day in each-city principle applies for cases where travellers will spend more time travelling around?

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks Raf

Wow. That sounds amazing! Even when traveling for longer periods like that I’d recommend a minimum of 3 nights in almost any place you go. The main reason is your travel days tend to be kind of long when you factor in everything from checking out of one hotel to getting to the train station and waiting and then the journey time and then getting to your next hotel and getting situated. All of that usually takes 4 to 6 hours even when the train journey is only an hour or two, so you just don’t get much sightseeing done on those days. So if you only stay 2 nights in each city it means every other day is a travel day and that just takes up too much time.

That said, I think 3 or 4 days is enough time in most places as well. If you really want to get to know Paris, for example, you might stay a week there. But for most cities there are diminishing marginal returns starting on day 3 or 4. In other words, you’ll be able to see the 10 things that most interest you in 3 days or so, and at that point you might be ready to see the Top 10 things in the next city instead of the #11 through #20 things in the first city.

Another thing that is important with longer trips like that is to plan some down time at least every few weeks. If you try to do sightseeing 7 days per week for weeks at a time it starts to feel like a job. What I like to do is every two or three weeks find a smaller town or cheaper place where I can rent a little apartment or some place larger and more comfortable than a typical small European hotel room. And I like to stop in places without many sights otherwise it’s too tempting to keep sightseeing every day.

I’ve actually done quite a few long trips like this and I’m happy to help with any other advice if you like. -Roger

Comment*We are planning on Athens to Amsterdam from June 4, 2024 to Amsterdam June 24th.

We are thinking trains to major cities inbetween Athens and Amsterdam. We are open to anything and everything.

Priorities: Parthenon in Athens, Art Museums in Amsterdam (3-5 days in Amsterdam) Can you help us?

That is a tricky one. Both Athens and Amsterdam are great and very worthwhile, but once you go north of Athens to Thessaloniki in northern Greece, the train service is spotty and very slow all the way until you reach Budapest. Strangely enough, buses tend to be faster and much more frequent in those “eastern” countries like Bulgaria and Romania. Also, being perfectly honest, most of those in-between cities such as Sofia and Belgrade are kind of dull by European standards, although they are quite cheap.

If you really want to visit Athens I’d definitely start there and then after a few days fly to Budapest or some other city in that area that interests you and then carry on from there by train. In fact, Athens to Budapest and then trains to Prague then Berlin and then Amsterdam could be perfect. You could even add in a couple of days in Cesky Krumlov near Prague if you want to include a gorgeous smaller town among the big cities.

Those are all first-class cities and several of them are quite affordable as well. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hi, my wife and I would like to visit Rome, Florence, Italy, Venice, Prague, Berlin and maybe Switzerland. This will be the first time travelling to Europe and I would appreciate your help in planning where to start, where to stay, how to get there and where to go. We will be coming from Trinidad and Tobago for 2 weeks. If possible, i would like a day-to-day plan.

Unfortunately I don’t have time to do a day-by-day plan for you, but I can help get you started. If you’ve got 14 nights I would keep the list to 5 total cities. If you tried to include Switzerland on this trip it would mean spending only 1 or 2 days in some cities and that means spending every other day on trains.

I think the best thing to do would be to fly into Berlin or Prague and then spend 3 days there and then take a train to the other one and spend 3 days there and then fly to Venice. Spend 1 or 2 days in Venice and then take a short train ride to Florence for 2 days or so and then a train ride down to Rome for your final 3 days and then a flight home or back to your starting city if that is cheaper. I’m happy to help if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hi, Roger. My wife and I (56 and 63) want to do our first trip to Europe from Canada and would like to start by visiting Portugal (Lisbon and Porto) and Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Granada y Sevilla with day trips to close small cities in between). What it would be your suggestion for: 1. Stay in each city for a 15/17 days trip? 2. any additions/modifications? 3. Train over flights internally? 4. If we travel with one suitcase of 50 Lbs would it work to take public transit when required? 5. Instead of this plan, would it be better to visit 1/2 famous city in different countries? Would appreciate your inputs. Than you Roger

If you’ve only got about 16 days I’d recommend choosing 5 or maybe 6 cities in total. I strongly believe that 3 nights is the best amount of time to stay in each city so you have two full sightseeing days in each one, although some smaller cities can be done a bit quicker. I go over the reasons in detail on this other article about how long to stay in each European city , but the main point is that if you stay only two nights it means literally spending every other day on trains or in airports and such and you just don’t get much sightseeing done on those travel days with all of the packing and unpacking and checking in and out of hotels.

I’d definitely include Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona. You could add a 2-day visit to Porto and 2 or 3 days each in Sevilla and Granada. I’d save Valencia for a future trip. It’s nice, but aside from the new buildings clustered in one area, it’s more generic than any of the others on your list.

The only train between Portugal and Madrid goes over night and I’m not a fan of those so I’d fly on that leg. But from there I’d definitely take the high-speed trains, which are fast and comfortable. Buy your tickets at least a couple months in advance for the best fares.

There will be room for a 50 lb suitcase on the flights (of course) and on the trains as well. On older trains they have you put them on racks above the seats, but on most of the more modern ones (like the high-speed trains) they also have room for larger bags at each end of the carriage. If you can lift them, there will definitely be room for them.

I think your plan sounds really good and those are all great cities. That said, for most first-time visitors to Europe I’d recommend Paris and Italy as those are really more dramatic and interesting, although also more crowded and somewhat more expensive as well. I think once you do the Iberia trip you’ll be hooked and you’ll start planning a trip to France and Italy for the coming years. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hi, Roger. Thank you for your comments and recommendations and also for your prompt response. I have modified my plan as I have now 22 days. My Itinerary is Porto(3), Lisbon(3), Seville(2), Malaga(2), Madrid(3),Barcelona(3), Zaragoza(2) and Bilbao(3). What do you think? is this a good plan? Any suggestions? I am still debating between Malaga and Granada though. I included Bilbao to visit friends. The question on the luggage was more related to the comfort to pull a large back in public transit than the allowance in the planes or trains. I will appreciate your inputs. Thank you again, Roger

Those six more days will help a lot. I think your new plan looks really good. You can probably enjoy Porto in 2 days and add an extra day somewhere else, but you might also be dealing with jet-lag so 3 days might be better. Your itinerary looks efficient and logical.

I really like Granada and Malaga, but I think if I were to choose between the two I would go with Granada. Malaga is (in my opinion) an underrated city that is close to some extremely popular beach towns and it’s got a lot going for it, but if you aren’t also going to be staying by the beach I think I’d save it for another trip. Granada has got the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens and those are unlike anything else in Spain or the world for that matter. Granada is small enough to enjoy in two days and I think seeing the Alhambra will be more memorable than anything in Malaga.

Buy your train tickets as early as possible for the best times and fares, and the flight for Lisbon to Seville (or you could take a bus).

And again, your 50 lb suitcase will fit on city to city trains (although not as well on buses or trams within a city), but still (as the saying goes) no one ever went on a trip around Europe like this and swore they would pack more stuff the next time. In other words, 40 lbs is much easier than 50 lbs and getting laundry done cheaply in a country like Spain is quite easy. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Comment*Hi travelling first time to europe next year we are 55 years age group any suggestions for 10-12 days itenary with guided tour would be nice if any suggestion are there also april or may better time to visit there anil

Actually, all of my best suggestions for first-time visits to Europe are in the article above. If you specifically want a guided tour you’ll obviously just be choosing from the ones that are available from the companies you look it, although many of those should resemble the itineraries in my article. Planning your own trip to Europe is actually quite easy, and especially if you are going to the classic and most popular cities. I’ve got lots of articles that could help you.

I’m not sure how many guided tours you’ve done, but one thing to consider is that they always move at the speed of the slowest person in the group. If YOU are the slowest person in the group then it’s fine, but if you are 55 then you should be much faster than most other people on a guided tour. For example, if you have a coach/bus tour for a day with 5 or 6 stops, you always have to wait for the slowest people to get on an off the bus. I’ve done countless day tours this way and it can be frustrating waiting 10 extra minutes many times each day as slow people are trying their best.

I think my top two best suggestions are London and maybe another stop or two in England and then Paris and other stop or two in France, OR, Paris then another stop in France and then Venice, Florence, and Rome. It obviously depends whether England or Italy sounds more interesting. Let me know if I can be of any other help. -Roger

Planning a family trip with a adult and nearly adult children. Hoping to be able to do 18 to 20 days. Must sees are Paris, Venice, England, and Prague but would adore seeing more! What route would you suggest and should we rent a car, fly, train, river cruise? There are so many options and I’m completely overwhelmed! A suggested itinerary would be amazing!! Thank you!

That sounds like a great start to a plan. As far as “England” is concerned it’s probably best to just think of it as 3 or probably 4 nights in London. With 4 nights you’d have enough time for a good day trip to Bath/Stonehenge and Windsor or to Oxford or even York, but London is big enough to keep you busy and it’s probably best to just stay there and then take the Eurostar train to Paris for 3 or 4 nights.

Prague is a bit out of the way, but you can fly there cheaply enough if you want and then after 3 nights fly to Venice. After 2 nights in Venice I’d take a train down to Florence for 2 nights and then another train to Rome for 3 nights. That would be just about a perfect 18 to 20 day trip including Prague. I definitely wouldn’t rent a car as they tend to be counter productive when visiting a string of large cities that have bad traffic and expensive parking. Your itinerary doesn’t really work with a river cruise at all, but hopefully you can plan one in the future.

It would probably be cheapest to fly from Rome back to London for your flight home (being careful of which of London’s 5 airports you fly into because your flight home will almost certainly go out of Heathrow), but if you can get a flight home straight from Rome for a good price, that would be even better. Getting around by train in Europe is by far the best way wherever it’s close and fast enough, so I’d focus on trains in the places I mentioned. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Yes, I meant London. Thank you for picking up on that. After reading though your site and many, many of these informative comments, I think I have figured out a basic itinerary and would love your feedback and suggestions!

-Fly into London London(3 days) -Eurostar Train to Paris Paris (3 days) -Train to Switzerland – unsure which train company Switzerland (3 days) -Train to Venice?? Venice (2 days) -Train to Florence – which train company? Is there a pass? Florence (2 days) -Train to Rome Rome (2 days) -Fly to Prague Prague (3 days) -Fly home out of Prague

Very interested to hear your feedback. I know you suggest 3 nights but I am ok with missing out on some things in Rome/Florence if needed. Would love train suggestions and if passes are best. NO idea on how the trains operate in Europe.

Thank you so much for your time!

This itinerary looks amazing. My only real suggestion would be to spend only one day in Venice and three days in Rome, or at least a day and a half in Venice rather than two, but you’ll enjoy it no matter what. The thing is that Venice is about the size of a theme park like Disneyland and from 9 AM until 5 PM it feels even more crowded than Disneyland. It’s absolutely amazing, but also easy to get tired of the crowds and you’ll do your best sightseeing in the mornings before the day-trippers come and in the evenings after they’ve left. And Rome is huge with a long list of really cool sights so with only one full sightseeing day you’ll miss quite a few of them. But again, you’ll enjoy it no matter how you divide your time.

In most of Europe including between France and Switzerland and Italy, there is just one rail company per country so just book whatever comes up. From Paris to Basel, Switzerland you’ll take the France national service and then change trains to a Swiss train for your ride to Interlaken or Lucern. Then from Switzerland you’ll take (probably) a Swiss train to Spiez or Brig and then change there for an Italian train to Venice. You’ll buy it just as one ticket and it’ll include all the legs required to get from one city to your final city, and usually come with seat reservations as well (except in Switzerland).

My favorite site for checking schedules all over Europe is the Trainline . But you can also check the official rail sites of each country involved and I’d definitely check those prices before booking anything. My article on buying European train tickets in advance is still pretty much up to date and it has links to the various national train companies.

It will be cheapest if you lock in your dates and buy all of your train tickets as early as possible, which will be around 3 months out in most cases. The tickets start off really cheap and go up in price as more seats are sold on each train, so earlier is always better. There are no rail passes that would be helpful on a trip like this, but that’s mostly because the tickets will be pretty cheap already, especially the ones within Italy.

Trains in Europe are really fun and shockingly easy once you get started. All the important signs will be in English as well as a local language. For most of them you can literally walk aboard just before it leaves and you are fine as long as you have a reserved seat, but the Eurostar works more like a flight with security and such so you have to be checked in at least 30 minutes in advance. Let me know if you have any other questions.

I won’t have time to update that other older article about trains vs planes vs buses, partly because these days there is a clear choice depending on which two cities you are going between. There are places in eastern Europe where there are advantages to each mode, but for the cities you’ll be doing the train is going to be the fastest, by far the most enjoyable, and probably the cheapest as well, at least once you factor in airport transportation costs. It’s going to be a great trip! -Roger

Thank you SO much for all of your help. Your in-depth website is an amazing resource! I get so lost in it and spend hours scouring your resources and links – it has everything anyone could need! And, the fact that you are also personally answering comments and offering personalized advice is mind blowing! Thank you for all that you do to inform us!

If you could suggest on a 14-15 day iterinary covering Athens, rome Milan paris London and Finland from New Delhi / Mumbai.

If you have 14 to 15 days I’d suggest choosing about 5 cities in total to visit. So your list should work out fairly well, although it depends on how much of Finland you’d hope to see. I’m guessing you must have a specific reason for wanting to go there? Finland normally isn’t very popular and honestly there isn’t much to see. Helsinki is, in my opinion, the least interesting of the Nordic capitals, although it’s pleasant enough and the country has some nice forests. If you are visiting relatives or something, that requires different planning of course.

It might be easiest to fly from Mumbai to London and then use that as a base. You could spend a few nights there and then fly to Helsinki and back after that or Helsinki to Paris for a few days. After Paris you could fly to Milan or Rome and then take a train to the other and then fly to Athens to finish your trip.

Milan actually isn’t a popular tourist city. It’s the home of most of Italy’s big banks and fashion brands, but neither of those are accessible to most tourists. Italy has amazing fashion shopping in Rome as well as Florence. Venice is also more popular. I hope this helps and I’m happy to help more if you have questions. -Roger

Comment* Planning first trip to Europe Want to do tour of England, Scotland, Wales and then to Paris for sites and Monet Gardens. Might take train to Brussels and Bruge. Then to Switzerland and home. Any suggestions what tour group to contact. Want slower pace trip…at least 3 weeks. Thank you.

I enjoy helping people plan independent trips, and I honestly don’t know much about booking all-inclusive tours like you are after. I’d imagine you’d have to do at least a few different tours to cover all the places you have in mind. The one outfit that I am familiar with is Rick Steves, who I am a huge fan of for his Europe travel guides and I know he has a big tour organization. I’d start with them and see if they have anything that fits what you are looking for. Best of luck. -Roger

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Planning a Trip in Europe: Top Itineraries and Travel Tips

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Planning a trip in Europe is exciting and fun…but organizing the details can make it feel like a monumental chore. Don’t let planning a trip around Europe overwhelm you! Whether it’s your first trip to Europe or the tenth time you have traveled abroad, our travel tips will streamline your Europe trip planning!

Planning a Trip in Europe

Making travel plans for Europe is a big task. Not only do travelers have to choose where to go and what to see, but they also need to consider how to get there, where to stay, how to get around and what to eat. Additionally, a trip through Europe requires tackling language barriers, balancing foreign currency and avoiding scams.

Travelers trying to figure out the best way to plan a trip to Europe can easily get bogged down in the process.

What is the Right Way for Planning a Europe Trip?

The good news is that there is no right or wrong way to plan a trip to Europe. The best way to travel Europe is in a way that fits your style, budget and purpose of the trip.

That said, there are a few oversights and common missteps that many travelers make when planning a trip to Europe. To help you better navigate the process, we are sharing our top tips for how to plan a European vacation so that you can have your best trip!

How To Plan a Trip in Europe

Planning a trip through Europe should be fun, not frustrating. Our Planning a Trip to Europe process shows the steps that we personally take while preparing to travel. Additionally, we outline sample Europe itineraries and divulge our top travel hacks for Europe.

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Travel to Europe Guide for planning your next getaway!

European Vacation Planning: Where To Go

The first step in how to plan a trip to Europe is choosing where to go – and it’s not an easy decision. Because of the relatively small size of the continent, Europe travel plans can include multiple cities and several countries. That said, it is exhausting to try to see everything. Believe me, I’ve tried!

Historic European cities, stunning seaside escapes and unbelievable charming towns dot the landscape, making it difficult to decide which places to include in your Europe itinerary.

In fact, choosing where to go is often the biggest hurdle in planning a Europe trip. Our tips will help give you inspiration and direction for how to plan European vacation destinations. 

Plan European Vacation to One Destination

For many travelers, the best way to tour Europe is to visit one city – and one city only. It is certainly the easiest way of how to plan an overseas trip. Staying in one location for the duration of your visit requires less planning, which also can mean less stress.

Furthermore, devoting an entire trip to one destination allows you to explore it more deeply or relax completely, if that is the intent of your European vacation! Rather than skipping through Europe’s top cities and only seeing the highlights, travelers can discover hidden gems, get a real sense of the culture and take excursions to nearby sights.

Multi-City Europe Trip Planner

Most travelers going abroad will opt for planning a multi city Europe trip. Overseas flights are expensive and long – so you want to get the most out of a single trip.

There are hundreds – thousands – of different ways for how to plan a multi city trip in Europe. Before you pick your European destinations, however, we have pertinent advice that will help maximize your time and enjoyment.

Multi City or Multi Country Trip to Europe

With a common currency among many EU Nations and border-free crossings within the Schengen Area , traveling through Europe to multiple countries can be nearly seamless.

You can book a trip to Europe to see multiple cities within one country (like our One Week Spain Itinerary ) or plan a trip around Europe to cities in different countries (such as Two Weeks in London, Paris and Rome ).

The benefits of staying within one country is that (usually) you will only be tested by one foreign language and it’s a shorter distance to travel between destinations. And, just like visiting one city in Europe, staying within one country can give you a more immersive experience.

On the other hand, it is difficult to resist experiencing several cultures on a single trip to Europe. Again, the best way to plan a trip through Europe comes down to your style, interests and budget.

Understand that More Is Not Better

When you first start the process of how to plan a multi country trip to Europe, understand that more is not necessarily better. Traveling too quickly results in ‘checklist’ sightseeing. Including too many destinations in a trip to Europe can wear you down. Instead, limit the number of stops you include in your vacation plan so that you can truly enjoy each place.

Calculate Travel Time

If you take a multi city Europe trip, the time it takes to travel between destinations needs to be calculated in your overall plan. While Europe is compact, it can still take significant time to travel between locations. You don’t want to spend your entire vacation in transit! 

Furthermore, before settling on specific locations, research options for how to get from one place to the next. Can you fly, take a train, hop on a bus? How long will it take? How much will it cost?

Pro Tips: Investigate how you could make the journey part of the experience. Find out if there is a scenic train route connecting your two European destinations or if there is a place of interest between the two cities that could be a fun stop or overnight stay. An overnight train sleeper car can be another great way to maximize your time.

Moving Multiple Times Can Take a Toll

While visiting multiple destinations can sound like an exciting way to experience Europe, it can be stressful constantly changing accommodations. Although the packing-checking out-transit-checking in-unpacking conundrum should not necessarily deter you from taking a trip in Europe to multiple cities, it is important to understand the toll it can take. It is also a good reason to expertly pack your luggage – and we have advice for how to do that later in the article.

Getting Off the Beaten Path Requires Effort

Europe is home to some of the most charming towns in the world…and many wouldn’t be so charming if they were easy to get to. While traveling out of the way places can be a highlight of any trip, consider the time required to reach far flung spots. If your travel plans do include off the beaten path destinations, just be prepared to make the effort to get to them.

Budget Your Planned Trip to Europe

We’ll cover the cost of a trip to Europe a bit later, but it’s of the utmost importance to keep your budget in mind when deciding where to include on your itinerary.

Some cities in Europe are notoriously expensive, while other destinations are considered ‘cheap’ places to go. While we believe it is possible to travel anywhere on a budget, those looking for an affordable European vacation will need to consider how much they want to spend when selecting which locations to visit.

For example, budget travelers might find it cost prohibitive to take a trip to London , Edinburgh and Dublin . Planning a trip to Lisbon and Porto or Poland and Hungary  is often more affordable.

How Many Days and How Many Cities?

Deciding how many cities to visit – and how many days to spend in each – is a key element to planning your Europe trip. We believe most travelers need a minimum of 3 days in a city to thoroughly enjoy it. Of course, that is our rule of thumb and there are exceptions.

Travelers could easily spend several days in most big cities – and might be able to get away with spending just a day or two in smaller destinations. In France, for example, Paris visitors could stay for an entire week without seeing all the sights and visit Colmar in just two days’ time and see everything.

What it really boils down to is your desired pace of travel. We’ve been traveling to Europe for 30 years, and we moved much faster then than we do now!

One Week Trip to Europe: How Many Destinations?

Ideally, on a 1 week trip to Europe, travelers will stay in two destinations and take a day trip. However, it is also quite possible to stay in three different destinations, especially if they are close together and one is a smaller city.

7 Day Trip to Europe Formula

• 3 Days in City + 4 Days in City with a Day Trip
• 3 Days in City + 2 Days in Smaller City + 2 Days in City

Plan a Trip to Europe for 10 Days

With 10 days in Europe, travelers can squeeze in a few more stops. We feel it would be best to see three destinations – but possible to see four places with the right plan.

10 Day Europe Trip Formula

• 3 Days in City + 3 Days in City + 4 Days in City with a Day Trip
• 3 Days in City + 2 Days in Smaller City + 2 Days in Smaller City + 3 Days in City

Plan 2 Weeks in Europe

Many US travelers plan a 2 week European vacation. With 2 weeks in Europe, it is possible to stay in 4 different places. In fact, ambitious sightseers could stay in 5 destinations, but ideally these cities are in close proximity, well-connected and simple to navigate.

On the other hand, it might be better to slow things down and enjoy each stop more thoroughly by choosing 3 destinations.

2 Week Europe Trip Plan Formula

• 5/4/5 Days in 3 Different Locations
• 4/3/3/4 Days in 4 Places

Plan a Month Long Trip to Europe

Visitors who are planning a month trip to Europe will still want to carefully consider their route. Although lengthy trips allow for more destinations, long term travelers can experience burn out – trust us – so avoid packing your vacation with too many locations. Instead, settle into one spot and plan day trips.

One Month Europe Itinerary Formula

• 1 Week in 4  Different Cities
• 7/5/5/5/6 Days in Multiple Places

Trip Planner Europe: How to Plan your Itinerary

Now you hopefully have an idea of how many days to plan in each destination for a multi city trip to Europe, we have a few quick tips on the best way to plan a Europe itinerary.

When choosing your destinations, figure out how you will travel between them – and book in advance if possible. We recommend transiting between destinations in mid-morning. This provides enough time to eat breakfast and pack – and should allow for late afternoon exploration after you check-in at your next destination. Allow at least 3 days in your first destination; you will need time to adjust to the time zone and new surroundings.

While many European countries use the same currency and allow border free travel, not all do. Before choosing your destinations, find out if you will be required to go through immigration and what is required for your country of citizenship.

Sample Itineraries for a 2 Week Trip to Europe

Since choosing where to go is the exciting first step in European travel planning, we are sharing a few specific itineraries that might help you decide how to plan a trip to Europe for 2 weeks!

London, Paris, Rome

When it comes to deciding where to go on a first trip to Europe, many travelers stick with the three most visited cities: London, Paris and Rome . Well-connected and offering heaps of attractions, seeing three top European destinations on a single trip is understandably a popular choice!

Top Tip: For this Europe trip, we recommend spending 5 days in London , 5 days in Paris and 4 days in Rome .

Budapest, Vienna, Prague

Fascinating, historic and architecturally stunning, visiting Vienna, Prague and Budapest is an excellent trip plan! For this Europe itinerary, we recommend staying in Budapest for 5 days, Vienna for 4 days and Prague for 5 days. This would also allow for day trips to Bratislava, Cesky Krumlov and/or Dresden .

Pro Tip: European travelers eager to see more places could condense their route and add Krakow as a fourth destination!

Barcelona, Madrid, Porto, Lisbon

A Europe itinerary dedicated to exploring Spain and Portugal is a fabulous trip plan! How to plan a vacation in Europe to these two countries on the Iberian peninsula can be done a multitude of ways. We suggest spending 4 Days in Barcelona , 3 days in Madrid , followed by 3 days in Porto and the final 4 days in Lisbon .

Top Tip:  Drop one day from each of the above and spend 4 days on Madeira Island, Portugal !

Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich

Germany is a classic example of how to plan a trip around Europe within one country. What we love about Germany is that the cities are steeped in history and traditions, yet each one is truly unique. Our ideal Germany itinerary would include staying in Berlin for 4 days, seeing Dusseldorf in 3 days, exploring Frankfurt for 3 days and ending with 4 days in Munich .

Alternatively, make room for a day or two in Wurzburg or Nuremberg when traveling from Frankfurt to Munich. We visited these two cities on an Amsterdam to Budapest Cruise and they were two of our favorite places along the entire route!

London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruges, Paris

A wonderful way of planning a trip to Europe for 2 weeks includes both major cities and charming towns – and it’s possible with a London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruges, Paris trip plan.

Start with 3 days in London , then spend 3 days in Amsterdam (with a day trip to Haarlem ), followed by 2 days in Brussels (or Ghent) and 2 days in Bruges – then end with 3 days in Paris .

Paris, Strasbourg, Colmar, Basel, Zurich

Another example of how to plan a two week trip in Europe visiting cities large and small in multiple countries is a combined France and Switzerland vacation. With the right itinerary, you can visit Paris, Strasbourg, Colmar, Basel and Zurich!

On this trip, visit Paris in 4 days, Strasbourg in 3 days, Colmar in 2 Days, Basel in 2 days and Zurich in 3 days.

Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split, Zagreb

Croatia is a fascinating and beautiful country to visit – and one of our favorite places in the world. In fact, the region offers so much, spending 14 days here is quite possibly not enough!

To plan a 2 week trip to Croatia , you could start in Dubrovnik for 4 days and take a day trip to Kotor , Montenegro. Next, stay in Hvar Town or Stari Grad on Hvar Island for 2 days enjoying the sun and sea before taking a ferry to Split .

Then plan to stay in Split for 5 days – allowing plenty of time for a day trip to Mostar and additional Croatian Island Exploration . Next, travel from Split to the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park for 1 night and spend the last 2 nights in lovely Zagreb .

Pro Tip: Read more advice in our Guide on How To Plan a Trip to Croatia and get additional details for a 1 Week Croatia Itinerary .

Plan Trip to Europe: What Type of Vacation?

Before we dig even deeper into the details of how to plan a Europe trip, you will want to decide what kind of vacation you want. Are you interested in popular sights or local experiences? History and art? Architecture and culture? Active excursions or beaches and parties?

The answers to these questions may dictate when and where you choose to go in Europe. If you want a fast-paced itinerary with loads of sightseeing, big cities are likely the best choice. If a leisurely trip is more your style, smaller cities and resort towns might be a better fit.

Personally, we like a bit of everything. We schedule some days of seeing the major sights and others for immersing ourselves in the local culture. We’ll go on long walking tours or hikes and then plan time for sampling the cuisine.

If you are taking a solo trip to Europe, planning what to do is fairly simple – as it is all up to you! However, if you are planning a family trip to Europe, a group vacation with friends or designing a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon in Europe, you will want to make sure you are planning activities that suit everyone going on the trip.

Be sure to include kid-friendly activities for a family vacation, seek out optional ideas for group trips and plan special experiences for your romantic getaway to Europe.

Book a Trip to Europe: With or Without Guide

As you consider the best way to travel through Europe, determine if you want to plan on your own or have a guide lead the way.

Throughout this travel guide to Europe Trip Planning, we are sharing steps to travel independently – but we do want to mention a few benefits of hiring a guide instead.

Traveling on a guided trip is quite a bit more expensive, but it alleviates the stress and hassle of making plans and decisions on your own. Rather than worrying about where to go next and how you will get there, you get to sit back, relax and enjoy your hard earned vacation.

How To Plan a European Trip that is Partially Guided

Travelers can opt to join a complete tour of Europe – or plan part of their vacation on their own and join a guided tour for the rest. For example, plan your own time in London and Edinburgh , then head to the Scottish Highlands and take a multiday tour . Likewise, plan your own trip to Athens , then set off to see other parts of Greece on a 4-day guided tour before catching a ferry to the Greek Islands .

Travel Plan for Europe: Getting There

After choosing your destinations, the next step in how to plan a Europe trip is determining how to get there. There is no question that the best way to travel to Europe affordably and quickly is by flying. Before you book your round trip flight to Europe, we have tips that will save you money and time!

Round Trip to Europe

Typically, round trip tickets to Europe depart and arrive from the same airport. The problem with these traditional round trip tickets is that they limit your flexibility and creativity. In the case of visiting multiple cities and countries, travelers will need to spend precious time backtracking to their European gateway city.

One Way Flights

Purchasing one way tickets to and from Europe can solve that problem. Travelers who opt to buy one way tickets will need to figure out how to travel within Europe (and we have a few tips on that next!).

The downside is that one way trips are usually outrageously expensive, sometimes nearly as much as the round trip route. However, that is not always true, so pricing out the different options well in advance is always the best idea.

Open Jaw Flight Tickets

Open Jaw Tickets are a type of ticket that not all travelers don’t know about – and it is our favorite way to save time and money. How Open Jaw Tickets work is just like buying two one-way flights, but they are purchased together on the same ticket, so it’s usually much cheaper.

When searching for Open Jaw Tickets using an airfare search engine, like Skyscanner , select the Multi City option to find the best routes and prices.

Multi City Flights in Europe

Travelers can opt to add additional segments in the Multi City search option. However, we strongly recommend pricing out the options (and considering other methods of transit between European cities) before booking 3 or more multi city flights on the same ticket. Research is always key when planning a European trip!

Finding the Best Fares

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to how to plan a vacation to Europe, is the cost of the flight – and rightly so. Plane tickets to Europe are at an all time high!

We think it is best to price out different flights by numerous carriers to several destinations before booking a ticket. You can also use all our insider tips on How to Find Cheap Flights to make sure you are getting the best deal!

Surviving the Long Flight to Europe

From the US, the plane trip to Europe is a typically a long, overnight flight. You want to be as comfortable as possible to start your Euro trip off on the right foot. From what to bring on the plane with you to what to wear for the flight, we share our honest advice in our article, Long Haul Flight Tips .

How To Travel Europe: Best Way to Get Around

When you plan a vacation to Europe, one thing to also consider is how to travel in Europe. There is not just one ‘best way to travel in Europe.’ There are several factors to consider – like time, budget, comfort and overall experience.

Transit between Destinations

One of the great things about Europe is that there are several ways to get between cities and most journeys take just a few hours. Travelers can choose to fly, take a train or ferry, use a bus or rent a car.

Flights in Europe

Flying between cities is an easy way to get around Europe. If flying within the Schengen Area, travelers will not go through customs and immigration. Most flights are short and tend to be on schedule.

European low cost carriers – like Ryanair, Easy Jet, Vueling and Wizz Air – offer inexpensive and direct flights from major cities to top vacation spots. They do, however, charge a bundle for baggage (even carry-on) and seat assignments, so plan accordingly or prepare to pay a lot more than the low base fare.

Train Trip Europe

For many thinking about how to travel around Europe, trains are what come to mind. It can be an excellent way to get around the continent.

Often, we prefer train travel to flying in Europe – as it can be less time consuming. Train stations tend to be in the city center and there is no need to be there 2 hours before departure. Plus, there is no extra fee for bags and the seats are usually more comfortable!

Because there are fast trains, slow trains and scenic trains, you will need to check a specific route to determine if traveling by train in Europe is the best option. Those opting for train travel throughout their trip should price out the benefits of purchasing a Eurail Pass .

Travel by Bus

Traveling by bus in Europe can be a simple and economical way to get from one destination to the next – especially for places that are close in proximity.

While not as fast as flying or as comfortable as train travel, it is often the most affordable method of getting from one destination in Europe to another.

FlixBus is our preferred company – as they offer exceptionally low early-bird fares between major cities. Plus, their buses tend to be newer, comfortable, clean and usually have a toilet (and free WiFi) on board.

Car Rental in Europe

Although we prefer to travel car-free in Europe, renting a car is a popular way to plan a Europe trip – especially if traveling to smaller towns or through picturesque regions. Those who plan a road trip in Europe will have the freedom to get off the beaten path and move at their own pace.

The downside to having a car is that parking can be problematic in many European towns, tolls can add up and travel times are often longer than anticipated. If you plan to drive in Europe, you may also need to get an International Driving Permit.

How To Get Around European Cities Using Public Transit

Most cities in Europe offer an impressive public transportation network – from underground subways to city buses to electric trams. Even better, it is usually at a fairly affordable price.

Tickets vary by location, of course. Sometimes single tickets are purchased on board, while other systems require pre-loaded transit cards. Unlimited travel passes and European tourist cards might save money on transportation, too. Many transit systems in Europe now accept payment with contactless credit cards, as well.

If you plan on using public transit (and we highly recommend that you do), research how to buy tickets in advance for the places you are visiting. There’s typically a Tourist Information Desk at your arrival airport/station, too.

How To Decide Where To Stay in Europe

Determining where to stay is a big part of how to plan your Europe trip. Travelers can choose from a range of accommodations – from hotels to hostels to vacation apartments.

Hotels in Europe

Nearly all hotel chains are represented in major cities across Europe – so if you are loyal to a particular brand, you will likely find it at your destination. However, chain hotels do tend to be outside of the city center, near airports or in business districts and they typically lack European charm.

We recommend seeking out smaller, independent hotels that offer a unique experience. It’s an added bonus if they have a typical breakfast included in the price. Also keep in mind that hotel rooms in Europe tend to be smaller than most US hotel rooms. Bathrooms can be especially cramped, but it’s all part of the experience!

Our tips for Finding the Best Hotels at the Best Prices can help you find one that is right for your trip to Europe.

European Hostels

With the right mindset, staying in hostels can be a very fun experience. Much more popular in Europe than in the United States, hostels are an excellent place to meet people. For solo travelers to Europe, Hostels also keep your budget in check.

Most hostels now offer a wide choice of room types. Guests can choose to stay in bunkbed dorm rooms, a private room with a shared bathroom or a private room with ensuite bathroom.

Airbnb in Europe

For many years we have used Airbnb as our go-to resource for accommodations in Europe and around the world. What we love about staying in vacation rentals is that they usually offer more space than hotel rooms, a kitchen where we can prepare simple meals and a washer for doing laundry.

On shorter stops – when we are staying for 3 days or less – Airbnb is not always the best choice. Not only can the fees dramatically increase the price-per-night, but the extra amenities are unnecessary and getting an early check-in is unlikely.

International Housesitting

House and Pet Sitting can be another way to find European accommodations. As International Housesitters , we have stayed in top cities in Europe for free! There is, of course, a big responsibility that comes with watching someone’s house and pet while they are away and it is not typically suited to the vacation traveler. However, if you are interested in Long Term Petsitting , it could be a great fit for you, it is for us!

Tips for Where To Stay in Europe

Choosing what type of accommodation is just one facet of planning where to stay. We have some advice to help you pick a desirable area to stay in. These are things we do every time we travel to Europe, or anywhere for that matter!

Research the Neighborhood

Picking the best place to stay in a big city in an enormous task – so do a little neighborhood research to help you narrow down where you want to be.

For example, if you are looking at accommodations in an area with an extraordinary high number of bars, it could be a fun place for nightlife…but it could also be incredibly noisy at night. On the other hand, if you find a great deal on a hotel in the business district over the weekend, it could be because the area is vacant outside of the work week.

Stay near the Sights

When visiting someplace for just a few days, we think it’s a good idea to stay close to the sights you are most interested in seeing. In fact, we feel it is best to be within walking distance to the places you want to see most.

Find Accommodations near Public Transit

In big cities, staying near a public transportation line is key. Not only will you be able to quickly route your way to top sights and fun districts, but you will likely have better access to and from the airport, train station or bus station when you arrive and depart.

Book in Advance

Typically, the top places at great prices get snapped up in a hurry – especially in the summer. The earlier you start looking, the more likely you will find the best accommodations for your Europe trip!

Choosing When To Go to Europe

When you go to Europe – as in what time of year – can have a big impact on how to plan your trip. There are pros and cons to traveling to Europe in every season. Knowing what to expect may help you decide when to go, and when not to go.

Summer Trip to Europe

Summer is the most popular time for travelers to visit Europe. The warmer weather and longer days are ideal for sightseeing, exploring and dining outdoors.

However, traveling to Europe in the summer means thick crowds, long lines and more expensive accommodations and transportation. It can also mean little to no air conditioning and ice is used far more sparsely.

If traveling to Europe in the summer months, it is imperative to book flights, transport and lodging in advance. 

Europe in the Fall

Autumn is an ideal time to travel to Europe. The days tend to still be warm and sunny, but the crowds have thinned. Even in seasonal locales (like Croatia ), most places are still open. That said, traveling to Europe in the fall is becoming increasingly more popular every year – prices can still be near the peak, so still plan well ahead.

Winter in Europe

Winters can be cold, but there are several magical reasons to go. Of course, we mean the amazing European Christmas Markets ! 

Still, Europe can be somewhat of a mixed bag in winter; cities with popular holiday markets actually see an increase in tourism, while popular summer destinations are all but completely shut down.

Overall, winter can still be a great time to travel to Europe. Travelers from North America are choosing more and more to visit countries like Italy , Portugal and Spain in winter. Even our trip to Iceland in Winter was spectacular – and the chilly temperatures in Berlin didn’t keep us from exploring the sights. Plus, during January and February, prices are at their lowest – which is fantastic for budget travelers.

Going to Europe in Springtime

Spring in Europe can bring largely unpredictable weather, but it can still be a wonderful time to go. Cherry Blossoms in France , Tulips in the Netherlands and Poppies in Tuscany are all in bloom and there’s a sense of a renewed spirit for the upcoming season.

Overall, costs are usually still low, having not yet reached the height of summer pricing and there are minimal crowds. Just bring an umbrella and raincoat !

Trip to Europe Cost

One of the most common questions asked about planning travel overseas is “How much does a trip to Europe cost?” Generally speaking, your flight and accommodations will account for the biggest portion of your Europe trip cost. 

Where you travel to and the season you travel in will also have a big impact on your overall Europe trip budget. However, you can easily spend a bundle on dining out, drinks and activities, too.

How Much is a Trip to Europe?

Those wanting to know how to budget for travel in Europe need to consider all expenditures of the trip. We break down the costs into the following categories: Flights, transportation, accommodations, activities, meals, and souvenirs.

For an example of what a 2-week trip to Europe in the summer might cost (per person), we are providing some figures (in USD) based on 2024 research.

• Flight: $750 
• Local Transport: $200
• Accommodations: $2000 (less if sharing/hostel dorm)
• Activities: $450
• Meals & Drinks: $1500
• Souvenirs: $100
• TOTAL: $5000

Tips for How To Plan a Europe Trip on a Budget

Don’t panic! In our experience, if you do the research, price out your options, plan ahead and make conscious decisions about your spending, you can plan a budget trip to Europe well below those numbers above.

When planning a trip to Europe on a budget, it’s also important to remember that the cheapest is not necessarily the best option. The cheapest flight might look like a great deal, but not if there are multiple connections, long layovers or inconvenient times. Likewise, the cheapest hotel might be appealing, but not if it’s uncomfortable or at an inconvenient location.

Planning an affordable trip to Europe does not mean missing out! In fact, travelers will likely find that some of the very best things to do in Europe are free. Gathering picnic fare from a local market and eating it with a view of the Eiffel Tower can be more memorable than a restaurant meal. Discovering a destination on your own self-guided walk might be more enjoyable than paying for a tour.

Backpackers Trip to Europe

For many considering how to travel Europe on a budget envision taking the backpacker route. Staying in hostels, eating spaghetti every night, and drinking cheap lager are signatures of a classic European backpacker trip. For many young travelers – it’s a fantastic way to experience Europe!

Just bear in mind that planning a cheap trip to Europe does not necessarily mean that you have to stay in hostel dorm rooms or eat all of your meals in. Do research and find a balance that will fit your budget!

Preparation for a European Vacation

While it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of deciding where to go and what to see, a little preparation is required for planning a European vacation that will be truly enjoyable.

Passport and Visa

For US citizens, a passport is required to enter all countries in Europe. If you do not currently have a passport, get one as soon as possible and consider paying the expedited fee if your trip is soon approaching.

Before you pay for flights and book accommodations, check the expiration date of your passport, which needs to be valid for at least 3 months after the end of your European trip.

Currently there are no visa requirements for US travelers to Europe. However, starting in 2025, US travelers will need to obtain a ETIAS travel authorization to enter European countries within the Schengen Zone. The application process includes completing an online form and paying a fee of 7 euros.

For the most current European entry requirements, immigration details and customs information, always check your home country’s state department website before making any travel plans.

The Need To Knows of Traveling to Europe

Part of making travel plans to Europe or any other international destination is educating yourself about the local currency and language. We are sharing a few tips that work for us!

European Currency and Exchange Rate

Before setting off on your journey to Europe, make sure you know what currency is used in the countries you plan on visiting. Also check the current exchange rates – and then do a little math so that you have a rough idea of how much things should cost.

The Euro is the form of currency used by many European nations – but not all. In the United Kingdom, it’s GBP, commonly called the Pound and in Switzerland they use the Franc – and those are just two common examples.

Pro Tip: Prices in non-euro countries are sometimes quoted in euros and they may even accept euros, but it’s always better to pay in the local currency.

Exchanging Cash, ATMs and Credit Cards

To obtain the local currency in Europe, we recommend taking cash out of an official Bank ATM (not EuroNet or any other non-bank ATM machine). Check with your own bank about fees associated with withdrawing cash from a foreign ATM and if they want notification of your travel plans.

Possibly consider exchanging a small amount of money ($100 or less) at your own bank before you leave for your trip. They may offer a decent exchange rate – and this way you will have a little money when you arrive and can avoid using high-priced airport ATMs.

In most cases, the best way to pay for things during your trip is with a credit card. In fact, a lot of Europe is largely cashless now. We use this Chase Sapphire Card – which is excellent for world travelers! Not only do they waive foreign transaction fees and offer consistently good rates, you also earn extra points when using the card to book travel!

European Languages

Visiting a foreign country can be intimidating if you don’t speak the local language – but there are ways you can confidently travel without being fluent in a second language.

First, learn a few basic words. Hello, goodbye, please and thank you are a good place to start. Some additional phrases that are good to know in the local language are: Do you speak English? How much is it? Can you help me? Also, keep in mind that smiles are universal and can go a long way!

English is widely spoken in Europe – especially by those in the travel industry. However, it’s a good idea to pick up a phrase book before you go!

Understand the Schengen Zone

We have referred to the Schengen Zone (or Schengen Area) a few times throughout this guide – but what exactly is it?

In Europe, more than 20 countries have banded together to create the Schengen Area. The zone allows travelers to Europe to cross borders from one Schengen country to another without going through immigration and customs. Travel between Schengen countries is typically as seamless as traveling from one state to the next in the US.

There are a maximum number of days travelers can stay within the Schengen Zone; but tourists from many countries (including US citizens) can stay 90 days within a 180 day period.

Notable European countries that are not in the Schengen Area are the United Kingdom , Ireland , Turkey, Bosnia Herzegovina and Montenegro .

Final Travel Tips for a Trip to Europe

We have covered the major aspects of how to plan a trip across Europe, but there are some general travel tips that will help you have your best Europe trip!

Euro Trip Organization

There are a lot of things to think about – especially if you are deciding how to plan your first trip to Europe. Staying organized is key. We make it easy to keep track of all the details with our Travel Planning Printables !

Plan Down Time

One downfall of many Europe trip plans is not allowing for some down time. It is all too tempting to fill every single minute of your Europe trip itinerary with sights, attractions and activities. We highly recommend leaving some space for relaxation. Plan to spend time sitting at a café on a square or wandering through a park.

Research Local Culture

Once you choose your destinations, spend a few hours researching not just sights to see, but the local culture. Understanding a little more about the people that live in the place you are visiting will make your trip more meaningful.

Plus, you may learn about local intricacies (like that some shops in Italy close mid-afternoon for lunch or that in Barcelona they eat dinner very late) – and then you can adjust your Euro trip plan accordingly.

Starting a trip with jet lag is no fun! If you’re traveling to Europe from the US, the time change will be anywhere from 5 to 11 hours later. Travelers can do their best to avoid jet lag by adjusting sleep patterns prior to the trip, staying hydrated and trying to sleep on the plane ( ear plugs and an eye patch can help).

However, if you are feeling the drag of jet lag when you arrive, have a plan to conquer it. Do your best to stay active during day light hours and try to acclimate to the new sleeping schedule as quickly as possible. Limit alcohol and caffeine and see if taking melatonin, No Jet Lag , or other meds prescribed by your doctor is right for you.

European City Passes

When sightseeing on a short trip to a city, we love to take advantage of money saving passes. We usually opt for the multiple day, all-sights-included passes – and it is even better if the card provides skip-the-line access and public transportation.

Before buying a pass, however, review what sights are included and if there are any special requirements for use. Compare different passes to find one that will be most useful and cost efficient. We prefer to search on Viator to find tourist passes in European cities.

We are fiercely independent travelers, but we do enjoy joining excursions – like free walking tours and affordable food groups – on occasion. On a guided tour, participants can get a local perspective, insider tips and meet fellow travelers in Europe!

Hop On Hop Off Buses

There’s much debate about these massive, double-decker, open air tourist buses, but we have found them occasionally useful for getting quickly acquainted with a new destination. They can also be helpful in traveling to the top tourist spots in a short period of time and the onboard commentary, while corny, is insightful. 

Look Beyond Tourist Sights

Seeing the top tourist sights when visiting Europe is essential – but, if time permits, seek out attractions beyond the typical track. For example, theater tickets in some destinations are incredibly cheap. Check to see what is playing and you might be able to catch a great production inside an epic theater!

Finding a local farmers or flee market can be insightful and fascinating. Likewise, you can learn a lot by just sitting at a corner cafe in a typical neighborhood and observing the life of the community.

Always Carry Small Change…and Tissues

In many European cities, public toilets are few and far between. Those that do have public restrooms often charge – usually about .50c to 1 Euro. Sometimes you can pay with a credit card, otherwise you’ll need to feed the coins into a machine or pay an attendant directly. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to carry small change for bathrooms – and carry tissues just in case there is no toilet paper!

Tipping in Europe

The tipping etiquette in Europe is very different than in the United States. For sit down meals with good service, tipping 10% is considered a decent tip. Before adding at tip, check the bill to see if a service charge has already been included. If you wish to tip, you may have to ask to have the amount added on before tapping your credit card.

At a café where you only have a coffee or glass of wine, you can just leave the small change. If there wasn’t any, or you paid with card, don’t worry about it. Tipping guides and hotel staff is considered nice – especially if they did an excellent job. Consider leaving 5 to 10 Euros per person, depending on the situation.

Luggage Storage

In order to make the most of your time at each destination, it may be necessary on your travel days to store your luggage. Depending on where you stay, you may be able to store luggage at your accommodations – so always ask. Otherwise, there is usually luggage storage at train stations and you can also use luggage apps (like Nanny Bag or Luggage Hero).

Be Aware of Common Scams

Unaware tourists are prime targets for pickpockets and scammers. In our travels, we have been approached with the Ring Scam, the Bracelet Scam, the Petition Scam, the Cup and Ball Scam and the Distraction Scam – just to note a few! Before your Europe trip, do a quick search of common scams so that you can identify one immediately.

While traveling in Europe is generally safe, pickpockets are common. Keep wallets, phones and cameras zipped up in your day bag  and out of reach of sticky-fingered thieves.

Most People are Nice

While there are plenty of scammers in cities around the world, there are also an incredible number of kind people – and you will hopefully meet many of them on your Europe trip! If you don’t understand something, don’t panic. Speak slowly, clearly and politely. 

Trying to figure out the nuances and how things work in another country can feel overwhelming. Remember to be patient – with yourself and everyone else. Not everything will go exactly as planned. Be prepared for things to go awry and roll with it, you are on vacation after all!

European Trip Insurance

While it’s unlikely something major will go wrong on your trip in Europe, but if it does, travel insurance may help. Not only can it reimburse for cancelled flights and lost luggage , but could assist if you get sick or injured abroad. Check the affordable plans and coverage with a trusted travel insurance provider – we use World Nomads . 

What To Pack for Europe

Deciding what to pack for trip to Europe can be a real conundrum. In addition to choosing what clothes, travelers will need a few specific accessories for a trip abroad. We’ll share some advice about what to pack for a trip to Europe, but you can find our complete Packing List along with other Packing Hacks on our dedicated Travel Packing page.

Best Luggage for a Trip in Europe

We prefer carrying backpacks instead of roller suitcases. Dragging a rollaboard over uneven streets and up flights of stairs is never fun, and there are loads of cobblestones and very view elevators in Europe! Read more in our breakdown of the Suitcase vs Backpack debate.

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes make traveling so much easier! When planning a trip to Europe to multiple cities, you will be packing and unpacking several times. Find out why Packing Cubes are our little traveling all-stars.

Passport Document Holder and Digital Copies

International travel requires additional documents – and keeping those precious items organized and easy to reach is essential. We keep everything neat and accessible in a zippered document holder .

Making digital copies of your most important documents, as well as your travel confirmations, is always a good idea. In fact, we store a backup on a flash drive and in the cloud!

There is no doubt that an universal adapter needs to be on your list of what to bring to Europe. Most of Europe uses a 2-prong outlet, but in the UK and Ireland, the outlets are a flat 3-prong style. 

Portable Charger

Google Maps, Apple Pay, QR codes and paperless tickets make exploring Europe easier than ever…but it also can drain your phone battery fast. Bring a reliable portable charger to top up your devices during long days of sightseeing.

We know, it’s a vacation, but you will need connectivity when traveling in Europe. For far too long we tried to get by with public Wi-Fi networks – and it was both unsecure and frustrating. Instead, we now use a GlocalMe WiFi Hotspot . We can connect multiple devices and buy inexpensive plans online so no SIM card required. If your phone is locked, read about the other Benefits of Traveling with Pocket WiFi .

Walking Shoes

We absolutely love walking in Europe! Exploring atmospheric streets and lush landscapes requires a good pair of durable shoes. We have three basic requirements for the best travel shoes – they must me lightweight, comfortable and versatile. I wear sneakers that go with everything, Kris prefers Merrell Trail Shoes .

Travel Camera

Europe is incredibly photogenic and you will want to capture the sights with a real camera . We carry a DSLR Canon Rebel , as it takes high quality photos and is great for all conditions. Use our tips to help you decide what camera to bring on your trip to Europe .

Water Bottle

While it may taste different than at home, the water is safe to drink nearly everywhere in Europe. Be sure to bring a refillable bottle, like these collapsible bottles that are great for travelers.

Hand Sanitizer and Wipes

Don’t forget hand sanitizer and personal wipes for your travels to Europe. You will be in contact with numerous high-touch surfaces and will want to stay healthy for your trip ! 

Make sure to bring a day bag for exploring Europe. We typically carry small backpacks – as they are perfect for stowing our essentials. Travelers going to crowded cities might also want to wear a money belt (or bra stash) to keep your valuables concealed.

Start planning your vacation to Europe ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

We Want To Know: What are your top tips in preparing for a trip to Europe this year? Share with us in the comments!

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Here's How to Plan Your Very First Trip to Europe, According to a Professional Traveler

Heading to Europe for the very first time? We've got some advice for you.

Whether you study abroad , backpack solo, or go with a group for your first trip to Europe, it's an experience that will change your life — and alter your perspective in all the best ways — forever. Even if you visited the continent with your parents as a kid, your first "solo" adventure to Europe as a young adult promises to reward you with rich memories. From digging into freshly baked pizza in Italy to picnicking beneath the Eiffel Tower with a still-warm baguette, it's a trip filled with experiences you'll talk about for the rest of your life.

Though I had visited Italy with my parents as a kid, my own first adventure to Europe as a young adult was in 2015. I was 21, newly married, and heartbroken at the loss of my father four months earlier. I had been studying British literature and European history in my college classes and was eager to make real-world connections to my curriculum. In preparation, my husband and I watched every Rick Steves video on YouTube and movies like Under the Tuscan Sun , Midnight in Paris , Notting Hill , and Eat, Pray, Love . The spring semester of my junior year ended, and we set off with nothing but backpacks containing a few (and I do mean a few) sets of clothes, a budget of about $100 per day, and five short weeks to see it all.

Besides opening our eyes, pushing us to our limits, and expanding our perspectives in ways that nothing else could, that trip ignited in us a shared passion for travel — and for encouraging others to do the same. Read on for tips for planning your first trip to Europe like a pro.

Get Around With a Eurail Pass

Do you need a Eurail pass to get around Europe? Maybe not, but I devoted a large chunk of our shoestring budget to it on my first trip, and I've bought one for every extended trip I've taken to Europe since then — even now that I've hit the ancient age of 28 and no longer qualify forEurail's discounted youth pricing — so that should tell you something.

Most of Europe is well connected via a vast rail network spanning the continent. A Eurail pass — available exclusively to non-Europeans — makes it hassle-free to hop between countries and even navigate regional trains. Depending on your travel plans, you can purchase passes for specific countries or regions and choose whether you need unlimited use or a set number of travel days.

Remember that once you're in Europe, hops between major cities are often surprisingly low-price (I've seen flights for as little as $6), but often a train is the best choice when you factor in time, convenience, price, and the chance to watch the world go by from your window. Splurge on first-class passes , and you'll always have a comfortable seat.

Plan Your Trip Geographically

Make a list of all your must-hit places, then look at where they fall on a map — connect the dots, and you have your route. Maybe you start in Spain and work your way east, or fly into London, take the Chunnel to Paris , and work your way down to Italy. Whatever you choose, ensure that your route makes sense geographically so you don't waste time (or money) crisscrossing the continent.

Keep Seasons in Mind

Europe is a large continent covering a variety of climates. It may seem obvious, but if you're planning a summer trip, don't expect to frolic in fields of Dutch tulips (that happens in the spring) or ski the Austrian slopes (that would be a winter thing). And as enchanting as the European Christmas markets look on Instagram, don't be disappointed when you put two and two together and realize that they'll only make it to your feed if you're going to Europe in November or December.

An Italian summer is nothing short of sweltering and ice-cold AC isn't a given, so if you're planning to cover all of Rome on foot at high noon, you may want to rethink that. (I learned this the hard way and damn near had a heat stroke.) A midday siesta is common in countries like Spain and Italy for a reason, so do as the locals do and take the summer weather into account before you overexert yourself.

Book in Advance

A PSA for type-A travelers like me: You don't have to have your entire trip planned out before leaving home. (I had a down-to-the-minute itinerary mapped out for my type-B husband and me on our first venture to Europe, and he almost left me as I dragged him from museum to walking tour to restaurant reservation and back again.) Part of the fun — especially if you have a Eurail pass — is going where the wind blows you and deciding what appeals to you upon arrival.

Pro tip: Taking a bus tour on your first day in a destination is a great way to get the lay of the land and cover a lot of ground quickly (without exhausting yourself).

Make a general timeline and book your departure flight from the USA to Europe before you leave home, but perhaps wait until you've hopped the pond to book your flight back. You may decide to stay longer in a particular country or run out of time to make it all the way to Portugal, where you originally intended to fly out of. Create a general outline, but leave some of your trip open and stay flexible.

The one thing you may want to do in advance is reserve hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs because they can fill up during the popular summer months. That's why it's helpful to have a general idea of where you'll be and when — just don't cling to your plan at the expense of a spontaneous sidetrack or two.

What to Bring to Europe

Start working on your packing list a few months beforehand. What you bring will vary depending on destinations, length of trip, and your fussiness level, but there are a few non-negotiables.

Don't leave home without:

• Your passport
• Converters for European outlets (both UK and EU, as needed)
• A credit card and/or a debit card for getting cash out of an ATM (you'll get a better rate this way than doing it through a currency-exchange counter)
• COVID-era items such as your vaccine card, printed copies of your negative COVID test results (if required) , and a few self-test kits
• A secure envelope to hold all of these important documents (including a few color copies of your passport) in one place
• An international plan added to your phone (unless you're a T-Mobile customer)
• Global Entry (not necessary, but a definite plus when you return to the USA)

You'll also find life a lot easier with the Google Translate app and the XE currency conversion app on your smartphone. Before you depart, download the countries you'll be visiting to ensure offline availability. The Been app , where you can track which countries you've visited and how much of the world you've seen, is another fun app for travelers, especially on a trip like this where you'll be checking off a lot of countries.

And a note on packing light : You'll need nothing more than a backpack and a carry-on, max. Trust me. (There are laundry rooms at every hostel and laundromats in every city.)

Where to Go on Your First Trip to Europe

If you only have time or the budget to see a few places, start with the basics . You've likely learned about major cities like London, Paris , and Rome since you can remember — now's the time to see them through your own eyes.

Once you have the must-hit places on your itinerary, plan some additional stops according to your interests. There's a lot to see in Italy outside of Rome — I'd include Venice, Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast, Florence, and the surrounding Tuscan wine country on any trip to Italy, especially for first-timers.

Maybe you've been digging into your ancestry and found that you have Hungarian heritage like I have — Budapest was a shoo-in for us this summer — or perhaps you've always dreamed of hiking the Swiss Alps, clinking glasses in a German beer hall, or soaking up the sun in the Greek Isles .

Maybe you want to visit Poland and pay your respects at Auschwitz — I consider this sobering, heart-wrenching experience a must — or try every waffle you come across in Belgium. You can do it all if you have enough time, but start by arranging a shortlist with your top priorities and then tack on additional destinations if you have space.

These are some of the best places to visit in Europe, but the best destinations for you will depend on your interests, priorities, and goals. If you're purely on "vacation" with no remote work or school obligations, two to three days in each place should suffice, but if you can't devote your full attention each day to exploring, then you'll want a little extra time in each city to do it justice.

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Europe by train: Five great one-week rail trip routes

Posted on Last updated: December 11, 2023

Explore Europe by train with five of the best European rail trip itinerary ideas you can do in just one week, covering Northern Europe, Italy, Eastern Europe, Spain and Portugal, and Scandinavia.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Train travel is one of the best ways to explore Europe – the continent is fairly compact so it’s easy to get around and there’s a wide network of train routes and rail passes available, so you can just sit back and soak up the views. But if you want to explore Europe by train, most suggested rail itineraries are geared up for InterRailers with months to spare.

That’s not the only option though – you can have a mini European rail adventure too. Just choose a region and a few destinations and create your own route. Or if that sounds too much work, here are five of the best one-week European rail trip ideas to get you started.

Each of the routes is possible in a week’s holiday, but if you’ve got more time you can take it slower and spend more time in each place. The idea isn’t to wear yourself out trying to see everything in every destination, but to take in the highlights and get a taste for each place (if you find somewhere you love, you can always come back again and stay longer).

From Scandinavia to Spain, there’s the perfect European rail route for you – and if you’re ready to go, check out my detailed one-week itinerary posts, which are linked to after each route description and give you the full details of which trains to take, how much they cost, how to book tickets, what to see and where to stay along the way.

5 itineraries for exploring Europe by train

Northern Europe: Canals and chocolate

Amsterdam > Bruges > Paris > Chur > Milan

This train journey takes you through some of Northern Europe’s higlights – from its cosmopolitan capital cities to its storybook canalside towns and on through the mountains of the Alps on board one of Europe’s most spectacular train journeys.

Start your trip in Amsterdam and spend the day exploring this vibrant city with its 50km of canals and 1500 bridges. Visit one of Amsterdam’s art and culture museums, take a walk around the UNESCO-listed Canal Ring or hire a bike to explore further afield.

Then take an early train to the pretty Belgian city of Bruges (3 hours) for an afternoon feasting on local beer and chocolate. Next morning, climb to the top of the Belfort tower or take a boat trip along Bruges canals before catching an afternoon train to Paris (3 hours).

Paris has something for everyone – big-name museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, iconic monuments like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, parks, pavement cafés and boutique shops. Or why not try out some of the city’s more unusual attractions , like the Promenade Plantée railway line turned park or underground Musée des Égouts?

Then take the train on to Chur (5.5 hours) and spend the evening in Switzerland’s oldest city. Catch the Bernina Express the following morning – one of the most scenic train rides in Europe. This four-hour rail journey runs through the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps, across bridges and viaducts past Alpine meadows and traditional mountain villages.

The Bernina Express terminates in Tirano in Italy, where you change onto a local train to connect on to Milan (3 hours). Then spend your final morning shopping and sightseeing in the Italian fashion capital’s historic heart before heading home.

Read the full Northern Europe by train itinerary

Italy: Palazzos and pizza

Venice > Florence > Rome > Naples > Sorrento > Sicily

This rail trip is a feast of Italian culture, history, food and wine, travelling from Venice in the north to Sicily in the south. Begin your trip with a full day in Venice – cruise the Grand Canal, get lost in the backstreets and brave the crowds at St Mark’s Square and the Doges Palace. Then take an early train on to Florence the following morning (2 hours).

Spend the afternoon soaking up Florence’s artistic atmosphere, with galleries, museums, churches and palazzi overflowing with Renaissance masterpieces, and try some delicious Tuscan food and wine. Next morning, take the short train journey to Rome (1.5 hours).

Explore some of Rome’s historic highlights, from the Colosseum and Pantheon to St Peter’s Basilica and the Trevi Fountain, before finding the perfect piazza for a sunset aperitivo .

Travel further south to the gritty coastal city of Naples (1 hour 10 mins) to spend the day exploring its archaeological treasures and stuffing yourself in the home of pizza before taking the Circumvesuviana railway south to Sorrento. Eat gelato and soak up the seaside views in Sorrento then spend the next day visiting some of the nearby sights.

You can go back in time with a trip to the buried Roman cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii , climb Mount Vesuvius, take a boat trip along the coast to the colourful villages of the Amalfi Coast or head across the Bay of Naples to the glamorous island of Capri.

Then finish your trip by travelling south to Sicily. Getting there’s an adventure in itself – you can take the train all the way as it travels onto the ferry for the 30-minute boat trip across the Messina Straits. Once in Sicily, get a taste of the island by choosing from Taormina (6 hours 45 mins), Catania (7.5 hours) or Palermo (9 hours) for your final stop.

Read the full I taly by train itinerary

Eastern Europe: Concerts and cake

Budapest > Bratislava > Vienna > Ljubljana > Zagreb

Head east to some of Europe’s cultural capitals to experience world-class art, architecture and music as you travel to five different countries in just one week. Start your rail journey through Eastern European in the Hungarian capital Budapest, with a full day to soak up the city’s culture, steam in its thermal spa baths and party by night in its ruin pubs.

Then catch a train to Bratislava in Slovakia (2.5 hours), a compact city on the banks of the Danube. Spend the afternoon checking out Bratislava’s mix of 18th-century and Socialist-era architecture, from the blue Church of St Elisabeth to the quirky ‘UFO’ Bridge.

Then travel on to Vienna in Austria (1 hour by train – or if you fancy a change from rail travel, the two cities are also connected by a boat which runs along the Danube).

Visit an ornate palace, take an architecture walk around the Ringstrasse, watch the horses at the Spanish Riding School, catch a Mozart concert at the State Opera House and fill up on delicious sachertorte at a traditional Viennese coffee house.

Next travel on to Ljubljana in Slovenia (6 hours) along the route of the scenic Semmering Railway through Austria’s mountains. Spend the afternoon exploring the bridges and Baroque churches of Ljubljana’s charming old town and catch sunset from the castle.

Take a day trip from Ljubljana to beautiful Lake Bled (1 hour by train), famous for its island church, hilltop castle and creamy custard Bled cakes. Then end your trip in Zagreb, across the border in Croatia (2.5 hours), with a day wandering around the historic Upper Town, picnicking in Maksimir Park and visiting the Museum of Broken Relationships.

Read the full Eastern Europe by train itinerary

Spain & Portugal: Paella and port

Barcelona > Valencia > Madrid > Porto > Lisbon

This rail journey takes you across Spain and Portugal, from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, with plenty of fantastic food and drink along the way. Start your trip in the Catalan capital city of Barcelona and spend a full day checking out Gaudi’s unique architecture, people-watching on Las Ramblas and soaking up the sunshine on Barceloneta beach.

Then take an early train down the coast to Valencia (3 hours) where you have the afternoon to explore its mix of old and new – from the traditional buildings of the Ciutat Vella to the Space-Age City of Arts and Sciences – and try a paella in the city where it was created.

The next day take the short train ride inland to the Spanish capital Madrid (1.5 hours) for an evening of eating and drinking in the city’s tapas bars. Spend the next morning discovering Madrid’s parks, museums and historic buildings – from the famous Prado art museum and Mercado de San Miguel food market to the largest palace in Europe.

Then travel across the border to Porto (6 hours 45 minutes via Vigo) and spend the next day taking a traditional rabelo boat trip beneath the six bridges over the River Duoro and port-tasting at the famous producers across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Finally travel south to Lisbon (3 hours) to end your trip with a feast of local seafood and pastel de nata custard tarts in Portugal’s capital. Check out the city’s street art scene, ride one of the vintage trams and get a workout climbing to the top of the Miradouro São Pedro de Alcantara or Miradouro do Graça for views across Lisbon’s red rooftops.

Read the full Spain and Portugal by train itinerary

Scandinavia: Fjords and funiculars

Copenhagen > Stockholm > Oslo > Flåm > Bergen

This final Europe by train itinerary takes in some of the scenic highlights of Scandinavia on a journey across three countries. Start with a full day in Danish capital Copenhagen – cycle the cobbled streets, ride the Tivoli Gardens rollercoasters, walk along the canals of Christianshavn and check out Nyhavn’s design shops and Michelin-starred restaurants.

The following day, take the train across the border to Sweden, travelling to Stockholm across the Öresund Link, a unique combination of a bridge and a tunnel (5.5 hours). Then spend the afternoon and the new morning exploring Stockholm.

Wander through the medieval streets of Stockholm’s Gamla Stan old town, learn about Sweden’s most famous exports at the ABBA and Nobel Prize museums, or take a boat trip to explore some of the 30,000 islands which make up the Stockholm Archipelago.

Then catch an afternoon train across the border to Oslo in Norway (6.5 hours), where you have the next day to soak up Scandinavian culture at the city’s museums, art galleries and the impressive modern Opera House or historic 13th-century Akershus Fortress.

Next head west along the scenic rail route towards the coast – first taking a mainline train to Myrdal (4.5 hours) and then catching the stunning Flåmsbana mountain railway down to Flåm, passing mountain peaks, lakes and waterfalls (50 minutes).

Spend the night in Flåm on the edge of the fjords, and take a boat trip into the Sognefjord the next morning before travelling to Bergen (2 hours). Finish your trip visiting the colourful wooden houses of the UNESCO World Heritage Bryggen district, checking out the views from the Mount Fløyen funicular and eating seafood at Bergen’s fish market.

Read the full Scandinavia by train itinerary

Don’t want to organise it yourself? You can also book a custom rail trip based on any of our Europe by train itineraries through our partners Byway ,* the flight-free holiday platform, which include transport and accommodation.

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Monday 26th of February 2024

Hey Lucy, these train journey articles are fab and so informative, thanks!

I’m planning to do either the Scandinavian or Northern Europe one solo - would you say both of these would be safe for a solo female?

Monday 15th of May 2023

Hi Lucy, Hope you are well. Loved your article! Planning a trip with kids age 14 and 8. Want to see two countries ( france/switzerland) and end up in London. Would love to see switzerland through rail...like those lovely videos we keep seeing but also explore a bit more. How can we plan this best? Any advice/guidance will be much appreciated! Thank you in advance. Warm regards, Saba

Lucy Dodsworth

Friday 26th of May 2023

Hi Saba, depending on how long you have you could start in Milan and take the Glacier Express scenic train (https://www.ontheluce.com/swiss-scenic-trains-and-the-diy-alternatives/) from Tirano to Zermatt, then travel on to Geneva and into France, either heading down to the South of France or north along the border to Strasborg and Colmar towards Paris.

Sonia henry

Wednesday 26th of April 2023

Hi Lucy trying to get from Athens by train what countries can I do

Tuesday 2nd of May 2023

Hi, you could travel up through North Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria and Germany. Or another alternative is to take a ferry to Bari in Southern Italy and travel north from there.

Monday 27th of February 2023

Hi Lucy. Your feedback is very informative. I'm thinking about going to Norway in a couple weeks for about 7 days. What countries can I visit from Norway within that time? I'm looking to capitalize on as much places I can see. I mentioned Norway, but not quite sure as yet. I may consider Denmark. Let me know your recommendations.

Tuesday 7th of March 2023

Hi Darren, my Scandinavia itinerary covers Denmark, Norway and Sweden is a week so that should be easily doable in your timescale. You can also catch the ferry from Stockholm to Tallinn in Estonia if you also want to venture into the Baltics, there are frequent sailings and it's only around two hours.

Tuesday 20th of September 2022

Loved your article. Do you have any suggestions for an itinerary with an overnight train so that we can experience a night on a sleeper train (with a cabin and bathroom)?

Thursday 22nd of September 2022

Hi Pam, there are quite a few to choose from in Europe – I did a post on some of my favourites here https://www.ontheluce.com/european-night-trains/ but you could travel London to Scotland on the Caledonian Sleeper or the ÖBB Nightjet trains run from Austria to France and Germany, and both have cabins with private bathrooms.

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

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

We want to help!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

How to Use This 2 Week Europe Trip Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Classic: London, Paris, Rome

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

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

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

… And that’s just to get you started !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Southern Europe Charm: Madrid, Rome, Amalfi Coast

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

Head directly to Spain and Italy!

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

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

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

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

Amalfi Coast

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

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

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

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

Regal Central Europe: Prague, Vienna, Budapest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Europe for Art Lovers: Paris, Florence, Venice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Incredible Iberian Peninsula: Lisbon, The Algarve, Andalucia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Algarve

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Food + History: Athens, Santorini, Istanbul

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Architecture + Culture: Cologne, Amsterdam, Belgium

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region

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

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

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

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

Milan + Lake Como

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shop train routes and tickets prices in Europe today!

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

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

Browse bus routes in Europe today!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Price out rental cars with Discover Cars now!

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

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

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

Many ferry routes are seasonal, but not all.

Don’t plan to visit too many destinations.

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

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

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

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

Start and end in a major airport hub.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Try to be flexible with where you go.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Skip-the-line tickets are incredibly useful.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book your hotels and major transportation in advance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Will I need an adapter?

Most likely, yes!

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

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

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

Is a money belt a good idea?

It depends, honestly.

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

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

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

Is the water safe to drink?

Usually, yes.

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

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

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

Is it worth going to Europe for 2 weeks?

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

But yes, it absolutely is!

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

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

How extreme is the language barrier?

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

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

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

How many European countries should you visit in 2 weeks?

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

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

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

When should I tip?

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

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

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

For tour guides, a 10% tip is common.

What’s the best month to visit Europe?

All of them, except August.

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

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

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

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

What’s the cheapest month to visit Europe?

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

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

How far in advance should I book my trip?

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

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

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

Can you do Europe for $100/day?

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s how we manage our travel budget.

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

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

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

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

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

Pacsafe — We can’t recommend our Pacsafe enough!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We’d love to help!

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

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

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About Kate Storm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you think this will be good for 2 weeks?

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

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

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

Hope you have an incredible trip to Europe!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope you have an amazing time!

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

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

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

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

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

Hope you guys have an unforgettable trip!

AWESOME Post!!!!

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

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

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

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

Sounds like a fabulous trip!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How exciting–nothing like your first trip abroad. 🙂

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

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

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

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

Great post, thanks!

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

Oh and we are travelling with two teens who have never been to Europe… I’m trying to pack as much stuff, but wonder what would be too much :/

That’s a lot of hard choices! Each and every one of those destinations is a delight (and we’re living in Lisbon right now).

I’d opt for Nice if you’re looking for coastal views, picturesque villages, and something logistically simple. Nice is a delightful city and the day trips to nearby villages like Eze as well as Monaco are phenomenal. It is the most formal and pricey of the 3 cities and will have a resort feel near the coast in the summer.

Naples is a much less manicured city, it’s a love-it-or-hate-it place (we love it). I’d argue that it has the best food of the 3 options, but those are fighting words and many would disagree. The day trips are equally stunning but very different. If you or your family has an interest in ancient ruins, Pompeii and Herculaneum are unmatched. Visiting the Amalfi Coast or nearby islands is also doable, but it’s a trek if you’re staying in the city center. Keep in mind that there’s no train service to the Amalfi Coast proper, you will need a bus, car, or ferry to get beyond Sorrento.

Lisbon is delightful but honestly, our favorite parts of Portugal lie outside the city. Porto, in the north, has a much more regal feel while Lisbon is fairly spread out. The Duoro Valley (also in the north) is magnificent for port tastings and views, Sintra’s palaces located just outside of Lisbon are must-sees, and if you want to head to the south, the Algarve is incredibly striking.

Logistically speaking, I’d make sure you have at least 2-3 days in Portugal at the end of your trip before flying out, regardless. With 3 full days, you can spend 2 in Lisbon and take one day trip (probably to Sintra but the coastal town of Cascais is also easy and lovely).

If you have time to do that and add another stop for 3 full days, I would check detailed flight and train schedules and let that guide you–the logistics alone may make the choice for you.

That got a bit long, but I hope it helps! 🙂

Thanks a lot for the precious information!

Hi Kate! I know you said you are not a travel agent but are open to a few itinerary questions! We have recently done a European Cruise which hit almost all of Italy! We are wanting to go back independently. I am highly interested in Ireland, but would also like to see Paris. My husband is interested in Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland. With a 14 day trip wanted, what areas do you think we should do (based on best places to see, with allotted time?)

& Austria! 🙂

That is a lot of very different places, but you’ll definitely be able to pull together a great trip! I’d recommend narrowing it down to around 3 destinations, 4 if you’re comfortable moving quite fast and two of them are close together.

Ireland is definitely the odd one out geographically, but if you use two one-way tickets instead of flying in and out of the same airport, it can work (it’s what we did on our first multi-country Europe trip many years ago).

Since you’ll likely have 1-2 flights in this itinerary regardless, which destinations you pick can come down to a combination of your absolute favorites and what makes logistical sense. Paris is a very popular place to fly in and out of, so it’ll likely be easy to work in.

I’m not sure which parts of Germany your husband is interested in, but parts of western Germany have simple train access to The Netherlands and/or France.

As far as what places I’d personally visit, Ireland and Paris are two of my favorite places on the planet, so I’m biased! Switzerland’s mountain landscapes are truly beyond belief, so if you’re looking for nature (and aren’t concerned about the budget), it’s a winner.

Germany is also gorgeous, both its nature and many of its cities, though it’s quite big and varied–with a big trip like this, you’ll want to choose one small corner of it (Bavaria is a popular first stop, but you can also look at places along the Rhine, which makes more sense if you’re hoping to visit Paris or The Netherlands by train before or after).

The only part of The Netherlands we’ve had a chance to visit so far is Amsterdam, which is visually stunning but will be extremely crowded–probably more so than anywhere else you’ve listed, as there’s less room to spread out there than in, say, Paris.

When it comes to your itinerary, I’d recommend that each of you pick one place that is your absolute first choice, plan on a trip to those, and then fill in the 3rd and possible 4th destination based on what makes logistical sense as far as what planes/trains/buses are available to the spots on your shortlist.

Also, if you do need to book high-speed train tickets, book them ASAP, as prices increase as your trip gets closer.

What a wonderful blog, just when I feel like I’ve read them all I find another really helpful article. Heading to Europe for 1 month in May. Keen on Spain, definitely Italy, and probably 2 days in London and Paris respectively (arrival and departure). Feel like we have space for one more place and can’t figure out which is the better option (Portugal, Croatia or Greece) for potentially 5 days? Any recommendations?

Thank you for sharing all your wonderful insights.

That’s tough, because all 3 are fantastic but very different!

I’d probably recommend (if I had to choose), Greece for beaches/swimming and small towns, Portugal for cities, and Croatia for a combination of all. But we adore each and every one of them, so hard to go wrong!

Portugal fits nicely into your Spain section geographically, so there is that to consider.

Hi, Kate! Super love your blog. I just booked a trip to Europe for August, was thinking of going to France, Spain, and Italy in 2 weeks. Or should I cut it down to 2 countries? Hope to hear from you!

Less relevant than the countries are the destinations within them–I wouldn’t go more than 4 places in 2 weeks, max.

So if you’re hitting up Paris, Barcelona, and Rome, for example, your plan is fine. If you want to go to 2-3 places within each country, it’s time to cut it down. 🙂

HI! Thanks for the fantastic blog! My husband and I are planning our first trip to Europe from Canada and are feeling quite overwhelmed by all the choices! His family is from Holland, so we are spending one week touring with them for the first week of May, and then will stay an additional 2 weeks after that. What would you recommend? We are not keen on France but everything else looks so great, and it was good to read that you don’t recommend trying to fit everything else in, which is what we might otherwise be trying to do. Any suggestions for the 2 weeks after Holland?

Hi Michele,

That’s so exciting! You guys are going to have an amazing time.

Without knowing your tastes or the season you’re traveling, the sky is truly the limit when planning your itinerary! Anywhere that sounds exciting to you is going to be worth it. With 2 weeks, I’d opt for 1-2 countries and no more than 4 base destinations (3 would be even better).

I started trying to make a list of some of our favorite countries in Europe for you, but just backspaced the sentence because I was ending up just listing every country, LOL. But Italy is one of our special favorites that we would recommend to just about anyone!

We will be in Holland for the first week of May so we could do the other two weeks either before or after that (or split one before and one after). The suggestion to cut down to less rather than more is helpful – it’s our first time to Europe and everything looks like something we should see! We are 50 and really like most things – some scenery, some castles, etc. Do you think it would be do-able to do Germany and Italy on top of Holland? Any specifics on what you love in Italy? I am really NOT a crowd person, so we’re really going to try and avoid huge crowds or I’ll lose my mind 😉

A week in Germany followed by a week in Italy is definitely doable!

Personally I’d opt for either southwest Germany (Black Forest, Heidelberg, Burg Eltz) or Bavaria.

We love virtually all of Italy, but if you want something somewhat more offbeat that’s in the top half of the country (for geography reasons), I’d recommend looking into Emilia-Romagna.

It’s the region east of Tuscany, and has similar appeal with far fewer tourists. It’s also gorgeous and a culinary dream–Emilia-Romagna is the origin of many iconic foods like parmigiano-reggiano and traditional balsamic vinegar.

A few destinations in the region to poke into as you research: Bologna, Parma, Ravenna, Ferrara, Modena. The micronationa of San Marino is also accessible from there!

Kate-what a remarkably comprehensive, detailed and resourceful blog! I love the considerations offered from different perspectives. My family of 4 (including 2 kids ages 10 and 6) will be traveling to Paris for the second half of August for 2 weeks to visit family. We have already been to Paris a few times so this time around, I would like us to explore more of Europe for some of the time, ideally via trains. I am thinking of staying in Air B&B’s as we have been enjoying that accommodation when we travel locally within the US but would love your perspective on this (vs hotels) considering the cultural and language differences in certain destinations as well as any recommendations for either you may have. Based on some research, some destinations I came cross purely based on travel distance via train from Paris are Switzerland (3 hrs), Barcelona (6.5 hours! would probably have to be an overnight train for the kids), London (2 hrs, have family we can see), and Greece (2 hours), Belgium (1.5 hrs, also some family we can see). My goal is to show my kids/family different cultures, ways of living and experience foods, interesting architecture, beautiful cafe’s etc. Also curios if any of these can be “day trips”. I do not have specific destinations yet to see at these locations and would love your input. From your article, it sounds like limiting to 2 destinations maybe best (outside of Paris) and your thoughts may help me narrow down where to focus. Thanks so much and look forward to reading your insights on this.

So glad you found it helpful, Tez! Sounds like you guys have an amazing trip planned.

I’m sure you already know this, but August is the height of peak season for European travelers visiting the coast and mountains, so some destinations will be quite crowded and expensive (book your hotels and train tickets ASAP, especially in a group of four).

I’m assuming Greece is a typo, so I’ll pass over that one–pretty sure it’s much further than 2 hours even by plane. 🙂

Luckily Paris is a huge train hub for getting across Europe, so you have plenty of options! Most of them will take longer than it looks on the map once you navigate connections, train times, etc. We highly recommend using Omio to search exact routes and dates, and keep in mind tickets will increase in price as you get closer. With kids, you’ll probably want to search by the fastest available routes.

London, Belgium, and Switzerland all jump out at me from your list–simple to access and incredible. The Jungfrau region in Switzerland is pure paradise, though a bit further away.

You may also want to look into Amsterdam, it’s only 3.5 hours from Paris by train.

With the right schedule, you can get as far as Venice in a day from Paris (we’ve done this), so Italy is an option for you as well, as is Germany.

Essentially, the more you stick to major cities, the easier it will be to navigate solely by train. Smaller towns and cities are often connected, but you’ll virtually always need to pass back through the main city of a region to make your way back to Paris.

You may want to take a look at this post as well, we talk a lot more about train travel here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/travel-europe-by-train/

Hi Kate Love your blog, lots of useful information. My husband and I are planning a 10 day trip to Europe end of April to early May. At the moment we are looking at flying from the US RT to Paris. We’re thinking of possibly going to Amsterdam and Belgium as well. this will be our second trip to Paris. We are open to other suggestions. Do you have any other recommendations?

Happy to be able to help, Daisy!

Paris + Amsterdam + Belgium is an excellent itinerary and doable in 10 days. It’s actually a route we recommend ourselves. We have posts on all those places, but here are our suggestions on spending 3 days in Belgium to give you an idea of what you can cover in a short time frame: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-belgium-itinerary/

Paris is extremely well-connected by rail (you can be in Venice in 9 hours or Munich in under 6, for example), so as far as ideas for other destinations go, the sky is the limit!

If you choose to extend your original itinerary, a few additional places that you might consider along that route are Strasbourg/Alsace, Heidelberg, and Cologne.

Thank you for your blog.. We are travelling to Europe for 14 days the end of May. Flying Calgary to Dublin, doing a couple days at the Isle of Man races then hopefully, London, Paris, Rome. Your blog shares what to pack for clothing in Summer, Fall and Winter, what would you recommend for spring? We are trying to decide if we take the trains or flights from London, Paris and Rome. We aren’t planning any beach time. Also, what do you recommend for luggage? I’m leaning towards a rolly carryon but have every size hard shell case and multiple back country camping packs.

So happy you find it helpful!

Funny you mention spring packing ideas–I’m actually working on a post for that right now. It will hopefully be up next week. But off the top of my head, you’ll definitely want a travel umbrella and to pack in layers. The end of May is a beautiful time to be in much of Europe but the weather could be unpredictable–you may want sundresses on some days and light jackets on some evenings!

As far as luggage, either is completely fine. There are advantages to both backpacks and suitcases, but as long as you’re comfortable carrying your bag up and down staircases, carrying (or rolling) it down the street for 10+ minutes, and loading it into and out of trains and/or cars, you’re good.

As far as trains vs planes–London to Paris can definitely be a train, but do a time and cost-benefit analysis between that and a plane (depending on the dates, your travel style, etc, you may choose either). Paris to Rome is better done as a flight!

Thank you very much for sharing your wisdom. We are really excited.

Hi Kate, Thank you so very much. You have provided an AMAZING amount of helpful information. Can you pretty please help me with the best location to travel to 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th and the best way to get to the locations? (We will NOT be doing any driving).I’m a 55 years old woman. I live in USA. I’m planning the 1st International trip for me and my husband for either the 1st or 2nd week of September 2023. My biggest challenge is knowing where to start and end the trip, based on logistically traveling to the different destinations, as well as, the best way to get to each destination.Here are the the things I have planned. I know you mentioned you’ve never been to London but i’m hoping you can assist based on me providing the area I want to be in. *LONDON-7 NIGHTS I’m a theatre/adrenaline junkie person so Theatreland West End of London near (North of the River Thames. 3-Plays (evening events) 2-Hour Sherlock Holmes museum (near West End) 1-Hour Ghost Bus tour (nearest tube stations are Embankment and Charing Cross) 4-Hours-day walking tasting tour (near London Bridge Station) 1-day Harry Potter Studio Tour (Leavesden London) 2 -Nights Theme park “Alton Towers” located Alton, Staffordshire near Manchester and Birmingham. (stay onsite at the parks resort)*PARIS-3 NIGHTS Moulin Rouge (BD de Clichy area) L’ATELIER DES LUMINERES -DIGITAL ART MUSEUM I would like to visit just one of the haunted castles in Paris (depending on recommendation) Château de Puymartin Château de Brissac Château Lagorce Château de Chambord Château de Versailles* GERMANY 3 NIGHTS-Phantasialand Theme park (located Bruhl Germany) Stay onsite at the parks resortThank you for any advice or suggestions you can provide.

Hi Melvina,

I definitely can’t speak to getting around London in detail, though a combination of the tube and buses will likely be doable! You can add cabs as needed as well.

In Paris, the metro is so dense you should have no issue getting around. Assuming you are planning to do the usual Paris sights (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, etc), our Paris itinerary might be able to help you out (and has hotel recommendations): https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-paris-itinerary/

For the chateaus, Versailles is by far the closest to Paris and you can get there by RER train. Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley is doable via an organized day trip like this: https://www.getyourguide.com/paris-l16/loire-valley-castles-wines-day-trip-from-paris-t70389/?partner_id=1OI4D21&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middle

The others are way too far from Paris for day trips, so I’d focus on Versailles and/or Chambord this time.

Hope you have a wonderful time! 🙂

Thank you so very much.

Hi, thank you for this comprehensive post! We are planning a trip this summer and will be going to Paris, Rome, Florence and Amsterdam. My question is about changing money. We were in Iceland last year and used Apple Pay or credit card everywhere, never needed cash and didn’t get any. Is that possible in either France, Italy or Netherlands? Should I plan on getting cash for taxis, tips, etc?

Happy to help!

I’d definitely recommend having some cash with you as you travel, especially for small purchases like coffee, gelato, etc. Most hotels in Italy will require the city’s tourist tax in cash, too. Some taxis and tips will be best done in cash as well, and occasionally very small, offbeat tourist attractions.

While cash-only restaurants definitely aren’t the norm in any of those cities, they’re not unheard of, either.

Overall, I’d say you’re most likely to avoid cash entirely in Amsterdam and most likely to use some of it in Rome and Florence, but that’s not a hard and fast rule by any means (I used some cash on my trip to the Netherlands last spring, for example).

We find that the easiest way to get cash, by far, is to withdraw Euros from any bank’s ATM once you’re already in Europe (avoid Euronet–use an ATM branded by an actual bank). Luckily, since all the places you’re visiting use the Euro, you won’t need to worry about changing currency beyond that. 🙂

Hi Kate, thank you for this great, and helpful post! We’re are planning a trip to Europe for the first time in September for next year in 2024. My plan is to visit Spain, Italy and I’m still undecided on the third country to visit. What country would you suggest or advised that we can visit that has beautiful scenery, mountains, lakes, etc. We like the city, but we also want something where we can hike out in nature like Iceland maybe, Switzerland. Any tips on that? Also, is it cheaper to stay in hotels, Airbnb’s? Thank you!

Spain and Italy–two of our favorites! You guys are going to have a great time. 🙂

The hardest part about picking a third country with your criteria will be narrowing it down between many excellent choices–you really can’t go wrong.

Switzerland is absolutely spectacular, if the Alps are what you’re looking for, it’s iconic and hard to beat in every category except the price tag.

Germany and Austria also offer beautiful mountains and lakes and are a more budget-friendly than Switzerland.

The French Alps are also wonderful–towns like Chamonix and Annecy offer plenty of mountains, lakes, etc.

And, for a a wild card, you don’t necessarily need a third country at all: the Dolomites in Italy have everything you’re looking for.

Any of those that appeal to you and fit your budget will be a great addition to your trip. They’re well-connected to Italy and each other by train, the travel times aren’t too far, and they’re all phenomenal places to visit.

One small thing to keep in mind if you’re planning to travel by train a bunch is that Spain isn’t very well connected to the rest of the places you’re considering by rail–you may want to consider flying in and out of there.

Iceland is definitely far out of the way, but assuming you’re traveling to and from North America, look into the Icelandair stopover program if you want to add it on! I will say that while it does offer mountains, lakes, and beautiful scenery, it’s a very different vibe than Switzerland or any of the surrounding Alpine countries, so take a close look at the specific destinations and see if it’s what you’re looking for. It’s a stunning place, just very different than the others. Here’s one of our Iceland posts if you want to get a feel for it: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/10-day-iceland-ring-road-itinerary/

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European Honeymoon Itinerary: 9 Incredible Options for 1 Week, 2 Weeks, + 1 Month

Planning a European honeymoon itinerary can be daunting to say the least. You may have recently finished up planning all of your wedding details, and now it feels like you have an even bigger project hanging over your head! I totally get it.

I planned a destination wedding in Alaska with a honeymoon in South Africa, and let me tell you… it was a lot of work. But, to make it easier on YOU, I’ve come up with some of the best European honeymoon itineraries across the continent!

Whether you prefer beaches, mountains, or city life or you have just one week or up to a month available for travel, we have some awesome itineraries for you.

Happy Travels!

How do I Plan a Honeymoon in Europe?

There’s a lot to consider when planning a honeymoon in Europe. Between the impressive snow-capped Alps to the pristine beaches and charming cities, there’s a lot to be discovered.

So, before jumping into a specific European honeymoon itinerary, I would consider taking a deep dive into your and your partner’s preferences.

Do you both prefer spending the majority of your honeymoon with your toes in the sand? Or does one of you really want to hit the ski slopes for at least a day or two?

Depending on your answers, you’ll find your destinations becoming more and more refined… which is a good thing!

Start with what you both want to experience, then talk about your budget and how much time you have for traveling.

If you’re limited to 5 days or one week, then it’s probably in your best interest to limit your traveling to just one European destination.

If you have upwards of one month for your honeymoon, then multiple countries may be in the cards and you’ll have the opportunity to hit the beach, the slopes, and the city!

Once you have your interests and your timeframe down, consider your budget. Is it unlimited or somewhat tight? Are you expecting to receive honeymoon gifts as part of your wedding registry? If so, you might have a little more room in your personal budget to splurge on romantic or exciting excursions.

Once you have all of this information figured out *and agreed upon* – yes, you have to take your partner’s preferences into account – you can start planning your European honeymoon itinerary!

What are the Best European Honeymoon Destinations?

Though you can find set lists of the “best European honeymoon destinations” all over the web, we don’t really see how those are helpful to you.

You’re going to automatically scroll past the Greek Islands if you hate the beach. We subconsciously know what we’re interested in, so you’ll naturally be drawn to specific itineraries that are more catered to your preferences.

That’s why I’ve created these lists of the best honeymoon destinations based on the most popular choices: beaches , mountains , and city life .

Feel free to jump to the section you want if you already know you and your partner are leaning towards one over the other!

Best European Honeymoon Destinations for the Beach

If you’re looking for the ultimate romantic beach getaway in Europe for you and your loved one on your honeymoon, take a peek at some amazing options below!

First, the Costa Brava on the northeastern coast of Spain is home to dozens of white sand beaches that are surrounded by clear, blue waters. Owing to its location on the Balearic Sea, you can expect to find calm, warmer waters most of the time.

The Balearic Islands off the same coast of Spain are another fantastic option for a romantic beach escape. Known for its exhilarating nightlife and unparalleled coastal beauty, the beaches here are world-renowned!

You have also likely heard of the famed Greek Islands of Santorini , Mykonos , and Crete , but there are actually dozens of others also worth exploring. If you want to see the best of what these island paradises have to offer, consider booking an island-hopping cruise !

Then there are of course the stunning beaches surrounding the Amalfi Coast , Positano , and Cinque de Terre in Italy . You can also find beautiful beaches on the eastern coast of Italy near Bari , Pescara , and Ancona !

Additionally, you could opt to visit Croatia , Montenegro , Monaco , Portugal , and the southeast of France for stunning, white sand beaches with crystal clear, turquoise blue waters.

Many of the beaches across these European destinations boast fantastic water sport opportunities including windsurfing , snorkeling , swimming , paddle boarding , surfing , kneeboarding , and more!

But, if you prefer to find yourself a pristine spot of sand facing the sun, then there are plenty of options for that too.

Best European Honeymoon Destinations for the Mountains

Now, we’re speaking my language. I absolutely LOVE the mountains and try to find time to be in the woods or on a snowy peak as often as possible. If you’re like me, you’re probably going to jump with excitement over the following options!

First, the “king of the mountains”… – Mont Blanc . This majestic beast is the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe reaching a peak of 4,807 meters!

You get the best views and hiking and winter sports opportunities from the small ski town of Chamonix, France . Easily reachable by flying into Geneva airport and taking a shuttle, this is one of the ultimate mountain destinations in Europe!

✔️ Pro Tip : Chamonix is known for its extreme winter sports and unparalleled mountain beauty in the winter, but even if you visit in the summer there are dozens of things you can do – and you won’t need subzero winter gear! I visited in May and the mountains were still covered in snow and I got the opportunity to go paragliding off of Mont Blanc – if you and your partner enjoy adrenaline-rushing activities, this is the ultimate mountain thrill ride! For more information, click on the link to Chamonix, France above. I give you the best things to do in Chamonix in both summer and winter, and tell you all about what you’ll need to know before you visit.

Not far from Chamonix is another world-renowned ski town known as Zermatt, Switzerland . Easily recognized for its uninterrupted views of the infamous Matterhorn , there is no end in sight to the mountain activities that can be had here.

Skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, hiking, rock climbing, white water rafting, paragliding, and more! Similar to Chamonix, Zermatt is an adventure lover’s dream European honeymoon itinerary.

Owing to Europe’s varying landscape, you can find a plethora of rugged mountains in practically every country. In Germany , you’ll find the breathtaking  Wetterstein Mountains , and in Spain , you’ll be nearby the incredible Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges.

France also makes up a large part of the Alps , as does northwestern Italy and southwestern Switzerland .

If you’re really hoping to include some mountain time on your European honeymoon itinerary, any of the aforementioned countries would make great options!

Best European Honeymoon Destinations for City Life

If you prefer to avoid nature altogether and enjoy submerging yourself into the culture of each and every country you visit, then a city getaway is just the thing!

The U.K. and Ireland are home to cozy pubs overflowing with traditional folk music and lovely, hospitable people. Dublin , Belfast , Cork , Galway , London , Birmingham , Edinburgh … the list goes on and on. All of these cities would make for amazing options to include on your European honeymoon itinerary.

You’ll find similar charming cities scattered across Europe from the likes of Bruges, Belgium , and Amsterdam and The Hague in the Netherlands to Colmar, France , Munich, Germany , and Vienna, Austria .

Every country in Europe is home to at least a few exciting cities, so do your research. Once you decide if you prefer bustling metropolises filled with upscale bars and restaurants or quaint networks of cobblestone streets and brick houses, you’ll have a better idea of which cities and which countries are better options for you.

It’s also easy to combine them! For example, a Day Trip to Luxembourg from Brussels can easily be combined with a pitstop in Dinant .

One day in Lisbon can easily be combined with a quick stopover in Cascais and Estoril ! Don’t feel as though you need to choose either big cities or rural villages. You can easily do both!

Some of my personal favorite cities (both rural and urban) in Europe include Chamonix, France , Amsterdam, Netherlands , Bruges, Belgium , Paris, France , Budapest, Hungary , and Prague, Czech Republic .

How Long Do I Need for a European Honeymoon Itinerary?

While you’re probably hoping that I tell you you’ll need at least 10 days for your honeymoon, that simply isn’t true.

It will entirely depend on you and your partner’s preferences.

• How long can you both get off of work?
• What is your overall honeymoon budget?
• Do you actually enjoy being away from home for more than a couple of days?

Answer these questions with your partner honestly before setting a set amount of time for your honeymoon. I, personally, enjoy being away for several weeks at a time, but I’m actually in the minority.

Most people prefer to spend between one and two weeks on their European honeymoon itinerary . This, of course, depends on which country, or countries, you plan to visit. France is massive and could easily obtain a few weeks of your time.

Belgium, on the other hand, is a fraction of the size and you could see a lot of the most popular spots in about 5-7 days.

I would recommend setting aside at least one week for your European honeymoon if your job, budget, and personal preferences allow for it. If they don’t, you can choose to visit just Paris in as little as 3 days or a similar popular destination such as London , Rome, or Prague !

Overall, you want to make sure you at the very least have enough time to enjoy this new beginning with your partner. This is a very special time for you both, so do what makes you happy!

What is the Best Way to See Europe in 2 Weeks?

If you have just 2 weeks to see Europe, I’m afraid to say you’ll likely be disappointed if you try to squeeze too much into your itinerary.

Instead of trying to visit a dozen different European countries in just 2 weeks, pick between 2 and 4 countries and the best spots that you want to see in all of them!

To get around Europe for two weeks, your quickest option is to fly. I always use Booking.com and Expedia to research the best flight deals across multiple airlines and dates at the same time, which is how I scored super cheap flights to Switzerland!

If you’re looking for the cheapest option that also keeps you on the ground, then I highly suggest taking advantage of the Eurail . This popular European train system gives you access to dozens of countries and thousands of cities!

If you know you’ll be primarily getting between destinations via train, I suggest purchasing the Global Pass for your European honeymoon itinerary.

It provides access to 33 different countries and allows you to select which package is right for you and your trip. It will also save you a significant amount of money if you plan on visiting numerous countries or cities!

How Do I Travel Europe in 10 Days?

Similar to the 2-week option, you’ll need to choose just a couple of countries to visit if you only have 10 days. I chose to backpack across 4 countries in 9 days, and let me tell you… it was a lot .

Don’t get me wrong. I loved every second of it and I really got to experience a genuine side of each of those countries (France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands), however, since returning with more time, I realized how much I missed on the first go around!

If you only have 10 days in Europe, pick one or two countries (possibly 3 depending on how often you want to move around) and experience them to the fullest.

Great combinations include Spain and Portugal, Belgium and the Netherlands, Austria and Germany, France and Switzerland, Italy and Greece, and so forth.

You’ll also likely want to take advantage of the Eurail or flying, as well. If you choose Portugal and the Czech Republic, you’ll likely want to fly to avoid expensive trains and numerous stops and line changes. But, if you choose Portugal and Spain, a quick train ride is easily available.

Your last option of getting around Europe for your honeymoon is to rent a car . I highly recommend this since it allows you to be completely flexible with your schedule and you’ll get to see far more off-the-beaten-path destinations than you would on a plane or train.

Don’t get me wrong, train travel through Europe can be insanely gorgeous, but I’ve also taken a lot of trains that we’re just through endless cornfields with the occasional pretty mountain in the distance.

If you’re considering renting a car , I urge you to be prepared by knowing the following:

• Not all car rental agencies allow you to cross international borders so there may be 2+ car rentals in your future if you’re bouncing around Europe
• In some countries, like Ireland and the U.K. for example, you sit on the right side of the car and drive on the left side of the road.
• Rental cars aren’t great for big cities (i.e. Prague, London , Paris, Rome…). One-way streets covered in broken cobblestones can ruin your day pretty quickly.
• Most European cars are manual, with automatics being available at a higher cost
• Rental cars can save you a lot of money, but if you don’t have good insurance and get in an accident, they can also cost you a lot of money

Now that you have a lot of the details, you can a more informed decision about whether or not renting a car in Europe is right for you.

It’s important to remember that you won’t be able to travel all of Europe in 10 days. Instead, you’ll need to pick just a few important destinations and research the most efficient mode of transportation to get between them!

1 Week European Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

If your job and budget allow for a one week honeymoon, these European itinerary options are romantic, relaxing, and rejuvenating. I have not included a one-week mountain escape itinerary simply because you will likely need more time to reach these regions.

If you prefer, you can use the French and Swiss Alps itinerary from the 2 week honeymoon options and only include what you can fit into one week. You might be a little tight on time, but if you really love the mountains, I guarantee your efforts will be well rewarded!

The Greek Islands

The Greek Islands are a hot honeymoon destination that lure in travelers from far and wide with their turquoise blue waters, exhilarating nightlife, and breathtaking scenery. Not to mention the food, the quintessential white-washed towns covered in bright blooming flowers, and their ancient history.

While most people decide to visit the Greek Islands for 7-10 days, there is still a lot you can see in just one week, including your roundtrip transportation. Since you’ll likely be arriving in Athens via plane or train, this European honeymoon itinerary has been set for 5 days (allowing one day each for arriving and departing).

I’ve also decided to prepare you a self-guided island-hopping itinerary. This will allow you more time on fewer islands versus a cruise that may bring you to more islands with less time on each.

Of course, you can opt for a cruise that meets your needs! This will be a far more expensive option, but hey, it’s your honeymoon! Below is a 5-day Greek Island itinerary that will bring you to the most popular islands in the country with just one night in each.

If you prefer to spend more time in each place, simply research the islands and see which ones you would rather spend more time in.

There are hundreds more Greek islands (227 in total) each offering its own unique sights, landmarks, beaches, and local attractions, but I truly believe you’ll have a wonderful experience on any Greek island that you choose!

Arrive in Athens

Sightseeing at the Parthenon, Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, and Ancient Agora of Athens

Ferry from Athens to Mykonos (2.5-5.5 hours, depending on the ferry)

Mykonos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece! Visit the sacred site of Delos, the Monastery Of Panagia Tourliani , and the Paraportiani Orthodox Church before hitting one of the many stunning beaches in the area.

Beaches: Super Paradise Beach Club, Παραλία Ορνός, Paralia Ftelias, Agia Anna Beach, Kapari Beach, Kalafati Beach, and numerous more .

Also check out the island’s vast number of monasteries, museums, and ancient ruins !

Ferry from Mykonos to Paros (30 minutes – 1.5 hours)

Also known for its exotic beaches, you could spend weeks here and not go to the same beach twice. A few popular favorites include:

Kolympethres Beach, Monastiri beach, Krios Beach, Lageri Beach, Kalogeros beach, and Piperi Beach.

Ferry from Paros to Santorini (Thera) (1 hour 40 minutes – 3 hours)

While beaches here too are popular, you’ll likely find yourself getting lost in the endless lookouts over the Aegean Sea and the seemingly endless white-washed houses covered in beautiful flowers.

Santorini is the iconic symbol of the Greek Islands and boasts one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world!

Find yourself going on wine tours, relaxing on the beach, or exploring the ancient city of Thera.

Ferry from Santorini to Crete (about 2 hours)

If you’re going to Crete, you’ll want to at least check out Elafonissi Beach. This infamous pink sand beach is recognized worldwide and makes for insanely beautiful pictures.

Then, head into the Old Venetian port of Chania where you can do some shopping and more sightseeing! This island, similar to the others, houses absolutely incredible beaches, historic palaces and monasteries, and important archaeological museums.

Flight from Crete to Athens (55 minutes)

Spend the morning enjoying Crete or opt to take the ferry instead. It’s a 9-hour journey but it offers spectacular views of the surrounding Greek Islands!

Return Home

Best Tours in Greece

Santorini Luxury Caldera Cruise with Full Greek Meal and Drinks Tour Private Classic Santorini Panorama Tour Private Gourmet Food Walking Tour in Athens

The French Winelands

France is an amazing destination offering incredible excursions for every type of traveler. From world-class wine tours to unbeatable scenery, there’s no doubting that a trip to France would make for an amazing European honeymoon itinerary!

In this itinerary, you’ll find stops at all of the major wine destinations in France including Burgundy, Champagne, Bordeaux, Provence, and the Loire Valley.

Bordeaux is by far the most popular destination so I recommend keeping it in your honeymoon itinerary, but if you aren’t a fan of champagne… there’s probably no reason for you to visit the Champagne reason (though it is beautiful nevertheless).

If this honeymoon sounds right up your alley, be sure to check out my article on the 15 Most Amazing Wine Tours in France !

Arrive in Paris

Sightseeing at the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, the Seine River, Les Champs-Élysées, Le Louvre, and so on.

Train from Paris to Burgundy (Dijon) (1.5 hours)

Train from Burgundy to Provence (5-8 hours, depending on the train)

Fly from Provence to Bordeaux (2 hours 10 minutes)

You can also opt to take the train which is far more scenic, but it could take you upwards of 9 hours.

Train from Bordeaux to Champagne (about 4 hours)

Train from Champagne to Loire Valley (about 4 hours)

* This itinerary does include a lot of time spent on a train, but if you really want to see all of France’s best wine regions, I highly suggest fitting in these wine destinations.

* If you’re able to swing it, consider adding one more day to your honeymoon itinerary or simply omit one of the wine regions.

* By omitting one of the regions or choosing to fly between regions you could definitely save a good bit of travel time, though it may be more expensive depending on the flights.

Best Tours in France

Normandy D-Day Small-Group Day Trip with Omaha Beach, Cemetery & Cider Tasting Louvre Museum Skip-the-line Access Private Guided Tour Loire Valley 3 Best Castles & Wine Tasting Small-Group Day Trip from Paris

The Portuguese Algarve

If you’re considering a honeymoon in Portugal, be sure to check out my ultimate 10 Day Portugal Itinerary . Even if you don’t have 10 full days, you can easily customize it to fit your time and preferences.

But, if you’re looking to just relax on gorgeous beaches and have the opportunity to hike and submerge yourself in exciting culture without having to travel too much, the Algarve in Portugal’s southernmost region is an incredible European honeymoon destination!

Just a 3.5-hour train ride from the bustling capital of Lisbon , the Algarve is sheer bliss. It truly feels like a tropical oasis that’s backed by endless activities, mouth-watering food, and very hospitable locals.

Arrive in Lisbon

Sightseeing in the different neighborhoods including Alfama, Bairro Alto, Chiado, Baixa de Lisboa, and the Moorish Quarter.

Train from Lisbon to Faro (about 3.5 hours)

The Faro District of Portugal is home to charming towns like Lagos and Portimão and makes up the region of the Algarve.

Spend the day exploring the different towns, shopping, and indulging in endless wine and tapas!

Day trip to the Benagil Caves!

Opt to kayak or take a boat out for the ultimate trip in the Algarve.

Options include the iconic Marinha and Praia do Camilo Beaches as well as the Ponta da Piedade which are known for their picturesque natural rock formations.

Other amazing beaches include Praia da Rocha, Beach Falésia Açoteias, Vale do Lobo, Praia do Carvalho, and Meia Praia.

Day trip to Tavira Island!

On the southeastern side of the country, you can jump on a water taxi that will take you out to the stunning and remote Tavira Island.

There are no hotels on the island and if you prefer not to camp, I recommend booking a hotel in Tavira on the mainland.

Spend the morning returning to Lagos and do anything you missed at the beginning of the week.

Hit the beach, go shopping, visit the museums, or revel in the endless tapas and wine.

Best Tours in Portugal

Authentic Douro Wine Tour Including Lunch and River Cruise Lisbon Sunset Cruise Sintra Small-Group Tour from Lisbon with Cabo da Roca and Cascais

2 Week European Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

If you have upwards of two weeks for your European honeymoon itinerary, lucky you! This means you’ll be able to explore either more countries or explore more destinations within each country that you visit, opting for a more detailed experience.

The itineraries below are fantastic options whether you love the beach, the mountains, or are looking for a cultural punch. All are popular honeymoon itineraries in Europe, so you can be sure that you’ll be in for a real treat!

The Italian Coast and Malta

Italy has a dominating reputation as one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Europe… and for good reason; it has everything a couple could want!

There are incredible Alps and hiking opportunities in the north, awe-inspiring beaches and coastlines in the south, and some of the most powerful historical sites in the world scattered throughout its borders.

Over this one-month European honeymoon itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in all kinds of adventures! From boating through Capri to snorkeling in Malta, this is one of the best honeymoon destinations in Europe.

Arrive in Northern Italy: the province of San Donato

Enjoy cooler air in the sweltering summer months and views of impressive mountain peaks. This region is the perfect start to an adventurous honeymoon itinerary for those who love to hike!

* Since this region is pretty out of the way from the rest of your trip, you can omit it if you would prefer to just explore the more popular regions.

From here, head to Milan for some amazing sightseeing and the perfect pitstop before heading over to Venice. From Venice, you’ll go to Cinque de Terre for unbeatable views of

Next, you’re going to Florence! Hop on a train and enjoy the iconic views from Piazzale Michelangelo. Then, stop in Rome for 2 nights .

From Rome, take a train down to Naples where you’ll have endless options for the best pizza in the world and nearby access to the infamous Amalfi Coast and Positano!

I recommend spending at least two days in this region or even more. From here, you have a couple of options. I would recommend jumping down to Sicily for a couple of days, or if you feel that you’re comfortable with your Italian vacation, you could get on a ferry right from Sicily down to Malta!

Malta is known for its popular snorkeling destinations like Fomm it-Rih and Ghar Lapsi and is absolutely covered in incredible beauty.

* This itinerary is packed full of stuff. If you would prefer to have more time in each place, I suggest either skipping Malta altogether or removing a few of the towns that you don’t feel as passionate about visiting.

Best Tours in Italy

Small-Group Tour of Colosseum Underground, Arena and Forum Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour from Florence Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking

Croatia and Montenegro

Similar to Italy and Malta, this Croatia and Montenegro honeymoon itinerary is the perfect choice for nature, beauty, and culture seekers.

You’ll have time to explore the seemingly endless number of castles, monasteries, hidden waterfalls, and panoramic views in each of these incredible countries located on the Adriatic Sea.

Arrive in Zagreb and explore for a day or two

Head to Plitvice Lakes National Park! Swim in tranquil waterfalls and experience an utterly perfect start to your romantic European honeymoon itinerary

From the national park, you’re off to Split! Home to Diocletian’s Palace and numerous other famous archaeological sites, this is a great spot to rest your head for a few nights.

If you have time, make your way down to Dubrovnik (about a 4.5-5 hour train ride) to start your second week abroad.

Spend some time in Dubrovnik before making your way to the heart of the Balkans… Montenegro!

In under 3 hours by train, you’ll be in the medieval town of Kotor. From, here you can jump on other trains en route to Budva, Sveti Stefan, and the capital of Podgorica before returning home.

Best Tours in Croatia and Montenegro

Croatia: Five Island Speedboat Tour Featuring the Blue Cave and Hvar Croatia: Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke, Small-Group Tour from Zagreb Montenegro: Private Tour- Kotor, Perast, Our Lady Of The Rock, Budva Montenegro: North Montenegro, Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Tour

The French and Swiss Alps

For those adrenaline-junky couples, this is the ultimate European honeymoon itinerary. Fly into one of the three countries (France, Switzerland, or Italy) nearest the highest mountain in Western Europe, Mont Blanc, and start your ascent up the majestic mountain ranges that encompass the region.

Flying into Geneva, Switzerland will give you quick and easy access to Chamonix (the Queen of alpine ski resort towns)

Arrive in Chamonix

Opt to hike the very popular Tour du Mont Blanc (takes between 8-11 days) if you and your partner are up for an exhilarating challenge!

Otherwise, hop between the stunning tows in the Alps including Chamonix, Annecy, and all of the smaller towns surrounding Lake Annecy in the Haute Savoie region of France- my favorite is Talloires!

Make your way into Courmayeur, Italy for another fantastic ski option at the foot of the Alps before hitting Aosta then heading up to Zermatt, Switzerland.

Each of these amazing alpine towns provide unbeatable access to limitless hiking trails, ski trails, adventure activities, hospitable people, delicious cuisine, and some of the best après-ski parties in the world!

I recommend spending 2-3 days in each location and booking outdoor activities like paragliding, rock climbing, etc., in advance, especially during the busy summer months.

* If you visit in the winter, be sure to download my free winter packing list for Europe by clicking the link at the bottom of this post!

Best Tours in Switzerland

Tandem Paragliding Experience from Interlaken Chocolate Flavours Tours Geneva: 3-hour Chocolate Tasting and Old Town Visit

1 Month European Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

If you are planning a one-month European honeymoon itinerary, your options are practically endless! You could ski on the highest mountains in the Alps one day and be relaxing on the beaches of Croatia the next.

You still won’t be able to visit all of Europe, unless you plan on spending just one day in each country (not recommended), so do your best to choose your destinations wisely.

The itineraries below will allow you to see the best of the best in each country you visit, so there’s no worrying that you’ll be missing out on anything.

These itineraries will require a bit more research and planning, but I can guarantee the extra work will be worth it!

Ireland, Scotland, and England Road Trip

Depending on where you’re flying from, you may want to reorder this European honeymoon itinerary. For example, if you’re coming from the U.S., then starting in Ireland is wise. But, if you’re coming from Europe or Asia, you may want to consider starting in the U.K.

You could easily spend one month in each of these amazing European destinations, but I’m certain that this incredible itinerary will inspire you and your partner to start planning your honeymoon asap!

To simplify things, I have written this itinerary as if you were coming from the west of Ireland. If you’re coming from the east, simply follow it in the reverse order!

Fly into Shannon and rent a car

Drive from Shannon airport up to Doolin where you’ll be rewarded with early sightings of the amazing Cliffs of Moher . From there, head up to Galway and witness a world-famous Trad on the Prom show!

Afterward, you can opt to drive directly across the country to the oldest pub in the world, Sean’s Bar! Or, you can choose to drive south back down to Limerick , Dingle , Killarney, over to Cork, Cobh, and up to Waterford and Dublin .

Make your ascent from Dublin up to Northern Ireland to the city of Belfast. From here, you can visit the amazing Giant’s Causeway.

If you prefer, you can bounce back over to the western side of the country and visit the breathtaking town of Sligo.

Depending on how long you spend in each place, you may or may not be able to get to Scotland by the end of the second week.

Fly to Edinburgh and spend at least a day or two exploring.

Afterward, rent another car and make your way up to the Scottish Highlands and peek around Inverness, Aberdeen, and make your way back down to Glasgow.

From Glasgow, either drive or fly down to London.

I suggest driving since you’ll be able to easily stop in Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, and Bath before ending your trip with a couple of days in London.

Best Tours in the U.K.

Ireland: Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin Ireland: Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip Including Giant’s Causeway from Dublin Scotland: Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness Scotland: 3-Day Isle of Skye Inverness Highlands and Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh England: Small-Group Complete Cotswolds Tour England: Private Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath Tour from London

The Charming Cities of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany

Likewise goes for this itinerary as the previous one in the U.K. and Ireland. Depending on where you’re flying in from, you may want to reorder this itinerary to better suit your transportation schedule.

This itinerary is the ultimate getaway for city lovers! I’ve included major tourist hubs including Amsterdam and Brussels as well as more charming towns and cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Munich, Germany .

Depending on your likes and dislikes, you may want to add or remove some cities! These countries make for a fantastic combination trip and you can see and do an immense amount if you have four full weeks for exploring.

Arrive in Amsterdam

Spend at least two days in Amsterdam wandering the different neighborhoods of De Pijp, Jordaan, De Wallen, and so on. Be sure to stop by the different markets and museums before making your way over to Utrecht, The Hague, and Rotterdam.

Each city deserves about two days (one for Utrecht typically), so this is the perfect start to your first week on your European honeymoon itinerary!

We’re off to Belgium!

If you’re coming from Rotterdam, simply hop on a train down to Antwerp. From there, check out Bruges, Ostend, Ghent, Brussels, and Dinant.

I recommend spending at least two days in Bruges if possible, though if you only have one day in Bruges here is a great itinerary . You may also want two days in Dinant owing to its sheer beauty, even though it can easily be seen in one day!

One day in Brussels is likely enough owing to its smaller size and touristy ambiance.

The last two weeks of the trip can be spent entirely in Germany owing to its grand size, or you can opt to spend more time in the Netherlands and Belgium. You can also take a day trip to Luxembourg from Brussels if you want to add in another country.

Germany has numerous international airports, so fly to wherever makes the most sense for your itinerary. If you plan on starting in Berlin, fly there. The same goes for Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and so forth.

Amazing things to do in Germany including visiting the Black Forest, Neuschwanstein Castle, the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, and the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, the Cologne Cathedral, Marienplatz in Munich, the Frauenkirche Dresden, and so on.

If you can, consider planning your trip for late September when you can be in Munich for Oktoberfest!

Best Tours in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany

Netherlands: Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Classic River Boat With Drinks & Dutch Cheese Netherlands: Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Windmills Day Trip from Amsterdam Belgium: Brussels Chocolate Beer Waffle and Belgian Whiskey All-in-One Tour Belgium: Private Historical Tour: The Highlights of Bruges Germany: Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle Small-Group Coach Day Trip from Munich Germany: Private Berlin Complete History All Day Tour

Cruise the Fjords and Spot Northern Lights in Norway and Finland or Visit some of the Scandinavian Countries

Have you ever dreamt of going on a romantic cruise surrounded by glaciers and skyscraping fjords with views of the northern lights in the background? Well, here’s your chance!

If you prefer to let someone else do all of the planning, you could easily pay one set price and enjoy a luxury multi-week cruise through Scandinavia. Most cruises range between 8-15 days, but you may be able to find shorter and longer ones depending on your departure city and season.

However, if you’re looking to stay on somewhat of a budget, you can also follow a simple self-guided honeymoon itinerary through the best destinations in Norway and Finland!

Arrive in Oslo

Either cruise or drive the country and be sure to stop in the towns of Bergen, Bodø, and Tromsø for spectacular northern lights viewing. However, the best place to spot them is actually in Svalbard: an archipelago located off the northern tip of the country.

Along the way, be sure to visit the fjords in Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord, Aurlandsfjord, and Nærøyfjord!

If you do decide to visit Svalbard, I suggest setting aside at least 4 or 5 days. This is where you can see polar bears and some of the best northern lights in the world!

Onto Sweden!

A trip to Sweden wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Swedish Lapland. Visit in winter for a truly magical experience, or spend some time strolling the infamous white sand beaches of Stockholm in the summer.

End your itinerary in Finland by flying into Helsinki (or cruising!)

If you want to see even more northern lights, head to Rovaniemi in the Finnish Lapland. From there, you can opt to hit some world-renowned ski slopes like Levi and Rukatunturi, or you can get lost in the numerous charming towns surrounding Helsinki!

Best Tours in Norway and Sweden

Norway: Guided Tour To Nærøyfjorden, Flåm, and Stegastein – Viewpoint Cruise Norway: Small-Group Aurora Hunt Northern Lights Tour from Tromso Sweden: Winter kayaking & fika tour among islands of Stockholm Archipelago Sweden: Guided Snowmobile Tour in Kiruna

How to Pack for a European Honeymoon

The way you pack will vary greatly depending on where you go, what season you decide to travel in, how long you’ll be traveling for, and if your accommodation has laundry services available.

If you wanted to hit the beach for the majority of your vacation so you chose Greece and Italy, then you’ll want to pack more heavily on the bathing suits, dresses, rompers, shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops.

If you’re going slopeside and want to explore the Alps and other mountainous regions of Europe like the fjords of Norway, then you’ll need to bundle up with thermal layers, winter jackets, hats, gloves, scarves, ski masks, wool socks, and more.

Be sure to check out my two packing lists listed below under “Related Posts”. For your free, downloadable packing list and guide to packing for your European honeymoon itinerary, scroll to the bottom of this post where you can get my very own packing list emailed to you!

Other Helpful Related Posts

Backpacking Europe Routes for 2 Weeks: Routes & Tips Minimalist Packing List for Females Traveling to Europe Packing List for Europe in Winter: A Full Country by Country Guide The Ultimate Europe Bucket List: 101 Experiences to Have in Europe The Top 40 Hidden Gems in Europe To Visit in 2024 How to Plan a Trip to Europe in 9 Easy Steps (with Sample Itineraries!) The Best European Itinerary: 11 Trips to Inspire Your Wanderlust 30+ Best Places to Visit in Europe in December 73 Best Places to Visit in Europe in January 2024 25 Best Places in Europe for New Years Celebrations 30+ BEST Places to Visit in Europe in March 2024 30+ BEST Places to Visit in Europe in April 2024 20 Best Places to Visit in Europe in May 2024 (Weather & Tips!) Is Azerbaijan in Europe? The Facts for 2024 Is Denmark in Europe? The EU, the Danish Krone, & Its Territories Explained 11 BEST Wine Tours in Tuscany from Florence in 2024

The Wrap-Up: The Best European Honeymoon Itinerary

No matter where you decide to go in Europe for your honeymoon, I promise it’ll be the trip of a lifetime! I have yet to visit a European country that I didn’t enjoy, and I can’t wait to get out and explore more of them again soon.

So, for your European honeymoon itinerary, do what speaks to you and your partner. All cheesiness included!

If you enjoy the beach and they enjoy the mountains, find a way to include both. This is your first trip abroad as a married couple, so be sure that it’s special to you. Consider including a destination that your ancestors are from or where you may have extended family!

Needless to say, your European honeymoon itinerary should be a romantic, exciting experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime. So, do your best to work through the booking process and plan yourself a vacation like you’ve always dreamed of! After all, it’s not about where you go, it’s who you have beside you.

Cheers! Emily

The ​ Ultimate European Honeymoon Packing List

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

See Europe as the Europeans do this summer with these pro tips | Cruising Altitude

Americans are heading to Europe for vacation as much as ever these days, and that means the typical tourist spots like Venice, Paris and London are sure to be crowded this year. But, because this is Cruising Altitude, we’ll look at the aviation angle first.

First and foremost: If you’re really determined to go to Europe this summer and haven’t booked yet, stop reading now and get on it. 

“I’ve never seen a year like this … We’re at the point where there’s no more availability,” Brigitte Armand, president of Eurobound , a tour organizer that specializes in European packages, told me. “Book as quickly as possible.” 

How to get around

According to Armand, trains are generally a great way to get from place to place within Europe, but for farther-flung stops, the continent’s network of low-cost airlines offers travelers a reliable alternative.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

“Don’t think of one airline as being your network and entry point within Europe,” Laura Lindsay, public relations director at online booking platform Skyscanner told me.

She said if you’re flying to Europe from the U.S., you may well rely on a large network carrier like British Airways, KLM, or Lufthansa to get across the Atlantic and then book your intra-European flights separately.

“You’re suddenly opening up Europe in a different way if you search for different airports and multiple airlines,” Lindsay said. “It’s pretty straightforward to get around, so don’t feel put off by jumping through a few different countries or trying a few different destinations.” 

Tips for European airlines

According to Lindsay, European low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Easyjet and Wizz Air often have stricter baggage policies like American ULCCs Spirit and Frontier.

“(The) top tip would be always make sure you understand the luggage allowance that is part of your ticket,” she said. “More often than not, don’t book the basic fare without checking.”

It’s also a good idea to be flexible with your airports and dates of travel if you want to get the best deals on those shorter flights.

“You’ll get a number of places that have more than one airport,” Lindsay said, noting that Skyscanner has a tool that allows travelers to search for flights to or from nearby airports when choosing a destination. “Just getting a map out and actually looking at where exactly you want to travel and where the nearby airports are.” 

Armand added that if you take the train instead, you may need to secure a reservation in advance, particularly for some of the more tourist-heavy routes like panoramic trains in Switzerland. 

Last week's Cruising Altitude: There was no Golden Age of flying. We're in it now.

Where to go

If you really want to summer like a European, you should consider places a little more off the radar for most Americans.

“Albania is somewhere that broke through a couple of years ago as somewhere that people recognized as offering a huge value for money,” Lindsay said. “Sarajevo is reporting its busiest April on record for travelers.”

Armand said it can also be a good idea to try different parts of countries that are already popular if you want a more authentic, less crowded experience.

“We recently arranged a whole trip for some clients in the Abruzzo region of Italy,” she said. “The Abruzzo region, it’s on the Adriatic, people don’t know this region, and I think this is the first time ever we put together a package to get to that region.” 

Data from Skyscanner shows that some destinations in Europe are picking up in popularity with travelers on the continent. Here are some trends bubbling up year over year from 2023 to 2024:

◾ Ljubljana, Slovenia, saw a 188% increase in searches from Spanish travelers

◾ Tromso, Norway, saw a 130% increase in interest from Italian holidaymakers

◾ Dusseldorf, Germany, had a 122% spike in interest from Brits

According to Armand, the best last-minute availability seems to be in Eastern Europe, like Bulgaria and Poland.

“There are some good deals there perhaps, even the Czech Republic I’m finding some decent space,” she said.

So go on, get packing.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

How To Plan A Trip To Europe For Your Family

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I am busy ironing out the details for our trip to Europe this summer, and it has inspired me to write a detailed post for you about how to plan a trip to Europe for your family! 

I know that when we share our  family adventures in Europe  and around the world, people are often inspired to plan their own trips. But everyone tells me that they have no idea where to start.

Today, I am here to help you plan a trip to Europe!

Planning A Trip To Europe

Taking on a family adventure to Europe should be exciting, not overwhelming. Imagine days filled with cultural experiences, historic landmarks, and unforgettable memories. 

However, the truth is that planning such a trip requires mindful consideration and organization, especially when you are traveling to Europe with kids.  

In this  family travel  guide, I will take you through the essential steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable family vacation wherever you choose to visit in Europe.  And in reality, most of these tips can also be used for other destinations. But a trip to Europe is a good jumping-off point for big, international travel! 

How To Plan A Trip To Europe

I am going to walk you through my exact European travel planning process in order. It may be a little different than others, but it has worked really well for my family.

However, there is one major item that I want to discuss first, and that is  passports ! 

Many European countries require your passport to have 3 or 6 months of validity left on it. The general rule of thumb is that your passport expiration date must be at LEAST 6 months after your departure date. 

When writing this, in early 2024, passport turnaround times are at record speeds. Several months ago, people were waiting 12+ weeks, but now I see people getting them back as quickly as 2-3 weeks. Your mileage may vary, but now is the perfect time to renew if your passport expires this year or your children don’t have passports! 

Also, you want to make sure you have some form of  travel insurance . You can buy a plan from companies like  Travelex ,  Faye , or  Allianz .

Also, many premium credit cards, such as the  American Express Platinum Card  or  Chase Sapphire Cards , include trip protection when you use them. Read the terms in your account, but often, this can cover everything from delays to lost baggage. 

#1 Define Your Destination in Europe

Dreaming up trips to Europe is my specialty! I have to confess that I do it weekly, if not daily. Many of them never come to fruition, but when they do, I never have a single regret. Take the trip. Life is short!  

So, this is inevitably where the travel planning process starts for me. I am always keeping my eye out for great deals and running searches on Google Flights. Most never get booked, but I find something I can’t pass up once or twice a year. I reserve the flights, and that’s usually how our trips start.

The only way you can visit  Europe  is by booking flights there! Unless you take a transatlantic cruise. And don’t tempt me because I almost booked one the other day! 

Booking Flights To Europe

Every big trip that I plan starts with airfare. When it comes to travel, I like to get the best value possible. So, how do I do it?

Knowing Your Airport

First, know what main airlines (domestic and international) service your nearby airports and the routes. For example, Delta reigns supreme in Atlanta along with SkyTeam partners like Air France and KLM. Therefore, there are the most nonstops each day, heading to Paris and Amsterdam for me.  

Head to your airport’s website and look at the flight departures. Where are they heading to? What airlines are operating them? This will help you narrow things down if you are looking for nonstop options or minimal connections. This is key when planning a trip to Europe from USA destinations as particular cities service particular routes. 

Finding Flight Deals With Thrifty Traveler Premium

I am obsessed with  Thrifty Traveler Premium . I have had their annual subscriptions for a few years and have found so many deals! Because I subscribe to all cities, I get emails almost daily with incredible domestic and international flight deals.  

One of my favorite features is that it includes smaller airports, including where I live in  Dothan, Alabama . Most similar services don’t. It lists deals by departure city, allowing me to quickly scan and see if any of my nearby airports (Dothan, Panama City Beach, Tallahassee, Destin, Atlanta) are included.

They share so many great flight deals to Europe that you’ll have a hard time passing up. I am sitting on my hands so as not to book a trip to Scotland they just sent out.

Click here to learn more about Thrifty Traveler Premium ! 

Tips For Your Flight To Europe

When booking, be mindful of times. Most trips from the US to Europe will be overnight. This allows me to leave Atlanta around 8:50 pm and arrive in France at 12 pm the next day. Generally, I can get a decent night’s sleep, rally through that very first day, and start the next full day of my trip with minimal jet lag. 

The route home is often during the day, leaving Europe in the morning and arriving in the US mid-day, on the “same day” due to the time change. So, jet lag tends to be worse for us in that direction, as sleeping on the plane during the day is more challenging. It will usually make for an unavoidable long travel day.

I have one last flight tip before we move on to cities. Generally, a round-trip ticket will be cheaper than two one-way tickets when paying cash/credit (as opposed to points/miles). On your first short European trip, you should resist the urge to do a multi-city trip where you start and end in different places. 

Adding onto that, you will also want to compare prices on partner airlines. For example, using the Sky Team alliance that I mentioned above. You may find the exact flight (same plane and everything) sold from Delta for one price. If you check Air France, KLM, or Virgin Atlantic, you may find a cheaper flight as they codeshare these routes! 

When we went to  Greece  in November 2022, I almost booked flights for $1300 per person on Delta but ended up booking with Air France for $875 per person round trip. It’s the same exact plane! 

Choosing Which City Or Cities To Visit In Europe

So, you have some flight options and are ready to pull the trigger. But is that city right for you? Where should I go on my first trip to Europe?

When deciding on a destination city for your first trip to Europe, consider factors such as kid-friendly activities, safety, and accessibility.  

Destinations like  Paris , Rome,  Amsterdam , London, and Barcelona are known for their family-oriented attractions. They are great options for your first trip to Europe! 

For your first trip to Europe, I recommend focusing on one city. Our favorite thing to do is watch YouTube videos about that city. Sometimes I do this before I book my flights, sometimes after. But it is a great way to learn more about a city and get excited about your trip! 

I browse though the  TripAdvisor  page for that city. I scroll through photos, read user comments, and see the available tours and activities. When you have found the right trip, you know. You feel the urge to lock it in! 

Also, please consider the weather and what you want from that trip. It may be tempting to grab those rock-bottom flights to Paris. But do you want to be there when it’s only 20 degrees? Maybe you do. Or perhaps you were imagining warm lunches on sidewalk cafes.  

Europe is very crowded in summer, but there are some sweet spots. For the past two years, we have headed to Europe immediately after school gets out on the weekend of Memorial Day. Most European schools go into late June, so this is a little sweet spot. Also, Fall and Spring breaks can be excellent shoulder seasons. Winter travel to Europe can be magical with all of the Christmas markets. You have to be mindful of what type of trip you are planning. 

#2 Set a European Travel Budget

Ok, so maybe this should have been number one. But if I know I found some great flights, I can figure everything else out from there. If the total cost of the flights is too high, it’s a deal breaker. Airfare is where I like to save money. 

For many, determining a realistic budget is crucial for a successful first trip to Europe. Many people don’t know what to factor in transportation, accommodation, meals, and attractions. Researching your destination and creating a rough budget will help you make informed decisions throughout the planning process.

And it is possible to plan a  trip to Europe  on a budget! We find food and drink much cheaper than in the United States, and dining out is always a big part of our spending.

In my case, I don’t create an actual budget, but I know how much I think is reasonable to spend on that trip. Sometimes, that means splurging for high-end hotel accommodations in one area for the first part of the trip and using an Airbnb for the other half. This also allows us to explore two areas.  

For example, we are heading to Mexico for Spring break. While it’s not Europe, I took a similar mindset. The  Royalton Splash All-Inclusive Resort  we are staying at for the first few days of our week-long trip is over $700 per night. We want to do other things and explore the Riviera Maya. So, we are spending 3 nights there for $2200 and staying put, followed by 4 nights at a great  Airbnb in Playa del Carmen  for only $600 total to help offset the total cost.

#3 Choose the Right Accommodations 

So, let’s get back to Europe and step 3 in my European travel planning process! 

Here lies one topic that comes as a surprise to many first-time European travelers. In the United States and North America, double Queen hotel rooms that accommodate four are a dime a dozen and often have sleeper sofas, too. However, in Europe, most hotel rooms only sleep two guests. And these occupancy rules are very strict!  

Therefore, you must be open-minded when determining where you want to sleep in Europe.  

Before breaking down the types of accommodations, I want to reiterate my advice to stay in one city or two nearby cities for your first trip, especially if it’s a week or less. It’s easy to think you’ll spend 1-2 nights here and then move on to another town and so forth. You will end up with many travel days spent packing, unpacking, and waiting to check-in. It will feel rushed, and you’ll likely be exhausted and regret it. I do not recommend this for your first trip to  Europe with kids . Save that type of busy itinerary for future trips! 

However, splitting a stay between two areas in a large city or even between two nearby towns such as  Bruges  and  Brussels  is often a good idea. In fact, we almost always do this when our trip is 6+ days.

If you want to plan a trip to Europe for 2 weeks or more, by all means, travel to more places. We all know that airfare tends to be the most significant upfront expense. I just don’t want you to spread yourself too thin on your first short trip if you are planning a trip to Europe for 1 week or less! 

READ:  Airbnbs vs Hotels: Which one is better?

Family-Friendly Accommodations in Europe

So, back to finding a space that will actually fit your family. This is actually easier than it first seems!  

Looking back at our past international travels, we always book in one of three ways, split relatively evenly! We either book directly with hotels, rent an Airbnb, or use  Booking.com ,

Regardless of which site you use, you need to make sure you understand the city you are visiting. Walkability is the #1 most important factor for our family when traveling. So, we always ensure we are in the most ideal location.  

Hotels in Europe

As mentioned above, finding hotel rooms accommodating more than two people can be tricky and costly. We often end up booking 2 adjoining rooms when staying at hotels internationally.  

I always check my favorite hotel chains first, including  IHG  and Hyatt. If I find something perfect, I book directly on their website to use my loyalty benefits and use/earn points for my stay. However, this often doesn’t work out or is too costly. So, let’s move on! 

Airbnb and VRBO in Europe

As you know, I am an  Airbnb host  myself with several vacation rentals on  30A . We frequently stay at Airbnbs when traveling internationally, while less often here in the United States. Hotels are the better route for short domestic trips.

However, internationally, Airbnbs are a great option! Typically, they are less expensive than hotels and offer much more space to spread out. We appreciate this after a long day of travel.  Make sure to check both  Airbnb  and  VRBO !

It’s not unusual for me to find a great 3 bedroom, 2 bath option for $150-$300 per night total after all taxes and fees. Yesterday, while planning our summer trip, I booked 3 nights in Antibes, a small community in the south of France, for only $512 total. It’s in the heart of Old Town and walkable to everything, too! 

There always has to be a downside, though, right? I have noticed that international  Airbnbs  are not always up to the standards they are here. In the US, many are on par with hotels regarding cleanliness, amenities, and cozy beds. Internationally, they usually lack a bit. The expectations and standards are just different. So, read through all of the reviews before booking! 

Using Booking.com To Book Stays In Europe

But there is a third option, which I use frequently, and it’s a blend of the two above –  Booking.com ! 

I love using Booking.com when traveling in Europe. Their site has hotels, including smaller independent hotels, and many  short-term rental-style apartments . Booking.com is based in Amsterdam and is a popular and reputable way to book European accommodations. I have booked numerous stays through them, including that incredible  cave house in Santorini !  

For example, the  apartment we rented in Amsterdam  has the feel of an Airbnb and is similarly independently owned and managed by an individual. That owner simply uses the Booking.com platform.  

If a hotel isn’t part of a big chain where I value loyalty, I book through  Booking.com . They often have the best prices and usually very flexible cancellation policies.  

#4 Plan Your European Itinerary

Flights are booked. Accommodations are booked. Now what?

This is the fun part! You get to figure out what you will do while visiting  Europe . If you haven’t already done so, watch YouTube video travel guides to see what other people are doing in that city. They often share great tips and first-hand insight that will come in handy. We almost always have the kids watch, too. It’s fun when they have a say in the planning process. Abby is my sidekick Europe trip planner these days! 

You should craft a tentative itinerary of  things to do in Europe  that includes a mix of sightseeing and downtime. Be flexible, considering the needs and interests of every family member. Include iconic landmarks, museums, parks, and leisure activities suitable for all ages.

As soon as I start planning, I like to keep my ideas and plans organized in one place, usually a Google Doc dedicated to my Europe travel plans. I continually build on it, and I like accessing it on my phone as well as my computer. As we get closer, I organize it by days, adding links to activities I have prebooked and bulleted notes with other potential ideas.  

I only book things in advance that are 100% necessary, such as Anne Frank House tickets that sell out months in advance and  lift tickets for the Eiffel Tower . Sometimes museums sell out of specific entry time tickets, so take that into consideration. For example, when we  visited the Louvre in Paris , I booked in advance to get the first slot of the day. 

Don’t overschedule your trip or bite off more than you can chew. Europe is known for its quaint cafes and charming streets. Allow time to explore and let the day unfold naturally. You want a mix of downtime and activities. Be cognizant of the time you have. A 3-week Europe Itinerary and a 1-week Europe Itinerary are going to be very different. You can even consider getting a  CityPass !

Get Your Guide Tours and Activities in Europe 

One of my favorite ways to book activities in Europe, including tours, is through  Get Your Guide . Again, this is a top-rated European company and will be helpful for your Europe itinerary. We have used them for  canal cruises in Amsterdam , museum tickets in London,  Seine river cruises in Paris , and more! 

The  Get Your Guide  app is straightforward to use. Most activities have very flexible cancellation schedules. I use it for last-minute bookings fairly often. Last month, while in New Orleans, we had an open evening. I checked the Get Your Guide app to see what was available. I quickly found a  ghost tour , booked it, and we got started within an hour! 

One more perk is that the  Get Your Guide  website and app translate everything to English instead of individual websites where it may be in the local language. This allows me to make sure I have all of the important information and it’s outlined really well. You don’t need paper tickets either. They just scan your app when you arrive! 

#5 Book Transportation As Needed

Most of the hard work is done! We know where and when you’re going to  Europe , including where you will stay and what you will do. So, let’s tie up a few loose ends. 

Before your trip, familiarize yourself with local transportation options. Does this city have public transportation? Can you use Apple Pay, or do you need to buy a cash ticket? Are Ubers readily available? How will you get from the airport to your rental?

One of the most overwhelming moments when I arrive in a new city is when I am trying to exit the airport. I often can’t read the signage, and I am unsure where the Uber pickup is or if I need a taxi. In many places, there is a pain point for scams. You may encounter people trying to direct you to their taxi. So, research this in detail in advance and have a plan. 

Many rentals and hotels will offer you airport transportation for an extra fee that is generally very reasonable. Walking out of baggage claim and seeing a friendly face with your name on a sign is priceless!  

Using Apple Maps Transit Feature

This needs its own section because it is my favorite hack! I love to open Apple Maps and change the map to transit, as shown in my screenshots below. This allows you to see all of the public transportation routes! 

Furthermore, I often use the directions option (set to transit) before and during a trip. Apple Maps does such an excellent job with precise directions here. It usually will also tell you how to pay.  

The example below shows how to get from London Heathrow to the  Hotel Indigo Kensington , where Abby and I stayed in June. It gives us exact directions, including stops in between and time spent walking, and tells me that I can use Apple Pay! The public transportation in  London  is VERY EASY to use!

#6 Familiarize Yourself with Local Customs

Unless you booked a last-minute trip to Europe, you probably have some waiting to do now. In the days and weeks leading up to your trip, take some time to research the customs and etiquette of the countries you’ll be visiting. 

Teaching your family about local customs enhances the travel experience and fosters respect for different cultures. Research the traditional foods that the city is known for, too! You can even visit your local grocery store and look for the section for that country. Grab some snacks!

It’s also important to understand the tipping culture. Generally, you don’t need to tip as you do in the US. Most of the time, you leave the change or round up the bill. Some upscale establishments may have a service charge, usually 10% or well less. PS: In most European countries, you must ask for the bill when ready to pay! 

READ:  Finding a Local Photographer When Traveling

#7 Packing Smart For Your Trip To Europe

We made it to the end, and now it’s time for your trip! And I have one more bombshell to drop. 

Luggage: Carry On Bags 

Our family only uses  carryon bags  when traveling. I don’t know the last time we checked a bag except for when I had to gate-check due to space. I like having my stuff with me at all times. If you stay in vacation rental-style apartments, most have laundry. Sometimes, I do one load in the middle of the trip. 

Using carry-ons gives you so much more mobility! It allows you to utilize public transportation and navigate tight (sometimes cobblestone) streets. In the photo below, you can see Matt and the kids standing outside the  Hotel Indigo Brussels . This is what we use. Each person has a  Calpak carryon  and a personal item.  

Luggage: Your Personal Item 

An under-seater or weekender bag makes great personal items and stores a lot! Don’t miss this opportunity for space by simply carrying a big purse full of items you don’t need. 

My personal item is always my black backpack, where I keep my tech and our  travel wallet  with our passports/travel documents. Abby and I also use cross-body bags. These can easily be put into your personal item when you board, ensuring you don’t exceed the limit. They are a great way to keep your phone and cards/cash safe. The  Lululemon Belt bag  is a great option, or you can choose from many great  cross bodies on Amazon !  

For Matt’s personal item, we have this  Weekender Bag from Target . It opens up wide and is large. We often put all of the toiletries in there. That way, we only have to unpack one bag while going through security. 

We use a lightweight  Fjallraven backpack  as Jake’s personal item and then use it daily on the trip. 

Related List: Shop My Travel Favorites

How To Pack For Europe

Resist the urge to overpack! Remember that you are visiting a city. You can buy toiletries, food/drink, and most other things there!

Pack efficiently by considering the needs of each family member. Include essentials such as travel documents, medications, snacks, and entertainment for the kids. Check the weather forecast for your destination to pack appropriate clothing.

Make sure to check out my  Must Have Europe Travel Essentials  blog post for a list of what you need. This includes the necessary European plus and electrical converters. 

Use Packing Cubes

I highly recommend you use packing cubes. Each member of our family has a different color of  these packing cubes . I roll our clothes when I pack. Here is an  Instagram reel  showing how I do it! 

As I mentioned above, we often switch accommodations halfway through our stay. At this point, I combine the cubes of clean clothes into two or three of our carryons and put our laundry bag of dirty clothes into another suitcase.

Usually, by the end of the trip, half of our suitcases are filled with one large bag of dirty clothes! Grab these  travel laundry bags ! 

Ordering Currency For Your Trip To Europe

There is one final thing I like to do before our trip. I always order currency from Bank of America. I am not 100% sure how other banks do it, but we get a good exchange rate, and it’s delivered right to my door. Most places take credit cards, so make sure to use a card without foreign transaction fees like the  Capital One Venture X .  

You can always use an ATM at your destination, but it will incur a moderate fee. Best practices are generally used to avoid currency exchange places, especially at the airport! 

Now YOU Know How To Plan A Trip To Europe For Your Family 

We did it! We planned a trip to Europe! And it wasn’t that overwhelming, right? For me, the key is booking flights. Everything else falls into place for me after that. 

If you have a dream of traveling to  Europe  with your family, I want it to happen for you! 

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to plan an unforgettable family trip to Europe. And I am confident you will be ready to plan the next one shortly after you get home.  

That’s how it goes! The first trip always feels monumental. However, once you cross the pond and realize how easy and enjoyable a trip to Europe can be, you’ll want to explore as many countries as possible! 

Once you get the first one under your belt, the next one is easy! And you can take a few more risks with your itinerary. 

So, let’s go!  

If you have any questions or additional tips that you’d like to share, feel free to leave a comment on this blog post! 

Follow Along On Our Europe Travels

I can’t wait to share our Summer 2024 Europe trip with you! I am still working out our travel itinerary for this European vacation, but we are heading to the French Riviera and Italian Riviera, including  Cinque Terre ! We are using train travel in Italy and France for most of it. It’s our first time in Italy, too! 

Also, if you want to follow along on our next trip to Europe, hop over to Instagram and give  @ourlittlelifestyleblog  a follow. All of our past trips to European destinations, including travel tips, are saved in my story highlights there, including our  4 Days in Paris ,  Athens travel guide , canal tours in  Bruges  and Amsterdam, and more! 

Click here to browse the European Travel section of my blog!

Our Best Tips on How to Plan a Europe Trip for under $1000

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on May 18, 2024

Categories Europe

Every type of holiday vacation easily equates to significant spending. And because we love to prioritize experiences over lavish spending to ensure we can travel extensively, we give you some of the best tips we have for planning a trip to Europe for under 1000 USD.

📌 Additional Reads : – Check These 20 Cheapest Beach Cities To Live in The World – 11 Tips for Booking Cheap Flights

Table of Contents

Budgeting Your European Adventure – Plan a Europe Trip for Under 1000

Identifying major costs.

Before you start packing your bags for Europe , you must map out the significant expenses you’ll encounter. Airfare is often your most considerable cost, so keep an eye out for deals and consider traveling during off-seasons to save significantly. Off-season trips and planning and checking of airfare costs can dramatically lower costs for your holiday and help you plan a Europe trip for under 1000 USD.

Accommodation varies greatly, from hostels for solo travelers to budget-friendly hotels for families or couples . Be sure to also account for transportation within Europe, including inter-city trains and local transit.

• Airfare : Check for airline sales and fly midweek when possible.
• Accommodation : Use comparison sites to find deals and consider alternative options like vacation rentals.
• Transportation : Look into rail passes or budget flights for inter-city travel and use public transport over taxis.

Daily Budgeting Tips

Once in Europe, maintain a daily budget to keep your spending on track. For food , seek out local markets or grocery stores rather than dining out for every meal. Save on sightseeing by taking advantage of free walking tours and exploring public parks and streetscapes at no cost.

If you’re flexible, last-minute deals on tours can also add to your experience without overspending. Here’s a brief run-down of how you can manage your daily budget:

📌 Check the best deals on Get Your Guide and Viator , the top sites for tours in Europe (discount deals applied!).

• Breakfast: Grab something from a local bakery (~€2-5)
• Lunch: Picnic with items from a grocery store (~€5-10)
• Dinner: Eat like a local at budget eateries (~€10-15)
• Free activities: Walking tours, parks, and historic neighborhoods
• Paid attractions: Look for discounts or city tourist cards for multiple venues

By tracking these costs closely and taking advantage of budget-friendly options, you can enjoy a memorable European trip without the financial stress .

Scoring Affordable Flights

When planning your European adventure , the flight is one of your biggest expenses. But don’t worry, there are smart ways to find deals that’ll have you sipping espresso in a Parisian café or hiking the Alps without breaking the bank.

Best Time to Book

Booking at the right time can lead to significant savings on your flights. Aim for the shoulder season , which falls between the peak and off-peak periods. Generally, this means targeting spring or fall, when fewer travelers are flying and airlines offer more competitive prices. To get the best deals, consider setting up alerts on flight comparison tools like Skyscanner or KAYAK . These platforms will notify you of price drops for flights from your desired departure airport , such as LAX.

• Alerts for Price Drops : As soon as you start planning
• Purchase Flight : 4-6 weeks in advance
• Shoulder Season Months : April-May, September-October

Budget Airlines and Airports

Choosing a budget airline can be a game-changer for keeping your costs low. Airlines like Norse Airlines offer no-frills services across the Atlantic for a fraction of the cost. Be flexible with your arrival and departure airports as well. Secondary airports might offer better deals than major hubs.

• Norse Airlines
• Check Nearby Airports : Look for flights to less busy airports near your destination.
• Consider Flying Mid-Week : Generally cheaper than weekend flights.

Keep an eye on fare comparison sites and don’t shy away from lesser-known carriers that often provide the same routes at discounted rates. Your next European escapade is just a savvy booking away!

Lodging for Less

Finding budget-friendly lodging is a cornerstone of keeping your European adventure under $1,000. Let’s explore how staying in hostels and alternative accommodations like Airbnb can be cost-effective and enhance your travel experience.

Hostels and Shared Spaces

Hostels are the quintessential budget-saver for travelers. Opting for a dorm -style room in a hostel not only cuts down on costs but also offers an opportunity to meet fellow travelers. Prices can be surprisingly low.

• Reykjavik : Find a bed in a shared dorm for under $35/night.
• Major Cities : Look for hostels with free amenities like Wi-Fi, breakfast, or walking tours.
• Off-Season Deals : Travel during less popular months to snag even lower rates.

Here are a few tips when booking hostels:

• Consider hostels’ ratings for cleanliness and security.
• Check if lockers are available to secure your valuables.
• Look for hostels with communal kitchens to save on food expenses.

Alternative Accommodations

Beyond hostels, other budget-friendly options like Airbnb can offer unique stays that are gentle on your wallet. Here are ways to maximize your savings with Airbnb:

• Early Booking : Secure lower prices by planning ahead.
• Location : Staying outside major tourist hubs can mean better deals.
• Space Sharing : Renting a private room instead of an entire place can dramatically reduce your lodging costs.

When considering alternative accommodations, evaluate these points:

• Read reviews to gauge previous visitors’ experiences.
• Message the host before booking to clarify any concerns and ensure a budget-friendly deal.
• Confirm the total price, as some listings may have additional fees.

Navigating Transportation Options

When traveling through Europe on a budget, understanding your transportation options is crucial for both saving money and making the most of your time.

Rail Pass vs Single Tickets

Rail Pass Owning a Eurail Pass offers you unlimited travel within and between numerous European countries. It’s cost-effective if you’re planning multi-city journeys . The pass can come in handy when you have a flexible itinerary , allowing you to hop on and off trains without purchasing individual tickets.

Table: Eurail Pass vs Single Tickets

Tip : Buying tickets in countries like Hungary can be cheaper than a Rail Pass. For example, a train from Budapest to another city within Hungary or neighboring countries may have more affordable rates than the pass.

Ferries If your journey includes Greek Islands or coastal cities, ferries become pivotal. Eurail Pass may offer discounts on some ferry services.

Local Transport Hacks

Metro and Bus System In bustling hubs such as London or Rome , the Metro and local bus systems are your best bet for budget-friendly and efficient travel. They offer extensive networks that cover both major landmarks and the outskirts.

• Tube : Purchase an Oyster Card for reduced fares.
• Buses : A cheaper alternative with scenic views, especially on routes like the number 15.
• Metro : Avoid traffic and reach historic centers rapidly.
• Bus : Comprehensive routes; use apps to track and plan your journeys.

Tip : Always check if there’s a day pass, which might save you money if you use public transport multiple times in a day.

Remember to check apps or websites for local transportation to stay updated with schedules, routes, and discounts. Embrace the local ways of getting around, such as bikes in Amsterdam or trams in Lisbon, to enrich your European trip experience.

Crafting the Perfect Itinerary

When planning your Europe trip , it’s crucial to balance must-see spots with the unique experiences found off the beaten path.

Top Cities and Attractions

Creating a travel itinerary for Europe often starts with the continent’s star cities: Paris , Rome , and London . Each city offers many sightseeing opportunities and activities that can fill your days.

• Eiffel Tower : Full Day
• Louvre Museum : Half Day
• Colosseum : Half Day
• Vatican Museums : Full Day
• Buckingham Palace : 2 Hours
• British Museum : Half Day

Adjust your travel time and days in each city based on what interests you and your overall time frame.

Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path

While the capital cities are impressive, Europe’s true charm often lies in its lesser-known locales.

• Hiking Trails : 4-5 Hours
• Beach Time : 2-3 Hours
• Gravensteen Castle : 1 Hour
• Canal Tour : 1.5 Hours

Interspersing these hidden treasures within your Europe itinerary adds depth to your journey and gives you a glimpse into the local life.

Exploring Food and Drink on a Budget

Looking to savor the flavors of Europe without spending a fortune? Follow these tips and you’ll be dining like a local for less.

Cheap Eats and Street Food

Europe offers an array of budget-friendly street food options that provide a taste of local flair without the high cost of sit-down restaurants. For instance, in Paris , you can enjoy a classic jambon-beurre (ham and butter sandwich) from a boulangerie for just a few euros. In Vienna , sausage stands called Würstelstände serve up quick and delicious sausages that are both filling and easy on your wallet.

• Budget Tip: Look for food markets and street vendors for affordable and authentic meals.
• Must-Try: Crêpes in Paris, Currywurst in Berlin, and Piadina in Italy.

Experiencing Local Cuisine

To truly experience local flavors while still adhering to your budget, seek out places where the locals dine. In Spain, for example, you can indulge in tapas , small plates which are often budget-friendly, particularly if you visit during ‘happy hour’ specials. Many European countries also offer ‘menu of the day’ deals at lunchtime, where you can enjoy multiple courses at a fraction of the evening cost.

Budget-Friendly Picks:

• Paris : Go for prix-fixe menus at bistros.
• Vienna : Try hearty plates of goulash at local eateries.
• Remember, sitting down at a tourist spot can be pricy, so venture off the beaten path for the best deals.

Cultural Experiences Without the Price Tag

Embarking on a cultural journey across Europe doesn’t have to drain your wallet. By tapping into free museums and tours as well as seeking out affordable art and history options, you can enrich your vacation experience at minimal cost.

Free Museums and Tours

Europe is home to a treasure trove of museums that offer free admission days or are entirely free to the public. For example, London’s top museums, such as the British Museum and the Tate Modern, have no entrance fees. In Paris, some museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month, including the famed Louvre , home to the Mona Lisa, and Musee d’Orsay. If you’re keen on Roman history , explore free walking tours available in cities like Rome where you can marvel at ancient landmarks like the Colosseum without spending a euro.

Here’s a quick list of free museum options:

• British Museum, London
• Tate Modern, London
• National Gallery, London
• Museums of Paris on first Sundays (monthly)

And some tours you could enjoy:

• Monumental Rome Free Walking Tour
• Free Tour of the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona

Affordable Art and History

For those who appreciate art and history without wanting to splurge, Europe offers plenty of affordable options. Purchase a city pass or a museum pass for a bundled discount on multiple attractions including historical sites such as the Vatican . Many local government tourism websites list discounted or “pay-what-you-wish” entry times for state-run museums and galleries. Small, lesser-known museums often feature reduced ticket prices and can offer a more intimate viewing experience of both traditional and contemporary art .

Budget-friendly arts and history highlights:

• City passes for discounted entry to top attractions
• Less famous museums with reduced prices
• Special deals or free entry on national holidays

By following these tips, your cultural activities in Europe can be both budget-friendly and spectacular , affording you a deeper look into the continent’s rich artistic and historical tapestry.

Packing and Traveling Smart

When preparing for a European vacation, choosing the right luggage is crucial. Opt for a versatile 40L backpack that fits in the overhead compartment, helping you avoid checked bag fees. A smaller personal item like a daypack or shoulder bag is perfect for your in-flight essentials and exploring upon arrival.

Before you embark, smart packing is paramount. Prioritize a wardrobe that is adaptable and layer-friendly. Essential items include:

• 3-4 t-shirts
• 2-3 blouses or shirts
• A pair of dark wash jeans
• 1-2 base layers or tank tops
• A cozy cardigan or sweater
• A lightweight jacket

Use packing cubes to organize your clothes and maximize space.

Regarding transportation, consider alternatives to renting a car . Public transport can be cheaper and more convenient, and you can avoid parking drama. In cities, embrace being a backpacker and discover the locale on foot or by bike, which can be both budget-friendly and immersive.

Lastly, plan your travel time wisely to mitigate jet lag . Allow a day or two upon arrival to acclimate to the new time zone. Hydrate well and try to adjust your sleep schedule in advance if possible.

By being meticulous with your packing and travel choices, you’ll save money and enjoy a seamless experience that feels truly European. Happy travels!

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

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Money blog: 9 ways election result could affect money in your pocket

What have Labour and the Tories said about their economic plans - and policies affecting your money? Read this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance news - and leave a comment - in the Money blog below.

Wednesday 22 May 2024 20:32, UK

• Inflation falls to 2.3% - down from 3.2% in March
• Markets now not expecting interest rate cut in June
• Ed Conway analysis:  Is now a good time economically for the PM to have called an election?
• Ian King analysis : Do Sunak and Hunt deserve any credit at all for bringing down inflation?
• Nine ways election result could affect money in your pocket

Essential reads

• Top Northern Ireland chef picks his Cheap Eats - in Belfast and at home
• Easiest countries for Britons to retire
• Money Problem : 'My second-hand Ford is being written off with a known issue - but no one is taking responsibility'
• How to sell your home without an estate agent
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Severn Trent water company has hiked its dividend to shareholders after profits rose by a fifth last year, despite sewage spills by the company rising by a third in 2023.

Severn Trent, which provides water to much of Wales and the west of England, lifted its final dividend by 9% to 70.1p per share. 

Meanwhile, its profit rose to £201.3m. 

This comes after the company asked to increase bills by 35.7% over the next five years, and after it was responsible for more than 60,000 sewage spills last year.

BT has been fined £2.8m by the industry watchdog after EE and Plusnet - both of which it owns - failed to provide clear and simple contract information to more than a million customers before they signed up.

Ofcom said the businesses had made more than 1.3 million sales since June 2022 without providing customers with a contract summary and information documents. 

It said this broke the regulator's consumer protection rules, and that the fine "reflects the seriousness of this breach". 

Contactless card fraud has more than doubled after the payment limit was increased to £100 three years ago, according to new figures.

Some £41.5m was lost to contactless card fraud last year, up from £34.9m in 2022 and £19.1m in 2021, a report from UK Finance shows. 

The limit for contactless payments rose to £100 in October 2021, up from £45. 

Fraud experts say this has made bank cards a bigger target for criminal gangs.

An election has been called, and the main parties now have six weeks to make their pitch to voters.

Central to their manifestos will be what they will do with your money - their plans for taxes, pensions, childcare and so on.

So what have the Conservatives and Labour said so far on money matters, what has been reported in the media and what could change with a new government?

Triple lock and pension age

This is a key issue for many voters, particularly older ones - traditionally more likely to vote Tory.

Tom Selby, director of public policy at AJ Bell, says the pension triple-lock is one of the few things both parties have been "crystal clear on".

Both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer have committed to the policy for the next five years. Reminder - the lock guarantees the state pension rises by the highest of average earnings growth, inflation or 2.5%.

Another key issue is retirement age: Mr Selby says that although neither party is likely to talk about it on the campaign trail, there's a chance pension age increases will come into focus for the next government.

"The current state pension age is 66, with plans in place to raise this to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046," he says. "However, there have been calls from various quarters to accelerate that timetable in order to save the Treasury money."

Lifetime allowance

According to reports, Labour would consider plans to reintroduce the lifetime allowance - the limit on pension pots someone can build up over their lifetime without a tax penalty. It was abolished in April this year.

We'll see if this is actually something they commit to in the coming weeks, however.

Automatic refunds for train delays

Labour has pledged to renationalise rail services within five years. Automatic refunds for train delays and better internet connection on trains are also planned.

VAT on private school fees?

This idea has been mooted by Labour several times in recent years.

Keir Starmer said it was not an "attack on private schools" but a way to get more funding for state schools. He suggested that schools could absorb the cost increase rather than passing it on to parents in fees.

Lost pensions

Tackling the issue of "lost" pension posts will probably be a "big focus" for the next government, Mr Selby, from AJ Bell, says.

An estimated £27bn of pensions money is sitting in accounts that have become disconnected from their owner.

"Proposed pensions dashboards should help make it easier for Brits to find lost pensions. The reforms, due to be introduced in 2026, will allow people to see all of their retirement pots in one place, online," he says.

At the last budget in March, Jeremy Hunt announced the creation of a British ISA - which would allow savers to invest £5,000 a year tax-free in the UK stock market.

It has since been delayed pending a consultation.

Labour has said it will look to simplify ISAs, something Mr Selby welcomes: "No sensible person designing a savings system from scratch would propose the plethora of different ISAs we have on offer today."

However, Labour has offered much detail for its simplification plan.

Tax is a key battleground in any election.

It's a divisive issue, as Laura Suter, personal finance director at AJ Bell, concedes: "For some, taxes need to rise in order to fund already-stretched public services. For others, ever-increasing tax bills are evidence that public spending is out of control and taxes need to be cut to incentivise growth."

The Tories are likely to tout cuts to National Insurance as proof of their commitment to cut taxes, she says - we have already seen two 2p cuts in the last year.

Labour will argue, though, that their rivals have increased taxes by stealth by freezing tax thresholds - and can point to record high tax burdens facing Britons.

"In truth," Ms Suter says, "there is very little wiggle room in either direction. Taxpayers will struggle to stomach further tax increases, while tax cuts will eat into the future chancellor's budgets, which is crucial to any spending commitments either party plan on."

Housing and first-time buyers

This is another big concern for voters, with the potential to divide young and old.

"First-time buyers will want to see an extension to support helping them get a foot on the ladder," Ms Suter says, "while existing homeowners will hope for policies that moderate inflation and increase the likelihood of interest rate cuts."

She highlights an issue for aspiring homeowners with the Lifetime ISA.

The property limit, she says, is "frozen in time" at £450,000 since the ISAs were launched seven years ago. Since then, average house prices in the UK have gone up from £219,000 to £283,000. If the limit had increased with house prices it would be £580,500 today, she says.

"Many aspiring homebuyers will have signed up to the accounts years ago, not realising that it would take so long to get on the property ladder and that they might fall foul of the property limit in the future," she says.

"What makes the situation more galling for first-time buyers who have been priced out of using the Lifetime ISA is that they now face losing some of their own money when they withdraw their cash from the accounts, thanks to the onerous withdrawal penalty. Anyone who exceeds the £450,000 limit, even by just £1, will be hit with the 25% exit charge on the Lifetime ISA, as their purchase will no longer be within the rules."

The Tories announced an expansion of free childcare to all children under five in England last year.

Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson had refused to commit to the £4bn expanded scheme, but Labour has since said it would keep it in place.

Ms Suter calls the policy a "helpful boost" to parents' finances, saving them almost £3,500 a year on nursery fees depending on location, but cautions: "It's essential that the next government keeps a close eye on the rollout and ensures that any wrinkles in the system are ironed out quickly."

There's a case for going further, she says, and reforming the entire system, "which provides a hotchpotch of different subsidies for parents that frustrates families, leaves nursery finance departments scratching their heads, and creates an extra admin burden for the tax office."

"The economy, stupid." 

The phrase was coined by James Carville, a strategist of Bill Clinton in 1992, as a US recession helped unseat George W Bush.

The phrase emphasises the link between the fortunes of a country's economy and election results, and seems apposite today as Rishi Sunak called a 4 July poll after inflation returned to 2.3% - or "normal levels", as he called it.

Ed Conway , our economics editor, has been on air giving his thoughts about whether focusing on the economy is a good strategy for the PM...

He said: "The economy was driven through that speech from the prime minister.

"We're out of recession. That's one of the key things they were waiting for. Inflation is now down to a normal level.

"Those things have been ticked off [but] there's a couple of issues. 

"First of all, it doesn't look like, with inflation not falling quite as far as everyone would have expected, that the final thing they were hoping for, the Bank of England cutting interest rates, is going to happen in June. There probably is not going to be an interest rate cut before the election. That's quite significant.

"Secondly, when people look at this election, it's that old question: do you feel better off than you did four or five years ago? 

"And in this case, there is no parliamentary period in history where people have seen their real disposable incomes squeezed as much as this one. 

"That's what the prime minister's fighting against. He will say that was down to the pandemic. It was down to what's happening in Ukraine at the moment.

"But for a lot of people, they are still finding it quite painful, even though inflation is back to normal levels. That's the legacy of the last few years that people are feeling in their pockets."

Nearly a third of shoppers believe the quality of food and drink in supermarkets has decreased in the last two years, according to a survey. 

Some 33% of those questioned by Which? said they had noticed a change in quality, with 94% of this group saying it had got worse. 

The survey found most complaints were about fruit and vegetables, although shoppers also reported a decline in quality in supermarket own-brand food, chilled and frozen ready meals, branded food, and fresh meat and fish.

The consumer site said one of the factors could be that customers have higher expectations due to prices increasing sharply. 

But other factors could also include a series of poor harvests for fruit and vegetables due to adverse weather conditions and climate change. 

Plus, many supermarkets have removed best-before dates from most fruit and vegetables in a move to reduce food waste.

This could mean some fresh items might be sitting on supermarket shelves for longer, or items could be spoiling sooner once they're bought than they had previously. 

More survey respondents reported declines in food quality at Tesco (43%) and Sainsbury's (42%). 

This was followed by Morrisons (17%), Aldi (16%), Asda (16%), Waitrose (14%), Lidl (11%) and M&S (10%). 

However, Which? said this order broadly reflects retailer market share so could just be down to where people shop most frequently. 

The Money team has contacted the supermarkets for comment.

Research by Compare the Market suggests 69% of home movers are surprised by some of the costs involved.

The comparison site calculated what it describes as "hidden costs" - and came out with an average sum of £5,837.

People moving home reported legal fees being larger than expected, as well as the surprisingly high cost of hiring a removal van or paying for short-term storage, according to Compare the Market. 

Others said they were surprised by the high cost of mortgage arrangement fees and their homebuyer survey. 

Here's the data...

Every Wednesday we get Michelin chefs to pick their favourite Cheap Eats where they live and when they cook at home. This week we speak to Stephen Toman, chef owner at the one Michelin starred Ox restaurant in Belfast.

Hi Stephen , c an you tell us your favourite places in Northern Ireland  where you can get a meal for two for less than £40?

Rarely do I get out with being in the restaurant so much but when I get a chance I like to go somewhere casual.

There's a great little pub not too far from me that does great pub grub and an even better Guinness. It's called Robert Stewart's , or Bob Stewart's to the locals. I recommend the peppered steak and a pint of the black stuff to wash it down.

For in the city centre I recommend Ora . The perfect spot for small plates and wines by the glass. Super cocktails also. The bang bang chicken or the pork fritters never fail.

What's your go-to cheap meal at home?

Cooking at home, I try to keep it simple. I enjoy making Mexican with my daughter, she is crazy about fish tacos. We normally just serve it with guacamole, salsa, spiced rice and coriander mayo.

Other than that it has to be a Sunday roast, even on a Tuesday. My favourite is a good quality ham, glazed with maple, orange and clove, served with fondant potatoes and spring greens. Use a little bit of the ham stock to deglaze the roasting tray, and thicken with a few knobs of butter for the sauce.

We've spoken to top chefs around the UK - check out their Cheap Eats here...

Inflation came in at 2.3% in April - but this is a round up of various sectors, some of which saw prices rise or fall at vastly different rates.

A cut to Ofgem's energy price cap and the associated cheaper bills were a leading driver of April's inflation rate fall.

Prices of electricity, gas and other fuels fell by 27.1% in the year to April 2024, the largest fall on record, according to the Office for National Statistics. 

While they didn't fall, food and drink price rises slowed for the 13th month in a row to 2.9% in April, from 4% in March. This is the lowest level since November 2021.

However, services inflation, a critical indicator for Bank of England policymakers, dipped slightly from 6% in March to 5.9% in April, coming in ahead of the 5.4% rate that some economists had been predicting.

This was driven by more volatile aspects of the sector, such as hotels and live music.

As we've been discussing, today's inflation data could set back interest rate cuts - with the Bank of England having stated it needs evidence inflation can hit and stay at the 2% target before it acts.

Headline inflation is now within touching distance of the target - but 2.3% wasn't as low as expected and core inflation, which strips out the volatile elements, is still at 3.9%.

Paul Dales, chief UK economist at Capital Economics, said the smaller-than-expected fall in inflation makes a June rate cut "unlikely" and "casts some doubt over August too". 

Capital Economics had forecasted that rates would fall from 5.25% now to 3% next year, but Mr Dales says this now looks "more challenging". 

He said today's data would have been a "blow" for the Bank of England and Rishi Sunak, despite inflation being closer to the 2% target than it has been for three years.

He pointed out that restaurant and hotel inflation rose from 5.8% to 6%, while cultural services inflation (including concerts and cinemas) rose from 5.4% to 8.3%.

"Even though there is still a wages and a CPI release to go before the Bank of England meeting on 20 June, it feels as though a cut then now seems very unlikely," Mr Dales said.

"Our forecast is that lower energy prices and a faster fading of persistence (due to the previous weakness of the economy) will mean inflation falls below 2% in the coming months and perhaps even close to 1% later this year."

"If so, the BoE may eventually end up cutting interest rates from 5.25% now to 3.00% next year."

However, he said he was "more worried" about that forecast now and it might not happen as soon. 

As billed by our City editor Mark Kleinman yesterday , the used car business has gone into administration - just three years after listing in New York at a valuation of $8bn. 

Cazoo had warned earlier this month it might need to file for administration, and has now appointed restructuring advisers at Teneo to handle the insolvency. 

The business was launched in 2018 as an online retailer and supplier of used cars.

More recently it had become an advertising marketplace similar to Auto Trader, prompting 728 job cuts. 

It now has about 200 employees. 

The business, which invested aggressively in marketing, had struggled to turn a profit and had made losses before tax of £525.5m in 2022. 

Teneo said almost 100 car dealers had expressed an interest in trading on its marketing platform and that administrators hoped to conclude a sale in the coming weeks. 

We frequently report on unofficial house price data from the likes of Nationwide, Halifax, Zoopla and Rightmove - the official data lags behind a month or two, but we now have it for the year to March.

Average UK house prices increased by 1.8% in that time period, Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show.

This left the average price at £283,000.

It represented a recovery after house prices fell by 0.2% in the 12 months to February.

Meanwhile, private rents increased by 8.9% in the 12 months to April.

ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said: "Average UK house prices grew over the year for the first time since last summer.

"House prices saw an annual rise in every nation and region, except London and the South East, with Scotland seeing the fastest annual growth.

"After two years of unprecedented and generally accelerating annual growth, private rental price rises showed tentative signs of easing.

"Most nations and English regions saw a slowdown, with a notable easing in London."

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